Shows
Justin's brainHow high is customer demand?Successful startups don't create demand. They position themselves in the path of existing demand. In a good market, customers provide their own motivation. Your job isn't to create customer motivation; it's to find where it already exists and then build something that satisfies it.Timestamps:00:00 I was listening to the Offsite podcast. 00:20 What does it take for a customer to take out their credit card?00:46 How high is the customer's desire for the product?01:23 When will a customer buy even when there's friction?01:59 The pitfalls of optimizing...
2025-11-2603 min
The PanelSurviving on the internetJustin is impressed with V0's ability to build working prototypes quickly. We've also got Sora 2 thoughts. And... what should we teach our kids when AI makes everything easy? Brian launches Agent OS v2. Could either of us survive without the internet for more than a day?Timestamps:(00:00) - This can be the show
(00:20) - Prototyping Transistor's episode creation UI in v0
(05:39) - Who would be working on this kind of project at Transistor?
(12:55) - Our thoughts on Sora 2
(21:00) - How will we be able to tell what's human creations vs AI?
(31:40...
2025-10-101h 35
The PanelWhat's in Justin's Buckets?It's Justin's turn in the hot seat to talk about what he's got in his buckets: which projects make the most money? Which take the most time? Where is he focused on breaking new ground? How does Transistor, The Podcast Standards Projects, and other projects he's got going all fit together? Plus: what kind of grit, desire, and resilience do you need to actually build a company that works?Timestamps:(01:09) - Why Brian will never join your Slack
(04:54) - What email client did Brian switch to?
(16:56) - Justin's matrix of boxes
(17:58) - What are...
2025-07-041h 07
Justin's brain"I've changed my mind on AI coding" – Adam Wathan (creator of Tailwind)"I used to be more skeptical than I am now. Especially when everyone was talking about 'one-shotting' and 'vibe coding.' But then I forced myself to download Cursor and build an entire project without typing any code, making the computer type the code for me. I had to throw myself in the deep end."All three of us (Adam, Brian, Justin) give our honest takes on AI and software development, and how it's going to affect our businesses."AI is like keyboard shortcuts on steroids for the things I am an expert in."
2025-06-2723 minThe Panel"I hit my initial goal for my business – what's next?"Justin is wrestling with strategic decisions for Transistor after hitting his initial "success goal," while Brian is two weeks away from launching a new Rails components product and grappling with how to reach his target audience.Timestamps:(00:06) - What are we talking about in this episode?
(01:41) - The importance of a founder or CEO
(05:40) - Learning about marketing from politics
(18:27) - Thinking about the next phase of Transistor
(36:27) - Not knowing how a new product or service will be recieved until you launch it
(48:34) - Being in motion in the direction you think you...
2025-05-091h 26
The PanelSaaS predictions for 2025 – Colleen Schnettler and Tyler KingIs bootstrapping a SaaS dead in 2025? How will AI affect software development as an industry? What's working when it comes to marketing?Justin Jackson (Transistor.fm) and Brian Casel (Instrumental Products) are joined by Colleen Schnettler (SaaS Marketing Gym) and Tyler King (Less Annoying CRM) to debate our predictions for the new year. CHAPTERS:0:00 - What to expect3:25 - Is SaaS Getting Harder in 2025?5:16 - Bootstrapped SaaS is past its prime8:32 - "Can you really build a good product with AI?"12:00 - "No-Code is in trouble, AI makes product discovery...
2025-01-241h 02
The PanelEpisode 1 is coming soonHere's a preview of the first episode of The Panel! Justin Jackson (Transistor.fm) and Brian Casel (Instrumental Products)are joined Colleen Schnettler (SaaS Marketing Gym) and Tyler King (Less Annoying CRM) for a candid discussion about the future of bootstrapped SaaS in 2025. A few highlights:Will starting a SaaS be harder in 2025?Is AI going to really going to kill software development jobs?What's actually going to work when it comes to marketing?How to stand out in an AI eraWhat each of us is focused on for 2025Find us on Bluesky:...
2025-01-1701 minThe PanelThe Panel – smart founders discuss the realities of building a businessWhen it comes to bootstrapping and building software, there's rarely one correct answer.The secret to building better products, profitable companies, and a better life is knowing how to find the best answer for you. That’s the purpose of The Panel podcast. Join hosts Justin (Transistor.fm) and Brian Casel (Instrumental Products) in each episode as they bring together a panel of founders, software developers, and friends to discuss hot topics like:- What's really working in SaaS marketing- The impact of AI on product development- Open source vs...
