The Panel

Justin Jackson and Brian Casel discuss the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship, particularly in the context of AI's impact on product development, creativity, and the job market. They explore the importance of having a clear vision when using AI tools, the challenges faced by junior developers, and the enduring need for human connection in art and media. The discussion also touches on the future of work, the role of AI in enhancing productivity, and the implications for artists and creators in a rapidly changing environment.Timestamps:(01:48) - Vibe coding a marketing tool for Transistor (11:23) - Coding with AI vs designing with AI (18:35) - Is vibe coding a playground or for serious development work? (24:57) - Negativity around AI and building (46:24) - Artists and AI (01:00:36) - Will we ever go back to the social days of Twitter (01:08:34) - What are your Q4 goals? Do you think about end of the year business planning? (01:31:27) - The importance of telling people what you're doing (01:42:53) - The benefits of a long career YOU ARE THE PANEL – send us your thoughts 🗣️🎤 Send us an audio or video message📧 Email us: panelpodcastshow@gmail.com📺 Leave a comment on YouTube 🦋 Reply on Bluesky Links mentioned in this episodev0 by VercelDribbble BalsamiqBig Tech Told Kids to Code. The Jobs Didn’t Follow. - The New York TimesAaron Francis on XThe Last Days Of Social MediaStratechery by Ben ThompsonDitheringAgent OS

Justin vibe-codes a new app just before recording, proving creativity can strike at any moment. The team discusses their recent retreat in Banff, where they prioritize relationship-building over deep work. Insights from hands-on UX testing reveal valuable user experience tweaks. Brian shares his journey with Builder Methods Pro, highlighting early membership excitement and challenges. They also ponder the balance of competition, teamwork, and AI adoption, all while navigating the emotional rollercoaster of product launches.

We're joined by Ian Landsman, from the Mostly Technical podcast, joins us to chat about Outro.fm and Helpspot. We talk digital fatigue, the challenges of maintaining an online presence, the importance of building a community around shared interests, finding the right audience, and balancing personal goals with business objectives. As Brian⁩ prepares to launch Builder Methods Pro, we debate the value of community feedback and the potential for unforeseen opportunities in creating content online. Ian talks with us about the development of Outro.fm as an all-in-one solution for podcasters, the importance of building a membership community, the production side of podcasting tools, and the challenges faced in the podcasting market. Also: the difference between one-time sale products (courses) and SaaS.Timestamps:(00:06) - The pre-show is the show (00:23) - Quitting Twitter (06:19) - Redesigning his website with AI (07:53) - Deciding on what a channel is for (13:59) - Chasing views and likes (20:58) - What are we up to this week (29:36) - Why subscription and community vs team training and consulting (50:32) - What should the premium content be for day one? (57:08) - What is Outro.fm? (01:15:04) - Who are Outro.fm's competition? (01:21:47) - Selling sponsorships for podcasts as a product (01:25:43) - The bet on how much revenue you'll get from your work (01:43:59) - Step 1: Become famous YOU ARE THE PANEL – send us your thoughts 🗣️🎤 Send us an audio or video message📧 Email us: panelpodcastshow@gmail.com📺 Leave a comment on YouTube 🦋 Reply on Bluesky Links mentioned in this episodeIan LandsmanA Smart BearBuilder Methods | Training for AI-first software developersOutro.fmMostly Technical Member Site | OutroThe Podcast Website Builder | PodpageLuma · Delightful Events Start HereThe Changelog podcastSyntax - Web Development PodcastHelp desk software for effortless email support

Discover the complexities of managing popular open-source projects and the quest for authenticity in a world dominated by algorithms. Hear about firsthand experiences connecting with industry leaders and personal anecdotes from a recent trip to Toronto. The speakers delve into the relationship between effort and outcome, exploring why different endeavors yield varied results. They also emphasize the importance of genuine enthusiasm in audience engagement and the challenges of sustaining excitement in bootstrapped projects.

The hosts dive deep into Justin's use of Stripe Sigma to analyze Transistor's revenue trends. They discuss valuable insights gained from a key conversation about business growth and fulfillment. Brian explores monetization strategies for Builder Methods, weighing the merits of courses versus community cohorts. Another highlight is the importance of self-reflection in achieving personal and professional goals, alongside creative fulfillment. The shifting dynamics of post-COVID business and innovative approaches to community engagement add further intrigue to their conversation.

The discussion kicks off with a deep dive into the pros and cons of AI chatbots in customer support, questioning their effectiveness. One host shares insights from a recent YouTube video that didn't resonate with viewers, prompting a reflection on content strategies. They also introduce Agent OS, a tool designed to enhance coding processes, stirring excitement in the community. The conversation navigates the delicate balance of sponsorship versus authenticity, and how these shifts are reshaping marketing strategies in SaaS and content creation.

Brian and Justin dive into the world of AI and video creation, exploring the intersection of personal passion and audience demand. They reflect on the pitfalls of SaaS, discussing what fuels their entrepreneurial spirit while recognizing potential traps. The discussion touches on editing software like Descript, and the impact of Steve Jobs’ early struggles. They emphasize the importance of mastermind groups for growth and the need to align love for the craft with market viability in this competitive landscape.

Justin reveals his various business projects, detailing which ones are profitable and which require the most time. He discusses the Podcast Standards Project, advocating for integrity in podcasting. The conversation also touches on personal investment strategies and the challenges of running a business while balancing family life. Additionally, the benefits and dynamics of remote collaboration are explored, along with insights on the emotional resilience needed in the entrepreneurial journey.

Brian Casel shares insights on launching BuilderMethods.com, highlighting how to grow an email list effectively. The discussion emphasizes crafting engaging newsletters and balancing resources while tackling multiple projects. They explore innovative newsletter strategies, discuss the role of user feedback, and reflect on the challenges of creative work amid busy schedules. Future hiring trends and the dynamics of Rails development add intriguing layers to the conversation, making for a rich dialogue on entrepreneurship and audience engagement.

Brian dives into the launch of his innovative new website, discussing the challenges of creating engaging video content in 2025. The duo debates whether to target junior or professional software developers and whether starting another podcast is worthwhile. They also touch on the emotional rollercoaster of sports fandom, navigating costly video hosting, and the necessity of keeping course content fresh. Their insights on YouTube analytics reveal strategies for success in a shifting digital landscape!