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
Jul 7, 2020 • 50min
#15: Natalie Franke – Starting a photography business, competition, entrepreneurial loneliness, and the role of community
Natalie Franke, Head of Community at HoneyBook and co-founder of the Rising Tide Society, shares her insights on the journey from a photography hobby to a thriving business. She discusses the loneliness many creative entrepreneurs face and emphasizes the importance of building supportive communities. Natalie reveals how collaboration can transform competition into camaraderie and highlights her initiative that now includes over 75,000 members. This conversation offers valuable advice on fostering meaningful connections for professional growth.
Jun 30, 2020 • 51min
#14: Jonathan Mendonsa – Becoming debt free, how to cut your living expenses, saving for retirement, and investing
In this engaging discussion, Jonathan Mendonsa, co-founder of the ChooseFI podcast and a former pharmacist, shares his inspiring journey of paying off $168,000 in student loans in just 4.5 years. He dives into practical strategies for cutting living expenses and the importance of financial literacy as a pathway to freedom. Jonathan also discusses investing for retirement, focusing on options for the self-employed, and emphasizes the importance of automating savings. His insights are a rallying cry for anyone looking to take control of their financial future.
Jun 23, 2020 • 47min
#13: Cat Coquillette – Leaving the agency world, selling art online, art licensing, and being a digital nomad
Cat Coquillette, a vibrant location-independent artist known for her colorful designs featured in major brands, shares her journey from agency life to full-time artistic freedom. She discusses how travel and nature fuel her creativity, leading to impactful works that resonate with audiences. Cat highlights the importance of licensing agreements and negotiating strategies to maximize earnings. She also reflects on using social media for visibility and the creative joy of transforming commissions into meaningful art. Her story is an inspiring mix of entrepreneurship and creativity.
Jun 16, 2020 • 44min
#12: Michael Sacca – Building an agency, launching software products, choosing a job, and maintaining creative outlets
Michael Sacca, VP of Product at Dribbble and co-host of Rocketship.fm, shares insights from his 15-year journey in product design and agency work. He discusses the challenges of building a tech agency and the importance of balancing a 9-5 job with creative outlets. Sacca reflects on the transition from agency life to developing software products, including an educational game. He emphasizes the growth found in personal projects like his podcast, highlighting how constraints can fuel creativity and innovation.
38 snips
Jun 9, 2020 • 47min
#11: Vanessa Van Edwards – Conversation starters, overcoming awkwardness, passive income, and pivoting around challenges
Vanessa Van Edwards, Lead Investigator at Science of People and bestselling author, shares her journey from awkwardness to becoming a communication expert. She discusses the significance of conversational skills, revealing effective strategies for authentic connections. Vanessa delves into overcoming self-doubt, the importance of emotional intelligence, and her pivot into entrepreneurship. She highlights her adventures in generating passive income through platforms like Udemy while recounting the ups and downs of her brand evolution amid challenges.
May 26, 2020 • 58min
#10: Amy Landino – Leveraging YouTube, building an audience, creating a persona, and being all in for the conversation forever.
In this engaging discussion, Amy Landino, creator of the award-winning series AmyTV and author of best-sellers like "Vlog Like a Boss," shares her insights from over a decade on YouTube. She dives into the importance of building an authentic audience and crafting a compelling online persona. Amy emphasizes the significance of consistency in content creation and the impact of a structured morning routine on productivity. With her unique perspective, she inspires others to embrace their creative journeys and achieve their desired lives.
May 19, 2020 • 43min
#9: Jason Zook – Learning the foundation, owning your weird, fighting fear, and showing up week after week
Jason Zook, a serial entrepreneur and author of 'Own Your Weird', shares his unconventional journey of turning eccentric ideas into success. He discusses the importance of embracing individuality and the foundational skills needed to thrive in online business. Zook dives into strategies for effective email communication and the challenges of imposter syndrome. He emphasizes the power of community support and highlights how authenticity can lead to personal fulfillment and creative storytelling. Zook's insights are both humorous and inspiring!
May 12, 2020 • 53min
#8: Adam Turla – Going on tour, building a fanbase, launching albums through kickstarter, and playing cave shows
Adam Turla, the talented guitarist and lead singer of Murder By Death, shares insights from their 20-year musical journey. He discusses how they built a loyal fanbase through unique experiences like cave concerts and performances at haunted venues. Adam also delves into the band's early days touring, their unexpected ties to the Emo movement, and the crucial role of Kickstarter in funding albums. His reflections on gratitude highlight the band's strong connection with fans, making their journey in the music industry all the more meaningful.
May 5, 2020 • 42min
#7: Val Geisler – Email, imposter syndrome, and trading the corporate ladder for a spiral staircase
Val Geisler, Founder and CEO of Fix My Churn, dives into her journey from corporate constraints to shaping a fulfilling career in email copywriting. She shares how her theatrical background and wedding planning experiences inform her writing style. Val opens up about imposter syndrome and embraces the 'Everything is Figure-out-able' mindset that fuels her entrepreneurial spirit. The conversation also touches on the importance of authenticity in freelance work and finding one's unique voice through consistent creation.
9 snips
Apr 28, 2020 • 58min
#6: Grant Baldwin – Having a professional work ethic, getting clear on your message, and how to get paid to speak
Grant Baldwin, creator of The Speaker Lab and author of The Successful Speaker, shares his journey from delivering nearly 1,000 presentations to empowering others to become paid speakers. He discusses the SPEAK framework for booking gigs and emphasizes the importance of clarity in communication. Listeners will learn how to define their core message, identify their audience, and balance creativity with business savvy. Grant also highlights the significance of professionalism and proactive outreach in establishing a successful speaking career.