2025-01-1006 min
The Real Chat with Justin Jackson"Jacob Carr's journey and vision, Justin Jackson's partnership proposal, and building the community's foundation"Jacob Carr shares his inspiring journey of recovery and faith after a debilitating accident on this episode of The Real Chat with Justin Jackson. Alongside Michael Thomas, they explore Carr's vision on disability perspectives and community initiatives. A potential partnership is proposed by Justin, while discussing the core mission of the podcast. Carr's empowering message for 2024 and the concept of community building, likened to pillars and foundation, are also highlighted. The episode concludes with hopeful New Year's wishes.
(0:00) Introduction and Guest Introductions: Michael Thomas and Jacob Carr
(2:35) Jacob Carr's Personal Journey: Accident, Recovery, and Faith
(6:34) Jacob Carr's Vision: Disability Perspectives...
2024-05-3031 minThe Real Chat with Justin JacksonKoke on his musical journey, positivity movement, and future plans with Justin JacksonIn this episode, Justin Jackson and guests Corey, Michael Thomas, and Kokey discuss Kokey's musical journey, his mental health approach, and the birth of his positivity movement. They explore future plans, community initiatives, the importance of empathy, and plans for a positivity rap battle fundraiser.
(0:00) Introduction and Journey of Guest Kokey
(1:35) Freestyle Rap Performance by Kokey
(3:32) Discussion on Kokey's Musical Influence and Early Experiences
(9:03) Kokey's Approach to Mental Health and Fitness
(12:55) Birth and Impact of Kokey's Positivity Movement
(20:26) Future Plans and Sponsorships for the Positivity Movement
(22:34) Community Initiatives and Self-Care Strategies
(37:50) Journey and Future of the Positivity Booth
(45:54) Importance of...
2024-05-2738 min
MegaMaker 2022Bootstrapping with kids and waiting to launchJosh and Justin recorded this on Jan 19th, 2022.Show notesMeeps – the best way to start a membership siteWhy haven't we launched yet?The anxiety of not being able to sleep as an entrepreneur: "how am I going to make this work?"How much revenue does the MegaMaker community make per year?Bootstrapping with kidsSurvey resultsProBar.co – track your progress towards a goal publiclyFind Josh and Justin online:Joshua Anderton on Twitter: @joshuaandertonJoshua's personal podcast: https://www.ramen.fmJustin Jackson on Twitter: @mijustinSupport the show:Le...
2022-02-1448 minMegaMaker 2022Which part of the product will get traction?Sorry this episode is late! Josh and Justin recorded Dec 1st, and I'm publishing it two weeks later.Show notesJustin's Black Friday resultsWhen should we launch? January 15, 2022Francesco's tweet about Typefully revenue vs MailbrewTweet: "With startups, the amount of reward you get (revenue) is based on demand: "How strongly do people want what you're selling?""Find Josh and Justin online:Joshua Anderton on Twitter: @joshuaandertonJoshua's personal podcast: https://www.ramen.fmJustin Jackson on Twitter: @mijustinSupport the show:Leave a review on Apple Podcasts!Please...
2021-12-1640 minMegaMaker 2022How many early access customers did we get?In this episode, Josh and Justin discuss when to open up a SaaS for early-access; and how they're going to use Meeps to make it better.Show notesEarly-access homepageOur early access emailHow we're running early access for MeepsTweet: anyone else noticing a slow August?How Justin does marketing at TransistorFind Josh and Justin online:Joshua Anderton on Twitter: @joshuaandertonJoshua's personal podcast: https://www.ramen.fmJustin Jackson on Twitter: @mijustinSupport the show:Leave a review on Apple Podcasts!Please! Share the show with your...
2021-08-1632 minMegaMaker 2022Is Josh ready for early access?In this episode, Josh and Justin discuss when to open up a SaaS for early-access; and how they're going to use Meeps to make it better.Show notesCasey Neistat interviewSign up for Meeps early access!Meeps video updateFind Josh and Justin online:Joshua Anderton on Twitter: @joshuaandertonJoshua's personal podcast: https://www.ramen.fmJustin Jackson on Twitter: @mijustinSupport the show:Leave a review on Apple Podcasts!Please! Share the show with your friends.The best way to build a membership directory: https://meeps.app
2021-08-0948 minMegaMaker 2022What it takes to run a paid online community (8+ years)I had a conversation about building online communities on Twitter Spaces that I wanted to share with you.Show notesThanks to Vineet Sinha for organizing the Twitter Spaces: https://twitter.com/VineetSinhaFind Josh and Justin online:Joshua Anderton on Twitter: @joshuaandertonJoshua's personal podcast: https://www.ramen.fmJustin Jackson on Twitter: @mijustinSupport the show:Leave a review on Apple Podcasts!Please! Share the show with your friends.The best way to build a membership directory: https://meeps.app
2021-07-1959 minMegaMaker 2022Is truly possible to validate a product idea before launch?In this episode, we answer some questions from MegaMaker members:Val asks: "I'm super curious about this: How much of starting Meeps was a "hunch" rather than a structured discovery?"Ben asks: "Validation, what are ya'll trying right now/soon to get a signal if you're onto something? Also, is there a "company-wide" donut Friday? 😉"Tom asks: "Yes, specifically user discovery: how do you validate that the customer has, knows about, and will pay to solve the problem?"Jon: "(From our remote work discussion in MegaMaker): I'm interested in learning how you work together. Pros/cons?"Show...
