YouTube Creators Hub

James Hayes launched his YouTube channel "Dad Mode in Dark Mode" in March 2025 and grew it to nearly 50,000 subscribers in under a year. He covers fatherhood, masculinity, and hard truths for men — philosophical, not ranty. He's monetizing through consulting, a $3/minute call service, and ebook sales bringing in $4–5K/month before AdSense (best AdSense month: $3,400). About James: James Hayes is the creator of the YouTube channel Dad Mode In Dark Mode, where he explores fatherhood, masculinity, and modern life through philosophy and real-world experience. After launching the channel in March 2025, he quickly grew it to nearly 50,000 subscribers with longform, story-driven commentary. He also works with men through private coaching and consulting and is the author of Dark Mode Protocol: The Survival Guide for Men the World Can't Control. Connect With James: YouTube Channel /// eBook What We Offer Creators Join Creator Communities. A place to gather with other creators every single day. This provides access to Our Private Discord Server, Monthly Mastermind Group, and MORE! Hire Dusty To Be Your YouTube Coach YouTube Channel Reviews (Audit): Get a 7-10 minute personalized video review of your YouTube channel with honest, actionable feedback for just $50. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: Each week I document what I'm doing in my business and creative journey, share new things I've discovered, mistakes I've made, and much more! All Tools Mentioned On The Show: The Ultimate Entrepreneurs Resource. This is the spreadsheet where I keep all of the tools mentioned by all the guests on the podcast. Follow The Show: Facebook /// X /// YouTube /// Instagram Timestamps:

My guy Nick Nimmin is back on the show and we're getting into the stuff that actually matters for your channel in 2026. We talk about why most creators never grow (hint: it starts with clarity), the recommendation system vs. search debate, how to "double dip" your content for both, why you're sleeping on Shorts and community posts, and an analytics trick that changed my entire content strategy. Whether you're at 100 subs or 10K, this one's for you. About Nick: Nick Nimmin is one of the internet's top YouTube growth experts, running one of the largest YouTube education channels and live streams. He's the founder of TuberSchool, where he coaches creators on clarity, content strategy, and channel growth. Nick has been teaching YouTube for over 15 years. Connect With Nick: YouTube Channel What We Offer Creators Join Creator Communities. A place to gather with other creators every single day. This provides access to Our Private Discord Server, Monthly Mastermind Group, and MORE! Hire Dusty To Be Your YouTube Coach YouTube Channel Reviews (Audit): Get a 7-10 minute personalized video review of your YouTube channel with honest, actionable feedback for just $50. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: Each week I document what I'm doing in my business and creative journey, share new things I've discovered, mistakes I've made, and much more! All Tools Mentioned On The Show: The Ultimate Entrepreneurs Resource. This is the spreadsheet where I keep all of the tools mentioned by all the guests on the podcast. Follow The Show: Facebook /// X /// YouTube /// Instagram Timestamps: 0:00 — Intro & Setting the Stage 1:30 — What Creators Get Wrong Today (That They Also Got Wrong 10 Years Ago) 5:15 — The Expectation Trap: Why Creators Quit 6:30 — How Nick Helps Creators Through TuberSchool 7:00 — The Power of Audience Clarity (Finance Channel Example) 9:45 — How YouTube's Algorithm Punishes Unfocused Channels 10:00 — The Pilot Who Found His Niche After 50 12:00 — Can You Niche Down TOO Much? (The Omaha Real Estate Example) 14:30 — Don't Climb the Ladder on the Wrong Building 16:00 — What's Changed About YouTube That Creators Underestimate 16:20 — YouTube Shorts: Not Throwaway Content (41% Faster Growth) 18:00 — Community Posts: The Feature Nobody Uses Enough 18:30 — AI Content Flooding YouTube & What It Means for You 20:00 — Dusty's Short-Form Experiment & $4K Brand Deal 21:30 — YouTube Shopping Affiliate Program for Shorts 22:00 — Common YouTube Advice That Actually HURTS Creators 22:30 — Search vs. Recommendation: Where Views Really Come From 24:00 — The "Double Dipping" Strategy Explained 27:00 — The MX Master Mouse Example: Reframing Topics for Browse 29:00 — Biggest Growth Lever for Creators Stuck at 1K–10K Subs 30:00 — First 30 Seconds: Where Most Creators Blow It 30:30 — YouTube's Grouping Feature in Advanced Analytics (How-To) 34:00 — Dusty's Prize Picks Case Study: Following the Data 37:00 — Rapid Fire: Nick's Favorite Channels 39:00 — Nick's Indispensable Tool & His Take on AI Scripts 41:00 — Outro: Mastermind, Basically AI Podcast,

