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
Oct 13, 2020 • 50min
#29: Khe Hy – Leaving Wall Street success to find fulfillment and start an email newsletter
Khe Hy, creator of RadReads and former Managing Director at BlackRock, shares his profound journey from Wall Street success to pursuing intentional living through newsletters. He discusses shedding financial security to find deeper fulfillment and the angel investment he made in himself. Khe reflects on the challenges of navigating creativity in the digital age and the psychological dynamics of audience support. He also highlights the paradox of solopreneurship, balancing freedom with the overwhelm of managing a growing business.
Oct 6, 2020 • 58min
#28: Bryce Conway – How a travel hacker evolved to become a content creator and affiliate marketer
Bryce Conway, founder of 10xTravel.com and author of "Takeoff," shares his inspiring journey from college student to travel hacker. He reveals how he pivoted from paid to free content, leading to impressive business growth through affiliate marketing. Bryce emphasizes the importance of ethical marketing, quality products, and building community connections within the travel space. He also touches on the significance of delegation in enhancing productivity and encourages aspiring creators to embrace flexibility in their unique journeys.
Sep 29, 2020 • 55min
#27: Ran Segall – How a freelance designer's YouTube hobby paved the way to becoming an educator
Ran Segall, creator of Flux Academy and a seasoned freelance designer, shares his unconventional journey from design agency to educator. He dives into the transformative impact of consistent content creation on audience engagement. Ran reveals how he pre-sold his popular Webflow Masterclass and the challenges he faced in balancing freelancing with his educational aspirations. He also reflects on the lessons learned from his YouTube journey, emphasizing the importance of empathy and strategic thinking in the design world.
Sep 22, 2020 • 55min
#26: Ryan Robinson – How to write blog posts that rank on page one of search results
Ryan Robinson, a full-time blogger, podcaster, and content marketing consultant, shares his journey of transforming a college blog into a profitable venture. He discusses how strategic content creation and SEO tactics lead to high traffic and significant income. Ryan emphasizes the importance of effective article planning, keyword research, and building authentic relationships with audiences. He also highlights the necessity of diversifying income streams in affiliate marketing while balancing productivity with mental health for long-term blogging success.
6 snips
Sep 15, 2020 • 44min
#25: Eric Jorgenson – Creating a full-length book from Tweets, interviews, essays, and podcasts
Eric Jorgenson, product strategist and author of The Almanack of Naval Ravikant, shares his innovative journey of curating diverse content into a cohesive book. He discusses the challenges and creative constraints he imposed while transforming tweets, podcasts, and essays into structured insights on wealth and happiness. Eric emphasizes the value of side projects for personal growth and the importance of community engagement in the creative process. His reflections inspire aspiring creators to explore curation as a valid path to producing meaningful work.
Sep 8, 2020 • 1h 4min
#24: Tiffany Aliche, The Budgetnista – Paying off debt, saving for retirement, weathering a recession, and building wealth
Tiffany Aliche, known as 'The Budgetnista,' is a renowned author and founder of the Live Richer Academy, helping over a million women achieve financial success. In this conversation, she shares her personal journey from being burdened by $35K in credit card debt to becoming a financial education powerhouse. Tiffany discusses her insights on home buying, effective budgeting, and preparing for economic downturns. Her transformative experiences highlight the power of community and service in building wealth, along with strategies for empowering others through financial literacy.
Sep 1, 2020 • 56min
#23: Kwame Christian – How an expert negotiator thinks strategically about expanding his reach
Kwame Christian, a leading expert in negotiation and conflict resolution, shares insights from his journey as Director of the American Negotiation Institute and host of the Negotiate Anything podcast. He discusses how political experiences shaped his strategic thinking, the importance of preparation in negotiations, and overcoming imposter syndrome. Kwame emphasizes the value of mentorship, the art of proactive negotiation for freelancers, and effective time management for creators. His inspiring stories highlight the connection between creativity and strategic growth in achieving professional success.
Aug 25, 2020 • 1h 7min
#22: Pat Flynn and Matt Gartland – Why Pat acquired Matt's agency in order to grow Smart Passive Income
In this engaging discussion, Pat Flynn, founder of Smart Passive Income and previously the Green Exam Academy, joins forces with business partner Matt Gartland, who built the creative agency Winning Edits. They delve into the intricacies of their journeys, including the importance of collaboration and authenticity in entrepreneurship. The duo shares insights on navigating the challenges of partnerships, their successful and failed projects, and the pivotal decision behind acquiring an agency to enhance Smart Passive Income's growth.
Aug 18, 2020 • 57min
#21: Matt D'Avella – Freelancing, filmmaking, podcasting, and finding success on YouTube.
Matt D'Avella, a filmmaker and YouTuber known for the Netflix documentary 'Minimalism,' shares insights on creativity and audience building. He discusses the challenges of independent filmmaking and his journey with audience engagement post-documentary. Matt emphasizes the importance of experimentation in content creation, balancing self-doubt with constructive feedback. He also reveals techniques for crafting engaging stories and setting boundaries to maintain creative energy. His passion for minimalism and self-development shines through, motivating fellow creators to take action.
10 snips
Aug 11, 2020 • 53min
#20: Morgan Nield – Selling on Etsy, building a marketing strategy, Pinterest, and transitioning from physical to digital products
Morgan Nield, an Etsy seller turned coach, skyrocketed her shop to six figures in less than a year. She shares her journey from physical to digital products, emphasizing the significance of minimal viable products and shifting marketing strategies. Highlights include the importance of building an email list over traditional SEO, leveraging Pinterest for sales, and creating an engaging Facebook group for community building. Morgan's insights inspire sellers to embrace experimentation and adaptability in their entrepreneurial adventures.
