Hacks and Hobbies with Junaid Ahmed

By Junaid Ahmed

Hacks & Hobbies is where passions turn into profit stories.

Host Junaid Ahmed interviews entrepreneurs, creators, and builders who are turning what they love into real momentum—inc... more

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How many episodes does Hacks and Hobbies with Junaid Ahmed have?

The podcast currently has 809 episodes available.

Hacks and Hobbies with Junaid Ahmed episodes:

October 07, 2025From ESPN Trailblazer to Sizzle TV Visionary—How Authenticity and Adversity Sparked a Media Revolution - Kirk Gimenez
What if losing your dream job was the best thing that ever happened to you?
In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Kirk Gimenez, a two-time Emmy winner and the first Latino to anchor in English at ESPN, to uncover the untold story behind his rise, fall, and ultimate reinvention as the founder of sizzle TV. Kirk reveals how losing his authentic voice in mainstream media led him to create a platform that celebrates multicultural stories, positivity, and unapologetic representation.
Dive deep into Kirk’s journey of resilience, the power of staying true to your roots, and the mission to flood the world with uplifting stories. This conversation is a masterclass in turning adversity into opportunity, building a brand with purpose, and why the future of media belongs to those who dare to be different.
What You'll Learn:
How Kirk became the first Latino to anchor in English at ESPN—and why it mattered.
The pain of losing his authentic voice and the 20-year journey to reclaim it.
Why sizzle TV is more than a platform: it’s a movement for multicultural, positive storytelling.
The business case for authenticity and why brands must embrace multiculturalism.
Kirk’s new mission: using AI mini-docs to amplify untold, uplifting stories at scale.
Timestamps:
00:00 – The Power of Follow-Up: How Junaid and Kirk first connected
03:15 – Breaking Barriers at ESPN: Becoming the first Latino anchor in English
08:40 – Losing and Reclaiming Authenticity: The birth of sizzle TV
15:20 – Multiculturalism as a Superpower: Why 200%ers are the future
22:10 – The Broken State of Media—and Kirk’s plan to fix it with positivity
28:45 – AI Mini-Docs: Revolutionizing storytelling for nonprofits and brands
34:00 – Advice to His Younger Self: “Never let them take your Latino voice”
Guest Links:
Website: https://www.sizzletv.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirkgimenez/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kirkgimenez/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kirkgimenez
🎙 Wanna be a guest? Apply on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/member/hacksandhobbies
📖 Home Studio resources: https://homestudiobook.com
🔗 LI: https://linkedin.com/in/superjunaid

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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30min
October 06, 2025The Neuroscience of Healing Trauma—How Havening Rewires Your Brain for Resilience - Hilary Russo
What if you could rewire your brain to break free from trauma and step into a life of confidence, clarity, and calm?
In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Hilary Russo—certified havening practitioner, podcast host, and trauma healing expert—to uncover the science and soul behind emotional resilience. Hilary reveals the hidden mechanisms of the brain, shares powerful real-life transformations, and guides you through practical havening techniques that anyone can use.
Prepare to challenge everything you thought you knew about trauma. This conversation is a masterclass in self-healing, packed with actionable insights, emotional breakthroughs, and the tools to start your own journey toward lasting change.
What You'll Learn:
The four elements of trauma encoding and why your brain can’t tell past from present
How havening rapidly rewires neural pathways for healing and resilience
Real-world stories of overcoming fear and reclaiming safety—even on the world’s biggest stages
The “AAA Effect”: Awareness, Allowance, and Alignment as the foundation for transformation
Simple daily havening practices to calm your mind and build emotional strength
Timestamps:
0:01:05 Trauma Decoded: The Four Elements That Shape Your Brain
0:06:33 Why Your Brain Is Wired for Negativity—and How to Change It
0:08:38 From Opera Stage to Safe Space: A Grammy Winner’s Breakthrough
0:11:52 Havening 101: The Science and Practice of Self-Healing
0:14:19 Positive Mindset vs. Pleasant Distraction—What Really Works?
0:16:38 The AAA Effect: The First Step to Lasting Resilience
0:20:41 Who Needs Havening Most? Hilary’s Surprising Fictional Pick
Guest Links:
Website: https://hilaryrusso.com
Podcast: HIListically Speaking (https://hilaryrusso.com/podcast)
Events & Trainings: https://hilaryrusso.com/events
Instagram: https://instagram.com/hilaryrusso
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/hilaryrusso
Book (upcoming): “Hug It Out” (details on website)
This episode is your invitation to be kind to your mind, discover the power of havening, and start hacking your way to healing.
🎙 Wanna be a guest? Apply on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/member/hacksandhobbies
📖 Home Studio resources: https://homestudiobook.com
🔗 LI: https://linkedin.com/in/superjunaid

