Explore every episode of the podcast Creator Playbooks
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meet The YouTuber Who Landed a Netflix Deal (And Quit) | Jo Franco | 29 Aug 2024 | 01:09:15 | |
Jo Franco has turned her passion for creating into a thriving career, transitioning from a travel vlogger to a Netflix host and successful entrepreneur. With over 2 million YouTube subscribers, she is also the author of Fluentish and CEO of JoClub, a global community focused on journaling and personal growth. Get Jo Franco's Content Business Strategy (FREE): https://callummcdonnell.substack.com/ Tools I use: VidIQ - https://vidiq.com/creatorplaybooks/ Riverside - https://riverside.fm/?via=callum Listen on Podcast Player: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/callum-mcdonnell Follow Callum on socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thecallummc/ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@heycallum Twitter - https://twitter.com/McdonnellCallum LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/callummcdonnell/ Follow Jo on socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jo_franco/ X - https://twitter.com/jofranco/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jo_franco/ Website: https://jofranco.world/ Work with Callum: https://www.7xcontent.com/ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Jo Franco’s YouTube Journey 01:04 Jo Franco’s Creator Journey: From Start to Success 04:46 The Power of Searchable Content for Growing Your Channel 08:00 Building a Global Audience 11:02 The Reality of Success in Content Creation 17:41 Exploring the Netflix Opportunity 23:52 The Birth of JoClub 29:05 Sustainable Business Building in the Creator Economy 34:09 Planning for the Future: Long-Term Success Strategies 37:48 Working with an Agent and Finding the Right Manager for You 40:27 How to Make a Good Pitch: Tips and Techniques 46:33 Jo’s Content Strategy and Planning Insights 53:37 Networking and Collaboration: Building Valuable Connections 56:43 What Getting Shot Taught Me About Entrepreneurship 01:01:53 Reflecting on Life 01:04:36 Quickfire Questions | |||
| How Anyone Can Make $10K - $1M per Month | Daniel Priestley | 19 Jun 2024 | 01:25:54 | |
Get Daniel's playbook with my free newsletter: https://callummcdonnell.substack.com Apply to work with me: https://forms.gle/uw6NZDBHs2pQNYhbA Daniel Priestley is an entrepreneur, best-selling author, and international speaker who has built successful multi-million dollar businesses in Australia, the UK, and Singapore, starting with nothing. He co-founded Dent Global, a company dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and business leaders achieve significant success through strategic mentoring and networking.Listen on Podcast Player: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/callum-mcdonnellFollow Callum on socials:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thecallummc/Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@heycallumTwitter - https://twitter.com/McdonnellCallumLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/callummcdonnell/Follow Daniel on socials:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/danielpriestley/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/danielpriestleyTwitter - https://x.com/DanielPriestley/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielpriestley/Tools I use:VidIQ - https://vidiq.com/creatorplaybooks/Riverside - https://riverside.fm/?via=callumWork with Callum: https://www.7xcontent.com/Timestamps:00:00 Introduction01:30 Greatest Time to Be Alive03:43 Key Person of Influence Framework07:00 The Five P's08:42 Guide to a Great Pitch12:07 Published Content Strategy14:02 7-11-4 Framework16:45 Daniel’s Book Writing Process18:59 Product Strategy24:28 Building a Powerful Profile26:59 Leveraging Podcasts29:47 Effective Partnerships36:22 Becoming a Key Person of Influence39:00 Coaching My Business From £500k to £3M44:43 Building a High-Performance Team Culture45:55 Effective Team Models for Small Businesses47:52 Creating Recurring Revenue Streams49:17 Cookie Cutter Products52:09 Negotiating Fair Partnerships53:51 Challenges Faced by Top Creators55:23 Diversifying Revenue Streams for Creators59:22 Testing Business Ideas With Waiting Lists01:04:05 Three Things That Drive a Sale01:18:49 Importance of Lead Generation01:20:33 Quick-Fire Questions | |||
| Meet The Man Who Solved TikTok: How To Go Viral Every Time | 07 Dec 2023 | 00:53:58 | |
Charlie Lawrance is one the smartest operators in social media. In this episode Charlie reveals the social strategy that grew his TikTok to 300k, built a hugely valuable community and launched a talent agency.
Listen on Podcast Player: Follow Callum on socials: Work with Callum: https://www.7xcontent.com/ Follow Charlie: | |||
| Olly Richards: Turning $1,000 in $10Million | 23 Nov 2023 | 01:06:50 | |
Olly Richards is the owner of the $10Million online education business Storylearning. Storylearning is a business built on content with millions of blog visits & Podcast downloads each month (plus 400,000 YouTube Subscribers!). In this episode Olly shares so much value: • How to find your USP • How grow a high value audience • What makes great content • How to sell without discounting • Why you should stop being so desperate & think long term • How to design a life you ACTUALLY want to live • Loads more!
Follow Callum on socials: Follow Olly: | |||
| Meet The Marketing Genius Behind Steven Bartlett | 09 Nov 2023 | 01:07:04 | |
Grace Andrews is the Marketing Director for The Diary Of A CEO and Steven Bartlett. In this episode Grace gives us a Marketing Masterclass. She reveals: - How The Diary of a CEO became the world's fastest growing Podcast - What makes a great brand - Why your social media probably sucks - What it's live working with Steven Bartlett - What brands get wrong about Creators - Loads more! I really hope you get as much value as I did from this conversation. Get a FREE Email breakdown of this business: https://callummcdonnell.substack.com/ Follow Callum on socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thecallummc/ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@heycallum Twitter - https://twitter.com/McdonnellCallum LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/callummcd... Work with Callum: https://www.7xcontent.com/ Keep Up With Grace: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/the.socialc... LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/grace-and...00:00 Intro 00:57 Getting the job with Steven Bartlett 09:40 Starting to post on Social Media 11:29 Setting Aspirations 13:16 Why Nobody Cares About Your Product 13:39 Why RedBull is so Successful 15:10 Socials vs Emails 15:56 Don't Publish Your What, Publish Your Why 16:08 DOAC’s Why 18:47 Delegating 20:29 Short Form Video Breakdown 21:47 Maisie Williams 23:55 Level Up Your Short Form 26:34 Secret to DOAC Trailers 28:44 How To Make Them Care 29:32 DOAC’s Trailer Editor 30:12 Alex Hormozi 31:32 Experimentation Manager 33:06 Keeping Steven on Track 34:00 Thumbnail Tests 36:01 DOAC Growth 37:12 How to Sell a Story 39:10 Lessons for Growth 42:56 Utilising Paid Spend 46:07 Book Strategy 48:48 Start NOW 49:36 Key to Successful Brand Partnerships 51:18 Death of Influencer Marketing? 53:10 More Than a Podcast 54:49 Relationship With Steven Bartlett 55:56 The Social Climber 58:40 Hiring 01:02:25 Quick-Fire Questions 01:03:26 Mo Gawdat | |||
| Nathan Barry: Turning $1,000 into $320 Million | 22 Oct 2023 | 01:28:03 | |
Nathan Barry is the founder of ConvertKit - a Creator business worth over $320 million. In this episode we break down the fundamentals that got him there. Nathan reveals: • His Monthly Revenue Growth from $1500/Month in 2013 to $3Million/Month in 2023 • His 4 Step System To Building Wealth On The Internet • The Flywheel Framework & How It Can Change The Trajectory Of Any Business • Spotify's offer to buy Convertkit • Loads more! I really hope you get as much value as I did from this conversation! Get a FREE Email breakdown of this business: https://callummcdonnell.substack.com/ Follow Callum on socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thecallummc/ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@heycallum Twitter - https://twitter.com/McdonnellCallum LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/callummcdonnell/ Work with Callum: https://www.7xcontent.com/ Follow Nathan: IG - https://www.instagram.com/nathanbarry Twitter - https://twitter.com/nathanbarry YouTube - @nathanbarryshow | |||
| The Man Behind Ali Abdaal's £5 Million Business | 25 Sep 2023 | 01:09:58 | |
Angus Parker is the man behind Ali Abdaal's £5 Million business. | |||
| How Steven Bartlett Broke Podcasting (Genius Strategy) | 09 Sep 2023 | 00:13:59 | |
Steven Bartlett went from recording his first podcast in his bedroom with a duvet over his head to over 10 Million monthly downloads in just 4 years. | |||
| He Makes £144,000/year Self Publishing on Amazon (Passive Income) | 26 Jun 2023 | 00:08:11 | |
Rob sells 11,000 books a year self publishing on Amazon. At £12 a book that’s £144,000 a year. We chatted about his self publishing journey. This is the most realistic form of passive income I have come across. #passiveincome #selfpublishing #amazonselfpublishing | |||
| How To Grow A Podcast To A £1Million+ Business | Rob Dix | 18 Jun 2023 | 00:39:23 | |
In this episode Callum sit’s down with Rob Dix, Co-Host of The Property Podcast & Sunday Times Bestselling Author. We explore how he grew his podcast into a mid seven figures business, and his journey from lost PR Manager to fulfilled entrepreneur. Follow Rob on social: Follow Callum on social: | |||
| Life update: My agency just crossed £18,000 in monthly revenue | 13 Jun 2023 | 00:11:00 | |
It’s been almost a year since I sent an update. My bad. Good news - my little content agency just crossed £18,000 in monthly revenue. It took 365 days with zero experience and is nicely profitable. These are the 12 steps of my wild & bumpy journey. Twitter: https://twitter.com/McdonnellCallum YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@callummcdonnell/about Please note this is a video podcast :) | |||
| #4 Gaby Mendes: Quitting Teaching To Build A Media Company (Talk Twenties Podcast) | 23 Jun 2022 | 00:34:41 | |
