Creator Science

Adam Turla, lead singer and guitarist of the indie band Murder By Death, shares insights from over 20 years of building a passionate fanbase. He discusses the band’s unique sound, blending folk and rock with a spooky twist. Adam reveals their innovative use of Kickstarter for album launches and how memorable performances in venues like the Stanley Hotel and Cumberland Caverns have engaged fans. Throughout, he emphasizes the importance of gratitude and connection in sustaining their music journey.

In this engaging discussion, Ann Handley, a bestselling author and digital marketing pioneer, delves into how to develop a unique voice in writing. She shares her journey from childhood inspirations to her passion for storytelling. Ann emphasizes the importance of humor and authenticity, and introduces her unique metric for measuring newsletter success. Listeners will learn about utilizing the inverted pyramid in writing, the art of crafting connections, and practical exercises to hone their personal style, making it an essential listen for aspiring creators.

Codie Sanchez, founder of Contrarian Thinking and co-founder of Unconventional Acquisitions, discusses her transformative journey from journalism and investing to becoming a content creator. She shares her effective strategies for growing her newsletter and amassing a significant social media following, particularly on TikTok and Instagram. Codie emphasizes the importance of unconventional thinking in business and offers insights into audience engagement, content monetization, and the challenges and strategies involved in navigating various platforms.

Cathryn Lavery, Founder and CEO of BestSelf Co., shares her inspiring journey from a young entrepreneur to leading an eight-figure e-commerce brand. She discusses her initial fears on Kickstarter and how to thrive in crowdfunding. Cathryn emphasizes the importance of maintaining high standards in product quality and customer engagement. She also explores the evolving e-commerce landscape, highlighting the shift from traditional marketing to influencer-driven strategies. Lastly, Cathryn reflects on her brand's transformation from productivity to comprehensive personal development.

Mariah Sinclair, the award-winning "Queen of Cozy," shares her journey from corporate designer to leading cover artist for cozy mysteries. She discusses her first foray into book cover design, revealing why it took her 14 years to create a second. Mariah highlights the significance of covers as marketing tools and explores the unique elements that make cozy mysteries compelling, like puns and humor. She also dives into innovative sales strategies for pre-made covers, showcasing how community engagement drives her success in the self-publishing world.

In this episode, Jay Clouse, host of Creative Elements, dives into the significance of creative independence, advocating it as a crucial goal beyond financial freedom. He discusses the evolution of creative entrepreneurship, sharing insights from his own journey in freelancing and content creation. The conversation highlights the benefits of side hustles for enhancing creativity and personal expression. Jay also emphasizes the power of consistency, encouraging young creators to commit to regular projects for growth and visibility.

Wes Kao, co-founder of Maven, shares her expertise in building engaging cohort-based courses. She discusses the evolution of online learning, emphasizing the advantages of CBCs, such as higher engagement and accountability. Wes explores creative strategies for course design and the importance of rigorous thinking in problem-solving. She also helps creators evaluate if a cohort-based model suits their content style, highlighting its scalability and community-building potential. Tune in for insights on crafting impactful educational experiences!

Tim Urban, the prolific writer behind the blog Wait But Why, shares his insights on crafting quality content that resonates. He discusses his unique transition from short-form to engaging long-form articles while exploring the delicate balance of quality versus consistency. Tim dives into the struggles of perfectionism and procrastination, offering strategies to boost productivity. He also emphasizes the power of metaphors in storytelling and the importance of authenticity in connecting with audiences, making creativity a deeply fulfilling journey.

Hrishikesh Hirway, the creative mind behind the acclaimed podcast Song Exploder, shares his unique journey as a musician turned podcaster. He reveals how a disappointing album spurred him to launch his innovative show, exploring the behind-the-scenes stories of songs. Hrishikesh discusses the challenges of balancing financial stability with creative endeavors and reflects on how vulnerability and collaboration reignite inspiration in his music. He also shares insights on his new song 'Home,' inspired by deep personal memories.

Tori Dunlap, a millennial money and career expert and founder of Her First $100K, shares her inspiring journey from corporate life to empowering women in finance. She discusses her rapid rise on TikTok and how she effectively engages audiences. Tori highlights the significance of financial literacy and service-oriented content, offering tips for creating viral videos. She also delves into using media coverage to build brand credibility and reassures listeners that it's never too late to start on TikTok.