Hacks and Hobbies with Junaid Ahmed

What if the path to real influence wasn't about shouting the loudest, but about mastering your story?

In this episode, best-selling author, publishing mentor, and entrepreneur Aurora Winter shares the powerful journey from childhood inspiration to helping leaders craft bestselling books and unforgettable brands.

With raw honesty and actionable wisdom, Aurora breaks down the costly mistakes most aspiring authors make, reveals the...

Have you ever felt the itch to leave it all behind and create a life on your own terms?In today’s episode, Jerry Dugan reveals the honest, often messy truth behind walking away from a secure corporate role to chase a creative dream—becoming a full-time voiceover artist. From risking it all on gig platforms to navigating the loneliness of entrepreneurship and mastering the art of authentic storytelling, Jerry shares every raw milest...

How far would you go to reclaim your life?In this transformative, heart-on-sleeve interview, Jerry Dugan peels back the curtain on his bold escape from corporate leadership into the uncertain but exhilarating world of creative entrepreneurship. With raw honesty, Jerry shares the moment he realized success was a golden cage, how his family catalyzed his leap, and why reinventing yourself demands both courage and vulnerability. If yo...

What if you could finally measure what really drives revenue—without cookies, guesswork, or silos?In this episode, Jeff Greenfield, the authority behind Provalytics, takes us on a riveting journey through the future of marketing measurement.

Get ready for a conversation that shatters the myths of digital attribution, revealing how data and AI can uncover the true impact of every marketing dollar—even in a world without third-pa...

Imagine discovering that the data guiding your marketing dollars is a lie.

On today’s episode, Junaid Ahmed unpacks a seismic shift in marketing attribution with Jeff Greenfield—CEO and founder of Provalytics, pioneer behind C3 Metrics, and a leader whose ideas are rewriting the rules in a world with no more cookies.

Jeff shares hard-won truths from his three-decade journey, exposing why most marketers are blind to what’s truly driv...

What does it really take to go from nothing to a thriving company—without a safety net?

Brian Clayton, CEO and cofounder of GreenPal, returns for a raw, curiosity-fueled conversation on the lonely reality of building, scaling, and letting go. Discover why delegation can kill a startup—or make it unstoppable, how bootstrapping turns founders into wild animals on the hunt, and which hidden traps you must dodge as you raise (or reject)...

What if the secret to building a multi-million dollar business is hidden in door-to-door flyers, no shortcuts, and your personal cell number?

In this emotional and curiosity-driven conversation, Brian Clayton—CEO and co-founder of GreenPal—reveals the raw journey of turning an old-school lawn mowing hustle into a $30 million empire. Forget Silicon Valley fairytales. This is a masterclass in resilience, relentless customer obsession...

What if the real secret to leading isn’t about titles, but invisible work behind the scenes?In this raw and revealing conversation, award-winning mentor and Navy veteran Enrique Acosta Gonzalez exposes how the world’s most authentic leaders are built in silence, not on stage. With emotional honesty and practical wisdom, Enrique shares how to overcome fear, prepare for your defining moment, and transform every setback into strength.

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What does it take to go from the shadows of the unknown to the spotlight of global recognition?In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Enrique Augusta Gonzalez—CEO of Triad Leadership Solutions, retired Navy veteran, and six-time bestselling author—to uncover the raw truth behind leadership, legacy, and the courage to chase your dreams.

Enrique’s journey is a masterclass in resilience and reinvention. From 26 years of service i...

What if losing your dream job was the best thing that ever happened to you?

In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Kirk Gimenez, a two-time Emmy winner and the first Latino to anchor in English at ESPN, to uncover the untold story behind his rise, fall, and ultimate reinvention as the founder of sizzle TV. Kirk reveals how losing his authentic voice in mainstream media led him to create a platform that celebrates multicultural...

What if you could rewire your brain to break free from trauma and step into a life of confidence, clarity, and calm?

In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Hilary Russo—certified havening practitioner, podcast host, and trauma healing expert—to uncover the science and soul behind emotional resilience. Hilary reveals the hidden mechanisms of the brain, shares powerful real-life transformations, and guides you through practical ...

What if you could rewire your brain for resilience and joy?

In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Hilary Russo—one of only 50 certified havening trainers in the world, trauma-informed holistic practitioner, and host of the globally top-rated “Holistically Speaking” podcast. Hilary reveals the neuroscience behind self-healing, the transformative power of gratitude, and how her “Hug It Out” method can help you reclaim your mind...

What if the only thing standing between you and a thriving, burnout-proof freelance business is a single mindset shift? In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Jason Willis Lee—medical translator, business strategist, and host of the Freelance Training podcast—to uncover the hidden frameworks that separate struggling freelancers from industry leaders.

From the power of lead magnets to the art of productizing your expertise, Jas...

Step inside the mind of Jason Willis-Lee, an ITI certified medical translator and serial entrepreneur, who’s spent over 25 years navigating the shifting tides of business, burnout, and personal brand in a world flooded with AI and endless content.

With wisdom forged in Madrid and a career packed with reinvention, Jason reveals how freelancers can break through the noise, leverage their story, and create a business only they can bui...

Could your biggest trading loss be just one emotional decision away?

In this gripping episode, Casey Stubbs — veteran, trader, and creator of the 1% Weekly Trading System — reveals the life-changing mindset shifts and risk strategies that help thousands move from gambling with their futures to building real wealth. Casey brings military discipline, hard-earned wisdom, and a rare emotional honesty to a conversation that will challeng...

What if you could walk away from your 9-to-5 and never look back?

In this revealing episode, Casey Stubbs—trading authority and mission-driven mentor—shares how he empowers 100,000 professionals to master a step-by-step trading system for consistent 1% weekly returns. Discover the emotional journey behind the strategies, the misconceptions about options, and the mindset shift that can transform your financial life forever.

Join Junai...

What if the secret to building a thriving business isn’t about being everywhere, but about showing up where it matters most?

In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Michelle Thames—brand strategist, podcast host, and digital ecosystem architect—to uncover the real blueprint for standing out, attracting clients, and turning your passions into profit.

Michelle’s journey is a masterclass in reinvention and resilience. She reveals w...

What if losing everything was the spark you needed to build your dream life?

In this episode, Michelle Thames reveals how being fired from her healthcare job became the catalyst for a radical reinvention. Discover how she transformed a side hustle into a thriving business, built a digital marketing agency with her husband, and became a sought-after speaker and podcast host.

Michelle’s story is a masterclass in betting on yourself, e...

What if everything you know about marketing is wrong?

In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Joshua Ramsey, the Fractional CMO who’s helped countless businesses slash costs and skyrocket results. Joshua pulls back the curtain on the real reasons most marketing budgets fail—and shares the science, stories, and strategies that separate the winners from the wasted.

Discover the emotional journey behind every marketing decision...