Mondayland

Model routers are all the rage. Understandable given the rising cost of frontier intelligence. But Stripe possibly paying $10 billion for OpenRouter? Crikey.So I decided to build the simplest possible AI model router for my setup myself...Here's a Builders workshop I did that you can get for free: workshop.mikemonday.com

The plan was watertight. I had it all figured out. Until it fell apart with less than 24 hours to go.So I had no choice but to develop a simpler app to make the presentation for the workshop WHILE MAKING THE PRESENTATION FOR THE WORKSHOP.Here's what happened...Sign up for the free Builders workshop here and I'll send it to you: workshop.mikemonday.com

First, came the facts…Next came the chats……AND THEN CAME THE SLOP. Soulless, hollow, incessant, inhuman bilge saying everything that means nothing. It sickens me. I spot it from a mile and then I run another two. And yet, here I am jumping up and down saying: “These new tools we all have now make this the best time in human history to start or grow a solo business.” How can I believe both at once? Aren't they contradictory? No. They're consistent. Here's how… I do not use AI to create things for me. For me, it is not a brush. I don't use AI as a spanner or saw.(You can use it like this, but good luck with that.) The other way is to build whatever lathe, forge or foundry you need in the moment. Then, with these tools you've built to fit your hand like your skin… YOU, just you: A human with purpose and judgement, you can create unique, meaningful things. Things that connect to those who love what you say and need what you make. To be human has always meant to augment ourselves with tools. I sit here now typing at this keyboard, staring at this screen, through lenses that allow me to see… We enhance ourselves, extend creativity and acquire abilities that we before these tools could not imagine. But we rightly reject the tool (that is promised to all) when it's used to replace. Do not ask this: “What can this AI do in my place?” Or even this:“What can this AI make for me?” Ask yourself this: “What could I create with an instrument that only I would build; that works as only I can?” Do not use AI to create things.Use it to build the tools to create things. THAT is what this Thursday is about: The Build Machine: How to Build a Builder BusinessThursday 6th August 2026 LA: noon / NYC: 3pm / UK: 8pm(If you can't make it - I'll send the recording to sign ups.) https://workshop.mikemonday.com Onwards & upwards, Mike “Just as Moog is not the music, The synth is not the song. Neither builder nor tool can purpose take, Or give meaning to; the human it belongs.” P.S. For anyone who has or wants to build a solopreneur business using these new tools - sign up on this page (another thing I made with my new, unique tools): https://workshop.mikemonday.com

Today is Day 20 of me "getting back on the content horse".(She's a mean old nag….easy girl…🐴)In 20 days I managed to record and release 16 videos. Not quite the daily I set out to do, but that gap holds the answers.Here's what I've learnt - and what I'm going to do next to see if I can go the full 20 in 20 this time…after all, success is knowing what to do next. Sign up for a Free Builder's Workshop here: workshop.mikemonday.com

Your business is taking off. Prospects are banging down the door. But all you want to do is HIDE!This is the classic sign of a solo business set up for self-sabotage.I've done it more often than I care to mention over the last 32 years building my own businesses and it ain't pretty.But with these new building tools there is a way through...Sign up for my Free Builder Workshop this Thursday here:workshop.mikemonday.com

I started as a solo business owner right out the gate after university. First in 1994 as a music producer releasing vinyl, then DJ touring the world, then in 2011 I launched my first online coaching business.Every single time, I felt like I was behind, there were too many people already doing it, that it had all been done. Theses beliefs stopped me from taking the opportunities like I could have. Not this time. We are right at the start. And we can do this together. Sign up for the Free Builders Workshop here:"The Build Machine: How to Build a Builders Business": https://workshop.mikemonday.com/

Why I have released a page that is a mess on mobile...And come to the free workshop I'm doing "The Build Machine - How to Build a Builder Business":workshop.mikemonday.com (By the time you get there I may have even sorted it out on mobile!)

