

Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast
Shannon Jean & Dave Hamilton
Two long-time small-business owners, Dave Hamilton and Shannon Jean, come to you each week to talk through the trials, success, pitfalls and tips it takes to successfully run a small business in today’s world. Hear real-world folks talk about real-world problems, letting you know not only what it takes to get it done but that you’re not alone in doing it!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 30, 2026 • 25min
GPT Shared Chats + Agents – Business Brain 723
In this episode of Business Brain, Shannon Jean and Dave Hamilton explore how shared chats and AI-first tools are reshaping research, collaboration, and decision-making for entrepreneurs. They break down ChatGPT shared chats, compare them with Perplexity, and discuss what AI-powered browsers bring to modern workflows. The focus stays practical: using these tools to create clarity and speed, not distraction, while keeping human judgment firmly in control.
The conversation then shifts to AI agents and how they can be applied to real business problems without over-automation or blind trust. Shannon and Dave examine where agents provide true leverage, how they fit into existing systems, and why intentional use matters more than novelty. Done right, these tools help entrepreneurs reclaim time, sharpen focus, and build businesses that support a smarter workflow and a Charmed Life.
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #723 for Casual FridAI, January 30th, 2026
January 30th: National Big Wig Day
00:01:24 ChatGPT Shared Chats
Perplexity
Comet, the Perplexity Browser
00:10:03 SPONSOR: Shopify – For anyone to sell anywhere, sign up for a one-dollar-per month trial period at Shopify.com/BusinessBrain and upgrade your selling today! <https://shopify.com/businessbrain>
00:11:46 SPONSOR: Intuit QuickBooks Payroll – Leave the chaos behind and start the new year off right with QuickBooks Payroll. Learn more by visiting QuickBooks.com/payroll <https://quickbooks.com/payroll>
00:12:54 Covey1224-BB Review-Casual insights from real business minds
00:13:34 Adria Flor-BB Review-Great insights in every episode!
00:14:02 Using AI Agents
00:24:00 Business Brain 723 Outtro
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Jan 28, 2026 • 26min
Perfection is the enemy of Shipped
In this episode of Business Brain, Shannon Jean and Dave Hamilton break down why perfection is the enemy of shipped—and why waiting for “ready” often means never launching at all. They explore the power of defining a clear Minimum Viable Product, getting comfortable with imperfection, and building momentum through action instead of endless refinement. With practical guidance and a real-time example, they show how progress consistently beats polish when building a business.
The conversation also tackles the mental game of shipping, especially when criticism comes into play. Shannon and Dave unpack how to weigh useful feedback, ignore trolls, and stop giving emotional energy to noise that doesn’t matter. By reframing criticism and staying focused on forward motion, entrepreneurs can protect their mindset, ship more confidently, and continue building a Charmed Life.
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #722 for Wednesday, January 28th, 2026
January 28th: National Blueberry Pancake Day
00:02:41 Perfect is the enemy of SHIPPED
It’s good to have backup plans
It’s good to get used to not being great 100% of the time
Define your Minimum Viable Product
00:09:16 A real-time example!
Perfection is the unattainable goal
00:13:57 SPONSOR: Shopify – For anyone to sell anywhere, sign up for a one-dollar-per month trial period at Shopify.com/BusinessBrain and upgrade your selling today!
00:15:39 SPONSOR: Intuit QuickBooks Payroll – Leave the chaos behind and start the new year off right with QuickBooks Payroll. Learn more by visiting QuickBooks.com/payroll
00:16:48 Weighing the value of criticism
It’s hard to ignore the trolls
00:19:08 Why would I let this criticism bother me?
00:25:30 Business Brain 722 Outtro
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Jan 23, 2026 • 30min
FridAI Claude Cowork + AI in Medicine – Business Brain 721
In this episode of Business Brain, Shannon Jean and Dave Hamilton explore how AI is reshaping creativity, decision-making, and trust in modern business. The conversation examines whether AI-generated advertising risks damaging a brand, highlights a 2025 AI-assisted album, and looks at how authenticity and human judgment still matter when machines enter the creative process.
The episode also digs into AI’s growing role in medicine, personal intelligence tools like Gemini, and the emergence of Claude Cowork and Claude Code as always-on collaborators for real work. With a practical lens on responsibility, delegation, and guardrails, the discussion focuses on using AI to create leverage without surrendering control—supporting smarter businesses and a more intentional, Charmed Life.
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #721 for Casual FridAI, January 23rd, 2026
January 23rd: Measure Your Feet Day
SPONSOR: Intuit QuickBooks Payroll – Leave the chaos behind and start the new year off right with QuickBooks Payroll. Learn more by visiting QuickBooks.com/payroll
00:01:58 Robert-Is AI Advertising Damaging your brand?