Gaby Mendes is a former teacher turned entrepreneur and CEO of the media brand 'Talk Twenties'. 'Talk Twenties' started as an event company but pivoted to an award winning Podcast during COVID and is now developing into a much bigger media brand. In this episode we cover why Gaby left teaching for business, her plans for the brand and how anyone can start a media company on a budget. You can find Gabby: https://www.instagram.com/iamgabymendes/?hl=en https://mobile.twitter.com/iamgabymendes You can find Callum: https://mobile.twitter.com/McdonnellCallum | |||
| Marketing Expert: 10 Steps to Build A Profitable Community | 04 Jun 2024 | 01:01:21 | |
Daisy Morris is the founder of The Self Hood, a successful social media consultancy and digital community. Under her leadership, The Selfhood has become a six-figure business with a vibrant community of over 30,000 creatives. As an expert in social media strategy, Daisy has worked with major brands such as Microsoft, Mind, the London College of Fashion, AllBright, Bill's, Vagabond Wines, and Candy Kittens. In this episode, she shares: - Her exact social media strategy that scored her partnerships with Apple, Gucci, and Adobe - How to build a profitable community in 2024 - The bad habit that's costing you millions + LOADS MORE! Tools I use: VidIQ - https://vidiq.com/creatorplaybooks/ Riverside - https://riverside.fm/?via=callum FREE breakdown of Daisy's 10-step community-building strategy: https://callummcdonnell.substack.com/ Listen on Podcast Player: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/callum-mcdonnell Follow Callum on socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thecallummc/ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@heycallum Twitter - https://twitter.com/McdonnellCallum LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/callummcdonnell/ Follow Daisy on socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/the_self_hood/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daisy-morris-the-selfhood/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@the_self_hood/ The Self Hood - https://www.theselfhood.com/ Work with Callum: https://www.7xcontent.com/ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:26 Who Is Daisy Morris? 03:13 Why Is Community Important? 06:55 Step 1: Understanding Community 09:08 Step 2: Know Your Story 09:20 Step 3: Find Your People 11:20 Step 4: Make Your Mark 16:49 Step 5: Share Your Magic 17:02 Step 6: Establish a Content Creation Process 19:19 The REACH, ACT, CONVERT, ENGAGE Model 19:48 Step 7: Your Community Journey 20:01 Step 8: Collaborate With People 20:20 Step 9: Community Management 20:42 Step 10: Get Creative Off Screen 21:28 Is Community Building Profitable? 24:19 Community as the Future of Advertising 30:52 Balancing Personal and Professional Transparency 32:51 Mistakes to Avoid on Social Media 35:10 Quality or Quantity 39:34 Overcoming Social Anxiety and Networking 41:21 Starting and Growing a Business 45:52 Hosting and Attending Events 50:45 Pitching to Brands and Creating Opportunities 52:44 Brands Crushing It on Social Media 57:22 Quick-fire Questions | |||
| #3 Charlie Light: How a Meme Account became a $1.2Million+ Content Agency | 21 May 2022 | 00:31:48 | |
Charlie Light is an entrepreneur and the man behind the finance meme account John W Rich on Twitter. He has grown a following of 140k+ on the platform which has quickly developed into a booming content agency. In this episode we get into Charlie's plans to take his agency from $40k/month to $100k/month and how this all started as a bit of fun at the start of COVID. You can find Charlie: https://twitter.com/charliewrich https://twitter.com/Cokedupoptions You can find Callum: https://mobile.twitter.com/McdonnellCallum | |||
| #2 Gabriel Nussbaum: How I built a 1 Million+ TikTok in 6 Months | 04 May 2022 | 00:32:26 | |
Gabriel Nussbaum is an entrepreneur and TikTok creator. He has grown a following of 1million+ on the platform in the finance niche. In this episode we get into Gabriel's journey as a content creator, how he cracked the TikTok algorithm, brand deals and his future plans. You can find Gabriel: https://www.tiktok.com/@gabriel.nussbaum https://www.instagram.com/gabrielinussbaum/ You can find Callum: https://mobile.twitter.com/McdonnellCallum https://www.tiktok.com/@heycallum | |||
| #1 Danny Buck: How I Built a £20Million+ Brand in 3 Years | 08 Mar 2022 | 00:43:25 | |
Danny Buck is the CEO and Founder of CRAFTD London. He runs the holding company Brandbuildr, which includes CRAFTD London, Circulr and Honu. In this episode we get into Danny's origin story, his time building a 100 person e-commerce agency and how he thinks about building successful brands today. You can find Danny: https://www.instagram.com/thedannybuck https://twitter.com/thedannybuck You can find Callum: https://mobile.twitter.com/McdonnellCallum | |||
| The New Era of YouTube: Why MrBeast and The Sidemen Hired Me | 30 Apr 2024 | 01:02:13 | |
Daniel McMahon, known as Dodford, is a British creative making a name for himself on YouTube with his impressive filmmaking, VFX skills, and storytelling abilities. His collaborations with big names like Mr. Beast and the Sidemen speak volumes about his standing in the online creative world. In this episode, he shares: • His strategy for 6 million views (that actually works) • The harsh reality of being a YouTuber • The importance of timing content + LOADS MORE! This might be the first time he’s ever opened up about the true story behind Dodford. Tools I use: VidIQ - https://vidiq.com/creatorplaybooks/ Riverside - https://riverside.fm/?via=callum Get FREE business breakdowns from Callum: https://callummcdonnell.substack.com/ Listen on Podcast Player: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/callum-mcdonnell Follow Callum on socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thecallummc/ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@heycallum Twitter - https://twitter.com/McdonnellCallum LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/callummcdonnell/ Follow Dodford on socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dodford/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@dodford?lang=en YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@DodfordYT Twitter - https://twitter.com/dannymcmahon Work with Callum: https://www.7xcontent.com/ Timestamps: Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:25 Small Creator to YouTube Sensation 07:31 The Sidemen Documentary 14:30 Behind the Scenes: Crafting Viral Documentaries 28:45 Sustaining a YouTube Business Model 33:16 Revenue Streams 37:13 Innovating Content Through Elimination 40:02 YouTube Analytics 44:13 Finding Motivation 49:20 Highs and Lows of Content Creation 57:28 Strategic Content Planning and Future Goals 01:02:03 Closing Thoughts | |||
| If I Wanted to Grow On Social Media in 2024, I’d Do This | 09 Apr 2024 | 00:24:55 | |
Growing on social media is now more difficult than ever. So, if I wanted to grow online in 2024, what would I do? Well, I've spent the last few months chatting with masterminds in social media and marketing, and here's what I learned. Tune in for expert advice from the likes of Grace Andrews (Head of Marketing at Steven Bartlett's Diary of a CEO), Calfreezy (The Fellas Studios), Michael Corcoran (Former Head of Social Media at Ryanair), Andrew Bloch (Lord Sugar's PR representative), Damien Jordan (DamienTalksMoney), Nathan Barry (ConvertKit, Billion Dollar Creator Podcast), and Angus Parker (Ali Abdaal's manager). Tools I use: VidIQ - https://vidiq.com/creatorplaybooks/ Riverside - https://riverside.fm/?via=callum Get FREE business breakdowns from Callum: https://callummcdonnell.substack.com/ Listen on Podcast Player: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/callum-mcdonnell Follow Callum on socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thecallummc/ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@heycallum Twitter - https://twitter.com/McdonnellCallum LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/callummcdonnell/ Work with Callum: https://www.7xcontent.com/ Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 00:44 - Understand your "why" 02:58 - Being authentic 05:04 - Banger Banks 08:21 - Disrupting the system 11:12 - Competing on brand 13:06 - Reactive content 16:52 - Answering your DMs 18:08 - Short form reels 22:38 - Ladders of Wealth Creation | |||
| How to Grow a YouTube Channel from Zero in 2024 | Damien Talks Money | 19 Mar 2024 | 00:59:45 | |
Damien Jordan, known online as DamienTalksMoney, is one of the UK's top content creators. Renowned for his trusted insights, he offers invaluable advice, tips, and strategies for mastering money management, investing wisely, and building wealth. However, what often goes unnoticed his how relentlessly committed he is to being a creative (not just a creator). In this episode, he shares: • How anyone can achieve YouTube fame • Behind the scenes of going viral in ONE DAY • His 1k to 200k social strategy + LOADS MORE! If you've ever considered becoming a content creator, you don't want to miss this! Tools I use: VidIQ - https://vidiq.com/creatorplaybooks/ Riverside - https://riverside.fm/?via=callum Get FREE business breakdowns from Callum: https://callummcdonnell.substack.com/ Listen on Podcast Player: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/callum-mcdonnell Follow Callum on socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thecallummc/ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@heycallum Twitter - https://twitter.com/McdonnellCallum LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/callummcdonnell/ Work with Callum: https://www.7xcontent.com/ Follow Damien on socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/damientalksmoney YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/DamienTalksMoney LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/damien-jordan-7a7112159/?originalSubdomain=uk Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:07 How to Become a YouTuber 08:19 Viral Success 13:20 Creating Content for Long-term Success 19:21 Diversifying Income Streams Beyond YouTube 21:06 The Ethical Dilemma of Sponsorships 24:44 Expanding into B2B 29:55 Advice for New Creators 32:17 Long Form vs Short Form 33:41 Being an Education Creator 39:58 Navigating the Creator Economy 43:50 Critique (Is Mr. Beast Making The Best Videos?) 45:43 Authenticity in a Saturated Market 46:33 Quick Fire Questions | |||
