
The Bootstrapped Founder
Arvid Kahl talks about starting and bootstrapping businesses, how to build an audience, and how to build in public.
Latest episodes

41 snips
Mar 21, 2025 • 16min
382: I went to MicroConf in New Orleans
Dive into transformative experiences from a recent conference in New Orleans. Discover insights on entrepreneurship and the emotional challenges founders face during career transitions. Learn about the importance of homepage positioning and defining an ideal customer profile. Enjoy the highlights of networking and camaraderie among inspiring founders, all while reflecting on personal challenges and growth in the entrepreneurial journey.

77 snips
Mar 14, 2025 • 25min
381: How AI Changes Famous Laws in Software and Entrepreneurship
AI is reshaping the landscape of software development and entrepreneurship. Classic laws like Conway's, Brooks', and Postel's are being redefined in this new era. The discussion highlights the shift from traditional coding to managing AI systems, emphasizing the evolving role of developers. Practical insights for founders navigating this transition are shared, making it essential listening for anyone looking to thrive in a tech-driven future.

48 snips
Mar 7, 2025 • 24min
380: Experiment Report: Trying New Things
Discover the art of running innovative business experiments that drive growth. Learn how adaptability and understanding customer needs can transform a platform. The conversation balances entrepreneurial pursuits with personal well-being, revealing the importance of hobbies and workflow adjustments. Gain insights on combatting burnout while fostering meaningful customer connections. Tune in for a blend of practical strategies and personal stories that inspire a healthier entrepreneurial lifestyle.

114 snips
Mar 5, 2025 • 32min
379: Anne-Laure Le Cunff — Tiny Experiments
Anne-Laure Le Cunff, a neuroscientist and author, shares her insights on setting goals and navigating uncertainty with her approach of 'tiny experiments.' She explains how to balance structured goals with flexibility in personal growth, emphasizing the importance of self-talk in shaping our perceptions. Anne-Laure encourages embracing uncertainty as a tool for opportunity, while highlighting the power of small, accountable experiments to foster positive habits and community support.

26 snips
Feb 28, 2025 • 20min
378: Think with AI, Do with People
Explore how chat-based AI can revolutionize collaboration in business. Discover a blogger's inspiring story using AI for healthcare decisions, highlighting its life-changing potential. Delve into the transformative power of an AI-driven approach to problem-solving, showcasing its impact on productivity and innovation across various fields. Get ready to unlock your potential by embracing AI as a vital tool in your entrepreneurial journey!

42 snips
Feb 21, 2025 • 11min
377: Virality is Poisonous
Chasing virality can be more harmful than helpful, poisoning your audience instead of nurturing them. The podcast delves into how viral success often attracts a disengaged crowd, detracting from meaningful connections. It champions the idea that cultivating genuine relationships with a smaller, engaged audience is the key to sustainable growth. Building authenticity and providing consistent value are emphasized as vital strategies for long-term success instead of fleeting fame.

65 snips
Feb 19, 2025 • 38min
376: Justin Moore — Becoming a Sponsor Magnet
Justin Moore, author of "Sponsor Magnet", dives deep into the world of sponsorships for creators and media businesses. He shares his transformative journey from skepticism to embracing sponsorships as opportunities for growth. Justin highlights the power of tangible products, like books, in building credibility. He discusses practical strategies for navigating brand partnerships, emphasizing the importance of audience engagement. Listeners will gain valuable insights into negotiating sponsorships and fostering collaboration for mutual success.

16 snips
Feb 14, 2025 • 12min
375: Mute those “Dings”
Drowning in notifications can cripple your focus and productivity. Discover the speaker's personal battle with anxiety brought on by relentless alerts. Learn practical strategies for managing notifications without losing sight of essential updates. Tune in for tips on balancing deep work and critical business signals, ensuring you reclaim your mental clarity while navigating the chaotic world of a SaaS business.

36 snips
Feb 7, 2025 • 24min
374: Indie Hacking Databases at Scale
Databases can be daunting, especially for indie founders facing budget constraints and customer demands. The conversation dives into mastering database management, emphasizing the importance of scalability and efficient indexing. Learn about the challenges from transitioning to larger systems while maintaining performance. Discover valuable insights from personal experiences in running sizable SaaS offerings, shedding light on the intricacies of handling terabytes of data.

61 snips
Jan 31, 2025 • 17min
373: Delete Your Backlog
Discover the power of pruning your feature backlog for greater clarity and impact. Learn how reducing a list from 120 to 15 items can drastically lighten your mental load. The discussion emphasizes prioritizing high-impact tasks and leveraging customer feedback. Streamlining your backlog not only boosts productivity but also aligns your product development with real user needs. Embrace the philosophy that sometimes, less truly is more!