The Nathan Barry Show

What does it take to grow a SaaS business from $1 million to $5 million annual recurring revenue when your revenue has plateaued? Michael Sliwinski, founder of the productivity app Nozbe, joins Nathan Barry to diagnose the core issues his business faces and map out a clear path forward. Michael, who flew all the way from Europe for this conversation, dives into the challenges of competing in a crowded market, the impact of a product rebuild, and the search for a compelling new positioning. This episode is a masterclass in auditing your business, identifying roadblocks, and strategizing for breakthrough growth, especially for founders navigating a competitive landscape and aiming for their next big milestone. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:05 Michael's journey to Nozbe 02:51 From side hustle to $1 million ARR 04:47 The Japan growth explosion 06:17 Rebuilding Nozbe from scratch 10:14 Competing with industry giants 12:58 Breaking down business metrics and building blocks 19:07 Understanding max MRR and the S-curve 22:42 The flatlining awareness and traffic 25:02 Expansion and multi-seat customers 29:43 Legacy customers on the old vs. new Nozbe 30:52 Strong customer retention and low churn 37:25 Key metrics and dashboard visibility 39:46 Accountability through weekly revenue meetings 42:07 The effectiveness of current content strategies 46:27 Partnership success with a productivity consultant 51:09 Direct sales for partners 53:01 Reframing positioning for growth 56:19 The core promise of Nozbe: The tool teams actually use 59:43 The "boulder pushing" analogy 1:02:18 Strategy for identifying and incentivizing new partners 1:11:34 Tapping into true fans for new partner leads 1:14:57 Michael's reflections and next steps If 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/show Follow 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.com Kit: https://kit.com/?utm_campaign=29661554-nathan_barry_show&utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_term=nathanbarryshow&utm_content=youtube_description Follow Michael: X: https://twitter.com/msliwinski Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelsliwinski Mastodon: https://social.nozbe.com/@michael Nozbe: https://nozbe.com Featured in this episode: Kit: https://www.kit.com Nozbe: https://nozbe.com Highlights: 02:17 – ZDNet feature blew up Nozbe 05:13 – iPad app success in Japan 09:27 – Impact and the $5M goal 11:54 – Customer loyalty despite competitors 22:15 – Demo meetings and their conversion rates 32:27 – Customers prepaid until 2040 57:33 – Why simpler is better for teams

The secret to truly enjoying your work, even in the age of AI? According to serial founder Dan Cumberland, it starts with eliminating friction and leveraging AI to become the creator you've always wanted to be. Most people think AI is just for marketing, or they make critical mistakes by relying on an individual chat's memory. In this episode, Dan dives deep into how high-earning creators and companies can implement human-centered AI systems that don’t just save time, but actually help them connect more deeply with their audience and their own purpose. He shares actionable insights, practical examples, and crucial tips on how to build robust, portable context for your AI, transforming your business from the inside out. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 02:00 Simplifying email newsletters with AI automation 05:07 Repurposing podcast content for TikTok 09:06 The importance of bottleneck identification in AI workflows 14:53 Context engineering: The foundation of effective AI use 19:12 The benefits of portable AI context 22:04 Crafting context documents for optimal AI output 27:40 Why focusing on AI for operations is key 31:03 Workflow design and the "sous chef" AI analogy 35:28 Breaking down complex tasks for better AI results 39:45 How AI generated content exploded traffic by 5x 42:00 Utilizing Claude's skills and slash commands 44:14 Integrating AI into your development environment with Cursor 50:40 Optimizing idea capture systems with AI 56:45 AI as a sounding board for human connection 1:03:57 Redefining work in the age of AI 1:08:40 Extending products with vibe-coded AI apps 1:12:30 Documenting transformations for killer testimonials If 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/show Follow 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.com Kit: https://kit.com Follow Dan: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancumberland Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancumberland Website: https://dancumberlandlabs.com AI Growth Roundtable: https://aigrowthroundtable.com The Meaning Movement: https://themeaningmovement.com Featured in this episode: Kit: https://www.kit.com Cursor: https://www.cursor.so Whisper Flow: https://whisperflow.io Audio Pen: https://audiopen.ai Fathom: https://fathom.video Grain: https://grain.com Zapier: https://zapier.com

What does it truly take to launch a phenomenon? Most authors dream of hitting the bestseller list, but today's guest, Tim Grahl, flips that goal on its head. He's revealing the counterintuitive truth about enduring book success, explaining why chasing a fleeting "bestseller" title might actually hinder your book's long-term impact. If your vision for your book extends beyond a single week of sales to creating a lasting legacy, this episode is packed with essential strategies. Learn why "readers" trump "sales" and how to engineer word-of-mouth that propels your book for years, not just days. Prepare to redefine what a successful book launch truly means. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:00:51 Book launch definitions and timelines 00:03:34 Redefining "bestselling" beyond the lists 00:08:33 The one thing and Atomic Habits approaches 00:11:35 Tim's three categories for launching a book 00:14:05 Leveraging influencer networks as the biggest lever 00:19:07 Influencer promotion strategies 00:21:09 Getting fans to buy: creating scarcity 00:24:28 The most impactful book bonuses 00:28:55 Getting fans to share (the least impactful strategy) 00:31:11 Why direct advertising isn't profitable for books 00:34:40 The 10,000 reader rule for long-term success 00:42:41 Engineering word of mouth 00:46:28 Getting free copies into the hands of readers 00:50:55 Identifying and reaching relevant tribes 00:52:26 Tim's resources for authors If 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/show Follow 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.com Kit: https://kit.com Follow Tim: Story Grid: https://www.storygrid.com Book Launch: https://booklaunch.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StoryGrid X: https://x.com/storygrid Tim’s latest book: https://www.storygrid.com/product/the-shithead Featured in this episode: Kit: https://www.kit.com The Perennial Bestseller by Ryan Holiday: https://ryanholiday.net/the-perennial-bestseller The One Thing by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan: https://www.the1thing.com/the-book Atomic Habits by James Clear: https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits The War of Art by Steven Pressfield: https://stevenpressfield.com/books/the-war-of-art Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald: https://www.amazon.com/Great-Gatsby-F-Scott-Fitzgerald/dp/0743273567 Tribes by Seth Godin: https://www.sethgodin.com/books/tribes Highlights: 01:38 – Why a book launch should last two years 05:34 – Selling a high volume doesn't always mean long-term success 13:11 – The 95/5 principle of book marketing 23:06 – The most effective and least effective bonuses 34:40 – The 10,000 reader rule explained 43:19 – Give away as many copies as possible 48:56 – Creative ways to get your book into readers' hands

What does it truly take to operate at the pinnacle of human performance? Justin Su'a, a leading expert in performance psychology, joins Nathan Barry to reveal the mindset shifts and practical tactics employed by professional athletes, elite military units, and top-tier companies like Google and Lululemon. From confronting challenging leaders to navigating the intense pressure of the World Series, Justin shares invaluable lessons on embracing obstacles, seeking critical feedback, and building relationships strong enough to withstand even the harshest truths. If you're striving for excellence, looking to lead more effectively, or simply want to learn how the best in the world maintain their edge, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 02:18 Challenging a Military Leader's Perspective 05:14 Asking Questions Instead of Giving Answers 06:21 Difficult Feedback in Professional Sports 09:05 Addressing Lack of Self-Awareness 12:51 The "It's Not Sufficient" Principle 15:19 Tuckman's Law of Team Development 19:03 Navigating VUCA Environments 20:00 Building Truth-Bearing Relationships 24:37 Scoring Relationship Strength 26:01 The Pressure of Sustained Success 34:25 Seeking Critical Feedback from Compliments 37:25 Soliciting Feedback from Your Team 39:07 The Dangers of Untruthful Inner Circles 42:15 Positive Sum vs. Zero Sum Games 46:17 Mental Rumble Strips to Manage Pressure 52:03 Crafting Effective Communication for Teams 57:12 Leading by Example with Vulnerability 1:02:19 Reinventing as a High Performer 1:06:50 Justin's Journey into Content Creation If 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/show Follow 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.com Kit: https://kit.com/?utm_campaign=29661554-nathan_barry_show&utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_term=nathanbarryshow&utm_content=youtube_description Follow Justin: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinsua X: https://x.com/Justinsua Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justin.sua LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinsua YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JustinSua TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@justinsua Website: https://pagpros.com/meet-the-founder Newsletter: https://pagpros.kit.com Featured in this episode: Kit: https://www.kit.com The Performance Advisory Group: https://pagpros.com

