

This Week in NoCode + AI
JJ Englert
This Week in NoCode + AI is about how today’s AI products become real businesses. Host JJ Englert interviews the makers behind leading tools to unpack the journey—early bets, pivots, wins, and hard lessons. We break down model choices, shipping speed, pricing, go-to-market, and the updates (mostly AI) that change what’s possible right now. If you want the real stories behind the biggest AI startups—and to stay current on what you can use today—this show is for you.
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Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 20, 2024 • 1h 10min
Building Success in No-Code: Flywheel Studio's Journey and Strategies
This episode of 'This Week in NoCode' hosted by J.J. Englert and David Pal, focuses on the no-code industry and features an in-depth interview with Eric from Flywheel Studio, a leading no-code agency. The discussion touches on various topics, including the transition from no-code to hybrid development approaches, the economics of running a no-code agency, pricing strategies, client relationship management, and insights on when not to use no-code solutions. The episode also covers updates and news in the no-code space, including investments in Coda by Snowflake Ventures, Adobe's integration of AI tools into Premiere Pro, and Meta's new AI initiatives. Eric shares valuable advice for no-code agency owners on pricing, client retention, and the importance of building win-win relationships. The conversation also explores the challenges and advantages of working with no-code platforms, underscoring the potential for growth and innovation in the no-code industry.
00:00 Unlocking No-Code Solutions with Studio No Code
01:21 Welcome to This Week in NoCode: AI Edition
01:57 The Latest in NoCode News: Snowflake Ventures and Adobe's AI Integration
06:53 Meta's New AI: Creator AI and Its Implications
11:25 The Journey of a NoCode Agency
35:31 The Power of YouTube and Forums for Client Acquisition
36:43 Transitioning to Flutter Flow and Growing the Team
37:30 bookmark
37:35 Sales Strategies and the Role of No-Code in Mobile and Web Development
38:17 Owning Businesses and Investing in Real Estate with No-Code
40:21 Building a Strong Relationship with Platforms
47:41 Future Plans for Flywheel and the Importance of Building Great Products
50:19 Pricing Strategies for No-Code Agencies
57:17 When to Choose No-Code and Traditional Development
01:04:39 Concluding Thoughts and the Future of No-Code
Episode Sponsored by Deezign: https://deezign.io/
Promo Code: TWIN
NoCode Alliance: https://nocodealliance.org
Studio NoCode: https://studio-nocode.com
Learn more with Erik:
https://twitter.com/erikgoinsHQ
https://www.flywheel.so/

Apr 13, 2024 • 55min
From NoCode Beginner to Expert: 100 Days School's Journey with Max Haining
This episode of 'This Week in No Code' features host JJ Engler and co-host David Pal discussing the latest in no code developments, including a significant update from Zapier and the financial predicaments of AI companies due to high AWS costs. They delve into the potential future of market dynamics in the AI sector and the impact on companies like Nvidia. The highlight is an interview with Max Haining, founder of the 100 Days School, who shares his journey from attempting to start an Airbnb for storage to diving into no code, eventually leading the movement with his 100 Days of No Code and AI programs. Max discusses the growth of his programs, the types of people joining the no code community, and future plans for the 100 Days School. The discussion also touches on the complexities of running a bootstrapped educational venture and the potential diversification into new technical skill tracks.
00:00 Introducing Studio No Code: Your Software Development Solution
01:27 This Week in No Code: News, AI, and Special Guest Max Haney
02:17 Zapier's Game-Changing Pricing Strategy Explained
06:58 The High Cost of AI Development: A Deep Dive
12:15 Siri's AI Overhaul: Apple's Next Big Move
16:19 Max Haining's Journey: From No Code Newbie to Community Builder
26:21 NCA Ad Read
28:59 Building a Learning Community in No Code
29:36 The Struggles and Triumphs of Learning Bubble
30:32 The Power of Community in Learning No Code
31:36 Exploring the Landscape of No Code Tools
34:21 The Role of Airtable in No Code Projects
39:00 The Challenges and Insights of Building Marketplaces
46:39 Sustaining a No Code Education Platform
49:59 Looking Towards the Future of No Code Education
53:52 Reflections and Closing Thoughts

