Afleveringen
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In this episode, Jacob explores the three major AI assistants and how creators can best leverage each one. Drawing from extensive hands-on experience, he breaks down the unique strengths of Claude, ChatGPT (including the new O1 model), and Gemini, providing practical guidance on which tool works best for different creator tasks.
Key Takeaways👉 OpenAI's O1 excels at strategic planning and breaking down complex problems
👉 Claude is the top choice for writing tasks and maintaining consistent tone
👉 Gemini stands out for handling large amounts of text and data analysis
👉 Using multiple AI tools in combination often produces better results than relying on just one
👉 The quality of AI output directly correlates to the quality and specificity of your input
Resources Mentioned👉 Guide to making your own AI writer with Claude
👉 Claude - Best for writing and content creation
👉 ChatGPT (O1 model) - Specialized in reasoning and planning
👉 Gemini - Handles large text analysis
👉 Deepseek R1 - Open source alternative
👉 O3 Mini - Free alternative to O1, available in ChatGPT
👉 Alitu - Podcast making app (alitu.com)
Chapters00:00 Introduction
01:03 OpenAI O1 overview and use cases
03:01 Claude capabilities and strengths
05:12 Gemini's unique advantages
07:27 Comparing the three assistants
13:34 Practical tips for using AI tools
20:02 Common pitfalls to avoid
22:25 Episode wrap-up
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In this episode, we explore two key tools for creators looking to level up their business: media kits and personal websites. We start by breaking down what goes into an effective media kit - from showcasing your audience stats to highlighting your unique value proposition. We talk about using media kits not just for sponsorships, but also for podcast guest appearances, collaborations, and PR opportunities. The conversation then shifts to personal websites, where we contrast super simple approaches like Derek Sivers' minimal one-pager with more elaborate creator sites like Ali Abdaal's. Throughout the episode, we discuss practical tools for building both media kits and personal sites, including Notion, Canva, and various website builders. We wrap up with tips on how to get started without feeling overwhelmed by making it simple and building it up over time.
Key Takeaways:=A media kit should tell your story and solve problems - focus on showing potential partners who you are, what problems you solve, and why you're unique
=Keep your first version simple - start with a basic Notion page or one-pager that covers the essentials, then iterate based on the questions you get asked
=Think beyond sponsorships - your media kit can help land podcast guest spots, speaking gigs, and collaborative opportunities
=Personal sites don't need to be complex - a simple, regularly updated page about who you are and what you're working on can be more effective than an elaborate website
=Start small and build over time - whether it's a media kit or personal site, begin with the basics and expand as needed
Resources Mentioned:=Notion - For creating simple media kits and personal sites
=Canva - Design tool for creating media kit layouts
=Adobe Express - Another option for media kit design
=Passion Fruit - Platform for podcast sponsorships
=Gumroad - Platform for selling digital products
=Interview Valet - Podcast interview booking service
=Derek Sivers - sivers.org - Example of minimal personal site
=Ali Abdaal - aliabdaal.com - Example of full creator personal site
=Alitu - Podcast making app (alitu.com)
Chapters:00:00 Welcome and introductions
02:01 What is a media kit?
04:54 Different uses for media kits
08:33 What to include in your media kit
15:40 Tools for creating media kits
19:55 Introduction to personal websites
23:42 Different approaches to personal sites
27:15 Derek Sivers site example
31:26 Ali Abdaal site comparison
34:20 Getting started tips
37:07 Episode wrap-up
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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In this episode of Creator Toolbox, hosts Colin and Jacob explore several key topics affecting content creators. Colin kicks things off with a detailed look at his switch from Asana to TickTick for task management, explaining how he's created a more effective system for handling ideas and daily tasks. The conversation then shifts to a discussion of Project Stargate, a proposed $500 billion AI initiative, with Jacob expressing skepticism about its feasibility and environmental impact. The hosts dive deep into the concerning trend of declining organic search traffic, analyzing HubSpot's dramatic traffic drop and its implications for content creators. They explore potential strategies for adapting to AI-driven search, including focusing on fact-based content and building stronger partnerships. The episode wraps up with Colin sharing his latest experiments with short-form video content and his approach to creating more engaging gear-focused content.