What does it take to build a million-subscriber YouTube channel, launch a best-selling book, and then walk away from it all for over a year? Noah Kagan, founder of AppSumo, joins Nathan to candidly discuss his journey from full-throttle content creation to a deliberate pause. Noah shares the unexpected internal and external pressures that came with his meteoric rise on YouTube, the strategic decisions that led to viral success, and why, despite achieving his goals, he ultimately stepped back. This conversation offers a rare glimpse into the mindset of a creator who prioritized personal fulfillment over endless growth, and how that decision reshaped his approach to content, business, and life. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 02:26 The decision to go all-in on YouTube 05:15 Noah's internal motivations for content creation 07:38 Building the YouTube "dream team" 10:14 The early content strategy and challenges 13:17 The pivotal "Knocking on Doors" video 16:45 The cost of rapid growth and Noah's burnout 19:10 The successful content pillars uncovered 22:18 The meticulous planning behind viral videos 25:34 Seeking timeless wisdom: interviewing the wealthy 28:22 Noah's biggest regret with the channel 30:58 Finding repeatable content formats 33:55 Identifying your unique content edge 37:25 The appeal of raw, unpolished content 40:31 The impact of fatherhood on content creation 43:10 Noah's vision for future content creation 45:47 The value of a public presence for business 48:29 The challenge of building internal influencers 51:04 Brainstorming content ideas for Kit 54:20 The power of high-caliber speakers 57:38 Content that ties directly to your business 1:00:27 Noah's current content philosophy 1:02:40 On Twitter: counterintuitive long stories If 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/show Follow 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.com Kit: https://kit.com Follow Noah: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noahkagan X: https://twitter.com/noahkagan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noahkagan Website: https://noahkagan.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/AppSumo AppSumo: https://appsumo.com Featured in this episode: Kit: https://www.kit.com AppSumo: https://appsumo.com Clickables: https://www.clickableshq.com Million Dollar Weekend: https://www.amazon.com/Million-Dollar-Weekend-Money-Freedom/dp/0593796593 Highlights: 02:15 – Questioning the "Why" of Content Creation 08:29 – The Shift from Public Validation to Inner Contentment 12:29 – The Audience Cares About Entertainment, Not You 17:08 – The Challenge of Following a Viral Hit 23:25 – Repeating What Works: The Kinko's Founder Interview 36:00 – The Value of Raw, Unpolished Content 53:08 – Using Conferences for High-Value Content

What does it take to build a profitable, impactful business while empowering more than 100,000 women? Julia Taylor, founder of GeekPack, shares her incredible journey from the intelligence community to building a thriving company with a mission to reach a million women by 2030. In this episode, Julia unveils her "embedded partnerships framework" – a potent strategy that's catapulted 70% of her revenue this year alone by fostering deep, meaningful collaborations with major brands like Verizon and TikTok. Discover how strategic alignment, win-win-win scenarios, custom integrations, co-creation, and robust impact reporting are key to scaling your business and making a true difference. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 02:51 From Intelligence to Entrepreneurship 06:23 The Confidence Transfer of Digital Skills 09:12 What is GeekPack's Current Business & Mission? 