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
Dec 30, 2025 • 1h 9min
#287: Reflecting on a year of parenting (and how that’s impacted me as a creator)
Josh Hall, a skilled web designer and entrepreneur from Columbus, shares insights with Jay Clouse about the transformative year of parenthood. They discuss how becoming a father reshaped Jay's work rhythms and priorities, urging him to focus on what truly matters. The conversation dives into balancing presence with family, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the scarcity mindset in business. Jay reflects on simplifying content creation through writing and the importance of saying no to protect mental bandwidth. A thought-provoking exchange on life, work, and creativity awaits!
12 snips
Dec 19, 2025 • 49min
#286: How To LEGALLY Pay Less In Taxes (And Invest It Instead) — Ankur Nagpal
Ankur Nagpal, a serial entrepreneur and founder of Carry, shares his journey from selling Teachable for $250 million to mastering tax strategies for creators. He reveals how he turned tax complexities into accessible solutions. Ankur explains the benefits of Solo 401(k)s, outlines smart tax-saving strategies like direct indexing and tax loss harvesting, and discusses the advantages of S-Corps. He also emphasizes the importance of proactive tax planners and shares tips on maximizing contributions while securing your financial future.
134 snips
Dec 9, 2025 • 1h 4min
#285: Personal branding, building trust, and why most creators fail | Influence Anyone
Jay Clouse, founder of Creator Science and a creator coach, dives into the essence of trust in building a sustainable creator business. He discusses the core traits of trustworthiness: competency, reliability, empathy, and integrity. Jay reflects on his personal branding evolution and the lessons from his early cringe moments. He emphasizes the danger of placing trust in AI and the need for transparency. Most importantly, he warns that many creators quit too soon, revealing that trust is the most valuable asset for long-term success.
47 snips
Nov 30, 2025 • 43min
#284: I helped a YouTuber design his membership
Join a fascinating coaching call where Tommy, a YouTuber focused on retiring in France, seeks guidance on monetizing his growing audience. They explore the balance between low-cost offerings and premium retreats. Hear about the power of community, strategic ticket sales, and how personalized membership can enhance retention. Discover innovative ways Tommy can integrate his expertise and create themed content to drive urgency. This conversation highlights the importance of engaging members through retreats and building lasting connections.
16 snips
Nov 25, 2025 • 19min
#283: I’m launching my new offer TODAY!
Discover the innovative Signature Product Bootcamp, designed to help creators develop a standout product confidently. Explore the importance of financial security in fostering creativity and learn how to escape the exhausting launch cycle. Jay shares examples of successful signature products, emphasizing that mindshare is more valuable than mere attention. Ideal for creators without a solid product, the bootcamp promises clarity in positioning and pricing, with limited spots for personalized support. Don't miss your chance to enroll before the deadline!
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!
19 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.
113 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.