Almost ALL problems with how we "do knowledge work" are yet to be solved... Because we can't even seen the problems with how we do knowledge work now. Until now, the people making the tools were different from the people using them. Now the people using the tools can also make them by describing what they need and want to another tool, one that talks back - what is now possible? To sign up for the free workshop "The Build Machine: How to Build a Builders Business": workshop.mikemonday.com

The first time I did an onboarding session (back in March), it took 2 hours 47 minutes to walk my clients through installing mAI (my AI system). THEN I realised I'd built it wrong, had to rebuild, then put them through ANOTHER session of 3 hours 15 minutes! Today, where I onboarded a PC user for the first time was not quite that bad... P.S. Here's a Thoughtnado tool I built to help overwhelmed builders: build.mikemonday.com Here's this episode on YouTube...

I had a realisation today when attempting to plan a marketing campaign for my new program for builders. Where I struggle is in making decisions when I don't have enough information to decide...which is almost always the case.So what is the solution? P.S. here's a tool I built to help overwhelmed Builders gain clarity: build.mikemonday.com

Infinite options don't unlock your creativity. Constraints do. A constantly shifting landscape creates doubt, another creativity killer. So how do you decide what products to build, what kind of business you want and what will work? P.S. Here's a Thoughtnado tool I built for non-technical builders overwhelmed with too many build ideas: build.mikemonday.com

I've been stuck deep down the BUILD HOLE for weeks. The build hole is fun. It's exciting. It's addictive...BUT IT'S A TRAP. Here's how to escape it, and start creating genuine value from all the tokens we're using...Oh and this tool was the first that helped me ESCAPE THE BUILD HOLE - the Thoughtnado: build.mikemonday.com/

There's a HUGE wave approaching fast...I'm gonna ride it.P.S. Here's a tool I built for overwhelmed builders and solopreneurs: build.mikemonday.comHere's this episode on YouTube...

My access to the intelligent systems I use to build and run my businesses cannot be dependent on the whim of any other person, entity or organisation. My context - memories, plans, history is mine - I'm not ok with anyone owning or controlling it. AND the era of AI subsidy looks like it's coming to an end.That is why I've invested over 80% of my (highly subsidised) AI subscriptions to build an independent, deterministic system. This episode is on YouTube here... Here's a Thoughtnado tool I built for builders overwhelmed with ideas: build.mikemonday.com

Yesterday afternoon I had to spend the ENTIRE afternoon attempting to unlock the door into my system that Codex had bolted shut.Unfortunately I found out it had also thrown away the key...P.S. Here's a tool I built for overwhelmed builders: https://build.mikemonday.com/

For me, building without knowing a line of code is like flying into a cloud at the dead of night with my eyes closed. (Of course, I’ve never done that lol. But I’m sticking with it.)But this zero-technical training doesn’t mean I can only build “bad versions of what already exists.” In fact, my lack of expertise together with what I call “Discovery Building” is now allowing me to build the kind of stuff I want - but have never seen…P.S. One example of a uniquely weird “Discovery Build” is this Thoughtnado tool I made for you: build.mikemonday.comAnd here's this episode on YouTube: How to Become a Discovery Builder (w. ZERO technical training)

Yes. It happened. I got Rickrolled by a machine. P.S. Here's one of the thinking tools I've built for you if you're a builder overwhelmed with too many ideas: https://build.mikemonday.com/

Building an online business from ZERO is hard. Especially when:The social media game isn't one you're willing to play BUT social platforms reward playing their game.So this is my solution. CREATE MY OWN GAME:[in progress - see tomorrow's episode lol]

Building software when you're non-technical is all very well and good...UNTIL YOU HAVE USERS. It means loads of testing, checks and red teaming. But release day ALWAYS COMES. P.S. Here's one of the thinking tools I've built for you if you're a builder overwhelmed with too many ideas: https://build.mikemonday.com/

Where BuildPod is me walking and talking... BuildStream is me sitting and sharing: on YouTube here.Here's the Thoughtnado thinking tool: https://build.mikemonday.com/

here's the "Thoughtnado" thinking tool I built for you (it's one of many coming soon...) ⁠build.mikemonday.com⁠

Here's the Thoughtnado: build.mikemonday.com

something fundamental just shifted...And if you'd like to find out more about the mAI program - shoot me an email:mike [at] mikemonday [dot] com

Here's a simple model I use to think about what is changing and what isn't.If you'd like to find out about the mAI program - send me an email:mike [at] mikemonday [dot] com

