Shows
The Bootstrapped Founder398: The Hidden Cost of Being FirstWhen Python's dominant package manager pip was challenged by newcomer uv—which is so fast users think it's broken—it revealed a fundamental truth about first-mover advantage that every founder needs to understand. Discover why being first means building "unavoidable complexity," how smart competitors exploit this weakness, and the strategic framework for deciding whether to pioneer a market or build a better mousetrap.The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/the-hidden-cost-of-being-first/The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/the-hidden-cost-of-being-firstCheck out Podscan, the Podcast database that transcribes every podcast episode out there minu...2025-06-2711 minThe Bootstrapped Founder397: When Profitability Disappears — A Podscan Reality CheckToday’s episode represents the reality of entrepreneurship—not just the wins, but the difficult decisions and uncertainty that come with building something new. Sometimes the most valuable conversations happen when we're honest about the challenges we're facing.The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/when-profitability-disappears-a-podscan-reality-check/ The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/397-when-profitability-disappears-a-podscan-reality-checkCheck out Podscan, the Podcast database that transcribes every podcast episode out there minutes after it gets released: https://podscan.fmSend me a voicemail on Podline: https://podline.fm/arvidYou'll find my weekly artic...2025-06-2017 minThe Bootstrapped Founder396: Jack Friks — Building Tools That Empower Without OverwhelmingJack Friks (@jackfriks) is the founder of PostBridge, a social media scheduling tool that grew from his own frustration with spending hours posting across platforms to a $18k/month business. We explore the evolution of social media toward authenticity, the challenges of building lean products as a solopreneur, and how to navigate the noise while maintaining a genuine human connection in an AI-driven world.The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/jack-friks-building-tools-that-empower-without-overwhelming/ The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/396-jack-friks-building-tools-that-empower-without-overwhelmingCheck out Podscan, the Podcast database that transcribes every podcast episode out...2025-06-1839 minThe Bootstrapped Founder395: From Code Writer to Code Editor: My AI-Assisted Development WorkflowMy day-to-day coding looks very different from what it was a few years ago. Today, you'll learn about my voice-to-code workflow and how I leverage smart tools to have so much free time that I feel guilty for "not working enough." Seriously.The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/from-code-writer-to-code-editor-my-ai-assisted-development-workflow/The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/395-from-code-writer-to-code-editor-my-ai-assisted-development-workflowCheck out Podscan, the Podcast database that transcribes every podcast episode out there minutes after it gets released: https://podscan.fmSend me a voicemail on Podline: https://podline.fm/arvidY...2025-06-1326 minThe Bootstrapped Founder394: Taylor Otwell — The (Quite Entrepreneurial) Creator of LaravelTaylor Otwell (@taylorotwell) didn't just create the popular open-source framework Laravel. He turned it into a highly profitable business that helps developers build profitable businesses themselves. Few other open-source devs have such a clear understanding of market needs AND developer requirements. Taylor shares his approach to monetizing freely available code, how he intentionally built an ecosystem of free and paid-for tooling, and where the Laravel journey will go.The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/taylor-otwell-the-quite-entrepreneurial-creator-of-laravel/ The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/394-taylor-otwell-the-quite-entrepreneurial-creator-of-laravelCheck out Podscan, the Podcast database that transcribes...2025-06-1141 minThe Bootstrapped Founder393: AI is a Threat to SaaS MultiplesSoftware-as-a-service business acquisitions are in trouble. What is responsible for a downward trend in multiples and acquisition dollar amounts? It has a lot to do with AI, but it may not be what you think.I recently recorded an in-depth session for Rob Walling's SaaS Launchpad. This module is called AI in SaaS, and I share over a dozen pitfalls, unobvious risks, and hard-earned insights from my own AI SaaS building journey. The course was already great, but... you know... ;) Use the code ARVID150 to get $150 off until June 8th.The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com...2025-06-0623 minThe Bootstrapped Founder392: Building AI Businesses Without Breaking the InternetEver heard of model collapse? It occurs when AI models are trained on the outputs of previous AI models. And it's not pretty.I recently recorded an in-depth session for Rob Walling's SaaS Launchpad. This module is called AI in SaaS, and I share over a dozen pitfalls, unobvious risks, and hard-earned insights from my own AI SaaS building journey. The course was already great, but... you know... ;) Use the code ARVID150 to get $150 off until June 8th.The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/building-ai-businesses-without-breaking-the-internet/ The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/building-ai-businesses-without-breaking-the-internet2025-05-3022 minThe Bootstrapped Founder391: AI is Flipping Our Relationship with TechnologySecond brains were all the rage a year ago. Now, it feels like we're not just externalizing our thoughts; we're training a much bigger, much less personal brain. A first brain. THE brain. Is this a good thing? Are we truly the beneficiaries here?The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/ai-is-flipping-our-relationship-with-technology/The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/391-ai-is-flipping-our-relationship-with-technologyCheck out Podscan, the Podcast database that transcribes every podcast episode out there minutes after it gets released: https://podscan.fmSend me a voicemail on