Resources Mentioned:Task Management Tools:TickTick (https://ticktick.com)Asana (https://asana.com)Motion (https://www.usemotion.com)Video Equipment:Joby GorillaPodDJI Osmo Mobile GimbalFilmora (video editing software)Websites/Companies:HubSpot (https://hubspot.com)Niche Pursuits (https://www.nichepursuits.com)DeepSeek R1 (AI model) -
In this episode, we dig into four fantastic tools and strategies for creators. Jacob kicks things off by sharing his pocket-filling discovery of 2023 - the Revolut Ultra plan. This premium bank account is packed with creator-friendly perks like WeWork passes, airport lounges, and a bundle of premium subscriptions. Next, Colin walks us through his annual planning process, sharing the exact framework he's developed since 2015 for reviewing the past year and setting up for success. Finally, we explore the world of creator events, from intimate gatherings like Craft & Commerce to massive festivals like SXSW, helping you choose which ones might be worth your time in 2024. We wrap up with some practical tips on screen recording tools for content creation, comparing Filmora and Movavi as alternatives to the aging Camtasia.
For the full annual planning guide, as mentioned by Colin, go to: https://creator.alitu.com/creator/annual-planning-for-creators/
Chapter List:
00:00 - Introduction and microphone setup
04:41 - Revolut Ultra: A creator's perfect bank account?
20:23 - Annual Planning Framework
31:46 - Personal vs Professional Goals
36:02 - Creator Events for 2024
48:52 - Screen Recording Tools Update
50:16 - Outro and Alitu special offer
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In this special year-end episode, Colin and Jacob reflect on their key learnings from 2024 and share predictions for 2025. They discuss experiences and lessons learned in hiring and team building, the challenges of maintaining focus across different content mediums, and the evolving AI landscape. The hosts also share their commitments for the upcoming year, including Jacob's plans to start creating video content and Colin's goal to hire an assistant. The episode wraps up with gift recommendations, either for another creator in your life, or just a wee festive gift for yourself!
Resources MentionedPipdecks (strategy cards for creatives) - https://pipdecks.comThule Paramount 27L BackpackWenger BagsCotopaxi Bag Del DiaAlitu Podcast Maker (code: CREATORTOOLBOX for 50% off first month) - https://alitu.comChapter List00:00 - Introduction and Episode Overview
05:44 - Lessons Learned: Hiring and Team Building
13:18 - Focus and Content Creation Challenges
20:05 - AI Predictions for 2024
28:24 - Personal Commitments for 2024
40:07 - Gift Ideas for Creators
54:24 - Mistakes and Lessons from 2023
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Struggling with overwhelming projects and not sure where to start, or having a hard time keeping track of your brand's impact? This episode is packed with a set of tools to help you work smart, and let AI do the hard work in planning your next project. Colin shows how he's turned AI into his own personal project manager, breaking down massive tasks into manageable steps and creating visual workflows that actually make sense. Then, Colin and Jacob explore Podscan, a smart tool that helps you discover who's talking about your brand in the podcast space - perfect for finding collaboration opportunities you might be missing. Plus, they tackle the often-confusing world of modern website building, cutting through the noise to help you find the fastest, most effective way to test new services or products without getting bogged down in technical complexity.
Chapter List02:15 - Using AI for project management
17:29 - Introduction to Podscan
28:04 - Modern website building options
41:10 - AI-powered website development
Resources Mentioned:Alitu (https://www.alitu.com)Podscan by Arvid KahlNotion (https://www.notion.so)Squarespace (https://www.squarespace.com)Webflow (https://webflow.com)Framer (https://www.framer.com)Ghost (https://ghost.org)Cursor.shV0 by VercelBootstrap Web podcastClaude AI -
In this video, we dig deep into the mindset and systems that power a ridiculously consistent and long lived podcast. My guest is Matty Lansdowne, from the How Not to Get Sick and Die Podcast, and he shares how he built his show to over 400 episodes, much of that time while working a full-time job. We explore the psychology of consistency, practical systems for success, and strategies for maintaining quality content production.
Matty also shares insights on building a profitable business through podcasting, and using AI tools for content repurposing. Finally, we dig into the balance between different content platforms and the importance of focusing on what works rather than trying to be everywhere.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale your show, we're sharing actionable insights on building sustainable content workflows, recruiting and developing team members effectively, and creating a content strategy that stands the test of time.
Check out Matty's show over at https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/how-to-not-get-sick-and-die/id1450212088
And to make the production process even easier, check out: https://alitu.com - the easiest podcast creation platform on the planet.
Chapter List
00:00 - Introduction and Matty's Background
02:05 - Mindset for Consistent Podcasting
07:19 - Building Systems and Team Management
17:43 - Content Repurposing Workflow
23:39 - Business Model Behind the Podcast
34:01 - YouTube Strategy Discussion
43:36 - Content Volume and Platform Choice
52:30 - Wrap-up and Resources
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Is your creative mind bursting with ideas but struggling to turn them into consistent content? Discover how to organize your thoughts, streamline your workflow, and sustainably grow your creator business!
Join Colin Gray, Jacob Anderson, and special guest Ian Anderson Gray as they dive deep into productivity systems, community building, and leveraging AI to supercharge your content creation process.
In this episode, you'll learn:How to use tools like Notion and the PARA method to organize your creative ideasStrategies for consistent content creation from successful creatorsThe power of community in supporting your creator journeyWays to leverage AI for enhanced productivity and learningTips for balancing creativity with organizationTools discussed:Notion: For organizing tasks, projects, and informationThe PARA method: A system for personal knowledge managementTime blocking and weekly planning techniquesChatGPT and other AI tools for content creation and learningFeatured creators:Tiago Forte: Known for his "Building a Second Brain" methodologyMark Schaefer: Creator of the RISE communityRob Walling: Host of the "Startups for the Rest of Us" podcastTry this workflow:Implement a weekly planning session using time blocking:
Choose a consistent day and time each week for planning (e.g., Sunday evening or Monday morning)Review your upcoming week and identify your top prioritiesUse a tool like Google Calendar or Notion to block out time for specific types of work (e.g., content creation, admin tasks, community engagement)Assign specific tasks to each time block, ensuring your most important work gets scheduledLeave some flexibility for unexpected tasks or creative inspirationAt the end of each week, review your progress and adjust your system as neededResources:Tiago Forte's Building a Second BrainMark Schaefer's RISE CommunityRob Walling's Startups for the Rest of Us PodcastNotionThe PARA Method explainedCal Newport's Deep WorkIf you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe to the Creator Toolbox podcast for more insights on building your creator business. Check out The Podcast Host for everything podcasting, and try Alitu - our podcast maker app - with a 7-day free trial!
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In this episode of Creator Toolbox, Colin and Jacob dive into three main topics:
Colin's recent launch of the revamped Podcraft Academy 2.0, Jacob's insights on First Promoter's new features for affiliate marketing, and a deep dive into community platform options.
Colin shares his experience running a week-long email campaign for the Academy launch, including his approach to writing daily emails with video content and managing customer responses.
Jacob then explores First Promoter 2.0's improvements, particularly their new focus on discount codes for podcast/video creators and enhanced communication features.
The episode wraps up with an extensive discussion about community platforms, comparing options like Circle, Discord, Slack, and others, before concluding with a conversation about the importance of content creators reviewing their own work.
Key Takeaways
When launching a product via email, consider recording personal videos to include in each email - it helps break up the text and adds a human element to your communicationsModern affiliate marketing is shifting away from traditional links toward discount codes, especially for audio/video content creators where sharing links is impracticalWhen choosing a community platform, consider whether you need specialized features (like course hosting) or if you're better off using platforms where your audience already exists (like Discord)Resources Mentioned:
First Promoter (firstpromoter.com)Circle (circle.so)Teachable (teachable.com)Podia (podia.com)Mighty Networks (mightynetworks.com)ConvertKit (convertkit.com)Podcraft Academy (thepodcasthost.com/academy)Alitu (alitu.com)Chapter List:
[00:00] Introduction and catch-up
[01:13] Discussing upcoming topics
[02:15] Academy 2.0 launch experience and email campaign strategy
[19:11] First Promoter 2.0 features and affiliate marketing trends
[29:19] Community platform comparison and engagement strategies
[41:21] Creator self-review practices and improvement techniques
[48:27] Outro and promotional codes
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Rob Lawrence joins us to share his unique perspective on podcasting for coaches, drawing from his experience as both a certified coach and professional podcast producer. In this value-packed episode, we explore everything from overcoming mental blocks to practical setup advice for coaches looking to expand their reach through podcasting.
Episode Highlights:Why podcasting works particularly well for coachesHow to start "scrappy" and improve over timeThe real value of podcasting (hint: it's not just download numbers)Practical tools and tech recommendations for beginnersWhen and how to work with a professional producerSmart ways to think about video vs audio contentKey Takeaways for Coaches:Start Simple, Think BigDon't let perfectionism hold you backFocus on your message, not just the technical detailsConsider starting with just your phone or laptopFocus on Connection Over PerfectionPodcast audiences value authenticityYour expertise matters more than production qualityBuild genuine relationships through conversationsThe Long Game WinsConsistency matters more than polishNetwork effects compound over timeYour content becomes a valuable legacy👉 Coach looking for a producer? Check out Rob's website: https://www.roblawrence.co/
👉 Looking for a DIY option that makes it easy? Alitu is for you! https://alitu.com, use discount code CREATORTOOLBOX for 50% of your first month.
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In this episode of The Creator Toolbox, we dive into a bunch of cool topics that every creator should be thinking about. First up, we talk about private podcasting and how it can be an awesome way to monetize your content and build a tight-knit community around your show. We then explore Ripple, a new tool designed by Brian Cassell, which combines private podcasting with community-building features—perfect for creators looking to offer exclusive content and interact more directly with their audience.
Next, we tackle the topic of affiliate marketing—is it dead? We debate how affiliate marketing has changed, the rise of massive conglomerates dominating search results, and the shift from blogging to influencer and podcast-driven affiliate deals. Spoiler: it's not dead, but it's definitely evolved. Lastly, we chat about community engagement and why it's key to not only getting feedback on your episodes but also improving your show over time. With tools like Ripple, you can make that process seamless and fun!
Key Takeaways:
Private podcasting is a great way to monetize your content and build a deeper connection with your core audience by offering exclusive content.Community is key to engagement—letting your listeners interact with each other boosts loyalty and can help you improve your show with direct feedback.Affiliate marketing isn’t dead, but it’s changed. Going niche and offering real value and education is now the best way to succeed with affiliate deals.Leverage tools like Ripple to combine podcasting and community-building for both public and private podcasting—giving your listeners a place to engage.Involve your audience in content creation—ask them what they want to hear, get their feedback, and let them feel ownership of your episodes.Resources:
Ripple – A tool combining private podcasting and community-building. Learn more: ripple.fmBootstrap Web Podcast – Hosted by Brian Cassell and Jordan Gal, discussing building businesses and creating products. Check it out hereIndie Pod Community – Mentioned as an existing space for creators and podcasters to connect and discuss all things podcasting.Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
00:52 - Mangoes and Thailand (Jacob’s adventures)
02:00 - Private podcasting and monetization options
05:00 - Ripple
10:00 - Building communities around podcasts: Public vs. private
15:00 - Should we use Ripple for our show? The debate begins
18:10 - Is affiliate marketing dead? The evolution of the industry
24:00 - The impact of big media conglomerates on affiliate marketing
29:00 - How creators can still win with affiliate deals
31:00 - Engaging superfans with private content and low-production podcasts
35:00 - Community-driven content creation: A secret to better episodes
40:00 - Final thoughts
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In this episode of The Creator Toolbox, we explore how to turn everyday moments into content gold, helping podcasters and creators build thriving channels.
We share real-world examples from top YouTubers like the Aquarium Co-Op and The Hoof GP.
Tune in to learn strategies for growing your audience, monetising "boring" niches, and boosting productivity with flexible co-working and AI tools.
This episode is perfect for content creators wanting to leverage everyday life for maximum impact.
⌚ Timestamps
00:00 - Intro
02:00 - Turning Everyday Moments into Content
04:20 - Examples of Successful Real-Life Content
09:30 - Monetising "Boring" Niches
13:45 - Productivity Tips for Creators
17:50 - Co-Working Spaces for Focus
26:15 - Productivity Hacks
35:00 - Using AI to Maximise Book Insights
45:10 - Final Thoughts
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In this episode of The Creator Toolbox, we kick things off with Jacob's viral Northern Lights photography story. He shares how his stunning images went a bit loopy online and how he used Shopify to capitalise on print-on-demand sales.
Colin then breaks down his current video lighting setup, discussing the best ways to use softboxes, LED panels, and smart lights like Philips Hue to create professionally lit backgrounds and achieve a high-quality video feel.
We then get into the barbell strategy for video content creation, where we either go all-in with highly-produced content or keep it rough and ready to deliver quick, relevant videos.
This episode is perfect for podcasters and content creators who want practical advice on streamlining production, enhancing video aesthetics, and avoiding burnout.
We also highlight a Creator of the Week, David Larbi, and his podcast, "Mindful Moments," as a great example for solo podcasters looking to build a deep connection with their audience.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro
03:00 – Going Viral
07:45 – Monetizing Creative Work
12:00 – Professional Video Lighting
20:30 – Optimising Video Backgrounds
25:00 – Creator of the Week
29:50 – Barbell Content Strategy
35:30 – Boosting Productivity
45:00 – Creative Energy Management
47:00 – Outro and Call to Action
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In this special episode of The Creator Toolbox, we dive into the craft of producing highly polished, montage or documentary content. That means one or more episodes with narration, clips from multiple interviews, music and FX, all aimed at creating a way-above-average listening and viewing experience.
We'll share our experience in creating a podcast series in this way, but it applies to multi-interview YouTube episodes just as well.
We cover everything from setting up interviews with expert podcasters to editing multiple voices into a cohesive narrative, unpacking the strategies behind our latest (20th!) season of PodCraft.
We’ll walk you through how we source high-quality guests, create seamless transitions with narration, and blend in the perfect soundtrack. Whether you’re a podcaster, YouTuber, or content creator, these tips will help you elevate your production skills and streamline your workflow.
Join us as we show you how to turn a series of interviews into a compelling season of audio storytelling.
Chapters
00:00: Introduction and Welcome
02:10: Switching the Format for Season 20 of PodCraft
05:05: Finding the Right Podcast Guests
09:12: Structuring the Interviews
14:05: Scheduling and Recording the Interviews
17:30: Editing and Organizing the Content
24:00: Narration and Music Integration
30:15: Creating Blog Posts for Episodes
34:12: Publishing and Promoting the Season
38:00: Closing Thoughts and Final Tips
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Welcome back to another episode of The Creator Toolbox! In this episode, we talk about our new Creator Toolbox blog and dive into ways to develop a website to suit our creative needs - from building it, to preparing the content and finally going live.
We discuss the blurry lines between a blog and a website. Jacob also gives some good examples from his own experience. We then expand on why we chose Ghost as the most suitable hosting platform for our content. We talk through differences with WordPress and general practicalities, including UX, coding, integrations and plugins, email marketing, and community-building.
We delve into the crucial aspects of content ownership, but not for the sake of growth, discoverability, collaboration, conversation, and community building. Here, we touch on Substack, Ghost, LinkTree, Beehiiv, ConvertKit, and more.
Colin highlights the importance of owning customer relationship marketing through email marketing and presses a strong case for content ownership. He also shared a recent discovery of Bear, a minimal, no-nonsense blogging platform with no ads, trackers, or scripts. Jacob adds that Ghost also supports a short-form blog on the platform.
