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
12 snips
Apr 26, 2022 • 1h 13min
#100: My Story and Reflecting on 100 Episodes of Creative Elements
Jay Akunzo, a content creator and podcasting expert, joins his friend Jay Clouse to celebrate 100 successful episodes of their creative journey. They discuss the evolution of the podcast, memorable guests, and the impact of community support on their success. Akunzo shares insights on transitioning from consulting to creativity, the importance of storytelling, and the challenges of navigating fame as a creator. The duo reflects on personal growth and hints at ambitious future plans for their podcast, including new video content.
24 snips
Apr 19, 2022 • 59min
#99: Amanda Natividad – Growing on Twitter and using her platform to lift up others
Amanda Natividad, VP of Marketing at SparkToro and a Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef, shares her dynamic journey from journalism to marketing. She reveals innovative strategies for growing your Twitter following and the importance of authenticity in content creation. Amanda discusses her new YouTube show, "The Menu," aimed at uplifting diverse voices. With insights on audience engagement, she emphasizes empathetic communication in marketing, and offers tips for crafting compelling Twitter threads that drive interaction.
8 snips
Apr 12, 2022 • 1h 5min
#98: Jay-Talking about Memberships with Jay Acunzo
In this conversation, Jay Acunzo, a marketing expert and host of Unthinkable, shares his journey in launching his own membership program alongside his friend. They discuss effective strategies for structuring memberships and the psychology behind pricing. Jay contrasts the Tesla and Toyota business models, emphasizing different approaches to audience engagement. Insights on community building and developing tailored educational frameworks are also explored, highlighting the importance of personal involvement and adaptability in creator businesses.
61 snips
Apr 5, 2022 • 56min
#97: Dickie Bush Returns! – Jumping ship from full-time job to full-time creator
In this conversation, Dickie Bush, creator of Ship 30 for 30, shares insights from his remarkable journey of transitioning from full-time employment to a thriving career as a creator. He discusses the transformative growth of his writing course and reveals an underrated technique that has fueled his success. Dickie also introduces his new platform, TypeShare, designed to help digital writers. With a focus on building relationships and leveraging social media, he emphasizes the importance of authentic communication and overcoming self-doubt in the creative process.
45 snips
Apr 4, 2022 • 52min
[REPLAY] #51: Dickie Bush – Building an audience, product, and community in less than one year
Dickie Bush, a macro investor and creator of Ship 30 for 30, discusses the rapid growth of his online writing community. He reveals how writing can clarify complex financial ideas and shares his transition from finance to a thriving creative career using innovative formats like atomic essays. Dickie emphasizes the importance of community accountability in cultivating writing habits and offers encouragement to aspiring writers feeling hesitant to begin. His journey showcases the transformative power of social media in building connections and fostering engagement.
17 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.
