98: Inventing The Wheel

Sep 9, 2025 77m

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Episode Description

Ian and Aaron dive deep into what's cooking with Database School and discuss everything from upcoming videos to the correct business model to Aaron's wild fly.io setup and a lot more.

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(00:00) - Outside of Technical
(01:22) - Database School Update
(37:12) - Code Editors In The Browser
(45:45) - When Will This Launch?
(51:38) - Pushing Uphill
(53:47) - The Successful Mindset
(01:07:38) - It Shouldn't Be This Difficult

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AI-Generated Summary

Introduction to Database School

Aaron and Ian discuss the development of Database School, focusing on the interactive learning component that enhances video education with a live database environment. They ponder the effectiveness and novelty of creating an in-browser SQL editor that allows users to practice directly alongside their video lessons.

Technical Challenges and Solutions

The conversation dives into the technical aspects of setting up the database environment for Database School. Aaron describes using fly.io for deploying lightweight virtual machines that run Postgres databases, discussing security measures and how these ephemeral instances can help manage resources effectively. Ian raises concerns about the potential complexities and risks involved with this setup.

Marketing and Business Model Discussions

Aaron expresses his desire to transition towards a subscription model for Database School but is cautious about the timing and content availability. They explore various strategies for launching courses, including the idea of a low-cost subscription model that offers early subscribers a chance to get in cheap as more content is added over time.

The Pressure of Entrepreneurship

The podcast reflects on the pressures facing entrepreneurs, particularly Aaron's feelings of burnout and uncertainty about the sustainability of his current business model. They discuss how to balance the challenges of running a business while still being creative and engaged in meaningful work.

Conclusion and Future Plans

The episode wraps up with a plan for the future, emphasizing the importance of building a sustainable business through iteration and strong community engagement. They look forward to upcoming content and how feedback from early subscribers can help shape the direction of Database School.