How I Built It

The last time I went on vacation, I told people I wasn’t bringing my laptop. You know what they said? “Good job! That’s great.” The proper reaction should have been, “Obviously. Why would you bring work on vacation?”But that’s not the culture we live in here in the USA. Overworking and hustling is glorified. That’s why I’m excited to talk to Maegan Megginson.Maegan is a licensed therapist and holistic business mentor who believes every solopreneur can and should take sabbaticals—not just to rest, but to actually create a healthier, more sustainable business. In fact, she’s made sabbaticals a cornerstone of her business model and helps others do the same.We talked about how solopreneurs can actually make time for a sabbatical (even if you’re the breadwinner), what it looks like to step away without disappearing, and how to come back stronger, while avoiding burnout. This wasn’t some woo-woo talk about “finding yourself.” It was a practical, grounded look at how to create space in your business when it feels li

Remember when late-night hosts went remote during the pandemic and somehow looked worse than your average Zoom call? Even with massive budgets, their setups were rough. Meanwhile, I’ve managed to build a solo video production workflow that looks better than theirs — with no crew.In this episode, I walk through the tools and tech I use to replicate a full video studio by myself. I share how I record faster, cut editing time in half, and publish polished content — whether it’s courses, YouTube videos, or shorts — all without burning out. If video production has ever felt overwhelming to you, this is your permission to simplify.Top TakeawaysYou don’t need a crew — you need a system. With the right tools and prep, you can create professional-looking videos solo, without wasting hours on editing or setup.Ecamm Live is the command center. It handles everything — multiple cameras, screen sharing, overlays, and real-time scene switching — all mapped to buttons on my Stream Deck.Gling.ai cuts editing time by 80%. It a

Video is becoming an essential tool for solopreneurs, and having good camera presence can help you build trust and authority faster. But showing up well on video isn’t just about buying the right camera—it’s about understanding energy, framing, lighting, and how to create an engaging presence. I sat down with Luria Petrucci, a longtime video expert, to break down what solopreneurs need to know about looking and feeling confident on camera—without overcomplicating it.Plus, we dig into the psychology of video—how your background, body language, and even the way you use a teleprompter can make a huge difference in how your audience perceives you.If video has felt like a heavy lift, this episode will help you simplify the process and get started with a system that works for you.I want to hear from you! Send your feedback to https://streamlinedfeedback.com. Top TakeawaysThe camera steals energy – You need to bring 2-3x more energy than you think to avoid looking flat on screen.Good audio is more important than goo

I’ve been on a mission to help solopreneurs cut through friction—especially when it comes to using AI. And one major pain point? Staring at a blinking cursor, not knowing what to ask ChatGPT. If you’ve ever wasted time retyping prompts, getting inconsistent results, or forgetting what worked last time, this one’s for you.I finally built an AI swipe file—a collection of reusable prompts, templates, and context that lets me get better, faster results from tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini. In this episode, I break down how I’m using AI right now, what’s in my swipe file, how it saves me time, and which tools I use to manage everything. I also shared some prompts from listeners about how projects in ChatGPT are starting to replace parts of my swipe file.If you’ve been meaning to get more consistent with your AI usage—or want to avoid typing the same prompt for the 100th time—this is your sign to start a swipe file.Top TakeawaysA swipe file isn’t just for copywriters—it’s a game-changer for AI. Think of it as

AI isn’t just a passing trend—it’s a game-changer for solopreneurs looking to streamline and automate their businesses. Or is it? I’ve always been AI hesitant, but I’ve also been using it a lot more. So today's guest, Damien Schreurs, and I discuss how AI is shifting from simple task automation to handling cognitive work, why people struggle to accept it, and how solopreneurs can embrace AI without losing their unique touch. We also get really in the weeds with AI-powered workflows that save time, reduce manual work, and help you focus on what matters most in your business.I want to hear from you! Send your feedback to https://streamlinedfeedback.com. For all of the links mentioned in this episode, go to https://streamlined.fm/468Top TakeawaysAI is the next big automation revolution. Just like electricity or the internet, AI is here to stay, and solopreneurs who adapt early will benefit the most.AI isn’t a robot—it’s an automation tool for thinking tasks. AI models don’t create original ideas, but they can an

