The Creator Spotlight Podcast

Fernando Hurtado, former NBC/Telemundo journalist turned creator behind In the Hyphen, left corporate media to build a YouTube channel on U.S. Latino culture. He shares stories about rapid monetization, losing early brand deals, building a launch buffer, time-boxed production to avoid burnout, and mixing reporting with creator-led journalism and short-form funnels.

Jack Appleby, a seasoned marketing strategist with 15+ years of social media expertise, dives into the nuances of audience building and content creation. He reveals why most brand content flops and discusses the importance of storytelling over high production values. Jack shares insights from his successful TikTok ventures, the balance of running a profitable series like Hoop Forever, and how to organically grow a newsletter to 80k subscribers. He also emphasizes the need for strong opinions in content and predicts a future demand for better quality in short-form videos.

Kallaway, a dynamic entrepreneur and creator behind the Sandcastles tool, discusses his journey to building a $1M-per-month content machine. He shares insights on treating content as a system, the importance of de-risking short-form videos, and how consulting skills give creators an entrepreneurial edge. Kallaway reveals his unique YouTube production process and why he shifted focus from brand deals to creating sellable products for business owners. He even explains how his background in rap enhances his video delivery, blending entertainment and strategy.

Brittany Ratelle, a lawyer specializing in creator law, shares invaluable insights for creatives navigating the legal landscape. She uncovers common pitfalls like brand deal red flags and emphasizes the importance of clearly defined contracts. Brittany advises on when to form an LLC and offers tips on maintaining audience trust amidst sponsorships. She also delves into copyright issues with remix content and highlights the significance of building portable assets like email lists. Prepare to learn how to protect your creative business!

Join the team for a lively discussion on the future of the creator economy. They predict a rise in in-person communities and explore the growing significance of serialized content in audience engagement. Discover how creator models are shifting with fan investments and project-based collaborations. The group also predicts a decline in less focused podcasts and highlights the importance of local networks over global groups. Plus, learn why crafting creators are building deep loyalty among their followers.

Rachel Lobdell, Executive Director of News Creator Corps, leads a discussion alongside Katie Grossbard, a creator and strategist, and Danielle Desir Corbett, a podcaster focusing on travel and finance. They delve into how creators can learn from journalism to improve trust and credibility. Topics include the importance of fact-checking, transparency, and community-building. They also explore the challenges of misinformation and the unique role of creators in fostering accurate information, emphasizing that trust is essential for long-term monetization.

Brett Dashevsky, founder of Creator Economy NYC, shares his journey of building a six-figure newsletter and events business for creators. He discusses overcoming initial challenges and the importance of community and consistency in growing his audience. Brett reveals how events enhance monetization and foster lasting brand partnerships. With insights into engagement metrics and revenue breakdown, he emphasizes the balance between creativity and business. His advice? Write passionately and prioritize consistency to thrive as a creator.

Tomo Chien, the founder of 'Morning, Trojan,' shares his journey in local journalism focused on USC. He reveals how he disrupted the student media landscape by embracing originality over aggregation to attract over 10,000 subscribers. Tomo discusses the power of a controversial tone, using engagement tactics to convert interest into loyal readers. He shares insights on the importance of concise content and maintaining a strong team. As he prepares to close the newsletter post-graduation, he reflects on his future ambitions and the evolving nature of creator journalism.

Nicolas Cole, a digital writer and influential figure in online writing education, joins to share his journey from Quora to co-founding successful programs like Ship 30 for 30. He discusses the secrets to scaling a writing business to $600k+ a month and the importance of accountability in education. Nicolas highlights the growing demand for ghostwriting and explains why many online courses fail due to lack of authentic experience. He also explores how AI is increasing the value of writing, emphasizing the blend of creativity and entrepreneurship.

Lia Haberman, a social media strategist and creator-economy expert, shares insights on why creators typically struggle to last beyond three to four years. She discusses the importance of focusing on evergreen content, how to identify valuable platform features, and the shifting landscape of social media. Lia emphasizes the need for creators to build businesses beyond brand deals and critiques platforms like Instagram for their lack of support. She predicts trends for 2026, highlighting the rise of mid-form video and LinkedIn while advising creators to pivot with changing trends.