All Episodes

Sometimes running a business can feel a bit like the curse of Sisyphus — pushing a boulder up a hill, only to have it roll back down again. Futile labor…because we dared to find life’s loopholes. But the difference between us and Sisyphus is we’re not cured. And our problems are totally fixable.Today, I’m going to tell you about my D.A.D. Framework: how to Document, Automate, and Delegate your way out of overwhelm. Then I’ll tell you about a resource to help you figure out where to start.What You'll Learn:Why running a business can make you feel like the mythical SisyphusThe three pillars of the D.A.D. framework and how to implement each oneReal automation examples that save hours without expensive toolsHow to delegate effectively (even with basic-level VAs)A 6-question diagnostic to identify where you're struggling mostWondering how the D.A.D. Framework can help you? Take the Business Overwhelm DiagnosticShow NotesLooking for help with business overwhelm? Check out The Control Room.Watch on YouTubeTake the Overwhelm Diagnostic: streamlined.fm/overwhelmEpisode 486 with Charlotte Crowder: streamlined.fm/486Send feedback: streamlinedfeedback.com

I'm calling out something that's been bothering me since ChatGPT-5 launched - people are getting upset about AI "changing its voice" and referring to these tools as teammates. This kind of personification is dangerous because it gives AI agency it doesn't actually have. Just like you wouldn't call a hammer your teammate, we need to remember AI is simply a tool that gives statistically likely responses.This description was written by Claude AI.

Ready for the ultimate tech setup tour? After getting tons of questions about my gear and tools, I'm pulling back the curtain on EVERYTHING I use to run my business - from my $3000+ recording setup to the analog tools that keep me organized.In this comprehensive walkthrough, I cover my entire recording studio (Sure SM7B, RoadCaster Pro 2, Sony A6400), the software that powers my business (Kit, Notion, Todoist), my Spartan travel setup, and even my favorite pens and notebooks.Plus, I'll share why I'm considering going "AI vegan" and which tools are worth the investment vs. the ones you can skip.Whether you're building your own podcast setup, looking to streamline your solopreneur business, or just love geeking out over productivity tools, this episode has something for you.Are you overwhelmed by the number of tools you have? Not sure what you can eliminate vs. which you need? Get the, take the Business Overwhelm DiagnosticTop TakeawaysSeparate "business critical" software from nice-to-have apps - My core apps don’t change super often. But there are a bunch I like to try and tinker with to see if they’ll work better.Automation tools should enhance, not complicate your workflow - My change back to Zapier due to user-friendly troubleshooting and testing capabilities matter more than saving money when things break.Analog tools still have their place in digital workflows - Physical notebooks, quality pens, and handwritten planning complement digital systems by providing different cognitive benefits and serving as reliable backups when technology fails.Want the full list with links? Everything mentioned is at https://casabona.org/usesWhat's your essential business tool? Let me know at https://streamlinedfeedback.com

I have a confession to make: I use my GPS every time I drive. It’s not that I don’t know where I’m going. It’s that I’ve told myself, “the GPS knows more than me – it has traffic data!” Nick Bennett pointed out on LinkedIn that there was a time before GPS, when people knew how to read a map…or just get around. And that was a present in today’s guest’s mind when he made a big decision. Joe McKay is a LinkedIn Ghostwriter who used AI for everything…until the day he decided he’d go AI Vegan. Today we’re going to talk about what it meant for his business and his mind, and if you should try it too. Want to go AI Vegan but worried you’ll be even less productive? Take the Business Systems Diagnostic and let’s see how we can fix your systems! Top Takeaways:Joe found that, after a while, he was more concerned with whether or not people could tell if his writing was AI-generated, and less about what his customers…and their audience…actually needed. AI gives us the ability to do more, faster. But you’re making a choice – a bunch of prefab, low-quality stuff, or high-quality, hand-crafted work. But Joe and I have deeply considered what we’re losing by outsourcing to AI. Much like exercise, you need to actually do the knowledge work for you to stay sharp. Is AI dulling the skills we’ve staked our business on?Show Notes:Joe McKay on LinkedInJoe’s Beehiiv Nick’s GPS post on LinkedInAm I Outsourcing My Brain to AI? [Audio Note]I want to hear from you! Send your feedback to https://streamlinedfeedback.com. *While I usually use AI to help me write the descriptions and takeaways, this time around, I decided to go AI Vegan, out of respect for Joe! 

