Last year, my wife and I made the somewhat terrifying decision to skip summer camp for our kids to save $9,000-$10,000 and spend more intentional time together. It wasn’t perfect—I gave myself a solid B—but we survived, and more importantly, we’re doing it again…

I’ll be honest—I don’t officially do web development anymore. But when a nonprofit asked for help, I thought I could knock out a simple WordPress portal in 25 hours using no-code tools like Zapier and Advanced Custom Fields. Boy, was I wrong.What started as a straightforward project quickly turned into a nightmare of under-scoping and tool limitations I never saw coming. Zapier didn’t work with WordPress custom post types the way I expected. Advanced Custom Fields still requires custom coding for Gutenberg blocks after seven years. Google Sheets automation had quirks I’d never encountered. It was starting to look more like 60 hours, not 25.That’s when I reluctantly turned to ChatGPT for help—and it completely saved my butt. Instead of writing custom code from scratch or going back to the client with double the budget, I started “vibe coding.” I’d describe the problem, ChatGPT would write the solution, and we’d iterate together. It wrote nearly 2,000 lines of code for me, handled complex features I would’ve needed premium plugins for, and let me stay flexible when the client requested changes.The result? A 30-hour project instead of 60, a happy client, and a reminder that sometimes the tools we resist most can be the ones that save us.*Want 40+ automations plus my AI swipe files? Head over to https://casabona.org/streamlined*Top TakeawaysVibe coding can be a massive force multiplier, even if you’re not a developer—ChatGPT walked me through everything and cut my project time in halfAlways scope projects more carefully by testing tool limitations upfront, especially when assuming “obvious” features exist (spoiler: they often don’t)AI coding made me more flexible and agreeable to client requests because I wasn’t emotionally attached to hand-written codeShow NotesI built an app with AI and now I’m scared for WordPressHow to vibe code: 11 vibe coding best practices to start building with AI
————Streamlined Solopreneur is the podcast for solopreneurs who want to automate their business and take time off worry-free. Each week, Joe Casabona shares practical systems, tools, and strategies to help you reclaim your time and run your business without sacrificing your the rest of your life, or your health. Start with the free Solopreneur Sweep — a step-by-step method for finding where your business is losing time: https://streamlined.fm/sweepIf this episode helped you, leaving a review on Apple Podcasts helps other solopreneurs find the show — it only takes a minute and means a lot.Connect with Joe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcasabona/

I’ll be honest—I don’t officially do web development anymore. But when a nonprofit asked for help, I thought I could knock out a simple WordPress portal in 25 hours using no-code tools like Zapier and Advanced Custom Fields. Boy, was I wrong. What started…

When I first started using AI in my business, I was hesitant — it felt like a shortcut that might strip away my voice. But in this conversation with Corey Koehler, I learned that when you set it up the right way, AI can actually amplify your voice and make your work better — and faster.Corey shares how he went from spending hours grinding through client work and side projects to building an AI-powered system that slashed his production time, boosted his income, and gave him more time with his family. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to create consistent content or build your business while keeping your family first, this episode will give you a clear, practical blueprint for making AI actually work for you — without losing your soul along the way.I want to hear from you! Send your feedback to https://streamlinedfeedback.com. Top TakeawaysAI isn’t just for shortcuts — it’s an amplifier for your creativity and problem-solving if you build the right systems around it.Setting up “projects” inside ChatGPT (or Claude) lets you preload important context — like your business model, ideal customer, and writing style — so you’re not starting from scratch every time.Authenticity still matters: letting AI write for you without human editing risks sounding bland and disconnected — “human in the loop” is key.Show NotesCorey’s FreebieRedefining RetirementCorey on LinkedInCheck out my other shows at https://network.streamlined.fm 
————Streamlined Solopreneur is the podcast for solopreneurs who want to automate their business and take time off worry-free. Each week, Joe Casabona shares practical systems, tools, and strategies to help you reclaim your time and run your business without sacrificing your the rest of your life, or your health. Start with the free Solopreneur Sweep — a step-by-step method for finding where your business is losing time: https://streamlined.fm/sweepIf this episode helped you, leaving a review on Apple Podcasts helps other solopreneurs find the show — it only takes a minute and means a lot.Connect with Joe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcasabona/

When I first started using AI in my business, I was hesitant — it felt like a shortcut that might strip away my voice. But in this conversation with Corey Koehler, I learned that when you set it up the right way, AI can…

