The Panel

Jordan Gal, founder of Rosie, is reshaping the AI landscape for small businesses. He discusses the necessity of user-friendly marketing strategies, prioritizing authentic connections over typical B2B methods. Gal touches on the risks and rewards of AI in startups, calling attention to the evolving role of voice AI amidst economic changes. He emphasizes the importance of understanding your audience and adapting business approaches to current customer behaviors, all while navigating the complex relationship between humans and AI.

Adam Wathan, creator of the popular Tailwind CSS framework, discusses the ongoing challenges of motivation in running a successful business. He reflects on the emotional toll of entrepreneurship and the uncertainty of launching new products. The conversation dives into the power of video content and personal branding, exploring how authentic expressions can enhance customer relationships. Adam also shares insights on navigating growth, the impact of market saturation, and the role of creativity in shaping future endeavors.

Val Sopi, founder of Blogmaker.app, and Christian Genco, founder of FileInbox.com, share insights on launching new SaaS products in 2025. They discuss the importance of finding 'founder-product fit' beyond mere revenue and strategies for validating ideas. The duo dives into their experiences dealing with competition and balancing work with personal life. Christian shares thoughts on using AI tools for rapid development while Val reflects on niche markets with low competition. Their candid conversation offers valuable perspectives for aspiring SaaS entrepreneurs.

Aaron Francis, co-founder of TryHard Studios, creates engaging video courses and open-source software, while Marie Poulin, founder of Notion Mastery, excels in teaching through courses and workshops. They delve into the dynamics of building creator-driven businesses, sharing insights on how YouTube has helped them grow. They challenge the idea of sticking to a single niche, arguing that variety prevents burnout. The duo also discusses balancing marketing with creative content, the impact of personality on branding, and the emotional challenges of content creation.

Join Peldi, the founder of Balsamiq Mockups, a pioneer in transparent business practices, and Jay Clouse, creator of Creator Science, who shares innovative insights on building communities for creators. They explore the evolution of 'building in public' since 2007, discussing the pitfalls of oversharing and the allure of authenticity. Peldi discusses his commitment to transparency, including sharing revenue numbers, while Jay offers practical strategies for fostering genuine community connections and mentorship in the creative space.

Caleb Porzio is a Laravel developer and creator of Livewire, while Taylor Otwell is the brains behind the Laravel framework. In this discussion, they explore whether web development remains a viable career in 2025 and the excitement surrounding the web. They share their journey of balancing creativity with business in open source, emphasizing the importance of sustainability. The duo also delves into the challenges of competition and the evolving landscape of web development education, offering insights for the next generation.

Colleen Schnettler, founder of SaaS Marketing Gym, and Tyler King, CEO of Less Annoying CRM, dive into the shifting landscape of SaaS for 2025. They debate the decline of bootstrapping in the SaaS world and the challenges posed by AI, emphasizing that human creativity remains irreplaceable. The conversation highlights the need for authentic marketing strategies in an increasingly competitive market. Colleen and Tyler also share insights on leveraging customer support and building genuine connections in a tech-driven environment.

When 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 closed source business models- Niche markets vs broad markets- One-time vs recurring revenue models- Age and experience perspectives in techTimestamps:0:00 The story - why we wanted to start this show2:03 Meet your hosts - Justin Jackson & Brian Casel2:45 Topics we'll cover 3:32 The power of different perspectives4:18 We need your help5:05 We'll be doing video and audio🔗 Join our waiting list at https://panelpodcast.comCreators & Guests Justin Jackson - Host Brian Casel - Host