From a $12 first paycheck to quitting a six-figure corporate job. Clint from Tool Review Zone shares the raw, unfiltered truth about building a nearly 400K subscriber YouTube channel in the tool niche. We dig into how he accidentally started his channel through Amazon and Home Depot reviews, why he refuses brand deals he doesn't believe in, the real revenue breakdown of a product review channel, and why YouTube Shorts might actually be hurting your long-form content. About Clint: My name is Clint and I started the Tool Review Zone Channel around six years ago, and now do this full time as a career Connect With Clint: YouTube Channel What We Offer Creators Join Creator Communities. A place to gather with other creators every single day. This provides access to Our Private Discord Server, Monthly Mastermind Group, and MORE! Hire Dusty To Be Your YouTube Coach YouTube Channel Reviews (Audit): Get a 7-10 minute personalized video review of your YouTube channel with honest, actionable feedback for just $50. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: Each week I document what I'm doing in my business and creative journey, share new things I've discovered, mistakes I've made, and much more! All Tools Mentioned On The Show: The Ultimate Entrepreneurs Resource. This is the spreadsheet where I keep all of the tools mentioned by all the guests on the podcast. Follow The Show: Facebook /// X /// YouTube /// Instagram Timestamps: 0:00 — Clint's $12 First YouTube Paycheck (Cold Open) 0:25 — Welcome & Intro to Clint from Tool Review Zone 1:17 — The Accidental Origin Story: Amazon Reviews to YouTube 3:50 — The Moment He Knew YouTube Could Be Something More 4:47 — Quitting a Six-Figure Corporate Job for YouTube 5:45 — Niching Down: Why Sticking to Your Lane Matters 7:00 — The Tribalism Problem in Niche Content 8:20 — His Honest Take on YouTube Shorts (He Hates Them) 9:50 — How Shorts Subscribers Hurt Long-Form Performance 10:38 — SEO Strategy: Why He Stopped Playing the SEO Game 12:40 — Thumbnail & Packaging Evolution: Keep It Mysterious 14:44 — Full Monetization Breakdown: Ad Revenue & Affiliates 16:44 — YouTube Shopping Affiliate: The Revenue Stream Creators Are Sleeping On 18:07 — Mid-Roll Ad Break: Creator Hub Services 18:30 — External Links vs. YouTube Shopping Cart 19:15 — Off-Platform Strategy: TikTok, Instagram & Facebook 20:18 — What He'd Do Differently If Starting YouTube Today 21:45 — What's Next for Tool Review Zone 23:28 — He Does Everything Himself (No Team, No Editor) 24:17 — On-Camera Confidence: From Hyperventilating to Natural 25:50 — Parting Words: Don't Listen to Haters, Make a Creator Friend 29:10 — Outro & How to Connect

Ben Zino started filming wildlife in his backyard at 15 years old — no car, no fancy gear, just a passion for conservation. Nearly a decade later, his channel The Wild Report has grown to 80,000 subscribers and 300 videos, all while working a full-time job. Whether you're a wildlife creator or not, Ben's approach to storytelling, packaging, and staying passionate will resonate with any creator building on the side. About Ben: Ben Zino is a conservation biologist and environmental educator with a passion for getting people excited about the amazing wildlife that we share this planet with! His content brand, The Wild Report, focuses on inspiring viewers to get outside and engage with local green spaces and conservation efforts. Connect With Ben: YouTube Channel What We Offer Creators Join Creator Communities. A place to gather with other creators every single day. This provides access to Our Private Discord Server, Monthly Mastermind Group, and MORE! Hire Dusty To Be Your YouTube Coach YouTube Channel Reviews (Audit): Get a 7-10 minute personalized video review of your YouTube channel with honest, actionable feedback for just $50. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: Each week I document what I'm doing in my business and creative journey, share new things I've discovered, mistakes I've made, and much more! All Tools Mentioned On The Show: The Ultimate Entrepreneurs Resource. This is the spreadsheet where I keep all of the tools mentioned by all the guests on the podcast. Follow The Show: Facebook /// X /// YouTube /// Instagram Timestamps: 0:00 — The unpredictability of filming wildlife 0:30 — Intro: Meet Ben Zino from The Wild Report 2:00 — How The Wild Report started at age 15 4:00 — How the channel has evolved over a decade 6:30 — Planning trips & being sought out by researchers 8:00 — How YouTube has changed in the wildlife space 11:00 — On-location filming tips: always get more B-roll 13:00 — Time management as a part-time creator 15:30 — Improving storytelling: the thesis statement method 17:30 — Example: copperhead snake thesis statement 18:30 — Evolving on-camera presence: teacher vs. fact presenter 20:00 — Ben's minimal filming kit & tools 22:00 — Authenticity & transparency on YouTube in 2026 22:45 — Monetization: seasonal income & creative freedom 25:30 — What Ben wishes he learned sooner 27:00 — The importance of packaging & ethical thumbnails 29:30 — Final advice: keep your content ecosystem vibrant