 What started as a rebrand for Podcast Workflows turned into a full re-evaluation of my entire business. After conversations with my mastermind group and some deep reflection, I realized I wasn’t just serving podcasters—I was helping solopreneurs create space in their businesses through automation, systems, and smart workflows. Holly guided me through a brand strategy process that helped me clarify my audience, messaging, and positioning, leading to a full personal rebrand.  For all of the links mentioned in this episode, go to https://streamlined.fm/467Top TakeawaysNiching down feels scary, but it makes it easier for the right people to find and hire you.Clarity in branding makes decision-making easier, from product offerings to content creation.A good brand should reflect your personality and values—mine even incorporates my love for baseball and spaciousness.Show NotesNiching down feels scary, but it makes it easier for the right people to find and hire you.Clarity in branding makes decision-making easier,

Most solopreneurs already have a brand, whether they realize it or not—it's the perception people form about them based on their content, messaging, and presence. But without intentional branding, that perception is left to chance. Holly Arnett breaks down the difference between a personal brand and a business brand, the importance of branding beyond just logos and colors, and how a strong brand makes it easier to market yourself, attract the right clients, and streamline decision-making.Got something to say? Write in at https://streamlinedfeedback.com For all of the links mentioned in this episode, go to https://streamlined.fm/466Top TakeawaysA brand is not just colors and logos—it’s the perception people have of you.Branding is the process of shaping and controlling that perception intentionally.A strong personal brand makes you more recommendable—people should easily be able to describe what you do and who you help.Show NotesHollie ArnettMakers and Moxie ★ Support this podcast ★

I HATE feeling friction with tech that’s supposed to make my life easier. And I love my iPhone, but I feel the friction sometimes. Apple Shortcuts can help solopreneurs automate repetitive tasks and reduce that friction. Today I break down some of my favorite shortcuts to show you how I make my life easier and help you come up with ideas. Whether it’s streamlining content creation, organizing tasks, or even just cleaning up screenshots, the right shortcuts can save time and reduce friction.The key takeaway? Look for areas where you repeatedly perform the same actions and build shortcuts to handle them. If you’re constantly adding things to reminders, capturing notes, or planning travel, there’s likely a way to make it easier.For all of the links mentioned in this episode, go to https://streamlined.fm/465Top TakeawaysApple Shortcuts can automate daily tasks, from capturing notes and managing to-dos to preparing for trips and cleaning up your phone’s clutter.The best shortcuts remove friction—if a task feels te

I hate CRMs. I know I need one—I’m doing more coaching, getting more inbound leads, and ranking in the top three organic search results for podcast coaches on Google.But no matter how many times I’ve tried HubSpot, Zoho, or whatever the flavor of the week is, they’ve never fit into my workflow.So I did a totally normal, not weird thing: I built my own CRM.In this episode, I walk through the simple system I set up using Notion, Todoist, Make.com, and my website. I’ll share why I built it this way, how it automates lead tracking and follow-ups, and why reducing friction is the key to sticking with any system.Plus, I’ll show you how you can apply this same approach to streamline your own processes—without forcing yourself into tools that don’t work for you. For all of the links mentioned in this episode, go to https://streamlined.fm/464Top TakeawaysThe best CRM (or any tool) is the one you’ll actually use—start simple and build on tools you already know.If you struggle with sticking to a system, it’s likely beca