Mar 30, 2024 • 50min
Unlocking NoCode Success: Startups, Exits, and Opportunities with Kat Risen
This episode of 'This Week in NoCode' features JJ Englert and David Pal discussing various no-code software development topics, including their agency 'studio no code,' which specializes in using Bubble to build various applications. The hosts highlight recent news like the CEO departure from Stability AI and the potential implications for the company, discuss OpenAI's new Sora model and its impacts on the film industry, and introduce a platform called Pienso which aims to simplify AI model training without coding. They also interview Kat, the founder of NoCodeExits, who shares her journey from discovering no-code during a crisis at her job in the tourism industry to becoming a successful no-code entrepreneur, discussing some of her favorite no-code success stories and acquisitions. Additionally, the episode covers a new product, 'build a keyword,' developed in Bubble that helps users identify profitable niches for building no-code projects.
Sponsored by:
Deezign: https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/deezign/mbofgadpoeclogccaclfpdpnclommnmi?pli=1
Promo Code: TWIN
NoCode Alliance: https://nocodealliance.org
Studio NoCode: https://studio-nocode.com
00:00 Unlocking the Power of No-Code Development with Studio No Code
01:28 Diving Into This Week in NoCode: News, Insights, and More!
01:58 The AI Revolution: Stability AI's Leadership Shake-Up and OpenAI's Hollywood Pitch
05:34 Exploring the Impact of AI on the Film Industry: Fears and Opportunities
08:49 Pienso: Simplifying AI Training with No-Code Tools
11:41 From Listener to Guest: Kat's NoCode Journey and Success
23:45 NoCodeAlliance: Elevating Your Bubble Skills
25:35 Transitioning from Traditional Employment to Indie Maker
25:54 The Journey of Becoming a Full-Time Indie Maker
26:53 Reflecting on the Impact of COVID-19 and Discovering No-Code Solutions
27:46 The Power of Community and Finding Your Tribe
30:09 Highlighting No-Code Success Stories
38:48 Exploring the Potential of No-Code for Business and Personal Projects
39:50 The Future of No-Code and Its Impact on Entrepreneurship
43:56 Launching a New Product on Product Hunt
48:06 The Importance of Community Support and Future Endeavors

Mar 23, 2024 • 57min
Unveiling Loops: Chris Frantz's Email Platform Journey
This episode of 'This Week in No Code' features hosts JJ Englert and David Pal catching up on the latest No Code developments including the launch of a SaaS database by No Code Devs and a community-driven event, Dev Day. The highlight of the show is an exclusive interview with Chris, the founder of Loops, an innovative email platform designed for modern software companies. Chris shares his entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of building a business in the email space, and insights on remote asynchronous work, the importance of product quality, and customer service. He also discusses his previous startup's sale to Unbounce, and the vision behind Loops, emphasizing long-term growth over quick wins. Furthermore, the episode explores the integration of Loops with the No Code ecosystem and specifically mentions a new Bubble plugin launch. The conversation concludes with thoughts on no code platforms and their role in quickly bringing products to market.
00:00 Kicking Off with a Decade-Long Business Vision
00:23 This Week in No Code: News and Exclusive Interview Teaser
01:12 Diving Into the Latest in No Code: SAS Refs Launch
04:27 Spotlight on Community-Led Events: Dev Day Success
10:54 Exploring the Future of AI and Robotics
15:45 In-Depth Interview: Revolutionizing Email with Loops
31:21 Evolving Customer Service Through Product Development
31:50 Navigating Customer Feedback and Company Direction
32:24 The Journey of Snazzy AI: From Inception to Acquisition
32:36 Leveraging GPT-3 for Competitive Advantage
35:32 The Transition from Snazzy AI to Unbounce
37:02 Embracing the Y Combinator Experience
42:14 The Philosophy and Practice of Remote Asynchronous Work
50:01 Integrating No-Code Solutions with Loops
54:08 Reflecting on the Entrepreneurial Journey and Future Aspirations
Learn more about loops at https://loops.so

