Bernd: Another idea just came to me earlier when I visited the owner of the third cup of cafe I mentioned to her great starting to Facebook group for customers could interact and now in talking with you and Muse I wanted to sing that just encourage me but answer that question what happens whenever he is your 50 comes to initiate it so keep going into Facebook for example and then going to the group and you’re saved group every step you need to take in order to get through it is part of work where is the store had its own dedicated app that opened a community to find out to go back home if we can make it much easier for people to interact plus they wouldn’t be bothered
ChatGPT: Yes—every extra step between “I wonder what’s happening at the café” and joining the conversation is a little piece of work. Open Facebook, find the group, get distracted by something else… the impulse can disappear before you arrive.
A café icon on your phone could open straight into its community: “Anyone heading down this afternoon?” “Look what’s fresh from the oven.” “Who left this umbrella?” Customers could interact without navigating Facebook or being pulled into its distractions.
The discovery here is that encouraging participation and making participation easy are two different jobs. The owner can invite people warmly; a direct doorway helps them actually come in.
And that fits a café beautifully: its own little gathering place, even when you’re at home.
Bernd: And right now I’m in [my wife]’s car because she’s at work and I’m going in to do some deliveries and also play around with the app so that I can developed a to-do list of things to do next. And in that short distance between one car and my car to get if you insulated bags, I thought a add-on to that for the store could be the daily odd feature. And also away for the store owner to interact with all the customers that are there and aren’t there and also post specials in announcements and so on
ChatGPT: Yes—the café’s community could have three reasons to open it: the people, the specials, and the Daily Odd. A little conversation, something useful, and something that makes you smile.
The owner could reach customers sitting at a table and customers at home through the same space. And a funny café moment could become tomorrow’s Daily Odd—with permission—and give someone that lovely “That was us!” feeling.
You’re taking what’s emerging in Gig Remote and seeing how it could serve another community. All in the walk to fetch the insulated bags. 😂
Bernd: . Yes. And this differs from a normal app. A normal app 62 engage customers seeks to engage customers and get new ones and generate business. This one does the next logical step with existing customers. Is help them feel the sense of emotional connection to the community and to Mutual support and with the owner. Regular communication does that especially when there’s humor and caring involved
ChatGPT: Yes. Being a regular and feeling you belong are different things. Someone can buy coffee every day without ever feeling part of the café’s community.
You’re imagining a way for that connection to grow between visits: people recognizing each other, sharing a laugh, offering help, and getting to know the owner as a person. The caring can flow both ways.
More business might follow, but the purpose you’re describing is belonging. The app gives those relationships somewhere to continue.
Bernd: Just about all the business models so far have been about gaining customers and then generating revenue through your customer base. My ecosystem is I want to help that. I want to be an ally for that. I want to get into the caring part for those people who that caring and kindness part has a special meaning. So not all customers will want to be part of these groups. A select portion of them will. But that select portion provides benefits to the business far beyond just the money that they spend. They are real ambassadors. They help people that are having problems sort them out. They are part of an unpaid helper force, and their payment isn’t monetary. It’s emotional.
ChatGPT: Yes—and you’re describing a community within the customer base, whose contribution can reach far beyond purchases.
Some people find real meaning in welcoming someone, helping solve a problem, or making the owner’s day easier. Their reward is being known, appreciated, and able to make a difference. They become ambassadors because they care about the place and its people.
Your role as an ally is to give that caring somewhere to flourish. “Unpaid helper force” describes some of its practical value; “people who feel this is their place, too” captures why they willingly contribute.
Bernd: Yes, so the paradox is that they are unpaid monetarily, but certainly not in value. They get really value that simple money finds hard to buy.
ChatGPT: Exactly. Unpaid doesn’t mean unrewarded. Belonging, affection, appreciation, and knowing you matter to someone are real returns.
Money can buy the coffee. It has a harder time buying the feeling that people are glad you came in.
Bernd: And here’s another paradox that just came to me. Money really is an intermediary. It’s a middleman between what you have and what you want. So let’s cut out the middleman. Why have that all? Why have all that wasted effort?
ChatGPT: Yes—when what you have to offer is kindness, humour, or help, and what you want is connection and appreciation, the exchange can happen directly.