| Meet The PR Genius Behind Lord Sugar | 29 Feb 2024 | 01:06:20 | |
Andrew Bloch is the PR genius behind Lord Sugar (The Apprentice), and co-founder of one of the UK’s number one PR agencies, Frank. There, Andrew masterminded multiple world-famous campaigns with brands such as HP Sauce and Compare The Market. Andrew stepped back from running Frank in 2020 to launch Andrew Bloch & Associates which has just been awarded Boutique Marketing Consultancy of the Year 2024. In this episode, he shares: • The reality of working with Lord Sugar • How to go viral (using PR) • Behind the world’s best marketing campaigns + LOADS MORE! If you want to learn from one of the world’s best PR experts, you’re not going to want to miss this! Get a FREE Email breakdown of this business: https://callummcdonnell.substack.com/ Listen on Podcast Player: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/callum-mcdonnell Follow Callum on socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thecallummc/ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@heycallum Twitter - https://twitter.com/McdonnellCallum LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/callummcdonnell/ Work with Callum: https://www.7xcontent.com/ Follow Andrew: Twitter - https://twitter.com/AndrewBloch Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/blochstagram/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewbloch TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewbloch Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 02:10 What is PR? 05:14 Crafting Iconic Campaigns: The HP Sauce Story 11:28 Andrew’s Framework 18:49 Compare the Meerkat 25:44 Successful Agency-Client Relationships 29:27 Partnership with Lord Sugar 32:44 Challenges and Triumphs with Lord Sugar 34:42 Problems With Becoming Lord Sugar 38:54 What Makes Lord Sugar Special? 40:42 Mentoring ‘The Apprentice’ Winners 43:06 Favourite ‘The Apprentice’ Winners 45:18 Greatest PR Stunts 48:55 Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Resilience 51:20 Agency Life to Consultancy 58:54 The Power of Networking and Future Ventures 01:01:02 Quick-Fire Questions | |||
| Meet The Marketing Genius Who Saved Ryanair | 15 Feb 2024 | 01:23:57 | |
Michael Corcoran is the mastermind who led RyanAir's game-changing social media strategy. With a knack for reshaping brand perception and driving organic reach, Michael has earned a reputation as a visionary leader in the digital marketing landscape. His innovative strategies and expertise continue to redefine the way brands engage with audiences in the ever-evolving realm of social media. In this episode, he shares: • How they built the WORLD's No1 corporate TikTok account • The EXACT social strategy that gave them 1 BILLION in organic reach • The LIES that make social media a pyramid scheme for most brands • Why 99% of social content is trash • The behind the scenes of RISKY tweets about Jadon Sancho and Prince William + loads more! This is an absolute marketing masterclass; if you care at all about social media, you’re not gonna wanna miss this. Get a FREE Email breakdown of this business: https://callummcdonnell.substack.com/ Listen on Podcast Player: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/callum-mcdonnell Follow Callum on socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thecallummc/ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@heycallum Twitter - https://twitter.com/McdonnellCallum LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/callummcdonnell/ Work with Callum: https://www.7xcontent.com/ Follow Michael: Twitter: https://twitter.com/lemachine/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/le_machine/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelrichardcorcoran/ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:16 Getting the Job at Ryanair 04:35 Challenges at Ryanair 06:16 Strategy Behind Ryanair's Social Media Success 09:25 Importance of Understanding Your Audience 10:33 Authenticity in Social Media 12:33 The Role of Strategy 17:01 The Impact of Ryanair's Social Media Strategy 22:35 Challenges of Reactive Content 24:55 Ryanair's Reactive Content 33:17 The Call From Kensington Palace 46:52 Red Circle 40:18 The Sancho/Bartlett Incident 44:47 Reality of Being a Brand on Social Media 45:16 Strategy of Disruption 46:09 Always-On Content 46:56 Social Media Pyramid Scheme 54:38 Social Media for Brands 01:06:48 Why Michael Left RyanAir 01:09:38 The Future | |||
| Meet The YouTube Genius Building A £15,000,000 Empire | Calfreezy | 01 Feb 2024 | 01:14:27 | |
Callum Airey, better known as Calfreezy, is a prominent British YouTuber and content creator. He gained popularity through his YouTube channel, where he creates content related to gaming, challenges, and vlogs. He is also the co-founder of The Fellas Studios, the UK's fastest-growing podcast network acclaimed for its shows, including The Fellas, Saving Grace, Growing Paynes, and more. Notably, KSI and the Sidemen recently invested £1.5 million in the network, valuing the studio at £15 Million. In this episode, he shares: • His 1k to 4 Million Subscriber YouTube Strategy • How he's building the UK's fastest-growing podcast Network • What the Sidemen are really like • The anatomy of a viral video + loads more! You may know Calfreezy for his funny videos or the R-Rated jokes on his podcast, but he is undeniably one of today's smartest creators so trust me, you don't want to miss this. Get a FREE Email breakdown of this business: https://callummcdonnell.substack.com/ Listen on Podcast Player: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/callum-mcdonnell Follow Callum on socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thecallummc/ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@heycallum Twitter - https://twitter.com/McdonnellCallum LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/callummcdonnell/ Work with Callum: https://www.7xcontent.com/ Follow Calfreezy: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@calfreezy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calfreezy/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@calfreezy Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:35 Calfreezy Is a Secret Genius 02:28 Start of Calfreezy's YouTube Career 03:28 Challenges of Starting on YouTube 05:14 Birth of The Fellas Podcast 09:01 Importance of Collaboration in Content Creation 13:32 Science of Creating Engaging Content 15:28 Impact of Authenticity in Content Creation 19:06 Role of Collaboration in Calfreezy's Success 20:05 What Is Calfreezy’s Content? 28:37 Relationship with the Sidemen 36:19 Calfreezy Proving Himself 38:53 Unexpected Turn of Events 39:28 Impact of COVID-19 39:52 The Fellas Backstory 40:24 Was It a Hit from Day One? 40:43 The Concept and Evolution of the Podcast 41:22 Drinking 41:50 Transition to Spotify 44:21 End of the Spotify Era 45:15 Expansion of The Fellas Studios 47:53 Strategy Behind Successful Podcasts 50:18 Importance of Building Brands 52:59 Challenges of Talent Management 01:05:42 Lowest Moment 01:09:35 Quick-fire Questions | |||
| I Started A Business for £1k and Make £37,000 a Month | 29 Dec 2023 | 00:14:38 | |
An end of year update from me. I hope you enjoy and get some value! Let me know in the comments. 0:00 Biggest wins of the year 01:20 Agency Revenue Growth 03:15 Lessons from Hiring 04:50 Biggest failure 06:50 Removing Mediocrity 07:25 Moving at Pace 09:00 Content is a Superpower 12:00 Personal News 13:10 A message for YOU in 2024 Get FREE business breakdowns from Callum: https://callummcdonnell.substack.com/ Listen on Podcast Player: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/callum-mcdonnell Follow Callum on socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thecallummc/ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@heycallum Twitter - https://twitter.com/McdonnellCallum LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/callummcdonnell/ Work with Callum: https://www.7xcontent.com/ | |||
| Meet The Viral Editor Who Saved Steven Bartlett | 24 Sep 2024 | 01:21:18 | |
Anthony Smith is the creative mastermind behind the viral trailers for Steven Bartlett’s podcast, The Diary of a CEO, with over 7 million subscribers. Get Diary of a CEO's Strategy (FREE): https://callummcdonnell.substack.com/ Formerly a video editor for major film and TV franchises like James Bond and Marvel, Anthony has revolutionised podcast marketing by bringing cinematic storytelling to short-form social media content. Tune in to learn how his innovative podcast promotion strategies have significantly boosted The Diary of a CEO’s visibility, setting a new industry standard. Tools I use: VidIQ - https://vidiq.com/creatorplaybooks/ Riverside - https://riverside.fm/?via=callum Listen on Podcast Player: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/callum-mcdonnell Follow Callum on socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thecallummc/ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@heycallum Twitter - https://twitter.com/McdonnellCallum LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/callummcdonnell/ Follow Anthony on socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthonyr.smith/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/antsmith93/ Work with Callum: https://www.7xcontent.com/ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:01 How I Got a Job with Steven Bartlett 07:59 Evolution of Trailer Making 11:00 How to Measure Success 24:47 Diary of a CEO’s Blueprint for Creating Trailers 26:35 What Makes a Good Hook? 35:34 Which Metrics Matter Most? 37:42 Crafting the Moment of Value 41:47 The Defense Lawyer Narrative Structure 44:12 Diary of a CEO’s Weekly Workflow 49:51 Urgency in Social Media 58:11 Tips for Hiring and Managing Great Video Editors 01:05:18 What It’s Like to Work with Steven Bartlett 01:09:22 How Ownership and Purpose Drive Editing Success 01:17:30 Quickfire Questions | |||
| How We Grew Simon Squibb From Zero to 200 Million Views/Month | 09 Oct 2024 | 01:13:52 | |
