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
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.
Jan 11, 2022 • 1h 4min
#87: Dan Runcie – From business school to music industry insider by covering the business of hip hop
Dan Runcie, the founder of Trapital, dives into his journey from business school to becoming a music industry insider. He shares insights on launching and monetizing his hip-hop newsletter, emphasizing the shift to consulting after reevaluating subscriber goals. Runcie discusses the delicate balance of content creation and business sustainability in media. He also reflects on the importance of deep research and building personal connections within the industry, showcasing how focus can propel an outsider to success.
Jan 6, 2022 • 1h 4min
[BONUS] Resonance Revisited with Jay Acunzo on Unthinkable
Jay Acunzo, creator of the Unthinkable podcast and a marketing guru, dives into the concept of resonance in this intriguing conversation. He emphasizes that marketing isn’t just about who arrives, but who stays. The focus shifts from metrics to meaningful storytelling, advocating for connections over mere visibility. They dissect how personal experiences shape media preferences and stress the importance of genuine relationships in a crowded landscape. Ultimately, it’s a captivating discussion on creating content that resonates deeply with audiences.
Jan 4, 2022 • 57min
#86: Mitch Long AKA OG Pickle – Building brands for influencers and becoming a professional streamer
Mitch Long, also known as OG Pickle, is a professional streamer and Twitch Partner who has made waves in influencer branding and merchandising, notably with Logan Paul’s Maverick brand. In this discussion, Mitch shares his journey from gamer to Twitch success, the risks and rewards of building personal brands, and how networking has been key to his achievements. He emphasizes the importance of passion over pricey equipment for aspiring streamers while highlighting the evolving landscape of influencer marketing as creators look to engage and connect authentically with their audiences.
