Creator News Live: Discussing the latest social media tools, tips, and tactics with industry experts, innovators, creators, and storytellers

Join us for a thoughtful conversation with Zac Brown, host of The Zac Brown Show, as we unpack what storytelling still means in an AI-driven creator world. Instead of chasing algorithms or trying to post more than everyone else, Zac believes the best creators build worlds and emotional experiences, not just publish content.Zac shares stories from his childhood obsession with VHS tapes, homemade movies, and the creative spark that eventually led him to podcasting and writing his upcoming book, An Accidental Education. He explains how curiosity, play, and paying attention to emotional pacing shaped the way he approaches storytelling today.We also explore one of the biggest creative lessons Zac has carried with him for years: “kill your darlings.” He explains why great editing is really about shaping emotion, knowing what to cut, and resisting the urge to sound like everyone else online. We also unpack where AI fits into that process, how it can support workflows and creative clarity, and why authenticity is still the one thing creators can’t afford to hand over completely.Key Takeaways:What Zac learned from attending his first Social Media Marketing WorldWhy “kill your darlings” is one of the most important editing lessons creators can learnHow editing shapes emotion and pacing in storytellingWhy creators should stop trying to imitate what’s already working for someone elseHow AI can support creators without replacing authentic storytellingThe importance of curiosity and asking better questions as a creatorWhy building a “world” matters more than simply publishing contentHow personal experiences and memories become the foundation of strong storiesLinks, Resources, and RecommendationsZac Brown: Instagram | Podcast | Newsletter Message him to get the link for the first chapter of his upcoming book, An Accidental Education: What I’ve Learned So Far by Zac Brown (releases June 23rd)Disney+ Documentary Series: Light & Magic"Scary Mary" Mary Poppins Recut TrailerPaul Gowder: Website | Facebook | Powwows.com----------------------Ecamm - Your go-to solution for crafting outstanding live shows and podcasts. - Get 15% off your first payment with promo code JEFF15CreatorNewsLive.com - Dive into our website for comprehensive episode breakdowns.Youtube.com - Tune in live, chat with us directly, and be part of the conversation. Or, revisit our archive of past broadcasts to stay updated.Facebook - Stream our show live and chat with us in real time. Connect, engage, and be a part of our community.Email - Subscribe and never miss a live show reminder.----------------------JeffSieh.com - Unlock the power of authentic storytelling with me! With over 20 years of marketing experience, I'm here to elevate your brand's narrative in an ever-competitive market. My expertise spans consulting, visual marketing, and producing podcasts and live videos.Additionally, as a seasoned speaker, I'm not just about sharing knowledge--I believe in entertaining audiences and injecting humor into every presentation. I'm available to enlighten and engage audiences at your events, conferences, or institutions. My talks cover a diverse range of subjects, from purposeful repurposing and captivating storytelling to podcast promotion, social media strategies, visual marketing insights, the art of live video, and much more.

There’s a lot of noise right now about AI replacing creators, automating everything, and turning content into something fast, polished, and forgettable. In this episode, I sit down with Paul Gowder to talk about why the opposite shift is happening, creators are leaning more human, more personal, and more real, not less.Paul has spent decades building community online, long before algorithms and AI tools were part of the conversation. We talk about why raw content is starting to outperform polished feeds, why people are craving connection over perfection, and how things like live video, email, and community spaces are becoming trust signals again. This conversation is about relationships, not reach, and why creators who embrace their full personality, interests, and stories are the ones who will stand out as AI continues to flood the internet with generic content.Key TakeawaysPolished content isn’t the advantage it used to be: Raw, imperfect posts signal that a real human is behind the content.People connect to people, not niches: Sharing parts of your life and interests builds trust faster than one-dimensional posting.Community is not a platform: Your community includes everyone who feels connected to your content, even if they never comment.Live video creates shared experience: Real-time interaction builds deeper bonds than edited content alone.Email is still one of the strongest trust channels: Writing like a person, not a brand, creates real connection.Stories beat surface-level tips: Teaching what something meant to you matters more than explaining how to do it.Doing the “unscalable” work sets you apart: Replying to emails, asking questions, and engaging directly builds loyalty.Creators should stop chasing vanity metrics: Replies, conversations, and feedback are stronger signals than views alone.Offline relationships still matter: Conferences, meetups, and face-to-face interactions strengthen online trust.AI can support creators, but it can’t replace humanity: Personal experience, mistakes, and perspective are irreplaceable.ResourcesPaul Gowder: www.paulgowder.comOn The Way Community: www.onthewaycommunity.comPowWows.com: www.powwows.com/powwow101----------------------Ecamm - Your go-to solution for crafting outstanding live shows and podcasts. - Get 15% off your first payment with promo code JEFF15SocialMediaNewsLive.com - Dive into our website for comprehensive episode breakdowns.Youtube.com - Tune in live, chat with us directly, and be part of the conversation. Or, revisit our archive of past broadcasts to stay updated.Facebook - Stream our show live and chat with us in real time. Connect, engage, and be a part of our community.Email - Subscribe and never miss a live show reminder.----------------------JeffSieh.com - Unlock the power of authentic storytelling with me! With over 20 years of marketing experience, I'm here to elevate your brand's narrative in an ever-competitive market. My expertise spans consulting, visual marketing, and producing podcasts and live videos.Additionally, as a seasoned speaker, I'm not just about sharing knowledge--I believe in entertaining audiences and injecting humor into every presentation. I'm available to enlighten and engage audiences at your events, conferences, or institutions. My talks cover a diverse range of subjects, from purposeful repurposing and captivating storytelling to podcast promotion, social media strategies, visual marketing insights, the art of live video, and much more.

