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PODCAST · business

Indie Founder

by Tiago Ferreira

My name is Tiago and I am a full time Indie Maker. I build startups without any external investment and my goal is to perfect my entrepreneurial craft and reach $100K ARR (Annual Recurrent Revenue)Join me as I narrate my story and interview other entrepreneurs.Join our community

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Episodes

  1. #375 - AI First Company & How One Small Tweak Turned Podsqueeze's Growth Around

    After a long absence, I'm back with a packed episode. I reflect on why I've been away and what's changed—both in my life and in how I think about entrepreneurship. I challenge the unicorn fairy tales we've been sold as founders, the idea that we need to change the world or go big or go home, and...

  2. #374 - Managing a Business While In Parental Leave

    In this episode, I catch you up on the latest life and business updates. I reflect on the privilege and challenges of being an indie entrepreneur, especially as my co-founder João becomes a new father and takes parental leave. I discuss how we’re managing business operations at Podsqueeze with…

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  3. #373 - Saying No, Even to Yourself: Avoiding Founder Burnout

    In this episode, I speak about the importance of saying no—not just to others, but also to myself and my own ideas. I reflect on feeling overwhelmed by work and the many projects that compete for my attention, and I realize the need to prioritize tasks that directly contribute to my business’s...

  4. #372 - Growing a Bootstrapped Empire Without Social Media

    I speak about our strategy for 2026 and why distribution is key for our bootstrapped products. I share how SEO is working better for us than social media, and how we’re building a universe of interconnected products using SEO, newsletters, and YouTube. I explain how my co-founder and I split…

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  5. #371 - Twitter Fights and Product Launches

    I answer a listener question on product validation and the best way to launch new projects. I share why I prefer building a simple MVP over just creating landing pages, and why I believe organic traffic beats paid ads unless you’re an expert. I break down the role of distribution and audience in...

  6. #370 - My 2026 Predictions: AI Disruption, Jobs Lost & The Future of SaaS

    I predict what will happen in 2026 with AI, politics, and the economy, comparing my answers with ChatGPT. I answer Tony’s question on reconciling living off unemployment benefits while now facing high taxes as an entrepreneur. I explain why I’m not anti-taxes but believe the system needs to…

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  7. Indie Founder Podcast Trailer

    Welcome to the Indie Founder Podcast—a show where I (Tiago) share my journey from software engineer to full-time indie maker. In this podcast, I talk about building bootstrap businesses like Podsqueeze—ventures grown without outside funding—and my dream of creating an “indie empire.” I’ll be...

  8. #369 - Selling Podsqueeze? What Happened in 2025 Changes Everything!

    In a conversation with my co-founder we speak about why we’re not selling Podsqueeze in 2026, our MRR numbers, tackling churn, and the challenges of B2B vs. B2C. I explain our SEO strategy and why we invested $1,500 in a domain. I share new learnings about automating with N8N and the impact of AI...

  9. #368 - Why I Spent $1,500 on a Domain for My SaaS

    I share why I bought my most expensive domain ever for $1,500 and break down the strategy behind it. I talk about the shift from product development to mastering distribution, especially through SEO. I discuss the difference between active and passive distribution and why owning the right keyword...

  10. #367 - We Just Moved In To Our Own Office

    I share the story behind getting our first dedicated Podsqueeze office in Portugal. I talk about the challenges of moving from a co-working space, hunting for a budget-friendly place, and doing DIY renovations with my co-founder. I explain how we furnished the space cheaply, set up a gym and...

  11. #366 - I Took My First Step In Politics And You Should Do It Too!

    I share my journey stepping into local politics. I discuss my experience exploring a political party, why direct impact is difficult, and my thoughts on democracy, transparency, and capitalism. I reflect on how entrepreneurs can contribute outside traditional politics, the role of technology in...

  12. #365 - Why Did I Wear a Suit to Web Summit? Spoiler: It Worked!

    I share updates on negotiating for a new office, including the challenges with the landlord and contract terms. I reflect on changing my dress code at Web Summit, how it affected others’ perceptions and my self-confidence. I discuss Web Summit highlights—AI hype, standout startups, and networking...

  13. #364 - How a Loud Neighbor Pushed Us to Get Our Own Office

    I share my journey from working at home to trying co-working spaces, and then renting my own office. I talk about challenges like noise and limited hours that made me and my co-founder look for a better fit. Now, with our own office, we have more freedom, flexibility, and the chance to build a...