12:07 Point 1: Partnership Alignment 15:19 Point 2: Win-Win-Win Framework 17:09 Point 3: Custom Integration & Ecosystem 21:04 Point 4: Co-creation and Delivery 24:06 Point 5: Measurement and Momentum 27:17 Scaling with In-Person Events 30:20 CEO KPI: Public Mission Statements 34:02 The Sales Process & Team Empowerment 36:06 Hiring for Personality & Mission Alignment 40:51 The B2B and B2C Flywheel 44:17 Overcoming Bottlenecks: Time and Team 48:29 Building a Talent Bench 52:16 Audience Growth Strategies 56:45 Your Role in Social Content Creation If 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/show Follow 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.com Kit: https://kit.com Follow Julia: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliathegeek Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julia_the_geek Website: https://geekpack.com Featured in this episode: Kit: https://www.kit.com Small Business Digital Ready (Verizon): https://www.verizon.com/about/responsibility/small-business-digital-ready Make: https://www.make.com/en Relay: https://www.relayfi.com SparkLoop: https://www.sparkloop.app Highlights: 02:00 – Unpacking the Intelligence Community Past 08:00 – The Power of Inspect Tools Confidence 13:11 – Verizon and Geographic/Demographic Alignment 22:00 – How Impact Reports Drive Momentum 32:40 – Nathan's "Four Times a Month" Realization 41:30 – Why Predictable Revenue Fuels Creativity 54:10 – SparkLoop's Impact on Engaged Subscribers

Chris Hutchins, host of the wildly popular All the Hacks podcast, joins us to crack the code on podcast growth. Most creators dream of building a brand, attracting millions of listeners, and monetizing their passion, but Chris has actually done it, transforming his podcast into a powerhouse through meticulous optimization. If you've ever wondered how successful podcasts truly scale beyond the initial buzz, or how to inject startup-level strategic thinking into your creative venture, this episode is a masterclass. Chris reveals the behind-the-scenes tactics that catapulted his show to millions of downloads, sharing the unconventional strategies that maximize reach and impact. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 07:08 The Underrated Power of Networking 11:09 Leveraging Your Inner Circle for Connections 15:08 Crafting Pitches That Stand Out 20:00 The Value of Deep Expertise 23:44 Podcast Growth: Beyond the Numbers 28:07 Gauging Podcast Potential with Overcast Ads 32:20 Strategic Guesting on Other Podcasts 37:57 The Art of Asking to Be a Host 42:04 Maximizing Value in Podcast Collaborations 46:19 The Untapped Potential of Post-Roll Ads 51:00 Subsidizing Growth for Maximum Scale 54:15 Reinvestment and Strategic Retreats 58:24 Optimizing for Leverage, Not Just Revenue 1:01:52 Gaming the Podcast Charts 1:08:14 Essential Personal Finance Hacks 1:10:00 The Ultimate Hotel Upgrade Hack If 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/show Follow 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.com Kit: https://kit.com Follow Chris: Website: https://allthehacks.com X: https://x.com/hutchins LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrishutchins Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrishutchins YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chris-hutchins Featured in this episode: Kit: https://www.kit.com All the Hacks: https://allthehacks.com Highlights: 02:22 Shifting from Entrepreneur to Creator Identity 08:31 The Power Move of Ending a Conversation 12:12 Networking by Adding Value to an Inner Circle 26:35 Podcast Downloads vs. YouTube Views: Engagement Matters 34:04 Treating Your Creator Business Like a Startup 45:15 The Strategy of Buying Post-Roll Ads 1:08:29 Why You Should Never Leave Cash in a Checking Account

What does it take to scale a business to a multi-million dollar enterprise and beyond, all while maintaining profitability and a thriving culture? Chandler Bolt, founder of selfpublishing.com sits down in his bustling office to reveal the crucial shifts and strategic insights that propelled his company from the initial million-dollar milestone to hitting the ambitious $10 million mark and charting a course for even greater heights. From turning business into a game complete with scoreboards and "green days" to mastering product-market fit and the art of "reverse selling" in hiring, Chandler shares the unconventional wisdom he's gained on his journey. This episode is packed with candid advice for entrepreneurs at every stage, exploring the often-overlooked distinctions between revenue and profit, the true cost of growth, and the surprising benefits of in-person collaboration in an increasingly remote world. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 07:11 The three most important metrics & activities 14:26 Is the first million the hardest? 21:07 Profit over revenue for scaling 27:18 Three ways to grow a business 32:00 Reverse selling to attract top talent 37:29 Offboarding team members gracefully 43:24 The power of implementing strong processes 49:50 The need for scalable customer acquisition at $10M+ 55:23 The shift to an in-person culture 01:00:30 Remote vs. in-person debate If 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/show Follow 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.com Kit: https://kit.com Follow Chandler: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChandlerBoltOfficial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realchandlerbolt TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realchandlerbolt LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chandlerbolt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chandler.bolt1 Website: https://www.selfpublishing.com Book a call with Chandler’s team: http://selfpublishing.com/work-with-us Featured in this episode: Kit: https://www.kit.com Self Publishing: https://www.selfpublishing.com

Steering a company from nascent idea to multi-million dollar revenue is rarely a smooth ride. Often, it's a journey fraught with uncertainty, tough decisions, and the internal battles no one sees. For Nathan, the guiding hand through much of this journey has been his coach, Dan Putt. As a co-founder of Reboot, Dan has spent years working with leaders and executives, helping them navigate growth without losing themselves in the process. In this episode, Dan shares not only his unique coaching philosophy - which emphasizes a deep, inside-out understanding of oneself, but also practical tools and frameworks that address common founder sticking points like imposter syndrome, the fear of conflict, and the allure of the "magic bullet" solution. Get ready to rethink your approach to leadership and personal development. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 02:23 Dan's coaching philosophy 04:36 The Greek God CEO and imposter syndrome 07:11 The "have to" versus "get to" reframe 10:00 What problems say about identity 12:56 Listening to understand: Beyond the words 15:46 Inside-out leadership development 18:31 The challenge of competitive responses 21:52 Journaling for self-discovery 25:21 Practical tips for consistent journaling 28:11 Getting clear on what you truly want 30:26 The "loyal soldier" concept 33:53 How personal traits drive ambition 38:39 The shift from "need" to "want" 41:43 Conflict as progress and care 45:34 Tools for navigating conflict 50:47 The "net" framework for communication 52:23 Avoiding problems vs. facing them 55:29 The temptation of the "magic bullet" 59:08 Feeling the fear without dwelling 1:01:21 The tantruming toddler metaphor for anxiety 1:03:00 Leading with curiosity, not fear If 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/show Follow 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.com Kit: https://kit.com Follow Dan: Website: https://danputt.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danputt X: https://twitter.com/danputt Company Website: https://reboot.io Featured in this episode: Kit: https://www.kit.com Reboot.io: https://reboot.io The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron: https://juliacameronlive.com/books/the-artists-way 750words.com: https://750words.com The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday: https://ryanholiday.com/books/the-obstacle-is-the-way Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink: https://echelonfront.com/Extreme-Ownership Highlights: 02:47 Understanding the spectrum of coaching approaches 08:24 The danger of linking self-worth to problems 13:44 The wisdom found at the emotional level 23:25 The clarifying power of daily journaling 34:05 How the "loyal soldier" shapes our drives 45:51 Why true care often requires conflict 53:49 Facing uncomfortable feelings builds resilience 1:01:05 Approaching anxiety like a tantruming child 1:03:54 Shifting from fear to wonder for better leadership

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 Introduction 00:30 Dan Martell: The Buyback Loop for Capacity 01:56 Transferring Tasks with the Camcorder Method 04:05 Filling Your Calendar with High-Value Activities 06:00 Mindset and Beliefs for Growth 07:51 Chris Donnelly: The Cohort Model for Scaling 11:16 The Scarcity Principle in Product Launches 13:40 Jay Clouse: Building Small, Engaged Communities 16:16 The Gold Standard of Community Building 17:38 Pat Flynn: YouTube Shorts to a Million Subscribers 19:14 The Power of Quantity Over Quality 21:55 Nicole Burke: Instagram as a Storefront 24:05 Creating Entertaining Content that Drives Shares 26:49 Jefferson Fisher: Crafting Viral Reels Without a Script 29:52 Testing and Refining Your Reel Content 31:37 The Crucial First Three Seconds of a Reel 33:10 Avoiding Subjective Content Judgment If 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/show Follow 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.com Kit: https://kit.com Featured in this episode: Kit: https://www.kit.com Highlights: 00:25 – Dan Martell's Capacity Buyback Loop 04:25 – The Ladder of Success for Habits & Skills 08:01 – Chris Donnelly's Cohort-Based Course Model 13:44 – Building Small, Engaged Communities Effectively 17:42 – Pat Flynn's YouTube Shorts Million Milestone 21:55 – Nicole Burke on Instagram Storefront Strategy 31:37 – 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 media 01:14 Why short-form video is a generational opportunity 02:26 Breaking the myth of saturation 05:48 The power of small audiences 