In this episode, Dusty sits down with Thomas Gojkovich, the creator behind Thomas Custom Woodworks, a thriving YouTube channel with over 161,000 subscribers. Thomas shares his incredible journey from being a full-time PE teacher with zero woodworking experience to building a successful online business centered around workshop furniture and woodworking education. What We Offer Creators Join Creator Communities. A place to gather with other creators every single day. This provides access to Our Private Discord Server, Monthly Mastermind Group, and MORE! Hire Dusty To Be Your YouTube Coach YouTube Channel Reviews (Audit): Get a 7-10 minute personalized video review of your YouTube channel with honest, actionable feedback for just $50. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: Each week I document what I'm doing in my business and creative journey, share new things I've discovered, mistakes I've made, and much more! All Tools Mentioned On The Show: The Ultimate Entrepreneurs Resource. This is the spreadsheet where I keep all of the tools mentioned by all the guests on the podcast. Follow The Show: Facebook /// X /// YouTube /// Instagram About Thomas: Thomas is a woodworking content creator who went from zero woodworking experience to building a thriving YouTube channel and online business in just five years. A former full-time PE teacher and continuing personal trainer, Thomas now helps beginner and intermediate woodworkers build professional-quality workshop furniture through his digital plans, YouTube tutorials, and upcoming online course. Connect With Thomas: YouTube Channel /// Woodworking Academy Course

In this episode, Dusty sits down with Ryan Brutt, the creator behind Auto Archeology, a YouTube channel dedicated to uncovering rare and forgotten cars in barns, garages, and yards across America. Ryan shares his unique journey from accidental car enthusiast to successful content creator, discussing how one chance encounter with a buried 1971 Plymouth Cuda changed his life forever. What We Offer Creators Join Creator Communities. A place to gather with other creators every single day. This provides access to Our Private Discord Server, Monthly Mastermind Group, and MORE! Hire Dusty To Be Your YouTube Coach YouTube Channel Reviews (Audit): Get a 7-10 minute personalized video review of your YouTube channel with honest, actionable feedback for just $50. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: Each week I document what I'm doing in my business and creative journey, share new things I've discovered, mistakes I've made, and much more! All Tools Mentioned On The Show: The Ultimate Entrepreneurs Resource. This is the spreadsheet where I keep all of the tools mentioned by all the guests on the podcast. Follow The Show: Facebook /// X /// YouTube /// Instagram About Ryan: I'm an automotive archaeologist, I go and dig up cool old cars in all sorts of neglected situations. Connect With Ryan: Facebook /// Youtube /// Instagram

In this episode, Dusty sits down with Clayton Morris, former Fox News anchor turned independent journalist with nearly 3 million YouTube subscribers on his channel Redacted News. Clayton shares the complete journey of building one of YouTube's most successful independent news channels, including surviving platform bans, navigating YouTube's shifting terms of service, and adapting to the evolving creator landscape. What We Offer Creators Join Creator Communities. A place to gather with other creators every single day. This provides access to Our Private Discord Server, Monthly Mastermind Group, and MORE! Hire Dusty To Be Your YouTube Coach YouTube Channel Reviews (Audit): Get a 7-10 minute personalized video review of your YouTube channel with honest, actionable feedback for just $50. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: Each week I document what I'm doing in my business and creative journey, share new things I've discovered, mistakes I've made, and much more! All Tools Mentioned On The Show: The Ultimate Entrepreneurs Resource. This is the spreadsheet where I keep all of the tools mentioned by all the guests on the podcast. Follow The Show: Facebook /// X /// YouTube /// Instagram About Clayton: Clayton Morris is a former Fox News anchor turned independent journalist. He owns multiple YouTube channels including his nearly 3 million subscriber channel known as Redacted News. Connect With Clayton: YouTube Channel /// Gaming YouTube Channel

In this episode, I sit down with Chase Christopher, a firefighter, DIY builder, adventurer, and soon-to-be dad, who's grown a YouTube channel approaching 80,000 subscribers with fewer than 150 videos. Chase breaks down how his channel evolved from outdoor/camping content into DIY home projects and travel, how he improved his on-camera confidence, and how he handles the "outside noise" that stops most creators before they ever get momentum. What We Offer Creators Join Creator Communities. A place to gather with other creators every single day. This provides access to Our Private Discord Server, Monthly Mastermind Group, and MORE! Hire Dusty To Be Your YouTube Coach YouTube Channel Reviews (Audit): Get a 7-10 minute personalized video review of your YouTube channel with honest, actionable feedback for just $50. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: Each week I document what I'm doing in my business and creative journey, share new things I've discovered, mistakes I've made, and much more! All Tools Mentioned On The Show: The Ultimate Entrepreneurs Resource. This is the spreadsheet where I keep all of the tools mentioned by all the guests on the podcast. Follow The Show: Facebook /// X /// YouTube /// Instagram About Chase: I'm just a regular dude, firefighter, DIY'er, adventurer and soon to be Dad. My goal is to help people live more intentional and adventurous lifestyles, making the most of the situation they're in. Connect With Chase: YouTube Channel /// Instagram

Steph, from the Hopewell Heights YouTube channel shares how she grew a lifestyle + homesteading channel to nearly 160K subscribers using simple tools, smart monetization, and strong boundaries. We talk sponsorships, YouTube ad revenue, affiliate income, blogging with Mediavine, and why diversifying your income (online and offline) matters more than ever. What We Offer Creators Join Creator Communities. A place to gather with other creators every single day. This provides access to Our Private Discord Server, Monthly Mastermind Group, and MORE! Hire Dusty To Be Your YouTube Coach YouTube Channel Reviews (Audit): Get a 7-10 minute personalized video review of your YouTube channel with honest, actionable feedback for just $50. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: Each week I document what I'm doing in my business and creative journey, share new things I've discovered, mistakes I've made, and much more! All Tools Mentioned On The Show: The Ultimate Entrepreneurs Resource. This is the spreadsheet where I keep all of the tools mentioned by all the guests on the podcast. Follow The Show: Facebook /// X /// YouTube /// Instagram About Steph: I'm Steph, a Catholic mom of 5 living on a 5th-generation farm & homestead and the creator behind the food blog and YouTube channel Homemaking Hopewell Heights. Connect With Steph: YouTube Channel /// Instagram

In this episode of the YouTube Creators Hub Podcast, I do my weekly goals show. I talk about setting goals for your YouTube channel and your business. If you are wanting to start, grow, or monetize your channel, this is the podcast for you! What We Offer Creators Join Creator Communities. A place to gather with other creators every single day. This provides access to Our Private Discord Server, Monthly Mastermind Group, and MORE! Hire Dusty To Be Your YouTube Coach YouTube Channel Reviews (Audit): Get a 7-10 minute personalized video review of your YouTube channel with honest, actionable feedback for just $50. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: Each week I document what I'm doing in my business and creative journey, share new things I've discovered, mistakes I've made, and much more! All Tools Mentioned On The Show: The Ultimate Entrepreneurs Resource. This is the spreadsheet where I keep all of the tools mentioned by all the guests on the podcast.

In this episode of the YouTube Creators Hub Podcast, I'm joined by Christine Blosdale, known as the Expert Authority Coach—who helps entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and creators become the go-to voice in their industry. We break down how to find what makes you unique, overcome imposter syndrome, build real authority in a crowded creator space, and start monetizing your brand through coaching, content, speaking, courses, and community. Christine also shares powerful mindset shifts for creators who feel invisible, undervalued, or stuck in a growth rut. What We Offer Creators Join Creator Communities. A place to gather with other creators every single day. This provides access to Our Private Discord Server, Monthly Mastermind Group, and MORE! Hire Dusty To Be Your YouTube Coach YouTube Channel Reviews (Audit): Get a 7-10 minute personalized video review of your YouTube channel with honest, actionable feedback for just $50. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: Each week I document what I'm doing in my business and creative journey, share new things I've discovered, mistakes I've made, and much more! All Tools Mentioned On The Show: The Ultimate Entrepreneurs Resource. This is the spreadsheet where I keep all of the tools mentioned by all the guests on the podcast. Follow The Show: Facebook /// X /// YouTube /// Instagram About Christine: Christine Blosdale, The Expert Authority Coach™, is a five-time #1 bestselling author, award-winning broadcaster, and host of The Expert Authority Coach Podcast. With 25+ years in personal branding, magnetic marketing, and multimedia, she helps entrepreneurs, coaches, authors, and thought leaders become the go-to authority in their niche. A former content creator for America Online and Microsoft, Christine blends media savvy with simple, fun, and highly effective coaching that gets real results. Connect With Christine: Website

