Start 2026 strong with a handpicked collection of the best advice from this year's top moments! This episode is a treasure trove of actionable insights designed to elevate your business and personal growth. We've curated the moments that resonated most, offering practical strategies for everything from scaling your business and building a thriving community to mastering content creation and leveraging social media. Get ready to learn from the best and apply these game-changing lessons to achieve your goals this year!Timestamps:00:00 Introduction00:30 Dan Martell: The Buyback Loop for Capacity01:56 Transferring Tasks with the Camcorder Method04:05 Filling Your Calendar with High-Value Activities06:00 Mindset and Beliefs for Growth07:51 Chris Donnelly: The Cohort Model for Scaling11:16 The Scarcity Principle in Product Launches13:40 Jay Clouse: Building Small, Engaged Communities16:16 The Gold Standard of Community Building17:38 Pat Flynn: YouTube Shorts to a Million Subscribers19:14 The Power of Quantity Over Quality21:55 Nicole Burke: Instagram as a Storefront24:05 Creating Entertaining Content that Drives Shares26:49 Jefferson Fisher: Crafting Viral Reels Without a Script29:52 Testing and Refining Your Reel Content31:37 The Crucial First Three Seconds of a Reel33:10 Avoiding Subjective Content JudgmentIf 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.comKit: https://kit.comFeatured in this episode:Kit: https://www.kit.comHighlights:00:25 – Dan Martell's Capacity Buyback Loop04:25 – The Ladder of Success for Habits & Skills08:01 – Chris Donnelly's Cohort-Based Course Model13:44 – Building Small, Engaged Communities Effectively17:42 – Pat Flynn's YouTube Shorts Million Milestone21:55 – Nicole Burke on Instagram Storefront Strategy31:37 – Jefferson Fisher's Tips for Viral Reel Hooks
Many entrepreneurs and marketers feel like they've missed the boat on short-form video. The common thought: "That worked a few years ago, but it's too saturated now." But what if that's a myth? Colin Landforce, founder of Cut30, argues that with a unique perspective and consistent effort, anyone can achieve massive results, regardless of follower count. He's seen students with under 1,000 followers generate tens of thousands in revenue, proving you don't need millions of views to make a significant business impact. Colin reveals his three-step framework for taking short-form video seriously, alongside the critical role of hooks, and how to simplify your strategy to win big.Timestamps:00:00 Intro: The biggest opportunity in media01:14 Why short-form video is a generational opportunity02:26 Breaking the myth of saturation05:48 The power of small audiences10:48 Why founders should create their own short-form content12:50 The shift from side project to serious business14:39 Break the seal - just start17:08 How to make your first simple "one shot" video20:25 Learn the edit - basic chops in CapCut23:33 The importance of efficiency in short-form content29:26 Do it again tomorrow - consistency is key34:13 How to generate an endless supply of content ideas36:03 The three keys to a compelling hook37:41 The "everyone's been asking me" hook40:28 The impact of visual hooks beyond motorcycle crashes43:01 The power of props in visual hooks48:16 Brainstorming short-form content from this podcast episode50:45 Crafting a tight, efficient short-form video example54:51 Why short-form is Colin's primary driver for any businessIf 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.comKit: https://kit.comFollow Colin:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/landforceTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@landforce_LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinlandforceCut30: https://course.cut30.coWebsite: https://landforce.comFeatured in this episode:Kit: https://www.kit.comCut30: https://course.cut30.coHighlights:02:15 The myth of saturation in short-form video06:02 Small audience, huge business impact14:08 Short-form video: the biggest opportunity in media24:41 The accordion method for content efficiency32:36 Track inputs, not outputs, for personal growth52:12 Words to make your hook more efficient56:45 Localized algorithms for niche businesses
The secret to building a content machine that reaches millions, all without spending a dime on ads? According to Ryan Holiday, it starts with making content people actually want to consume. In this live interview from Austin, Texas, Ryan pulls back the curtain on how Daily Stoic went from an obscure philosophy discussed only in academia to a global phenomenon. From cultivating an audience one platform at a time to transforming a single piece of content into a multi-platform strategy, discover the counterintuitive lessons from a master of timeless ideas and modern media. This isn't just about stoicism; it's a masterclass in building a resilient, impactful career designed to stand the test of time.Timestamps:00:00 Building a timeless content machine02:17 Why ditch every ad and pivot to content?06:07 The power of algorithms and meeting your audience where they are08:27 Creating content you genuinely want to make10:49 The Marathon video and turning