68. Q1 Update: new features, struggles, hope

In this episode we recap our Q1: what we shipped, distribution challenges, siloing engineering workstreams + a bunch of tangential topics.

Download the Metacast podcast app for free:

• iOS: https://apps.apple.com/app/metacast/id6462012536
• Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=app.metacast.podcast.player

Segments

• [00:00] Opening
• [02:09] New feature: Chapters
• [05:27] New feature: Following a.k.a. Podcast Inbox
• [06:17] Feedback from Grumpy Old Geeks
• [08:10] Ilya turning into full-time engineer
• [12:02] We don't vibe code!
• [14:49] AI summaries in the web app
• [16:52] Full transcripts in the web app
• [18:39] Web is the innovation platform
• [19:45] Better sharing images
• [21:01] New blogging framework
• [24:08] Restarting marketing
• [26:05] The distribution challenge
• [27:13] Discoverability on App Store
• [28:34] The cold start problem
• [30:04] 1000 fans
• [30:56] Distractions in Q1
• [31:15] Spiking GCP costs
• [33:52] LLM bots update
• [34:28] Taxes
• [37:55] Siloing
• [39:20] Working in person again!
• [40:11] What we're listening to
• [48:20] Where people can find us

Show notes

Blog posts

• Metacast: Q1 2025 Retrospective
• Our biggest struggle — distribution
• Episode chapters now available in Metacast podcast app
• Podcast Inbox now available in Metacast podcast app
• LLM bots + Next.js image optimization = recipe for bankruptcy (post-mortem)
• DIY Delaware C-Corp taxes for a new startup with no funding, no payroll and no assets

Podcasts

• 661: The Nightmare Before Overcast on Grumpy Old Geeks
• Everything Everywhere Daily
• Do trade deficits matter? on Planet Money
• Josh Waitzkin on The Joe Rogan Experience
• #792: Seth Godin on Playing the Right Game and Strategy as a Superpower

Books

• The Art of Learning by Josh Waitzkin

Get in touch

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