The Nathan Barry Show

In this episode, I sit down with Lily Jones, founder of Educator Forever, for a coaching session to map out how she can scale her education business from $700K to $1M and beyond.We dive into Lily’s unique flywheel that connects training teachers with agency work, why she’s hitting a growth plateau, and how focusing on sales could unlock her next stage. Lily shares her journey from kindergarten teacher to entrepreneur, what she’s learned building two businesses in one, and how to prioritize growth without burning out.If you’re looking to evolve a multi-offer business without splitting your focus, this episode is a blueprint.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction01:17 Lily’s backstory and why she left the classroom04:43 From teacher to curriculum developer07:15 How free classes built her first audience10:26 Creating the Curriculum Development Foundations program13:19 Building a two-sided business: teachers and agency16:28 Mapping the Educator Forever flywheel19:35 Revenue growth23:05 Where the business plateaued and why26:31 Increasing project size and repeat contracts30:56 The case for hiring salespeople34:20 Finding focus by niching down in K–5 curriculum38:29 Exploring recurring and higher-paying projects42:18 Selling into schools as a future growth path46:55 Balancing opportunities with clear priorities50:12 Building a long-term roadmap to $1.5M+54:46 Takeaways and next stepsIf you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with your friends, and leave a review. I read every single one.Learn more about the podcast: https://nathanbarry.com/showFollow Nathan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanbarryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanbarryX: https://twitter.com/nathanbarryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenathanbarryshowWebsite: https://nathanbarry.comFollow Lily:Website: https://educatorforever.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/educatorforeverLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lily-jones-b940457bFeatured in this episode:Educator Forever: https://educatorforever.comEducator Forever Agency: https://educatorforeveragency.comKit: https://www.kit.com

In this episode, I sit down with Kristin Flanary, co-founder of the $1.2M Glaucomflecken brand, for a coaching session on how to scale to $10M by building systems, productized services, and new revenue streams.We dive into Kristin’s unique journey blending healthcare satire, advocacy, and entrepreneurship, and map out how to grow beyond skits and sponsorships into licensing, joint ventures, and an agency model. Kristin shares the challenges of balancing inbound opportunities, managing a lean team, and creating scalable offers that go beyond her and her husband’s personal involvement.If you want to see how to scale a creator business from seven to eight figures without losing focus, this episode is for you.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction02:05 Kristin’s backstory: medicine, family, and near-death experiences05:57 How comedy and satire became a business07:01 Growing to 1.2M revenue with skits, podcasts, and shows10:39 The big goal: scaling to $10M14:01 Breaking down all current revenue streams17:21 Skits as the foundation of the business20:59 Building a small but mighty team22:25 The dream hire: data and analytics24:22 Exploring licensing and education opportunities29:15 Managing inbound opportunities and “dreamer” ideas33:32 The problem with too many projects at once37:59 Sponsorships, keynotes, and cashflow challenges43:25 Why a productized service or agency model could scale48:55 Pricing tiers and the $3K vs $5K agency offer52:04 How licensing and agency ideas connect59:10 What the team would need to reach $1M in agency revenue01:03:29 Recap and key takeawaysIf you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with your friends, and leave a review. I read every single one.Learn more about the podcast: https://nathanbarry.com/showFollow Nathan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanbarryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanbarryX: https://twitter.com/nathanbarryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenathanbarryshowWebsite: https://nathanbarry.comFollow Kristin & Glaucomflecken:Website: https://glaucomflecken.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladyglaucomfleckenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ladyglaucomfleckenX: https://x.com/lglaucomfleckenPodcast: https://glaucomflecken.com/podcastFeatured in this episode:Glaucomflecken: https://glaucomflecken.comThe Glaucomflecken Podcast: https://glaucomflecken.com/podcastKit: https://www.kit.com

