

The Online Course Show
Jacques Hopkins
The Online Course Show is all about exchanging knowledge and helping course creators succeed. I LOVE going straight to the source and hearing people’s firsthand knowledge about what has worked for their business. And it’s always great to share my own observations and bounce ideas off other people in the same entrepreneurial space.
There is something for everyone on the show. Funnel hacking, high level strategy, nitty gritty processes, book reviews, productivity tips… the list goes on.
My guests and our discussions run the gamut: we leave no niche uncovered and no online course topic unexplored!
Maybe you’re just starting to think about creating an online course. Or maybe you’re 15 years in with a flourishing membership and millions of YouTube views. No matter where you are in your journey, The Online Course Show is the best way to stay current on online course trends and learn from successful course creators.
There is something for everyone on the show. Funnel hacking, high level strategy, nitty gritty processes, book reviews, productivity tips… the list goes on.
My guests and our discussions run the gamut: we leave no niche uncovered and no online course topic unexplored!
Maybe you’re just starting to think about creating an online course. Or maybe you’re 15 years in with a flourishing membership and millions of YouTube views. No matter where you are in your journey, The Online Course Show is the best way to stay current on online course trends and learn from successful course creators.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 23, 2025 • 49min
269: From Bust to 6-Figure Months (Featuring Rick Howard)
Rick Howard, a former Air Force acquisitions officer turned successful course creator, shares his journey from struggling consultant to generating six-figure months. He reveals how a single viral YouTube video transformed his business strategy. Rick discusses the importance of a scalable product, leveraging social media for leads, and the pivot from consulting to creating structured training programs. He also highlights his effective YouTube content strategy, community engagement, and the lessons learned from selling to individuals versus companies.
Oct 9, 2025 • 1h 7min
268: The Minimum Legal Setup Every Course Creator Needs (Featuring Bobby Klinck)
Join Harvard Law graduate Bobby Klinck, now an online entrepreneur, as he unpacks the legal essentials every course creator needs. He discusses common fears about content theft and emphasizes controlling what you can. Bobby recounts his own failed launch and the lessons learned, like the importance of niche and quality leads. He provides a checklist for legal setups, including trademark searches and privacy policies, while explaining trademarks versus copyrights. Plus, he shares tips on avoiding costly mistakes and the relevance of insurance for online businesses.
6 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 1h 1min
267: He Tested Every Funnel: The 3 That Sell Courses Today (Featuring John Ainsworth)
John Ainsworth, founder of Data Driven Marketing and host of The Art of Selling Online Courses, shares his expertise on course funnels. He reveals the three funnel types that consistently drive sales and discusses why webinars, though effective, have limits. Learn the importance of email marketing, upsells, and how high-ticket coaching can vastly increase revenue. Ainsworth also offers tips on optimizing checkout pages and leveraging urgency in promotions. This conversation is a treasure trove for course creators looking to enhance their sales strategies.
20 snips
Aug 28, 2025 • 1h 15min
266: From Solo Course to Enterprise Clients like NASA & Apple (Featuring Tom Geiss)
Tom Geiss, founder of GD&T Basics, transformed a niche topic into a multimillion-dollar business, boasting clients like NASA and Apple. He discusses his entrepreneurial journey from a solopreneur to a CEO, sharing insights on building a dedicated team and adapting leadership styles. Tom reveals the importance of pre-selling courses, transitioning to corporate sales strategies, and choosing the right LMS for diverse needs. His insights into marketing shifts and team empowerment provide valuable inspiration for those looking to scale their online courses.