experiences into content13:26 Crafting a content flywheel that actually works16:46 How a team translates one piece of content across mediums20:09 What is a "pseudo event" and why do you need one?24:21 From ghost town to content goldmine28:47 Expanding your "set" beyond the studio32:50 The value of "certification" in content creation34:54 Lessons from Ghost Town Living's organic growth39:46 How content creation impacts your life and thinking42:36 Embracing different mediums, no matter your personal preference45:11 Writing as a lagging indicator of deep work and research47:53 Why AI can't replace the human touch in deep work51:38 The process behind "Conspiracy": a narrative nonfiction deep dive55:08 Parenting for wisdom: cultivating curiosity and deep dives1:01:11 Navigating demand when starting out1:05:06 Balancing art and commerce for long-term impact1:08:52 The freedom of a profitable business1:11:58 The ongoing challenge of disciplineIf 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.comKit: https://kit.comFollow Ryan:Website: https://ryanholiday.netX: https://twitter.com/ryanholidayInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanholidayLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanholidayDaily Stoic: https://dailystoic.comThe Painted Porch: https://paintedporch.comFeatured in this episode:Kit: https://www.kit.comThe Painted Porch: https://www.paintedporcomDaily Stoic: https://dailystoic.comDaily Dad: https://dailydad.comBackroad Ventures: https://www.backroad.coGhost Town Living: https://www.youtube.com/@GhostTownLivingKit Studios: https://kit.com/studiosHighlights:02:04 - From ads to in-house content creation07:03 - People finding Ryan through the "algorithm" for free12:25 - How one experience creates multiple content assets20:51 - How a tuna recipe went viral for Matthew McConaughey31:00 - The art of "certification" and making real life content come alive46:57 - Why physical note cards are crucial for deep work1:07:56 - Profit as permission to create more art
In this episode, I sit down with Dan Putt, my coach for the last six years, to explore the journey of building a company and the personal transformation that comes with it. We reflect on Kit's growth to over $50 million ARR and discuss the significant shifts in my leadership style, particularly moving from consensus-driven decision-making to confident clarity. Dan and I dive into the importance of identifying and separating reversible from one-way decisions, the power of embracing uncertainty, and the profound impact of connecting with your core "why." Viewers will gain insights into fostering personal growth, navigating leadership challenges, and building a mission-driven company that truly matters.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction02:10 Early bootcamp and Kit's growth04:02 Nathan at 29 vs. now06:15 Evolution of decision-making08:20 The "way that works" philosophy10:15 The difference between right and best decisions12:10 Coinbase's decision-making framework14:40 Clarity on decision timelines16:20 Defining options and decision-makers21:00 Impact of leadership on results22:55 Reconciling consensus and decisive leadership25:30 Building the muscle of making decisions28:40 Responsibility for positives and negatives30:10 Taking your seat as a leader32:45 The clarity of the boundary35:20 The single-axis fallacy37:40 The unchanging "why"43:10 The physics of money and audience46:00 Equipping people with tools and training49:00 Recentering on the mission51:00 Giving work real meaningIf 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.comKit: https://kit.comFollow Dan:Website: https://danputt.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danputtX: https://twitter.com/danputtReboot: https://reboot.ioFeatured in this episode:Kit: https://kit.comReboot: https://reboot.ioMedium: https://medium.com
In this episode, I sit down with Rob Jentsch, an education leader and consultant, to discuss his mission of providing remarkable education to more students globally. We dive deep into his journey from volunteer work in El Salvador to becoming a high school teacher, and then into management consulting, all driven by a desire to improve educational outcomes.Rob shares his current business model, which balances high-ticket consulting with a passion for serving smaller, impactful organizations. We explore strategies for him to scale his impact, build an online presence, productize his services, and optimize his time through a powerful "flywheel" approach, all while maintaining his commitment to his family and personal well-being. Viewers will learn about user-centered design in curriculum, effective strategies for growing an online audience, and how to balance purpose-driven work with business growth.