My therapist recently asked if anyone had ever talked to me about ADHD. While I’ve never been formally diagnosed, that question sparked a journey into understanding how our brains work—especially when running a business. That’s why I was thrilled to chat with Skye Waterson, an ADHD strategist who helps entrepreneurs build “brain-friendly” systems.Skye discovered her own ADHD during her PhD studies and has since developed an approach called “Unconventional Organisation” that works with your natural thinking patterns instead of against them. If you’ve ever found yourself with 30 browser tabs open, jumping between half-finished projects, or creating elaborate systems you abandon by Tuesday, this conversation might be exactly what you need. Skye’s practical approach cuts through the noise and focuses on what actually moves your business forward while leaving room for you to be present with your family.I want to hear from you! Send your feedback to https://streamlinedfeedback.com. Top TakeawaysMost of us genuinely have fewer than five truly urgent tasks each day—learning to identify what has actual external consequences versus what just feels urgent can instantly reduce overwhelmCreate systems that match your natural processing style rather than forcing yourself to use tools that don’t work for your brainFind dopamine sources outside your business—hobbies and interests prevent you from creating unnecessary complexity just to keep things excitingShow NotesADHD Focus FilterSkye on Instagram (message “streamlined”)  Check out my other shows at https://network.streamlined.fm 
————Streamlined Solopreneur is the podcast for solopreneurs who want to automate their business and take time off worry-free. Each week, Joe Casabona shares practical systems, tools, and strategies to help you reclaim your time and run your business without sacrificing your the rest of your life, or your health. Start with the free Solopreneur Sweep — a step-by-step method for finding where your business is losing time: https://streamlined.fm/sweepIf this episode helped you, leaving a review on Apple Podcasts helps other solopreneurs find the show — it only takes a minute and means a lot.Connect with Joe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcasabona/

My therapist recently asked if anyone had ever talked to me about ADHD. While I’ve never been formally diagnosed, that question sparked a journey into understanding how our brains work—especially when running a business. That’s why I was thrilled to chat with Skye Waterson,…

One of my favorite things to do at Disney World growing up was get on attractions and press all the buttons. They really made it feel like you were accomplishing things. Maybe that’s why I like the Stream Deck so much.I’ve been using Stream Decks for about five years now, starting with a 15-key model before expanding to a 32-key XL and adding two more devices to my setup. These programmable button panels have become an essential part of my workflow, helping me control everything from video production to home automation.While many see Stream Decks as tools just for streamers, I’ve integrated them deeply into my daily work—managing focus sessions, tracking time, controlling my lights, and executing shortcuts that save me dozens of clicks every day. They’ve become my personal control room that helps me work more efficiently and stay focused, whether I’m recording podcasts, creating videos, or doing deep work.Top TakeawaysStream Decks aren’t just for streamers—they’re incredibly versatile productivity tools that can automate repetitive tasks across your entire workflow, from video production to time tracking and home automation.Custom buttons with visual icons make actions more memorable than keyboard shortcuts, especially for complex or infrequently used commands that are hard to remember.Controlling my environment (like turning lights on/off, changing colors, or setting focus modes) with a single button press helps me transition between different work modes instantly, saving mental energy and reducing friction.
————Streamlined Solopreneur is the podcast for solopreneurs who want to automate their business and take time off worry-free. Each week, Joe Casabona shares practical systems, tools, and strategies to help you reclaim your time and run your business without sacrificing your the rest of your life, or your health. Start with the free Solopreneur Sweep — a step-by-step method for finding where your business is losing time: https://streamlined.fm/sweepIf this episode helped you, leaving a review on Apple Podcasts helps other solopreneurs find the show — it only takes a minute and means a lot.Connect with Joe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcasabona/

One of my favorite things to do at Disney World growing up was get on attractions and press all the buttons. They really made it feel like you were accomplishing things. Maybe that’s why I like the Stream Deck so much. I’ve been using Stream…

I solemnly swear I’ve never worked on a family vacation. Can you honestly say that? I can’t.From checking emails in Magic Kingdom to recording podcasts at the beach, I’ve been guilty of putting work before family time, even on vacation. After some not-so-great experiences (including a previous Disney trip that didn’t go as planned), I’ve decided my upcoming Disney vacation with my family will be different.This time, I’m setting firm boundaries by not bringing my laptop, using devices like Brick to physically prevent me from checking emails in the parks, and setting clear expectations with clients. The truth is, most of us aren’t handling truly mission-critical work—the world won’t end if we’re unreachable for a week. My kids are excited about this trip, and I refuse to be that parent staring at my phone while standing in “the happiest place on earth.”Top TakeawaysI’m leaving my laptop at home and only bringing an iPad with keyboard for genuine emergencies, making the “pain” of working greater than the “pain” of the emergency itself.Using tools like the Brick app and Focus mode lets me physically block myself from checking work communications while at Disney, helping maintain boundaries during family time.Setting proper expectations with clients in advance is crucial—I’ve already notified everyone I’m actively working with that I’ll be completely unavailable and explained why.Practicing “willful forgetfulness” about work matters helps reduce anxiety—most things that feel urgent aren’t truly emergencies, and my business is designed to function if I step away briefly.Show NotesBrick App – App used to block distractions during vacationJoe’s Audio Notes – For follow-up thoughts after returning from DisneyNewsletter Signup – To stay updated with the latest contentStreamlined Feedback – To share how you handle work during vacations
————Streamlined Solopreneur is the podcast for solopreneurs who want to automate their business and take time off worry-free. Each week, Joe Casabona shares practical systems, tools, and strategies to help you reclaim your time and run your business without sacrificing your the rest of your life, or your health. Start with the free Solopreneur Sweep — a step-by-step method for finding where your business is losing time: https://streamlined.fm/sweepIf this episode helped you, leaving a review on Apple Podcasts helps other solopreneurs find the show — it only takes a minute and means a lot.Connect with Joe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcasabona/