Podcast Summary – Season 3, Episode 2
In this episode, host DJ Daugherty and new co-host Beth Shaheen welcome guest Jesse Boulard. The episode is both a celebration and a farewell, as Jesse marks his two-year anniversary with augustwenty while also announcing his departure to pursue a passion project.
Jesse’s Next Venture: A Music Discovery App Jesse is leaving to develop a music discovery platform designed to match people based on the emotional impact of music. He shares his personal journey of discovering music that truly moves him and how his app will help others find songs that elicit strong emotional reactions.
His approach goes beyond traditional recommendation algorithms used by platforms like Spotify or Pandora. Instead, his technology utilizes EDA sensors (electrodermal activity sensors) in smartwatches to measure emotional responses in real-time. The software will track physical reactions like goosebumps or emotional spikes and use them to find like-minded listeners who may introduce new, impactful songs.
The Challenges & Risks
Support & Encouragement
DJ and Beth praise Jesse’s courage to take the leap, noting how many people dream of pursuing a passion project but never act on it. Jesse explains that he strategically saved money for years to ensure financial stability before making the jump. While some family members are skeptical, his wife is supportive.
Future Plans & Testing
Jesse hopes to involve augustwenty colleagues in beta testing and believes the software developer community may have similar emotional reactions to music. He’s open to potential collaborations in the future, either hiring former coworkers or returning if needed.
Closing Thoughts Jesse thanks augustwenty for the support and expresses excitement about the future. The hosts encourage listeners to follow Jesse’s journey and express interest in a follow-up episode in six months to check on his progress.