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
Feb 2, 2021 • 49min
#43: Emily Clouse – Our podcast illustrator talks drawing, breaking into comedy, and our childhood
Emily Clouse is a Los Angeles-based comedy writer and cartoonist whose work appears in The Onion and The New Yorker. In this conversation, she shares her artistic journey, starting from childhood in Ohio to her adventures in Uganda and Chicago before settling in LA. They discuss the influence of their upbringing on their creativity and comedic sensibilities. Emily also dives into the challenges of breaking into the comedy writing scene, including networking and crafting original content for various platforms.
Jan 26, 2021 • 58min
#42: Alex Cattoni – From behind-the-scenes copywriter to front-of-camera YouTuber
In this discussion, Alex Cattoni, a copywriter and founder of The Copy Posse, shares her inspiring journey from working at MindValley to becoming a successful YouTuber with over 75,000 subscribers. She highlights the connection between copywriting and marketing, her transition to freelancing, and how her values helped her step out of her comfort zone. Alex also dives into the challenges of creating engaging video content, her battle with imposter syndrome, and the emotional growth that comes with building a personal brand online.
Jan 19, 2021 • 55min
#41: Tim Urban – Why the author of Wait But Why focuses on quality over consistency
Tim Urban, the mind behind the blog Wait But Why, shares insights from his intriguing journey as a long-form writer. He discusses the balance between quality and consistency in creativity, emphasizing the importance of producing emotional, in-depth content. Urban reveals his writing and research process, highlighting the power of metaphors and personal anecdotes. He also dives into the Dunning-Kruger effect, showcasing the paradox of confidence in knowledge, and shares how perfectionism can both hinder and enhance productivity in the creative process.
Jan 12, 2021 • 53min
#40: Matty Benedetto of Unnecessary Inventions
Matty Benedetto is the mastermind behind Unnecessary Inventions, a popular channel that showcases humorous, impractical gadgets designed to solve problems no one asked for. In this conversation, he shares his self-taught journey in product design and how his unique approach gained traction on social media. Matty discusses the importance of audience engagement, his experiences with Kickstarter, and the tension between whimsical creations and commercial design. He emphasizes embracing creativity and overcoming fear as essential for success in content creation.
Jan 5, 2021 • 60min
#39: Chris McAlister – Meet my business and creative coach
Chris McAlister, founder of SightShift and author of five books, shares his insights on leadership and creativity. He emphasizes the importance of separating personal identity from professional roles to foster mental well-being. McAlister also discusses overcoming self-imposed limitations, transforming insecurities into growth opportunities, and nurturing self-awareness through coaching. Their dialogue highlights the journey of self-discovery and the balance between individuality and collective identity in the evolving landscape of creativity.
Dec 29, 2020 • 58min
[REPLAY] #23: Kwame Christian
Kwame Christian, a leading authority in negotiation and conflict resolution, discusses his evolution from law to thought leader. He emphasizes the value of compassionate curiosity in conflict resolution and shares strategies for successful negotiations. Kwame highlights the importance of preparation, especially for freelancers, and the role of blind hiring in combating bias. He also reveals exciting future projects at the American Negotiation Institute, including a reality TV show on conflict mediation, showcasing his strategic vision for personal and professional growth.
Dec 22, 2020 • 48min
#38: The 12 Clips of Christmas
Dive into a nostalgic clip show that revisits key moments from a year of creative insights. Discover the challenges of staying consistent in content creation and the importance of treating hobbies with professionalism. Learn how to connect authentically with your audience for impactful engagement. Hear personal stories about transitioning to online courses, and gain valuable time management tips from a negotiation expert. It's a lively blend of education and inspiration, perfect for any creator!
12 snips
Dec 15, 2020 • 1h 3min
#37: Ali Abdaal – Making a living as a part-time YouTuber
Ali Abdaal, a Cambridge University medicine graduate and part-time YouTuber, shares his journey of balancing medicine and content creation. He discusses maximizing content efficiency, emphasizing the importance of planning and repurposing. Ali reveals how consistent content can spark personal growth and career success, detailing his transition from medical school to YouTube. He highlights the benefits of high production quality and outsourcing editing to enhance content. His insights offer aspiring creators practical advice on monetization and maintaining engagement.
Dec 8, 2020 • 1h 5min
#36: Matt Ragland – Becoming a full time YouTube creator after 10 years of side hustling
In this engaging discussion, Matt Ragland, a YouTube creator known for his insights on bullet journaling and productivity, shares his inspiring journey from side hustler to full-time creator in 2020. He recounts his time at ConvertKit and Podia, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and community in his growth. Matt reveals key strategies for content creation, audience engagement, and pricing products effectively. He also dives into the emotional challenges of leaving a stable job for creative freedom, highlighting milestones that shaped his successful path.
12 snips
Dec 1, 2020 • 55min
#35: David Perell – How "The Writing Guy" thinks about Twitter, education, and creating your own games
David Perell, a writer and podcaster known for his innovative ideas about information, shares his insights on education and personal growth. He discusses the freedom of quitting traditional systems to create your own path. Twitter's role as a powerful networking tool is explored, emphasizing effective communication and mindful consumption. Perell highlights the transformative impact of writing, suggesting a structured approach to improve clarity. The conversation also touches on building communities, embracing creativity, and the importance of cultivating thoughtful connections.