  14. #363 - How I Automated My Indie Business with AI and n8n

    I speak about how I’m automating my indie founder workflow using N8N. I share my favorite automations: press release creation and translations, social media scheduling, and newsletter writing, all powered by AI and connected through tools like Excel and GPT. I talk about handling integrations,...

  15. #362 - The Best Strategies for Bootstrapped Founders at Business Conferences

    My experience attending a business conference in Madrid as a bootstrapped founder. I talk about the challenges I faced pitching in Spanish, the costs involved in attending the conference, and why face-to-face meetings are so important for B2B sales. I share my own tips on networking, negotiating...

  16. #361 - Mastering the Art of Pricing: Balancing B2C Sensitivity with B2B Value

    I speak about the challenges of setting prices for B2C and B2B customers. I share why B2C is more price-sensitive and talk about Podsqueeze’s shift to bigger B2B clients. I give examples from other SaaS companies—how some only show enterprise pricing and others adjust based on value or usage. I...

  17. #360 - Bootstrapping vs Raising Funds: How AI Is Changing the Game for Indie Founders

    I reflect on my recent interview with Craig Hewitt, founder of Castos. I dive into the trade-offs between bootstrapping and raising venture capital. I share my thoughts on how AI is changing entrepreneurship and jobs. I talk about my own experiences with product pivots and tough market…

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  18. #359 - Interviewing Craig Hewitt on International Expansion, AI and Raising Funds While Building Castos

    I chat with Craig Hewitt , founder of Castos. We talk about his journey from running a podcast editing agency to building a SaaS hosting platform. We cover the challenges of bootstrapping, raising funds, and going international. Craig shares how he uses distribution channels, how AI affects small...

  19. #358 - How Does Mindset Shape Your Business Success Across Cultures?

    I speak about how mindset is shaped by culture and how it impacts business and self-confidence, comparing Portugal, Germany, and the US. I share lessons learned from interacting with entrepreneurs, especially around valuing your work and selling yourself. I talk about my new advertising project,...

  20. #357 - Is Indie Hacking Dead Or Will It Be Killed By AI?

    I reflect on changes in the indie hacking community, especially how Twitter’s algorithm elevated a few “stars” and reduced sharing of useful lessons. I discuss how AI is transforming bootstrapping and SaaS, making coding accessible and raising anxiety about job security. I explore how software is...

  21. #356 - A day in a life of an entrepreneur [Re-published]

    Today I am re-publishing an episode from my early days as an entrepreneur. It kind of seems like it was a lifetime ago. I have learned a lot since then. But its cool to go back in time! Hope you enjoy it! Follow me on twitter: https://x.com/wbetiago

  22. #355 - Rob Walling on How To Build a SaaS [Re-Published]

    Here is the republish of my chat with Rob Walling, author of the SaaS Playbook. We delved into product pricing, focusing on value alignment rather than greed, and discussed strategic price increases to reduce churn and bolster marketing. Rob also shared when to start paid ads and how to create...

  23. #354 - I Asked ChatGPT How To Get to $1M ARR!

    I interview ChatGPT (calling it Alex) and challenge it to create a roadmap from zero skills to $1M ARR in five years. We break down the best skills to learn (coding, sales), how to choose a profitable niche, and why B2B SaaS for remote creative collaboration is a strong bet. I dive into practical...

  24. #353 - Should I Buy My First Sailboat?

    I talk about my personal dilemma: should I buy a boat now or wait? I share my love for sailing, the costs and challenges of boat ownership, and my ideas to make it affordable—like renting it on Airbnb. I discuss chasing dreams versus saving or investing money, and ask if achieving goals is better...

  25. #352 - Which Businesses Have the Best Multiples in 2025?

    I break down key insights from a digital business acquisition report by Flippa. I share which business models are getting the highest multiples (SaaS, content sites, YouTube channels), highlight surprising trends in buyer interest, explain what affects deal speed and size, and give quick tips for...

  26. #351 - Market Validation, Churn Reduction & Bootstrapping ScreenshotOne.com to $20K MRR with Dmytro

    In this episode, I sit down with Dmytro, founder of ScreenshotOne.com, to uncover how he bootstrapped his SaaS tool for automated website screenshots to an impressive $20K MRR. We dive deep into the market validation process that gave ScreenshotOne.com an edge, explore real-world use cases, and...

  27. #350 - Mastering B2B Sales: Strategies for Indie Founders

    I share my journey into B2B sales, detailing the strategies that helped me land clients for my company, Podsqueeze. I discuss the differences between B2B and B2C, the importance of identifying target leads, and effective outreach methods, including using WhatsApp. I cover the demo process,...

