My First Million Ariel Helwani Is Building His Own ESPN. He Already Has 1m+ Followers. He Tells Us How.
Oct 28, 2021
Ariel Helwani, renowned MMA journalist and former ESPN star, dives into his journey of independence and success in the podcasting world. He shares the decision to leave ESPN and the benefits of building a niche audience. Ariel reveals his revenue strategies and discusses the importance of engaging controversy in content creation. He emphasizes authentic connections over metrics and the significance of his Substack, showcasing how embracing uniqueness can lead to substantial growth in the digital media landscape.
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ESPN Disillusionment
- Ariel Helwani discusses his disillusionment with ESPN, despite it being his dream job.
- He felt the network didn't live up to his expectations and the limitations on UFC coverage frustrated him.
Leaving ESPN
- Ariel Helwani reveals the internal conflict he faced when deciding to leave ESPN.
- Part of him wanted to stay out of spite for those who he believed wanted him out, including figures in the UFC.
Niche Down for Success
- Find a niche and become an expert in it, rather than trying to be a generalist.
- Develop a unique voice within that niche to stand out from the competition, Helwani advises.