Meet Callum Church and Jack Whettingsteel, co-founders of HelpBnk and the content viral geniuses behind Simon Squibb's massive social media success. These young entrepreneurs have skyrocketed Simon's brand to over 200 million monthly views. Get Simon Squibb's Strategy (FREE): https://callummcdonnell.substack.com/ Tools I use: VidIQ - https://vidiq.com/creatorplaybooks/ Riverside - https://riverside.fm/?via=callum Listen on Podcast Player: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/callum-mcdonnell Follow Callum on socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thecallummc/ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@heycallum Twitter - https://twitter.com/McdonnellCallum LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/callummcdonnell/ Work with Callum: https://www.7xcontent.com/ Follow HelpBnk on socials: Callum Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/callumchurch15/ Jack Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jackwhettingsteel/ HelpBnk Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/helpbnk/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HelpBnk/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/helpbankapp/ Website - https://helpbnk.com/ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Simon Squibb and Content Creation 00:56 How to Stand Out Online 03:22 How Simon Squibb Mastered Short-Form Video Content 07:44 How to Create Videos People Actually Want to Watch 12:01 Simon Squibb’s Social Media Strategy 14:23 How to Make Money as a Content Creator 16:00 How to Pitch and Secure Brand Deals as a Content Creator 24:17 The Mindset You Need to Succeed Online 27:45 The Team and Systems Behind Simon Squibb’s Viral Videos 32:20 How to Craft the Perfect Hook for Your Videos 35:54 How to Grow Your YouTube Channel Fast 39:20 Top Strategies for Growing with YouTube Long-Form Content 46:37 How Simon Squibb Boosts Engagement on Video Content 49:11 Building a Mission-Driven YouTube Channel and Brand 51:15 Short-Form vs. Long-Form Content 56:39 The #1 Hack Every Content Creator Should Be Using 59:03 Viral Content Strategy: How to Go Viral More Often 01:04:23 The Power of Purpose and Ownership 01:06:06 How Equity and Incentives Can Grow Your Business 01:09:27 Quickfire Questions | |||
| The Blueprint To Grow FAST On Instagram From Day 1 | Ben Kaluza Interview | 20 Nov 2024 | 01:16:57 | |
Meet Ben Kaluza, a full-time creator who has mastered the art of growing on Instagram. Ben shares practical tips and strategies, how he rapidly expanded his online presence, and the tactics he uses to stay ahead in 2025. Get a free Breakdown Of Ben's strategy here: https://callummcdonnell.substack.com/ Tools I use: VidIQ - https://vidiq.com/creatorplaybooks/ Riverside - https://riverside.fm/?via=callum Listen on Podcast Player: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/callum-mcdonnell Follow Callum on socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thecallummc/ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@heycallum Twitter - https://twitter.com/McdonnellCallum LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/callummcdonnell/ Produced by 7xContent - make your own Podcast with us here: https://www.7xcontent.com/ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Instagram Growth Strategies 01:18 How to Gain 200k Instagram Followers Fast 02:10 Overcoming Creator Burnout and Staying Motivated 03:15 Data-Driven Content Creation for Better Engagement 04:57 How to Find Your Instagram Niche 06:32 Balancing Original Content vs. Instagram Trends12:16 Why Instagram Hooks are Key for Growth15:15 Step-by-step Blueprint for Content Planning26:32 How to Track Instagram Performance Metrics 29:35 Understanding Instagram's Algorithm in 2024 33:06 Achieving Financial Freedom as a Content Creator 41:25 Balancing Work and Life as a Creator 43:06 How to Secure Brand Deals and Monetise Your Content 45:41 Daily Routine Tips for Productive Creators 46:55 Diversifying Your Content Across Multiple Platforms 47:42 Expanding Your Brand to Writing Platforms like LinkedIn, X, Threads, and BlueSky 53:05 Authenticity in Content Creation: Why It Matters 01:01:46 Challenges with Brand Partnerships 01:02:31 How to Optimise Brand Deals for Maximum ROI 01:03:40 Innovations in Influencer Marketing and Content Trends 01:10:10 Quickfire Questions | |||
| How to Build a Successful Personal Brand in 2025 | Full Masterclass | 22 Jan 2025 | 01:05:36 | |
Get Ash Jones' playbook with my free newsletter: https://callummcdonnell.substack.com Apply to work with me: https://forms.gle/uw6NZDBHs2pQNYhbA Ash Jones is the founder of Great Influence, a personal branding agency that has worked with high-profile entrepreneurs and business leaders like Steven Bartlett, Gary Neville, and Sacha Lord to build their online presence and influence.Listen on your Podcast Player: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/callum-mcdonnellFollow Callum on socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thecallummc/ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@heycallum/X - https://twitter.com/McdonnellCallum/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/callummcdonnell/ Produced by 7xContent - make your own Podcast with us here: https://www.7xcontent.com/Follow Ash on socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_ashleybjones/X - https://x.com/_ashleybjones/Website - https://greatinfluence.com/ Timestamps:00:00 Introduction01:19 Why Most People Get Personal Branding Wrong04:48 How Social Media Fits Into Personal Branding06:44 Building Social Chain's Marketing Strategy09:52 Lessons from Working with Steven Bartlett16:07 Finding Your Target Audience24:41 Gary Neville's Brand Evolution30:46 Key Elements of Personal Brand Success36:57 The Early Days with Steven Bartlett41:55 Building a Top Personal Branding Agency45:03 Advice for Struggling Entrepreneurs47:10 Do Social Media Tactics Actually Work?49:23 Creating an Innovative Personal Brand59:54 How Much to Share Online01:01:18 Personal Growth Through Branding01:01:52 Quick Fire Questions | |||
| How To Build Community For Your Brand In 2025 | Live Masterclass | 03 Dec 2024 | 00:21:32 | |
The word community gets thrown around a lot in the social media world—but what does it actually mean? And more importantly, how do you create one that people truly care about? In this LIVE recording of Creator Playbooks hosted by Frankly Speaking, I’m joined by Daisy Morris, Kira Matthews, and Beth Thomas - creators, thought leaders, and experts in building thriving online communities. Together, we break down the strategies and mindset needed to foster genuine connections online, beyond just replying to comments or chasing followers. Get FREE email breakdown of the strategy from this Episode: https://callummcdonnell.substack.com/ Listen on your Podcast Player: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/callum-mcdonnell Follow Callum on socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thecallummc/ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@heycallum X - https://twitter.com/McdonnellCallum LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/callummcdonnell/ Produced by 7xContent - make your own Podcast with us here: https://www.7xcontent.com/ Follow Daisy on socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/the_self_hood/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daisy-morris-the-selfhood/ Follow Kira on socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kirathebold/ Website - https://www.kiramatthews.com/ Follow Beth on socials: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/betheleanorthomas/ Follow Frankly on socials: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearefrankly/ Website - https://wearefrank.ly/ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:25 Power of Community in 2024 02:31 The Importance of Real Conversations 04:47 Hosting and Human Connection 06:07 Leveraging Live Sessions 07:18 Authenticity in Community Building 08:30 Navigating Social Media Outages 09:18 Diary of a CEO's Telegram Group 10:37 Strategies for Authentic Engagement 18:09 Collaborating with Influencers and Creators 21:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts | |||
| Exposing Big Podcast Marketing Secrets | 11 Feb 2025 | 00:09:02 | |
Get my latest playbook with my free newsletter: https://callummcdonnell.substack.com Apply to work with me: https://forms.gle/uw6NZDBHs2pQNYhbA Podcasts are bigger than ever in 2025, and top creators use powerful strategies to grab your attention. In this video, I break down five genius podcast growth hacks that drive millions of views - so you can use them too. Listen on your Podcast Player: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/callum-mcdonnell Follow Callum on socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thecallummc/ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@heycallum/ X - https://twitter.com/McdonnellCallum/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/callummcdonnell/ Produced by 7xContent - make your own Podcast with us here: https://www.7xcontent.com/ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:40 The Thumbnail System 03:08 The Reactive Episode 04:33 Content Waterfall System 05:52 Trailers 07:35 Guest Selection and Collaboration | |||
| Meet The Marketing Genius Behind Alex Hormozi | Tobias Allen | 07 May 2025 | 01:00:24 | |
Get Tobias' YouTube playbook with my free newsletter: https://callummcdonnell.substack.com Apply to work with me: https://forms.gle/uw6NZDBHs2pQNYhbA Tobias Allen is the former director of marketing at Acquisition.com, working alongside Alex and Leila Hormozi to generate millions in revenue, engineer sold-out events, and drive growth across one of the world’s fastest-scaling business portfolios. In this episode, he unpacks the seven timeless principles every entrepreneur and marketer should master to grow leads, close sales, and scale profitably. If you want to sharpen your marketing strategy, craft offers that convert, and understand how top operators like the Hormozis build empires — this episode is a must-listen. Listen on Your Podcast Player: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/creatorplaybooks/ Follow Callum on socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thecallummc/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@heycallum X - https://x.com/McdonnellCallum/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/callummcdonnell/ Produced by 7xContent – make your own Podcast with us: Follow Tobias on socials: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tobias-allen/ Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:10 – Tobias’ journey: sales to Hormozi’s team 05:50 – Elevators & cake: how to capture attention 10:12 – The MAN formula: targeting buyers who convert 13:30 – Crafting offers: building bridges that sell 18:00 – Going for the bullseye: messaging that resonates 27:00 – Salesmanship in print: making funnels actually sell 33:00 – Avoiding vanity metrics: the “elephant in the room” test 44:45 – Scaling without sacrificing margin or sanity 50:00 – Tobias’ lessons from working directly with Alex & Leila Hormozi 55:00 – Tobias’ top books and final takeaways | |||
