The Modern Hairstylist ™ Podcast Podcast By Hunter Donia cover art

The Modern Hairstylist ™ Podcast

The Modern Hairstylist ™ Podcast

By: Hunter Donia
Listen for free

About this listen

Teaching you how to grow your beauty business as a hairstylist or salon owner without the overwhelm by implementing modern strategies so you can reclaim time, freedom and energy from working behind the chair.

© 2025 The Modern Hairstylist ™ Podcast
Art Decorative Arts & Design Economics Leadership Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • AI How To's: How to Actually Use AI
    Jun 23 2025

    In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, Hunter Donia and Jodie Brown talk through a deep dive into the real way hairstylists should be using AI in their business and what to avoid if you want your content to still sound like you.

    After airing out their AI frustrations in a recent episode, "Why ChatGPT is Trash," Hunter and Jodie are back with a more strategic conversation about how tools like ChatGPT can actually save you time and make your marketing easier—without compromising your brand voice or client connection.

    From better prompts to the exact model Hunter uses daily, this episode will help you cut through the cringe, stop getting robotic results, and finally start using AI in a way that feels good and works.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Free vs Paid ChatGPT: Why the version you use matters way more than you think, and how to get better results instantly.
    • Stop Sounding Like a Bot: Hunter’s simple shift to make AI write like you, not every other stylist on Instagram.
    • Better Prompts = Better Content: The 3 prompt tweaks that instantly improve your captions, emails, and more.
    • Think Like a Strategist: Why AI shouldn’t replace your brain but can help you organize, polish, and execute faster.
    • Personal Use Bonus: How Hunter uses ChatGPT to plan meals, prep grocery lists, and reduce overwhelm in everyday life.

    Why You Should Listen:

    If you’re an independent stylist who's feeling burnt out by content creation—or if you’ve tried ChatGPT and hated the results—this episode will show you how to use AI intentionally and strategically to get your time (and voice) back. It’s not about cutting corners. It’s about cutting the fluff and building a smarter, more streamlined business behind the scenes.

    🎧 Want Hunter’s full list of 30 ways to use AI in your personal and professional life? Head to hunterdonia.com/chat or DM him AITools (no space) on Instagram

    Checkout the LAST TWO dates of the Modern Hairstylist Tour here: https://www.hunterdonia.com/tour

    Let's connect on Instagram!

    Join us on the Modern Hairstylist Tour!

    Show more Show less
    37 mins
  • How to Cut Your Application Time in Half by Leading with Confidence w/ J Ladner
    Jun 16 2025

    In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, Hunter Donia is joined by the one and only J Ladner for a fiery and empowering conversation about the real key to working faster behind the chair—confidence-led efficiency. If you’re constantly running behind, overfoiling to “prove” yourself, or stuck in outdated techniques that are burning you out—this episode is your wake-up call.

    Jay breaks down why overthinking, bloated service menus, and “baby light syndrome” are slowing so many stylists down—and how taking back your authority at the chair can change everything. From simplifying your systems to re-training your clients to trust your leadership, Jay shares the mindset and strategies that will help you cut your application time in half without sacrificing results.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Baby Light Syndrome Is Real: Why it’s time to stop relying on heavy foiling for credibility and start working smarter.
    • Lead, Don’t Ask: How to confidently take charge of the appointment and stop letting clients dictate your process.
    • Simplify to Amplify: The benefits of streamlining your service menu so clients understand their options and your value.
    • System = Freedom: How Jay’s signature “depth, contrast, coverage” framework saves time, builds trust, and boosts profit.
    • You’re Not Lazy—You’re Efficient: Why being fast isn’t the problem—it’s the intention behind every move you make.

    Why You Should Listen:

    If you’re an independent stylist who wants to stop overworking, reclaim your power, and finally feel in control behind the chair—this episode is packed with the bold truth, practical systems, and inspiration you need to create the business (and schedule) you actually want. This isn’t just about speed—it’s about leadership, confidence, and sustainability.

    Follow J Ladner on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsmrjladner/

    Join us on the Modern Hairstylist Tour: https://www.hunterdonia.com/tour

    Let's connect on Instagram!

    Join us on the Modern Hairstylist Tour!

    Show more Show less
    31 mins
  • Why ChatGPT is Trash w/ Lisa Huff & Jodie Brown
    Jun 9 2025

    In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, Hunter Donia is joined by Lisa Huff and Jodie Brown for a brutally honest (and hilarious) conversation about the risks and realities of using ChatGPT and AI tools in your beauty business. If you’ve ever wondered whether AI is helping or hurting your brand voice, marketing, and client experience—this episode is for you.

    Together, they unpack the ways stylists are leaning too heavily on automation, how AI-written content is starting to look and feel the same, and why relying on tools like ChatGPT without understanding your brand fundamentals can actually slow down your growth. They also dive into the ethical concerns, environmental impact, and emotional dangers of using AI without critical thinking.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Tool vs. Crutch: Learn how to spot when you’re using AI to streamline your work—and when it’s doing the thinking for you.
    • The Real Cost of AI Content: Discover how AI-first marketing can dilute your brand and blend you into the noise online.
    • Your Voice Still Matters: Why human connection, brand tone, and lived experience will always outperform AI-generated content.
    • Fact-Check Everything: How ChatGPT confidently gets things wrong, and what you need to double-check before publishing.
    • Beyond the Screen: A powerful discussion on how AI can affect client relationships, conflict resolution, and mental health if misused.

    Why You Should Listen:

    If you’ve felt unsure about how to use AI in your business—or you’ve been using it heavily and wondering why your content suddenly feels off—this episode is the reality check you didn’t know you needed. Tune in to laugh, learn, and walk away with a better understanding of how to use ChatGPT wisely, without losing your voice or your values.

    Let's connect on Instagram!

    Join us on the Modern Hairstylist Tour!

    Show more Show less
    42 mins
All stars
Most relevant  
I've really enjoyed every episode and Hunter's message. Worth sharing with other beauty pros also!

Fun and simple bite-sized tasks

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Like hearing another stylist take on our industry! And how differently other people run their business and how it works for them! Helps to broaden our methods and put structure in place!

Good listen!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.