Inventors Helping Inventors

Alan   provides a new Thursday Thought episode. In today's Thursday Thought, Alan addresses a question many inventors ask him: "Why does it take so long to get the first royalty check after signing a deal?" Alan shares how long it typically takes and why, specifically, it takes so long.  As an inventor, you must be patient! Be sure to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get...

Alan interviews Bob Hawkinson. Bob Hawkinson loved his commercial landscape management business.  But he hated seeing thousands of discarded plastic mulch bags going into landfills. So, he invented a biodegradable mulch bag that installs easily and inhibits weed growth. It installs quickly and doesn't pollute the environment. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast at Apple Podcasts, or wherever you...

Alan   provides a new Thursday Thought episode. In today's Thursday Thought, Alan addresses a misunderstanding some inventors have - a PPA is not a patent.  Alan briefly describes what a PPA - or Provisional Patent Application - provides you as an inventor, and what it does not provide. A PPA can be valuable - if used appropriately. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever...

Alan provides a new Me on the Mic episode. Today, Alan describes 3 ways that AI is your foe - not your friend. Because AI is very powerful - and will do whatever you ask - you may rely on it too much. Then it becomes a crutch.  There is a subtle but important difference between as AI as your helper - and AI as the doer. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your...

Alan   provides a new Thursday Thought episode. In today's Thursday Thought, Alan shares reasons why you shouldn't give up as an inventor.  If you believe in yourself and your invention - and know that it solves a problem competitors don't. Don't give up!  Listen to hear more examples of circumstances when you shouldn't give up. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you...

Alan provides a new Me on the Mic episode. Today, Alan describes 3 ways that AI is your friend. Alan gives a specific example to show how AI can save you time - lots of time. Time is your most valuable asset. You can't afford to waste it.  He also shares how AI can save you money - and can allow you to multi-task effectively.  Be sure to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you g...

Alan   provides a new Thursday Thought episode. In today's Thursday Thought, Alan shares that inventing is a high-risk business.  He describes why, specifically, inventing is risky - and why some seem to think it is a quick path to riches.  Listen to hear his humorous portrayal of some who think their "idea" is worth millions. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you g...

Alan interviews Matthew Freed. Matthew Freed transitioned from a music and TV guru to an inventor. Matthew's business partner, Lesley Mashburn, loved bow fishing - but hated losing expensive bows to the bottom of the lake. He and Matthew worked together to invent Delta Buoy - a flotation solution for fishing equipment. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast at Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get yo...

Alan   provides a new Thursday Thought episode. In today's Thursday Thought, Alan shares why you should get away and enjoy yourself.  You'll learn your best ideas come from your subconscious mind. But the chatter of the conscious mind inhibits idea. Get away, enjoy, and quiet your mind and watch what happens! Ideas come forth. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you g...

Alan interviews Jenny De Leon. Growing up, Jenny De Leon worked at her parents' hardware store. After graduating college, she became an IT consultant who traveled a lot for business. Packing her skincare products was challenging, so she invented a compact system to make it easy to carry everything in the TSA quart bag. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast at Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get yo...

Alan   provides a new Thursday Thought episode. In today's Thursday Thought, Alan shares that he is looking for a few good men and women inventors - to help through coaching.  For years, the Marines recruited by seeking a few who have the mettle to succeed. Alan believes this is true for inventors too - only a few have the mettle. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever y...

Alan provides a new Me on the Mic episode. Today, Alan offers 3 thoughts to ponder as 2025 draws to a close. The first thought is a tip - inventing is a journey - with lots of ups and downs. You must be patient to succeed. The other 2 thoughts touch on "bells and whistles" and the importance of compelling product benefits.  Be sure to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get...

Alan   provides a new Thursday Thought episode. In today's Thursday Thought, Alan shares a simple, but profound epigram: Don't Worry, Be Happy. Alan describes that our thoughts precede our emotions; and we can choose our thoughts - so we can choose our emotions. You can choose to worry or to be happy. Don't worry, be happy. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get...

Alan interviews Garrett Brown. Inspired by his dad's invention - Garrett grew up to be a serial inventor. As a youth, Garrett went from folk singing to film making. He invented the Steadicam that is used globally in film making. Recently he invented the Zeen - a mobility device to enable disabled people to stand and walk. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast at Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get...

Alan   provides a new Thursday Thought episode. In today's Thursday Thought, Alan describes 2 big challenges for inventors: feeling stuck; and feeling off track. Alan shares his upcoming webinar to help inventors: How to Get Unstuck and On Track in 2026.  Registration is now open for this free webinar. Get on track in 2026. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get...

Alan interviews Scott Heimendinger. Scott Heimendinger transitioned from a microsoft developer to a culinary innovator. Studying industrial ultrasonic food cutters, he vowed to bring that technology to consumer's kitchens. Today, he's introducing his C-200 innovative ultrasonic chef's knife to consumers. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast at Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts, so...

Alan   provides a new Thursday Thought episode. In today's Thursday Thought, Alan shares why you must "sharpen the axe" - to hone your marketing skills.  You must spend time doing "messy research" - solidifying your marketing message - before you contact your first company for licensing.  Listen to learn how to do this.  Be sure to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get you...

Alan interviews Alan Somerfield. Alan Somerfield grew up in London and was inventive as a youth. Later, working for a product innovation company, he combined soap into a shower stream. Years later, he refined it into ShowerSpaah - to improve shower safety for elderly and disabled persons. ShowerSpaah sells everywhere now. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast at Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get...

Alan   provides a new Thursday Thought episode. In today's Thursday Thought, Alan asks, "Are you fully tapping the power of AI?" The short answer for most inventors is "no." Alan describes some time-consuming tasks you're doing that AI can do for you - saving you at least 10 hours of time each week to focus on inventing.  Be sure to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get yo...

Alan interviews Lisa Lane. Lisa Lane loved spending time at her Jersey Shore beach house. But constantly using a bucket to wash out showers was tiring and time-consuming. She invented Rinseroo - a flexible hose that attaches to any shower head with no tools. Now, washing out showers is a breeze for everyone. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast at Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts...

Alan   provides a new Thursday Thought episode. In today's Thursday Thought, Alan shares why you must give yourself a break. You juggle many responsibilities including work, family, friends, and more. Sometimes, we drop the ball. Alan shares a 4-step R-A-C-M process to get back on track - while giving yourself a break. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your...

Alan provides a new Me on the Mic episode. Today, Alan describes two big myths inventors often believe. One myth is that there's no way you can market your invention - you can. That myth may cause you to spend $10,000 with a company with big promises, zero results. Tune in to learn the other myth, plus how you can learn to license. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever...

Alan   provides a new Thursday Thought episode. In today's Thursday Thought, Alan shares why you must avoid any company who seems to be a Jack of All Trades - Master of None. Would you hire someone who mows yards and cleans flowerbeds to do foundation work for you? Learn how inventors make this mistake - and pay thousands for it. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever yo...

Alan interviews Julie Ryan. Julie Ryan worked in the medical supply industry for over 30 years, then became an inventor. She invented a device to collect surgery patients' blood, so it could be transfused back to them - reducing disease risk from using from blood banks. Today, she is a spiritual healer and podcaster. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast at Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your...

Alan   provides a new Thursday Thought episode. Today's Thursday Thought is, "When the Student is Ready - the Teacher Will Appear." Whenever you strive to learn or achieve a goal, and it has your full attention - circumstances - the "teacher" - will come your way to provide the solution. Give it a try and watch magic happen. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get...