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This weekend, I completely rearranged my office—and I couldn’t be happier with the results. What started as frustration with my camera framing turned into a full workspace transformation. In this episode, I break down:- Why I moved my desk and how it improved my video setup
- The changes I made to declutter and improve cable management
- The unexpected number of extra USB cables and extension cords I found (seriously, where did they all come from?)
- Why I finally got rid of my massive softbox lights
- My ongoing whiteboard dilemma and plans for even more optimizationTimelapse of my Office Rearrangement
https://youtu.be/H8Ar19kSBjEGot questions or office setup tips? Let me know!
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Automation can feel overwhelming, but it all boils down to four simple components: triggers, actions, conditions, and timing. Once you understand these, you can start automating repetitive tasks, saving yourself hours of work and mental energy.
In this episode, I break down these components with real-world examples, like home automation and business workflows, and share how you can use them to create seamless systems for your solopreneur business.
Then, I’ll tell you how you can start thinking about your tasks in terms of these components.
Top Takeaways
Triggers are the events that kick off an automation, like a form submission or a specific time of day. Identifying what starts a process is the first step in building an efficient system.Actions are the tasks your automation performs after the trigger, whether it’s sending an email, updating a database, or turning off your smart lights.Start identifying daily tasks that could benefit from automation. Map out the trigger, action, condition, and timing to see how you can streamline your workflow.Show Notes
Slides from My Podfest TalkAutomations Template DatabaseSend Feedback ★ Support this podcast ★ -
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January was chaotic for me, with family time over the holidays, snow days, travel for Podfest, and a house full of sick people. Despite all that, my business kept running smoothly thanks to the systems and processes I’ve built over the years. Instead of stressing over a “lost” month, I decided to start 2025 in February, reframing my timeline and giving myself permission to adapt. This experience reinforced the importance of creating margin—not just in your weekly schedule but as a core part of your business—to handle unexpected disruptions while still moving forward.
Top Takeaways
My systems and processes provided me was more margin than I thought. Despite not working for half of December and a lot of January, I was still able to continue producing my podcast, posting here, generating leads, and sending out proposals.The calendar year is arbitrary. The things I wanted to do that I didn't do in January can easily move into February. And I already know my systems can support those changes.Building margin into your business isn’t just about avoiding burnout—it’s about ensuring you have the space to adapt and thrive, even during busy or unpredictable times.Show Notes
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“How do I know if investing in automation is worth it?” This was a question someone asked me after my talk at Podfest. And it’s a fair question. We don’t want to waste time and money on something that won’t pay off.
So in today’s episode, I tell you exactly how to know if automation and delegation are worth the investment.
Top Takeaways
Understand Opportunity Cost: Opportunity cost is the value of what you give up when choosing one activity over another. For solopreneurs, this often means the lost income or time that could be spent on billable work.Automation Rule of Thumb: Automate repetitive tasks you’ve done at least three times and that require consistent inputs and outputs. But do the task manually first to ensure automation makes sense.Take Small Risks for Big Gains: Test delegation by hiring a VA or outsourcing small tasks. Even $50/week can help you reclaim time to avoid burnout or spend with family.Show Notes
Why You’re Losing Money when You Mow the LawnSend feedback to StreamlinedFeedback.com
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This one might ruffle some feathers, but I’m OK with that. I think we NEED to disclose the usage of AI in creative work more. It’s less about signaling that you cheated in some way — on the contrary, I don’t think using AI is de-facto cheating. It’s about honesty, integrity, and transparency.
So my policy is simple: if you use AI to write, record, or produce something, it should be disclosed in the same way affiliate links or paid promotion has to be disclosed.
And today, I explore why I feel so strongly about that.Top Takeaways
Establish Clear Guidelines for AI Disclosure: I tell my readers how and when I use AI. If it contributes more than 5% of an article’s total word count, I write it at the bottom of the piece.AI Produces Mediocrity: As Jason Snell said**,** AI tends to average out content, making most of it mediocre at best. If you want to stand out, you can’t just rely on AI.Human Connection is Irreplaceable: In a world where AI threatens to erode personal connection, it’s up to us to keep our content human.Show Notes
My AI Manifesto: We Must Disclose the Use of AIMy AI Disclosures PageSend Feedback ★ Support this podcast ★ -
Halfway through writing nearly 24 articles for my Podcast Advent project, I started to wonder if I was wasting my time. Is this worth it? Am I writing what people actually want to read?