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction02:10 Rob's transformational experience04:09 Obsession with high-quality education access12:40 Rob's business journey and desire for change14:40 Shifting from workaholism to more time with family16:01 Current business revenue and growth26:40 Productizing services to scale impact29:27 Standardizing offers and cohort-based learning32:45 The challenge of onboarding superintendents36:58 Setting boundaries for optimal impact41:40 The power of high standards and belief44:10 Fueling content from client insights46:12 Choosing LinkedIn as the primary platform54:15 Creating a feedback loop for content56:29 The art of reposting successful content58:30 Promotion strategies: comments, partners, email lists1:01:05 The virtuous cycle of the flywheel1:03:00 Iterating and measuring the flywheel1:05:00 Key takeaways and future plans1:07:05 The power of sequential skill-buildingIf 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.comKit: https://kit.comFollow Rob:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-jentschWebsite: https://adgneducation.orgFeatured in this episode:Kit: https://kit.comGrowthTools: http://growthtools.comADGN Education: https://adgneducation.org
In this episode, I sit down with Bill Burnett & Dave Evans, Stanford Design Professors and best-selling authors, to discuss how they've helped millions rethink their careers and purpose through their "Design Your Life" framework. We dive into the surprising journey developing their best-selling book, the core principles of "design thinking" applied to life, and the critical role of understanding human needs. Later, we get tactical, breaking down their ambitious goal to reach 10 million people with their new book, "How to Live a Meaningful Life," and explore effective strategies for leveraging communities, media, and digital platforms for impactful book promotion.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction02:00 Two essential ingredients for a meaningful life04:23 What we do at Stanford07:28 Coaching is a trend10:13 Why plans don't work for life design12:22 There is more aliveness in you than one life15:41 From FOMO to JOMO19:45 How to prototype your life choices24:00 How to choose when there are too many opportunities28:28 From Star Wars toys to Apple32:20 From Mechanical Engineer to Electronic Arts36:11 Making your life a beautiful experience39:09 The simplicity of building a meaningful life42:06 Responding to a deep longing46:11 Leadership and authenticity48:41 Goal for the new book53:23 Lessons from wildly successful books57:00 Inspirations for book promotion1:01:46 The flywheel of reviews1:05:13 Unfair advantages in book promotion1:10:51 Connecting with students and educators1:16:30 The power of mass mediaIf 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 Bill:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-burnett-4225401Website: https://designingyour.lifeBook: https://designingyour.life/how-to-live-a-meaningful-lifeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.art.shadowsInstagram (shared): https://www.instagram.com/fullyalive_bydesignYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@designingyourlifethebookmo6856Follow Dave:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-evans-62148Website: https://designingyour.lifeBook: https://designingyour.life/how-to-live-a-meaningful-lifeInstagram (shared): https://www.instagram.com/fullyalive_bydesignYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@designingyourlifethebookmo6856To get weekly tools and ideas to design a meaningful life, sign up for Bill and Dave's newsletter Fully Alive, by Design at https://designingyour.life/newsletterFeatured in this episode:Kit: https://www.kit.comDesigning Your Life: https://designingyour.lifeHow to Live a Meaningful Life: https://designingyourlife.com/how-to-live-a-meaningful-life
In this episode, I sit down with Nicole Burke, founder of Gardenary, to unpack her dynamic strategy for building a 7-figure brand primarily through short-form visual content. Nicole shares exactly how she leverages Instagram to generate millions of views and drive revenue, all while embracing her identity as a business owner who leverages social media, not just an influencer. We dive deep into her content methodology, breaking down the essential categories of reels—entertain, educate, showcase, and invite—and how each contributes to a robust growth and sales funnel.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction02:11 Growing a Service Business with Instagram04:08 Scaling a Garden Design Business06:26 Transitioning to Digital and Diversifying Revenue08:24 The Showcasing Strategy: Content Creators & Authenticity10:04 Breaking Down Gardenary: Education, E-commerce, & Certification12:57 The Instagram Storefront Analogy16:26 Leveraging Algorithms: The Share Button's Power19:07 Educational Content: Answering FAQs & Tracking Saves22:31 Showcase Content: Inspiring with Results & Aspiration26:00 The "Invite": Making the Ask Effectively28:01 The Magic of Automation: From Comments to Conversions32:26 Free Ad Experimentation with Organic Content36:20 Crafting Engaging Content: Relatable Pain Points & Humor41:17 Nicole's Metrics for Content Success45:10 Instagram's Content Funnel: Reels, Posts, Carousels, Stories52:19 Stories for Direct Sales & Community Engagement56:51 Six Types of Videos Anyone Can Make1:02:13 The Face-to-Camera Hack: Conquering the Fear1:06:51 The Power of Documentary-Style VideoIf 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 Nicole:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heynicoleburkeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-johnsey-burke-136628154Website: https://heynicoleburke.comGardenary's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gardenarycoGardenary's Website: https://www.gardenary.comFeatured in this episode:Kit: https://www.kit.comGardenary: https://www.gardenary.com
