#702 What if the future of content creation depends less on algorithms and more on real human connection? In this episode, host Brien Gearin talks with Susie Bulloch — founder of Hey Grill, Hey — about how she grew a $35 WordPress site into a thriving barbecue brand with viral recipes, national retail products, and a deeply loyal community. Susie breaks down how AI is reshaping the creator economy and why she’s pivoting toward products, community, and more “analog” experiences that algorithms can’t replace. This episode is a must-listen for anyone building a brand in the new era of content creation!

What we discuss with Susie:

+ Origin of Hey Grill, Hey

+ Breaking into a male-dominated BBQ space

+ Growing a content business organically

+ Launching a successful CPG product line

+ Impact of AI on creators

+ Shifts in the creator economy

+ Importance of audience relationship building

+ Pivoting toward analog and in-person experiences

+ Building paid communities and memberships

+ Preparing for the future of content businesses

Thank you, Susie!

Check out Hey Grill, Hey at HeyGrillHey.com⁠.

Follow Susie on all social platforms @heygrillhey.

Watch the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠video podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ of this episode!

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November 20, 2025

Letters from an American

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