You’ve probably fallen into the same trap: spending hours creating content, unsure if it’s resonating with anyone. It’s frustrating, exhausting, and can feel like shouting into the void. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Today, we’re exploring a few things you can try to come up with content that resonates with your audience — plus I’ll tell you about my GAPS framework for content in 2025.
Top Takeaways
Let data lead the way: Your analytics are a treasure trove of insights. Tools like Google Analytics and Search Console can show you what content performs well so you can double down on those topics.Ask your audience: Your audience is your best resource. Invite questions through email, social media, or a dedicated feedback link, and turn their questions into valuable content.Experiment, but evaluate: Testing new ideas is important, but don’t forget to review the results. If something doesn’t work after a few tries, let it go.Disclosure: ChatGPT has contributed more than 10% to the description and takeaways for this text, fully using the episode’s transcript.
Links
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It's time for 2025's yearly theme. While The Year of Control didn't go as planned, I'm excited to have a much better plan in place for this year's theme, The Year of Being Present.
Want even more podcast content, giving you a behind the scenes look at being a busy, solopreneur parent? Sign up for my free, private podcast at casabona.org/notes
Show Notes
My 2025 Yearly ThemeJoe's Audio Notes Why We Need to Disclose AI UsageThe BrickFocus AppSend your feedback at streamlinedfeedback.com
(00:00) - Intro(00:50) - Housekeeping(02:27) - Grading The Year of Control(13:31) - The Year of Being Present(24:13) - Helpful Tools(31:25) - Wrapping Up ★ Support this podcast ★ -
I knew from a young age, I wanted to play the drums. I got my first small kit when I was five and when my friends and I started a "band," heavy quotes, I played paint buckets. When I was 15 years old, I knew I needed a real kit.
This is the story of how I got it, and how one man's incredible kindness had a profound effect on me.
Read the Story at Casabona.orgRate: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | PodchaserGet Unstuck in 2025 ★ Support this podcast ★
Show Notes -
2024 has been a transformative year for me. I learned a ton about myself and my business, and for the first time in a while I feel like I’m not flailing. I’ll have the clearest plan I’ve had in a long time in 2025 — one that’s reinforced by conversations I’ve had, not just hunches. So for the last episode of the year, I wanted to do a quick year in review where I talk about my biggest success, my biggest failure, and the lessons I learn.
Plus, some feedback from last week’s episode on using AI.
My Biggest Success
This was definitely ranking #1 in Google for “Podcast Coach”. It shows that my work to grow this area of my business is working out!
Biggest Failure
My Be everywhere strategy. I made a big deal about it and abandoned after 4 months, since it was very clearly not working. It was basically all downsides. It also resulted in two other outcomes:
Going to stop publishing on Medium in 2025Shutting down my membershipLessons
Know your niche. I thought I knew mine but it got a lot clearer the back half of the year, and I saw a positive impact because of it.Don’t discount SEO/Google, and even ChatGPT, which is being used for search more. As social media is fracturing further,Focus on one thing at a time. My Be Everywhere strategy left me trying to do too many things at once, and none of the succeeded.Links
PodMatchMaker and MoxiePodcast AdventMy Experiment with Substack and Being “Everywhere”My Be Everywhere Strategy was an Incredible FailureHow to be a Scrappy Researcher (to Actually Sell Products) with Becky Pierson DavidsonI’m Shutting Down my Podcast MembershipWe Need AI DisclosuresMatt MedeirosThe Podcast SetupMike (Bagel) Barugel(00:00) - Intro (01:32) - My Biggest Success (06:01) - My Biggest Failure (09:34) - Social Media is Fracturing (11:30) - 3 Lessons from 2024 (16:25) - Feedback on Using AI ★ Support this podcast ★ -
It’s been two years since ChatGPT went mainstream, and AI has completely transformed how we work. While I maintain some hesitancy and skepticism in using AI, it has made it’s way into my daily life for certain tasks. While I’ll tell you all about that, I also talk about why the human touch will always matter, no matter how advanced these tools get.
