Memberships vs. Courses: A Playful Debate on Learning Models

How to Build a Membership That Fuels Freedom, Stability, and Long-Term Growth

If you've ever wondered whether a membership could work in your business model — or if you're still sitting on the sidelines debating when to make the leap — this episode is your permission slip to stop waiting and start validating. Stu McLaren is here for an unfiltered, insight-packed conversation on what’s changing in the world of memberships, how to launch one even if you’re just starting out, and the fastest path to turning what you know into monthly recurring revenue.

This isn’t just a pep talk — it’s a masterclass in how to build predictability, profitability, and long-term sustainability into your business model. You’ll learn why memberships are more relevant than ever (even in the age of AI), how to create real transformation for your customers (not just provide more content), and the exact strategy Stu teaches to validate your idea before you build a thing.

Whether you’re brand new to memberships or looking to scale your existing one, this episode is packed with innovative marketing strategies, real-world case studies, and mindset shifts to help you grow. 

HERE ARE THE 3 KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE:

1️⃣ Information is everywhere — but implementation is what sets you apart. In the AI era, your value as a course or membership creator comes from helping people apply what they learn and get real results, not just giving them more “how-to” content.

2️⃣ Recurring revenue gives you freedom, confidence, and a business that’s worth 8X more. Stu breaks down why predictable monthly income changes everything—from reducing stress to increasing your company’s valuation.

3️⃣ You don’t need a huge audience to launch. Stu shares the exact “founding member” script and strategy to validate your idea and welcome your first paying members (before you even create a single piece of content!)

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

The Membership Experience is officially open for enrollment. This is Stu McLaren’s step-by-step program that shows you how to turn what you already know, love, and do into recurring revenue through a simple, low-stress membership.

And here’s the best part...

When you join through my link, you’ll also get access to my exclusive bonus package, created to support you every step of the way.

Here’s what you’ll get:

How It’s Made: The Online Membership Edition → A behind-the-scenes look at exactly how I built and launched my own membership, including lessons learned, real strategies, and what I would do differently today.

Start From Scratch Guide: Kickstart Your Email List to Grow Your Membership → A step-by-step guide to help you build a powerful email list even if you’re starting from zero, so you’ll have an audience ready when you launch.

These two bonuses are designed to give you real momentum from day one, saving you time, helping you avoid the common mistakes, and giving you the confidence to launch your membership the right way.

These are the exact tools I wish I had when I started. So if you're ready to finally build a business that works for you, instead of constantly working in it...this is your moment. Click to enroll in The Membership Experience before enrollment closes on Thursday, 5/22 at 11:59pm PT, and I’ll see you inside: amyporterfield.com/membership. 

MEMBERSHIPS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: 

Nonprofit Leadership Lab

Ali Kay Studio

Tony's Acoustic Challenge

Launch Your Box

Autism Little Learners

MORE FROM STU

Get your copy of Stu’s book, Predictable Profits: stu.me/predictable-profits Follow Stu on Instagram @stumclaren Learn more about Membership.io membership.io

MORE FROM ME

Follow me on Instagram @amyporterfield

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more entrepreneurs who need these insights. 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to The Amy Porterfield Show! See you next week!