| Meet The Man Making Millionaires on YouTube | Oscar Owen | 09 Apr 2025 | 01:36:34 | |
Get Oscar’s YouTube playbook with my free newsletter: https://callummcdonnell.substack.com Apply to work with me: https://forms.gle/uw6NZDBHs2pQNYhbA Oscar Owen isn’t just a famous YouTube magician — he’s a YouTube expert. With two channels nearing 1M subscribers combined, Oscar has mastered the art of faceless content, creator breakdowns, and turning views into serious revenue. In this episode, he breaks down how he builds content that ranks, earns, and converts — including how he attracts clients, automates income, and reverse engineers top creators to dominate the algorithm. If you want to grow faster on YouTube, attract leads through content, and build a faceless brand that prints money while you sleep — Oscar’s playbook is essential. Listen on Your Podcast Player: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/creatorplaybooks/ Follow Callum on socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thecallummc/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@heycallum X - https://x.com/McdonnellCallum/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/callummcdonnell/ Produced by 7xContent – make your own Podcast with us: Follow Oscar on socials: YouTube (coaching channel) - https://www.youtube.com/@oscarowenbusiness YouTube (magic channel) - https://www.youtube.com/@OscarOwen Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/oscarowenmagic/ Twitter/X - https://x.com/oscarowenmagic Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 02:17 – How one video made over $100,000 06:02 – The mistake most creators make starting out 09:45 – Targeted views vs. viral views 13:30 – The power of niche authority on YouTube 17:12 – Turning 500 views into clients 21:06 – The system Oscar uses to stay consistent 25:39 – When and what to outsource 30:14 – Why lead magnets drive more sales than subs 34:50 – How to batch-create 3 months of content 39:23 – The secret to trust-building via video 43:47 – Creating bingeable video ecosystems 48:30 – When having 500K subs becomes a problem 52:19 – Using YouTube instead of paid ads 56:40 – Oscar’s current strategy & coaching insights | |||
| The Social Media Expert: Turn Posts Into Millions | Aydan Al-Saad | 16 Mar 2025 | 00:48:33 | |
Get Aydan's playbook with my free newsletter: https://callummcdonnell.substack.com Apply to work with me: https://forms.gle/uw6NZDBHs2pQNYhbA Meet Aydan Al-Saad, an entrepreneur who replaced a 200K salary with multiple six‑figure income streams - all powered by social media content and a simple 5‑step system. In this episode, he reveals how to transform your skills into profitable offers, land your first paying client, and scale your earnings with content‑driven sales. Get Aydan’s 5‑Step Blueprint (FREE):https://callummcdonnell.substack.com/ Listen on Your Podcast Player:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/creatorplaybooks/ Follow Callum on socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thecallummc/ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@heycallum X - https://x.com/McdonnellCallum/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/callummcdonnell/ Produced by 7xContent - make your own Podcast with us here: https://www.7xcontent.com/ Follow Aydan on socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/aydanalsaad/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@aydanalsaad Website - https://www.aydanalsaad.com/ Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:11 – Tech Sales to Fatherhood - Leaving a £200k job after becoming a dad 06:22 – Corporate Pros & Cons - Money vs. limited creativity and ownership 09:50 – Real Flexibility - Freedom to travel, create, and grow 14:54 – The 5-Step Blueprint 25:56 – First Customer - How Aydan landed early consulting and brand deals 31:00 – Scaling Brand Deals - From £1k posts to year-long partnerships 36:05 – Content-Led Sales - Document your process to attract clients 40:58 – Beyond Six Figures - Challenges in scaling and time management 44:55 – Routine & Reflection - Aydan’s weekly schedule, family focus, and final takeaways | |||
| Meet The Marketing Genius Behind A $100M Podcast | ZOE’s Rich Willan | 20 Aug 2025 | 01:20:07 | |
Get Rich's pitch template: https://mailchi.mp/f5fbb8d327b2/zsn-pitch-template-lead-mag Get a breakdown of Rich’s podcast playbook in my free newsletter: https://callummcdonnell.substack.com Apply to work with me: https://forms.gle/uw6NZDBHs2pQNYhbA Rich Willan is the Head of Content at ZOE — a $100M+ health brand that built the #1 most shared podcast in the UK. In this episode, Rich reveals how to grow a podcast from zero to millions of downloads, how to create an effective editorial system, and what it takes to consistently make content that drives real business results. We break down ZOE’s strategy across formats, why quality trumps virality, how they structure their workflow, and what founders and creators can learn from building a show like ZOE Science & Nutrition. If you want to grow a podcast, run better interviews, or turn content into conversions — this episode is a masterclass. Listen on Your Podcast Player: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/creatorplaybooks/ Follow Callum on socials: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/thecallummc/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@heycallum X – https://x.com/McdonnellCallum/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/callummcdonnell/ Produced by 7xContent – make your own Podcast with us: https://www.7xcontent.com/ Follow Rich: LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-willan-69764957 Timestamps: 00:42 – How ZOE built the most shared podcast in the UK 02:55 – How to grow a podcast without relying on virality 06:13 – The “content engine” behind ZOE’s success 09:01 – Structuring your show like a Netflix series 11:49 – Audience feedback, discovery, and listening data 15:37 – Planning content that builds real trust 18:24 – Why ZOE avoids TikTok and sticks to longform 21:03 – Their growth flywheel: consistency → trust → action 23:45 – Building a $100M brand through podcasting 27:20 – ZOE’s workflow: research, scripts & final edits 30:16 – The role of the host (and training for it) 34:07 – What makes a great guest vs a forgettable one 36:39 – How to structure a podcast team that scales 39:18 – What creators get wrong about “growth content” 41:59 – Rich’s best advice for creators, founders & content teams | |||
| 23 Harsh Truths Holding You Back | Unlock Your Full Potential | Jodie Cook | 23 Jul 2025 | 01:20:57 | |
Get a breakdown of Jodie’s frameworks in my free newsletter: https://callummcdonnell.substack.com Apply to work with me: https://forms.gle/uw6NZDBHs2pQNYhbA Jodie Cook is a bestselling author, entrepreneur, and one of the clearest thinkers on how to actually build a life you’re proud of. In this episode, she breaks down how to structure your day, build systems that free you up, and grow a meaningful business that doesn’t burn you out. We cover her principles for daily productivity, her exit from the agency she founded, how to write like a machine, and why consistency wins in everything from content to competition. If you’re a creator, founder, or operator looking for clarity, systems, and energy — this episode delivers. Listen on Your Podcast Player: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/creatorplaybooks/ Follow Callum on socials: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/thecallummc/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@heycallum X – https://x.com/McdonnellCallum/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/callummcdonnell/ Produced by 7xContent – make your own Podcast with us: Follow Jodie: Website – https://www.jodiecook.com/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jodie.cook_ LinkedIn – https://linkedin.com/in/jodie-cook Timestamps: 03:02 – 9 productivity principles for better days 06:15 – What changes after you sell your business 10:47 – How Jodie organizes her goals, calendar, and time 14:23 – The secret to content consistency without burnout 18:58 – Living a meaningful life as an entrepreneur 22:10 – How to build an identity outside your business 25:45 – Training for Ironman & lessons from competition 30:12 – How to publish books, newsletters, and stay creative 34:08 – Why writing is Jodie’s operating system 39:26 – “You can't always be creating chaos” — focus & repeatability 44:40 – How to make decisions faster (with less regret) 48:13 – Jodie’s writing process and content schedule 52:30 – The two types of creators — and how to tell which one you are 56:02 – How to set better goals (that energize you long-term) 59:17 – Jodie’s best advice for founders & creators | |||
| Ultimate Podcast Setup For 2025 - Beginner To Advanced | 25 Jun 2025 | 00:32:17 | |