  28. #349 - How Indie Makers Can Leverage Press Releases & Niche Marketing to Boost Visibility

    I share a recent breakthrough in my entrepreneurial journey with Podsqueeze. After experimenting with various marketing strategies, I discovered the power of targeted press releases. Initially, I struggled with traditional PR methods, but I found success by reaching out to niche podcasting...

  29. #348 - What Defines a Good Entrepreneur? The Power of Value Creation, Continuous Learning & Building a Self-Sustainable Business

    I discuss the definition of a successful entrepreneur and what constitutes a company. I share my perspective on profitability and value creation, emphasizing that a true business should be self-sustainable. I explore the role of luck in entrepreneurship and reflect on my journey with Podsqueeze,...

  30. #347 - The Market Doesn’t Care: Realities of Entrepreneurship

    I share my journey with Podsqueeze, reflecting on two years of entrepreneurship. I discuss the impact of seasonality on our business and the brutal nature of the market. I explore the challenges of balancing investment and salary, leading to a decision to scale down operations. I highlight our...

  31. #346 - Reflections on 2024: Achievements, Challenges, and the Power of Sustainable Marketing

    I share a wrap-up of 2024, discussing both successes and challenges with Podsqueeze. I reflect on our disappointing growth compared to 2023 and the importance of sustainable marketing, particularly through SEO, which significantly increased our traffic. I analyze our MRR growth of 18% and the...

  32. #345 - Navigating Residential Building Management: Overcoming Challenges and Cultural Clashes

    I dive into my journey of managing a residential building after buying our first apartment. I share the ups and downs of dealing with a crumbling building, a lackluster management company, and a diverse group of neighbors from different cultural backgrounds. I talk about how I took charge…

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  33. #344 - Cracking the Productivity Code: Balancing Work Satisfaction and Personal Time for Indie Makers

    I dive into the tricky balance between work and rest that many indie makers face. I share my personal journey and talk about the constant pressure to work long hours and the feelings of dissatisfaction that can arise in both 9-to-5 jobs and startups. I emphasize the importance of finding...

  34. #343 - Network Used To Be Awkward... Lets Talk About Websummit

    I dive into the art of networking at conferences, focusing on my experiences at the Web Summit in Lisbon. Having attended for three years, I share tips on navigating the event, securing a media ticket, and making meaningful connections. I emphasize the importance of networking over attending…

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  35. #342 - Currency Fluctuations and Trump's Victory: Impacts on Indie Maker's Businesses

    I dive into the potential impacts of Donald Trump's election victory on indie businesses, especially in the SaaS sector. I discuss the differences between the U.S. and European business environments, noting how higher purchasing power in the U.S. can benefit indie makers. I also touch on…

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  36. #341 - How Your Ego Is Killing Your Business!

    I dive into the importance of setting aside ego in both entrepreneurship and personal life. I share personal stories and lessons learned, emphasizing that being an entrepreneur is a lifestyle that shapes one's worldview. I talk about how different professions influence perspectives and highlight...

  37. #340 - Navigating Scaling Challenges and User Feedback: Elston's Indie Journey with Tiny Host

    I chat with Elston, founder of Tiny Host. We dive into his journey as an indie maker, his early interest in web design, and the founding of Tiny Host. We discuss validating business ideas, building Tiny Host from an MVP to a user-friendly tool, and the importance of user feedback and market...

  38. #339 - From Stagnation to Success: Reviving User Engagement with Podsqueeze

    I share the rollercoaster journey of my startup, Podsqueeze. I talk about our initial success, hitting a growth plateau, and the strategies we used to bounce back, like investing in SEO and launching new features. I dive into the emotional highs and lows of entrepreneurship, the importance of...

  39. #338 - New Name! New Product! New Season!

    I discuss the evolution of my podcast and why It went from "The Wannabe Entrepreneur" to "Indie Founder." I introduce Flarecut, my new AI tool that helps create short videos. I reflect on its market reception so far and why it might be failing. Mentions Podsqueeze (00:06:41) -...

  40. #337 - Unveiling the Myth: Overworking and Work Performance in the Path to Wealth

    In this episode, I dive into my latest thoughts on entrepreneurship, work-life balance, and productivity. I share exciting updates about my project, Podsqueeze, and my collaboration with João on a new product. I discuss the struggle of balancing work with personal life and question traditional...

