Episodes

  • AI is revolutionizing the way I work as a solopreneur. So why not share exactly how I use it?

    You'll hear how I use AI tools for everything from coding to marketing, and how they've become my secret weapon for punching above my weight. I also get into the nitty-gritty of the challenges and limitations of AI, and how I navigate them. If you're curious about how AI can supercharge your solo business, this episode's got you covered.

    And stick around for my thoughts on the future of AI in software development - I think you'll find it pretty exciting!

    This episode is sponsored by Podscan.fm

    The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/the-ai-powered-solopreneur/

    The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/347-the-ai-powered-solopreneur


    Check out Podscan to get alerts when you're mentioned on podcasts: https://podscan.fm
    Send me a voicemail on Podline: https://podline.fm/arvid

    You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com

    Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast

    Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter


    My book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/

    My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/

    My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com

    Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.
    - Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx
    - Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid
    - TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid
    - HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60
    - AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ
    - Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q
    - ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

  • It started with a minor refactoring. It ended with an avalanche that almost caused an infrastructure explosion. From code to collapse — and a few weeks of frantic restoration. That's what Podscan was for the last 2 weeks.

    Here's why dealing with external data and its scale can be very dangerous for indie founders.

    This episode is sponsored by Podscan.fm

    The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/when-podcasts-attack-the-unexpected-challenges-of-external-data/

    The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/346-when-podcasts-attack-the-unexpected-challenges-of-external-data


    Check out Podscan to get alerts when you're mentioned on podcasts: https://podscan.fm
    Send me a voicemail on Podline: https://podline.fm/arvid

    You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com

    Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast

    Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter


    My book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/

    My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/

    My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com

    Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.
    - Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx
    - Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid
    - TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid
    - HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60
    - AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ
    - Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q
    - ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

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  • Welcome to the weird world of web scraping in the AI age, where founders have to protect their data from hungry AI companies but also need to collect information from all kinds of (not so) public APIs.

    Today, I dive into a particularly confusing situation I am in with Podscan when it comes to scraping and keeping the web free and open.

    This episode is sponsored by Podscan.fm

    The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/crawl-or-be-crawled/

    The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/345-scrape-or-be-scraped


    Check out Podscan to get alerts when you're mentioned on podcasts: https://podscan.fm
    Send me a voicemail on Podline: https://podline.fm/arvid

    You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com

    Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast

    Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter


    My book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/

    My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/

    My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com

    Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.
    - Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx
    - Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid
    - TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid
    - HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60
    - AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ
    - Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q
    - ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

  • Andrew Davies (@andjdavies) runs marketing for Paddle, the payment provider that powers several of my businesses. They also recently ran an AI launchpad accelerator, which massively impacted the trajectory of my business, Podscan. It's about time we chat more about money on the pod.

    Today, I get to talk to Andrew about all things payment, why a Merchant of Record is something way too few bootstrappers leverage, and what the future holds for online payments.

    This episode is sponsored by Podscan.fm

    The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/andrew-davies-the-power-of-a-merchant-of-record/

    The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/343-andrew-davies-the-power-of-a-merchant-of-record


    Check out Podscan to get alerts when you're mentioned on podcasts: https://podscan.fm
    Send me a voicemail on Podline: https://podline.fm/arvid

    You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com

    Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast

    Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter


    My book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/

    My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/

    My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com

    Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.
    - Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx
    - Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid
    - TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid
    - HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60
    - AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ
    - Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q
    - ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

  • This week, instead of writing code, I delegated it — to AI. I've been doing this a lot lately.

    But does that mean I am losing my ability to code? And what about people learning how to code? Is AI serving them, or does it block them from learning the real thing?

    Here's what's happening in software development, if it's even worth bothering with, and what new coders should know about AI.

    This episode is sponsored by Podscan.fm

    The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/the-evolution-of-coding-in-the-ai-era/

    The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/the-evolution-of-coding-in-the-ai-era


    Check out Podscan to get alerts when you're mentioned on podcasts: https://podscan.fm
    Send me a voicemail on Podline: https://podline.fm/arvid

    You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com

    Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast

    Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter


    My book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/

    My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/

    My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com

    Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.
    - Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx
    - Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid
    - TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid
    - HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60
    - AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ
    - Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q
    - ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

  • I gave up going to tech conferences. But that probably is an outdated opinion, particularly since as an entrepreneur, I benefit much more from hanging out with my peers.