Jack Tempchin 2025 AI-assisted album
00:06:19 Doctors Using AI
00:10:31 Gemini Personal Intelligence
00:14:28 Claude Cowork
Claude Code for the rest of your work
00:29:57 Business Brain 721 Outtro
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Jan 21, 2026 • 27min
Juliana Berger, QuickBooks Head of Payments
In this episode of Business Brain, Shannon Jean and Dave Hamilton are joined by Juliana Berger, Head of Payments at QuickBooks, to unpack where founders most often misunderstand how cashflow systems actually connect. They explore the “mycelium” of a business—the meaningful connectivity layer where every dollar in and every dollar out matters—and why fragmented tools quietly create anxiety, inefficiency, and blind spots that erode confidence.
The conversation dives into what truly defines business health: durable, predictable cashflow. From cashflow run rate and cash efficiency to DSO, DPO, and operational resiliency, the hosts break down how accuracy, automation, and smart guardrails create leverage instead of chaos. With insights on using AI the right way—through permissions, visibility, and trust-building controls—this episode shows how clarity fuels better decisions and a more intentional, Charmed Life.
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #720 for Wednesday Casual FridAI, January 21st, 2026
January 21st: Thank Your Mentor Day
Guest Co-host: Juliana Berger, Director of Product Management, Head of Payments at Intuit QuickBooks
SPONSOR: Intuit QuickBooks Payroll – Leave the chaos behind and start the new year off right with QuickBooks Payroll. Learn more by visiting QuickBooks.com/payroll
Where do founder misunderstand how all the cashflow systems interconnect
What’s the mycelium of your business – what’s the connectivity layer? Where do things connect in a MEANINGFUL way?
Every dollar in and every dollar out matters… and QuickBooks gets to see that
Helping the anxious candlemaker who was using 16 different apps/tools to manage her business
What determines the health of a business?
Durable and predictable cashflow are the keys to this!
Cashflow run rate: how much in and out? Is it consistent? Know your business.
Know your cash efficiency. DSO vs. DPO
DSO: Days sales outstanding
DPO: Days payable outstanding
Know Your Resiliency – What’s the riskiest part of your business and how are you managing that?
Using AI and automation the RIGHT way
Accuracy is power
When things are accurate, that’s great.
When they’re inaccurate, you just created WAY more work for yourself
Important guardrails to look for when evaluating a tool
Permissions and approvals
Visibility and defensibility of information
Controls… UNDO is important for trust
Intuit also has trusted live experts in addition to all the other tools
Business Brain 720 Outtro
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Jan 16, 2026 • 22min
FridAI - CES + AI Consulting
In this episode of Business Brain, you get a fast-moving take on CES 2026 and what it signals for real-world AI adoption. You hear how AI showed up everywhere—from automated email responders and agent-based calendars to personal AI assistants and wearable tech that quietly gathers insights. The focus isn’t hype; it’s how these tools can actually change the way you work, decide, and compete.
The conversation then shifts to opportunity, putting you squarely in the frame as an AI consultant in the making. You’re encouraged to build credibility by creating simple tools, narrowing your niche, and becoming the go-to authority for a specific industry. By trading early work for testimonials and referrals, you can turn emerging tech into real leverage and design a business that supports your Charmed Life.
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #719 for Casual FridAI, January 16th, 2026
January 16th: Book Publishers’ Day
00:01:07 General CES Reactions
00:03:54 AI Found at CES 2026
Eloquens automated AI email responder
ionCity– AI agent calendar
Bee-Your personal AI
Pebble AI Ring
Sponsors
00:10:39 SPONSOR: Tempo – Tempo delivers perfectly-portion meals to your door, each is ready in just 2 minutes. For a limited time, Tempo is offering Business Brain listeners SIXTY PERCENT OFF your first box at TempoMeals.com/brain
00:12:03 SPONSOR: Intuit QuickBooks Payroll – Leave the chaos behind and start the new year off right with QuickBooks Payroll. Learn more by visiting QuickBooks.com/payroll
00:13:28 Pebble AI Ring: Single Use, 2-year battery, $75 pre-order
00:13:50 Opportunity: Be an AI Consultant
Build credibility: Create tools to giveaway.
Find a niche: are you the AI plumbing-business authority?
Work for testimonials and referrals
PlaymakersAI.com
00:21:20 Business Brain 719 Outtro
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Jan 14, 2026 • 23min
Who Sets the Pace?
In this episode of Business Brain, Shannon Jean and Dave Hamilton explore a deceptively simple question: who sets the pace in a business? The conversation digs into marketing that acts like camouflage—so effective it disappears—and why blending in can cost entrepreneurs attention and opportunity. Through unexpected examples, they highlight the importance of standing out intentionally instead of hiding in plain sight.
The episode also zeroes in on the power of small numbers, reminding listeners that momentum often starts with chasing hundred-dollar wins, not waiting for big breakthroughs. By focusing on selling early, tracking what actually matters, and keeping cash flowing, the show reinforces practical habits that help entrepreneurs regain control and build a business that supports a Charmed Life.
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #718 for Wednesday, January 14th, 2026
January 14th: Organize Your Home Day
00:01:25 Marketing…camouflage…and hiding from fish!