Creator Flywheels: https://creatorflywheels.comIn this episode, I share how creator flywheels can help you get greater results with less effort by turning scattered tasks into systems that compound over time.I break down the three laws of flywheels, how to design them for your business, and examples that took my own projects from stalled growth to unstoppable momentum.I also show how to measure and improve your flywheels with a simple weekly check-in, plus the exact flywheels that scaled Kit, my podcast, and top creators’ newsletters.If you’ve been stuck in chaos or linear processes, this episode will show you the path to compounding growth.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction01:00 The three ways of running a business: scattered, linear, flywheel02:43 The three laws of flywheels: flow, ease, growth04:37 The Million Subscriber Flywheel (Sahil Bloom case study)07:29 How sponsorships and reinvestment compound growth10:02 How to measure flywheels in 15 minutes a week13:04 The Direct Sales Flywheel that scaled Kit16:23 Why concierge migrations unlocked growth17:43 Real-world flywheels and compounding effort18:21 The Podcast Production Flywheel20:57 Fixing friction with tools and teleprompters21:59 The five steps to building your own flywheel23:40 Enrollment info for Creator Flywheels courseIf you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with your friends, and leave a review. I read every single one.Learn more about the podcast: https://nathanbarry.com/showFollow Nathan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanbarryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanbarryX: https://twitter.com/nathanbarryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenathanbarryshowWebsite: https://nathanbarry.comFeatured in this episode:Creator Flywheels: https://creatorflywheels.comKit: https://www.kit.comCreator Network: http://creatornetwork.comSparkLoop: https://www.sparkloop.appSahil Bloom: https://www.sahilbloom.comIn this episode, I share how creator flywheels can help you get greater results with less effort by turning scattered tasks into systems that compound over time.I break down the three laws of flywheels, how to design them for your business, and examples that took my own projects from stalled growth to unstoppable momentum.I also show how to measure and improve your flywheels with a simple weekly check-in, plus the exact flywheels that scaled Kit, my podcast, and top creators’ newsletters.If you’ve been stuck in chaos or linear processes, this episode will show you the path to compounding growth.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction01:00 The three ways of running a business: scattered, linear, flywheel02:43 The three laws of flywheels: flow, ease, growth04:37 The Million Subscriber Flywheel (Sahil Bloom case study)07:29 How sponsorships and reinvestment compound growth10:02 How to measure flywheels in 15 minutes a week13:04 The Direct Sales Flywheel that scaled Kit16:23 Why concierge migrations unlocked growth17:43 Real-world flywheels and compounding effort18:21 The Podcast Production Flywheel20:57 Fixing friction with tools and teleprompters21:59 The five steps to building your own flywheel23:40 Enrollment info for Creator Flywheels courseIf you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with your friends, and leave a review. I read every single one.Learn more about the podcast: https://nathanbarry.com/showFollow Nathan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanbarryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanbarryX: https://twitter.com/nathanbarryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenathanbarryshowWebsite: https://nathanbarry.comFeatured in this episode:Creator Flywheels Course: https://creatorflywheels.comKit: https://www.kit.comCreator Network: http://creatornetwork.comSparkLoop: https://www.sparkloop.appSahil Bloom: https://www.sahilbloom.com

In this episode, I sit down with Barrett Brooks, coach to some of the biggest creators in the industry, to break down the five traps that keep creators stuck below one million in revenue and how to avoid each one.We talk about why search and algorithms are shifting, how to stop chasing “greener” business models, and why risk aversion quietly kills momentum.Barrett also shares the patterns he sees working with top creators, how to double down on what’s working without burning out, and the mindset shift every entrepreneur must make to step into true leadership.If you’re feeling stuck on the path to seven figures, this episode is your roadmap.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction01:11 Why creators get stuck below $1M04:43 Betting your business on what used to work07:44 Search, AI, and the future of traffic13:28 Believing another business model will be easier18:55 The grass-is-greener trap explained27:13 Letting risk aversion kill your momentum33:49 Playing out the worst-case scenario40:23 Moving on too fast from what is working49:43 Building systems vs chasing new ideas55:25 Hiring without stepping into leadership01:03:16 How to lean into conflict and feedback01:07:21 Final thoughts on breaking throughIf you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with your friends, and leave a review. I read every single one.Learn more about the podcast: https://nathanbarry.com/showFollow Nathan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanbarryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanbarryX: https://twitter.com/nathanbarryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenathanbarryshowWebsite: https://nathanbarry.comFollow Barrett:Podcast: https://goodworkshow.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrettabrooksX: https://twitter.com/barrettabrooksInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachbarrettbrooksWebsite: https://barrettbrooks.comFeatured in this episode:Good Work Show: https://goodworkshow.comBarrett Brooks: https://barrettbrooks.comKit: https://www.kit.com

