Hacks & Hobbies

Welcome to another episode of Hacks and Hobbies! I’m your host, Junaid Ahmed, and today we’re joined by a truly inspiring guest—Chad Willardson. Chad is the founder of Pacific Capital, a firm dedicated to helping high net worth entrepreneurs achieve both lifestyle and financial freedom. He’s also the creator of Platinum Elevated, an exclusive coaching program for growth-focused entrepreneurs. In this episode, Chad shares his journey from working at Merrill Lynch to building a business that puts family and personal values at the forefront. We dive deep into the challenges entrepreneurs face in balancing business success with a fulfilling home life, and Chad reveals powerful strategies for being intentional with your time, building strong communities, and focusing on what truly matters. Plus, hear how his story became a featured chapter in the book “10x is Easier Than 2x.” Get ready for actionable insights and inspiration to help you win big in both business and life. Let’s jump in!Where to reach our Guesthttps

Welcome to another episode of Hacks and Hobbies! I’m your host, Junaid Ahmed. Today, we’re diving deep into a revolutionary concept that’s transforming the way companies operate: integrating consciousness into business. Our special guest, Charlie Johnson, shares his powerful journey and introduces us to the groundbreaking role of the Chief Consciousness Officer—a position designed to elevate awareness, creativity, and connection within organizations. We’ll explore how this subtle yet profound shift can reduce conflict, burnout, and division, while boosting openness, authenticity, and purpose. Plus, we’ll discuss the intersection of consciousness and artificial intelligence, and why true leadership means nurturing both the minds and souls of your team. If you’re ready to rethink company culture and discover the root of lasting success, you won’t want to miss this episode. Let’s get started!Where to reach our Guesthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/cjconsciousness/3 Hacks to take awayIntegrating consciousness into bus

Welcome to Hacks and Hobbies! In today’s episode, we dive deep into the future of leadership with our special guest, Charley Johnson. Charley brings over 20 years of business experience, seven years leading the Pay It Forward Foundation, and a decade of spiritual mentorship to the table. Together, we explore what it means to be a Chief Consciousness Officer and why this role is becoming essential in the modern workplace. Charley shares how true transformation in organizations starts with expanding awareness—not just at the executive level, but throughout the entire company. We discuss the power of presence, the importance of bridging corporate, nonprofit, and personal growth, and how consciousness can unlock new levels of creativity, connection, and fulfillment. If you’re ready to rethink leadership and discover practical steps to build a more conscious culture, you won’t want to miss this episode. Stay tuned as we challenge old paradigms and uncover the next evolution in business and life!Where to reach Our

Welcome to another episode of Hacks and Hobbies! I’m your host, Junaid Ahmed. Today, we’re joined once again by Ron Souers, who’s back to share more of his inspiring journey with ADHD.In our last episode, Ron opened up about embracing ADHD as a unique strength, and today, we’re diving even deeper—exploring how podcasting has become a powerful creative outlet and a tool for focus and self-expression.Ron reveals the routines and systems that help him stay consistent, the importance of curiosity and building relationships, and how he’s turned challenges into opportunities for growth. Whether you’re living with ADHD or just looking for ways to boost your creativity and productivity, this episode is packed with practical advice and encouragement.Plus, don’t miss Ron’s special resource: “3 Simple Hacks to Get Curious,” available at Advocate.xyz/hacksandhobbies. Get ready for an honest, uplifting conversation that will inspire you to embrace your own journey and keep moving forward. Let’s jump in!Where to reach Our

Welcome to another episode of Hacks and Hobbies! Today, we’re diving into the world of ADHD—not as a challenge, but as a superpower. I’m your host, Junaid Ahmed, and joining me is Ron Souers, a regular guy with an extraordinary story. Ron opens up about his journey with ADHD, from childhood diagnosis to turning workplace struggles into opportunities for growth. We’ll explore how embracing his unique brain wiring has helped Ron find focus, passion, and resilience, and how mindfulness and the right support have made all the difference. Whether you’re navigating ADHD yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode is packed with insights, encouragement, and real talk about the ups and downs of the journey. And stay tuned—next time, we’ll dive into how podcasting and ADHD combine to create something truly powerful. Let’s get started!Where to reach Our Guestwww.dadhdwss.com @ronsolo813 Hacks to take awayEmbracing ADHD as a Strength: The episode highlights how recognizing and accepting ADHD can transform it fro

