In this episode, Michael talks with Owen Marsden, co-creator of HootFlight, a free educational website for kids that helps make flying more fun, understandable, and engaging.
Owen shares how he and his wife Sarah built the project together, why they started it, how they used AI to help bring it to life, and the values that shaped their decisions around privacy, ads, and monetization.
They also dig into the role of AI in creative work, the balance between progress and perfection, and how small side projects can strengthen relationships and spark new ideas..
Plus, Owen explains how Captain Hoot helps kids learn about their flights, the places they’ll pass over, and the wonder of travel in a way that encourages real-world curiosity.
Chapters:
0:00 — Welcome and introduction to Owen Marsden
2:27 — What HootFlight
4:40 — Where the idea came from
5:00 — Building the project after bedtime
8:44 — Sarah’s design role and early collaboration
9:13 — Using Claude to ideate and build
11:38 — Where the flight data comes from
14:19 — Time, effort, and the AI-only computer
19:57 — What AI taught them during the build
24:50 — Using AI to strengthen human connection
27:31 — Mixed feelings about AI
34:35 — Challenges, analysis paralysis, and deciding when to ship
39:15 — Feedback from users and the “what you’ll fly over” feature
41:13 — Launching without pressure
45:58 — Why HootFlight is not monetized
50:47 — Parenting, media, and child safety
54:08 — Closing thoughts and final reflections
57:09 — How to connect with Owen and HootFlight
Use HootFlight for free (no signup, no ads):
• Get your kids excited about your upcoming flight: https://www.hootflight.com
• Connect with Owen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/owen-marsden-50424329
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This interview was recorded @kcbctv studio, and the guest’s own studio environment.
The information and opinions presented by our guests do not reflect the opinions of Kansas City Business Cast (KCBC), Kansas City Business Cast Network (KCBCtv), or its affiliates & sponsors. Sometimes we talk about finance, health, wellness, philosophy, history, the economy, religion, and other topics. This episode, as with all of our episodes, is intended for educational purposes.
#flying#commercialairlines #flights #airplanes #familyflights