2021-07-121h 15MegaMaker 2022Josh gets some runwayIn this episode: Joshua Anderton gets three months of runway so he can work full-time on Meeps.app.Show notesThe benefit of the TALL stack: https://twitter.com/mijustin/status/1409304136504414210MegaMaker community on Meeps: https://megamaker.meeps.app/How did validation work with Transistor? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNDgRcJYAEgProduct Hunt Ship: https://www.producthunt.com/shipJustin's barber: https://www.instagram.com/brett_thebarber/Matty Conrad: https://www.instagram.com/mattyconrad/Podcast hosting: https://transistor.fmTheme music: Striker-metal.comFind Josh and Justin online:Joshua Anderton on Twitter...
2021-06-2843 minMegaMaker 2022Observing customer demand (plus: we reveal the name)This episode Joshua Anderton and Justin explore customer demand; how to recognize it, and where to find it. Plus: what do you think of the name? 😅Show notesThe best way to build a membership directory: https://meeps.appTaylor Otwell's Laravel framework: https://laravel.comAdam Wathan and Tailwind CSS: https://tailwindcss.comPodcast hosting: https://transistor.fmTheme music: Striker-metal.comFind Josh and Justin online:Joshua Anderton on Twitter: @joshuaandertonJoshua's personal podcast: https://www.ramen.fmJustin Jackson on Twitter: @mijustinSupport the show:Leave a review on App...
2021-06-1436 minMegaMaker 2022First, a little backgroundThis season, Justin is making his first investment in Joshua Anderton. In this first episode they talk about the idea for a new SaaS app.Show notesOnline community for indie makers: https://megamaker.coUpscribe: https://upscribe.netJustin's blog post: https://justinjackson.ca/soloriskFamily Budget Calculator: https://www.epi.org/resources/budgetOkanagan Developers group: http://okdg.orgPodcast hosting: https://transistor.fmTheme music: Striker-metal.comFind Josh and Justin online:Joshua Anderton on Twitter: @joshuaandertonJoshua's personal podcast: https://www.ramen.fmJustin Jackson on Twitter: @mijustinSupport the show:
2021-06-0736 minMegaMaker 2022Teaser: trying something new for 2021I'm doing a new season of MegaMaker. This season I'll be investing in Joshua Anderton, and partnering with him on a new project. The first episode is coming soon!You may have noticed: I've deleted all past episodes from this feed. Now I have Transistor.fm, and it's going well. So, for the first time ever, I'm in a position to invest in someone else.That's what we're going to be doing here on MegaMaker. And my first investment is going to be in Joshua Anderton. He's built a product called Upscribe.
2021-06-0105 min
Product PeopleEP101 – Scott Young: teach yourself how to program, finally!I've been trying to learn how to program since 1985. This past year, at 38 years old, I finally figured out how.Questions we discuss in this episode:Is there only "one" way to learn how to code?Why is getting started SO HARD?How did Justin finally figure out a way to learn programming?Show notesGet the book: UltralearningScott's blogPDF: The science of cycologyThe latest from Justin:Want to start a podcast?My podcasting startup: Transistor.fmJoin Justin's newsletter justinjackson.ca/newsletterSend Justin a message...
2019-08-071h 27
MegaMaker 2022Archive (2019): A time capsule of bootstrapping anxietyBack in July 2018, right before we launched Transistor, I was so stressed out about money. What's happened since then?Show notesRead: Bootstrapper's ParadoxMy interview Jason CalacanisTransistor's revenue numbers are publicPodcast hosting: Transistor.fmTheme music: Striker-metal.comFind Justin online:Send Justin a message on Twitter: @mijustinFollow me on TwitchSubscribe on YouTubeSupport the show:Leave a review on iTunes!Join MegaMaker Club
2019-03-1113 min
Product PeopleEP100 – James Clear: improving your life in 2019 with Atomic HabitsJames Clear describes how you can improve your life, using small incremental steps that add up to big wins.Questions we discuss in this episode:How does "what you repeatedly do" affect your identity?How does someone’s context affect their ability to set and maintain good habits? Are good habits only for people of privilege? How can you maintain habits for people with depression, anxiety or attention deficit?How to form habits when your schedule is not in your control? (if you have kids, etc...)If you do fall out of a habit, wha...
