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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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.

Hacks and Hobbies with Junaid Ahmed episodes:

September 22, 2025The CMO Who Reveals Why Your Marketing Agency Is Failing You (And How to Fix It) - Joshua Ramsey
Are you burning money on marketing agencies and still not seeing results?In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Joshua Ramsey, a fractional CMO with 20+ years of experience and 80,000+ campaigns under his belt, to expose the hidden truths behind agency relationships—and how business owners can finally take control.
Joshua shares raw stories of frustration, costly mistakes, and the emotional rollercoaster of trusting the wrong partners. Discover the mindset shifts, strategies, and KPIs that separate thriving businesses from those stuck in a cycle of disappointment. If you’re ready to stop wasting money and start scaling smarter, this episode is your wake-up call.
What You'll Learn:
Why most business owners set themselves up for disappointment with agencies—and how to break the cycle.
The single most important question to ask before hiring any marketing partner.
How to set KPIs that actually drive results (and what to do when they’re not met).
The power of agility: why sticking to a failing plan is the costliest mistake of all.
Programmatic advertising explained: the future-proof channel you can’t afford to ignore.

Timestamps:
00:00 – The Hidden Frustration: Why Most Agency Relationships Fail02:26 – The Unique Selling Proposition: What Really Makes You Stand Out?05:33 – Setting KPIs That Matter: The Secret to Agency Accountability10:26 – Should You Hire a CMO? The CEO’s Dilemma13:56 – When to Cut Your Losses: The “Good Money After Bad” Trap16:54 – Agility or Die: The Real Secret to Surviving in Marketing20:26 – The One Channel Joshua Would Bet His Career On
🎙 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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25min
September 19, 2025The Secret Power of Live Video—How to Build Trust, Monetize, and Stand Out in a Noisy World - Alec Johnson
What if the key to your business growth isn’t more ads, but more authenticity?

In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Alec Johnson—live video strategist, digital stage pioneer, and founder of Take One Tech—to reveal the untold truths behind building a magnetic brand in the digital age.

Alec shares the real reason live video transforms strangers into superfans, the overlooked tech upgrades that instantly boost your presence, and the emotional journey of turning online connections into lifelong relationships.
Whether you’re a creator, entrepreneur, or just starting out, Alec’s story will challenge what you think you know about content, connection, and confidence. Get ready for actionable insights, honest confessions, and a roadmap to monetizing your passion—without losing your soul.
What You'll Learn :
The simplest live video setup that anyone can start with—no fancy gear required
Why audio quality matters more than video (and the affordable mic Alec swears by)
The “confidence monitor” trick that instantly levels up your on-camera presence
How to turn casual viewers into loyal clients—Alec’s secret to building trust
The #1 mistake that kills engagement (and the new tools that fix it for good)
**Timestamps:**
00:01 — Why Live Video Is a Game Changer for Entrepreneurs
01:05 — The Beginner’s Setup: Start Simple, Sound Great
03:20 — Level Up: The Two Upgrades That Transform Your Production
06:34 — The Real Secret to Audience Engagement (and What Most Get Wrong)
12:26 — From Streams to Sales: Turning Viewers into Clients
15:35 — Monetization 101: The First Step Alec Wishes He Took Sooner
18:57 — Dream Locations, Real Connections: Alec’s Vision for the Future
**Guest Links:**
Website: takeonetech.io
YouTube: [Take One Tech 2](https://www.youtube.com/@TakeOneTech2)
🎙 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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22min
September 18, 2025The Secret to Unstoppable Confidence on Camera—How to Command the Digital Stage - Alec Johnson
What if the only thing standing between you and your audience is a single moment of courage?

In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Alec Johnson, founder of Take One Tech and creator of Digital Stage Academy, to uncover the raw truth behind building confidence, clarity, and connection in the world of live video. Alec reveals the hidden fears, the power of community, and the game-changing mindset shifts that separate those who merely show up from those who truly command the digital stage.
Whether you’re a creator, entrepreneur, or someone terrified of hitting “Go Live,” this conversation will challenge your assumptions and inspire you to embrace imperfection, authenticity, and growth. Discover why your first live stream is never as scary as you think—and how the right support can turn your biggest mistakes into your greatest strengths.
What You'll Learn :
Confidence is built through repetition, authenticity, and embracing imperfection.
The Ecamm Live community’s support is a game-changer for creators at every level.
Your first live stream is rarely watched—so use it as a safe space to grow.
Mistakes and tech failures are not setbacks; they’re opportunities for real connection.
Start simple: focus on your message, not the gear, and let your skills evolve naturally.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Alec Johnson’s Journey: From One-Take Videos to Digital Stage Mastery
03:44 – The “Aha” Moment: Why Authenticity Beats Perfection Every Time
08:00 – The Biggest Fear: Is Anyone Really Watching Your First Live Stream?
10:45 – When Tech Fails: Turning Bloopers into Unbreakable Confidence
12:35 – The 3 Cs: Clarity, Confidence, and Connection Explained
14:52 – Scuba Diving & Live Video: Staying Calm When Everything Goes Wrong
19:58 – The Most Ironic On-Camera Blooper (and What It Taught Alec)
Guest Links:
Website: Take One Tech (placeholder)
LinkedIn: Alec Johnson on LinkedIn (placeholder)
Instagram: @takeonetech (placeholder)
Book: Digital Stage Academy (placeholder)
🎙 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 17, 2025Tess Cheng: The Wellness Coach Transforming Habits—How Small Changes Unlock Lifelong Vitality
What if the secret to lifelong health isn’t a radical overhaul, but a series of tiny, consistent steps?In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with renowned wellness coach Tess Cheng, whose journey and coaching philosophy are reshaping how we think about self-care. Tess reveals the science and stories behind building habits that last, sharing why “starting small” is the most powerful tool for transformation.
From the influence of “Atomic Habits” to the real-life micro-habits that keep busy people thriving, Tess opens up about her own struggles, breakthroughs, and the emotional side of wellness. Whether you’re overwhelmed by change or searching for practical ways to prioritize yourself, this conversation will leave you inspired to take action—one small step at a time.
What You'll Learn:
Why starting with just 10 minutes can change your life—and your brain.
The hidden power of hydration and movement for busy professionals.
How to “habit stack” for effortless self-improvement.
The #1 strategy for disease prevention and long-term vitality.
Tess’s personal chapter title: “Sharing my knowledge with others is the most beautiful thing on earth.”
Timestamps:
00:00 – The Power of Small Steps: Tess’s approach to sustainable wellness
01:07 – Atomic Habits: How James Clear’s book shaped Tess’s coaching
03:03 – Meditation & Breathing: Why less is more for beginners
04:28 – Micro-Habits for Busy Lives: Hydration, movement, and brain breaks
06:29 – The Longevity Secret: Movement as medicine for mind and body
08:20 – Scheduling Self-Care: Making wellness non-negotiable
10:46 – Tess’s Chapter Title: The beauty of sharing knowledge
Guest Links:
Website: Glow with Tess
LinkedIn: Not provided
Instagram: Not provided
Book: Not provided
This episode is your invitation to start small, stay consistent, and discover the joy of lifelong wellness—straight from a coach who’s living proof that tiny habits can spark massive change.
🎙 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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14min
September 16, 2025Tess Cheng: The Wellness Coach Who Turned Family Struggle Into a Blueprint for Sustainable Health
What if your family’s health history could become your greatest source of strength?In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Tess Cheng, a certified health and wellness coach with over 13 years of experience and a master’s in clinical nutrition from NYU.
Tess’s journey from navigating hypoglycemia and a family legacy of diabetes to empowering others with practical, science-backed wellness strategies is as inspiring as it is actionable.
Discover how Tess transformed personal adversity into a mission to help others reclaim control over their health. She shares the mindset shifts, daily habits, and science-driven insights that make wellness achievable—even for the busiest lives. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the idea of change, Tess’s story will show you that small, consistent steps can lead to lifelong transformation.
What You'll Learn:
Your genes are not your destiny—prevention and mindful choices can rewrite your health story.
Sustainable wellness starts with one small habit at a time, not an all-or-nothing overhaul.
Sleep is the secret weapon for better health, weight management, and decision-making.
Mindset matters: treat your health like a long-term investment, not a quick fix.
Support, education, and self-compassion are the keys to lasting change.
Timestamps:
[00:00] Meet Tess Cheng: From family health struggles to wellness authority
[01:11] The wake-up call: Discovering hypoglycemia and taking control
[04:06] How clinical nutrition shaped Tess’s coaching philosophy
[06:35] The real reason we sabotage our sleep—and how to fix it
[09:48] Overcoming overwhelm: Tess’s step-by-step approach to building habits
[11:26] The mindset shift that changes everything: Health as a long game
[13:50] Where to find Tess and start your own wellness journey
Guest Links:
Website: GlowWithTess.com
(No LinkedIn, Instagram, or book links provided in this episode. For more, visit Tess’s website.)
If you’re ready to take the first step toward a healthier, more empowered life, this episode is your blueprint.
🎙 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 15, 2025Charlie Birney: From Real Estate to Podcasting Empires—How Intimacy, Listening, and Reinvention Built Podville Media
What if the secret to building an audio empire is listening, not talking?
In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Charlie Birney—co-founder of Podville Media, author of The Tao of Podcasting, and the “Chief Listening Officer”—to uncover the surprising journey from golf courses and property management to the heart of the podcasting revolution.
Charlie shares how embracing change, following curiosity, and prioritizing connection over content transformed his career and the industry.
Discover the philosophy behind podcasting’s most intimate moments, the power of internal podcasts, and why the best studios are built on empathy and service. This is a masterclass in reinvention, creativity, and the art of truly listening.
What You'll Learn:
Why “intimacy” is the secret ingredient that makes podcasting so powerful—and how to harness it.
The story behind Podville Media’s evolution from “Podcast Village” and the rise of video in audio spaces.
How Charlie’s background in real estate and philanthropy shaped his approach to building creative businesses.
The philosophy and inspiration behind “The Tao of Podcasting”—and why every podcaster needs a moment of silence before the sound.
How music, family, and hobbies fuel creativity and keep the entrepreneurial spirit alive.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Meeting at Podfest: The serendipity that sparked a creative partnership
04:30 – From Golf Courses to Podcast Studios: Reinventing a career through curiosity
10:15 – The Birth of Podville Media: Why video changed everything
17:40 – The Tao of Podcasting: Philosophy, art, and the “yin-yang microphone”
25:05 – The Power of Internal Podcasts: Connecting companies from the inside out
32:20 – Music, Community, and Giving Back: How folk music and charity shape a life
39:00 – Lightning Round: Favorite mics, dream guests, and the “boredom boogie” song
Connect with Our Guest:
Website: https://podvillemedia.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charliebirney/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podvillemedia/
Book: The Tao of Podcasting (Amazon) – https://www.amazon.com/Tao-Podcasting-Charlie-Birney/dp/B0C5YJ8K9F

🎙 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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34min
September 12, 2025Rand Selig: The Investment Banker Who Turned Down Goliath—How to Redefine Success, Build Resilience, and Thrive on Your Own Terms
What if the secret to thriving isn’t about being the toughest in the room, but the most adaptable?In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Rand Selig—veteran investment banker, author of "Thriving," and master of intentional living—to uncover the hidden strategies behind building a life and career filled with purpose, energy, and fulfillment.
From turning down a giant corporate offer to redefining what it means to be successful, Rand shares raw stories and practical tools for anyone ready to break free from society’s expectations. Discover how resilience, relationships, and a service mindset can transform setbacks into opportunities—and why your only real competition is the person in the mirror.
What You'll Learn:
Why resilience is about bouncing back, not just being tough—think rubber ball, not metal.
The power of saying “no” to deals that don’t align with your values, even when Goliath comes knocking.
How to stop letting society define your success and start living by your own standards.
The three pillars of a thriving mindset: service, intentional relationships, and relentless positivity.
Why your greatest growth comes from evolving past your former self—not outshining others.
Timestamps:
00:00 – The Rubber Ball vs. The Metal Ball: What True Resilience Looks Like
04:15 – David vs. Goliath: Turning Down a Giant and Winning Your Freedom
10:30 – Redefining Success: Are You Living for Yourself or for Society?
16:45 – The Man in the Mirror: Competing with Your Former Self
21:20 – The Power of Mentorship and Building Your Support Circle
26:00 – Three Tools for Thriving: Service, Relationships, and Positivity
32:10 – Star Trek, Beekeepers, and the Secret to Attracting Opportunity
**Guest Links:**
Website: randselig.com
LinkedIn: Rand Selig on LinkedIn
Book: "Thriving" by Rand Selig on Amazon
Instagram: @randselig
🎙 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
September 11, 2025Rand Selig: The Science of Thriving—How to Redefine Success, Build Resilience, and Live with Purpose
What if thriving isn’t about chasing someone else’s definition of success, but about making intentional choices every single day?
In this powerful episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with entrepreneur, coach, and conservationist Rand Selig, author of "Thriving," to uncover the real science and psychology behind living a life of vitality, fulfillment, and meaning.Rand shares the untold story behind his book, the daily habits that fuel his energy, and the mindset shifts that separate those who merely survive from those who truly thrive. This conversation is packed with practical wisdom, emotional depth, and the kind of curiosity-driven insights that will make you rethink what’s possible in your own life.
What You'll Learn:
Thriving starts with intentional choices and self-awareness—write down your values and revisit them often.
Success is personal: define it on your own terms, not by society’s standards.
Building resilience means embracing new chapters, learning from mistakes, and staying curious.
Energy and vitality are sustained by daily habits, self-care, and knowing when to recharge.
True connection comes from being present, reflecting on experiences, and nurturing relationships.
Timestamps:
00:04 – The Untold Story Behind "Thriving": Why Rand Wrote the Book
03:15 – The Power of Intentional Choices: How to Design Your Life
06:01 – Redefining Success: Why You Must Own Your Definition
08:45 – Slowing Down to Reflect: Lessons from the Pandemic
10:03 – The Psychology of Thriving: Practical Tools for Growth
13:41 – Daily Habits for Energy and Joy: Rand’s Personal Rituals
17:03 – Life Lessons from Geology: Embracing Change and Curiosity
Connect with Our Guest:
Website: [Rand Selig’s Website]
LinkedIn: [Rand Selig on LinkedIn]
Instagram: [@RandSelig]
Book: ["Thriving" by Rand Selig]
🎙 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
26min
September 09, 2025Nye Young: Unlocking Infinite Creativity—How Faith, Fear, and Holistic Coaching Transform Your Life
What if the only thing standing between you and your creative breakthrough is a single, courageous step of faith?
In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Nye Young—host of the faith-based podcast Coffee Sips Tea, holistic creative coach, and creator of HA Sessions—to uncover the raw truth behind creativity, confidence, and calling.
Nye’s journey is a testament to the power of saying “yes” to the unknown. From battling self-doubt to building a fail-proof method for unlocking creative potential, Nye reveals how faith and holistic practices can shatter your limitations. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, artist, or simply searching for purpose, this conversation will challenge everything you thought you knew about creativity.
What You'll Learn:
Faith and creativity are inseparable—your spiritual journey fuels your creative spark.
Confidence is the #1 barrier to creative expression; overcoming fear is the first step.
Creativity isn’t just art—it’s a tool for transformation in business, parenting, and daily life.
The HA Sessions framework delivers a 100% success rate for unlocking creative potential.
You don’t need permission to create; infinite possibilities await when you step out in faith.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome & Nye’s Origin Story: From podcast idea to faith-based movement
03:10 – The Divine Spark: How spirituality and creativity are intertwined
06:45 – Overcoming Self-Doubt: Why confidence is the real creative block
10:20 – Fail-Proof Creativity: The HA Sessions method explained
14:00 – Creativity in Action: Real-life transformations from business to parenting
17:30 – The Mukbang Dream: Pairing travel, food, and creative interviews
20:00 – Quickfire Round: Favorite movies, creative treasures, and the truth about creativity
Connect with Our Guest:
Twitter @HaSessions123
FB @HoneyNy Ny for more updates.
Email Contact: [email protected]
Booking Link: https://calendly.com/hasessions12/intro
Podcast: https://spotify.link/1IHNiJFatDbhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100016227187206
🎙 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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18min
September 08, 2025Dan Hafner: The No Code Revolution—How to Build, Launch, and Profit from SaaS Without Writing a Line of Code
What if you could launch a profitable tech business—without ever learning to code?
In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Dan Hafner, founder of Dapper No Code, to reveal the secrets behind the no code movement that’s transforming entrepreneurship.
Dan shares the hard truths, the emotional rollercoaster, and the step-by-step blueprint for turning ideas into thriving SaaS businesses—no technical background required.
From the power of validation to the pitfalls of falling in love with your own product, Dan’s journey is packed with raw insights and practical strategies. Whether you’re a dreamer with a notebook full of app ideas or a founder ready to scale, this conversation will challenge everything you thought you knew about building software.
What You'll Learn:
The “Reverse SaaS Funnel Hack”: Why selling your solution before building it is the ultimate validation.
Dan’s 3-step no code launch method—plus the tools that make it possible for anyone.
The biggest mistake new founders make (and how to avoid it).
How to monetize no code SaaS: from waitlists to creative partnerships.
Why execution—not ideas—creates million-dollar businesses.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome Back: Dan Hafner returns with game-changing no code insights
02:15 – The 3-Step No Code Launch Blueprint: From idea to execution
07:40 – Top Tools Revealed: $1, Bubble, Go High Level, Stripe, and more
13:10 – The Power of Validation: Sell before you build
18:25 – Million Dollar Execution: Why ideas are worthless without action
23:50 – Creative Monetization: Real-world stories and strategies
29:30 – Where to Start: Dan’s resources and how to connect
Connect with Dan:
Website: https://dappernocode.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-hafner
If you’d like to connect with Dan or access his exclusive no code MVP roadmap, visit his website or reach out on LinkedIn—let him know you heard him on the Hacks and Hobbies podcast!Let me know if you’d like to adjust the tone, add more timestamps, or include additional guest links!
🎙 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
22min

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.