10:48 Why founders should create their own short-form content 12:50 The shift from side project to serious business 14:39 Break the seal - just start 17:08 How to make your first simple "one shot" video 20:25 Learn the edit - basic chops in CapCut 23:33 The importance of efficiency in short-form content 29:26 Do it again tomorrow - consistency is key 34:13 How to generate an endless supply of content ideas 36:03 The three keys to a compelling hook 37:41 The "everyone's been asking me" hook 40:28 The impact of visual hooks beyond motorcycle crashes 43:01 The power of props in visual hooks 48:16 Brainstorming short-form content from this podcast episode 50:45 Crafting a tight, efficient short-form video example 54:51 Why short-form is Colin's primary driver for any business If 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/show Follow 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.com Kit: https://kit.com Follow Colin: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/landforce TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@landforce_ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinlandforce Cut30: https://course.cut30.co Website: https://landforce.com Featured in this episode: Kit: https://www.kit.com Cut30: https://course.cut30.co Highlights: 02:15 The myth of saturation in short-form video 06:02 Small audience, huge business impact 14:08 Short-form video: the biggest opportunity in media 24:41 The accordion method for content efficiency 32:36 Track inputs, not outputs, for personal growth 52:12 Words to make your hook more efficient 56:45 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 machine 02:17 Why ditch every ad and pivot to content? 06:07 The power of algorithms and meeting your audience where they are 08:27 Creating content you genuinely want to make 10:49 The Marathon video and turning experiences into content 13:26 Crafting a content flywheel that actually works 16:46 How a team translates one piece of content across mediums 20:09 What is a "pseudo event" and why do you need one? 24:21 From ghost town to content goldmine 28:47 Expanding your "set" beyond the studio 32:50 The value of "certification" in content creation 34:54 Lessons from Ghost Town Living's organic growth 39:46 How content creation impacts your life and thinking 42:36 Embracing different mediums, no matter your personal preference 45:11 Writing as a lagging indicator of deep work and research 47:53 Why AI can't replace the human touch in deep work 51:38 The process behind "Conspiracy": a narrative nonfiction deep dive 55:08 Parenting for wisdom: cultivating curiosity and deep dives 1:01:11 Navigating demand when starting out 1:05:06 Balancing art and commerce for long-term impact 1:08:52 The freedom of a profitable business 1:11:58 The ongoing challenge of discipline If 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/show Follow 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.com Kit: https://kit.com Follow Ryan: Website: https://ryanholiday.net X: https://twitter.com/ryanholiday Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanholiday LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanholiday Daily Stoic: https://dailystoic.com The Painted Porch: https://paintedporch.com Featured in this episode: Kit: https://www.kit.com The Painted Porch: https://www.paintedporcom Daily Stoic: https://dailystoic.com Daily Dad: https://dailydad.com Backroad Ventures: https://www.backroad.co Ghost Town Living: https://www.youtube.com/@GhostTownLiving Kit Studios: https://kit.com/studios Highlights: 02:04 - From ads to in-house content creation 07:03 - People finding Ryan through the "algorithm" for free 12:25 - How one experience creates multiple content assets 20:51 - How a tuna recipe went viral for Matthew McConaughey 31:00 - The art of "certification" and making real life content come alive 46:57 - Why physical note cards are crucial for deep work 1:07:56 - 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 Introduction 02:10 Early bootcamp and Kit's growth 04:02 Nathan at 29 vs. now 06:15 Evolution of decision-making 08:20 The "way that works" philosophy 10:15 The difference between right and best decisions 12:10 Coinbase's decision-making framework 14:40 Clarity on decision timelines 16:20 Defining options and decision-makers 21:00 Impact of leadership on results 22:55 Reconciling consensus and decisive leadership 25:30 Building the muscle of making decisions 28:40 Responsibility for positives and negatives 30:10 Taking your seat as a leader 32:45 The clarity of the boundary 35:20 The single-axis fallacy 37:40 The unchanging "why" 43:10 The physics of money and audience 46:00 Equipping people with tools and training 49:00 Recentering on the mission 51:00 Giving work real meaning If 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/show Follow 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.com Kit: https://kit.com Follow Dan: Website: https://danputt.