Stephen Robles is not only a Shortcuts and automation expert—he’s also built a successful YouTube channel covering Apple products, smart home tech, and (of course) Shortcuts. But he didn’t just start making random videos. He figured out how to create content that people actually want to watch.In this episode, Stephen breaks down his YouTube strategy: how he finds content ideas, how he packages videos for success, and why your title and thumbnail might be killing your views. If you’re a creator trying to grow on YouTube, this episode is packed with insights.For all of the links mentioned in this episode, go to https://streamlined.fm/463Top TakeawaysYour packaging (title & thumbnail) is everything. If no one clicks, no one watches—so spend time making them compelling.Experiment with content angles. Stephen didn’t review the iPhone 15—he focused just on USB-C, which made his video stand out.Consistency matters, but smart workflows matter more. He records multiple camera angles at once, uses AI to edit, and b

I’ve been talking a lot about automation this year, and one tool that keeps coming up is Apple’s Shortcuts app. So I brought in Stephen Robles, a YouTuber and podcaster who’s been using Shortcuts since it was called Workflows before Apple bought it.We get into what Shortcuts actually does, and how you can use it to automate repetitive tasks, eliminate friction, and make your iPhone way more useful. Stephen also shares some incredible automation ideas, from formatting podcast show notes to controlling smart home devices.If you’ve ever thought, I wish my phone just did this for me, there’s a good chance Shortcuts can make that happen.For all of the links mentioned in this episode, go to https://streamlined.fm/462Top TakeawaysShortcuts can automate almost anything. Whether it’s formatting text, logging data, or running workflows with a tap, it’s a game-changer.The Action Button takes it further. You can assign multiple shortcuts to one button press, making it even more versatile.Home automation can be super smar

Leah and I might be in different stages of parenting, but we have very similar situations — 3 kids, running a business, spouse who also works. So in part 2 of our interview, we jump into the societal expectations of moms and dads, discussing the stark differences in how each is perceived. Leah shares how she navigated running a business while being a hands-on mom and the challenges of unspoken gender roles in parenting. We also discuss our own anxiety with bringing kids up today vs. when we were kids — and how we’re trying to fix it. Top TakeawaysMoms Face More Pressure to “Do It All” – The expectation is still that moms handle home responsibilities, even when they work full-time.Balance Looks Different at Different Stages – Leah’s balance shifted as her kids grew older, and Joe’s approach has to be different with younger kids.Perfection is the Enemy of Good Parenting – It’s okay to not have Pinterest-perfect parties or homemade treats. Focus on being present instead.Show NotesListen to Part 1Leah RemilletBal

Work-Life Balance is a myth! Or is it? In today’s conversation with Leah Remillet, we talk all about our goal as solopreneur parents to have everything – as in “AND,” not “OR.” Leah emphasizes that balance isn’t about equal time for everything but about feeling good in YOUR core areas of life. She explains her framework for achieving work-life balance through priorities, presence, and purpose and offers practical strategies like setting boundaries, system stacking, and discipline to maintain balance.Top TakeawaysSet Boundaries with Your Work – Create office hours, shut down your computer, or build whatever boundaries you need to to make that mental shift.Perfection is a Myth – Instead of focusing on what’s going wrong, focus on the “bright spots” where things go well and build from there.System Stacking is Key – Small, intentional habits (like meal prepping, scheduling breaks, and using alarms) create long-term balance.Show NotesLeah Remillet Balancing Busy PodcastMy 2025 Yearly ThemeThe Brick DeviceThe Anxio

  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 optimization  Timelapse of my Office Rearrangementhttps://youtu.be/H8Ar19kSBjEGot questions or office setup tips? Let me know! ★ Support this podcast ★

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 TakeawaysTriggers 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 yo

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 TakeawaysMy 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 yo

“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 TakeawaysUnderstand 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 NotesWhy You’re Losing Money when You Mow the LawnSend feedback to StreamlinedFeedback.com ★ Suppo

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 TakeawaysEstablish 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 hum

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 TakeawaysLet 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

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/notesShow NotesMy 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 ★