In this episode of the YouTube Creators Hub Podcast, Dusty Porter interviews Dr. Lora Shahine, a fertility doctor and YouTube creator. They discuss Laura's journey into content creation, the importance of educating patients through social media, and the power of YouTube as a platform for long-form educational content. Laura shares her experiences with consistency, community building, and the challenges of balancing her medical career with content creation. The conversation also touches on monetization strategies, the significance of metrics, and the differences between short-form and long-form content. Lora emphasizes the importance of purpose in content creation and offers valuable advice for aspiring creators. What We Offer Creators Join Creator Communities. A place to gather with other creators every single day. This provides access to Our Private Discord Server, Monthly Mastermind Group, and MORE! Hire Dusty To Be Your YouTube Coach YouTube Channel Reviews (Audit): Get a 7-10 minute personalized video review of your YouTube channel with honest, actionable feedback for just $50. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: Each week I document what I'm doing in my business and creative journey, share new things I've discovered, mistakes I've made, and much more! All Tools Mentioned On The Show: The Ultimate Entrepreneurs Resource. This is the spreadsheet where I keep all of the tools mentioned by all the guests on the podcast. Follow The Show: Facebook /// X /// YouTube /// Instagram About Lora: Lora Shahine, MD, FACOG, double board certified in reproductive endocrinology and infertility as well as obstetrics and gynecology, completed her fellowship at Stanford University and residency at the University of California at San Francisco. She has practiced at Pacific NW Fertility in Seattle since 2009 and has teaching appointments at both the University of Washinton and Swedish Hospital. Author, speaker, and educator, Dr. Shahine reaches millions monthly across social media platforms as a content creator including YoutTube and as host of the 'Brave and Curious' podcast. Connect With Lora: Website /// YouTube Channel

This week, Dusty sits down with Phil Wells, the real estate creator behind some of YouTube's most cinematic luxury property tours. In less than two years, Phil expanded from selling homes in NYC to showcasing castles, villas, and penthouses across the globe, all powered by his YouTube channel. What We Offer Creators Join Creator Communities. A place to gather with other creators every single day. This provides access to Our Private Discord Server, Monthly Mastermind Group, and MORE! Hire Dusty To Be Your YouTube Coach YouTube Channel Reviews (Audit): Get a 7-10 minute personalized video review of your YouTube channel with honest, actionable feedback for just $50. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: Each week I document what I'm doing in my business and creative journey, share new things I've discovered, mistakes I've made, and much more! All Tools Mentioned On The Show: The Ultimate Entrepreneurs Resource. This is the spreadsheet where I keep all of the tools mentioned by all the guests on the podcast. Follow The Show: Facebook /// X /// YouTube /// Instagram About Phil: Through his YouTube channel—which in less than two years has grown to over 150,000 long-form organic views each month—Phil Wells has expanded his real estate practice from Manhattan and Brooklyn into a truly global business. His cinematic tours of castles, estates, and architecturally significant homes now generate inquiries from buyers and sellers all around the world, leading to successful transactions both in the USA and internationally. Connect With Phil: YouTube Channel

This week's episode is a special one — our annual deep-dive into the state of YouTube with my good friends Nick and Dee Nimmin. We've been doing this conversation since 2019, and somehow every year the platform becomes more exciting, more unpredictable, and more full of opportunity for creators. What We Offer Creators Join Creator Communities. A place to gather with other creators every single day. This provides access to Our Private Discord Server, Monthly Mastermind Group, and MORE! Hire Dusty To Be Your YouTube Coach YouTube Channel Reviews (Audit): Get a 7-10 minute personalized video review of your YouTube channel with honest, actionable feedback for just $50. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: Each week I document what I'm doing in my business and creative journey, share new things I've discovered, mistakes I've made, and much more! All Tools Mentioned On The Show: The Ultimate Entrepreneurs Resource. This is the spreadsheet where I keep all of the tools mentioned by all the guests on the podcast. Follow The Show: Facebook /// X /// YouTube /// Instagram About Dee: I help new creators grow and succeed on YouTube. My videos will show you how to build confidence on camera, master video editing, create eye-catching thumbnails, use the best creative tools, live stream, and grow your channel. About Nick: Nick Nimmin helps you grow on YouTube by sharing YouTube tips and tools to help you get more views, subscribers and make money on YouTube. Connect With Dee: YouTube Channel Connect With Nick: YouTube Channel