In this episode, I sit down with Eric Rhodes, DJ and content creator with over 3 million followers, to discuss how to monetize his massive audience beyond traditional events. Eric shares his journey from professional DJ to viral social media sensation and explores the challenges of earning revenue when much of his content features copyrighted music.We brainstorm two main paths for monetization: deepening engagement with music fans, and serving a specific niche of aspiring DJs. We dive into strategies for segmenting his audience, developing high-value lead magnets, and creating educational products like courses or masterminds, all while maintaining control over his time and balancing his passion for DJing with his family life.Timestamps:01:21 Eric's Social Media Following Breakdown03:00 The Start of Eric's Online Content Creation05:07 Key Factors in Eric's Rapid YouTube Growth08:44 The Importance of Feedback in Content Creation10:48 Using Negative Feedback for Improvement13:38 Eric's Current Business Revenue and Breakdown16:35 The Trade-offs of Reduced Travel and Events19:40 Segmenting the Audience: Fans vs. DJs27:07 The "Skill That Makes Money" Framework32:00 Strategies for Patreon Growth and Fan Engagement46:17 High-Ticket Offers and Masterminds54:10 Using Lead Magnets for DJ Audience Growth01:03:55 The Value of Packaging Knowledge into a Course01:10:15 Next Steps for Building a DJ Education BusinessIf 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 Eric Rhodes:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djericrhodesWebsite: https://theericrhodes.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNqLnC4Mc6nGY1ad-aLxxqwTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@djericrhodesFeatured in this episode:Kit: https://www.kit.comAmpersand Studios: https://ampersandstudios.coPatreon: https://www.patreon.comSitePoint: https://www.sitepoint.comWhisper: https://github.com/openai/whisperChatGPT: https://chat.openai.com
In this episode, I sit down with Jay Singh, founder of Casper Studios, to explore how AI voice agents are transforming how we create, communicate, and collect information.We dive into how Jay helped Kit’s team automate workflows with voice-based AI, why voice will soon replace typing entirely, and how creators can use tools like Whisper Flow and ElevenLabs to turn ideas into finished content faster. Jay also gives a live demo, showing exactly how to build a working AI voice agent from scratch.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction01:10 Hitting a $2M run rate with AI implementation03:34 How Kit’s team uses AI to build internal tools05:11 Building an automation culture with AI education06:48 Why voice will replace typing09:21 The Apple example and how voice got good again12:16 Why speaking first creates more authentic content18:52 The power of transcripts as creative building blocks22:06 Using voice to collect team insights and automate discovery26:22 Live demo: building a working AI voice agent33:02 Setting guardrails and testing your AI agent40:24 How creators can integrate voice feedback loops47:48 How AI changes human interaction and trust50:01 Practical next steps for creators using voice54:15 Final takeaways and what’s next for Casper StudiosIf 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:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaysingh10125X: https://x.com/JSingh_08Website: https://casperstudios.xyzFeatured in this episode:Casper Studios: https://casperstudios.xyzKit: https://www.kit.comElevenLabs: https://elevenlabs.ioWispr Flow: https://wisprflow.ai
In this episode, I sit down with Jessica Miller, business strategist and founder of Jessica Miller Coaching, to uncover four keys that will help you unlock $100K in hidden profit inside your existing business.Jessica shares how to identify the “Hell Yes” offer that energizes you and your audience, simple add-ons and bundles that boost profit instantly, and how to reactivate past clients and turn referrals into a predictable growth system. We also dive into real client examples—from $80-an-hour coaches turning into $30K earners, to brick-and-mortar shops doubling revenue overnight.If you want to find the hidden money already inside your business, this episode is your roadmap.