  41. #336 -Why Business Size Matters: Navigating a Bootstrapped Company and New Projects

    I talk about the importance of prioritizing tasks and managing time effectively. I also discuss my main goal: becoming a better entrepreneur through continuous learning. You'll hear about my marketing strategies, especially focusing on Google SEO, and the challenges of growing a bootstrapped...

  42. #335 - Navigating Business Metrics and My Podcasting Conference Journey - Young Entrepreneur Mistakes

    I made a mistake with my pricing, but I'm getting over it with some meditation. I'm also excited to go to a podcast conference in London to meet people and learn more. I talked about the importance of understanding business metrics to make good decisions, not just to look impressive. Also, AI is...

  43. #334 - Rob Walling on Mastering Product Pricing for Churn Reduction and Entrepreneurial Wealth - Author of The SaaS Playbook

    Here is my chat with Rob Walling, author of the SaaS Playbook. We delved into product pricing, focusing on value alignment rather than greed, and discussed strategic price increases to reduce churn and bolster marketing. Rob also shared when to start paid ads and how to create impactful content.…

    more

  44. #333 - Thriving in Your 30s: Embracing Community Building and Entrepreneurship

    I've been reflecting on the growth and changes over the past few years. We talked about the leap from a 9 to 5 to full-time entrepreneurship, the societal pressures we face, especially as we hit our 30s, and the quest for work-life balance. I also pondered the idea of renting an office space to...

  45. #332 - Money, Time and Fun - You Can Have It All!

    In today's podcast, I dive deep into how we juggle our time, chase wealth, and strive for that elusive work-life balance. I shared some personal stories, including the ups and downs with my own project, Podsqueeze, and how I'm tackling growth challenges head-on. We also talked about why we leave...

  46. #331 - Unlocking Organic Growth: The Hidden Tool Transforming Businesses

    I'm happy to share some personal updates and entrepreneurial insights. Lately, I've discovered Apollo, a networking tool that's completely revolutionized the way I connect with others. Our Website was completely down for a complete 30 min and I have never beens this stressed XD And to continue…

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  47. #330 - Unlocking Productivity: How "The 4-Hour Workweek" Revolutionizes Entrepreneurial Efficiency

    I dive into the nation's burgeoning immigration scene, exploring its cultural boons and economic hurdles. As a business owner, my political perspectives are ever-shifting, particularly concerning taxes and government policies. Plus, I'll reveal my journey towards achieving a work-life balance and...

  48. #329 - Strategic Investing Strategies Post-Company Sale with Daniel's $500K SaaS Portfolio

    Hey fellow indie hackers, just wrapped up a super cool chat with Daniel, a 26-year-old entrepreneur who's totally killing it with a $500k SaaS portfolio. He and his brother started young, sold their first company, and now they're smartly reinvesting into more SaaS, real estate, and other assets....

  49. #328 - Rob Walling's Game-Changing Book: Strategies for Makers on Reducing Churn and Embracing Long-Term Thinking

    Hey fellow indie hackers! I've promised myself (and you guys!) that from now on, I'll drop a fresh episode every Monday – gotta keep that trust going, right? I also dived into my new adventure with PodSqueeze, chatting with customers on the podcast and soaking up all their amazing insights. Oh…

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  50. #327 - Unlocking Product Growth: The Role of Early Adopters and Marketing Tactics

    Why do some products grow more than others? In today's episode of "The Wannabe Entrepreneur," I ponder over the growth trajectory of my product, the inevitable plateau, and the significance of early adopters and the early majority. I confess to overlooking long-term marketing tactics initially…

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

My name is Tiago and I am a full time Indie Maker. I build startups without any external investment and my goal is to perfect my entrepreneurial craft and reach $100K ARR (Annual Recurrent Revenue)Join me as I narrate my story and interview other entrepreneurs.Join our community

HOSTED BY

Tiago Ferreira

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Indie Founder have?

Indie Founder currently has 376 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Indie Founder about?

My name is Tiago and I am a full time Indie Maker. I build startups without any external investment and my goal is to perfect my entrepreneurial craft and reach $100K ARR (Annual Recurrent Revenue)Join me as I narrate my story and interview other entrepreneurs.Join our community

How often does Indie Founder release new episodes?

Indie Founder publishes regularly with 376 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.

Where can I listen to Indie Founder?

You can listen to Indie Founder on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Indie Founder?

Indie Founder is created and hosted by Tiago Ferreira.
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