In this powerful conversation, Alexa shares how she went from architect to multi-six-figure YouTube entrepreneur and the mindset shifts that changed everything. We break down niching, monetization, high-ticket coaching, overcoming fear, and what actually works on YouTube in 2025. If you're ready to grow faster with clarity and confidence, this episode is a must-listen. What We Offer Creators Join Creator Communities. A place to gather with other creators every single day. This provides access to Our Private Discord Server, Monthly Mastermind Group, and MORE! Hire Dusty To Be Your YouTube Coach YouTube Channel Reviews (Audit): Get a 7-10 minute personalized video review of your YouTube channel with honest, actionable feedback for just $50. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: Each week I document what I'm doing in my business and creative journey, share new things I've discovered, mistakes I've made, and much more! All Tools Mentioned On The Show: The Ultimate Entrepreneurs Resource. This is the spreadsheet where I keep all of the tools mentioned by all the guests on the podcast. Follow The Show: Facebook /// X /// YouTube /// Instagram About Alexa: Alexa Saarenoja is a YouTube strategist and business mentor who turned a layoff into a multi–six-figure brand in just over a year. After getting monetized on YouTube in just ten weeks, she built a thriving ecosystem of courses, coaching programs, and a global creator community with over 8,000 members. Today, Alexa helps purpose-driven entrepreneurs grow personal brands, master YouTube, and build profitable online businesses that align with their deeper mission. Connect With Alexa: YouTube Channel /// Website

Mario from Adventure Gear TV joins the show to share how he grew a highly engaged audience of 117K+ subscribers by niching down, staying consistent, and keeping his workflow simple. We break down the dangers of viral shorts, how to know when to start a second channel, and the importance of branding that actually serves your audience. If you're a creator looking for clarity, direction, and a sustainable path forward, this episode is loaded with gems. What We Offer Creators Join Creator Communities. A place to gather with other creators every single day. This provides access to Our Private Discord Server, Monthly Mastermind Group, and MORE! Hire Dusty To Be Your YouTube Coach YouTube Channel Reviews (Audit): Get a 7-10 minute personalized video review of your YouTube channel with honest, actionable feedback for just $50. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: Each week I document what I'm doing in my business and creative journey, share new things I've discovered, mistakes I've made, and much more! All Tools Mentioned On The Show: The Ultimate Entrepreneurs Resource. This is the spreadsheet where I keep all of the tools mentioned by all the guests on the podcast. Follow The Show: Facebook /// X /// YouTube /// Instagram About Mario: Mario is the creator behind the YouTube channel AdventureGearTV, featuring practical minivan camping and in-depth gear reviews. He brings a data-driven approach to testing outdoor equipment, focusing heavily on portable power stations and accessories. He shares his adventures and expertise from his custom-converted Toyota Sienna minivan, helping thousands of viewers gear up for their own off-grid journeys. Connect With Mario: YouTube /// TikTok /// Facebook