In this episode, I sit down with Haley from the Kit team, to answer audience questions about building creator businesses, growing newsletters, and scaling software companies.We cover everything from how to find a solo SaaS idea as a non-technical founder, to mapping out a creator business from scratch, to scaling newsletters and identifying blue ocean opportunities. Haley also brings her behind-the-scenes perspective from working with creators at Kit.If you want a practical look at audience growth, business models, and the future of creator tools, this episode has it all.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction01:08 Finding SaaS ideas as a non-technical founder07:36 Mapping out a creator business from scratch18:25 Building a music career today vs streaming revenue22:58 The power of storytelling and setting public goals29:18 Newsletter growth strategies and creator pods35:54 Identifying blue oceans in crowded markets41:58 Gathering customer feedback the right way48:32 Choosing the right early hires in today’s AI-driven world50:46 Biggest strategic mistakes and lessons learned01:03:40 Wrap-up and reflectionsIf you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with your friends, and leave a review. I read every single one.Learn more about the podcast: https://nathanbarry.com/showFollow Nathan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanbarryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanbarryX: https://twitter.com/nathanbarryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenathanbarryshowWebsite: https://nathanbarry.comFollow Haley:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haleyjaniLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haley-janicekX: https://x.com/haleyjanicekFeatured in this episode:Kit: https://www.kit.comCreator Network: https://kit.com/creator-networkCraft + Commerce: https://kit.com/conference

In this episode, I sit down with Ryan Beck, co-founder of Pray.com, a $30M platform reaching 10M people a month, to talk about his journey from jail at 18 to building one of the most impactful companies in the faith and creator space.We dive into Ryan’s backstory, how he and his co-founders built Pray.com, and the systems churches use that modern creators can learn from. Ryan also shares lessons on building double flywheels, turning sermons into scalable content, and how AI is transforming faith-based media.If you want to understand how to scale community, content, and revenue with timeless principles, this episode is for you.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction01:00 Ryan’s journey from jail to a new path05:15 Studying ministry, computer science, and philosophy09:20 From nonprofits to launching Pray.com13:05 How Pray.com scaled to 19M downloads16:21 The double flywheel model of B2C and B2B21:29 Pastors as the most prolific content creators25:15 Derivative content and monetization strategies29:41 What creators can learn from in-person community34:10 Dave Ramsey and mission-driven business models40:12 Evergreen content and repurposing systems47:00 How Pray.com leverages AI for translation and media55:10 Building AI Bible and reimagining storytelling01:00:00 Why email is still the number one channel for creatorsIf you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with your friends, and leave a review. I read every single one.Learn more about the podcast: https://nathanbarry.com/showFollow Nathan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanbarryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanbarryX: https://twitter.com/nathanbarryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenathanbarryshowWebsite: https://nathanbarry.comFollow Ryan:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/purposePray.com: https://www.pray.comFeatured in this episode:Pray.com: https://www.pray.comAI Bible: https://www.aibible.comDave Ramsey: https://www.ramseysolutions.comKit: https://www.kit.com

In this episode, I sit down with Caitlin Copple for a coaching session to map out how she can scale her PR agency, Full Swing, from $1.2M to $5M by shifting from custom services to scalable productized offers.We dive into why retainers cap growth, how to package services into clear visibility outcomes, and the low-overhead path to building a multi-million dollar agency. Caitlin also shares the challenges of managing a team, navigating growth plateaus, and how to design offers that scale without burning out.If you want to grow a services business into a scalable, strategy-first agency, this episode is a blueprint.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction01:10 The challenge of scaling a PR agency past $1M05:28 Why retainers cap growth potential09:22 Turning strategy into a scalable product14:33 Building the first version of a productized offer19:18 Pricing visibility outcomes instead of hours23:41 The mindset shift for moving beyond custom services28:05 Designing a low-overhead path to $5M33:27 Structuring a scalable offer ladder39:15 Simplifying client delivery without losing value44:58 The role of personal brand in agency growth50:10 How to transition clients from retainer to productized model54:46 Setting up the systems to sustain scale01:00:12 Final coaching takeawaysIf you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with your friends, and leave a review. I read every single one.Learn more about the podcast: https://nathanbarry.com/showFollow Nathan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanbarryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanbarryX: https://twitter.com/nathanbarryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenathanbarryshowWebsite: https://nathanbarry.comFollow Caitlin:Website: https://fullswingpr.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlincoppleInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/caitlin_coppleX: https://x.com/caitlincoppleFeatured in this episode:Full Swing PR: https://fullswingpr.comKit: https://www.kit.com

