Breakeven Brothers

What have you wanted to know about building bots? Why is there often a negative stigma around bots in current times?

Bradley shares his experience building various bots, including one that tracked the population of a gym, one that automated chatting with Peloton customer support to get a faster delivery, and most importantly, one that helped earn free Chipotle meals. The Brothers expand further on Bots, discussing the value of automating mundane tasks and the potential applications of bots in different industries. Recent developments in AI models also means that integrating AI models into bots unlock even further opportunity and value-add it can have for many industries, including accounting and finance.

The conversation also touches on recent AI developments, namely the release of Meta's Llama open-source AI model. The Brothers dig deeper into the pro's and cons of utilizing open-source AI models, and even further on how there are numerous options to leverage the Llama model, such as via cloud providers or running locally.

Lastly, Bradley gives an update on his job search, sharing some insights into interviewing for the first time in over a year.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Weekend Recap
02:11 Building Bots: Automating Mundane Tasks
12:34 Optimizing Processes with Bots
16:20 From Gym Populations to Peloton Delivery: Bot Success Stories
18:16 Building Bots
29:53 Integrating AI Models into Bots
36:40 Automating Tasks with AppleScript
40:57 Running the Lama AI Model
47:48 The Impact of OpenAI's Llama 3.1 Release
49:32 Challenges Faced by Closed-Source Models
52:06 The Changing Dynamics of Remote Work
58:22 Navigating the Job Market as a Software Engineer

Articles/Links
Brad's Interesting Bookmark:
Tool for optimizing AI prompts

Bennett's Interesting Bookmark:
Why Meta’s Llama 3.1 is a boon for enterprises and a bane for other LLM vendors
The first GPT-4-class AI model anyone can download has arrived: Llama 405B

Creators & Guests

• Bradley Bernard - Host
• Bennett Bernard - Host

Ever feel like you're juggling a million things at once and still not getting anywhere? This week, the Breakeven Brothers dive deep into the world of productivity – and it’s not all about grinding through endless hours. We’re debating the merits of intense "monk mode" focus versus the power of strategic micro-breaks, all while sharing our personal battles with distractions, sleep schedules, and the never-ending quest to simply get things done. From the depths of AI-powered coding sessions to the complexities of managing a side hustle, we’re exploring how to actually make progress, not just feel busy. Join us as we reveal our current strategies to stay focused, reduce distractions, and even touch on some popular health guru advice. Get ready to rethink your approach to productivity, because it's not just about how hard you work, but how *smart* you work.

This episode is a whirlwind tour through our latest tech adventures, side project updates, and the surprising realities of running a business in 2025. We're diving into some painful realities of mobile app development (yes, we're looking at you, push notifications!), and discuss the surprising ways AI is both helping and hindering our progress. Plus, we reveal the unexpected places where we are seeing real value with new AI models and tools – including one incredibly easy setup that lets us run powerful tech locally! We’ll also touch on the power of community and the financial realities of running your own accounting firm. If you’re curious about how to navigate a world of endless to-dos, tune in for a candid discussion on what’s actually working for us right now... and what's definitely *not*.

• (00:00) - Navigating Busy Work Lives
• (03:29) - The Importance of Focus and Deep Work
• (06:20) - Strategies for Effective Work Sessions
• (09:14) - Implementing Notifications and User Engagement
• (12:25) - Enhancing Data Security and Backup Strategies
• (15:26) - Building a Chat Application with Django and React Native
• (22:33) - Navigating React and React Native Development
• (24:01) - The Challenges of Prompt Engineering with AI
• (28:25) - Understanding the Complexity of React and React Native
• (30:25) - The Limitations of AI in Software Development
• (36:08) - The Future of AI in Creative Fields
• (40:21) - Leveraging AI for Enhanced Productivity
• (45:34) - Exploring AI-Powered Web Browsing
• (48:26) - Innovative Use Cases in Accounting with AI
• (51:11) - The Debate: Python vs. PHP in Web Development
• (51:41) - Deep Dive into Open Source AI Models
• (58:49) - Setting Up Local AI Models with Open Web UI
• (01:02:26) - Bookmarks: AI Tools and Practical Applications

How Much Money I Made In 2024 As A Fourth Year CPA Firm Owner

#ProductivityHacks #AIforDevelopers #LocalAI #MobileAppDevelopment #WebDevelopment #SoftwareEngineering #Entrepreneurship #AccountingTech #DeepWork #OpenSourceAI

Creators & Guests

• Bennett Bernard - Host
• Bradley Bernard - Host

This week, the Breakeven Brothers are diving headfirst into a whirlwind of tech news, accounting industry shake-ups, and personal automation adventures. From the front lines of the Super Bowl (and its *always* controversial TurboTax ads), we unpack a surprising battle brewing between accountants and the very software they rely on. Is Intuit turning its back on the professionals who champion its products? We also explore the rollercoaster of emotions that comes with automating the *perfect* free Chipotle order, only to be thwarted by... a cellular dead zone? You won't want to miss Brad's hilarious (and slightly heartbreaking) tale of coding, burritos, and the realities of AT&T coverage.

But the real meat of this episode tackles a question on every tech worker's mind: Are robots coming for our jobs? We dissect a provocative tweet from the CEO of Gumroad, declaring junior (and even mid-level) software engineers obsolete thanks to the power of AI. Is this a bold prediction of the future, a publicity stunt, or complete nonsense? We break down the arguments, analyze the current state of AI coding tools like Cursor, and discuss what this all means for the future of software development. Plus, we delve into the surprisingly hot topic of backend languages favored by venture capitalists, a little accounting tech-switching, and Brad's ongoing exploration of OpenAI's "Deep Research" tool – is it worth the hefty price tag? Tune in for a jam-packed episode full of insights, arguments, and, as always, a healthy dose of brotherly banter! We'll explore career prospects and some final book marks, along with an update about Sam Altman.

• (00:00) - Introduction and Personal Updates
• (03:28) - Laravel Adventures and AI Coding Tools
• (06:20) - Super Bowl and TurboTax Controversy
• (12:06) - Chipotle Automation and Networking Challenges
• (20:41) - Pottery and Future Plans
• (22:12) - The Rise of Programming Languages in AI
• (32:30) - Technology Switching and Efficiency in Workflows
• (44:22) - The Challenge of Legacy Systems and Boring Industries
• (46:31) - The 2038 Problem: Legacy Systems and Their Risks
• (48:11) - AI's Impact on Software Engineering Jobs
• (51:50) - The Future of Coding: AI vs Human Engineers
• (56:59) - AI in Accounting: Automation and Efficiency
• (58:50) - Deep Research: OpenAI's New Tool for In-Depth Analysis
• (01:03:38) - OpenAI's Evolution: From Nonprofit to For-Profit
• (01:09:22) - Data Security in AI: Best Practices for Professionals

OpenAI - Data security
- What VCs are hiring for in terms of languages
- Sam Altman: what to open source next?

#AIcoding #Laravel #AccountingTech #SoftwareEngineering #OpenAI #TechNews #Productivity #FutureOfWork #VCfunding #LegacySystems

Creators & Guests

• Bennett Bernard - Host
• Bradley Bernard - Host

The Breakeven Brothers are back with their first episode in 2025, kicking things off with a lighthearted chat about post-holiday routines, including taking down Christmas lights and the debate between real and fake Christmas trees. They also touch on their New Year's Eve celebrations and share how they’re already thinking about productivity and goal setting for the year. This episode sets the stage for a deeper dive into tech and business trends by discussing the recent whiplash with the Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirements, offering up-to-date info amidst the confusion. The hosts also explore the world of AI-powered tools, highlighting the usefulness of voice-to-text apps like Whisper Flow and AI language practice via ChatGPT, while also delving into their experiences with AI for both business and personal use.

The main focus of the episode is the creation of their "2025 Bingo Card," a fun, forward-thinking activity where they make predictions and set goals across various categories—from tech and finance to sports and global events. These range from plausible scenarios, like Aleksandr Ovechkin breaking Gretzky’s goal record and the launch of the SplitMyExpenses mobile app, to more outlandish ideas, such as an AI judge in US courts, the US acquiring Greenland, or even a billion-dollar exit for a solo AI founder. The podcast ends with discussions of bookmarks including cutting-edge AI productivity tools, the Bench acquisition news, and a hint towards the potential for the Breakeven Brothers to launch merch this year. They leave listeners with a call to keep an eye on their predictions, promising to revisit the bingo card at the start of 2026 to see which forecasts came true.

• (00:00) - Introduction
• (09:15) - Navigating Compliance: BOI Updates
• (13:14) - Productivity Tools and AI Innovations
• (24:01) - Voice Technology in Everyday Life
• (26:58) - The Pricing Dilemma in AI Tools
• (30:57) - Cursor's Evolution and Self-Improvement
• (35:04) - The Importance of Pricing in Business Models
• (36:32) - Bingo Card Predictions for 2025
• (47:02) - The Future of JavaScript and Web Development
• (50:41) - The Rise of AI in Human Enhancement
• (54:01) - Virtual Reality in the Workplace
• (54:53) - Taste Testing and Homegrown Delights
• (56:26) - Merchandising Ideas for Breakeven Brothers
• (56:46) - AI Acquisitions and Mergers on the Horizon
• (57:39) - Envisioning Car-Free Cities
• (59:31) - Geopolitical Speculations: Acquiring Greenland
• (01:00:28) - Wellness Days: A New Approach to Mental Health
• (01:02:33) - The Future of Daylight Savings Time
• (01:03:36) - AI Judges: The Future of Small Claims Court
• (01:05:35) - New Accounting Designations for Small Businesses
• (01:07:10) - Blockchain App Stores: Bridging the Gap
• (01:08:32) - The Evolution of Accounting Skills
• (01:10:18) - AI Coding Agents and Legal Responsibility
• (01:12:46) - LLM App Stores: A New Frontier
• (01:13:48) - Quantum Computing Programming Languages
• (01:15:21) - End-to-End Accounting Automation Platforms
• (01:17:11) - Launching the SplitMyExpenses App

Brad: Best 14 AI tools

Ben: Bench to be acquired after abruptly shutting down | TechCrunch

Creators & Guests

• Bennett Bernard - Host
• Bradley Bernard - Host

In this episode, the Brothers discuss the idea of blending real-life transactions with video games, using the example of a mod in the game Oblivion that allows players to order pizza. They explore the immersive experience of certain games and the potential for integrating real-world transactions within them. Furthermore, they also touch on the concept of being authentic online and the challenges of catering to algorithms while staying true to oneself. They share their experiences with Twitter and the use of AI tools for content creation, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and quality over quantity. Ben and Brad explore the use of AI in writing and the potential drawbacks of relying too heavily on algorithms, and the power and benefit of building a supportive community that shares knowledge to help others.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Catching Up
07:53 The Immersive Experience of Certain Games
17:28 The Importance of Authenticity Online
21:59 Navigating Algorithms and Quality Content
27:57 The Temptation of AI Tools for Content Creation
31:03 Curating Communities and Finding Value Online
34:49 The Drawbacks of Relying on AI and Algorithms
37:12 Building a Supportive Community and Sharing Knowledge
41:20 The Future of Content Creation: Video and Interviews
01:02:27 Bookmarks

Brad: X: iOS 18.1: App intents, developer integration for Apple Intelligence
Ben: Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist by Judith Heumann

Creators & Guests

• Bradley Bernard - Host
• Bennett Bernard - Host