I spent the week at the beach thinking about my signature framework, but honestly, I’m struggling to define what I really want to do and how I want to help people. Despite all the different ways I currently serve clients - from podcast coaching to building automations - I’m frustrated that I don’t have a clear answer about my core purpose. I’m asking for your input: if we had coffee together for an hour, what would you ask me for help with professionally?Write in at https://streamlinedfeedback.com Episode description written by Claude AI

I used to lie awake at night thinking about tomorrow's tasks and couldn't be present with my family because my mind was stuck on work problems. Sound familiar? The game-changer wasn't better time management—it was creating clear boundaries between work mode and family mode.After years of working until the last possible second and then feeling mentally scattered during family time, I finally did something about it. Now I have a system that lets me be fully present with my kids while knowing nothing important will slip through the cracks.I'll walk you through my complete startup and shutdown routine system, from monthly planning all the way down to my daily brain dump.If you're tired of checking email at the playground or thinking about work during bedtime stories, this episode will show you exactly how to create the mental boundaries that actually work.Do you struggle to stop thinking about work when you’re with your family? Take the Business Overwhelm Diagnostic and get the plan you need to fix it.Top TakeawaysCreate intentional day planning - Use a startup routine to decide what you'll accomplish before opening email or social media, preventing reactive scrambling through your inboxBuild context-switching boundaries - Startup and shutdown routines act as mental flags that signal when work begins and ends, especially crucial for home-based solopreneurs without commutesImplement a brain dump system - The most important habit is unloading everything from your mind at day's end so you can be fully present with family without worrying about forgotten tasksShow NotesFree Startup and Shutdown Routine TemplatesWatch on YouTubeObsidianTodoistWhisper MemosZapierChatGPTTodoist integration for ObsidianGoogle Calendar integration for ObsidianToggl plugin for ObsidianAmanda GoetzChris LemaHave questions, comments, concerns? Send your feedback to https://streamlinedfeedback.com

I just updated my /now page for the first time in a while, and it’s become much more comprehensive than before. I walk through all the new sections I’ve added - from current projects and media consumption to streaming services and personal details. There’s also a fun revelation about my five-CD changer playlist that’s surprisingly close to what I actually had back in the day.Check out my /now page hereThis description was written by Claude AI.

My dad's furious "never again" phone call to some faceless company stuck with me for decades. Fast forward to last weekend: I'm rage-quitting Dropbox after a seemingly small slight.Sound familiar? If you're a chronic tool switcher like me, you know that moment when you've had enough. But here's what nobody talks about—switching tools isn't just about clicking "cancel subscription." That’s why today I want to talk about what the actual costs are, and how to determine when to switch tools — when it will cause more clarity than chaos.Are tools just part of the problem? Take the Business Overwhelm DiagnosticTop TakeawaysThe hidden costs of switching tools go way beyond money—you're investing time to learn new systems, mental energy on decision-making, potential workflow disruption, and losing the knowledge you've built up with your current tool.Write a job description for your tools to evaluate if there's true feature parity between what you have and what you're considering—switching for the sake of switching rarely pays off.Test before you fully commit and consider how the switch affects your team members, contractors, and existing automations—I learned this the hard way when my editor's workflow got disrupted.Sometimes switching back is the right move—there's no shame in admitting a tool change didn't work out, especially if you can easily reverse course.Send feedback to at https://streamlinedfeedback.comShow NotesWhen do you burn it all down and start over?Why You’re Leaving Money on the Table with Email Automation with Kronda AdairDropbox VAT Tax PolicyGoogle Workspace Business Standard (Sorry I said starter during the episode)RSS.com

I’m wrestling with a realization from Justin Moore’s 10K Brand Challenge - I don’t have a place for my audience to hang out and connect. I’m exploring options like Slack, Discord, and Circle, but feeling stuck on which platform makes sense for parent solopreneurs and my “chaos to clarity” framework development. This is a raw, unresolved brainstorm about community building and why I think it’s essential for my content strategy.This description was written by Claude.

Picture this: you're on a discovery call, your kids are making noise upstairs, and you're trying to explain what you do while mentally juggling dinner plans. Sound familiar? You're not alone—and there's a solution that goes way beyond just "trust me, I'm good."I sat down with Charlotte Crowther, the mastermind behind some of the most recognizable frameworks in online business, to uncover how signature frameworks can transform your entire business. From eliminating the dreaded "so what exactly do you do?" conversation to creating content that practically writes itself, Charlotte breaks down why visual frameworks aren't just pretty diagrams—they're business-changing systems.We dive into the hidden costs of winging it every time, why acronyms aren't always the answer, and how one simple visual can become the blood running through your business veins. Plus, you'll discover the one question every solopreneur should ask before creating their framework.Wondering how you can take your business from Chaos to Clarity? Take the Business Overwhelm Diagnostic.Special thanks to Kit for letting us use their studios! Learn more about them here.Top Takeaways:Frameworks are knowledge organizers, not just pretty visuals — they give structure to your expertise using both verbal and visual elements to help people understand faster and remember longer. Start with the outcome, not your content — instead of mining through your 100 newsletters for a framework, ask "what specific result do I want to enable?" then design backwards from there.Your framework becomes your business operating system — it informs your content strategy, sales conversations, course structure, and even team training, creating consistency across everything you do.Show NotesSignatureFramework.coSponsor MagnetUnveiling my Personal Brand with Hollie ArnettLeave Feedback at streamlinedfeedback.com