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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26min
October 03, 2025The Science of Self-Healing, Resilience, and the Hug It Out Method—Unlocking Emotional Power - Hilary Russo
What if you could rewire your brain for resilience and joy?
In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Hilary Russo—one of only 50 certified havening trainers in the world, trauma-informed holistic practitioner, and host of the globally top-rated “Holistically Speaking” podcast. Hilary reveals the neuroscience behind self-healing, the transformative power of gratitude, and how her “Hug It Out” method can help you reclaim your mind’s safe space.
Discover how humor, understanding, and gratitude can become your daily tools for emotional well-being. Hilary’s journey is both deeply personal and universally inspiring—this conversation will change the way you think about healing, self-care, and the stories we tell ourselves.
What You'll Learn:
The “Hug It Out” Method: How humor, understanding, and gratitude can transform your emotional landscape.
Havening Techniques: The science-backed self-soothing practice that rewires your brain for safety and calm.
Gratitude’s Power: Why two minutes of gratitude each morning can change your entire day.
Music & Healing: How rhythm and song activate your vagus nerve and regulate emotions.
Resilience in Adversity: Lessons from trauma, storytelling, and finding joy—even in the hardest moments.
Timestamps:
00:00 — Hilary Russo: The Journey to Healing and Resilience
02:10 — What Is Havening? The Science of Creating a Safe Mind
07:45 — The Hug It Out Method: Humor, Understanding, Gratitude
13:20 — Self-Healing vs. Self-Care: Starting with Gratitude
17:05 — Music, Rhythm, and Emotional Regulation
22:30 — Lessons from War Movies: Finding Strength in Adversity
28:15 — The Power of Storytelling: Big Fish, Grief, and Legacy
🎙 Wanna be a guest? Apply on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/member/hacksandhobbies
📖 Home Studio resources: https://homestudiobook.com
🔗 LI: https://linkedin.com/in/superjunaid

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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28min
October 01, 2025The Entrepreneurial Translator Reveals the Secret Systems Behind Six-Figure Freelancing - Jason Willis Lee
What if the only thing standing between you and a thriving, burnout-proof freelance business is a single mindset shift? In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Jason Willis Lee—medical translator, business strategist, and host of the Freelance Training podcast—to uncover the hidden frameworks that separate struggling freelancers from industry leaders.
From the power of lead magnets to the art of productizing your expertise, Jason shares the hard-won lessons and emotional turning points that fueled his evolution from service provider to sought-after thought leader. If you’re ready to attract better clients, earn more, and finally break free from the time-for-money trap, this conversation is your blueprint.
What You'll Learn:
Discover why “standing out in a sea of sameness” is the #1 skill for freelancers—and how to do it.
Learn the lead magnet strategies that build trust and fill your pipeline with high-quality clients.
Find out how virtual assistants and automation can buy back your time and scale your business.
Uncover the secrets to productizing your expertise and making the leap to six figures.
Get Jason’s advice for building a resilient content machine that keeps working—even when you’re not.
Timestamps:
00:01 – Welcome & Jason’s Evolution: From translator to thought leader
00:42 – The #1 Mistake Freelancers Make (and how to fix it)
02:24 – Lead Magnets That Actually Work: Glossaries, cheat sheets, and more
05:07 – The Power of Teams: Why virtual assistants are a game-changer
05:41 – Packaging Your Expertise: Moving beyond time-for-money
08:13 – Automation & Newsletters: Building a business that runs itself
11:11 – What to Build First: Jason’s advice for stuck freelancers
Guest Links:
Website: https://entrepreneurialtranslator.com
LinkedIn: Search “Jason Willis Lee” or “Entrepreneurial Translator”
Podcast: Freelance Training (available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts)
Book Reference: “How to Find Modern Clients” (featured in episode)
Instagram: (Not provided; recommend searching guest’s name)
If you want to go deeper, connect with Jason on LinkedIn or visit his website for more resources, courses, and his acclaimed podcast.
🎙 Wanna be a guest? Apply on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/member/hacksandhobbies
📖 Home Studio resources: https://homestudiobook.com
🔗 LI: https://linkedin.com/in/superjunaid