Get the full gear breakdown in my free newsletter: https://callummcdonnell.substack.com Apply to work with me: https://forms.gle/uw6NZDBHs2pQNYhbA If you’re starting a podcast or want to upgrade your setup — this is the only video you need.In this episode, I sit down with Ben Warburton (award-winning director + DOP) to break down the ultimate podcast setup for every budget: from $1K to $100K. We cover cameras, lenses, lighting, audio, data, design, and all the things no one tells you — including what gear’s overrated and what’s 100% worth investing in. Whether you’re building a studio, filming on location, or just upgrading from your bedroom — you’ll walk away knowing exactly what to buy and how to set it up. 🎥 CAMERA LINKS • Beginner: Sony ZV-E10 – https://a.co/d/cKlFMHz • Intermediate: Sony A7 IV – https://a.co/d/bWYfN5d • Advanced: Sony FX6 – https://www.sony.co.uk/interchangeable-lens-cameras/products/ilme-fx6 • G Master & GM Zoom Lenses – https://www.sony.co.uk/lenses/g-master-lenses • Sigma Art Lenses – https://www.sigma-global.com/en/lenses/art/🎙️ AUDIO LINKS • Entry-Level Mic (Samson Q2U) – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001R747SG • Mid-Level Mic (Shure MV7X) – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08G8WH435 • Pro Mic (Shure SM7B) – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002E4Z8M • Audio Interface (Zoom PodTrak P4) – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08H57VYTC • Budget Mic Alternative (Rode NT1-A) – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002PSCQM 💡 LIGHTING LINKS • Key Light: Aputure 300D II – https://aputure.com/products/ls-300d-ii?srsltid=AfmBOoqu2BG6VIPx9KiJF9CoiUyc6oMaOBMXmet0XOVzEOMJIUaEm3f5&Battery+Mount=V-mount • Panel Light: Amaran F22C – https://www.aputure.com/products/amaran-f22c • Accent/Battery Light: Aputure B7c – https://www.aputure.com/products/accent-b7c 💾 STORAGE LINKS • Fast SD Card (V90, 128GB+) – https://www.amazon.com/s?k=V90+SD+card+128GB Listen on Your Podcast Player: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/creatorplaybooks/ Follow Callum on socials: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/thecallummcTikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@heycallumX – https://x.com/McdonnellCallumLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/callummcdonnellProduced by 7xContent – make your own Podcast with us:https://www.7xcontent.com/ Follow Ben: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/benwarburtonmediaLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/benwarburtonWebsite – https://www.benwarburtonmedia.com Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:14 – The $1K beginner setup: cameras, mics, lighting 03:37 – What we use: Sony A7 IV, FX6, lens options 08:46 – Microphones for every budget (and what to skip) 12:58 – Lighting mistakes & silent gear to use instead 15:43 – Portable battery lights that save every set 17:29 – How to light a podcast like a film shoot 20:13 – Storage, file sizes & the biggest rookie mistake 24:18 – Set design: overlooked but critical 26:48 – Camera placement & layout rules 29:51 – Authenticity, performance & final tips | |||
| Meet The Marketing Genius Behind PerfectTed | $200M Brand Masterclass | Marisa Poster | 08 Oct 2025 | 01:32:39 | |
Get a breakdown of Marisa’s brand-building frameworks in my free newsletter: https://bit.ly/4mL8kRK Apply to work with me:https://bit.ly/42PymMo Marisa Poster is the co-founder of PerfectTed — Europe’s fastest-growing matcha brand. In this episode, Marisa shares how she went from struggling to find matcha in the UK to building a global brand stocked in 30,000+ stores and generating millions a month in revenue. We cover the Kickstarter pivot that changed everything, her experience pitching on Dragons’ Den, what it’s like working with Steven Bartlett, the strategies behind breaking into major retailers, and the scrappy marketing hacks that helped PerfectTed explode. If you’re a founder, brand builder, or entrepreneur — this is a masterclass in turning an idea into an iconic business. Listen on Your Podcast Player:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/creatorplaybooks Follow Callum on socials:Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/heycallum/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@heycallum X – https://x.com/mcdonnellcallum LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/callummcdonnell Produced by 7xContent – make your own Podcast with us: https://www.7xcontent.com Follow Marisa: LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/marisa-poster Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/marisalposter/ PerfectTed – https://www.perfectted.com Timestamps: 0:00 – How Marisa scaled PerfectTed from £9K to £4M a month 2:15 – Why matcha was the answer to anxiety, ADHD & caffeine crashes 6:40 – From failed lattes to launching a hit energy drink 10:25 – The Kickstarter campaign that proved demand 15:10 – Inside the Dragons’ Den pitch (and what you don’t see on TV) 23:45 – Signing with Steven Bartlett & scaling with supermarket deals 32:18 – Scrappy marketing hacks: Facebook, Holland & Barrett, Cameo stunts 40:12 – Why café partnerships like Joe & the Juice changed everything 48:27 – Working with Steven: advice followed vs ignored 55:36 – The reality of building with family co-founders 1:03:42 – Mistakes, lessons & what founders should know before starting 1:10:28 – World domination: the vision for PerfectTed | |||
| The YouTube Secrets Behind Ali Abdaal’s $5 Million Channel | Saf Mohammed | 24 Sep 2025 | 01:08:37 | |
Get a breakdown of Saf's framework in my free newsletter: https://bit.ly/46QMur8 Apply to work with me: https://bit.ly/4muEMHS Saf Mohammed is the content genius who left Ali Abdaal and founded his own agency Talking Heads. In this episode, Saf shares how he went from editing his own videos alone to running his own content agency, and how to build systems that make creative work scalable. We cover how it was like working for Ali Abdaal, the systems behind the channel, why he left, mistakes, and much more. If you're a content creator, freelancer, or agency builder — this is a must-watch. Listen on Your Podcast Player: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/creatorplaybooks Follow Callum on socials: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/thecallummc TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@heycallum X – https://x.com/McdonnellCallum LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/callummcdonnell Produced by 7xContent – make your own Podcast with us: Follow Saf: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/saffalino LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/safmohammed Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction 1:18 – Meeting Ali's team 4:04 – Ali's organisation 05:32 – How to come up with content ideas 9:11 – YouTube packaging 15:24 – Working with clients & writing hooks 20:37 – Ali's unfair advantage 22:37 – Finding your “core content thesis” 26:15 – Programs and what matters 28:23 – YouTube metrics 34:22 – People leaving Ali's team 35:40 – Content analysis 41:40 – Saf's YouTube journey 44:00 – Content opportunity 51:38 – Saf's passion 54:39 – What Saf learnt from Ali 59:33 – Saf's agency & more content opportunities #podcast #youtube #youtubeexpert #expert #contentcreator #strategy #youtubestrategy | |||
| Meet The Marketing Genius Behind Alex Hormozi And GaryVee | Caleb Ralston | 15 Oct 2025 | 01:33:24 | |
Get a breakdown of Caleb’s frameworks in my free newsletter: https://bit.ly/4nWMw78 Apply to work with me: Caleb Ralston is the secret strategist behind Gary Vee and Alex Hormozi — two of the biggest personal brands in the world. In this episode, Caleb reveals the exact systems and frameworks he used to help scale Hormozi’s brand to 11.5 million followers and build creator teams that actually convert. We break down his 4-step brand journey framework, the biggest mistake people make when growing online, what he learned directly from GaryVee, and why the future of personal branding is about trust, not virality. If you’re a creator, entrepreneur, or anyone building an audience — this is the blueprint for doing it right. Listen on Your Podcast Player: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/creatorplaybooks Follow Callum on socials: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/thecallumc/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@heycallum X – https://x.com/mcdonnellcallum LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/callummcdonnell Produced by 7xContent – make your own Podcast with us: Follow Caleb: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/calebralston LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/calebralston X - https://x.com/calebralston YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CalebRalston Website: https://calebralston.com Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction 1:32 – The framework to build a personal brand 5:50 – The biggest mistake creators make with content 9:45 – Why your brand must stand for something contrarian 13:30 – Lessons from GaryVee on spotting new platforms early 17:55 – How to pick your primary platform & stay consistent 23:22 – Why trust beats virality (and always will) 29:40 – Turning your creative team into strategic thinkers 35:18 – The role of quality vs quantity in content 41:07 – Inside the Hormozi content machine 48:12 – The one hire every creator should make first 54:48 – Building long-term systems instead of chasing views1:03:20 – Optimising your team 1:08:15 – What Caleb learned working with the Hormozi's 1:14:33 – Balancing what your own work & more team advice 1:18:47 – GaryVee & Document, don't create 1:29:23 – Premium looking content & final advice | |||
| How To Actually Build a Global Brand And Sell It (In Just 7 Steps) | Ben Branson | Seedlip | 29 Oct 2025 | 01:44:40 | |
Get a breakdown of Ben’s brand-building frameworks in my free newsletter: https://bit.ly/4noPRuk Apply to work with me:https://bit.ly/4oDmAgx Ben Branson is the founder of Seedlip - the world’s first non-alcoholic spirit. In this episode, Ben shares how he built a completely new drinks category from his kitchen and turned it into a global brand stocked in 40+ countries and acquired by Diageo. We cover how Seedlip went from an idea in a small kitchen to a movement changing the drinks industry, the creative philosophy that drives Ben’s work, how he blends art and science in brand building, and what’s next for his ventures like Seasn and Sylva. If you’re a brand builder, founder, or creative entrepreneur, this is a masterclass in vision, purpose, and originality. Listen on Your Podcast Player:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/creatorplaybooks Follow Callum on socials: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/thecallumc/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@heycallum X – https://x.com/mcdonnellcallum LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/callummcdonnell Produced by 7xContent – make your own Podcast with us:https://www.7xcontent.com Follow Ben: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/seedlip_ben LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/benbranson YouTube (podcast) – https://www.youtube.com/@hidden20charity Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction 1:34 – The origin story: how Seedlip began in a kitchen garden 6:12 – Turning a personal experiment into a global drinks brand 11:25 – Naming, storytelling, and the design philosophy behind Seedlip 17:18 – What it takes to pioneer a new category in the drinks world 23:05 – The moment a huge company came knocking 29:42 – Staying true to purpose after acquisition 35:26 – The power of restraint: branding lessons from simplicity 41:15 – Building brands with emotion and authenticity 48:10 – Launching the next generation of purpose-led products 55:42 – The tension between creativity and commercial success 1:03:38 – What Ben learned from failure and iteration 1:12:06 – Designing for meaning, not just marketing 1:20:14 – The impact of nature, art, and ritual on creative thinking 1:28:45 – What founders get wrong 1:36:22 – The future of non-alcoholic culture and conscious consumption 1:42:49 – Final lessons | |||