    Here's what changed and why you should really consider going to these events if you're an indie founder.

    This episode is sponsored by Podscan.fm

    The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/should-indie-hackers-go-to-tech-conferences/

    The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/344-should-indie-hackers-go-to-tech-conferences


    Check out Podscan to get alerts when you're mentioned on podcasts: https://podscan.fm
    Send me a voicemail on Podline: https://podline.fm/arvid

    You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com

    Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast

    Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter


    My book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/

    My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/

    My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com

    Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.
    - Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx
    - Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid
    - TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid
    - HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60
    - AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ
    - Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q
    - ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

  • Feeling the weight of success can be just as challenging as the climb to get there. At any point during your journey, you're confronted with having to make choices where the outcome is uncertain.

    I'm right in that position.

    So let's dive into a balancing act between the grand vision and the minutiae of running a business.

    This episode is sponsored by Podscan.fm

    The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/striking-a-balance/

    The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/341-striking-a-balance


    Check out Podscan to get alerts when you're mentioned on podcasts: https://podscan.fm
    Send me a voicemail on Podline: https://podline.fm/arvid

    You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com

    Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast

    Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter


    My book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/

    My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/

    My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com

    Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.
    - Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx
    - Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid
    - TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid
    - HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60
    - AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ
    - Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q
    - ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

  • @kerollmops, the technical brain behind the open-source search engine Meilisearch, joins me for a nerdy chat about all things search.

    I’ve been using this blazing fast tech for my own business, podscan, and kero has helped me through a few challenges over the last few weeks. I really want to dive into the economics of building a business on top of an open-source piece of software.

    Let's chat about self-hosted search engines today!

    This episode is sponsored by Podscan.fm

    The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/kerollmops-from-hackathon-to-success-the-meilisearch-story/

    The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/340-kerollmops-from-hackathon-to-success-the-meilisearch-story


    Check out Podscan to get alerts when you're mentioned on podcasts: https://podscan.fm
    Send me a voicemail on Podline: https://podline.fm/arvid

    You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com

    Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast

    Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter


    My book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/

    My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/

    My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com

    Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.
    - Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx
    - Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid
    - TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid
    - HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60
    - AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ
    - Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q
    - ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

  • Is it a good idea to guide your users through your app when they sign up? Or does it show that your interface is too convoluted?

    The answer is: yes. Both. And it depends on what you're building, who it's for, and what they expect.

    This episode is sponsored by Podscan.fm

    The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/does-your-saas-need-a-user-tour/

    The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/339-does-your-saas-need-a-user-tour


    Check out Podscan to get alerts when you're mentioned on podcasts: https://podscan.fm
    Send me a voicemail on Podline: https://podline.fm/arvid

    You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com

    Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast

    Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter


    My book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/

    My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/

    My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com

    Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.
    - Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx
    - Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid
    - TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid
    - HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60
    - AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ
    - Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q
    - ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

  • I ran into a pretty substantial question this week.

    Am I working in my business, or am I working on my business? I've been spending so much time building features, talking to customers, – it's operational work in the trenches. It’s taking small steps, looking at the ground, instead of dreaming of giant leaps while gazing at the stars.


    So, what can I do to get out of this?

    You'll hear it here today.

    This episode is sponsored by Podscan.fm

    The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/working-in-vs-working-on-the-business/

    The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/working-in-vs-working-on-the-business


    Check out Podscan to get alerts when you're mentioned on podcasts: https://podscan.fm
    Send me a voicemail on Podline: https://podline.fm/arvid

    You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com

    Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast

    Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter


    My book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/

    My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/

    My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com

    Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.
    - Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx
    - Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid
    - TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid
    - HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60
    - AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ
    - Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q
    - ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

  • What happens when something that was good enough isn't good enough anymore?

    Unscalable hands-on experiments work great in the early stages of a business. But what if you run into the scale problem without wanting to? (And what do you do about it when everything explodes while you figure it out?)


