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
Dec 28, 2021 • 59min
#85: Todd Henry – Practices to help you be more creative on-demand
Todd Henry, a renowned author and speaker known for his work on creativity, discusses practical ways to unleash creativity on demand. He shares insights on the importance of daily disciplines like writing and meditation to nurture innovation. Todd explains how deadlines can actually fuel creativity instead of stifling it. He also delves into the art of effective communication, emphasizing authenticity and empathy. Listeners will find inspiration in his strategies for balancing multiple creative endeavors while staying true to their central vision.
Dec 21, 2021 • 18min
#84: 11 Lessons Learned in 2021
Reflecting on 2021, a creator shares 11 key lessons about discoverability and focus that resonate with fellow creators. The discussion dives into the challenges of nurturing engaged communities and the power of leveraging social media. Personal anecdotes about homeownership and improvement projects highlight the significance of supportive relationships. Moreover, insights into the potential of Web3 technology reveal new opportunities for growth and collaboration in the creative landscape.
Dec 14, 2021 • 57min
#83: Joe Skinner – How to turn short interviews into structured, high-production podcast episodes
Joe Skinner, Digital Lead for PBS's American Masters and host of the acclaimed Creative Spark podcast, shares his insights on effective storytelling. He discusses the art of interview preparation and the balance between structured research and spontaneous conversation, highlighting how authenticity enhances narratives. Joe also explores the evolution of podcasting, the importance of human connection in storytelling, and the compelling impact of the three-act structure. His passion for creativity shines through as he reflects on diverse artistic processes.
Dec 7, 2021 • 56min
#82: Michael Bungay Stanier – How to Begin Setting a Worthy Goal
In this engaging conversation, Michael Bungay Stanier, a best-selling author and founder of Box of Crayons, delves into the essence of setting 'worthy goals'. He shares insights from his latest book, emphasizing how to define and clear space for meaningful pursuits. Michael highlights the importance of simplicity in achieving effectiveness and introduces a compelling framework for goal-setting based on thrill, importance, and challenge. His journey from unemployment to entrepreneurship offers a motivating backdrop, illustrating how resilience can lead to impactful creativity.
Nov 30, 2021 • 1h 7min
#81: Jay-Talking about Speaking with Jay Acunzo
In this insightful conversation, Jay Acunzo, an accomplished author and podcast host with experience at ESPN and Google, dives deep into the art of public speaking. He shares invaluable tips on preparing for engagements and the intricate balance between storytelling and personal anecdotes. Jay discusses the evolution of his own speaking style and tackles the psychological challenges speakers face, like imposter syndrome. The dialogue also explores the importance of audience engagement and intentional movement, making for a truly enlightening experience for aspiring speakers.
Nov 23, 2021 • 6min
Unveiling Our New Cover Art!
Exciting news as the podcast unveils its fresh new cover art, designed by Johnny Ropple! The host reflects on a transformative year filled with creative growth and personal development. They express heartfelt gratitude to the listeners for their continuous support. Hear about how listener feedback played a crucial role in the redesign process, ensuring the artwork resonates strongly with the show's creative spirit. This episode captures a pivotal moment in the podcast's evolution!
Nov 16, 2021 • 56min
#80: Lauren Hom – How turning your work into play turns into my clients and more opportunities
Lauren Hom, a vibrant designer and hand lettering artist, shares her journey from prestigious agency work to a fulfilling freelance career. She discusses how embracing playfulness in her art has not only led to personal joy but also attracted new clients. Lauren reveals her Instagram growth strategies, fueled by community engagement and authenticity. She reflects on her unexpected path to publishing and the importance of balancing passion projects with client work, ultimately emphasizing creativity as a source of opportunity.
Nov 9, 2021 • 54min
#79: Dru Riley – 45,000+ email subscribers in less than 2 years
Dru Riley, the mastermind behind Trends.vc, has rapidly grown his newsletter to over 45,000 subscribers. He shares insights from his journey transitioning from a stable job in data engineering to entrepreneurship. The discussion covers the challenges and successes of monetizing a newsletter, along with strategies for community engagement. Dru emphasizes the importance of concise communication and reflects on the emotional hurdles faced in the creator economy. His experiences inspire budding creators on how to navigate and thrive in this evolving landscape.
11 snips
Nov 2, 2021 • 1h 1min
#78: Marie Poulin – Earning $40,000 per month as a course creator
Marie Poulin, creator of Notion Mastery, helps business owners streamline their systems using Notion. She shares her journey from agency work to a full-time freelance career and the creation of her online course. Marie discusses the challenges of course pricing and the significance of real-time feedback in evolving her offerings. She emphasizes the importance of adapting content to market needs and finding personal fulfillment in teaching. Additionally, her insights on productivity tools and community engagement highlight her unique approach to course creation.
Oct 26, 2021 • 60min
#77: Andy J. Pizza – Writing with pictures and developing your taste
Andy J. Pizza, an illustrator renowned for his work with The New York Times and Nickelodeon, shares insights on creative intuition and storytelling. He discusses the importance of self-assessment in creative practices, likening it to taste-testing in cooking. Andy emphasizes balancing thought and action to enhance productivity and shares his unique daily rituals for fostering creativity. He also advocates for 'playing your hits' by reusing past work, highlighting how this approach can prevent burnout and enrich artistic expression.