Mar 16, 2024 • 59min
The Grit Behind Building a Startup: David Pal's Journey to a Multimillion-Dollar Exit
In this episode of 'This Week in NoCode', hosts J.J. Englert and David Pal delve into David's entrepreneurial journey with his startup 'Ads on Top'. From its inception during his college days to its multimillion-dollar exit, David candidly shares the ups and downs he faced over six and a half years. The discussion also touches on the concept of bootstrapping vs. using venture capital, the challenges of pivoting from a hardware to a software solution, and the unexpected turns David's life took after selling his company. Furthermore, David's story highlights the importance of perseverance, the arduous path to success, and the reality that sometimes being too early with an idea can be akin to being wrong. This episode offers invaluable insights for budding entrepreneurs, showcasing the gritty reality of startup life and the potential rewards of sticking through tough times.
00:00 Welcome to This Week in NoCode: The Journey of Ads on Top
00:47 The Debate: Is Investing Millions Still Bootstrapping?
03:57 Venture Capital vs. Bootstrapping: Navigating Startup Funding
11:37 From Environmental Engineering to Entrepreneurship: The Origin of Ads on Top
18:32 The First Experiment: Challenges and Learnings
27:26 Scaling Up: The Pursuit of Partnerships and Moving to LA
32:16 The Pivot to Software as a Service
33:45 Navigating Financial Challenges and Initial Success
35:25 The Turning Point: From Desperation to Determination
36:26 Embracing Bubble and Rebuilding the Business
40:45 The Impact of COVID-19 and Finding New Opportunities
43:25 The Journey Towards a Successful Exit
51:00 Reflections on Persistence, Learning, and Moving Forward

Mar 9, 2024 • 47min
AI Drama, Innovative Platforms, and JJ joins Softr.io 🏆
This episode of 'This Week in No Code' hosted by J.J. Englert and co-host David Pal delves into the latest in the no-code universe, covering significant industry news, discussions on OpenAI debated by Elon Musk and the SEC, and the rise of AI-generated content in podcasts. They also touch on exciting no-code AI tools from YC companies, explore the use of no-code platforms in various sectors including life sciences, and ponder the future of automated workflows. A substantial portion of the episode is dedicated to J.J.'s personal announcement about starting a new job at Softr, aiming to leverage his expertise in community building and education. They conclude with thoughts on the broader impact of no-code technologies and AI on future work and content creation.
00:00 Introduction and Weekly Updates
00:44 In the Courtroom: OpenAI's Legal Battles
01:53 The Future of OpenAI: A Discussion
02:18 Elon Musk's Controversial Role in OpenAI
05:57 Perplexity AI: A New Era of Podcasting
09:34 The Rise of No-Code AI Tools
09:43 Exploring the Latest YC Companies
11:42 The Future of Work: AI Receptionists and More
16:57 Apple ProVision: A Firsthand Experience
25:06 The Future of Remote Work and Tech
25:37 Exploring the Utility of Vision Pro
26:09 The Convenience of a Portable Workstation
26:32 The Challenges of Working in Shared Spaces
26:47 The Potential of Virtual Reality in Workspaces
27:27 Transitioning to a New Job at W2JJ
27:44 The Journey to Joining Softr
28:38 The Role of Community and Education in Tech
30:27 The Future of No Code Platforms
30:53 The Impact of Joining a Larger Company
36:02 The Transition from Bubble to Softr
44:23 The Potential of AI in No Code Platforms
45:56 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

