Creator Science
Jay Clouse
Creating content has never been easier. But breaking through the noise? That's 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.
But here's what makes this different: we don't just talk about what happened. 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 – approached with 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.
But here's what makes this different: we don't just talk about what happened. 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 – approached with curiosity, transparency, and a commitment to sustainable growth.
It's growth for creators, down to a science.
Episodes
Mentioned books
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.
Jan 25, 2022 • 1h
#89: Hrishikesh Hirway – From full-time musician to Song Exploder and back again
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.
Jan 18, 2022 • 1h 3min
#88: Tori Dunlap – Building an audience of millions on TikTok with Her First $100K
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.