I’m done letting AI dictate my content strategy and worrying about episode number parity while my downloads tank. After months of overthinking tactics, I’m simplifying everything by making my podcast the center of my content universe. Here’s how I’m cutting through the decision fatigue and getting back to what actually works: showing up generously for my audience.Article: How I Let AI Ruin My Podcast Content StrategySend feedback at https://streamlinedfeedback.com This description was written by Claude AI.

Remember when ChatGPT first came out and it felt revolutionary? Well, that was just the beginning. Things are moving so fast in the AI world that by the time you figure out one tool, three new ones have launched. That's exactly why I brought Charlie Guo on the show—he's an AI engineer who actually understands this stuff and can explain it without making your head spin.We talked about what's actually happening behind the scenes with AI right now, why most "AI agents" aren't really what they claim to be, and Charlie's brilliant system for turning your random thoughts into polished blog posts. If you're feeling overwhelmed trying to keep up with AI while juggling your business and family, this episode will help you cut through the hype and focus on what can actually save you time.Feeling overwhelmed in your business? Take the Business Overwhelm Diagnostic. Top TakeawaysAI got way better at thinking things through, which is likely why we’ve seen an explosion in tools and use. They are much better at “reasoning” now.Most "AI agents" are just fancy automation tools that follow scripts you set up, not true assistants that can figure things out on their own and take action without your constant guidance.AI is finally starting to connect to your actual apps (like your email, calendar, and project management tools), which means we're getting closer to having a real digital assistant that can do stuff for you.You can turn car ride rambling into first drafts by recording voice memos of your ideas, then having AI organize them into actual articles—no more staring at blank screens.Let AI handle the grunt work, but keep the good stuff for yourself—use it for research and organizing, but don't let it write your insights or replace your personal voice that connects with people.Test AI with your own tasks every few months to see what it can actually do for your specific business instead of getting caught up in all the marketing hype about what it might do someday.Show NotesThe State of AI EngineeringTutorial: How to streamline your writing process with Whisper and GPT-4Dealing with AI Fatigue

I’m wrestling with whether I’m becoming too dependent on AI for critical thinking, especially after it helped me create an entire quiz for my business. While I don’t use it for actual writing, I’ve noticed I’m defaulting to AI for brainstorming, research, and problem-solving more quickly than I used to. I’m exploring the line between helpful automation and potentially weakening my own thinking muscles.What do you think? Send feedback to https://streamlinedfeedback.com This episode description was written by Claude AI.This was also published on my Audio Notes only feed, Joe’s Audio Notes. Let me know if you want to see more episodes like this. 

Remember when coding meant years of computer science classes and debugging late into the night? Well, things have changed. I recently sat down with Susan Bowles, founder and fellow solopreneur, to dive into the world of "vibe coding" — essentially describing what you want to AI and having it write all the code for you.While I had a nearly flawless experience with ChatGPT writing 2,000 lines of WordPress code for an underscoped client project, Susan's journey with Google Scripts was more of a write-test-fail-repeat cycle. We explored how this technology is reshaping not just how we build things, but potentially eliminating entry-level programming positions while creating new challenges around security and best practices.The conversation took an interesting turn when I shared my recent Claude horror story — what started as a simple quiz creation turned into building an entire WordPress plugin, only to realize I should have just used Gravity Forms from the beginning. Sometimes the smartest tool isn't the shiniest one.Special thanks to Kit for letting us use their studios! Learn more about them hereWant my AI Swipe file? Go here: https://streamlined.fm/automationTop TakeawaysVibe coding works best when you already understand the fundamentals — AI is great at writing code, but terrible at making decisions about what that code should actually doSecurity remains a major blind spot — AI will happily tell you to put API keys in plain text unless you know enough to question itThe technology excels at helping you execute cool ideas quickly and get to beta testing faster, but shouldn't be the foundation of a fundable businessShow NotesPart 2 of this conversation on "Calm is the New KPI"My previous episode: "I Vibe Coded a Client Project"Cortex podcastAustin ChurchChatGPTClaudeLovableZapierMake.comConvertKit (now Kit)streamlinedfeedback.comDisclaimer: Claude pretty much wrote this whole description based on the transcript.