If design has ever felt overwhelming, especially with AI tools popping up every five minutes, you’re not alone. In this episode, I’m joined by Maliha Khan, founder of Khanect the Dots, to talk about what’s really happening at the intersection of AI, Canva, and modern design workflows, and how creators can use these tools without spiraling into chaos.Maliha has a great way of describing where many creators get stuck, the “messy middle” between strategy and execution. We dig into how AI can either help you move faster or push you straight into tactical overload, depending on how you approach it. From Canva’s latest AI features to building a tech stack that actually fits your brain, this conversation is all about clarity, consistency, and staying human in the process.This episode is especially for creators who want their visuals to look intentional, on-brand, and professional, without spending hours tweaking templates or chasing every new trend. AI isn’t here to replace designers or creators, but it can absolutely make your workflow easier if you use it with purpose.Key TakeawaysAI works best when strategy comes first: Tools are helpful, but without clarity around message and audience, they just create more noise.Consistency beats chasing trends: You don’t need every new feature; you need a workflow you can repeat week after week.Your input determines your output: AI needs context, brand voice, and direction; otherwise, everything it produces sounds generic.Design doesn’t need to be perfect to be effective: Hitting 80 percent and shipping often beats endless tweaking.Templates are a starting point, not the finish line: Mixing elements, animations, and brand assets helps your visuals stand out.Brand voice matters as much as visuals: Clear guidelines help AI tools support your brand instead of diluting it.AI should reduce friction, not add pressure: Use it to offload busywork, not to replace creative judgment.The human layer still matters most: Taste, experience, and review are things AI can’t replicate.ResourcesMaliha Khanwww.khanectthedots.comCanva Toolkit (Free Resource from Maliha)www.khanectthedots.com/canvatoolkitKhanect the Dots Workshops & TrainingsStrategy-first sessions covering Canva, AI workflows, brand voice, and content systems----------------------Ecamm - Your go-to solution for crafting outstanding live shows and podcasts. - Get 15% off your first payment with promo code JEFF15SocialMediaNewsLive.com - Dive into our website for comprehensive episode breakdowns.Youtube.com - Tune in live, chat with us directly, and be part of the conversation. Or, revisit our archive of past broadcasts to stay updated.Facebook - Stream our show live and chat with us in real time. Connect, engage, and be a part of our community.Email - Subscribe and never miss a live show reminder.----------------------JeffSieh.com - Unlock the power of authentic storytelling with me! With over 20 years of marketing experience, I'm here to elevate your brand's narrative in an ever-competitive market. My expertise spans consulting, visual marketing, and producing podcasts and live videos.Additionally, as a seasoned speaker, I'm not just about sharing knowledge--I believe in entertaining audiences and injecting humor into every presentation. I'm available to enlighten and engage audiences at your events, conferences, or institutions. My talks cover a diverse range of subjects, from purposeful repurposing and captivating storytelling to podcast promotion, social media strategies, visual marketing insights, the art of live video, and much more.