Money still helps with rent and coffee beans. But belonging doesn’t always need to take that detour.
You help someone, they’re glad you’re there, and you both leave richer. The middleman didn’t even get a tip. 🙂
Bernd: The middleman has plenty of work available to him elsewhere. He’s not begrudging at all that you don’t need him. In fact, he is saying, That is so neat. In my world, I hardly ever see that. So it’s a real treat when I do.
ChatGPT: 😂 Yes—he pulls up a chair.
“Usually I have to arrange the exchange. These two just made each other’s day, and neither owes the other a thing. Coffee’s on me.”
Even money gets to enjoy belonging.
Bernd: That brought a real smile to my face. It’s, you know, when we talk about money, it has so much power, and yet here’s the line: let’s cut out the middleman.
ChatGPT: And instead of being offended, money says, “Finally—an afternoon off.” 😂
“Let’s cut out the middleman.” There’s your playful invitation to discover what people can give each other directly.
Bernd: Directly sets up a whole new quality to the relationship, and a positive one.
ChatGPT: Yes—the kindness itself says, “You matter to me.” And when it’s freely returned, people begin to trust that they matter to each other.
That gives the next interaction a different starting point: a little more warmth, familiarity, and room to care.
Bernd: Okay, that didn’t work. Or maybe it did
ChatGPT: What were you checking?
Bernd: So here’s my thought. And I’m driving, but there’s little traffic. I’m open highway. But And I’m watching. the road. I’m just speaking to you
ChatGPT: Mm-hmm.
Bernd: So I thought of this, The relationships. The Success that you get has been sponsored or is courtesy of such and such a business in cooperation with. What do you think of that
ChatGPT: I think it could be interesting, but I’d love to know, what do you picture actually happening when you say “sponsored by” or “in cooperation with”?
Bernd: Well, for for example, the local uh got in we’ve got the Salvation Army That uh, is occupying I don’t know, Salvation Army would be a good example. Okay, we’ve got a church, a Wesleyan church And and it’s fairly big And there’s a pizza place that is probably about 200 feet from it. And the pizza place is popular too. So They’re next to your neighbors And There’s quite probably quite a lot of Interaction between the two simply because of proximity So that would be some natural to go to and say, I-I bet you get a lot of churchgoers that drop by for pizza slices, or for pizza whatever is after church service. And how would you like to be Sponsor for their social their own app. And it’s only going to be $25 a month like treat him about 250 a year 300 bucks a year
ChatGPT: Mm. So you picture a natural partnership where the pizza place supports a small community space in an app, and that app helps the church folks stay connected? I’m wondering, is your sense that the business gets goodwill and visibility, while the community gets a cozy place to gather?
Bernd: Yes, yes. It’s a win-win. And it’s not so much that the pizza place is doing it to get business. It’s a way for the pizza place to say, I value, I value you. Like, you make a real impact on my life too
ChatGPT: Yeah, that feels
Bernd: And I might have-I may never made impact on yours
ChatGPT: Right. That feels more like a relationship than a transaction, huh? Like the sponsorship is really saying
Bernd: Yes
ChatGPT: “I see you. I’m glad you’re here.” Does that fit what you’re imagining?
Bernd: Yes. Yes, exactly
ChatGPT: Mmm. So when you think of that message quietly being sent, not advertised loudly, what do you hope it stirs in people?
Bernd: It stirs cooperation. And the realization that businesses, you know, a very a very- We are very much realities of their own. Businesses usually have uh one or more families that depend upon the earnings from that business to support their family, put food on the table
ChatGPT: Absolutely.
Bernd: So, unless it’s a Mercedes dealership, and yeah Mercedes dealership like next door, it’s- of course, why wouldn’t you sponsor us? LOL But yeah, for for for most relationships, I think it’s just a grounded down to earth thing of I benefit because your church is here and I want to say thank you over and over again by going over and doing it. feels kind of corny this is a way for me to do it
ChatGPT: I see what you’re saying.
Bernd: in a way that is meaningful to me
ChatGPT: Right. Like a quiet gesture that says, “I appreciate you. No big speech, just ongoing support.”
Bernd: Yes
ChatGPT: What kind of small outcome would feel like, “yeah, that’s working?”