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction01:10 Jessica’s journey from pharmacist to business strategist04:11 Leaving corporate after a health crisis and starting over06:19 Why so many entrepreneurs struggle with profit08:21 The key to more profit is doing better, not more09:17 The first lever: creating your “Hell Yes” offer13:25 How pricing and positioning change everything17:16 Client example: the concert pianist who sold $30K in six weeks21:41 Turning a low-ticket membership into a $120K cohort program24:26 The second lever: add-ons and bundles30:29 How tiered pricing can 2–3x your income34:10 The third lever: reactivation—selling to warm leads again37:46 The candle bar business that grew 76% year-over-year43:10 The hidden cost of your energy and how to optimize it46:54 Capturing contact info to reactivate clients53:31 The fourth lever: referrals and the “plus one” SOP59:10 Building referral systems into your business01:03:00 Measuring results and optimizing every flywheel01:10:00 Jessica’s worksheet to uncover hidden profitIf 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 Jessica:Jessica's Free Worksheet : https://jessicamillercoaching.com/nathanWebsite: https://www.jessicamillercoaching.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicadioguardimillerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-miller-coaching-growth-consultantFeatured in this episode:Jessica's Free Worksheet : https://jessicamillercoaching.com/nathanJessica Miller Coaching: https://www.jessicamillercoaching.comKit: https://www.kit.com
In this episode, I sit down with Erin Green, founder of Audacious Labs, to break down how to design a course that actually changes behavior.Erin spent 15 years inside agencies building programs for IKEA, Google, and Amazon before developing her framework for turning expertise into transformative learning experiences. We dive deep into what makes most courses flop, how to create real outcomes for students, and how to use AI to design and validate better programs faster.If you’re building a course or product that needs to deliver real results, this episode will show you exactly how to do it.Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 02:45 Why most courses fail to create results 07:31 The five stages of Hook to Habit: Hook, Start, Build, Flow, Habit 11:22 Creating easy wins to build momentum 14:30 Feedback loops and building confidence 17:57 Flow and skill mastery 24:22 Using behavioral design to make learning stick 31:09 The power of pre-selling and running workshops 35:23 Designing your learning journey backwards 39:55 The importance of bad examples in learning 43:14 Why confidence comes before competence 47:32 Designing opportunities for practice and feedback 56:19 Using AI to organize and refine your ideas 01:04:37 Choosing the right platform and testing small 01:13:00 The biggest mistake course creators makeIf 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/nathanbarry LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanbarry X: https://twitter.com/nathanbarry YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenathanbarryshow Website: https://nathanbarry.comFollow Erin: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/er-green Website: https://www.audaciouslabs.ioFeatured in this episode: Audacious Labs: https://www.audaciouslabs.io Kit: https://www.kit.comHighlights: 09:12 – Why your competition isn’t other courses, it’s Netflix 14:30 – Building confidence through feedback loops 24:22 – Behavioral design tactics that make learning stick 56:19 – How to use AI to refine and structure your course ideas
In this special episode, I sit down with my friend Frannie Wilson to interview her for my new book "The Ladders of Wealth. We explore her journey of running Ampersand Studios for over 16 years and how she’s reinventing her business after buying out her longtime partner.Instead of having the conversation over a cup of coffee, we decided to record one in the studio instead. We dive into what it takes to scale an agency without burning out, why delegating fulfillment is critical, and how Frannie is using systems, subcontractors, and culture-building to position her team for growth. She shares lessons from managing people, creating replicable offers, and handling the challenges of sales, client retention, and leadership.If you’re navigating the leap from founder-doer to CEO—or building a creative agency that lasts—this episode is packed with insights.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction01:15 Frannie’s 16-year journey with Ampersand04:00 Buying out her business partner and reinventing07:05 Balancing recurring revenue and one-off projects10:30 Delegating fulfillment and avoiding bottlenecks13:55 Building systems and hiring contractors17:30 The role of values and culture in small teams22:10 Lessons from managing people and avoiding drama27:30 Productizing services vs. custom work33:00 Smarter hiring with test projects39:30 Landing and qualifying clients the right way52:30 Retaining clients and handling tough situations59:45 Final reflections and adviceIf 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 Frannie:Instagram (personal): https://www.instagram.com/frannie_packLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frannie-wilsonAmpersand Studios (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/ampersand_studiosAmpersand Studios (Website): https://ampersand-studios.comFeatured in this episode:Ampersand Studios (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/ampersand_studiosAmpersand Studios: https://ampersand-studios.com/
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