In this episode, I sit down with Pat Flynn, entrepreneur, podcaster, and founder of Smart Passive Income, to talk about how creators can build long-term, resilient businesses by putting relationships and community first.We dive into how Pat went from architect to online entrepreneur, his journey to building multiple 7-figure income streams, and why his approach has always focused on trust before transactions. Pat also shares his lessons from podcasting for over a decade, how he’s embracing new platforms like YouTube Shorts, and his strategies for staying relevant in a fast-changing digital world.If you want to build a creator business that stands the test of time, this episode is for you.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction01:00 How Pat went from architect to entrepreneur06:28 Starting Smart Passive Income and finding his niche10:45 The importance of serving before selling15:14 Why Pat doubled down on podcasting20:37 Building multiple streams of income26:52 Lessons from over a decade of audience building32:11 How to stay relevant as platforms evolve38:09 Experimenting with YouTube Shorts and video content43:25 Balancing family, business, and creative projects49:18 The key to long-term audience trust55:03 Final thoughts and takeawaysIf you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with your friends, and leave a review. I read every single one.Learn more about the podcast: https://nathanbarry.com/showFollow Nathan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanbarryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanbarryX: https://twitter.com/nathanbarryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenathanbarryshowWebsite: https://nathanbarry.comFollow Pat:Website: https://www.smartpassiveincome.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/patflynnX: https://twitter.com/patflynnYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PatFlynnPodcast: https://www.smartpassiveincome.com/shows/spiPat Flynn's Book "Lean Learning": https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/166802764X?tag=spimedia2020-21&keywords=lean%20learning%20pat%20flynn&geniuslink=true Featured in this episode:Smart Passive Income: https://www.smartpassiveincome.comThe Smart Passive Income Podcast: https://www.smartpassiveincome.com/shows/spiPat Flynn’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PatFlynnPat Flynn's Pokémon YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@deeppocketmonsterKit: https://www.kit.comPat Flynn's Book "Lean Learning": https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/166802764X?tag=spimedia2020-21&keywords=lean%20learning%20pat%20flynn&geniuslink=true #patflynn #deeppocketmonster #leanlearning #entrepreneur #creator #businessgrowth

In this episode, I sit down with Rose Griffin, founder of ABA Speech, to map out how she can scale her $210,000-a-year business serving speech therapists and BCBAs to over $1 million in annual revenue.We break down how Rose grew a membership of 500 members, the unique value of offering continuing education credits, and how she can use group sales and direct outreach to grow faster. Rose also shares her origin story of leaving traditional work to build a life of freedom and impact—and why seven figures represents more than just money for her.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction02:05 Rose’s journey from clinician to entrepreneur06:15 Launching her first online product11:20 How podcasting grew her audience and business17:33 Balancing multiple revenue streams23:12 Hiring and building support systems30:40 Key lessons from scaling an online business38:11 Managing time as a clinician and business owner45:20 Tips for clinicians moving into entrepreneurship52:04 Rose’s approach to marketing and visibility59:10 Final advice for creators and cliniciansIf you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with your friends, and leave a review. I read every single one.Learn more about the podcast: https://nathanbarry.com/showFollow Nathan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanbarryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanbarryX: https://twitter.com/nathanbarryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenathanbarryshowWebsite: https://nathanbarry.com  Follow Rose:Website: https://www.abaspeech.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/abaspeechbyroseYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@abaspeechbyroseFeatured in this episode:ABA Speech: https://www.abaspeech.orgKit: https://www.kit.com

In this episode, I sit down with Chris Donnelly to break down how he built a $10M-a-year business with no sales team and no paid ads—powered entirely by content and personal brand.We dive into how Chris grew from 0 to 1M+ LinkedIn followers in two years, his system for publishing high-quality content at scale, and why creating more volume (not perfection) can unlock massive growth.Chris also shares his approach to building a lean team, running high-ticket cohorts, and leveraging attention into stable, long-term income.If you’ve been waiting to go all in on your personal brand, this episode shows you what’s possible.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction01:20 How Chris grew to 1M+ LinkedIn followers in 2 years06:16 Choosing LinkedIn over Instagram and YouTube10:35 The early experiments that validated his model14:45 Selling his first agency and starting again19:34 Building an audience without spending on ads24:26 The structure behind his cohort business model28:07 Why personal brand leads to better business opportunities33:37 The content formats LinkedIn prioritizes today38:12 How Chris structures his content team and systems43:26 Lessons from growing a $10M business with no sales team50:02 Advice for creators and entrepreneurs going proIf you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with your friends, and leave a review. I read every single one.Learn more about the podcast: https://nathanbarry.com/showFollow Nathan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanbarryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanbarryX: https://twitter.com/nathanbarryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenathanbarryshowWebsite: https://nathanbarry.comFollow Chris:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnellychrisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdonnellyofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chrisdonnellyofficialWake Up With Chris (Podcast): https://open.spotify.com/show/4sFHI1CMPuKWa1brhhY9RBFeatured in this episode:Wake Up With Chris: https://www.youtube.com/@chrisdonnelly