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danputt X: https://twitter.com/danputt Reboot: https://reboot.io Featured in this episode: Kit: https://kit.com Reboot: https://reboot.io Medium: 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 Introduction 02:10 Rob's transformational experience 04:09 Obsession with high-quality education access 12:40 Rob's business journey and desire for change 14:40 Shifting from workaholism to more time with family 16:01 Current business revenue and growth 26:40 Productizing services to scale impact 29:27 Standardizing offers and cohort-based learning 32:45 The challenge of onboarding superintendents 36:58 Setting boundaries for optimal impact 41:40 The power of high standards and belief 44:10 Fueling content from client insights 46:12 Choosing LinkedIn as the primary platform 54:15 Creating a feedback loop for content 56:29 The art of reposting successful content 58:30 Promotion strategies: comments, partners, email lists 1:01:05 The virtuous cycle of the flywheel 1:03:00 Iterating and measuring the flywheel 1:05:00 Key takeaways and future plans 1:07:05 The power of sequential skill-building If 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/show Follow 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.com Kit: https://kit.com Follow Rob: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-jentsch Website: https://adgneducation.org Featured in this episode: Kit: https://kit.com GrowthTools: http://growthtools.com ADGN 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 Introduction 02:00 Two essential ingredients for a meaningful life 04:23 What we do at Stanford 07:28 Coaching is a trend 10:13 Why plans don't work for life design 12:22 There is more aliveness in you than one life 15:41 From FOMO to JOMO 19:45 How to prototype your life choices 24:00 How to choose when there are too many opportunities 28:28 From Star Wars toys to Apple 32:20 From Mechanical Engineer to Electronic Arts 36:11 Making your life a beautiful experience 39:09 The simplicity of building a meaningful life 42:06 Responding to a deep longing 46:11 Leadership and authenticity 48:41 Goal for the new book 53:23 Lessons from wildly successful books 57:00 Inspirations for book promotion 1:01:46 The flywheel of reviews 1:05:13 Unfair advantages in book promotion 1:10:51 Connecting with students and educators 1:16:30 The power of mass media If 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/show Follow 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.com Follow Bill: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-burnett-4225401 Website: https://designingyour.life Book: https://designingyour.life/how-to-live-a-meaningful-life Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.art.shadows Instagram (shared): https://www.instagram.com/fullyalive_bydesign YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@designingyourlifethebookmo6856 Follow Dave: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-evans-62148 Website: https://designingyour.life Book: https://designingyour.life/how-to-live-a-meaningful-life Instagram (shared): https://www.instagram.com/fullyalive_bydesign YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@designingyourlifethebookmo6856 Featured in this episode: Kit: https://www.kit.com Designing Your Life: https://designingyour.life How 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 Introduction 02:11 Growing a Service Business with Instagram 04:08 Scaling a Garden Design Business 06:26 Transitioning to Digital and Diversifying Revenue 08:24 The Showcasing Strategy: Content Creators & Authenticity 10:04 Breaking Down Gardenary: Education, E-commerce, & Certification 12:57 The Instagram Storefront Analogy 16:26 Leveraging Algorithms: The Share Button's Power 19:07 Educational Content: Answering FAQs & Tracking Saves 22:31 Showcase Content: Inspiring with Results & Aspiration 26:00 The "Invite": Making the Ask Effectively 28:01 The Magic of Automation: From Comments to Conversions 32:26 Free Ad Experimentation with Organic Content 36:20 Crafting Engaging Content: Relatable Pain Points & Humor 41:17 Nicole's Metrics for Content Success 45:10 Instagram's Content Funnel: Reels, Posts, Carousels, Stories 52:19 Stories for Direct Sales & Community Engagement 56:51 Six Types of Videos Anyone Can Make 1:02:13 The Face-to-Camera Hack: Conquering the Fear 1:06:51 The Power of Documentary-Style Video If 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/show Follow 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.com Follow Nicole: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heynicoleburke LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-johnsey-burke-136628154 Website: https://heynicoleburke.com