So strap in (yes, I wrote these words without any intervention from AI) for a look into how I’ve been using AI as a solopreneur. And don’t worry — I’ve mostly edited out the rambling rants.
AI tools like ChatGPT have improved significantly, especially with features like custom GPTs and web-connected capabilities, but there’s room for growth in personalization.AI has become an essential tool in my workflows, particularly for providing fresh perspectives during ideation and research, and “rubber ducking.”As we move forward, it’s important to balance efficiency with authenticity, using AI for support while ensuring it doesn’t replace meaningful human interactions and creativity.
Top TakeawaysLinks
Apple's Definition of a PhotoThe Coming WaveI'm on BlueskySend your feedback (00:00) - Intro(01:52) - I'm AI Hesitant(05:49) - How I'm Using AI(09:41) - ChatGPT is Replacing Google(12:48) - My Thoughts on Apple Intelligence(13:58) - What is a Photo?(18:53) - Feedback — How You're Using AI!(22:31) - The Future of AI(25:41) - Wrapping Up ★ Support this podcast ★ -
“Build your authority” feels like advice that’s often given without a solution attached. And it’s SO important to solopreneurs, especially since social media is no longer the best place to build a proper audience.
That’s why I sat down with Jessica Lackey, a business and operations strategist who’s all about helping solopreneurs like us build real authority. We talked all about what you actually need to do to build authority – from understanding who you’re talking to, to the medium you use to get your message out.
Develop a Clear Premise, Process, and Body of Work: Building authority begins with a well-defined message and positioning (your premise), a unique approach to your work (your process), and a public body of work that showcases your thinking and differentiates you from others.Focus on Patterns and Behaviors Over Demographics: When identifying your niche or audience, prioritize the patterns, behaviors, and values of those you serve best, rather than just their demographic details. This leads to more meaningful connections and effective authority building.Create a Cohesive Body of Work Outside of Feed-Based Platforms: Relying solely on social media can be limiting due to its ephemeral nature. Building authority is more effective on platforms you own—like blogs, newsletters, or podcasts—where your content forms a cohesive and accessible body of work.
Top TakeawaysFinally, pick the medium you’re most comfortable with – or as Jessica puts it – pick the method for authority building that you’ll actually use.
Show Notes
Jessica Lackey ★ Support this podcast ★ -
In this bonus episode, I share a gratitude-inspired look at the tools and habits that have shaped my year, including my favorite apps, services, and hardware. From time-saving actions to game-changing tech, this episode offers a sneak peek into my “favorites of the year” and how they’ve helped me reclaim time and focus.
Links
ObsidianBlank Spaces AppThe BrickI'm on BlueskyAudibleChatGPTKindle ColorsoftMy iPhone Home Screen ★ Support this podcast ★ -
Have you ever been playing with your kids or trying to relax, but your mind keeps drifting back to work? Trust me, you’re not alone! It can feel frustrating – and it can feel like you’re failing to achieve “work/life balance.”
That’s why I brought on Lindsey Carnick, a licensed clinical social worker and owner of Onward Psychological Services.
We get into how our minds work, the importance of aligning with our personal values, and practical strategies to stop overthinking – BUT ALSO why there’s no shame in those random work thoughts.
If you’re done feeling shame for work thoughts hijacking your free time, and want to learn how to be more in control of your reaction to them, this is a perfect episode for you.
Something that puts my mind at ease with work is knowing things are still chugging along, even when I’m sleeping, thanks to my automations. Want a head start? Download my free automations database at https://streamlined.fm/freebieTop Takeaways
Accept the Mind’s Wanderings: It’s natural for your mind to think about work during personal time. Instead of resisting or feeling guilty about these thoughts, acknowledge them without judgment.Align Actions with Personal Values: Understanding and prioritizing your personal values helps in making decisions that lead to a fulfilling life.Write to Manage Thoughts: Writing down thoughts can help clear your mind and prevent intrusive ideas from occupying mental space. Plus, once you write things down, the words on the page won’t change!Show Notes
Lindsey CarnickLindsey on LinkedinLindsey on InstagramThe Black Swan ★ Support this podcast ★ -
It’s the annual gift guide episode! Except, instead of just talking at you for 40 minutes, This year, I’ve teamed up with my good friend Cat Mulvihill to bring you the ultimate 2024 Gift Guide for solopreneurs and anyone working from home. We talk home goods, tech, productivity, EDC, and more.