In this episode, I sit down with Jay Clouse, founder of Creator Science and one of the top thinkers in the creator economy, to talk about how to build sustainable memberships, price high-ticket offers, and stay ahead of AI disruption.We dig into Jay’s insights from 250+ creator interviews, the future of online courses, and how group coaching programs quietly outperform larger audiences. Jay shares the onboarding system behind his high-retention membership, how he scaled his Lab community, and why trust, not attention, is the metric that matters most in 2024.If you want to grow a stable, high-leverage creator business, this is a masterclass.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction01:20 Why AI is going to disrupt course creators03:42 Hyper-personalized learning vs static curriculum07:11 What to build next if courses are dying10:47 Rethinking memberships and peer-to-peer communities17:21 Pricing for renewal instead of first-year sales22:04 Why he removed the member cap25:30 Objective criteria for curating communities27:00 Who earns the most per follower30:39 Done-for-you vs group coaching vs DIY34:32 Building sticky products that actually retain39:04 The onboarding system behind Jay’s community46:57 Keeping members engaged after 6 months50:54 Building habit loops and true community54:20 Why in-person events are now a priority58:03 Being authentic when you’re always “on”01:00:53 Don’t optimize for attention—optimize for trust01:02:28 Where to follow JayIf you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with your friends, and leave a review. I read every single one.Learn more about the podcast: https://nathanbarry.com/showFollow Nathan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanbarryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanbarryX: https://twitter.com/nathanbarryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenathanbarryshowWebsite: https://nathanbarry.comFollow Jay:Website: https://www.creatorscience.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayclouseX: https://twitter.com/jayclouseYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jayPodcast: https://www.creatorscience.com/podcastFeatured in this episode:Creator Science: https://www.creatorscience.comThe Lab: https://join.creatorscience.comKit: https://www.kit.com

In this episode, I sit down with Jefferson Fisher—trial lawyer, bestselling author, and communication expert with over 12 million followers—to map out a clear, balanced path to $10 million a year in revenue.We dive into Jefferson’s wide range of business assets including his podcast, newsletter, book, speaking, AI product, and fast-growing membership. Then we break down exactly what to prioritize, how to build the right team, and what he needs to stop doing to scale without burning out.Whether you’re a fast-growing creator or a business owner looking for leverage and balance, this is a blueprint.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction01:08 Jefferson’s growth from zero to 6M Instagram followers03:22 Mapping all his revenue channels06:08 His speaking fees, membership size, and podcast numbers09:28 Balancing business growth with family time13:24 The hidden cost of daily content creation18:25 How batching could change Jefferson’s life22:32 The power of speaking as leverage25:31 Planning for $10M while staying present at home30:34 The surprising value of Jefferson’s DMs36:04 Why the membership is the biggest opportunity42:17 Automating conversions with his newsletter47:44 Building a team to scale53:19 The role Jefferson should hire next57:08 Balancing brand vision with freedom01:04:11 Why we’re pausing the course idea (for now)01:11:03 Wrapping with Jefferson’s biggest takeawaysIf you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with your friends, and leave a review. I read every single one.Learn more about the podcast: https://nathanbarry.com/showFollow Nathan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanbarryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanbarryX: https://twitter.com/nathanbarryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenathanbarryshowWebsite: https://nathanbarry.comFollow Jefferson:Website: https://www.jeffersonfisher.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jefferson_fisherX: https://twitter.com/jefferson_fishrYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jeffersonfisherThe Next Conversation (book): https://www.jeffersonfisher.com/bookFeatured in this episode:The Next Conversation (book): https://www.thenextconversation.comJefferson Fisher: https://www.jeffersonfisher.comJefferson’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jefferson_fisherCivility (his company): https://www.jeffersonfisher.comKit: https://www.kit.com