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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16min
September 30, 2025From Medical Translation to Entrepreneurial Mastery—How to Stand Out, Future-Proof Your Skills, and Say No to Perfection - Jason Willis-Lee
Step inside the mind of Jason Willis-Lee, an ITI certified medical translator and serial entrepreneur, who’s spent over 25 years navigating the shifting tides of business, burnout, and personal brand in a world flooded with AI and endless content.
With wisdom forged in Madrid and a career packed with reinvention, Jason reveals how freelancers can break through the noise, leverage their story, and create a business only they can build.
In this unmissable conversation, Jason and Junaid dive into the secrets of packaging your IP, building a magnetic personal brand, and why iteration— not perfection— is the real superpower in 2025. Whether you’re a solopreneur, creative, or future-proofing your income against the AI tide, this episode uncovers how to claim your authority, connect more deeply, and build demand for what only you can deliver.
What You'll Learn:
Why personal branding is your uncopyable moat in business.
How to transition from trading time for money to scalable impact.
Lessons on balancing automation with authenticity and quality.
The importance of rapid iteration over perfection for freelancers.
How the best in the business—from Elon Musk to Hormozi—build demand and break out.
Timestamps:
[0:00] Welcome & Rapid Introduction: Meet Jason Willis-Lee—translator, entrepreneur, and podcast host.
[0:45] From Employee to Entrepreneur: Jason’s powerful pivot and 25 years of reinvention.
[2:35] The Per-Hour Trap & Packaging IP: How to stop selling time and start selling transformation.
[5:00] “Find More Clients” and the Supply-Demand Secret—building buzz like Elon Musk.
[7:14] AI, Automation & Quality: Standing out when content is infinite.
[12:28] Authority Through Authenticity: The personal brand strategy that never fails.
[17:29] The “Perfection Trap”: Jason’s game-changing advice for every freelancer.
Guest Links:
Website: https://www.jasonwillislee.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-willis-lee/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonwillislee/
Book: “How to Find More Clients”
🎙 Wanna be a guest? Apply on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/member/hacksandhobbies
📖 Home Studio resources: https://homestudiobook.com
🔗 LI: https://linkedin.com/in/superjunaid

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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26min
September 29, 2025Military Discipline Meets Wall Street — How to Trade with Courage, Not Greed - Casey Stubbs
Could your biggest trading loss be just one emotional decision away?

In this gripping episode, Casey Stubbs — veteran, trader, and creator of the 1% Weekly Trading System — reveals the life-changing mindset shifts and risk strategies that help thousands move from gambling with their futures to building real wealth. Casey brings military discipline, hard-earned wisdom, and a rare emotional honesty to a conversation that will challenge everything you thought you knew about success in the markets and in life.
Discover why trading isn’t about getting rich quick, how to tame emotional impulses, and why those who protect their gains — not just chase them — become the true winners. Whether you’re looking to escape financial pain or secure a vision for your future, this raw, curiosity-driven discussion will leave you re-evaluating how you approach money, risk, and personal growth.
What You'll Learn:
The biggest mental shift traders must make: it’s not a casino, it’s a craft.
Emotional control is the true “edge” — and most traders lose without it.
Risk management isn’t optional; it’s your survival plan.
Consistency and reinvesting profits are keys to scaling up safely.
Focus on the “top 20%” — the Pareto Principle creates outsized results, especially in tech.
Featured Timestamps:
[00:00] Mindset Reset: How traders sabotage success by chasing quick wins
[01:12] The Hidden Cost of Emotional Trading & How to Beat It
[03:01] Military Secrets: Risk Management Lessons for Investors
[07:23] From Profits to Progress: The Power of Reinvesting
[08:40] The 80/20 Rule: How Top Investors Pick Winning Stocks
[10:00] Tech as the Wealth Engine: Past, Present, and Future
[12:23] Fun Finale: What Monk the Detective Teaches Us About Money
Guest Links:
Website: freedomincomeoptions.com
🎙 Wanna be a guest? Apply on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/member/hacksandhobbies
📖 Home Studio resources: https://homestudiobook.com
🔗 LI: https://linkedin.com/in/superjunaid