Mar 2, 2024 • 56min
The Future of Humanity & AI with Nikola Danaylov: A Deep Dive into Ethics, Culture, and Technology
In this episode of 'This Week in NoCode', hosts J.J. Englert and David Pal delve into a comprehensive discussion on the future of AI, humanity's ethical and cultural challenges, and the impact of technology on our society with guest Nikola, a futurist, strategic advisor, and host of the Singularity FM podcast. Nikola, also known as Socrates, explores the importance of understanding technology's pros and cons through storytelling, emphasizing the need to focus on human wisdom and ethics rather than solely on technological advancements. The conversation covers Nikola's journey into futurism, the definition and role of a futurist, the impact of culture and character on AI development, and the potential futures shaped by our actions today. Nikola argues that the biggest project of our civilization is humanity itself, and that investments in human intelligence and ethics are crucial for navigating the future responsibly.
00:30 Diving into the World of NoCode with Special Guest Nikola Danaylov
01:18 Nikola's Journey: From Technology Storyteller to Intellectual Midwife
02:51 Exploring the Essence of Futurism and Its Impact
04:46 The Birth of a Futurist: Nikola's Origin Story
07:33 Decoding the Terminator Scenario and the Evolution of AI Ethics
08:31 The Power of Why: Steering Technology Towards Meaningful Ends
13:56 Character, Culture, and the Future of AI
18:28 Making a Difference in the AI Landscape: Individual and Collective Actions
22:55 Navigating the Ethical Landscape of AI Development
28:36 Navigating the Complexities of Ethics in AI
29:18 The Challenge of Diversity and Ethics in AI Development
30:15 The Imperfect Nature of Democracy and Cultural Diversity
32:25 Balancing Ethical Considerations in AI Safety and Regulation
34:15 The Dilemma of Self-Regulation in the AI Industry
36:52 The Crucial Role of Human Wisdom and Ethics in Technology
43:12 Investing in Humanity: The Need for Arts and Ethics in Education
45:43 The Future of AGI and the Importance of Human Intelligence
52:24 The Ultimate Goal: Advancing Humanity, Not Just AI
53:54 Closing Thoughts: The Power of Individual and Collective Action
Learn more about Nikola: https://www.singularityweblog.com/
Join us: https://www.nocodealliance.org/newsletter
Hire us to make your next MVP: https://www.studio-nocode.com
Learn with us: https://www.nocodealliance.org
Follow us: https://twitter.com/JJEnglert
https://twitter.com/cerealbuilder

Feb 24, 2024 • 60min
Power of No-Code: Bridging the Software Gap with Sahil Khosla
In this week's episode of 'This Week in No-Code', the hosts, JJ Englert and David Pal, are joined by the founder of NoCode University, Sahil Khosla. Sahil talks about his journey from a traditional software developer to embracing no-code tools. He shares his insights on notable no-code platforms such as AirTable, Bubble, and Software, along with the future of the no-code movement. The hosts also delve into the latest launch from Sora, an AI model that generates realistic video content, and Google's latest release, Gemini 1.5, reflecting on its potential impact on the no-code industry.
00:31 Welcome to This Week in No Code
02:01 No-Code News of the Week: AI Innovations
02:54 The Impact of AI on Filmmaking and Content Creation
04:41 The Future of AI in Various Industries
09:15 Interview with Sahil, Founder of NoCodeUniversity
09:30 Sahil's Journey into the No-Code Space
11:52 Exploring Various No-Code Tools
15:51 The Power and Limitations of No-Code Tools
22:15 The Importance of Fundamentals in No-Code Learning
25:58 The Role of Design in No-Code Development
27:41 The Journey of Learning No-Code
28:13 Introduction to No-Code University
29:29 The Challenges of Attracting Newcomers to No-Code
30:26 Understanding the No-Code Audience
33:31 The Gap in the No-Code Market
34:43 The Potential of No-Code for Software Engineers
39:34 The Future of No-Code and Its Adoption
48:23 The Role of Education in No-Code Adoption
53:44 Closing Thoughts on the No-Code Movement
Join us: https://www.nocodealliance.org/newsletter
Hire us to make your next MVP: https://www.studio-nocode.com
Learn with us: https://www.nocodealliance.org
Follow us: https://twitter.com/JJEnglert
https://twitter.com/cerealbuilder