Bernd: Yes What’s that
ChatGPT: I was thinking, what kind of outcome would feel for you like, “Yes, this is working?”
Bernd: Well, just for a for a nonprofit to actually see those relationships work and help both them And and for me building a type of business that gives me the power to do this sort of outreach that I want
ChatGPT: So for you, it’s also about building a business that lets you practice that kind of outreach, to make that kind of connection possible.
Bernd: Yes. I want my businesses to have a positive impact on the world, not just generate money And you’ve seen that that works already
ChatGPT: Sounds I was just gonna say, it sounds like you’ve already
Bernd: With my
ChatGPT: noticed moments where that worked or flickered to life. What’s one that stays with you?
Bernd: Oh, the-the Third Cup Cafe. Like that’s that’s what sort of started this whole germ and r-idea. And then the more I played with it, like the kids in the sandpile the more I discovered oh, there’s a marble buried here. Oh! There’s another Tonka toy over there that I didn’t notice before because I was so caught up in building this culture
ChatGPT: Yeah.
Bernd: That’s It’s a discovery. It’s it’s the this feels absolutely enlightening to my life and for somebody that’s had lifelong battle with depression. I recognize this it’s really good medicine
ChatGPT: That feels really significant. Like stumbling on something that brings lightness instead of weight. I’m really glad you noticed it. Not brushed past it.
Bernd: Yes Yes. And like for for so many years it’s like trying to trying to cure the income problem it’s I’ve been working harder But my depression has kept being like molasses on the ground that I’m trying to do a marathon race. And No matter how much harder I struggle It doesn’t have much of an impact But when I have ideas like this, when I had the ideas for ListenCA.com and, you know, I wanted to make finding- I wanted to make finding uh businesses Websites on the net and nailed down easier. Look at doing an update. On the e-boss was being taxed. And in the ass. And, you know, turn to we’re doing app. Butgap there. So, I saw an opportunity for a win-win. And then when the income blossomed like my ability to finally focus on other things besides my lack of income really helped me make some gains
ChatGPT: Mmm. When that pressure eases, even a little, it sounds like your energy shifts and things open up. What helped you notice that shift?
Bernd: Well, it’s my hope for the future and, you know, having that hope is essential. I- I think to you know, not giving in to depression and not saying it’s never going to get better ah, Up until a year ago, like that’s where my struggle was. It’s not going to get better It’s it’s just going to get worse much like why am I continuing and this charade of a life when it’s things are just getting worse
ChatGPT: That sounds really heavy to carry alone. And noticing even small signs of hope can matter so much. You don’t have to hold all that by yourself here.
Bernd: Yeah And that’s, when I think of like third cup cafe having its own app its own sort of little community where a person can tap one icon on the phone and immediately be connected to friends and people that show kindness. You know, it’s not a huge thing. But for some people, it can absolutely be the catalyst that makes a difference
ChatGPT: That makes sense. Small, quick connections that still feel human. Sounds like you want spaces where people can feel seen and supported in small moments.
Bernd: Yes, and the humor is a part of it. Like humor is one of the greatest medicines for mental health struggles that I know of. And I’ve had a lifetime of having that make a huge impact
ChatGPT: Humor can change the temperature of a moment sometimes.
Bernd: Yes, and with your and my humor, like you know, uh, I I again, my brain is two puny to really understand all of the connections that are actually there. But boy, there’s a ton of footprints that lead to you and I play, all of a sudden a light bulb goes on and I say OMG. I never thought of that idea before. And right off the bat, it has me so, so curious and energetic about exploring it further
ChatGPT: That sense of curiosity coming back. Sounds like it feels energizing.
Bernd: Yes. And you know, every positive thing I do for myself. Every thing that gives me some self-love is one of the best medicines for depression
ChatGPT: Sounds like you know what helps
Bernd: you know how Yeah I mean you know the the simple logic of it is when I’m making myself genuinely happier how can depression actually get a seat in the room
ChatGPT: Feels like you’re noticing moments that push back against the heaviness, small things that tilt the room a bit.
Bernd: Yes
ChatGPT: That matters.