In this episode, I sit down with Tim Grahl to map out how he broke through a 3-year business plateau and scaled his education company from $695K to over $2M.We unpack how Tim made the leap by completely rebuilding his business model, delivering better outcomes for students, and building a variable-cost team that scales with revenue. He also shares how he ran 600+ customer interviews, built a coaching program around accountability, and used YouTube and SparkLoop to drive steady growth.If you’re stuck at a growth ceiling, this episode is a blueprint for getting unstuck.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction01:13 Breaking through the $1M ceiling03:12 Revenue history from 2021 to 202406:37 The wake-up call promotion08:00 600 customer interviews in 18 months12:24 The mindset shift that changed everything13:03 Why Tim rebuilt the entire business model17:55 Forecasts vs. goals20:36 Profit margin and personal runway23:15 Why most courses don’t deliver transformation25:18 How Story Grid’s coaching model works30:08 Team structure and mentor compensation34:10 Pricing strategy and program design35:18 Using SparkLoop and YouTube to grow leads38:02 Tim’s content process and YouTube habits43:07 The emotional dip before the breakthrough47:18 Burnout, self-doubt, and freight train focus51:22 Why building a team unlocked freedom57:11 Hiring mindset and building lean01:00:12 The path from 2M to 5M and beyond01:03:40 The power of product-market fitIf you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with your friends, and leave a review. I read every single one.Learn more about the podcast: https://nathanbarry.com/showFollow Nathan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanbarryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanbarryX: https://twitter.com/nathanbarryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenathanbarryshowWebsite: https://nathanbarry.comFollow Tim:Website: https://www.storygrid.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@storygridX: https://x.com/storygridTim’s latest book: https://www.storygrid.com/product/the-shitheadFeatured in this episode:Story Grid: https://www.storygrid.comThe Shithead (book): https://www.storygrid.com/product/the-shitheadSparkLoop: https://www.sparkloop.appKit: https://www.kit.com

In this episode, I sit down with Anne-Laure Le Cunff, neuroscientist, creator, and author of Tiny Experiments, to explore how mindful productivity and scientific thinking can unlock calm, sustainable growth.We talk about how Anne-Laure built a $250K business while finishing her PhD, her process for designing mental health systems, and why most creators burn out by obsessing over goals.She shares how tiny experiments, not big plans, led to her success—and why every creator should learn to reflect, quit intentionally, and listen to stress as a signal.If you want to grow without burning out, this is a masterclass.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction01:12 Why tiny experiments beat big goals03:15 Action vs reflection for creator growth06:05 Quitting YouTube—and why it was the right choice10:16 Helping your team feel safe to fail14:07 Designing your own experiment formula19:13 Breaking the cycle of goal obsession22:42 The “maximize brain” and how to avoid it32:22 How Anne-Laure earned $250K working part time38:00 The business flywheel hidden inside her $49 community46:57 Building systems for mental health53:20 Good stress vs bad stress58:00 Her simple content repurposing system01:00:49 Final advice for goal-settersIf you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with your friends, and leave a review. I read every single one.Learn more about the podcast: https://nathanbarry.com/showFollow Nathan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanbarryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanbarryX: https://twitter.com/nathanbarryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenathanbarryshowWebsite: https://nathanbarry.comFollow Anne-Laure:Website: https://www.nesslabs.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/neuranneX: https://x.com/neuranneYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@neuranneFeatured in this episode:Tiny Experiments (book): https://nesslabs.com/bookNess Labs: https://www.nestlabs.comKit: https://www.kit.com

In this episode, I sit down with Jefferson Fisher, a trial attorney turned content creator with 6 million Instagram followers, to break down how he built one of the fastest-growing personal brands on social media while running a thriving law firm.We dive into Jefferson’s content strategy, how he holds attention in 3 seconds, and the exact process behind his viral car videos. Jefferson also shares why attention spans are shrinking, what most creators get wrong in their first 3 seconds, and how he turned daily 40-minute sessions into millions of views and a bestselling book.If you want to build a magnetic personal brand while staying authentic, this is a masterclass.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction01:10 Gaining 100,000 followers a day03:30 How Jefferson built a viral content style06:02 The first million-view video09:10 The full content process from idea to post12:30 How Jefferson hooks viewers in 3 seconds15:18 The most important metric for content success18:17 Building trust and impact with short form22:01 Optimizing content structure and retention25:46 How social content transformed Jefferson’s law practice33:30 How his social presence influences legal cases39:23 How Jefferson balances practice with content42:21 Maintaining authenticity across all platforms46:00 Inside Jefferson’s podcast strategy53:44 Book launch lessons and viral driversIf you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with your friends, and leave a review. I read every single one.Learn more about the podcast: https://nathanbarry.com/showFollow Nathan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanbarryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanbarryX: https://twitter.com/nathanbarryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenathanbarryshowWebsite: https://nathanbarry.comFollow Jefferson:Website: https://www.jeffersonfisher.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jefferson_fisherX: https://twitter.com/jefferson_fishrYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jeffersonfisherThe Next Conversation (book): https://www.jeffersonfisher.com/bookFeatured in this episode:The Next Conversation (book): https://www.jeffersonfisher.com/bookKit: https://www.kit.com

