
The Panel
When it comes to bootstrapping and building software, there's rarely one right answer. We want to dive into the nuance. In every episode, veteran founders Justin Jackson and Brian Casel bring together a panel of sharp minds from the indie tech world to tackle thorny topics – from pricing and product strategy to work-life balance. No gurus, no easy answers – just real conversations we'd normally have behind closed doors.
Latest episodes

29 snips
Feb 7, 2025 • 1h 18min
The business of open source - Caleb Porzio (Livewire) and Taylor Otwell (Laravel)
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.

37 snips
Jan 24, 2025 • 1h 2min
SaaS predictions for 2025 – Colleen Schnettler and Tyler King
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.

Jan 10, 2025 • 7min
The Panel – smart founders discuss the realities of building a business
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