    This episode is sponsored by Podscan.fm

    The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/doing-things-that-dont-scale-unintentionally/

    The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/337-doing-things-that-don-t-scale-unintentionally


    Check out Podscan to get alerts when you're mentioned on podcasts: https://podscan.fm
    Send me a voicemail on Podline: https://podline.fm/arvid

    You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com

    Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast

    Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter


    My book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/

    My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/

    My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com

    Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.
    - Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx
    - Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid
    - TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid
    - HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60
    - AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ
    - Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q
    - ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

  • `Indie Hackers have sinned. They allowed the seven deadly sins into their founder lives. And now we must cast them out.

    Well, let's be a little bit less dramatic. We already have enough drama in our busy founder lives.

    Still, something about the seven deadly sins translates pretty well into how many indie hackers comport themselves. Here's where we find greed, sloth, pride, wrath, envy, gluttony, and lust in the world of SaaS entrepreneurship. And, more importantly, how we can avoid them all.

    This episode is sponsored by Podscan.fm

    The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/the-7-deadly-sins-of-indie-hacking/

    The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/336-the-7-deadly-sins-of-indie-hacking


    Check out Podscan to get alerts when you're mentioned on podcasts: https://podscan.fm
    Send me a voicemail on Podline: https://podline.fm/arvid

    You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com

    Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast

    Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter


    My book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/

    My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/

    My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com

    Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.
    - Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx
    - Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid
    - TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid
    - HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60
    - AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ
    - Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q
    - ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

  • These last weeks have been a bit much.

    What do they say? “Take a break before the break takes you?”

    Well, I got quite close to that this week.

    This episode is sponsored by Podscan.fm

    The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/tipping-over/

    The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/355-tipping-over


    Check out Podscan to get alerts when you're mentioned on podcasts: https://podscan.fm
    Send me a voicemail on Podline: https://podline.fm/arvid

    You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com

    Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast

    Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter


    My book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/

    My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/

    My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com

    Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.
    - Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx
    - Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid
    - TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid
    - HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60
    - AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ
    - Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q
    - ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

  • Do you want to win the game or keep on playing?

    Today, I'll dive into a mentality shift I experienced recently while building Podscan: how about I just get rid of all the "professional posturing?"

    Here's to being sincere and not being too serious!

    This episode is sponsored by Podscan.fm

    The blog post :https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/sincere-not-serious/

    The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/334-sincere-not-serious


    Check out Podscan to get alerts when you're mentioned on podcasts: https://podscan.fm
    Send me a voicemail on Podline: https://podline.fm/arvid

    You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com

    Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast

    Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter


    My book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/

    My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/

    My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com

    Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.
    - Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx
    - Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid
    - TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid
    - HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60
    - AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ
    - Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q
    - ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

  • @Kitze, a Serial indie hacker and entrepreneur, shares his journey through a landscape filled with multiple projects like Sizzy, a browser for developers, Benji, a productivity app, and a comprehensive full-stack video course.

    Kitze opens up about how his ADHD diagnosis has shaped his work ethic and productivity, revealing the personal motivations behind creating tools like Benji. True indie hacker fashion: he built a tool that he needed for himself. And that kickstarted a lot of other things.

    His candid anecdotes offer a rare glimpse into the life of a busy founder who constantly balances feature development, user experience design, and the demands of a growing user base.

    00:00:00 Building Benji
    00:03:42 Juggling Multiple Projects and Responsibilities
    00:11:15 Founder's Dilemma
    00:20:02 Navigating Founder-Investor Alignment
    00:27:57 Marketing Strategies for Aspirational Products
    00:33:41 Balancing Work-Life Priorities and Responsibilities

    This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

    The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/kitze-juggling-projects-adhd-and-the-indie-hacker-lifestyle/

    The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/333-kitze-juggling-projects-adhd-and-the-indie-hacker-lifestyle

    You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com

    Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast

    Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter


    My book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/

    My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/

    My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com


    Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.
    - Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx
    - Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid
    - TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid
    - HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60
    - AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ
    - Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q
    - ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

  • What happens when the 'small bets' strategy leads to a big win, and you're not prepared for it?

    Well, you adapt! So that's what I'm working on this week: figuring out a way forward now that circumstances have shifted.