Trademarked camouflage patterns
Raye Clan Tartan
00:03:34 The power of small numbers
Chasing hundred dollar bills
Start selling, get the cash flowing
Track the small numbers
feedback@businessbrain.show
Sponsor
00:09:29 SPONSOR: Tempo – Tempo delivers perfectly-portion meals to your door, each is ready in just 2 minutes. For a limited time, Tempo is offering Business Brain listeners SIXTY PERCENT OFF your first box at TempoMeals.com/brain
00:10:54 SPONSOR: Intuit QuickBooks Payroll – Leave the chaos behind and start the new year off right with QuickBooks Payroll. Learn more by visiting QuickBooks.com/payroll
BB Reviews
00:12:19 CC_Jeepher-BB Review-Great podcast!
00:13:01 JulezSeaz-BB Review-Practical & Accessible
00:13:37 Who sets the pace?
Pacing vs. Complacency
Hire for energy
00:19:08 Match impatience!
00:21:29 Business Brain 718 Outtro
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Jan 9, 2026 • 19min
FridAI - No AI Yes Men
Dare to challenge your AI rather than rely on it as a yes-man! Discover how to pressure-test your thinking with the Ruthless AI Test, focusing on key decisions and outcomes. Learn to use AI for generating opposing viewpoints and ranking options by impact. A heartwarming story of a 98-year-old embracing technology reminds us that curiosity transcends age. Plus, explore the unique relationship between creativity and AI, revealing its strengths and limits. Stay flexible, think critically, and keep evolving!

Jan 7, 2026 • 22min
The Power of Your Personal Brand
In this episode of Business Brain, you’re challenged to think differently about how people experience you and your business. You explore why your personal brand is more powerful than any logo or company name, because people connect with you first. From lessons inspired by Crazy Eddie to the idea of the Alter Ego Effect, you’re reminded that sharing what you’ve learned—and giving yourself permission to evolve—builds trust faster than polished marketing ever could.
You also learn how consistency compounds over time, why replying first with value puts you on the radar of bigger players, and how small daily actions can lead to a Charmed Life. Whether you’re heading to CES or simply rethinking your direction, the message is clear: show up, add value, and play the long game. If the lottery were free, you’d play every day—so why wouldn’t you do the same with your personal brand?
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #716 for Wednesday, January 7th, 2026
January 7th: I Am a Mentor Day
00:01:10 Heading to CES and making it valuable
00:02:19 Give yourself permission to change your mind
00:08:00 SPONSOR: Shopify – For anyone to sell anywhere, sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at Shopify.com/BusinessBrain and upgrade your selling today!
00:09:28 SPONSOR: Intuit QuickBooks Payroll – Leave the chaos behind and start the new year off right with QuickBooks Payroll. Learn more by visiting QuickBooks.com/payroll
00:10:45 Personal brand
Remembering Crazy Eddie
Your personal brand is far more powerful for people to connect with
It’s easier for people to connect with YOU than it is to connect with a company
The Alter Ego Effect
Share things you’ve learned
Reply first – Add valuable content to larger accounts
Be Consistent
If a lottery was free, would you play every day?
00:21:34 Business Brain 716 Outtro
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Jan 2, 2026 • 17min
FridAI - Choosing the Right AI
Dive into the dynamic world of AI tools as key players like Perplexity, ChatGPT, and Gemini are compared for business applications. Discover why Perplexity might be the go-to for more accurate research with fewer hallucinations. Learn about purpose-built apps like Gamma AI for presentations and how Loom and Zoom AI can streamline communication. The episode concludes with an exciting MacBook giveaway announcement, reminding listeners that thoughtful decisions can lead to greater success. Embrace technology to build your Charmed Life!

Dec 31, 2025 • 21min
2025 Year in Review!
In this episode of Business Brain, you step back and review what 2025 really taught you as an entrepreneur. You’re challenged to stop being transactional and start building a transformational community, to take control of your feeds instead of letting social media control you, and to notice where distractions have quietly turned into complacency. Shannon and Dave remind you that hunger fades if you let it—and that staying sharp sometimes means becoming your own friendly pest in pursuit of progress and a truly Charmed Life.
You’re encouraged to embrace the fear of failure, run smart business experiments, and consciously choose the people shaping your thinking. Drawing inspiration from Founders Podcast and the lessons of David Senra, this episode pushes you to ask better questions: Who are you surrounding yourself with, and who are you mentoring next? The answers may define your next breakthrough.
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #714 for Wednesday, December 31st, 2025
December 31st: No Interruptions Day
00:01:05 Our year(s) in review
Shannon is monetizing community
Making your community transformational over being transactional
With social media, YOU get to pick and control your feeds and your experience
A year of distractions…until Dave became a friendly pest
You WILL become complacent. Identify that!
Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish
Embrace that fear of (being a) failure
Founders Podcast with David Senra
Let yourself have business experiments
Who are you surrounding yourself with?
Who are you mentoring?
00:19:49 Business Brain 714 Outtro
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