| World’s No 1 LinkedIn Expert: How To Grow a Personal Brand FAST in 2026 | 28 Jan 2026 | 01:31:16 | |
Get a breakdown of Josh’s LinkedIn frameworks in my free newsletter: https://bit.ly/48JKUaa Apply to work with me:https://bit.ly/48sQY8d Josh Sanders is the Head of Content for Chris Donnelly, where he helped scale one of the fastest-growing personal brands in the world from 0 to 3M+ followers across platforms and a 0-250,000 subscriber newsletter in under two years, then engineered the systems that turned that attention into a $10M+ education business. In this episode, Josh breaks down the data-backed LinkedIn growth playbook behind that rise. We cover how to grow a personal brand on LinkedIn in 2026, how to turn views into customers using offers, funnels, and attribution, why “don’t chase, attract” is the most effective creator strategy, how newsletters compound audience growth, and what most creators misunderstand about monetisation. Unlike most LinkedIn advice, Josh’s insights are backed by large-scale dataset reviews, rigorous testing, and real revenue outcomes. This is one of the most practical LinkedIn and creator growth masterclasses ever recorded. Listen on your Podcast Player: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/callum-mcdonnell Follow Callum on socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thecallummc/ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@heycallum Twitter - https://twitter.com/McdonnellCallum LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/callummcdonnell/ Produced by 7xContent - make your own Podcast with us here: https://www.7xcontent.com/ Follow Josh:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshejsanders/ Timestamps (accurate + true to transcript) 00:21 Meet Josh Sanders: Content Mastermind 00:36 The Power of LinkedIn for Business Growth 02:32 Setting Clear Goals and Content Pillars 09:23 Optimizing Your LinkedIn Profile 17:21 Engaging with Your Network and Building Relationships 25:57 Creating High-Impact Content 28:10 Analyzing and Adapting Content Strategies 45:50 Leveraging Lead Magnet Posts for Engagement 46:56 Driving Conversations and Engagement on LinkedIn 49:35 Crafting Effective Hooks and Content Structure 51:47 The Science Behind High-Performing LinkedIn Posts 58:06 Tracking Performance Metrics on LinkedIn 01:03:55 Building and Scaling a Creator Accelerator Business 01:07:23 Creating a Cohort-Based Program for Maximum Impact 01:12:45 Marketing Strategies and Community Building 01:28:10 Finding the Right Team and Incentivising Growth 01:30:34 Conclusion and Next Steps | |||
| Personal Update & Plans For 2026 | 24 Jan 2026 | 00:16:20 | |
Email me callum@7xcontent.com with 3 reasons / ideas / examples of your work if you’d like to work with me in 2026. Apply to work with me here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/7xcontent/jobs/ Join Callum for a candid start-of-year business and life update, breaking down exactly what happened behind the scenes of Creator Playbooks and 7x Content in 2025. This episode covers real podcast performance numbers, what worked, what didn’t and how one underperforming YouTube episode went on to generate £250k in closed business. Callum also shares the evolution of the agency, from scaling end-to-end podcast production and chart-topping client launches to hiring from his audience and raising personal standards as a founder. Listen on Your Podcast Player:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/creatorplaybooks Follow Callum on socials: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/thecallumc/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@heycallum X – https://x.com/mcdonnellcallum LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/callummcdonnell Produced by 7xContent – make your own Podcast with us: https://www.7xcontent.com | |||
| Meet The Man Behind The Sidemen's $100M Empire | 10 Dec 2025 | 01:18:19 | |
Get a breakdown of Jordan’s content engineering frameworks in my free newsletter: https://bit.ly/4pLrw4d Apply to work with me: https://bit.ly/3MsFlWe Jordan Schwarzenberger is the manager behind The Sidemen — one of the biggest creator groups on the planet, with over 10 billion views and a content empire that extends into restaurants, vodka brands, trading cards, a membership platform, and more. In this episode, Jordan breaks down the systems, strategies, and business models behind The Sidemen’s explosive rise. We cover how The Sidemen built a 2-billion-views-per-year YouTube machine, the real economics behind content businesses, the future of creators, how to think commercially about your channel, why most creators are stuck, and why the next era of content isn’t production — it’s engineering. This is one of the most detailed creator masterclasses ever recorded. Listen on Your Podcast Player: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/creatorplaybooks Follow Callum on socials: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/thecallumc TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@heycallum X – https://x.com/mcdonnellcallum LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/callummcdonnell Produced by 7xContent – make your own Podcast with us: https://www.7xcontent.com Follow Jordan: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jordanschwarz LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanschwarzenberger Website – https://www.jordanschwarz.com Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction: The next era is content engineering 1:37 – When Jordan realised creators were different 5:04 – Why YouTube is the engine room of the creator economy 8:41 – Anyone can win on YouTube: the democratization of reach 9:49 – How Jordan first identified the opportunity with The Sidemen 12:20 – Building the business: the original strategy & 15 focus areas 14:13 – Alcohol brand, restaurant, trading cards & Side+ — choosing what to build 17:20 – Launching Sides, XIX Vodka & Best Cereal — the real challenges 22:20 – Why Side+ (membership) is their most successful business 23:48 – The economics of creator brands & realistic conversion rates 28:40 – Joint ventures, partnerships & structuring creator businesses 33:46 – Long-term thinking: why creators won’t see returns for years 36:11 – Diversifying creator income & building financial resilience 41:05 – Why most UK creators are stuck — and the algorithm trap 43:21 – How to think commercially: audiences, niches & advertising lanes 47:15 – Why YouTube should be your primary platform 49:59 – Do creators need managers? (Jordan’s honest take) 53:47 – High-volume content, storytelling & what makes content “good” 55:58 – The three S’s: Stop, Stay, Satisfy — Jordan’s content framework 1:01:34 – The importance of analysing content like an engineer 1:03:29 – The monoculture collapse & how algorithms changed everything 1:08:07 – Instagram vs TikTok vs YouTube: where the real value is 1:13:37 – Why traditional TV talent struggle to transition to YouTube 1:17:55 – Final insights + why we’re still early in the creator wave | |||
| Content Isn't Hard. It's Misunderstood. | 19 Nov 2025 | 00:17:13 | |
Get a breakdown of my content systems in my free newsletter: https://bit.ly/3LJKSre Apply to work with me:https://bit.ly/4o4iD3M I've spent the last 4 years working with some of the world's biggest creators and meeting the creators behind Alex Hormozi, GaryVee, Steven Bartlett and many more. I’ve seen the same mistakes again and again - mistakes that are easy to fix but cost creators months (or years) of progress. In this episode, I break down the eight biggest things holding most creators back: the goals problem, the views trap, content without systems, bad brand positioning, weak storytelling, platform misunderstanding, tracking the wrong metrics, and wasting time in the wrong places. If you create content, lead a brand, or want to build an audience that actually converts - this episode will save you a world of pain. Listen on Your Podcast Player:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/creatorplaybooks Follow Callum on socials: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/thecallumc/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@heycallum X – https://x.com/mcdonnellcallum LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/callummcdonnell Produced by 7xContent – make your own Podcast with us: https://www.7xcontent.com Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction 0:25 – Mistake #1: Creating content with no goal 2:52 – Mistake #2: Why low-view content can be your most valuable 3:50 – Mistake #3: Turning your content into a system 5:52 – Mistake #4: Brand = consistent association 6:42 – Mistake #5: Don’t seek the spotlight — become one 9:58 – Mistake #6: Why you must live and breathe your platform 11:37 – Mistake #7: Track only the metrics that matter 13:01 – Mistake #8: Wasting time on the wrong platforms | |||
| How James Smith Makes $1M+ Per Month From Social Media | 04 Feb 2026 | 01:31:00 | |
Get a breakdown of James' frameworks in my free newsletter: https://bit.ly/48JKUaa Apply to work with me: James Smith is one of the few creators willing to say the quiet part out loud. Despite building an audience of over 4 million followers and generating more than a billion views, James explains how chasing virality nearly destroyed his business and why deliberately stagnating his follower growth, ended up doubling (nearly tripling) his income. From seven-figure coaching businesses and bestselling books to a fast-scaling drinks brand and high-leverage mentorships, James breaks down what actually makes creator businesses work behind the scenes.