You can't know what will happen when you start doing...so just start doing.If you'd like to find out more about the mAI program send me an email and I'll send you all the details:mike [at] maistack [dot] dev

oh wow. Well this is new... If you'd like to find out more about the mAI program, send me an email and I'll send you all the details: mike [at] maistack [dot] dev

Joe90 expertise is the new elearning...If you'd like to join my mAI program, send me an email and I'll get you all the deets:mike[at]mikemonday[dot]com

Finally - I can do THIS!And if you'd like to find out more about "mAI coaching"...send me an email:mike[at]mikemonday[dot]com

Ai = fear + excitement. This is the "excitement" half of the equation. If you're interested in becoming a mAI builder send me an email:mike [at] mikemonday [dot] com

In the last 3 months - a weight has been lifted...a burden I didn't realise I've dragged around for YEARS... If you want to find out more about my mAI program:mike [at] mikemonday [dot] com

Fear is the mindkiller...and a gift.To find out more about what I'm building - either send me a message on Spotify (yes you can do that now on moby) or email me personally here:mike [at] mikemonday [dot] com

We all have a context problem...here's how I'm solving it.If you want me to show you what I've been building - shoot me an email: mike [at] mikemonday [dot] com

I'm BACK! Where HAVE I been? I've been BUILDING...If you'd like me to show you what I'm building, send me an email and I'll be in touch: mike [at] mikemonday [dot] com

As I'm now podcasting over on The Monday Stack about building a new AI-native business (whatever that means!) I'm sharing the first few episodes here. ⁠Subscribe to The Monday Stack here...⁠...because I'll stop posting these episodes here soon.P.S. In case the link doesn't work here's the url:https://mikemonday.substack.com/podcast

As I'm now podcasting over on The Monday Stack about building a new AI-native business (whatever that means!) I'm sharing the first few episodes here. Subscribe to The Monday Stack here......because I'll stop posting these episodes here soon.P.S. In case the link doesn't work here's the url:https://mikemonday.substack.com/podcast

I've started a new business and a new podcast (on a different feed) called The Monday Stack.I'll post the first few episodes of this new show on the Mondayland feed. If you like it and want to continue getting my dulcet tones in your earholes - make sure you subscribe to that as I won't post on Mondayland for the foreseeable future...https://mikemonday.substack.com/podcast

The last ever Make an Album With Mike starts very soon: https://makemusicyourlife.com/albumwithmike Here's my "Recursivism" Substack: https://mikemonday.substack.com/

I released my first vinyl record in 1995. It was TERRIFYING... ⁠The Leap: Season 1, Episode 9⁠ And whenever you're ready... ⁠⁠1. The Turbo Track Attack is the SIMPLEST way to make loads of music⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠2. Make more music you love with the FREE Music Machine template...⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠3. Listen to my in-progress songs in my current Music Machine...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠4. Join my WhatsApp channel for a regular espresso shot of insight and inspiration...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠5. Want my help to make YOUR album? 

If you're struggling to stay consistent and productive in producing music, you might assume (understandably) that taking much more time to finish your music will lead to better tracks. But good time management for musicians often means setting a more challenging target. The Album Podcast Season 6, Episode 28 Want my help to make YOUR album? https://makemusicyourlife.com/mawm Check Richard's First Album "You Could Be Happy" on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1oLZPCdjO0BNx8f8RQCsik?si=SJCusyl5R-iLV-Av8c2xaw Or Bandcamp: https://thesixteenth.bandcamp.com

If you'd like to build a die-hard fanbase for your music in 2025, understanding the process that transforms an uninterested listener into a devoted fan is crucial. This is Music Marketing 101 - required before you start figuring out how to plan your music release, promote your music, and the best way to market your music. The Leap Podcast: Season 1, Episode 8 www.makemusicyourlife.com/mondayland/die-hard-fanbase Want my help to make YOUR album? https://makemusicyourlife.com/mawm

I’m exploring the impact of AI on music production as 2024 closes with AI Music Researcher Jon Gillick. As I’m an AI Music noob, I ask Jon to make some predictions about where it might go and what he’s going to do with it in his music. We discuss AI's current state and future in music, ethical considerations around data use, and how musicians can creatively integrate AI tools into their workflow. The AI Music Podcast: Season 1, Episode 6 www.makemusicyourlife.com/mondayland/ai-music-2025 Want my help to make YOUR album? ⁠https://makemusicyourlife.com/albumwithmike