Welcome back, hobby hackers! In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the world of content creation and emotional resilience with the incredible Jayna Swan. If you’ve ever struggled to stay consistent with your content, felt overwhelmed by life’s chaos, or wondered how to balance your passion with family and business, this episode is for you. Jayna shares powerful insights on why understanding your “why” is the foundation for success, and reveals her unique frameworks for harnessing both masculine and feminine energies in your creative process. You’ll learn how to set boundaries when working from home, create systems that support your flow, and discover simple, actionable steps to overcome overwhelm and get inspired again. Plus, we wrap things up with a fun survival challenge for content creators! So grab your headphones, get ready to take notes, and let’s hack our way to more joyful, consistent creation. Let’s get started!Our Guesthttps://www.jaynaswan.comhttps://www.instagram.com/jayna.swanhttps://www.hea

Welcome back to Hobby Hackers! I’m your host, Junaid Ahmed, and today’s episode is all about turning life’s toughest challenges into powerful lessons for growth. Our guest is Jana Swan—founder of HER Embodiment Retreats, speaker, facilitator, and host of the Millennials Guide to Healthy Emotional Regulation in Life and Business. Jana’s journey through physical and emotional pain, including overcoming years of health struggles and personal adversity, has inspired her mission to empower women and help others master emotional regulation.In this episode, Jana shares how understanding and channeling our emotions can transform not just our personal lives, but our businesses too. We’ll explore the real impact of emotions in decision-making, the power of movement for mental health, and practical tips for staying present and resilient. Whether you’re facing chaos or just want to thrive in business and life, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Let’s dive in!Where to reach Our Guesthttps://

Welcome to another episode of Hacks and Hobbies! I’m your host, Junaid Ahmed, and today we’re diving deep into the world of government contracting with the incredible Melinda Colon. If you’ve ever wondered how to land lucrative government contracts or scale your business with stable, long-term revenue, this episode is for you. Melinda shares her proven GovCon sales strategy, breaking down the five essential steps to winning contracts—even if you’re just starting out. We’ll talk about mindset, preparation, targeting the right agencies, and how to turn every opportunity—win or lose—into a stepping stone for growth. Plus, Melinda reveals how government contracts can boost your authority and help you serve your clients better. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just getting started, you’ll walk away with actionable tips and the motivation to take your business to the next level. So grab your notebook, get ready to be inspired, and let’s jump in!Where to reach Our Guesthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/melinda-co

Welcome to another episode of Hacks and Hobbies! If you’ve ever wondered how to secure major government contracts and scale your business, you’re in for a treat. Today’s guest, Melinda Colon, is a powerhouse in business strategy and government contracting, with over two decades of experience and a track record of helping clients generate an astonishing $4.4 billion in new business. Melinda is a sought-after speaker, podcast host, and creator of the GovCon Sales Strategy program, dedicated to helping entrepreneurs unlock life-changing government opportunities. In this episode, Melinda shares her journey from corporate proposal manager to industry leader, reveals the biggest misconceptions about government contracts, and explains why these opportunities aren’t just for big corporations. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, you’ll discover practical strategies to win contracts and build generational wealth. Stay tuned for an insightful conversation that could change the trajectory of your

Welcome back to another episode of Hacks and Hobbies! I’m your host, Junaid Ahmed, and today we’re diving deep into transformation, discipline, and the power of community with our returning guest, Austin Page. In this episode, Austin shares his journey from in-person to online coaching, revealing the unique “Gym Flow” method that’s helping people break through barriers and achieve real, lasting change. We’ll explore why imperfect action beats waiting for the perfect moment, how to build confidence through small daily wins, and the importance of creating your own personal brand and identity. Austin opens up about the mental shifts needed for self-mastery, the value of surrounding yourself with the right people, and practical steps anyone can take to start their fitness and personal growth journey. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to level up, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiration. So get ready to be motivated, take control, and become the person you want to be!Where to rea

Welcome back to Hacks and Hobbies! I’m your host, Junaid Ahmed, and today’s episode is one you won’t want to miss. We’re joined by Austin Page, founder of Gym Flow Coaching—a man who turned personal adversity into a mission of empowerment. After surviving a life-altering accident, Austin rebuilt his life from the ground up, mastering the habits, discipline, and mindset that now fuel his coaching business. In this episode, Austin shares his raw and inspiring story, the pivotal moments that forced him to change, and the powerful lessons he learned along the way. We’ll dive into how hitting rock bottom can spark transformation, the importance of building discipline, and why living life hard is more than just a motto—it’s a way to unlock your true potential. And stay tuned, because in our next episode, Austin will reveal the core principles and routines behind Gym Flow Coaching to help you transform your own life. Let’s get started!Where to reach Our Guesthttps://gymflocoaching.com/https://www.instagram.com/apage

Welcome to another episode of Hacks and Hobbies! I’m your host, Junaid Ahmed, and today we’re diving deep into the world of digital marketing for small businesses with our special guest, James Hipkin. James brings a wealth of experience from working with major brands like Apple and Visa, and now he’s on a mission to empower small business owners to drive real growth. In this episode, we uncover the biggest mistakes businesses make in digital marketing, why having a clear strategy is essential, and how to use measurement and data to make smarter decisions. James also shares how AI-powered tools can help you truly understand your customers, and why your website should be the hub of all your marketing efforts. Plus, we explore the power of authentic storytelling and practical, cost-effective tools you can use right now. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up your marketing game, this episode is packed with actionable insights you won’t want to miss. Let’s get started!Where to reach Our GuestFace

Welcome to another episode of Hacks and Hobbies! Today, we’re joined by James Hipkin, a marketing veteran with over 40 years of experience helping businesses connect meaningfully with their customers. From leading global initiatives for brands like Apple, Visa, and Toyota, to empowering small and medium-sized businesses with AI-driven marketing tools and website solutions, James brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. In this episode, you’ll hear how James transitioned from the world of rock and roll to ROI, the lessons he learned working with some of the world’s biggest brands, and how those principles can help your business thrive. We’ll dive into the importance of owning your digital assets, building customer loyalty, and crafting the right message for the right audience at the right time. Whether you’re a startup or an established business, get ready for actionable insights and inspiring stories that will help you master digital marketing. Let’s get started!Where to reach Our GuestFacebook: https://www

Welcome back to another episode of Hacks and Hobbies! I’m your host, Junaid Ahmed, and today we’re diving into the world of podcasting—not just as a platform for sharing stories, but as a powerful networking gold mine. Joining us is Mark Jake Carter, a veteran interviewer with over 25 years of experience and more than 100 podcast episodes under his belt. Mark’s passion lies in uncovering actionable insights for personal and professional growth, and today he’s sharing his secrets on how you can leverage podcasting to build meaningful connections and grow your network. From booking high-profile guests to structuring interviews that create lasting relationships, Mark reveals the strategies that have helped him—and can help you—turn your podcast into a networking superpower. Whether you’re a seasoned podcaster or just getting started, this episode is packed with tips, stories, and inspiration to help you take your podcast and your network to the next level. Let’s jump in!Where to reach Our Guesthttps://www.markjc

Welcome back to another episode of Hacks and Hobbies! I’m your host, Junaid Ahmed, and today we’re joined by the inspiring Kay Wilkes, creator of the “Pondering Thoughts” podcast—a hub for curious minds. In this episode, Kay shares her journey to rediscovering her passion, launching her podcast, and the secrets behind crafting conversations that truly stand out. We dive into her unique approach to making guests feel comfortable, the importance of curiosity, and how she keeps her content thought-provoking yet accessible for all ages. Plus, Kay reveals her favorite TV shows, childhood dreams, and even what board game best represents her personality! Whether you’re a podcaster, a fan of great conversations, or just looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with practical tips and heartfelt stories. So get ready to be curious, be inspired, and join us as we explore the art of meaningful content with Kay Wilkes. Let’s jump in!Where to reach Our Guesthttps://www.instagram.com/ponderingthoughtspodcast/3 Hacks

Welcome to Hacks and Hobbies, where passion meets purpose and ordinary people share extraordinary stories. I'm your host, Junaid Ahmed, and today we're diving into a journey of rediscovery and courage.Meet Kay Wilkes - a storyteller who refused to let her dreams collect dust. From teenage TV co-host to teacher, and now the passionate host of Pondering Thoughts Podcast, Kay's story is a testament to the power of never giving up on your true calling.We'll explore her winding path through television, radio, and media, uncovering the moments of doubt, the leap of faith, and the incredible community that helped her reignite her creative spark. Whether you're feeling stuck, dreaming of a different path, or simply need a dose of inspiration, Kay's story will remind you that it's never too late to pursue what sets your soul on fire.So buckle up, get ready to be inspired, and let's dive into Kay Wilkes' remarkable journey of passion, persistence, and podcasting.Where to reach Our Guesthttps://www.instagram.com/ponderi

What if your greatest leverage isn't talent, timing, or capital, but the way you choose to show up for others? What if real scale is less about follower counts and more about meaningful, sustainable rituals that energize you year after year?In today's episode, we're diving deep into the power of service, systems, and purpose. I've spoken with five incredible experts who've discovered that true impact comes from stepping off the hero pedestal and empowering those around you.From a communication scientist who can distill complex ideas into sticky sentences, to a podcasting veteran who publishes daily without burnout, to an AI technologist engineering kindness into apps - they all landed on the same profound insight: service creates significance, systems create scale, and purpose supplies the fuel.We'll explore three transformative questions that can reshape how you approach your work, your relationships, and your mission. Get ready to challenge your assumptions, unlock new perspectives,

Welcome back to Hacks and Hobbies, where we explore extraordinary stories of innovation and purpose. Today, we're diving deep with Mike Kim, a visionary who's transforming the way we think about kindness and technology.Mike isn't just creating another app - he's building a movement. Imagine a digital platform that gamifies kindness, rewards compassion, and connects people in meaningful ways. His company, Some Neat Place, is reimagining how technology can bring out the best in humanity.From his early dreams of being a marine biologist to developing a groundbreaking concept that's part Pokemon Go, part Boy Scouts for adults, Mike's journey is anything but ordinary. We'll explore how augmented reality, intentional design, and a genuine passion for human connection can create real-world impact.Get ready to be inspired as we uncover how one person's vision can spark a global movement of kindness. This isn't just a tech story - it's a human story about transformation, empathy

Welcome to Hacks and Hobbies, where we dive deep into the inspiring stories of individuals who transform personal challenges into powerful missions. Today, we're exploring a remarkable journey of resilience, technology, and kindness with Mike Kim, founder of Some Need Place.Mike's story is a testament to the human spirit's ability to turn complex trauma into a force for good. From experiencing childhood bullying and family struggles to navigating personal losses, including his mother's recent passing, Mike has channeled his pain into a profound mission of spreading kindness in the digital age.Through his work with Some Need Place and Smobbler, a Metaverse for good company, Mike is pioneering innovative ways to use technology as a catalyst for human connection. He's building platforms that not only share powerful stories but also create real-world impact, proving that kindness can be both a personal healing journey and a transformative social movement.Get ready to be inspired by Mike Kim's incredible story of

Hey there, entrepreneurs and dreamers! Welcome to another explosive episode of Hacks & Hobbies. I'm your host, Junaid Ahmed, and today we're diving into a game-changing approach that's going to blow your mind – how to build profitable online businesses WITHOUT showing your face.Imagine creating a thriving business where you don't have to be the star, where AI does the heavy lifting, and where your passion can translate into real income. Sounds impossible? Not anymore.My guest today is Jonny Andrews, a serial entrepreneur who's helped over 177,000 people launch businesses and supported 18,000 authors in building successful careers. In 2011, he pioneered a faceless newsletter business framework that continues to generate income today.In the next 45 minutes, Jonny will reveal his five-part system for turning your ideas into a profitable online business in just 24 hours. Whether you're camera-shy, want to protect your privacy, or just prefer working behind the scenes, this episode is your blueprint to entrepr