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 23, 2021 • 1h
#46: Sarah McAllister of GoCleanCo – Building a Cleaning Army of nearly 2M Instagram followers
Sarah McAllister, Founder and CEO of GoCleanCo, shares her inspiring journey from dog walking to building a cleaning empire with nearly 2M Instagram followers. She reveals her scrappy beginnings and the challenges of paying herself while navigating early success. The conversation dives into practical insights on leveraging influencer marketing, adapting strategies during the pandemic, and the importance of community engagement. Sarah also discusses the balance of authenticity in content creation and the critical role of delegation in scaling her brand.
Feb 18, 2021 • 44min
BONUS: Pat Flynn interviews me on SPI 460!
Pat Flynn, the mastermind behind the Smart Passive Income podcast and expert in online business, shares invaluable insights on freelancing and community building. He discusses the shift from a stable job to becoming a full-time freelancer, highlighting critical strategies for success and work-life balance. The importance of client relationships is emphasized, alongside the power of referrals for gaining new business. Plus, Pat offers a special discount on Freelancing School courses, making it a perfect time for aspiring freelancers to jumpstart their careers!
Feb 16, 2021 • 40min
#45: Jess Cordova Kramer and Stephanie Wittels Wachs of Lemonada Media
Jess Cordova Kramer and Stephanie Wittels Wachs, co-creators of Lemonada Media, share their heartfelt journey through loss and healing. They dive into the inspiration behind their impactful series 'Last Day,' which addresses the opioid epidemic with raw honesty. The duo discusses how personal struggles with grief and addiction fuel their storytelling. With a blend of humor and vulnerability, they explore the importance of creative expression in navigating tough topics and forging connections with their audience.
Feb 9, 2021 • 58min
#44: Jordan Harbinger – The secret to effective sales, dating, and hosting a popular podcast
Jordan Harbinger, a former Wall Street lawyer turned podcast host, shares his journey of building meaningful relationships and mastering effective sales techniques. He explores how genuine connections can reshape personal and professional life, offering insights on authentic sales practices that prioritize value over pressure. Harbinger also discusses the art of podcast hosting, emphasizing audience engagement and the importance of thorough preparation for impactful conversations. His stories illustrate how proactive networking can create lasting opportunities.
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.