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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15min
September 26, 2025The Truth About Replacing Your Income—1% Weekly Returns, Financial Freedom, and the Mindset That Changes Everything (Casey Stubbs)
What if you could walk away from your 9-to-5 and never look back?
In this revealing episode, Casey Stubbs—trading authority and mission-driven mentor—shares how he empowers 100,000 professionals to master a step-by-step trading system for consistent 1% weekly returns. Discover the emotional journey behind the strategies, the misconceptions about options, and the mindset shift that can transform your financial life forever.
Join Junaid Ahmed in a deeply honest conversation where financial independence meets personal growth, and the real keys to lasting wealth are finally unlocked.
What You'll Learn :
Why most people misunderstand options trading—and how Casey makes it simple and safe.
The life-changing power of consistent, small wins over risky gambles.
How emotional intelligence shapes financial success (and failure).
The "cash-secured put" and "covered call"—Casey's two-step formula for predictable returns.
The one mindset shift every aspiring trader must make to change their lives.
Timestamps:
[00:00] Escaping the 9-to-5: Meet Casey Stubbs and his mission
[01:00] A family legacy—early influences, hard lessons, and teenage stock trading
[05:00] Emotional spending, discipline, and turning $200/week into $30,000
[08:40] The biggest misconception: options are not just for “gamblers”
[11:20] Breaking down Casey’s 1% system: The two strategies anyone can use
[14:40] Real success stories: retirees, side hustlers, and the power of consistency
[19:01] The rule that applies to trading—and life: manage risk, not just dreams
**Guest Links:**
Website: CaseyStubbs.com (placeholder – replace with actual link if available)
LinkedIn: Casey Stubbs on LinkedIn
Instagram: @caseystubbs
Book: [Casey Stubbs’ Books]

🎙 Wanna be a guest? Apply on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/member/hacksandhobbies
📖 Home Studio resources: https://homestudiobook.com
🔗 LI: https://linkedin.com/in/superjunaid

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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23min
September 25, 2025The Visibility Architect—How to Stand Out, Monetize Your Passions, and Build a Brand That Lasts - Michelle Thames
What if the secret to building a thriving business isn’t about being everywhere, but about showing up where it matters most?
In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Michelle Thames—brand strategist, podcast host, and digital ecosystem architect—to uncover the real blueprint for standing out, attracting clients, and turning your passions into profit.
Michelle’s journey is a masterclass in reinvention and resilience. She reveals why visibility is more than just posting online, how to craft a customer journey that converts, and the mindset shifts every entrepreneur needs to succeed. Whether you’re just starting or ready to scale, this conversation will challenge what you think you know about branding, marketing, and making your mark.
What You'll Learn:
Visibility starts with knowing your audience—down to their deepest motivations.
Focus on platforms where your ideal clients actually spend time, not everywhere at once.
Build a customer journey: nurture leads, create trust, and guide them to conversion.
Monetize your expertise through digital products, audio courses, coaching, and more.
Messaging and follow-up are the secret weapons for turning followers into paying clients.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Michelle’s Reinvention: Why It’s Never Too Late to Start Over
00:39 – The Visibility Blueprint: Where to Show Up and Why
02:44 – The Biggest Mistake Entrepreneurs Make (and How to Fix It)
06:55 – Monetizing Multiple Passions: From Digital Products to Paid Speaking
10:12 – The #1 Fix for Struggling to Convert Your Audience
12:59 – Three Practical Steps to Boost Visibility and Revenue Today
14:48 – Michelle’s Dream Business Beyond Marketing (and Her Love for Matcha)
Guest Links:
Website: https://thingsmediasolutions.com
Website: https://michellethames.com (coming soon)
Instagram: https://instagram.com/michelleLthames
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/michellethames
Facebook: https://facebook.com/michellethames
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@michellethames
This episode is your invitation to rethink visibility, embrace your expertise, and start building a brand that truly stands out.
🎙 Wanna be a guest? Apply on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/member/hacksandhobbies
📖 Home Studio resources: https://homestudiobook.com
🔗 LI: https://linkedin.com/in/superjunaid