Podline: https://podline.fm/arvid2025-05-2325 minThe Bootstrapped Founder390: When to Choose Local LLMs vs APIsWhen I started Podscan, I wanted to go full local AI. Self-hosted, self-managed, self-serving. But that tune has changed. Here's what to think about when contemplating a local AI strategy.The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/when-to-choose-local-llms-vs-apis-a-founders-real-world-guide/ The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/390-when-to-choose-local-llms-vs-apisCheck out Podscan, the Podcast database that transcribes every podcast episode out there minutes after it gets released: https://podscan.fmSend me a voicemail on Podline: https://podline.fm/arvidYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com2025-05-1616 minThe Bootstrapped Founder389: The Founder's First Hire: When to Let Go of Your WeaknessesIt's time. Solopreneurship works for a while, but it can't last forever. Not for me, not for Podscan. We need help.The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/the-founders-first-hire-when-to-let-go-of-your-weaknesses/The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/389-the-founders-first-hire-when-to-let-go-of-your-weaknessesCheck out Podscan, the Podcast database that transcribes every podcast episode out there minutes after it gets released: https://podscan.fmSend me a voicemail on Podline: https://podline.fm/arvidYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter...2025-05-0914 minThe Bootstrapped Founder388: The Job To Be Done: Understanding Customer Value CommunicationPMF is MIA without JTBD. Make sense? :DThe "job to be done" sits at the core of my customer's use of my product. I need to understand it to understand them. To fathom their needs.This week, I'll share how I approach that — and why it's taken me years to get here.The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/the-job-to-be-done-understanding-customer-value-communication/The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/388-the-job-to-be-done-understanding-customer-value-communicationCheck out Podscan, the Podcast database that transcribes every podcast episode out there minutes after it gets released: https://po...2025-05-0211 minThe Bootstrapped Founder387: Your API Documentation is Not For Developers AnymoreAPI docs used to be by and for developers. Now, non-technical people use AI tools to build integrations into our SaaS products. We need to rethink how we communicate with them (and the AI agents that write their code).The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/your-api-documentation-is-not-for-developers-anymore/ The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/your-api-documentation-is-not-for-developers-anymoreCheck out Podscan, the Podcast database that transcribes every podcast episode out there minutes after it gets released: https://podscan.fmSend me a voicemail on Podline: https://podline.fm/arvidYou'll find my...2025-04-2511 minThe Bootstrapped Founder386: One Year of Podscan: Reflecting on Tech & Business DecisionsThis week, I'm sharing behind-the-scenes choices that allowed Podscan's growth from a small experiment to a thriving business. I'll delve into the choices I've made and how some have worked better than others. I'll explore the key decisions that have driven our success, such as selecting the right tools and technology, and utilizing AI to enhance the efficiency of our processes. Join me to learn how these choices, along with important upgrades and strategic partnerships, have contributed to our achievements.The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/one-year-of-podscan-reflecting-on-tech-business-decisions/The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/386-one-year-of-podscan-reflecting-on-tech-business-decisions2025-04-1824 minThe Bootstrapped Founder385: The Balancing Act: Free Trials, Value Demonstration, and Business SustainabilityJust how much of your service should a trial user be allowed to "try"? When it costs you real money to supply your product, when and how do you apply limits so that people have to upgrade?That's my challenge this week, and I'll share a concrete example from my journey with Podscan.The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/the-balancing-act-free-trials-value-demonstration-and-business-sustainability/ The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/385-the-balancing-act-free-trials-value-demonstration-and-business-sustainability Check out Podscan, the Podcast database that transcribes every podcast episode out there minutes after it gets released: https://podscan.fm2025-04-1115 minThe Bootstrapped Founder384: Podscan's Profitability Milestone: What's Next?Podscan is profitable. Wild. A great success, a year after starting the business, and a fun opportunity to look at the options that lay before me. What will be my next milestone? What's the ultimate goal here?Well, you'll hear all about it today.The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podscans-profitability-milestone-whats-next/ The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/podscans-profitability-milestone-whats-nextCheck out Podscan, the Podcast database that transcribes every podcast episode out there minutes after it gets released: https://podscan.fmSend me a voicemail...2025-04-0421 minThe Bootstrapped Founder383: Repositioning Podscan: From Monitoring to Data PlatformLast week, in my hotel room just after MicroConf, I got excited about repositioning. I have had some time to think about the steps forward since then, and here's what I've come up with. This week, I dive into what I have already done, what needs to be done next, and where this is going.The blog post: https://tbf.fm/episodes/383-repositioning-podscan-from-monitoring-to-data-platform The podcast episode: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/repositioning-podscan-from-monitoring-to-data-platform/Check out Podscan, the Podcast database that transcribes every podcast episode out there minutes after it gets released: https://podscan.fm2025-03-2818 minThe Bootstrapped Founder382: I went to MicroConf in New OrleansAnd I have a few things to say.In one of my rare directly-from-the-hotel-room-to-you