Gardenary's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gardenaryco Gardenary's Website: https://www.gardenary.com Featured in this episode: Kit: https://www.kit.com Gardenary: 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 Breakdown 03:00 The Start of Eric's Online Content Creation 05:07 Key Factors in Eric's Rapid YouTube Growth 08:44 The Importance of Feedback in Content Creation 10:48 Using Negative Feedback for Improvement 13:38 Eric's Current Business Revenue and Breakdown 16:35 The Trade-offs of Reduced Travel and Events 19:40 Segmenting the Audience: Fans vs. DJs 27:07 The "Skill That Makes Money" Framework 32:00 Strategies for Patreon Growth and Fan Engagement 46:17 High-Ticket Offers and Masterminds 54:10 Using Lead Magnets for DJ Audience Growth 01:03:55 The Value of Packaging Knowledge into a Course 01:10:15 Next Steps for Building a DJ Education Business If 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/show Follow 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.com Follow Eric Rhodes: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djericrhodes Website: https://theericrhodes.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNqLnC4Mc6nGY1ad-aLxxqw TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@djericrhodes Featured in this episode: Kit: https://www.kit.com Ampersand Studios: https://ampersandstudios.co Patreon: https://www.patreon.com SitePoint: https://www.sitepoint.com Whisper: https://github.com/openai/whisper ChatGPT: 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 11 Labs 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 Introduction 01:10 Hitting a $2M run rate with AI implementation 03:34 How Kit’s team uses AI to build internal tools 05:11 Building an automation culture with AI education 06:48 Why voice will replace typing 09:21 The Apple example and how voice got good again 12:16 Why speaking first creates more authentic content 18:52 The power of transcripts as creative building blocks 22:06 Using voice to collect team insights and automate discovery 26:22 Live demo: building a working AI voice agent 33:02 Setting guardrails and testing your AI agent 40:24 How creators can integrate voice feedback loops 47:48 How AI changes human interaction and trust 50:01 Practical next steps for creators using voice 54:15 Final takeaways and what’s next for Casper Studios If 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/show Follow 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.com Follow Jay: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaysingh10125 X: https://x.com/JSingh_08 Website: https://casperstudios.xyz Featured in this episode: Casper Studios: https://casperstudios.xyz Kit: https://www.kit.com Eleven Labs: https://elevenlabs.io Wispr 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 Introduction 01:10 Jessica’s journey from pharmacist to business strategist 04:11 Leaving corporate after a health crisis and starting over 06:19 Why so many entrepreneurs struggle with profit 08:21 The key to more profit is doing better, not more 09:17 The first lever: creating your “Hell Yes” offer 13:25 How pricing and positioning change everything 17:16 Client example: the concert pianist who sold $30K in six weeks 21:41 Turning a low-ticket membership into a $120K cohort program 24:26 The second lever: add-ons and bundles 30:29 How tiered pricing can 2–3x your income 34:10 The third lever: reactivation—selling to warm leads again 37:46 The candle bar business that grew 76% year-over-year 43:10 The hidden cost of your energy and how to optimize it 46:54 Capturing contact info to reactivate clients 53:31 The fourth lever: referrals and the “plus one” SOP 59:10 Building referral systems into your business 01:03:00 Measuring results and optimizing every flywheel 01:10:00 Jessica’s worksheet to uncover hidden profit If 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/show Follow 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.com Follow Jessica: Jessica's Free Worksheet : https://jessicamillercoaching.com/nathan Website: https://www.jessicamillercoaching.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicadioguardimiller LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-miller-coaching-growth-consultant Featured in this episode: Jessica's Free Worksheet : https://jessicamillercoaching.com/nathan Jessica Miller Coaching: https://www.jessicamillercoaching.com Kit: 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 make If 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/show Follow 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.com Follow Erin: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/er-green Website: https://www.audaciouslabs.io Featured in this episode: Audacious Labs: https://www.audaciouslabs.io Kit: https://www.kit.com Highlights: 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