151: Top 9 Most Loved Side Hustle Episodes

What do AI vending machines, sound baths, faceless YouTube videos, and mystery shopping have in common?
They all made it into the Top 9 most loved side hustle episodes from Year 3 of the show…as chosen by you!
You can catch it on video too:
Which side hustle episodes did listeners and viewers love the most this past year?
In this 3-year celebration of Side Hustle Hero, host Joan Posivy reveals the top 9 most loved episodes - as chosen by audience downloads, watch time, comments, feedback, and heaps of analytics across all major podcast apps and YouTube.
One episode took the #1 spot on both platforms (hint: AI vending machines), but after that, listener and viewer favorites went in very different directions.
This recap features top episodes on everything from:
- Starting a sound bath business
- Becoming an Amazon Influencer
- Making faceless viral videos
- Hosting profitable craft workshops
- Mystery shopping for real income
- Renting out luxury restroom trailers
… and more.
Discover what made these episodes stand out, and which one you might’ve missed that could inspire your next move.
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9 Most Loved Side Hustle Episodes (from Year 3)
What do vending machines, sound baths, and luxury restroom trailers have in common? They’re all part of this year’s most loved episodes on Side Hustle Hero in Year 3.
And the winners are…
The Overall #1 Episode: AI Vending Machines
How To Start An AI-Driven Vending Machine Business For $700
Mike Hoffmann’s case study about swapping out a traditional vending machine for an AI-powered version went viral for a reason. Sales jumped from $35/day to $120/day — in the exact same location.
Listeners loved the blend of hands-on strategy and future-focused tech. This episode showed how you can take something as simple as snacks and drinks and turn it into a smart, scalable business using automation.
🎧 Top 4 Most Loved Episodes – Podcast Listeners
Amazon Influencer Strategy
3 Ways to Monetize as an Amazon Influencer
Billy Thorpe broke down how he made $113K in one year through low-cost product demo videos, brand deals, commissions, and resale — without a big following.
It gave people a clear, modern path to monetizing content creation in a way that doesn’t require going viral. His "low ticket, high frequency" model really resonated.
Mystery Shopping Income
How to Make $200–$500/Day as a Mystery Shopper
Mercedes Eckert showed how to turn mystery shopping into real income, with paid gigs that include restaurants, hotels, and even casinos.
Her honesty about scams, how to vet opportunities, and how to plan your day to maximize earnings made this episode a go-to for side hustlers looking for immediate options.
Stacking Hustles Like a Pro
Tips & Tricks from the Queen of the Side Hustle
Christine Schaub manages six side hustles at once and shares how she stacks her time, stays focused, and markets herself authentically.
Listeners appreciated how grounded and no-nonsense her advice was — especially around managing energy, setting boundaries, and knowing when to walk away from a hustle that no longer serves you.
A Personal Push to Start Now
Why NOW is the Smartest Time to Start Your Side Hustle
In this solo episode, Joan explains why uncertain times are exactly when to start, and offers three actionable steps to get going this week.
The timing, personal story, and practical mindset shift clearly struck a chord with listeners who just needed a little courage to finally get moving.
Top 4 Most Loved Episodes – YouTube Viewers
Sound Healing with Profit
How To Earn $1,000 Per Sound Healing Session
Mike Reed transitioned from blue-collar work to leading sold-out sound baths — and shares how you can do the same, from startup costs to filling a room.
The episode stood out because it mixed wellness and business in a fresh, unexpected way. Viewers were inspired by the strong income potential, and the sense of purpose behind the hustle.
Craft Workshops that Pay
How To Host Profitable Craft Workshops
Chloe Winstanley built a six-figure income from part-time workshops using low-cost venues and smart marketing — and tells you how to do it too.
What made this episode so popular was how doable it felt. Chloe broke it all down, from pricing to promoting — and even shared a wild story about someone falling through the floor during one of her workshops.
Faceless YouTube Channels
How To Make and Monetize Faceless Viral Videos
Tony Lysandrides builds YouTube channels with no on-camera presence, no ad spend, and no actors — just trends, voiceovers, and smart editing.
People loved how this episode revealed a lesser-known YouTube strategy that’s totally approachable, even for introverts or behind-the-scenes creators.
Restroom Trailers as a Business
Flushing Out Profits: Making Money With Restroom Trailer Rentals
David Sowers turned one trailer into a nationwide rental business, adding LED screens and bars for cross-selling. This episode shows what it takes to do the same.
It hit home because it’s a great example of how asset-based hustles can scale fast — especially when you're paying attention to what your customers already need and want.
Final Thoughts
These 9 episodes earned their spots because they delivered a mix of inspiration, strategy, and practical steps. Whether you’re drawn to creative gigs, tech-forward side hustles, or asset-based businesses, there’s something here to spark your next move.
Hustle on!
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