Podcast Summary: The Side Hustle Show - Episode 689: 18 AI-Assisted Product Ideas You Could Build and Sell
Release Date: August 7, 2025
Hosts:
- Nick Loper – Host of The Side Hustle Show and founder of Side Hustle Nation.
- Pete McPherson – Longtime listener, serial side hustler, owner of doyevenblog.com and codeplaybook.com.
Introduction
In episode 689 of The Side Hustle Show, Nick Loper teams up with Pete McPherson to brainstorm 18 innovative AI-assisted product ideas tailored for aspiring entrepreneurs and side hustlers. Building upon their previous discussions, the duo delves deep into practical applications of AI that can streamline operations, enhance productivity, and open new revenue streams.
1. Content Curator Tool
Timestamp: [00:00] - [02:19]
Overview: Nick introduces the concept of a tool that automates the curation of side hustle stories for newsletters or podcast episode outlines. He emphasizes the time-consuming nature of manual curation and explores the feasibility of using AI to automate this process.
Key Points:
- Automate weekly content curation for newsletters.
- Generate episode outlines based on curated content.
- Applicable across various industries and niches.
Notable Quote:
"I think you could do this in just about any industry, hobby, niche." – Nick Loper [01:58]
2. Content Bank
Timestamp: [04:08] - [07:47]
Overview: Pete proposes "Content Bank," a searchable database that aggregates all of a creator's content across multiple platforms (blogs, YouTube, social media) and includes AI-generated summaries. This tool aims to streamline content management and retrieval.
Key Points:
- Aggregate content from various channels.
- Provide AI-generated summaries for quick reference.
- Enhance content discovery and reuse.
Notable Quote:
"It's like a searchable database of all your content, aggregated across all your channels." – Pete McPherson [05:01]
3. Search on Steroids
Timestamp: [07:42] - [10:12]
Overview: Building on the Content Bank idea, Pete envisions a powerful search tool that allows users to search across personal databases like Google Drive, social media, and note-taking apps. He highlights the potential for integrating this tool with existing platforms to provide comprehensive search capabilities.
Key Points:
- Personal search across multiple platforms.
- AI-driven formatting and structuring of search results.
- Potential for high user demand due to its utility.
Notable Quote:
"It's a search bar that would search my Google Drive, my Facebook account, my Obsidian, my calendar and Apple reminders." – Pete McPherson [04:45]
4. Voice to Kcal (Calorie Tracking via Voice)
Timestamp: [10:12] - [12:50]
Overview: Pete introduces "Voice to Kcal," an app that allows users to log their meals by speaking, which the app then transcribes and calculates calorie intake. This approach aims to simplify the tedious process of manual calorie tracking.
Key Points:
- Voice-based logging of meals.
- AI transcribes and organizes dietary information.
- Integration with existing calorie databases for accurate tracking.
Notable Quote:
"I just want to talk at the app and say, like, I just had a Culver's Double Deluxe Butter Burger..." – Pete McPherson [11:34]
5. Choreography Forge
Timestamp: [17:38] - [19:35]
Overview: Nick relays an idea inspired by his wife, a photographer, aiming to create an app that determines the optimal angle of the sun for photography based on location and time. Pete expands on this, suggesting gamifying household chores to motivate children by turning tasks into a productivity game.
Key Points:
- Photography App: Utilize historical atmospheric and astronomical data to optimize photo shoots.
- Choreography Forge: Transform chores into a competitive game for families, complete with avatars and rewards.
Notable Quote:
"And it's like the evolution of your Pokemon. They're like, what other chores can I do right now?" – Pete McPherson [19:27]
6. Podcast Transcript Editor Suggester
Timestamp: [19:35] - [23:16]
Overview: Nick discusses his attempt to develop an AI tool that suggests edits for podcast transcripts, aiming to streamline the editing process by identifying and removing unwanted sections automatically. While current AI limitations pose challenges, Pete remains optimistic about future improvements.
Key Points:
- Automate the trimming of podcast transcripts.
- Identify natural breakpoints for editing.
- Potential to significantly reduce manual editing time.
Notable Quote:
"Based on the style of the side hustle show, here's the next RAW recording episode can you please provide your editing suggestions." – Nick Loper [19:45]
7. Scam Detector
Timestamp: [23:16] - [26:04]
Overview: Pete proposes "Scam Detector," an AI-driven tool that helps users identify and verify the legitimacy of suspicious messages, emails, and calls. Inspired by personal experiences with phishing and ransomware scams, the tool aims to provide a trusted verification mechanism.
Key Points:
- Analyze and verify the authenticity of communications.
- Reduce the risk of falling victim to scams.
- Crowdsource wisdom to enhance detection accuracy.
Notable Quote:
"Scam Detector is the tool that you can kind of crowdsource that kind of wisdom and protect yourself." – Nick Loper [23:16]
8. Industry-Specific Email Templates
Timestamp: [29:22] - [35:17]
Overview: Pete suggests creating AI-powered email template generators tailored to specific professions (e.g., teachers, yoga instructors). These templates would automate repetitive email tasks, saving time and ensuring consistency.
Key Points:
- Customizable email templates for various industries.
- AI analyzes previous emails to generate new templates.
- Enhances efficiency in communication-heavy professions.