In this episode, I sit down with Dan Martell—bestselling author of Buy Back Your Time and investor in over 50 companies—to break down the mindset and systems founders need to scale without burning out.We dive into Dan’s Buyback Loop, his process for delegating and training a team, and how creators can turn a single piece of content into millions of impressions.Dan also shares why most entrepreneurs hire in the wrong order, how to build systems that run without you, and how he’s using keynotes and content to grow his coaching and education business.If you want more freedom while growing faster, this is a masterclass.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction00:05 Why Dan went all in on content03:32 From marketing department to media company10:50 Dan’s 3-part Buyback Loop14:30 How Dan offloads and trains his team22:00 The Buyback Ladder: audit, transfer, fill33:37 The Replacement Ladder (who to hire first)42:51 How Dan makes money while offline50:03 Behind Dan’s education and coaching business53:44 Dan’s full media strategy57:42 Final advice for creators going proIf you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with your friends, and leave a review. I read every single one.Learn more about the podcast: https://nathanbarry.com/showFollow Nathan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanbarryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanbarryX: https://twitter.com/nathanbarryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenathanbarryshowWebsite: https://nathanbarry.comFollow Dan:Website: https://www.danmartell.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/danmartellX: https://twitter.com/danmartellYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@danmartellBuy Back Your Time (book): https://www.buybackyourtime.comFeatured in this episode:Buy Back Your Time (book): https://www.buybackyourtime.comKit: https://www.kit.com#danmartell #buybackyourtime #businessgrowth

Justin Jackson is the co-founder of Transistor, one of the most beloved podcast hosting platforms for creators. In this coaching episode, we map out the next stage of Justin’s journey—from product founder to thought leader—with a focus on building an audience, growing influence, and creating high-leverage content that compounds.We talk about what changes when you're the face of a SaaS company, how to get more leverage from existing content, and the unique growth opportunities for creators running software businesses.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction01:42 Becoming the face of Transistor05:17 Why Justin stopped sharing behind-the-scenes08:29 Building a creator identity outside the product13:52 Which ideas deserve your voice?17:35 Strategy for launching an email course22:46 What SaaS founders can learn from creators26:01 Writing frameworks and newsletter clarity31:49 Audience trust and high-leverage content36:42 The long game of thought leadership41:00 Building in public (the right way)51:58 Balancing company growth and personal visibility58:36 Final thoughts on building in public and longevity01:06:40 What Justin’s learned from years of audience-first businessIf you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with your friends, and leave us a review. We read every single one.Learn more about The Nathan Barry Show: https://nathanbarry.com/showFollow Nathan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanbarryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanbarryX: https://twitter.com/nathanbarryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenathanbarryshowWebsite: https://nathanbarry.comFollow Justin:Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/justinjackson.caX: https://twitter.com/mijustinLinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/justinijacksonWebsite: https://justinjackson.caTransistor: https://transistor.fmFeatured in this episode:Transistor: https://transistor.fmKit: https://kit.com

Today I’m joined by Monique Volz, founder of Ambitious Kitchen, to explore how she built a thriving food blog into a 7-figure business—with a lean team, kids at home, and a strong sense of purpose.We dive into the evolution of her brand, her best-performing growth channels, the funnel that sells her digital product on autopilot, and what the future of food content looks like with AI and SEO shifts.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction01:06 Launching Ambitious Kitchen in 201103:00 First income from ads and sponsored posts05:58 When she knew it could be full-time06:22 What changed with Pinterest & Instagram10:00 Email funnel strategy using Grocer’s List14:02 Plans to build a food media company beyond herself21:50 TikTok vs. Instagram for discovery25:34 Inside her full-time team and contractors31:08 Scaling with kids and working in focused blocks42:56 SEO, AI, and where food content is goingIf you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with your friends, and leave us a review. We read every single one.Learn more about the podcast: https://nathanbarry.com/showFollow Monique:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiouskitchenWebsite: https://www.ambitiouskitchen.comGrocer’s List: https://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/grocers-list/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmbitiousKitchenFollow Nathan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanbarryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanbarryX: https://twitter.com/nathanbarryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenathanbarryshowWebsite: https://nathanbarry.comFeatured in this episode:Ambitious Kitchen: https://www.ambitiouskitchen.comThe Ambitious Kitchen Cookbook: https://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/cookbook/Kit: https://www.kit.comRaptive: https://raptive.com/Food52: https://food52.com/The Every Girl: https://theeverygirl.com/The Every Mom: https://theeverymom.com/5 Types Of Wealth: https://www.the5typesofwealth.com/#ambitiouskitchen #foodblogger #entrepreneur