City Geek creator Brady Bagley returns to share how he grew from 4K to 55K subs on fewer than 90 videos by leaning into searchable content, strong opinions, and better audio. We break down thumbnails, engagement strategy, sponsorship mindset, and how to outlast imposter syndrome. A masterclass in thoughtful, sustainable YouTube growth. What We Offer Creators Join Creator Communities. A place to gather with other creators every single day. This provides access to Our Private Discord Server, Monthly Mastermind Group, and MORE! Hire Dusty To Be Your YouTube Coach YouTube Channel Reviews (Audit): Get a 7-10 minute personalized video review of your YouTube channel with honest, actionable feedback for just $50. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: Each week I document what I'm doing in my business and creative journey, share new things I've discovered, mistakes I've made, and much more! All Tools Mentioned On The Show: The Ultimate Entrepreneurs Resource. This is the spreadsheet where I keep all of the tools mentioned by all the guests on the podcast. BEST TOOLS FOR CREATORS and ENTREPRENEURS: YouTube Optimization (Creative Fuel): https://geni.us/oPCt7Cf Hire Freelancers and Artists (Fiverr): https://geni.us/h4zMWAP Podcast Hosting (Libsyn): https://geni.us/TrpwY0 GeniusLink Link Shortener: https://geni.us/fHPAe Stock Assets For Creators (Envato): https://geni.us/rlEKkLB E-commerce (Shopify): https://geni.us/m9ctWwe Podcast Recording and Editing (Riverside.FM) https://geni.us/PLlt1M My YouTube Film Gear: 🎥 Camera: https://geni.us/B9eb5P 🎙️ Microphone: https://geni.us/QarC 🎤 Audio Interface: https://geni.us/kaosfB 🎧 Headphones: https://amzn.to/48YcHlB Follow The Show: Facebook /// X /// YouTube /// Instagram About Brady: Brady Bagley is the creator behind City Geek, a fast-growing YouTube channel dedicated to helping viewers better understand the history, architecture, culture, and skylines of cities across North America. What started as a passion for geography has turned into a thriving platform built on searchable, long-tail educational content, thoughtful city overviews, and engaging opinion-based rankings. Since his last appearance on the show, Brady has grown from just 4,000 subscribers to more than 55,000 by focusing on quality, storytelling, and consistency—all while traveling frequently for his day job and exploring new cities firsthand. Through his videos, he shares a genuine appreciation for urban design and inspires others to see cities through a more curious lens. Connect With Brady: YouTube Channel

In this episode of the YouTube Creator Hub Podcast, Dusty interviews Dana Findwell, a content creator who transitioned from a career in graphic design to YouTube after being laid off in 2020. Dana shares her journey of starting a thrifting business and her struggles with gaining traction on her channel until she pivoted to share her personal story of starting over at 59. The conversation explores the importance of finding a niche, the technical aspects of video production, monetization strategies, and the lessons learned along the way, including overcoming imposter syndrome and the value of vulnerability in storytelling. What We Offer Creators Join Creator Communities. A place to gather with other creators every single day. This provides access to Our Private Discord Server, Monthly Mastermind Group, and MORE! Hire Dusty To Be Your YouTube Coach YouTube Channel Reviews (Audit): Get a 7-10 minute personalized video review of your YouTube channel with honest, actionable feedback for just $50. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: Each week I document what I'm doing in my business and creative journey, share new things I've discovered, mistakes I've made, and much more! All Tools Mentioned On The Show: The Ultimate Entrepreneurs Resource. This is the spreadsheet where I keep all of the tools mentioned by all the guests on the podcast. BEST TOOLS FOR CREATORS and ENTREPRENEURS: YouTube Optimization (Creative Fuel): https://geni.us/oPCt7Cf Hire Freelancers and Artists (Fiverr): https://geni.us/h4zMWAP Podcast Hosting (Libsyn): https://geni.us/TrpwY0 GeniusLink Link Shortener: https://geni.us/fHPAe Stock Assets For Creators (Envato): https://geni.us/rlEKkLB E-commerce (Shopify): https://geni.us/m9ctWwe Podcast Recording and Editing (Riverside.FM) https://geni.us/PLlt1M My YouTube Film Gear: 🎥 Camera: https://geni.us/B9eb5P 🎙️ Microphone: https://geni.us/QarC 🎤 Audio Interface: https://geni.us/kaosfB 🎧 Headphones: https://amzn.to/48YcHlB Follow The Show: Facebook /// X /// YouTube /// Instagram About Dana: I'm Dana from Dana Findwell. My YouTube journey started after I was laid off in 2020. I launched a thrifting business and a channel focused on my business, but for two years, I struggled to gain traction. Everything changed when I shared a very personal video about what it was really like starting over at 59—that video went viral and brought in over 20,000 new subscribers! Now, I focus on reinvention, decluttering, and simple living after 50. Connect With Dana: YouTube Channel