Notable Quote:
"Profession-based people offer them email templates. And I think there's a good side hustle cache there." – Pete McPherson [28:42]
9. Broken Link Checker for YouTube
Timestamp: [35:17] - [30:14]
Overview: Pete identifies a gap in YouTube channel management tools: a broken link checker that not only detects but also fixes broken links in video descriptions. This tool could prevent videos from being flagged as spam due to inactive links.
Key Points:
- Scan and identify broken links in YouTube descriptions.
- Provide actionable reports for updates.
- Prevent videos from being mistakenly marked as spam.
Notable Quote:
"I would love a tool where I can just connect my YouTube channel, scans all my videos and then tells me to update this, update that." – Pete McPherson [29:22]
10. Travel Rewards Points Redemption Optimizer
Timestamp: [30:14] - [31:39]
Overview: Nick shares his frustration with optimizing travel rewards points and envisions a tool that offers curated redemption options based on users' points balances and travel preferences. This optimizer would simplify the complex process of maximizing point value.
Key Points:
- Aggregate points from multiple sources (Chase, Delta, United).
- Provide personalized redemption suggestions.
- Incorporate user constraints like dates and group size.
Notable Quote:
"Where can we go? Right. It's kind of open ended and maybe you give it some constraints like I want to take family of four..." – Nick Loper [30:14]
11. Sticky Task (Chrome Extension)
Timestamp: [34:08] - [35:17]
Overview: Pete introduces "Sticky Task," a Chrome extension that displays a user's top to-do items persistently across all browser tabs. This simple yet effective tool aims to keep users focused and organized without interrupting their workflow.
Key Points:
- Displays top 3-5 tasks as sticky notes in the browser.
- Integrates with existing to-do apps like Todoist and Notion.
- Enhances productivity by keeping tasks in view.
Notable Quote:
"This has to exist in some format. If it doesn't, I hope somebody builds that because yeah, keep you focused." – Nick Loper [34:50]
12. Boss as a Service / Virtual AI Boss
Timestamp: [35:17] - [39:26]
Overview: Exploring the concept of "Boss as a Service," Pete discusses creating an AI-driven virtual mentor or boss that provides accountability and task management for entrepreneurs and creative individuals. This tool would act as a personal manager, ensuring users stay on track with their goals.
Key Points:
- AI-driven accountability and task management.
- Personalized goal tracking and reminders.
- Potential integration with various productivity tools.
Notable Quote:
"It could even be a virtual type of thing, where it keeps you on task." – Pete McPherson [38:33]
13. 30-Day Learning Journey (Tiny Syllabus)
Timestamp: [45:12] - [48:05]
Overview: Pete introduces "Tiny Syllabus," a service that provides users with a 30-day learning roadmap for any chosen topic. Delivered via email, each day offers a manageable lesson with curated resources, facilitating structured and consistent learning.
Key Points:
- Personalized 30-day learning plans.
- Daily emails with lessons and resources.
- Flexible application across various subjects and skills.
Notable Quote:
"Give it a topic... and then get a 30 day learning journey via email on any topic, period." – Pete McPherson [46:23]
14. AI Mastermind / Roundtable
Timestamp: [48:08] - [51:15]
Overview: Nick and Pete discuss the creation of an "AI Mastermind," a virtual group of AI personas that simulate a mastermind group for brainstorming and idea validation. Pete highlights his ongoing efforts to develop customizable AI personas that can serve diverse professional communities.
Key Points:
- Customizable AI personas acting as mastermind group members.
- Facilitates idea validation and strategic planning.
- Scalable across various professional networks.
Notable Quote:
"You literally name them, you literally give them an avatar image using AI." – Pete McPherson [50:23]
Demand Validation and Market Insights
Timestamp: [37:23] - [47:18]
Throughout the brainstorming session, both hosts emphasize the importance of validating demand before diving into product development. They discuss tools like Ahrefs and Reddit to gauge interest and search volumes for potential ideas.
Key Points:
- Utilize keyword research tools to assess demand.
- Leverage community discussions on platforms like Reddit.
- Start with minimal viable products (MVPs) to test ideas.
Notable Quotes:
"You can plug in one of the AI tool directories and look for their organic keyword footprint." – Nick Loper [16:55]
"A version of every single one of these ideas that can be done in a weekend." – Pete McPherson [25:18]
Conclusion and Future Plans
Timestamp: [51:26] - [53:00]
As the episode wraps up, Pete shares his entrepreneurial journey, including selling his second company and plans to continue developing the discussed AI tools. Nick encourages listeners to engage with Pete's resources and stay tuned for future innovative ideas.
Key Points:
- Emphasis on continuous innovation and timely idea execution.
- Encouragement to leverage existing audiences for launching new products.
- Future focus on building and selling AI-assisted applications.
Notable Quote:
"Living that FIRE lifestyle, man." – Nick Loper [52:05]
Final Thoughts
Episode 689 serves as a treasure trove of AI-assisted product ideas, each meticulously discussed with practical applications and potential market impacts. Nick and Pete provide actionable insights, emphasizing the synergy between AI technology and entrepreneurial creativity. Whether you're looking to streamline personal tasks or develop the next big AI tool, this episode offers a wealth of inspiration to ignite your side hustle journey.
Remember: For more detailed discussions and actionable tips, subscribe to The Side Hustle Show and join over 100,000 listeners transforming their entrepreneurial dreams into reality.