2019-01-241h 02
Product PeopleEP99 – Ben Orenstein's new startup is focused on pair programmingBen is the co-founder of Tuple.app and is running a new course called Habits for Hackers.★ Looking for a community of bootstrappers?Join MegaMaker ClubShow notesBen Orenstein on TwitterHabits for HackersMalcolm Gladwell and Rick Rubin talking about Johnny CashBen's working on a new product: Tuple.appBen's episode on Bootstrapped Web TinySeedEarnest CapitalBen's co-founder weekly retro questionslearntopair.com - Ben's guide to pair programmingArt of Product podcastBook: Atomic Habits by James ClearThe latest from Justin:My new startup: Transistor.fmPodcast in 2019!Join Justin's new...
2019-01-021h 07
Product PeopleEP98 – The hard truth about bootstrapping startups (Part 2 with Jason Cohen)Jason Cohen asks Justin Jackson hard questions about his startup, Transistor.fm, and what it's going to take to go full-time.This is the second half of our chat. Part 1 was really just setting the stage. Part 2 digs into the real-life challenges of bootstrapping a business.★ Looking for a community of bootstrappers?Join MegaMaker ClubShow notesPodcast in 2019!Justin's original tweetBlog post: Can you bootstrap on the side?Watch this interview on YouTubeJason Cohen on TwitterThe latest from Justin:My new startup: Tr...
2018-12-171h 10
Product PeopleEP97 – Can you bootstrap a company on the side? (Part 1 with Jason Cohen)When you're building a startup you have these questions:Should I work on my startup on the side, and grow it slowly?Should I take investment and go full-time sooner?These are the questions that have been circulating in my head over the past few months.Which is why when Jason Cohen, founder of WPengine and someone I respect, replied to my tweet, I took note:"It’s difficult to find successful companies where founders didn’t work 80+ hours and took longer than four years to get to $1M ARR. If you're two years in a...
2018-12-1432 min
Product PeopleEP96 – My secret phone call with HamishHamish Macpherson is an engineer at Buffer, and was one of the first people to join MegaMaker.★ Looking for community of bootstrappers?Join MegaMaker ClubShow notesFollow Hamish Macherson on TwitterBufferHamish's Stand to Make side-projectThe latest from Justin:My new startup: Transistor.fmJoin Justin's newsletter justinjackson.ca/newsletterSend Justin a message on Twitter: @mijustinSend Justin a message on Instagram: instagram.com/mijustinSend Justin a message on Snapchat: @mijustin
🎙️ Podcast hosting is provided by Transistor.fm.📺 Learn how to start your own podcast!
2018-11-2357 min
Product PeopleEP95 – "Programming's gateway drug" with Samantha GeitzThis is a great chat with Samantha Geitz, a Senior Developer at Tighten, and the founder of BetaFish.Topics in this episode: Should "business/marketing" people learn programming?What's the difference between messing around and being a serious programmer?Do regular programmers Google for answers?Why English Majors can make great programmers.If you want to learn hard things, do you need to be in a classroom?Why should take a mental health day when you need it.Announcement:Want to speak at a tech conference? I'm doing class called "public speaking f...
2018-11-051h 07
Build & LaunchDid you miss me?I'm baaaaaack! Here’s an update.Show notesSign up for my newsletter: justinjackson.ca/newsletterOn the blog: Maybe you shouldn't be a solopreneurLeave a review on iTunes!Send Justin a message on Twitter: @mijustinSend Justin a message on Instagram: instagram.com/mijustinSubscribe on YouTubePodcast hosting: Transistor.fmTheme music: Striker-metal.comUpdate from 2021: what am I working on these days?A lot has happened since I recorded these episodes: I launched a podcast hosting company, Transistor.fm, with my friend Jon Buda! If you want to hear what I'm up...
2018-08-1402 minProduct PeopleEP94 – Does the old SaaS playbook still work in 2018?So many great topics in this episode: Should developers learn design?Derrick's "viral signup" trickHow important is a personal brand?How to promote your project (while you're still building it)Do software companies need to become more service oriented?Announcement:I'm having a birthday sale! Go to megamaker.co/birthday and get up to 38% off Marketing for Developers, my books, and Product Validation Checklist!Show notesThis is the recording from the Art of Product Podcast. Full episode will be there!Ben Orenstein on TwitterDerrick Reimer on TwitterDerrick's new app: le...