In this week’s episode, I sit down with Travis Dykes — a professional touring and studio musician who’s built a thriving YouTube channel that teaches bass and music creativity to over 200,000 subscribers. Travis shares how his channel started by accident — simply uploading lessons he wished existed — and how that passion evolved into a full-time creative business. We talk about his shift from gigs to YouTube income, what he learned about consistency, and why discovering your “unfair advantage” might be the most important step in your creator journey. What We Offer Creators Join Creator Communities. A place to gather with other creators every single day. This provides access to Our Private Discord Server, Monthly Mastermind Group, and MORE! Hire Dusty To Be Your YouTube Coach YouTube Channel Reviews (Audit): Get a 7-10 minute personalized video review of your YouTube channel with honest, actionable feedback for just $50. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: Each week I document what I'm doing in my business and creative journey, share new things I've discovered, mistakes I've made, and much more! All Tools Mentioned On The Show: The Ultimate Entrepreneurs Resource. This is the spreadsheet where I keep all of the tools mentioned by all the guests on the podcast. BEST TOOLS FOR CREATORS and ENTREPRENEURS: YouTube Optimization (Creative Fuel): https://geni.us/oPCt7Cf Hire Freelancers and Artists (Fiverr): https://geni.us/h4zMWAP Podcast Hosting (Libsyn): https://geni.us/TrpwY0 GeniusLink Link Shortener: https://geni.us/fHPAe Stock Assets For Creators (Envato): https://geni.us/rlEKkLB E-commerce (Shopify): https://geni.us/m9ctWwe Podcast Recording and Editing (Riverside.FM) https://geni.us/PLlt1M My YouTube Film Gear: 🎥 Camera: https://geni.us/B9eb5P 🎙️ Microphone: https://geni.us/QarC 🎤 Audio Interface: https://geni.us/kaosfB 🎧 Headphones: https://amzn.to/48YcHlB Follow The Show: Facebook /// X /// YouTube /// Instagram About Travis: After getting his start in the professional music industry at an early age, Travis has been a full-time touring and studio musician for over 11 years in Nashville, TN. From the start of his music career, he has always felt a passion for teaching and has taught hundreds of bass and guitar students. This passion prompted the start of a YouTube channel to provide bass lessons and a behind-the-scenes look at the professional music industry. Over the past few years Travis’ YouTube channel has grown to over 200,000 subscribers, and he continues to create videos weekly. Connect With Travis: YouTube Channel /// Instagram /// Website /// Book

In this episode of the YouTube Creators Hub Podcast, Dusty Porter talks with travel and lifestyle influencer Sarah Funk. Sarah shares her journey from struggling to monetize her Instagram in 2017 to becoming a successful YouTuber with over 75 million views and half a million followers. They discuss the importance of niching down, the differences between Instagram and YouTube, and how to balance quantity and quality of content. What We Offer Creators Join Creator Communities. A place to gather with other creators every single day. This provides access to Our Private Discord Server, Monthly Mastermind Group, and MORE! Hire Dusty To Be Your YouTube Coach YouTube Channel Reviews (Audit): Get a 7-10 minute personalized video review of your YouTube channel with honest, actionable feedback for just $50. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: Each week I document what I'm doing in my business and creative journey, share new things I've discovered, mistakes I've made, and much more! All Tools Mentioned On The Show: The Ultimate Entrepreneurs Resource. This is the spreadsheet where I keep all of the tools mentioned by all the guests on the podcast. BEST TOOLS FOR CREATORS and ENTREPRENEURS: YouTube Optimization (Creative Fuel): https://geni.us/oPCt7Cf Hire Freelancers and Artists (Fiverr): https://geni.us/h4zMWAP Podcast Hosting (Libsyn): https://geni.us/TrpwY0 GeniusLink Link Shortener: https://geni.us/fHPAe Stock Assets For Creators (Envato): https://geni.us/rlEKkLB E-commerce (Shopify): https://geni.us/m9ctWwe Podcast Recording and Editing (Riverside.FM) https://geni.us/PLlt1M My YouTube Film Gear: 🎥 Camera: https://geni.us/B9eb5P 🎙️ Microphone: https://geni.us/QarC 🎤 Audio Interface: https://geni.us/kaosfB 🎧 Headphones: https://amzn.to/48YcHlB Follow The Show: Facebook /// X /// YouTube /// Instagram About Sarah: With half a million followers across social media and 75 million YouTube views, Sarah Funk is a prominent entrepreneur and influencer in the travel and lifestyle industries. Sarah's MBA in Entrepreneurship and Marketing underpins her diverse ventures, including Funky Experiences, a tour company that has won TripAdvisor's Best of the Best award for four consecutive years. She also runs Funk & Co Creatives, a production company operating across the USA, teaches an online entrepreneurship course, and has authored several e-books on NYC available on SarahFunky.com. Featured in Forbes, Travel Channel, Travel & Leisure, and Business Insider, Sarah continues to innovate and inspire in the creative industry. Connect With Sarah: YouTube Channel /// Website