Our main goal fits perfectly with the mission too: we want to help you solve a problem…not just spend money unnecessarily.
Whether you’re shopping for yourself or looking for the perfect gift for the solopreneur in your life, we’ve got you covered with thoughtful, problem-solving recommendations that’ll make the work-from-home experience smoother and more enjoyable.
And let us know, what’s something you can’t live without? Leave a message at streamlinedfeedback.com
Cat MulvihillCat on LinkedInCat’s YouTube Channel
Find CatWant a special discount on all the Elgato stuff we mentioned? Use Cat's link and discount code:
https://elgato.sjv.io/catmulvihillRebate Code at checkout: ZZ-CatMulvihillHome and Office
Dual Basket Air FryerOXO Coffee Grinder (I incorrectly said “Bonavita” during the show, which is my coffee maker)Tea KettleLamy Fountain PenJoe’s Pen Buyer’s GuideOofos SandalsTech
RocketbookRock Paper PencilDoc PoppsKindle ColorsoftKobo eReadersStream Deck PlusStream Deck NeoCat’s Stream Deck Essentials CourseElgato Prompter Elgato Light Remote BrickPhilips SmartSleep Alarm ClockiFixIt KitRØDE Micro Mobile Wireless MicsDJI MicExternal Hard DriveEDC
The James Brand Folsom KnifeShady Rays SunglassesNomad Watch BandsBeats Case for iPhone 16 ProBellroy WalletOura RingSoftware
Ecamm LiveTella.tvContains affiliate links
(00:00) - Introductions and Advice(04:06) - Comforts of Home (15:32) - Tech and Gear (42:07) - Everyday Carry Essentials (47:48) - Software Recommendations for Black Friday (55:07) - Removing Friction in Daily Life ★ Support this podcast ★ -
Bringing a VA into your business can free up your time and help you focus on growth, but finding and effectively working with the right VA requires clarity on what you need, a structured hiring process, and simple, ongoing communication.
Many solopreneurs are overwhelmed by the process of hiring and working with a VA. You may not know where to start, what tasks to delegate, or how to ensure the VA’s work aligns with your business goals. This leads to hesitation, missed opportunities, and often burnout from handling too many tasks alone.
So today, I’m going to tell you how I work with my VA, and give you a 4-step process for finding and successfully working your VA.
Want that VA Notion template I mentioned? Head on over to https://streamlinedfeedback.com/ and leave a message!
Define and Delegate Key Tasks: Start by identifying tasks that take up the most time but don’t require your direct involvement. Using the “perform, evaluate, and remove” framework helps clarify which tasks are best suited for delegation to a VA.Select and Test Multiple Candidates: To find a suitable VA, post a job on platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or onlinejobs.ph, then test a shortlist of candidates on the same task. Evaluating each VA’s work on a small project helps gauge their skills and attention to detail.Create Videos for Each Task: Use video tutorials to record yourself completing each task, explaining each step clearly. Have the VA transcribe these instructions and write out steps, creating a documented process that they can refer back to as they work. ★ Support this podcast ★
Top Takeaways -
A few months ago I launched a free private podcast called Joe’s Audio Notes. The episodes are very short (7 minutes or less), where I share my thoughts on being a solopreneur, a podcaster, a parent, and other thoughts related to being a productive member of society.
I'm sharing 3 of the episodes here (which you can find in the chapter markers):
Thinking About my Content StrategyHow do you pick the right idea?Battling the work hangoverIf you like it, I'd love for you to join!
You can sign up for free here.
(00:00) - Intro(01:22) - Thinking About my Content Strategy(07:00) - How do you pick the right idea?(12:42) - Battling the work hangover ★ Support this podcast ★ -
Ever thought about creating an online course that truly makes a difference? One that actually helps people accomplish their goals? That’s exactly what guitar coach Den López has done. He transformed his life from being a car mechanic in Barcelona to becoming a successful online guitar instructor.
We’ll talk all about how he created the “Guitar in One Hour” Method that helps beginners play songs quickly without the usual frustration, his unique approach to designing courses that focus on actionable outcomes and real skill acquisition, and why he believes in giving away his best content for free to build trust.
If you’ve ever wanted to build a flexible lifestyle business, deliver an online course that actually gets results, or need that push to follow your passion, this episode is a must-listen.
Prioritize Actionable Outcomes in Your Courses: Focus on helping students achieve specific skills or results, and embed practical exercises within your lessons to encourage active participation and skill acquisition.Provide Immediate Value to Build Trust: Offer valuable content for free to address your audience’s immediate needs, and use lead magnets that solve specific problems quickly.Utilize Simple and Accessible Technology: High-quality content doesn’t require expensive equipment. Using basic tools like a smartphone can be effective and efficient.
Top TakeawaysShow Notes
Den LópezLearning guitar FREE Download ★ Support this podcast ★ -
Being a business owner is hard. So is being a parent. So why don’t we hear more about how to do both well? Fret not – that’s why I brought Kim Caloca-Madden onto the show.
We dive deep into why business owners with kids should build systems and how automation can be a game-changer for busy parents. Kim shares her personal journey from being a stay-at-home mom needing to generate income to becoming a powerhouse in business automation.
We also cover how automation enhances consistency and efficiency in your business, practical steps to start automating today, even if you’re a newbie, Kim’s favorite tools for streamlining tasks and managing time, and balancing parenthood and entrepreneurship without losing your sanity.
Want to get a head start on your automation journey with my free Automations Database? Go to https://streamlined.fm/freebie to download it.
Automation Enhances Consistency and Efficiency: Implementing automation in business processes helps deliver a consistent customer experience and reduces human error.Start Small with Automation: Begin by automating simple, repetitive tasks that consume time. Examples include task management, calendar synchronization, and email responses.Automation Requires Maintenance and Human Oversight. And remember, not all tasks should be automated; human interaction is necessary for certain aspects to maintain a personal touch.
Top TakeawaysShow Notes
Kim Caloca-MaddenAutomators PodcastGetting Things Done by David Allen ★ Support this podcast ★ -
The summer had one lasting effect I didn’t notice until recently: I made my schedule pretty open for anyone who wanted to meet. I didn’t want them to be limited to my limited availability, so I tried to be as open as possible. But over the last 2 weeks —really since my episode with Conny, I realized that I’ve let everyone else control my calendar.
I’ll take a meeting with almost anyone bc I feel they are the best way to form relationships, but I’m not vetting those people. I’m not creating boundaries for my meetings either. I even have a calendar that’s totally open for friends — but I’ve sent it to more than friends.
If you’re a busy solopreneur — especially a parent or someone with other obligations — this can kill productivity.
So how do we fix it? That’s what we’re talking about today.
One Big Problem: I’m not guarding my timeOne Small Fix: Cal.comFeedback: Working with a VAGet your free automations database at https://streamlined.fm/freebie
Top Takeaways
You need to control your own calendar instead of letting other people control it.That means asking yourself when you can block time off for no meetings, how many meetings you want to take in a day, and what’s the criteria for if you take a meeting or not.Cal.com is an excellent tool for creating a system that will manage your calendar for you.Show Notes
Cal.comSubmit feedback ★ Support this podcast ★ -
My love-hate[but mostly hate] relationship with social media is well documented. It feels like a time-suck where you get into arguments with people who don’t care about anything you say. People tell me it’s great to grow your business…I just don’t see it.
But Katie Brinkley has changed that for me. She elevates CEOs to become thought leaders and disruptors in their industries. And she does it mostly through social media.
By the end of this episode, she’ll give you strategies for choosing the right social networks, posting (3-4 times per week max), as well as how to waste less time and make more sales.
Want to hear a longer, ad-free version of this episode where Katie and I talk about brand social media vs. personal social media? Become a member of Streamlined Solopreneur Accelerated.
Top Takeaways
Select the Right Platforms: Focus on one or two platforms where your target audience is most active. Remember each platform has its own culture.Prioritize Genuine Engagement: Spend time connecting and commenting on others' posts to build relationships. Engagement is more impactful than frequent posting without interaction.Use Hashtags Strategically: Identify and engage with hashtags your ideal clients are using. This approach helps you connect more effectively with your target audience.Show Notes
Katie Brinkley Stampede Social on InstagramManychatThe Social Shift ★ Support this podcast ★ - Vis mere
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