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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19min
September 24, 2025From Fired to Fearless—How Reinvention Built a Multi-Passionate Empire - Michelle Thames
What if losing everything was the spark you needed to build your dream life?
In this episode, Michelle Thames reveals how being fired from her healthcare job became the catalyst for a radical reinvention. Discover how she transformed a side hustle into a thriving business, built a digital marketing agency with her husband, and became a sought-after speaker and podcast host.
Michelle’s story is a masterclass in betting on yourself, embracing your passions, and turning setbacks into your greatest advantage.
What You'll Learn:
Why getting fired can be the best thing that ever happened to you
The power of starting small and building one client at a time
How to balance multiple passions without losing focus
The mindset shift every woman over 40 needs to thrive in business
Why you don’t need to be everywhere to build visibility
Timestamps:
00:02 — Fired & Fearless: Michelle’s turning point
02:10 — From Side Hustle to Full-Time: The birth of a business
04:30 — Building a Brand: Lessons from a multi-million dollar startup
07:15 — Betting on Yourself: The moment Michelle went all in
10:00 — Balancing Passions: Strategies for multi-passionate entrepreneurs
13:20 — Reinventing After 40: Advice for late bloomers
16:00 — Quickfire: Biggest leap, mindset shifts, and visibility mistakes
Guest Links:
Website: [Michelle Thames Media Solutions](#)
LinkedIn: [Michelle Thames](#)
Instagram: [@michellethames](#)
Book: The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks
🎙 Wanna be a guest? Apply on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/member/hacksandhobbies
📖 Home Studio resources: https://homestudiobook.com
🔗 LI: https://linkedin.com/in/superjunaid

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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24min
September 23, 2025The Fractional CMO Who Reveals the Hidden Truths Behind Marketing ROI (and Why Most Businesses Waste Money) - Joshua Ramsey
What if everything you know about marketing is wrong?
In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Joshua Ramsey, the Fractional CMO who’s helped countless businesses slash costs and skyrocket results. Joshua pulls back the curtain on the real reasons most marketing budgets fail—and shares the science, stories, and strategies that separate the winners from the wasted.

Discover the emotional journey behind every marketing decision, the power of perception, and why data—not gut feeling—should drive your next campaign. Whether you’re a founder, marketer, or just curious about what really works in 2025, this episode will change how you see your brand, your budget, and your business.
What You'll Learn:
The “Law of Thirds”: Why understanding your true cost per acquisition is the first step to smarter marketing.
Perception is everything: How your brand’s reputation is built (or broken) by what people see—not what you say.
The funnel decoded: Why every business must master inbound before chasing trends like AI.
Real-world hacks: From mall surveys to Google AdWords, Joshua shares actionable tactics for any budget.
Fact vs. feeling: The surprising reason most business owners miss out on their best marketing opportunities.
Timestamps:
00:00 – The Hidden Costs of Marketing: Joshua’s eye-opening story of a roofer who stopped all marketing (and what happened next)
04:20 – Hollywood’s Secret: What movie trailers can teach you about ramping up your brand
06:54 – Leverage Marketing: How to double down on what works (and cut what doesn’t)
10:27 – Fact vs. Feeling: The data-driven mindset that changes everything
17:17 – 2025’s Top Marketing Trends: Why AI is overhyped and what really matters
20:27 – Where to Invest First: Joshua’s no-nonsense advice for new businesses
23:48 – Three Quick Wins: Citations, real feedback, and the $250 AdWords hack
Guest Links:
Website: jrcmo.com
LinkedIn: Joshua Ramsey on LinkedIn (search “Josh Ramsey marketing”)
Instagram: @josh_ramsey_cmo (suggested handle, verify for accuracy)
Book: “The Agile Marketing Plan” (placeholder—replace with actual title if available)
🎙 Wanna be a guest? Apply on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/member/hacksandhobbies
📖 Home Studio resources: https://homestudiobook.com
🔗 LI: https://linkedin.com/in/superjunaid

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
...more
35min

FAQs about Hacks and Hobbies with Junaid Ahmed:

How many episodes does Hacks and Hobbies with Junaid Ahmed have?

The podcast currently has 809 episodes available.