Starting a podcast or creating content today can feel easy but also confusing. There are more options and tools than ever before! On this episode of Hustle and Flowchart, I sat down with Jacob Gooden, the guy who makes sure our show sounds and looks good, and who helps all kinds of creators with their podcasts and content. Jacob has years of experience running podcasts, editing content, using smart tools like Descript and Castmagic, and guiding new creators on where to focus.

You don’t need fancy equipment to get started anymore. In our talk, Jacob shared his journey from wanting to be a podcaster for years, sitting on an idea, to finally launching his own podcast. We covered how to figure out your “why,” how to get content ideas out of your head, which tools are the easiest to use, and how staying consistent can help you reach more people.

Whether you’re a solo creator, a business owner, or just someone who wants to try making a show for fun, this episode breaks down what you need to know. We also talked about why you shouldn’t worry about being everywhere, how to scale your workflow, and tips for getting help as your show grows.

Jacob Gooden explained that now is the easiest time ever to be a content creator. Phones in our pockets work as cameras and microphones. Free and cheap apps do what once took expensive studios. But, with so many tools and platforms—TikTok, podcasts, blogs, YouTube, and more—it can make your head spin about where to start.

Key points:

• Use what you have. You don’t need a giant budget to start.
• Try different things, see what sticks, and learn as you go.
• Commit to starting, even if it looks rough (“start ugly” is the motto from Chris Krimitsos).
• Phones work great to record your first episodes or videos.

Before you make your show, get clear about why you want to create and what you’ll talk about. Jacob shared how he sat on a podcast idea for years, thinking about different topics. He didn’t want to make just another “people talking on a couch” show. During COVID, old friends inspired him to finally start a podcast about being homeschooled and how it shaped who he is now.

Takeaways:

• Ask yourself: Why are you making this show? Who should it help or connect with?
• Be honest and specific with your purpose. Jacob's current podcast helps other homeschoolers, parents, and anyone curious about homeschooling.
• Your show’s goal can change over time. Jacob’s podcast got deeper and more meaningful as he produced more episodes.
• It’s normal for your first ideas to change. Keep checking in with yourself about your intentions.

Many people wait too long to start because they worry about not having fancy gear. Jacob and I both think you should just start with what you have and upgrade as you go along.

Important advice:

• A phone is enough to begin recording both audio and video.
• Use free or budget-friendly apps like Riverside.fm, Zoom, or the built-in camera app.
• “Start ugly” and don’t worry about perfection.
• If you want to upgrade, get a better microphone (Jacob likes the Shure MV7) and later a dedicated camera, but the phone is great for most people.

“Just pull the thing that’s in your pocket, your phone, and start figuring out how to use this to make something—that’s what’s incredible,” Jacob said.

Editing can feel hard when you’re new, but with tools like Descript, it gets way easier. Jacob walked through his editing process and shared some tricks:

• Descript lets you edit audio and video like fixing a Word doc. Delete “ums,” filler words, long pauses, or bad takes quickly.
• Recording your show into Descript or...

Hustle & Flowchart is proud to be part of the HubSpot Network.

• Hubspot has launched a whole new suite of AI Tools, check them on the Hubspot.com: https://www.hubspot.com
• Check out other podcasts on the HubSpot Podcast Network: https://www.hubspot.com/podcastnetwork

In this engaging episode of Hustle and Flowchart, host Joe Fier welcomes AI enthusiast Joe Stolte to discuss the transformative impact of AI in business, particularly in lead generation and conversions. Joe Stolte shares insights from his experience as a five-time founder and co-founder of Daily AI. Together, they explore the practical applications of AI, emphasizing the power of automation in nurturing leads and maximizing time efficiency. This episode is packed with actionable strategies for leveraging AI to drive business success.

Topics Discussed:

• AI's Current State and Business Impact: Discussion on how AI's capabilities are rapidly advancing and its role in generating, nurturing, and converting leads.
• Understanding the Lead Lifecycle: Insights on why many businesses struggle with lead generation and how AI can solve these challenges.
• Using AI for 'Speed to Lead': Importance of responding to leads quickly and how AI can automate this process for higher conversion rates.
• Reactivating Dead Leads: Techniques to use AI for contacting past leads and turning them into potential customers.
• Data Enrichment and Ranking: How to utilize AI to enhance and analyze data for better-targeted marketing efforts.
• Daily AI's Automated Email Newsletters: How Daily AI uses machine learning to improve open rates and personalize content.
• Future of Marketing with AI: Predictions about AI-driven personalized marketing and the potential shift away from traditional software interfaces.

Resources Mentioned:

• Try out Daily.ai for yourself and if you're not happy with it, tell them to kick rocks
• VAPI.AI
• DM Joe Stolte and add the word "Time" to your DM for Joe's prompt on optimizing your time

Connect with Us:

Stay connected with us for more insightful episodes:

• Hustle and Flowchart Website
• Follow us on Instagram
• Subscribe on YouTube

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In this podcast episode, Joe Fier and Jon Staenberg explore the emerging landscape of search funds, a transformative and under-the-radar investment opportunity. As they discuss the impact of the "silver tsunami" and technological advancements, Jon highlights the potential for this small business aquisition to drive entrepreneurial growth. Reflecting on lessons from industry giants like Warren Buffett, Jon shares insights from his career journey and emphasizes the importance of constant reinvention to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving business environment.

Jon Staenberg explains that a search fund is a unique investment model where individuals or teams raise capital to search for and acquire a business. This model allows individuals, often fresh out of business school, to purchase companies with strong potential and lead them to growth and success. The concept was initially taught at schools like Stanford and Harvard, and its popularity is spreading across the globe.

Jon highlights the growing trend of baby boomers retiring and the opportunity it presents for buying businesses. Small businesses with established market presence and potential for improvement are ripe for acquisition. This situation creates a "silver tsunami" of opportunities. Search funds target companies within the $2 to $5 million EBITDA range, making them accessible yet highly profitable investments.

Jon shares his journey into creating Agate Hound, his fund that supports search funds. He emphasizes the importance of investing in funds that have a well-thought-out playbook, ensuring systematic success in acquiring and managing businesses. For him, it's crucial to have passionate entrepreneurs, buy the right businesses, and have a strong support network.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays a significant role in Jon’s current ventures. AI helps showcase the potential of technology in transforming and running businesses more efficiently. AI can aid in everything from making business processes smoother to offering innovative solutions and creative ideas for business growth.

Jon believes in investing in so-called "boring" businesses, like pool cleaning companies or accounting firms. These businesses might not be flashy, but they provide steady income and reliable returns. Search funds capitalize on these opportunities, bringing fresh energy and modern strategies to well-established enterprises.

Jon remains focused on growing the search fund model, seeing it as a valuable asset for investors seeking solid, long-term growth. He sees his role not just as an investor but as a mentor, helping new business leaders to navigate through acquisitions successfully.

For those interested in the world of search funds, Jon recommends starting with educational resources like the Stanford primer on search funds. Numerous books and podcasts can also provide valuable insights.

• Ask Jon questions 24/7 with his Delphi Clone
• Learn more about Jon's Search Fund Agate Hound Fund
• Grab a bottle of Jon's wine before it's gone at Hand of God Wines
• Shoot Jon an email at jon@agatehound.fund or jon@handofgodwines.com