I always say to use what you’ll actually use. For Famous Ashley Grant, that’s Google Workspace. And today, she’s telling us all about how she uses it to manage literally everything in her life – from client work to meal planning.Ashley's story hit home for me. Before implementing her system, she was constantly working too many hours, missing deadlines, and snapping at loved ones over simple questions like "what's for dinner?" Now she has a full system inside Google Sheets – and you’re going to learn exactly how it works. Want access to my database of 40+ automations and AI prompts for free? Get it here: https://casabona.org/streamlined Top TakeawaysHaving a central system for capturing tasks, ideas, and deadlines frees up mental space and reduces stress - Ashley calls her client work "quests" and "quest givers" to make tracking work more funTreating yourself as a "client" in your productivity system ensures your personal projects actually get completedQuick capture is essential - immediately add things to your system when you think of them or receive them (like license renewal notices)Check out my other shows at https://network.streamlined.fm Show NotesFamous Ashley GrantFamous Ashley on InstagramFamous Ashley on FacebookFamous Ashley on XFamous Ashley on LinkedIn

It’s an Automation AMA! From scheduling social media content to making kids' lunches (yes, really), fellow solopreneurs shared their biggest time-wasters. I ended up creating custom automation solutions for everything from podcast guest research to email management.Special thanks to Kit for letting me record in their Studios! I highly recommend them for email and newsletters!Get my free automations database at **https://streamlined.fm/automation** (powered by Kit, natch)Top TakeawaysSocial media scheduling can be mostly automated using a this kind of workflow: keep video details in Notion or Google Sheets, trigger Zapier when updated, and automatically schedule posts through Buffer or similar tools.Email overwhelm has multiple solutions including using Sanebox and Todoist for organization, plus Zapier watching for specific emails by subject or sender to automatically process them with custom workflows.Podcast guest research becomes manageable with tools like PodMatch for automated guest suggestions, intake forms for self-selection, and Google Alerts or PodScan to identify experts in your niche.AI transcription and summarization saves hours on client calls by automatically processing Zoom transcripts through ChatGPT with custom prompts for different call types (discovery, coaching, etc.).YouTube chapter creation gets easier when you use tools like Ecamm Live's marker button during recording, then search edited transcripts for your noted timestamps instead of relying on AI timing.The "one platform, do it well" approach beats spreading yourself thin across all social media—pick LinkedIn or another single platform and focus your automation efforts there.Show NotesSee the entire conversation hereHow I Keep my Email at Inbox ZeroAutomate Email Management with SaneBoxMy Brown M&M for Podcast Guest PitchingGrowth in Reverse PodcastPodMatchSanebox - Email filtering serviceTodoist - Task managementBuffer - Social media schedulingZapier - Automation platformNotion - All-in-one workspaceEcamm Live - Live streaming softwarepodscan.fm

I'm recording from Kit Studios in Boise while attending conferences, which got me thinking about something crucial to my business success—my travel system. As someone who travels frequently for networking and conferences, I've developed a streamlined approach that keeps me organized and stress-free on the road.My system revolves around two essential apps: Flighty for flight tracking (which often knows about delays before airlines do) and Apple Notes for keeping all trip information in one easily accessible place. But the real magic happens with my "New Trip" shortcut that automates the entire trip planning process—from creating calendar events to generating custom packing lists based on trip length and type.I also swear by checking bags instead of dealing with carry-ons, mainly because I travel with items that can't go through security, but also because it lets me move through airports quickly with just my backpack. Plus, I share some thoughts on Southwest's recent policy changes and how they might affect family-friendly travel.Special thanks to Kit for letting me record in their Studios! I highly recommend them for email and newsletters!Get my free automations database at https://streamlined.fm/automation (powered by Kit, natch)Top Takeaways:Flighty is a game-changer for frequent travelers — it provides real-time flight tracking with AI forecasting that often alerts you to delays before airlines do, plus it tracks connections and terminal transfer timesCreate a "New Trip" shortcut to automate trip planning — mine calculates trip length, adds calendar events, generates custom packing lists, and creates project templates in one tapSet up dedicated travel and conference focus modes — customize your home screen with essential widgets (time at home, flight info, maps) and silence non-essential notificationsLinksMy iPhone Focus ModesFlighty - Flight tracking app with AI forecastingApple Notes - For trip organization and quick referenceWidgetsmith - For custom widgets (QR code display)Whisper Memos - Voice note recordingTicci Tabs - Bookmark manager appTodoist - Project management for work tasksApple Reminders - For packing lists and personal tasksMacSparky - David Sparks' site (source of packing list shortcut inspiration)Send Feedback