If you struggle to focus on your music this year, you're not alone! For the last 3 months of 2024, I struggled too. But for the rest of the year (except for one huge life crisis which knocked me off for about 6 weeks), I found it easy and simple to focus on my music. Even though I'm running my creator business and have 4 young kids we homeschool. To put music front and centre in your life, focusing on time management techniques first is a mistake. Sure they help - but nowhere near as much as setting up your life so you CAN "make music your life"... The Album Podcast: Season 7, Episode 2 If you want my help to make YOUR album? https://makemusicyourlife.com/albumwithmike

One of the first experiences I remember as a little kid I now know was FLOW... PodWalk: Season 7, Episode 8 ⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠And if you want my help to make YOUR album? Click here... ⁠

It's the first episode of a new season of The Album. Time to talk about your music! Is an album a good idea for you in 2025? If you're not sure you’re ready but would LIKE to make an album... (Because that's what artists do - right?) Or if you plan to make an album next year and want clarity and motivation... Then this episode is for you. The Album: Season 7, Episode 1⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠And if you want my help to make YOUR album? Click here... 

For the first time on this podcast... I pull apart one of my songs to show you how to make a song that MEANS something (i.e. expresses a Purpose). The Album: Season 6, Episode 24 ☝️ To listen to the full song click this episode link And whenever you're ready... ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠1. The Turbo Track Attack is the SIMPLEST way to make loads of music⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠2. Make more music you love with the FREE Music Machine template...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠3. Listen to my in-progress songs in my current Music Machine...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠4. Join my WhatsApp channel for a regular espresso shot of insight and inspiration...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠5. Want my help to make YOUR album? 

What do you need to create a piece of music that "lands"? PodWalk: Season 7, Episode 7 And whenever you're ready... ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠1. The Turbo Track Attack is the SIMPLEST way to make loads of music⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠2. Make more music you love with the FREE Music Machine template...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠3. Listen to my in-progress songs in my current Music Machine...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠4. Join my WhatsApp channel for a regular espresso shot of insight and inspiration...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠5. Want my help to make YOUR album? 

Too often, how we're taught to make music misses the MOST crucial aspect of what we're doing... PodWalk: Season 7, Episode 5 And whenever you're ready... ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠1. The Turbo Track Attack is the SIMPLEST way to make loads of music⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠2. Make more music you love with the FREE Music Machine template...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠3. Listen to my in-progress songs in my current Music Machine...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠4. Join my WhatsApp channel for a regular espresso shot of insight and inspiration...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠5. Want my help to make YOUR album? ⁠

Despite the common assumption that both "inspiration" and "discipline" are GOOD... After 30 years of making music and helping others make music, I've come to a startling realisation: Requiring either/both is often a sign of an unhealthy, unsustainable creative process. PodWalk: Season 7, Episode 4 And whenever you're ready... ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠1. The Turbo Track Attack is the SIMPLEST way to make loads of music⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠2. Make more music you love with the FREE Music Machine template...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠3. Listen to my in-progress songs in my current Music Machine...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠4. Join my WhatsApp channel for a regular espresso shot of insight and inspiration...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠5. Want my help to make YOUR album? 

THAT time of the year is fast approaching again... PodWalk: Season 7, Episode 4 Click here to download the MPIC Avoidance System And whenever you're ready... ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠1. The Turbo Track Attack is the SIMPLEST way to make loads of music⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠2. Make more music you love with the FREE Music Machine template...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠3. Listen to my in-progress songs in my current Music Machine...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠4. Join my WhatsApp channel for a regular espresso shot of insight and inspiration...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠5. Want my help to make YOUR album? 

In the creative process (and the Music Machine system - which reflects the stages of the creative process) - in the second stage, "Discovery" - people often get lost. Here's why - and why Discovery is a crucial stage of any creative process. Not only musically but psychologically... PodWalk: Season 7, Episode 3 And whenever you're ready... ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠1. The Turbo Track Attack is the SIMPLEST way to make loads of music⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠2. Make more music you love with the FREE Music Machine template...⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠3. Listen to my in-progress songs in my current Music Machine...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠4. Join my WhatsApp channel for a regular espresso shot of insight and inspiration...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠5. Want my help to make YOUR album?