    This episode is sponsored by Podscan.fm

    The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/beyond-small-bets-embracing-the-big-play/

    The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/332-beyond-small-bets-embracing-the-big-play


    Check out Podscan to get alerts when you're mentioned on podcasts: https://podscan.fm
    Send me a voicemail on Podline: https://podline.fm/arvid

    You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com

    Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast

    Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter


    My book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/

    My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/

    My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com

    Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.
    - Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx
    - Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid
    - TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid
    - HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60
    - AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ
    - Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q
    - ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

  • Geoff Roberts (@GeoffTRoberts) is the co-founder of Outseta, and he's halfway there, 7 years in. Outseta —the SaaS starter kit and the business behind it— is built and operated on a multi-decade timeline, and it's not been easy to achieve profitability. Geoff shares the ups and downs of a long and painful story; what it means to think and operate both in the here and now as well as focusing on the birds-eye view when it comes to bootstrapping a SaaS business.

    We also dive into Outseta's choose-your-won adventure compensation model: a full-time salary of $210,000 for everyone with massive flexibility and choice.

    Enjoy this conversation with a veteran of self-funded software.

    00:00:00 Building a Platform for SaaS Businesses
    00:11:39 The Journey of Building Outsetta
    00:17:47 Founding Team Alignment and Bootstrapping
    00:26:01 Revolutionizing Compensation and Company Culture

    This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

    The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/geoff-roberts-playing-the-long-game/

    The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/333-geoff-roberts-playing-the-long-game

    You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com

    Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast

    Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter


    My book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/

    My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/

    My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com


    Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.
    - Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx
    - Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid
    - TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid
    - HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60
    - AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ
    - Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q
    - ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

  • This week was a duality of extremes for me. On one hand, I experienced an unprecedented growth spurt in my user numbers, while on the other hand, I stumbled into frustrating scarcity and infrastructure problems. That’s entrepreneurship for you: big wins while struggling to not lose control of the whole thing.

    The juxtaposition of these two experiences in a single week was both challenging and enlightening. Today, I want to share the story of navigating the good and the bad simultaneously.


    This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

    The blog post: https://tbf.fm/episodes/330-50-new-users-overnight-and-a-burning-server

    The podcast episode: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/50-percent-new-users-overnight-and-a-burning-server


    Check out Podscan to get alerts when you're mentioned on podcasts: https://podscan.fm
    Send me a voicemail on Podline: https://podline.fm/arvid

    You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com

    Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast

    Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter


    My book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/

    My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/

    My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com

    Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.
    - Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx
    - Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid
    - TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid
    - HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60
    - AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ
    - Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q
    - ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

  • Generative AI used to be for early adopters. But now, Apple is bringing it to every iPhone. What does this mean for indie founders?

    This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

    The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/ai-for-the-rest-of-us/

    The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/329-ai-for-the-rest-of-us


    Check out Podscan to get alerts when you're mentioned on podcasts: https://podscan.fm
    Send me a voicemail on Podline: https://podline.fm/arvid

    You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com

    Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast

    Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter


    My book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/

    My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/

    My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com

    Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.
    - Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx
    - Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid
    - TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid
    - HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60
    - AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ
    - Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q
    - ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

  • A few months ago, I raised a low 6-figure investment for Podscan. Here's the conversation between me and my investor, @tylertringas, that happened just before I signed the contract.

    You usually don't get to listen in for one of those. Today, you will.

    Tyler and I discuss how the Calm Company Fund navigates the alignment challenge between founders and investors, what makes a business like Podscan investable, and the risks of funding a portfolio of niche bootstrapped businesses.

    Tyler on X: https://x.com/tylertringas

    00:00:00 Bootstrapper-Compatible Funding
    00:06:23 Profit Sharing and Standardizing Investment Agreements
    00:12:53 Investor-Founder Alignment & Site Projects
    00:22:30 Side Project Management in Investments
    00:28:18 Early Stage Financing Investment Considerations
    00:40:50 Valuation and Investment Strategy Art
    00:48:19 Entrepreneurial Collaboration and Forward Planning

    This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

    The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/negotiating-bootstrapper-funding-with-tyler-tringas/

    The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/328-negotiating-bootstrapper-funding-with-tyler-tringas

    You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com

    Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast

    Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter


    My book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/

    My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/

    My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com


    Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.
    - Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx
    - Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid
    - TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid
    - HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60
    - AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ
    - Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q
    - ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw