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The Online Course Show

Author: Jacques Hopkins

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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.
276 Episodes
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What if you could create 8 long-form videos a day and over 100 pieces of content daily with just a few minutes of your own time? That’s not a hypothetical — it’s exactly what my guest, Julian Goldie, is doing using AI, systems, and some pretty bold experimentation. In this episode, we dig deep into AI avatars, content systems, SEO in the age of ChatGPT, and what authenticity even means anymore. I’ll be honest — I have mixed feelings about some of this. But Julian brings a thoughtful, transparent approach that made me seriously rethink how AI might fit into a modern course business. Whether you’re excited, skeptical, or somewhere in between, this conversation will definitely stretch how you think about content, scale, and leverage. Watch the episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/lNP1_N8nP1g Julian’s Website: https://www.skool.com/ai-profit-lab-7462/about Join the AI Profit Boardroom: https://oc.show/aigroup 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
You’ve probably heard it a thousand times: “Use AI or get left behind.” But if you’re a course creator, that advice can feel like a trap, because the fastest way to “use AI” is also the fastest way to sound generic and lose your voice. In this episode, I sit down with Dan Cumberland, who helps founder-led brands scale with AI without losing their soul, and honestly, this conversation felt like a giant exhale. We dig into how to use AI in a way that keeps your content human, especially when it comes to marketing (the place most course creators get stuck). Dan shares a simple framework to help AI actually sound like you, plus practical examples of using AI inside your course experience to support students at a higher level, without turning your brand into “AI slop.” Watch the episode: https://youtu.be/inOBNS15RfQ Dan's Website: https://dancumberlandlabs.com/   Watch the Free Workshop: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/workshop Sign up for Jacques’ Journal: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/Apply for Coaching: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/coachingFree 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  
In this episode, I sit down with Benny Lewis from Fluent in 3 Months to talk about what it really takes to stand out in a crowded online course space. We dig into how he turned a simple PDF into a global brand, why timing isn’t the barrier people think it is, and what creators should focus on right now to grow. We also get into positioning, pricing, viral content, and the mindset that’s helped Benny stay relevant for over a decade. If you’re wondering how to differentiate yourself or how to start today without feeling “too late,” this conversation is for you. Watch the episode: https://youtu.be/uQqYSBXpZH8 Benny's Website: https://www.fluentin3months.com/ Sign up for Jacques’ Journal: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/Apply for Coaching: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/coaching Watch the Free Workshop: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/workshop Free Kajabi Course and 1 month Trial: http://everyclickkajabi.com/ Free Skool Course and 14 day Trial: https://www.skool.com/refer?ref=c725cf8892fe42c8bb37dd7e5ffc2575 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theonlinecourseguy/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@theonlinecourseguyX: https://twitter.com/onlinecourseguy
Ever feel like you're building a course based on what everyone else is doing instead of what actually fits your life and your students' needs? In this episode, I chat with speech coach Mike Pacchione—who’s worked with the likes of Amy Porterfield and Donald Miller—about how he’s built a high-impact, low-complexity program that prioritizes feedback and alignment over scale. We explore what it looks like to run a hybrid course, why he doesn't offer a standalone version, and how to design offers around what actually works for you. Watch the Free Workshop: https://oc.show/workshop Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9uRLFc0Di5M Mike's Website: http://speechclub.club/ 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  
In this episode, I chat with Panos Siozos, CEO of LearnWorlds, about what sets successful course creators apart and how platforms like his are evolving with AI, instructional design, and community-building tools to help elevate the student experience and online course outcomes. Watch the Free Workshop: https://oc.show/workshop Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dXt6s2Z8NZ4Panos' Website: http://learnworlds.com/ Sign up for Jacques’ Journal: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com Apply for Coaching: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/coaching Watch the Free Workshop: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/workshop Free Kajabi Course and 1 month Trial: http://everyclickkajabi.com/ Free Skool Course and 14 day Trial: https://www.skool.com/refer?ref=c725cf8892fe42c8bb37dd7e5ffc2575 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theonlinecourseguy/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@theonlinecourseguy
In this episode, I chat with Rick Howard, who went from struggling consultant to six-figure course creator thanks to one unexpected viral YouTube video. We dive into how Rick’s background in federal government contracting set the stage, and how consistency—plus smart content strategy—completely transformed his business without spending a dime on ads.Watch the Free Workshop: https://oc.show/workshop Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KisUdvcZGnc  Rick's Website: https://govclose.com/ Sign up for Jacques’ Journal: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com Apply for Coaching: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/coaching  Watch the Free Workshop: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/workshop Free Kajabi Course and 1 month Trial: http://everyclickkajabi.com/ Free Skool Course and 14 day Trial: https://www.skool.com/refer?ref=c725cf8892fe42c8bb37dd7e5ffc2575 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theonlinecourseguy/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@theonlinecourseguy
Ever put off launching your online course because you're worried about content theft or unsure which legal steps to take? You're not alone—and that's why I brought in Harvard Law grad turned online entrepreneur Bobby Klinck.  In this episode, we tackle the biggest legal fears and misconceptions course creators face, from copyright and trademarks to LLCs, privacy policies, and beyond. Bobby shares how his own failed launch taught him priceless lessons and led to a thriving business helping others get legally legit. If you want to protect your course and launch with confidence, this episode is for you. Watch the Free Workshop: https://oc.show/workshop Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3bwxAPrG2-o Bobby’s Website: https://www.plainlylegal.com/?ref=rm3k12 USPTO: https://www.uspto.gov/ Sign up for Jacques’ Journal: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com Apply for Coaching: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/coaching  Watch the Free Workshop: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/workshop Free Kajabi Course and 1 month Trial: http://everyclickkajabi.com/ Free Skool Course and 14 day Trial: https://www.skool.com/refer?ref=c725cf8892fe42c8bb37dd7e5ffc2575 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theonlinecourseguy/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@theonlinecourseguy
What if you could stop guessing about your online course funnel—and just build the one that actually sells? In this episode, I’m joined once again by John Ainsworth of Data Driven Marketing. John’s tested countless funnels across real online course businesses and breaks down the three that are consistently working right now. Whether you're new to funnels or looking to fine-tune your current setup, this conversation is packed with practical, up-to-date strategies to help you convert more students. We also dive into why he rarely uses webinar funnels with clients (even though he loves them), what works better for lower-priced courses, and how high-ticket coaching offers can dramatically increase revenue—even in niches like banjo or piano. If you're feeling stuck on the funnel front, this episode will help you identify what to build next based on your price point and audience size. Watch the Free Workshop: https://oc.show/workshop Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pIOYyCJiAGgJohn's Website: https://datadrivenmarketing.co/podcast/ 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
What does it take to grow an online course into a thriving company with clients like NASA and Apple? In this episode, I catch up with Tom Geiss, founder of GD&T Basics, to hear how he turned a niche engineering topic into a multimillion-dollar business. We talk about building a team, selling to enterprises, and the mindset shift from solopreneur to CEO. Whether you're looking to stay lean or scale big, Tom’s journey offers real inspiration and insight into what's possible with the right strategy and systems. Watch the Free Workshop: https://oc.show/workshop Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/01-xyiyUgMETom's Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-geiss 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  
Tune in for Jacques to rank the top 20 online course platforms!
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
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
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
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  
Think LinkedIn is just for job seekers? Think again. In this episode, I sit down with LinkedIn expert Richard van der Blom to explore how course creators can use the platform to build authority, grow an audience, and drive real results. We get into what types of content work best, how the LinkedIn algorithm really functions, and smart ways to turn engagement into conversions. Whether you're new to LinkedIn or want to level up your strategy, this one’s packed with actionable insights. Watch the Free Workshop: https://oc.show/workshop Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/p5ql4pP6jqkRichard's Website: http://www.richardvanderblom.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
Imagine spending months building the perfect online course—only to hear crickets at launch. In this episode, I break down why that happens and reveal the critical mistake many course creators make: skipping validation. I walk you through five proven validation methods, from simple surveys to powerful presale strategies, that will help you avoid wasted effort and ensure there’s real demand for your course before you create it. Whether you’re new to course creation or refining your next big idea, this episode will give you the tools to confidently move forward and build a course people actually want. Join me as I share insights gained from over 12 years in the online course business and $4 million in sales - plus practical steps you can implement today! Watch the Free Workshop: https://oc.show/workshop Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dmuG-q4ge1g  Links & Resources: 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
YouTube is one of the most powerful platforms for growing an audience and selling digital products—but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. From optimizing your profile to creating high-quality videos, thumbnails, and engaging content, there's a lot to consider. In this episode, I sit down with Gillian Perkins, a YouTube expert with nearly a million subscribers, to unpack the strategies that can help you leverage YouTube to grow your online course business. Gillian shares how she built her channel, why long-form content is king, and her best advice for turning YouTube viewers into paying customers. Whether you're new to YouTube or looking to refine your strategy, this episode is full of actionable insights to help you create content that drives engagement and sales—without burnout. Watch the Free Workshop: https://oc.show/workshop Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/J8c_S_zmfgo   Links & Resources: Gillian's website: https://www.gillianperkins.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
In this episode, I’m breaking down the top 8 mistakes online course creators make, ranked from least to most damaging. These are the exact pitfalls that can cost you sales, waste your time, and hold you back from the impact you're meant to have. After working with hundreds of course creators (and making a bunch of these mistakes myself), I’ve seen firsthand what separates success from frustration. Whether you're just getting started or deep in the trenches, this episode will help you avoid costly missteps and stay on track toward building a thriving course business. Watch the Free Workshop: https://oc.show/workshop Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/v2q80L6y3ew 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
Imagine making $40,000 a month from a $9 membership. Sounds impossible? Think again! In this episode, I sit down with email marketing expert Liz Wilcox, who has cracked the code on how to turn a low-cost membership into a thriving business. Liz shares the secrets behind her high-converting email strategies, why she’s anti-storytelling in emails, and how she built her business from an RV travel blog to an email marketing empire. If you’ve ever doubted that a budget-friendly membership could bring in serious revenue, this conversation will open your eyes to what’s possible. Liz also breaks down the essential elements of effective email marketing, including how to stay top of mind, engage your audience with short and relatable messages, and build trust without overwhelming your subscribers. Plus, she shares how networking and leveraging other people's platforms (OPP) helped her grow her business - insights that any online course creator can apply today. 🎓 Watch the Free Workshop: https://oc.show/workshop 📹 Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/fHhhDpR6EZI 📦 Links & Resources:Liz's Website: https://www.lizwilcox.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  
What if you could boost your course sales every month—without ads, new launches, or more work? In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on Relaunch Magic, the system I use to re-engage non-buyers and turn them into customers automatically. If you’ve got an evergreen funnel and leads who didn’t convert, this strategy can help you bring them back in a way that feels natural—not pushy. I’m sharing how it works, why it’s better than live launching, and how you can set it up to run on autopilot. Watch the Free Workshop: https://oc.show/workshop Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9t7tpTP2juo 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  
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Comments (2)

Michael Scott

Thanks for the advice and guidance in creating online courses. I have been interested in this for a long time, and now I'm thinking about creating an online school. I found a platform that can help me with this https://ojowo.com/en/online-school For me, this is not only an opportunity to earn money, but also to share my knowledge with other people.

Oct 14th
Reply

James Wiles

Hello, I am really enjoying the show! Great information. What platforms do you recommend for a first time course creator?

Mar 2nd
Reply