If you found this episode helpful, the best way to support us is by checking out Alitu, our podcast-maker app. We're always working to make podcasting accessible for creators like you.
Thanks for tuning in, and we'll catch you on the next episode!
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On this episode, we dive into some automation tools that can really boost your productivity as a creator. I shared my experience with the Stream Deck, which has become an unexpected favorite of mine. It's not just for streamers – I use it for everything from controlling my studio lights to automating repetitive tasks in video editing. We also touched on browser recording tools for automating web tasks and text expansion for speeding up writing. These might seem like small time-savers, but they really add up.
Next, Jacob introduced us to the concept of a "Story Brand" by Donald Miller. This is a powerful marketing framework that puts your customer at the center of the story, with your product or service as the guide. It's all about simplifying your message and connecting with your audience on a deeper level. We even explored how Apple used a similar storytelling approach in their iconic "Think Different" campaign. It's fascinating to see how effective this can be.
Lastly, we tackled a challenge that I think many creators face – balancing new projects with existing ones. We discussed strategies like outsourcing updates, taking on partners, and keeping a database of all your projects. I shared my own experience with this, including a course I created called "Immortal Content" that I haven't promoted much. It's a constant juggling act, but it's important to revisit old projects and see if they can be revived or integrated into your current work.
We wrapped up by highlighting Steph Smith as our creator of the week. Her ability to consistently ship new projects while maintaining high-quality content is really inspiring.
Remember, if you found this episode helpful, the best way to support us is by checking out Alitu, our podcast maker app, at alitu.com. We're always working to make podcasting as easy as possible for creators like you.
Thanks for tuning in, and we'll catch you on the next episode!
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction
01:10 - Episode overview
01:49 - Alitu support slot
03:12 - Tool of the week: Stream Deck
07:05 - Automation tools discussion
17:40 - Introduction to Story Brand concept
20:01 - Applying Story Brand to different creators
28:28 - Importance of having a plan in Story Brand
32:49 - Apple's "Think Different" campaign example
40:57 - Implementing Story Brand
45:23 - Creator of the week: Steph Smith
49:19 - Balancing multiple projects as a creator
58:27 - Wrap-up and closing thoughts
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In this episode of Creator Toolbox, Colin and Jacob dive deep into two game-changing topics for content creators. First, they explore an innovative AI-powered system for repurposing podcast content into written articles, discussing the potential and limitations of this technology. They then shift gears to compare various camera setups for video content creation, from high-end DSLRs to user-friendly webcams, offering insights on quality, ease of use, and price points. This episode is packed with practical advice for creators looking to streamline their workflow and enhance their content quality.
Episode Guide00:00 - Introduction and catch-up01:17 - AI-powered content repurposing system15:52 - Tips for working with AI in content creation29:15 - Importance of prompt engineering in AI41:29 - Camera setups for content creators41:29 - Jacob's iPhone 15 Pro setup45:40 - Colin's DSLR webcam setup53:21 - Affordable DSLR options55:11 - Insta360 webcam review56:25 - Opal C1 webcam discussion59:41 - Episode wrap-up and Alitu mentionResources MentionedClaude AI by Anthropic: https://www.anthropic.ai/Canon EOS Webcam Utility Pro: https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/support/self-help-center/eos-webcam-utility/Canon M50 cameraElgato PrompterSony ZV-E10 Mark II cameraInsta360 webcam: https://www.insta360.com/Opal C1 webcam: https://opalcamera.com/Logitech C920 webcamAlitu podcast maker app: https://alitu.com/ -
In this episode of the Creator Toolbox, Colin and Jacob discuss their journey of iterating on this very show, and how a podcast can develop and evolve over it's first few months. They delve into the process of turning it from an experimental show into a whole new content brand, and this could apply to you whether it be a podcast, YouTube channel, blog, or creator brand in general. Listeners get valuable insights on launching, iterating, and refining their content channels, even if you're not 100% sure what it plans to be in the early days. Tune in to learn how to navigate the complexities of building a successful creator business, including case studies from the journey of ThePodcastHost over the past 14 years, and into the new journey for the Creator Toolbox.
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