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 observation, experimentation, and iteration.This podcast is your weekly guide to evidence-backed strategies and experiments you can apply to your business. Each episode features candid conversations with today’s top creators—like James Clear, Ali Abdaal, Tim Urban, and Codie Sanchez—sharing actionable insights to help you grow your audience, build trust, and boost your income.This isn’t just an interview podcast—it’s a deep dive into the business of content, hosted by Signal Award-winner Jay Clouse.It's growth for creators, down to a science.
Episodes
Mentioned books
7 snips
Mar 29, 2022 • 1h 2min
#96: Nathan Barry – from $150K/yr in ebooks to $30M in ARR with ConvertKit
Nathan Barry, founder of ConvertKit and author of "Authority," shares his journey from earning $150K in eBooks to building a $30M recurring revenue business. He dives into the importance of focus and dedication, revealing the strategies behind ConvertKit's rise. Nathan discusses trends in the creator economy, emphasizing the need for creators to engage audiences effectively and balance diverse interests. He also highlights the challenges of monetization and shares insights on prioritizing growth, calling for a strategic focus to achieve success.
Mar 22, 2022 • 58min
#95: Josh Hall – from freelance web design to professional creator earning $300K/year
In this discussion, Josh Hall, a successful YouTuber and web design coach, shares his journey from a laid-off cabinet maker to a thriving creator earning $300K a year. He dives into his experiences transitioning from graphic design to web design and emphasizes the importance of evolving pricing strategies and understanding market value. Josh reveals how discovering the Divi theme transformed his workflow and ignited his passion for teaching. He also highlights the critical role of networking in moving from freelance work to creating impactful online courses.
Mar 15, 2022 • 55min
[REPLAY] #8: Adam Turla –Going on tour, building a fanbase, launching albums through kickstarter, and playing cave shows
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.
29 snips
Mar 8, 2022 • 54min
#94: Ann Handley – How to make your voice a differentiator in your work
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.
7 snips
Mar 1, 2022 • 56min
#93: Codie Sanchez – Growing a newsletter by dominating social media (in just over 2 years)!
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.
Feb 22, 2022 • 50min
#92: Cathryn Lavery – From Kickstarter to global 8-figure e-commerce business
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.
Feb 15, 2022 • 1h 8min
#91: Mariah Sinclair – How the "Queen of Cozy" began designing covers for cozy mystery novels
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.
Feb 10, 2022 • 26min
[BONUS] Creative Independence on The Accidental Creative
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.
12 snips
Feb 8, 2022 • 53min
#90: Wes Kao – Should you teach a cohort-based course?
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!
22 snips
Feb 1, 2022 • 55min
[REPLAY] #41: Tim Urban – Why the author of Wait But Why focuses on quality over consistency
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.