Follow Callum on socials: Produced by 7xContent - make your own podcast with us: Follow James: Timestamps (accurate + true to transcript): | |||
| Viral Accountant: “I Make $100k a Week from Instagram!” Rachel Harris | 04 Mar 2026 | 01:21:22 | |
Get a breakdown of Rachel’s frameworks in my free newsletter: https://bit.ly/4bcKHi9Apply to work with me: https://bit.ly/4kYIjiy Rachel Harris is a multi award-winning industry leader, content creator, entrepreneur and practice owner. She runs a multi seven-figure accounting firm and has built a personal brand (@accountant_she) that drives £100k worth of leads each week from socials.In this episode, Rachel breaks down the exact playbook behind her growth. From viral posting formulas, failing faster, her pre-posting checklist and post-mortem analysis, monetising content with digital products, affiliates and brand deals and so much more. Listen on your podcast player: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/creatorplaybooksFollow Callum on socials:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thecallumc/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/callummcdonnellProduced by 7xContent - make your own podcast with us: https://bit.ly/4kYIjiyFollow Rachel:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/accountant_she/Timestamps:00:00 Intro + Rachel’s lead numbers from socials01:00 Rachel’s background + personal brand vs accounting firm profits02:15 Step 1: build a product worth talking about (reputation + reviews)03:20 Why professional services is a “blue ocean” on socials05:10 The reality of growth: 1 year posting daily to hit 4k followers06:25 The inflection point: “fail time” + weekly research + reactive planning08:10 Micro testing: makeup, tripod vs handheld, mic, production level09:45 The viral playbook: M&S sandwich x HMRC hooks + data-led creativity13:15 Pre-post checklist: point of the video, emotion, hooks, clarity15:30 Post-mortems + building the content playbook over time16:30 Seasons + evergreen topics + series ideas18:10 Feedback loops: call language analysis + 30-day series that gained 125k20:10 Trust timeline: average 18 months from follow to becoming a client21:10 Daily content + authenticity + disrupting “professional services” norms23:20 Rachel’s weekly schedule: analysis, strategy blocks, long-form filming29:10 The weekly scorecard: revenue-first metrics (no vanity metrics)35:00 Tightrope: leads you want + values-based filtering38:00 Funnel walkthrough: link-in-bio segmentation + nurture sequences42:40 Monetisation overview: affiliates, speaking, brand deals47:00 Digital products + community-led podcast + ascension model55:00 Recurring revenue and pitching brands proactively58:00 Advice: embarrassment, scalability, and building infrastructure01:02:20 Best business lesson: “make sure everyone gets laid” (curation)01:07:10 Team setup + what Rachel still edits herself01:09:00 ICP research: polls, surveys, and asking your audience01:12:00 Opportunities: PM interviews, PR, and asking for intros01:15:00 What’s working now: long-form value, short-form hooks + funnel | |||
| From Finance Career to $1M Coach: The Full Strategy | Simon Alexander Ong | 25 Feb 2026 | 01:35:44 | |
Get a breakdown of Simon's frameworks in my free newsletter: https://bit.ly/4cc9Ryu Apply to work with me: https://bit.ly/3OXzZn0 Simon Alexander Ong is a bestselling author (Energize, Penguin), keynote speaker and one of the world's leading personal development coaches. He left a six-figure finance career in 2017 to build a coaching practice from scratch, and has since grown a YouTube channel to 130,000 subscribers in under 12 months, a viral video with nearly 4 million views, a Sunday Times bestselling book, and a global speaking career. In this episode, Simon breaks down the exact playbook behind every part of his business. From landing his first coaching client to engineering a viral YouTube video, getting a Penguin book deal, and commanding premium speaking fees. Listen on your podcast player: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/creatorplaybooks Follow Callum on socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thecallumc/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/callummcdonnell Produced by 7xContent - make your own podcast with us: https://bit.ly/3OXzZn0 Follow Simon: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/simonalexanderong/ LinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/simonalexanderong YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@simonalexandero Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Simon Alexander Ong 01:00 Why Simon left a six-figure finance career 03:00 The journey from the head to the heart05:00 Going full-time into coaching in 2017 08:00 Warren Buffett's #1 most important skill in business 09:30 How Simon got his first coaching clients 13:00 The Third Door framework and how to use it practically 17:00 How speaking grew organically from coaching 22:00 Building a personal brand before social media 28:00 How to answer "what do you do?" with a story 32:00 The YouTube strategy: outlier videos explained 40:00 How the "I'm 40" video happened (and nearly didn't) 48:00 Why it ranked 9/10 for 3 days then hit 1.5M views 52:00 Ad revenue breakdown and YouTube monetisation strategy 55:00 LinkedIn content strategy: hero, educational and interactive 01:00:00 What Simon's business looks like today 01:05:00 What's possible in coaching at every level 01:10:00 How to land speaking gigs and what fees are realistic 01:14:00 The truth about book deals and why royalties aren't the point 01:18:00 How to write a book (and why marketing is 50% of the job) 01:19:00 The James Bond opening — how to hook any audience 01:24:00 Simon's favourite coaching questions 01:27:00 The stories we tell ourselves and how to rewrite them 01:30:00 Why "making it" is a trap — and what to focus on instead | |||
| How Anyone Can Sell a Business for Millions | $28M Founder Timo Armoo | 11 Feb 2026 | 01:40:15 | |
Get a breakdown of Timo's frameworks in my free newsletter: https://bit.ly/48JKUaa Apply to work with me: https://bit.ly/4rMKKXM Timo Armoo has built, scaled, and sold multiple companies. From his first exit at 17 to selling Fanbytes for tens of millions, brokering major media and data acquisitions and now investing through his own fund. In this episode, Timo breaks down what actually goes into building companies that are worth buying, drawing directly from the wins, failures and decisions that shaped his career. We cover how to build founder-level self-belief, why inexperience can be a competitive advantage, how to manufacture luck through networks and value creation, plus how to choose markets and customers that compound growth. Timo shares his framework for going from £0 to £1M+ per month, how to price and sell to wealthy customers, when not to raise capital, how to hire without killing momentum and how to turn a services business into a sellable asset. Listen on your Podcast Player: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/callum-mcdonnell Follow Callum on socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thecallummc/ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@heycallum Twitter - https://twitter.com/McdonnellCallum LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/callummcdonnell/ Produced by 7xContent - make your own Podcast with us here: https://www.7xcontent.com/ Follow Timo:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/timarmoo/ Timestamps (accurate + true to transcript): 00:00 Introduction and Early Exits 00:42 Building Fanbytes: The Big Breakthrough 01:12 Subsequent Ventures and Brokering Deals 02:16 The 11 Cheat Codes to Life and Business 03:50 Cheat Code 1: The Stories We Tell Ourselves 11:02 Cheat Code 2: Inexperience as a Superpower 12:21 Cheat Code 10: How to Get Lucky 47:17 Cheat Code 3: Make It Easy to Win 48:55 The Power of Belief in Sales 49:12 The Moral Duty to Sell 49:25 Dan Kennedy's Fire Door Story 50:54 Psychological Barriers in Business 51:48 Cheat Code: It's Not That Deep 52:22 Emotional Investment in Business 57:29 Raising Funds and Investor Relations 01:00:37 Hiring Philosophy and Strategies 01:07:16 The Role of Technology in Business 01:13:54 Building and Leveraging Personal Brands 01:20:11 Timing and Strategy for Selling Your Business 01:30:11 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Selling a Business 01:33:44 Final Reflections and Advice | |||
| Marketing Genius: Social Media Is About to Change Forever (Here’s What to Do) | 25 Mar 2026 | 01:16:22 | |
Get the breakdown of Michael’s frameworks in my free newsletter: https://bit.ly/41tiga0 Apply to work with me: https://bit.ly/4bYmX1L Michael is a brand and social media strategist known for his work at Ryanair and now through his consultancy, Slice. In this episode, he explains why most brands do not have a content problem, they have a strategy problem and breaks down the 4 ways brands can actually win on social today. From fast vs. slow social to prompted vs. unprompted discovery, repeatable formats, search, distribution, measurement, and memorability, this episode offers a sharp, practical breakdown of what brands need to understand if they want social to drive real business impact. Follow Callum on socials:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thecallummc/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/callummcdonnell/ Produced by 7xContent: make your own podcast with us:https://www.7xcontent.com/contact Follow Michael: https://www.instagram.com/mc_so_me/ Timestamps:00:00 Intro + why strategy matters more than ever01:18 The state of social in 2026: fragile platforms, outrage, and rented land04:46 Why trend-chasing is making brands less memorable08:26 The organic social renaissance09:36 Prompted vs unprompted discovery12:10 Fast vs slow social15:11 Fast prompted moments: culture spikes people search for17:11 The 4 ways brands can win on social22:04 Where the biggest opportunity is right now23:53 Brand examples: Currys, Candy Kittens, Confused.com, and more29:47 Slow unprompted content and thinking like TV33:01 How brands should find their real gap / problem / opportunity36:42 The marketing education gap in social41:13 When organic social is and isn’t the answer42:46 Distribution is the missing piece46:49 What brands can learn from podcasts, clipper accounts, creators, and aggregator pages53:26 How to actually implement creative distribution56:45 Why brands struggle to let go of control58:44 What Michael is excited about in 20261:00:47 Brands using social well right now1:02:25 What brands are struggling with most1:05:39 What still works from the Ryanair playbook1:10:05 AI, content abundance, and the return of the all-round marketeer | |||
| Meet The Marketing Genius Behind Steven Bartlett | 01 Apr 2026 | 01:30:05 | |
Get a breakdown of Tom's frameworks in my free newsletter: https://bit.ly/48JKUaa Apply to work with me:https://bit.ly/4aqqEew Tom Lewis is Steven Bartlett’s advertising performance partner and co-founder of Metastat. At 22, he’s helped scale brands and creators by replacing guesswork with data.In this episode, Tom explains how top creators use paid ads to test thumbnails, titles, hooks, guests, and even product ideas before publishing, sometimes for under £100 on The Diary Of A CEO. He shares how Meta ads can help predict virality, improve click-through rates, and turn content into a repeatable growth system.We also cover when creators should monetise, why many launch too early, and why paid ads should support organic growth, not replace it. A practical guide to turning content into predictable growth and revenue. Listen on your podcast player:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/creatorplaybooks Follow Callum on socials:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thecallumc/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@heycallumX - https://x.com/mcdonnellcallum LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/callummcdonnell Produced by 7xContent - make your own podcast with us:https://www.7xcontent.com Follow Tom: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-lewis-a46877167/ Timestamps (accurate + true to transcript) 00:00 Introduction to Tom Lewis and Steven Bartlett's Advertising Machine 00:13 Tom Lewis' Journey and Partnership with Steven Bartlett 04:46 The Power of Paid Media and Experimentation 05:22 Deep Dive into Testing and Experimentation 12:20 Practical Tips for Running Effective Ad Campaigns 18:47 Optimizing Meta Ads for Traffic 21:19 Budgeting for Effective Ad Campaigns 22:59 Balancing Creativity and Data 24:04 Tom's Best Frameworks 25:28 The Importance of Eliminating Guesswork 26:38 Building a Brand Before Monetization 29:12 Using Paid Ads to Catalyze Growth 29:12 Understanding Meta's Ad Auction System 34:08 Creating Engaging Ad Content 35:08 The Power of Problem-Solution Hooks 36:42 Leveraging Dragons' Den Pitches 43:48 Iterating on Successful Ad Concepts 52:06 Meta Ads Campaign Structure 52:45 The Outlier Graph and Winning Ads 55:07 The Evolution of Magic Ads 57:39 Setting Goals for Meta Ads 58:00 Instagram Profile Visits Strategy 1:02:50 Retargeting and Audience Segmentation 1:06:08 Choosing the Right Product for Creators 1:11:51 The Future of Meta Advertising 1:14:24 Focusing on Long-Term Customer Value 1:21:44 Structuring Your Team for Success 1:24:42 Insights on Working with Steven Bartlett 1:27:00 Conclusion and Next Steps | |||