
Creator Playbooks
Stories behind some of the world's best creators & entrepreneurs.
Hosted by Callum McDonnell.
Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQtecnleIYyODepmiC-c7PQ
Latest episodes

23 snips
Apr 9, 2025 • 1h 37min
Meet The Man Turning YouTubers Into Millionaires
Dive into the world of YouTube with Oscar Owen, a magician turned expert. Discover how he generates massive revenue from faceless content and strategic creator breakdowns. Learn about the importance of engaging video titles, thumbnails, and effective call-to-action strategies. Uncover tips for outsourcing tasks to streamline content creation and shift your focus from just views to meaningful engagement metrics. Plus, hear how email marketing can supercharge your growth on the platform!

25 snips
Mar 16, 2025 • 49min
The Social Media Expert: Turn Posts Into Millions
In this conversation with Aydan Al-Saad, a former tech sales expert turned entrepreneur, he details his transition from a £200K salary to creating multiple six-figure income streams through social media. Aydan shares his 5-step blueprint for transforming skills into profitable offers and landing initial clients. He emphasizes the importance of embracing risk and aligning personal values with career goals. Listeners will learn about balancing family life with entrepreneurial pursuits and practical strategies for proactive branding and networking.

11 snips
Feb 11, 2025 • 9min
Exposing Big Podcast Marketing Secrets
In 2025, the podcast landscape is booming, with creators using clever strategies to captivate audiences. Discover the Thumbnail System and the Reactive Episode that keep listeners hooked. Learn about the Content Waterfall System for consistent engagement and the key role of compelling trailers. Guest selection is crucial; inviting influential voices can significantly expand reach and enrich content. These secrets are essential for anyone looking to stand out in the crowded podcast arena.

79 snips
Jan 22, 2025 • 1h 6min
How to Build a Successful Personal Brand in 2025 | Full Masterclass
In this insightful conversation, Ash Jones, founder of Great Influence, shares his expertise in personal branding, having helped top entrepreneurs like Steven Bartlett and Gary Neville. He discusses common pitfalls in personal branding and the vital role of authenticity. The conversation covers the importance of identifying your target audience and how to leverage social media effectively. Ash also emphasizes the therapeutic power of storytelling and the necessity of genuine engagement, offering valuable advice for entrepreneurs facing challenges.

16 snips
Dec 3, 2024 • 22min
How To Build Community For Your Brand In 2025 | Live Masterclass
Kira Matthews, an expert in building thriving online communities, joins the conversation to reveal the essence of creating genuine connections in the digital world. She emphasizes the need for meaningful engagement over social media metrics. Matthews shares innovative strategies for cultivating community bonds, particularly through TikTok Live, which turns loyal customers into authentic influencers. The discussion also navigates the intricacies of community-building strategies, highlighting the balance between establishing brand platforms and leveraging micro-creators.

18 snips
Nov 20, 2024 • 1h 17min
The Blueprint To Grow FAST On Instagram From Day 1 | Ben Kaluza Interview
In this episode, Ben Kaluza, a content creator with a substantial following on Instagram and TikTok, shares his blueprint for rapid growth on social media. He reveals the journey of scaling from 10k to 200k followers through data-driven strategies. Discover the importance of unique content styles and adapting to audience preferences. Ben discusses the balance of brand deals with authentic content and the emotional transition to full-time creation. He emphasizes leveraging ads and influencer marketing for sustained engagement and success.

Oct 9, 2024 • 1h 14min
How We Grew Simon Squibb From Zero to 200 Million Views/Month
Simon Squibb, an entrepreneur who amplified his brand to over 200 million monthly views, shares invaluable insights into content creation. He discusses mastering short-form videos and the significance of authentic brand collaborations. Joined by Callum Church and Jack Whettingsteel, they reveal effective strategies for secure sponsorships and crafting engaging content that resonates. They emphasize the power of 'edutainment' and adaptability, highlighting how a bold vision can attract audiences and drive sustainable growth in the fast-paced digital landscape.

7 snips
Sep 24, 2024 • 1h 21min
Meet The Viral Editor Who Saved Steven Bartlett
Anthony Smith is the creative genius behind the viral trailers for Stephen Bartlett’s hit podcast, previously editing for major franchises like James Bond. He shares the evolution of trailer making, explaining how cinematic storytelling boosts audience engagement. Anthony discusses the significance of good hooks and emotional narratives, while revealing strategies like A/B testing to enhance viewer retention. His insights into crafting compelling content set a new standard in podcast marketing, merging creative passion with data-driven success.

Aug 29, 2024 • 1h 9min
Meet The YouTuber Who Landed a Netflix Deal (And Quit) | Jo Franco
Jo Franco has turned her passion for creating into a thriving career, transitioning from a travel vlogger to a Netflix host and successful entrepreneur. With over 2 million YouTube subscribers, she is also the author of Fluentish and CEO of JoClub, a global community focused on journaling and personal growth.
Get Jo Franco's Content Business Strategy (FREE): https://callummcdonnell.substack.com/
Tools I use:
VidIQ - https://vidiq.com/creatorplaybooks/
Riverside - https://riverside.fm/?via=callum
Listen on Podcast Player:
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/callum-mcdonnell
Follow Callum on socials:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thecallummc/
Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@heycallum
Twitter - https://twitter.com/McdonnellCallum
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/callummcdonnell/
Follow Jo on socials:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jo_franco/
X - https://twitter.com/jofranco/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jo_franco/
Website: https://jofranco.world/
Work with Callum: https://www.7xcontent.com/
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Jo Franco’s YouTube Journey
01:04 Jo Franco’s Creator Journey: From Start to Success
04:46 The Power of Searchable Content for Growing Your Channel
08:00 Building a Global Audience
11:02 The Reality of Success in Content Creation
17:41 Exploring the Netflix Opportunity
23:52 The Birth of JoClub
29:05 Sustainable Business Building in the Creator Economy
34:09 Planning for the Future: Long-Term Success Strategies
37:48 Working with an Agent and Finding the Right Manager for You
40:27 How to Make a Good Pitch: Tips and Techniques
46:33 Jo’s Content Strategy and Planning Insights
53:37 Networking and Collaboration: Building Valuable Connections
56:43 What Getting Shot Taught Me About Entrepreneurship
01:01:53 Reflecting on Life
01:04:36 Quickfire Questions

119 snips
Jun 19, 2024 • 1h 26min
How Anyone Can Make $10K - $1M per Month | Daniel Priestley
Entrepreneur Daniel Priestley shares insights on personal branding, pitching strategies, and creating a scalable product ecosystem to boost earnings. He emphasizes the importance of building trust through strategic gifting, efficient business scaling, and testing ideas with waiting lists. The discussion explores motivation in times of change, navigating disruption in school and business, and the evolution towards entrepreneurship in today's society.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.