I've been on a mission to use my phone way less this year, sparked by reading The Anxious Generation and that magical Disney World trip where I barely touched my phone. The solution? iPhone focus modes - my secret weapon for controlling the fire hose of information instead of letting it control me.Think about it: you finally sit down to get some real work done, and your phone starts buzzing with calendar alerts, group chats going off, and random notifications. It's enough to make you want to throw it out the window.Focus modes let you take back control by choosing exactly who and what can reach you in different contexts.I've crafted focus modes for every part of my day - from the gym to my ultra-strict "Green Zone" mode for deep work (where I can literally only see time tracking widgets). Each mode has custom home screens, specific apps, and even changes my Apple Watch face to match what I'm doing.*Want a peek into how I’ve created more time? Check out my free automations database and AI swipe file at https://casabona.org/streamlined*Top TakeawaysFocus modes are custom "Do Not Disturb" profiles that let you control which people and apps can interrupt you based on what you're doing - think of them as digital boundaries for different parts of your day.You can automate focus modes to turn on based on time, location, or when you open specific apps, so you don't have to remember to switch them manually (my fitness mode turns on when I get to the gym, personal mode kicks in at 6 PM).The goal isn't to be unreachable, it's to be present - focus modes help you context switch with intention instead of fighting your phone for the ability to concentrate on what matters in that moment.Show NotesScreenshots: Lock Screens | Home Screens | Focus ModesThe Anxious GenerationScreenTime+OpalFlightyFitBodEcamm LiveFantasticalThe BrickMy 2025 Yearly ThemeLeave Feedback at https://streamlinedfeedback.comCheck out all of my shows at https://network.streamlined.fm

Last year, my wife and I made the somewhat terrifying decision to skip summer camp for our kids to save $9,000-$10,000 and spend more intentional time together. It wasn't perfect—I gave myself a solid B—but we survived, and more importantly, we're doing it again this year.The financial savings were huge, but the real motivation was recognizing we're in a limited window where our kids actually want to hang out with us. Since we have the flexibility as solopreneurs to create our own schedules, why not use it? Last year taught me some hard lessons about communication, boundaries, and realistic expectations.This time around, I'm better prepared with clearer work boundaries, more structured activities for the kids, and honest conversations with my wife about what we both need to stay sane.Want a peek into how I’ve created more time? Check out my free automations database and AI swipe file at https://casabona.org/streamlinedTop TakeawaysThe real cost of summer programs goes beyond money—it's about recognizing the limited time window when your kids actually want to spend time with you, and leveraging the flexibility that comes with being self-employed.Structure matters for everyone—kids need predictable routines to avoid emotional meltdowns, and parents need clear work boundaries to prevent every meeting request from hijacking their already limited schedule.Time blocking becomes non-negotiable when you have less time to work—protecting your green zone (peak productivity hours) and limiting meetings to one day per week helps maximize focused work time.

I'll be honest—I don't officially do web development anymore. But when a nonprofit asked for help, I thought I could knock out a simple WordPress portal in 25 hours using no-code tools like Zapier and Advanced Custom Fields. Boy, was I wrong.What started as a straightforward project quickly turned into a nightmare of under-scoping and tool limitations I never saw coming. Zapier didn't work with WordPress custom post types the way I expected. Advanced Custom Fields still requires custom coding for Gutenberg blocks after seven years. Google Sheets automation had quirks I'd never encountered. It was starting to look more like 60 hours, not 25.That's when I reluctantly turned to ChatGPT for help—and it completely saved my butt. Instead of writing custom code from scratch or going back to the client with double the budget, I started "vibe coding." I'd describe the problem, ChatGPT would write the solution, and we'd iterate together. It wrote nearly 2,000 lines of code for me, handled complex features I would've needed premium plugins for, and let me stay flexible when the client requested changes.The result? A 30-hour project instead of 60, a happy client, and a reminder that sometimes the tools we resist most can be the ones that save us.*Want 40+ automations plus my AI swipe files? Head over to https://casabona.org/streamlined*Top TakeawaysVibe coding can be a massive force multiplier, even if you're not a developer—ChatGPT walked me through everything and cut my project time in halfAlways scope projects more carefully by testing tool limitations upfront, especially when assuming "obvious" features exist (spoiler: they often don't)AI coding made me more flexible and agreeable to client requests because I wasn't emotionally attached to hand-written codeShow NotesI built an app with AI and now I’m scared for WordPressHow to vibe code: 11 vibe coding best practices to start building with AI