About the Company

"Code Story" is a podcast dedicated to exploring the behind-the-scenes narratives of building world-class tech products. The show focuses on interviews with CTOs, CEOs, and tech entrepreneurs from startups of all shapes and sizes. It highlights the challenges, decisions, and creativity involved in building minimum viable products (MVPs), scaling startups, and assembling teams. Notable guests include leaders from Reddit, Credit Karma, and Indie Hackers. The podcast aims to provide listeners with an authentic glimpse into the human stories of creating groundbreaking technology.

Noah Labhart runs the podcast independently, maintaining its genuine tone and unique format. The hybrid narrative-interview approach, paired with music and sound effects, adds an emotional layer to each episode. The podcast caters to tech professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone curious about the intersection of creativity and technology.

Idea Behind Company

The idea for "Code Story" emerged from Labhart's passion for storytelling and technology. Drawing inspiration from Guy Raz's "How I Built This," he noticed a gap in podcasts tailored to tech startups. With a rich background in software development and leadership roles, Labhart wanted to share the technical and human aspects of creating digital solutions.

Labhart views software development as the perfect blend of creativity and engineering. His fascination with this balance inspired him to create a platform where tech founders could share their experiences. He believes that the stories behind product development, such as decision-making and overcoming challenges, are often overlooked but crucial to understanding the tech startup journey.

Creating the Company

Labhart launched "Code Story" by interviewing a close friend and tech entrepreneur in October 2018. Initially, he spent months perfecting the editing and structure of the first episode but realized this approach was unsustainable. To streamline production, he hired professional editors for the first two seasons, which allowed him to focus on interviews and content direction.

As the podcast evolved, Labhart developed a consistent format with teaser, intro, and guest overview sections that resonated with listeners. He now independently manages the editing process, ensuring the show's unique style remains intact. Each episode provides a relaxed, sincere atmosphere where guests share their personal and professional experiences in tech.

Launching the Business

When "Code Story" launched, Labhart faced challenges in attracting listeners. Despite the straightforward mechanics of publishing a podcast, gaining an audience required active promotion. Labhart shared updates on platforms like Indie Hackers, LinkedIn, and various podcast directories. By engaging with tech communities and sourcing guests through LinkedIn, he built a loyal listener base.

The sincerity and relatable nature of the podcast attracted tech enthusiasts interested in the personal stories behind product development. Labhart emphasized the value of being present where his audience congregates and consistently delivering engaging content.

Earnings

"Code Story" generates approximately $5,000 in monthly revenue, with earnings primarily coming from advertising deals and listener support. The podcast has been downloaded over 80,000 times, with an average of 1,000 downloads per episode. Labhart leverages tools like RedCircle for hosting, Podcorn for ads, and Patreon for listener contributions to sustain and grow the business.

Looking ahead, Labhart plans to expand the podcast's reach while continuing to refine its content. He advises aspiring entrepreneurs to take the leap without overthinking, emphasizing that the barriers to entry for creative projects like podcasts are lower than ever.