episodes, I'll dive right into the many wonderful experiences of this uniquely amazing conference, and I'll share my biggest learnings with you right here.The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/i-went-to-microconf-in-new-orleans/ The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/382-i-went-to-microconf-in-new-orleansCheck out Podscan, the Podcast database that transcribes every podcast episode out there minutes after it gets released: https://podscan.fmSend me a voicemail on Podline: https://podline.fm/arvidYou'll find...2025-03-2116 minThe Bootstrapped Founder381: How AI Changes Famous Laws in Software and EntrepreneurshipThe rise of AI is fundamentally changing and challenging the classic laws and principles of software development and entrepreneurship. Drawing from my experience building Podscan.fm with AI assistance, I dive into how laws like Conway's Law, Brooks' Law, and Postel's Law are being transformed in this new era of AI-assisted development, while sharing practical insights for founders and developers navigating this shifting landscape.The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/how-ai-changes-famous-laws-in-software-and-entrepreneurship/The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/381-how-ai-changes-famous-laws-in-software-and-entrepreneurshipCheck out Podscan to get alerts when you're mentioned on podcasts: https...2025-03-1424 minThe Bootstrapped Founder380: Experiment Report: Trying New ThingsWhen I talked to Anne-Laure Le Cunff earlier this week, we get into experiments and how to run them effectively. That made me think that I've been running quite a few of those recently, and here's how that has worked out for me.The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/experiment-report-trying-new-things/ The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/380-experiment-report-trying-new-thingsCheck out Podscan to get alerts when you're mentioned on podcasts: https://podscan.fmSend me a voicemail on Podline: https://podline.fm/arvidYou'll find my weekly article on...2025-03-0723 minThe Bootstrapped Founder379: Anne-Laure Le Cunff — Tiny ExperimentsAnne-Laure Le Cunff (@neuranne) is a neuroscientist and author of the book Tiny Experiments, where she shines a scientific light on how we set goals, what experiments we should think about, and how we can deal with uncertainty in a high-stress world.We chat about goals, reprogramming your own subconscious, and how learning in public can benefit anyone on any journey.The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/anne-laure-le-cunff-tiny-experiments/The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/379-anne-laure-le-cunff-tiny-experimentsCheck out Podscan to get alerts when you're mentioned on podcasts: https://podscan.fm2025-03-0532 minThe Bootstrapped Founder378: Think with AI, Do with PeopleI'm not usually trying to create FOMO in other founders — I know all too well that we're busy enough with what we're building.But if you're not using chat-based AI to collaborate with (both in your business and outside of it), you're playing the game on hard mode.I'll share a few stories today of why this particular kind of virtual collaborator helps me so much in my business.The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/think-with-ai-do-with-people/The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/378-think-with-ai-do-with-peopleCheck out Podscan to...2025-02-2819 minThe Bootstrapped Founder377: Virality is PoisonousThe most insidious consequence of chasing virality isn't that it makes you look foolish; it's that you're actively poisoning your precious audience.Here's what "playing the algorithm" might do to (instead of for) your personal and professional brand.The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/virality-is-poisonous/The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/377-virality-is-poisonousCheck out Podscan to get alerts when you're mentioned on podcasts: https://podscan.fmSend me a voicemail on Podline: https://podline.fm/arvidYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https...2025-02-2111 minThe Bootstrapped Founder376: Justin Moore — Becoming a Sponsor MagnetJustin Moore (@justinmooretfam) knows a thing or two about sponsors. He's responsible for dozens of episodes of this very podcast to be sponsored! And what he taught me, he'll teach you.I was VERY hesitant when I started looking at sponsors. I thought that would dilute my brand. Make me a sellout. But that's a self-limiting belief — and Justin will give you the tools to profitably reprogram your mind to embrace alignment and value-added sponsorship relationships for whatever you do.The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/376-justin-moore-becoming-a-sponsor-magnet/The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm...2025-02-1937 minThe Bootstrapped Founder375: Mute those “Dings”When notifications prevent you from focusing on your actual work, you know you're in trouble. Here's how I approach the balance between keeping an eye on the critical parts of the business and focusing on the deep work that needs to get done.The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/mute-those-dings/The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/375-mute-those-dingsCheck out Podscan to get alerts when you're mentioned on podcasts: https://podscan.fmSend me a voicemail on Podline: https://podline.fm/arvidYou'll find my weekly article on...2025-02-1411 minThe Bootstrapped Founder374: Indie Hacking Databases at ScaleDatabases are hard. Making the right choices early and keeping things running smoothly even when budget pressures and customer requests start piling on — that's the hard part that many solopreneurs and indie founders struggle with.I certainly do.So here's a journey through my learnings and experiences from running SaaS offerings with sizeable —talking about terabytes of data— databases.The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/indie-hacking-databases-at-scale/ The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/374-indie-hacking-databases-at-scaleCheck out Podscan to get alerts when you're mentioned on podcasts: https://podsca...2025-02-0724 min