2018-06-1156 min
Product PeopleEP93 – SaaS pricing with Patrick CampbellI'm building a new SaaS in 2018 with my buddy Jon Buda called Transistor.fm. Now, we're trying to figure out our pricing. We're trying not to pretend we know everything there is to know about running a SaaS.So, we wanted to reach out to some experts and get outside opinions about how to create our pricing tiers. So I asked Patrick Campbell, from Price Intelligently, to help give us some direction. He blew my mind. This conversation is incredible, you're going to get so much out of it.Two announcements:Want...
2018-06-0157 min
Product PeopleEP92 – 2018 MicroConf guide with Mike TaberMike Taber (Bluetick) and Rob Walling (Drip) started MicroConf in 2011 as a conference for self-funded startups. It's gone from just over 100 attendees to nearly 500. It's become the place for bootstrappers to hang out.Get $100 off MicroConf Starter EditionGo to megamaker.co/microconf or text "microconf" to (424) 247-5762.Show notesRead the 2018 MicroConf GuideRegister for MicroConfGet $100 off Starter EditionTED - how to make a great presentationDeckSet - make amazing slidesDraftsend - Hiten Shah's new slidesharing appMike Taber on TwitterBluetick - Mike's software companyThe Startups for the Rest of Us...
2018-03-1549 min
Product PeopleEP91 – Josh Nielsen from Zencastr: software for podcastersJosh started out trying to build a "GitHub for music." When that idea didn't pan out, he still wanted to do something with Web Audio and WebRTC. So he started building Zencastr, which gives podcasters the ability to record "double-ender" interviews in the browser.Get all the Mega Profitable case studiesDon't miss any of the future Mega Profitable interviews!★ Sign up here. ★Show notes"I asked a podcaster I knew how much he'd pay, and he said '$20 / month' so that's what I used...
2018-01-0757 min
Product PeopleEP90 – "Give yourself time." Building a profitable business on the Shopify apps platform6 years ago, Bjorn Forsberg built an app called OrderlyPrint for Shopify. His goal was to increase his freedom, and to spend more time with his family. Was able to achieve it? (This is the 5th case study in the Mega Profitable series)
We should measure profitability in other ways. It's not just "financial profitability." There's also "freedom profitability," and "time profitability." Because profitability is really about "getting ahead." So where else are you getting ahead?
Get all the Mega Profitable case studies
Don't miss any of the future Mega Profitable interviews!
2017-11-1848 min
Product PeopleEP89 – "We never wanted to fire anyone," Natalie Nagele on Wildbit's journeyBack in the early 2000s, Wildbit was an agency building Flash websites for Philly nightclubs.Then, in 2007, they launched their first product, Beanstalk. Two years later, they quit doing consulting. Natalie Nagele takes us through their story!Get all the Mega Profitable case studiesDon't miss any of the future Mega Profitable interviews!★ Sign up here. ★Show notesLeave a review on iTunes!beanstalkapp.compostmarkapp.comFrom 2005: Wildbit's client portfolioFollow Natalie on Twitter: @natalienageleWant to contact Justin?Join...
2017-10-2854 min
Product PeopleEP88 – Pippin Williamson from beer money to over $1 million in revenue with WordPress pluginsPippin Williamson started out like a lot of us do: building websites for whoever would pay him. He decided to try selling one of his WordPress plugins. Now, Pippin's Plugins earns over $1 million in revenue a year. This Mega Profitable series aims to help founders, like you, get profitable!Get all the Mega Profitable case studiesDon't miss any of the future Mega Profitable interviews!★ Sign up here. ★Show notesLeave a review on iTunes!pippinsplugins.comSandhills DevelopmentThe original pippinspages.comFollow Pippin on Twitter: @pipp...
2017-10-2147 min
Product PeopleEP87 – How Nick Disabato built a profitable productized serviceIt's time for another Mega Profitable interview! This series aims to help founders, like you, get profitable. Learn how Draft went from having $21 in the bank (in his first year) to creating a solid, profitable solo-founder business.Get all the Mega Profitable case studiesDon't miss any of the future Mega Profitable interviews!★ Sign up here. ★Show notesLeave a review on iTunes!draft.nuNick's service: Draft ReviseNick's book: Draft EvidenceFollow Nick on Twitter: @nickdWant to contact Justin?Join...
2017-10-0454 min