The Bubbles Effect

It’s a Monday episode of The Bubbles Effect, which means I’m sharing the most-clicked link from last week’s Friday newsletter, plus a mindset reset to start your week strong.🙌
This week, I'm talking about the recent shakeup with TikTok, what the platform changes mean for creators and business owners, and why some users are already experimenting with new social platforms.
On the mindset side, I dive into the idea of creating an unbreakable mindset, inspired by a talk rooted in the teachings of Napoleon Hill. I explore self-talk, discipline, repetition, and why success often comes down to the conversations you’re having with yourself... especially when things feel hard or uncertain. ❤️
If you’re navigating change in your business (or life) and need a grounded way to refocus, this episode is for you.
P.S ✨ Something new is coming next week... built for business owners who want clarity, momentum, and support. Stay tuned.
Links:
https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/26/social-network-upscrolled-sees-surge-in-downloads-following-tiktoks-us-takeover/
https://youtu.be/e2FQKfcAu6I?si=q64x_wXEM2eNS8lI

This week on The Bubbles Effect, I sit down with Amanda Spann, author, entrepreneur, and one of the leading voices helping non-technical founders turn ideas into apps without losing their sanity (or their savings). 💸
If you’ve ever thought, “I think my business might need an app… but I have no idea where to start,” this conversation is for you.
Amanda shares her own journey from the music industry into tech, how imposter syndrome almost kept her out of the space entirely, and what finally shifted when she realized you don’t need to be a coder (or live in a dark basement fueled by Mountain Dew, ha) to build powerful software.
We talk honestly about the mistakes she made building her first app, why so many founders lose time and money in the process, and how things have dramatically changed thanks to AI, no-code, and low-code tools.
We also dig into one of my favorite parts of the conversation: how to know if you even need an app at all. Amanda breaks down her “vitamin vs. painkiller vs. oxygen” framework, shares real examples of when an app makes sense (and when it doesn’t), and explains why lived experience and domain expertise are now the biggest competitive advantage in tech.
Plus, we talk about her upcoming book, I Have an App Idea, which walks founders step-by-step through building a revenue-ready app, without tech skills, and why this moment in time is one of the most accessible ever for everyday innovators. 💥
If you’re curious about apps, AI, GPTs, scalability, or how technology can actually give you time back instead of creating more overwhelm, you’re going to love this episode 🥂
Connect with Amanda here:
Theappaccelerator.com@theamandaspann
Preorder her book here: https://www.amazon.com/Have-App-Idea-Essential-Building/dp/1964686571

Hey y'all, it’s Monday, and we’re kicking off the week with a quick, grounding episode where marketing strategy meets mindset shifts 🔥
In this short but powerful conversation, I break down the most-clicked article from last week’s Bubbles Effect newsletter: What’s the difference between AEO and GEO?
With marketing acronyms multiplying by the minute, I simplify what Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) actually mean, how they differ from traditional SEO, and why a smart 2026 marketing strategy needs all three working together. Think featured snippets, AI overviews, long-form content, and how people really search today.
I also share the key takeaways from the article (linked in the show notes) so you can quickly understand:
Where AEO helps you show up with direct answers

How GEO supports visibility inside AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity

Why different content types serve different goals

Then we shift into mindset.
I open up about recognizing personal patterns, breaking out of familiar loops, and choosing to respond differently... even when change feels uncomfortable. If you’ve ever noticed the same situations showing up again and again, this episode offers a gentle journaling prompt and a reminder that real growth often starts with awareness and a willingness to do things differently.
It’s a simple episode to help you start the week informed, reflective, and moving forward with intention.
Cheers to learning, evolving, and rising, just like bubbles 🥂

Here is the article: https://neilpatel.com/blog/geo-vs-aeo
Get the newsletter here: https://nb.marketing/resources

In this New Year kickoff episode, I’m officially ringing in 2026, sharing a few behind-the-scenes updates (new gear, a refreshed process, and exciting guests ahead), and easing back into our Monday Marketing & Mindset rhythm.
We dive into what’s shifting in the marketing world right now, including Instagram’s updated hashtag limits, Meta’s latest platform experiments, Threads’ new podcast integrations, and why raw, real, imperfect content is predicted to outperform overly polished posts in 2026. If you’ve been holding back because things don’t feel “perfect,” consider this your green light.
I also share my word for the year: Replenish. And I chat about why filling your cup (personally and professionally) is the energy I’m carrying into this next chapter. I also talk about intention-setting, community, and how staying human in an AI-driven world is more important than ever.
Because just like bubbles… we rise to the top.
Cheers to a fresh year, real conversations, and growing together. 🥂

P.S. What is your word for 2026? Share in the comments so we can support each other!

Hey y'all! Today I’m back after a three-week break (a little rusty and with less-than-perfect audio 🙈), but this conversation is SO worth the listen.
In this episode of The Bubbles Effect, I’m joined by Laura Aura, dynamic speaker, personal growth coach, and host of The Gutsy Podcast. We talk about what it really looks like to make “gutsy moves” in life and business 🙌
Laura opens up about growing up in a toxic environment, finding her voice through podcasting, and how becoming a mom was the catalyst for changing everything. ✨ We dig into intuition, burnout, people-pleasing, and that sneaky habit of building businesses that don’t actually feel good anymore.
You’ll hear us chat about:
Why gutsy moves are often tiny daily decisions...not just huge life pivots

How to audit your business for alignment (and what to ruthlessly let go of)

Using your body and intuition as a compass instead of just “shoulds” and hustle

The importance of fun, connection, and actually liking the business you’ve built

Quick heads up: the sound quality isn’t my best on this one (still working out kinks with tools and waiting on new equipment!), but the conversation is awesome, especially if you’ve been feeling the nudge to change something in your business or life.
Connect with Laura at lauraaura.com and find The Gutsy Podcast wherever you listen. 💛
Thanks for tuning in and I’m so happy to be back, and I’ll see you on Friday for more mindset, marketing, and momentum (and some champers) 🥂