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
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.
Nov 24, 2020 • 20min
#34: 5 things for creatives to be thankful for
In a challenging year, the host shines a light on the power of gratitude for creators. They explore the abundance of digital tools that enhance creativity and productivity, empowering everyone to participate. The discussion delves into the changing landscape of creator support and the vital role of community in overcoming obstacles. Collaboration is celebrated, emphasizing how teamwork enriches the creative process. It's a refreshing reminder to focus on appreciation amidst the chaos.
Nov 17, 2020 • 59min
#33: Brian Clark – A content marketing pioneer talks about its evolution
Brian Clark, founder of Copyblogger and an influential figure in content marketing, shares his insights on the evolution of the field. He delves into the importance of empathy and authenticity in creating resonant content. Clark discusses strategies for mastering content curation amidst market saturation and the significance of storytelling in shaping a business's value. He also explores the relationship between technology and creativity, emphasizing understanding user needs for innovation. Get ready for a thought-provoking dive into the world of content and entrepreneurship!
Nov 10, 2020 • 1h 1min
#32: Dan Andrews – Helping location independent entrepreneurs build businesses and find community
Dan Andrews, creator of the Tropical MBA podcast and co-founder of Dynamite Jobs, shares his journey in building a thriving community for location-independent entrepreneurs. He discusses the delicate balance of freelancing and sustainable online business, urging listeners to embrace risks. The importance of authenticity in content creation is emphasized, along with insights on thriving amid competition. Dan also highlights the rising trends in remote work and the significance of community engagement, revealing how genuine connections can foster business success.
Nov 3, 2020 • 57min
[REPLAY] #2: James Clear – Habits, research, and how to create A+ work from a New York Times best selling author
James Clear, a New York Times bestselling author known for his hit book Atomic Habits, shares invaluable insights on personal development. He discusses the transformative power of habits and effective morning routines for productivity. Clear reflects on his journey from digital content to bestselling author, emphasizing the importance of consistent writing and research. He also introduces his innovative '3-2-1' newsletter format, designed to deliver wisdom efficiently. Listeners gain strategies for balancing creativity, entrepreneurship, and personal branding.
Oct 27, 2020 • 52min
#31: Sahil Lavingia – Gumroad and the evolution of online creators
Sahil Lavingia, founder and CEO of Gumroad, shares insights from his journey after leaving Pinterest to create a platform that empowers creators. He discusses the evolution of online sales, emphasizing the shift from physical to digital products. Lavingia highlights the importance of authenticity and community for creators in today’s landscape. He also delves into the significance of writing in the creative process and argues that building competence should precede audience growth, merging passion with expertise for sustainable success.
Oct 20, 2020 • 52min
#30: Anne-Laure Le Cunff – From burnout to mindful productivity and quickly building an audience
Anne-Laure Le Cunff, an entrepreneur and neuroscience student, shares her journey from burnout to mastering mindful productivity. She discusses how mindfulness fuels her prolific writing and helps her manage the challenges of balancing a graduate program with building an audience. Delving into the dual nature of stress, she explains how to harness positive stress for growth. Anne-Laure also highlights her shift to freelance consulting and the importance of authenticity in content creation, revealing strategies for engaging audiences.