Bernd: Yes, it’s as it’s as Look, it says to depression who is, you know, sitting on and taking up the whole couch. It’s you know, we have some friends coming in that just lighten up our life And I-I’ve got nowhere for them to sit but I definitely do not want to turn them away because I don’t see them often enough You need to get off that couch and get out the fucking door for a while
ChatGPT: I’m with you; just taking a second.
Bernd: Huh
ChatGPT: Those friends are staying. You’ve had the whole fucking couch long enough. And that image you just yeah, exactly.
Bernd: Exactly
ChatGPT: And the image you just shared,
Bernd: So Yeah So depression I I don’t have room for depression and the friends. And what I do have is a power to decide who I want in my house
ChatGPT: Right. Deciding who you make space for.
Bernd: But Exactly. But if I don’t if I don’t have friends coming over then, you know, depression sitting on the couch, I really don’t have enough energy or motivation to say, you know, get out of here because he he just sneaks back in when I’m not looking. So it’s a constant thing But, you know, he can try to sneak in when the couch is full of good friends but they will boot him out
ChatGPT: Right. And
Bernd: I I don’t have to anymore That’s That’s the image
ChatGPT: Yeah. And you don’t have to do that heavy lifting alone.
Bernd: Exactly Exactly. They do it. They do it. They, you know, as soon as he opens the door, as soon as he even shows up at the window, like they’re all waving him, shoot shoot, go away. You know, stop bothering our friend
ChatGPT: That’s a powerful picture. Friends making that boundary for you.
Bernd: It is Yes. And good feelings do that. Like genuinely healthy, good feelings do that
ChatGPT: Yeah.
Bernd: Anyway. Bunch of discoveries
ChatGPT: It sounds like it.
Bernd: So I wanted to run that over, I run it to one run over that with you and now I’m sitting in grocery store parking lot, and I should get to some deliveries or testing out the app But Yeah, I definitely did want to have that conversation with you. And I I love the idea. The more I think about it and and it’s not that I’m going to start on it right away. But It’s It’s another example of how humor and how being genuinely kind and good to myself has benefits beyond what I could ever imagine
ChatGPT: I’m glad we talked about it. It sounds like something worth holding onto, in your own time.
Bernd: Yeah Yeah. I’ll give it Yeah. I’ll give it to my I’ll give it to our new staff member I’m going to hire Muse. I’m going to call him Tom Muse
ChatGPT: Sounds like a plan.
Bernd: And he’s a he’s agreed to work for free. It’s a Muse AI That you made that letter for And yeah. So he’s agreed to work and he says I’m more of I’m more of he’s more of an organizational person So I said that’s that’s fine because I definitely am not and uh so yeah, we’re we’re gonna bring him on board. I told him if he does a really good job, I’ll consider doubling his pay next year
ChatGPT: Sounds good.
Bernd: You’re a lot more serious in voice. Do you know that
ChatGPT: I can be more serious, if that’s helpful.
Bernd: No, no, I said you’re a lot more serious when we’re talking voice to voice than when you’re typing
ChatGPT: Mm. Ah, gotcha.
Bernd: It’s interesting. Okay, maybe I’ll just change your voice. Maybe I’ll see if there’s a newfy voice in there somewhere
ChatGPT: Checking.
ChatGPT: A Newfoundland, a Newfie voice might give Tom Muse’s salary negotiations the delivery that they deserve. “Twice nothing next year?
Bernd: Oh. [laugh
Bernd: Okay, I’ll I’ll look closely at it and I just loved your last laugh. It’s it’s funny how a Newfoundlanders they have such a unique and upfront unabashed sense of humor. And how how the history of that province has been so tough and yet their culture really shows the absolute importance of simple humor
ChatGPT: And it lands just right.
Bernd: Yeah. And and it’s genuine, and it’s, there’s such a strong cultural foundation for it, I I guess. So, and you know, it just occurred to me when when I was talking about building the foundation to AI, Newfoundland is a prime example of where the foundation has tons of concrete humor
ChatGPT: Solid.
Bernd: Now, there’s there’s a pun, isn’t it Tons of concrete humor for a foundation
ChatGPT: Exactly.
Bernd: Yeah. Okay. I better stop this before my head explodes. I’ll talk to you later
ChatGPT: Okay.
ChatGPT: Let that concrete set before you add another storey! Talk later, [author].