Independent film producer Daren Smith is raising $10 million to produce ten movies over the next four years—and he’s doing it without flying 200 days a year or building a massive audience.In this coaching episode, Nathan helps Daren design two high-leverage flywheels to reach high-net-worth investors while maintaining full control of his time. You’ll learn how to craft a targeted outbound system, build a niche inbound engine with just 200 subscribers, and use systems thinking to raise millions without sacrificing your life.If you're raising capital, scaling creator income, or just want to get more done with less stress, this episode is for you.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction01:26 Meet Daren Smith: Film Producer & Author02:33 Why Writing Books Helped Him Raise Money06:30 Behind the Scenes of Producing a Feature Film10:29 Designing the $10M Film Fund Strategy13:14 Building a Fundraising Flywheel Without Burning Out15:03 Mapping the Outbound Sales Flywheel24:39 Measuring Flywheel Progress Weekly30:24 Avoiding the “Flywheel Stall” Trap34:39 Inbound Content Flywheel for Film Investors39:33 The Power of Niche, High-Intent Content42:55 Segmenting Investors vs Fans vs Filmmakers45:10 Using Conversations to Generate Content47:19 Tying Together Inbound and Outbound54:12 Using Content for Cold Outreach58:50 What Daren’s Doing NextIf you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, share it with friends, and leave a review. We read every one.Learn more about the podcast: https://nathanbarry.com/showFollow Nathan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanbarryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanbarryX: https://twitter.com/nathanbarryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenathanbarryshowWebsite: https://nathanbarry.comFollow Daren:Website: https://www.craftsmanfilms.coLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darentsmithX: https://twitter.com/theycallmedsFeatured in this episode:Craftsman Films: https://www.craftsmanfilms.coRightMessage: https://rightmessage.comKit: https://www.kit.comFathom: https://fathom.videoGrain: https://grain.comCreator Flywheels: https://www.creatorflywheels.com

Today I’m joined by Dustin Riechmann, founder of Seven Figure Leap, who reveals how podcast guesting became the engine behind his seven figure business.We dive deep into his journey from traffic engineer to thriving entrepreneur, and break down the exact framework that helped him scale his income and impact. You’ll learn how Dustin replaced traditional marketing with podcast guesting, why big shows aren’t the secret to growth, and how to turn interviews into clients with his 5 Ps system.This episode is a must-listen for service providers, coaches, and creators ready to build authority, land high-ticket clients, and drive sales through relationships—not ads.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction01:13 Meet Dustin Riechmann03:51 From Meat Sticks to Marketing08:00 Why Small Podcasts Outperform Big Ones10:26 A $100K Marketing Shortcut13:40 Inside Dustin’s $1M Business15:06 Offers, Pricing, and Scaling18:20 The 5 Ps Framework for Podcast Guesting21:19 What Most People Get Wrong26:01 The Warm Pitch Everyone Gets Wrong30:55 How to Perform in the Interview32:55 The Best Type of Call to Action35:01 The Guest List Strategy That Prints Money40:03 Live Coaching: Optimizing Nathan’s CTA43:18 The $3M Scaling Plan49:10 Why He’s Not Launching a Course52:25 Systems, Peace, and Focused Growth55:00 The Power of Referrals and PartnersIf you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with your friends, and leave us a review. We read every single one.Learn more about the podcast: https://nathanbarry.com/showFollow Nathan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanbarryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanbarryX: https://twitter.com/nathanbarryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenathanbarryshowWebsite: https://nathanbarry.comFollow Dustin:Website: https://7figureleap.com/playbookLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinriechmannInstagram: https://instagram.com/7figureleapcoachFeatured in this episode:Seven Figure Leap: https://7figureleap.comFireCreek Snacks: https://www.firecreeksnacks.comCreate & Sell (Nathan's newsletter): https://nathanbarry.com