Creator Science
Jay Clouse
Creating content has never been easier—but breaking through the noise has gotten harder.
The only reliable way to grow as a creator is through systematic observation, experimentation, and iteration. This podcast is your weekly guide to evidence-backed strategies you can test in your own business.
Each episode features candid conversations with creators like James Clear, Ali Abdaal, Tim Urban, and Codie Sanchez. We explore what's actually working for them: the experiments they're running, the data they're tracking, and the frameworks they use to grow their audience, build trust, and increase income.
We dig into why it worked, how you can adapt it, and what constraints or anti-goals helped them stay focused and avoid burnout.
Hosted by Signal Award-winner Jay Clouse, this is a show about the business of content—from a place of curiosity, transparency, and a commitment to sustainable growth.
It's growth for creators, down to a science.
The only reliable way to grow as a creator is through systematic observation, experimentation, and iteration. This podcast is your weekly guide to evidence-backed strategies you can test in your own business.
Each episode features candid conversations with creators like James Clear, Ali Abdaal, Tim Urban, and Codie Sanchez. We explore what's actually working for them: the experiments they're running, the data they're tracking, and the frameworks they use to grow their audience, build trust, and increase income.
We dig into why it worked, how you can adapt it, and what constraints or anti-goals helped them stay focused and avoid burnout.
Hosted by Signal Award-winner Jay Clouse, this is a show about the business of content—from a place of curiosity, transparency, and a commitment to sustainable growth.
It's growth for creators, down to a science.
Episodes
Mentioned books
4 snips
Nov 18, 2025 • 51min
#282: David Altizer — How to Make Great Thumbnails (For Non-Designers)
David Altizer, co-creator of Thumbnail Academy and a sought-after thumbnail designer, shares insights drawn from his experience creating engaging visuals that have garnered millions of views. He elaborates on the importance of composition and lighting, the psychology behind thumbnails, and effective clickbait strategies. Discover how minimal text and curiosity can drive clicks, plus the role of AI in thumbnail creation. Altizer's tips make thumbnail design approachable for non-designers, proving that captivating visuals aren't as intimidating as they seem!
15 snips
Nov 11, 2025 • 4min
#281: A question about the future of this podcast... [Voice Memo]
In this update-style voice memo, Jay discusses the evolution of his podcast, emphasizing the shift towards prioritizing video content. He reveals that video episodes are outperforming audio on Spotify, with five to ten times more plays. Jay shares his goal of producing two video episodes monthly and the challenges of consistent video production. He also plans to reduce the total number of episodes, ensuring each includes a video component. Additionally, he invites listener feedback while detailing how these changes will allow him to focus on video and his upcoming book.
93 snips
Nov 4, 2025 • 58min
#263: How To Succeed on YouTube Today feat. Colin & Samir [Greatest Hits]
Colin and Samir, the dynamic duo behind a popular YouTube channel focused on the creator economy, share invaluable insights on building lasting brands. They emphasize the significance of consistent formats in capturing audience attention and fostering brand loyalty. The duo also delves into the evolving landscape of monetization, highlighting the importance of not undervaluing creator work in brand negotiations. With humor, they discuss the shifting roles of shorts and live streaming, redefining how creators can connect with their audience.
55 snips
Oct 28, 2025 • 45min
#280: How to LEGALLY Protect Your Channel (YouTube Lawyer Tyler Chou Explains)
Tyler Chou, a former entertainment attorney with experience at Disney and BuzzFeed, now protects YouTube creators from legal issues. In this conversation, she dives into the rise of copyright strikes and how creators can effectively navigate the complexities of fair use. Tyler shares essential steps for legal protection, including the importance of written agreements and licensing. She also demystifies litigation, recommending that creators view it as an aspect of growth, while encouraging them to proactively protect their channels.
64 snips
Oct 21, 2025 • 55min
#279: How we navigate our different internal characters (and her experience as a first time author) | Amanda Goetz
In this conversation with Amanda Goetz, a two-time founder and author of *Toxic Grit*, she shares her journey of balancing ambition and family life while navigating multiple personal identities. Amanda introduces character theory, discussing how intentional role transitions can ease conflict. She reflects on her experience launching the *Life's a Game* newsletter and writing her book, emphasizing emotional authenticity and the pressures of public success. Co-parenting strategies and playful metaphors further illustrate her insights into personal growth and connection.
119 snips
Oct 14, 2025 • 44min
#278: How I’m Approaching The Rest of 2025 (Behind The Scenes)
Dive into a candid look at adjusting business priorities and performance forecasts as one creator reflects on the impacts of parenthood. Discover insights about refining content strategies, from focusing on high-quality sponsorships to shifting from short-form to long-form writing. The creator explores taking risks with a book project, prioritizing community engagement, and the intricacies of achieving business goals amidst evolving circumstances. It's a blend of strategic recalibration and personal growth, all while navigating the creator economy.
127 snips
Oct 7, 2025 • 21min
#277: The best and worst income streams for creators (ranked)
Discover the ranking of 15 creator income streams based on their potential and effort. From the overrated AdSense to the high-value royalties, each revenue model is assessed. Learn why content memberships and community memberships shine as top choices. Dive into the pros and cons of sponsorships, one-on-one coaching, and digital products. Curious about user-generated content? It's surprisingly rated F! Get insights on what creators should focus on for maximum returns.
72 snips
Sep 30, 2025 • 45min
#276: From self-publishing to traditional and becoming a NYT best-seller | Pat Flynn (Part 2)
Pat Flynn, founder of Smart Passive Income and author of Lean Learning, discusses his journey to becoming a New York Times bestseller. He reflects on the challenges and benefits of traditional publishing versus self-publishing. Pat shares insights on leveraging podcast guesting for book marketing and how unique strategies, like engaging his Pokémon fanbase, boosted pre-orders. He emphasizes the importance of embracing multiple interests to avoid burnout and stresses the value of community connections in the entrepreneurial landscape.
101 snips
Sep 23, 2025 • 40min
#275: From ignoring short-form video to 3.5 billion views | Pat Flynn’s Pokémon juggernaut (Part 1)
Pat Flynn, an online entrepreneur and creator of the viral Pokémon series 'Should I Open It Or Should I Keep It Sealed,' shares insights from his journey to 3.5 billion views. He discusses his unique approach to creating engaging content and the importance of experimenting with formats. Pat emphasizes the benefits of separating short-form and long-form content on different channels, and how voiceovers can enhance storytelling. He opens up about his 60-day rule for gauging success and knowing when to pivot or quit a project.
80 snips
Sep 16, 2025 • 1h 4min
#274: Podcast growth strategies (paid and organic) with Jeff Umbro of The Podglomerate
Jeff Umbro, founder and CEO of The Podglomerate, shares his wealth of experience in podcast growth and monetization. He discusses innovative marketing tactics, including both organic and paid strategies. Jeff emphasizes the significance of understanding audience behavior and tailoring content accordingly. He also highlights the power of cross-platform connections and data-driven decisions in enhancing listener engagement. Dive into insights on Spotify and Apple metrics, revealing how to navigate the current podcast landscape effectively.