Aug 26, 2025 • 45min
265: Online Course Platform Tier List (Teachable vs Kajabi vs Thinkific vs Udemy vs Skool)
Discover the fascinating world of online course platforms as they rank the top 20 options available. Learn how pricing and user experience play crucial roles in selecting the best fit for course creators. Dive into a detailed tier list that evaluates platforms like Teachable, Kajabi, and Thinkific, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. Gain valuable insights to help you navigate the ever-evolving landscape of online education.
Jun 26, 2025 • 1h 1min
264: $10k/mo Teaching Dog Training Online (Featuring Mark Taylor)
Ever felt like you're not "expert enough" to launch your online course? Mark Taylor knows that feeling well—and overcame it to build a booming online course business generating over £10,000 a month. In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Mark, a longtime in-person dog trainer from the UK, who turned his passion and experience into a scalable online program that’s helped thousands of gundog owners worldwide.
We dive into how Mark went from filming basic training videos for his staff to crafting a repeatable online sales machine. He shares how he grew his Instagram from 700 to nearly 50,000 followers, the power of short-form content, how he uses ManyChat and ActiveCampaign to automate his funnel, and why a single Black Friday promo changed everything. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, this episode is packed with practical lessons and mindset shifts to move you forward.
Watch the Free Workshop: https://oc.show/workshop
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/e-FgaWgK9vsMark's Website: https://www.acerdogs.com/online-gundog-training-academy/
Sign up for Jacques’ Journal: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/Apply for Coaching: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/coachingWatch the Free Workshop: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/workshopFree Kajabi Course and 1 month Trial: http://everyclickkajabi.com/Free Skool Course and 14 day Trial: https://www.skool.com/refer?ref=c725cf8892fe42c8bb37dd7e5ffc2575Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theonlinecourseguy/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@theonlinecourseguyX: https://twitter.com/onlinecourseguy
Jun 12, 2025 • 1h 8min
263: How To Do AI SEO In 2025 (Featuring Caleb Ulku)
In this episode, I welcome back Caleb Ulku—my go-to SEO expert—who last joined the podcast seven years ago. We’re diving into how much has really changed (and how much hasn’t) in the world of SEO with the rise of AI and tools like ChatGPT.
You’ll hear about the strategies that still work today, how AI is changing the game, and why SEO is far from dead. Whether you're trying to rank on Google or get your course recommended by ChatGPT, this episode gives you the practical insights to make it happen.
Watch the Free Workshop: https://oc.show/workshop
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9rQwqbxCYDgGuest's Website: https://www.youtube.com/@calebulku
Sign up for Jacques’ Journal: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/Apply for Coaching: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/coachingWatch the Free Workshop: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/workshopFree Kajabi Course and 1 month Trial: http://everyclickkajabi.com/Free Skool Course and 14 day Trial: https://www.skool.com/refer?ref=c725cf8892fe42c8bb37dd7e5ffc2575Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theonlinecourseguy/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@theonlinecourseguyX: https://twitter.com/onlinecourseguy
May 29, 2025 • 1h 7min
262: How Systems Can SAVE Your Business (Featuring Jordan Gill)
Feeling overwhelmed by the day-to-day of your online course business? In this episode, I sit down with Jordan Gill, the brilliant mind behind Systems Saved Me, to explore how the right systems can transform your workflow, improve your student experience, and help you reclaim your time. We talk through practical ways to automate processes, avoid common setup mistakes, and build systems that actually work—even while you sleep. Watch the Free Workshop: https://oc.show/workshop Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/y1kDxKo0pEE
Jordan's Website: https://systemssavedme.com/
Sign up for Jacques’ Journal: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/Apply for Coaching: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/coachingWatch the Free Workshop: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/workshopFree Kajabi Course and 1 month Trial: http://everyclickkajabi.com/Free Skool Course and 14 day Trial: https://www.skool.com/refer?ref=c725cf8892fe42c8bb37dd7e5ffc2575Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theonlinecourseguy/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@theonlinecourseguyX: https://twitter.com/onlinecourseguy

8 snips
May 22, 2025 • 39min
261: 4-Month RV Trip Recap - Life, Business, & Family on the Road
In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on a major family adventure—our 4-month RV road trip across the U.S.—and the surprising business lessons that came with it. From the Florida Keys to the cliffs of California, this journey wasn't just about travel—it was about testing the lifestyle freedom that an online course business can offer. I’m sharing our favorite stops, a few mishaps, and five key insights I gained that could impact how you run your business and live your life.
Watch the Free Workshop: https://oc.show/workshop
Sign up for Jacques’ Journal: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/Apply for Coaching: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/coachingWatch the Free Workshop: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/workshopFree Kajabi Course and 1 month Trial: http://everyclickkajabi.com/Free Skool Course and 14 day Trial: https://www.skool.com/refer?ref=c725cf8892fe42c8bb37dd7e5ffc2575Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theonlinecourseguy/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@theonlinecourseguyX: https://twitter.com/onlinecourseguy
May 15, 2025 • 56min
260: Unlocking LinkedIn’s Potential for Course Creators (Featuring Richard Van Der Blom)
In this enlightening discussion, LinkedIn expert Richard van der Blom shares his extensive knowledge on using LinkedIn for course creators. He reveals the secrets of the LinkedIn algorithm, how to craft compelling content, and strategies to grow your audience effectively. Richard emphasizes the importance of engagement and converting connections into email subscribers for higher conversions. He also highlights the risks of relying solely on social media, advocating for backup strategies. Prepare to unlock the true potential of LinkedIn and elevate your course marketing!