Feb 17, 2024 • 54min
Becoming a Professional NoCode Developer with Bek
In this episode of 'This Week in NoCode', hosts JJ Englert and David Pal chat with Beck, a professional no-code developer. Bek shares his journey from being an MBA student with a startup idea but no technical skills, to becoming a proficient Bubble developer through self-teaching. He discusses the differences and challenges between working as a solo Bubble developer and being part of a no-code team in a professional setting. The episode also includes discussions about the application of AI in content creation through a partnership between TikTok and Adobe, the raising of $47 million by Antithesis for automated software testing, and ethical concerns arising from AI-corrected live performances. Finally, Bekk shares his experience with managing two different product building projects in a single team to see which approach works best.
00:00 Introduction and Casual Banter
00:24 Welcome to This Week in No Code
02:09 News Segment: Zero Code Acquires Minimum Studio Plugins
05:15 Discussion on Apple Vision Pro and Future of AR
11:58 Reflecting on Studio NoCode's Journey
14:46 Challenges and Learnings from Running a NoCode Agency
23:21 The Challenges of Client Expectations
23:50 The Importance of Setting Expectations and Learning from Mistakes
24:25 The Struggles of Meeting Pixel-Perfect Standards
25:24 The Importance of Client Understanding and Compromise
25:57 The Value of Choosing the Right Clients
26:40 The Shift from Project Completion to Ongoing Support
28:33 The Challenges of Scaling and Hiring
30:29 The Dilemma of Agency Growth
35:56 The Risks and Rewards of Productized Services
44:08 The Importance of Enjoying Your Work and Choosing Your Path
46:42 The Potential of Diversifying Skill Sets and Platforms
47:21 Conclusion: Embrace Your Journey and the Opportunities Ahead

Feb 10, 2024 • 48min
No-Code Agency Dilemmas and Growth Discussion | This Week in No-Code
In this episode of 'This Week in No-Code,' hosts, JJ Englert and David Pal, unpack some key dilemmas and growth influence factors affecting their no-code agency. They highlight the importance of refining operational tactics, including pricing plans, managing objectives, and maintaining a balance in servicing the clients. They touch on the challenges associated with fixed-pricing models, client relationships, demand fluctuation, potential growth directions, and the importance of aligning the agency's evolution with personal goals. As they compare note on the realities of running a no-code agency, actionable insights around spec work, client selection and effective business models are discussed.
00:00 Introduction and Casual Banter
00:24 Welcome to This Week in No Code
02:09 News Segment: Zero Code Acquires Minimum Studio Plugins
05:15 Discussion on Apple Vision Pro and Future of AR
11:58 Reflecting on Studio NoCode's Journey
14:46 Challenges and Learnings from Running a NoCode Agency
23:21 The Challenges of Client Expectations
23:50 The Importance of Setting Expectations and Learning from Mistakes
24:25 The Struggles of Meeting Pixel-Perfect Standards
25:24 The Importance of Client Understanding and Compromise
25:57 The Value of Choosing the Right Clients
26:40 The Shift from Project Completion to Ongoing Support
28:33 The Challenges of Scaling and Hiring
30:29 The Dilemma of Agency Growth
35:56 The Risks and Rewards of Productized Services
44:08 The Importance of Enjoying Your Work and Choosing Your Path
46:42 The Potential of Diversifying Skill Sets and Platforms
47:21 Conclusion: Embrace Your Journey and the Opportunities Ahead