If you’ve ever wondered why your YouTube channel seems stuck (fewer views, flat growth, confused analytics), you’re not alone. In this episode, Jerry Potter joins us to break down what’s actually changed inside YouTube’s ecosystem in 2025 and why creators who “used to do everything right” are now struggling. Jerry has grown multiple successful channels and now teaches business owners how to build a thriving YouTube presence in just 90 minutes a week, without burnout.Jerry explains the shift from keyword-based discovery to AI-driven understanding. YouTube is no longer relying on tags and titles alone; it can interpret the transcript, visuals, tone, and even emotional cues inside your video. That means creators who post too many unrelated topics send mixed signals, confusing the algorithm and limiting reach. Jerry introduces the “Magnetic Eight,” a strategy where you publish eight tightly focused videos in a row to retrain YouTube on exactly who your ideal viewer is.We also unpack relevance, high-retention editing frameworks, and how creators can move faster by separating decisions from actions in their workflow. Jerry shares practical guidance on thumbnails, titles, and emotional connection, showing that creators don’t need fancier edits, just clarity and consistency. Whether you’re rebuilding a stalled channel or launching fresh in 2025, this episode offers a roadmap for regaining momentum and getting your videos recommended again.Key TakeawaysYouTube now understands your content holistically, not through keywords. The platform reads your transcript, your visuals, your delivery, and the emotional tone of your video to decide who it’s for and whether to recommend it.Mixed topics confuse the algorithm. If you talk to different audiences on the same channel, YouTube doesn’t know who to show your videos to, which slows growth dramatically.The “Magnetic Eight” can reset your channel. Publishing eight videos in a row around one hyper-specific topic signals to YouTube exactly who your ideal viewer is.Relevance beats everything else. A great thumbnail and title won’t save a video that doesn’t match the audience YouTube thinks you’re serving.Editing for retention matters more than fancy production. Viewers stay when the content feels clear and purposeful, not when it’s over-edited.Separate decisions from actions. Jerry’s system helps creators move faster by batching planning and recording, instead of trying to do everything at once.Your audience wants a guide, not a performer. Show up to serve a specific viewer with a specific problem, and YouTube will reward you.ResourcesJerry's YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@mrjerrypotterGrow your channel in 90 minutes a week: www.yt90roadmap.comJerry's Website: donebylunch.coCreator Camp (but in the UK!!): tubefest.co.uk/creator-camp----------------------Ecamm - Your go-to solution for crafting outstanding live shows and podcasts. - Get 15% off your first payment with promo code JEFF15SocialMediaNewsLive.com - Dive into our website for comprehensive episode breakdowns.Youtube.com - Tune in live, chat with us directly, and be part of the conversation. Or, revisit our archive of past broadcasts to stay updated.Facebook - Stream our show live and chat with us in real time. Connect, engage, and be a part of our community.Email - Subscribe and never miss a live show reminder.----------------------JeffSieh.com - Unlock the power of authentic storytelling with me! With over 20 years of marketing experience, I'm here to elevate your brand's narrative in an ever-competitive market. My expertise spans consulting, visual marketing, and producing podcasts and live videos.Additionally, as a seasoned speaker, I'm not just about sharing knowledge--I believe in entertaining audiences and injecting humor into every presentation. I'm available to enlighten and engage audiences at your events, conferences, or institutions. My talks cover a diverse range of subjects, from purposeful repurposing and captivating storytelling to podcast promotion, social media strategies, visual marketing insights, the art of live video, and much more.

If you’ve ever felt like podcasting is equal parts joy and chaos, you’re in good company. In this episode, I sit down with Darrell Darnell, the founder of Pro Podcast Solutions, to talk about what it actually takes to build a show that lasts. Darrell’s been producing podcasts since the early days, and he’s seen just about every possible mistake, burnout cycle, and “why am I doing this?” moment creators run into.What I love about Darrell is that he’s built his entire career around making podcasting sustainable, not stressful. From fan-driven shows like Fringe and Stranger Things to deeply personal storytelling with Stuff I Learned Yesterday, he’s developed systems that keep creators focused, consistent, and connected to their audience without running themselves into the ground.We get into the heart of it all: community, pillars, workflow, and why quality matters more than perfection. Whether you’re brand new or you’ve been at this for years, this conversation is a reminder that podcasting doesn’t have to take over your life. It really can be something you enjoy week after week… as long as you approach it with the right mindset and a solid foundation.Key TakeawaysConsistency always wins. Your publishing rhythm trains your audience. Stick to a schedule they can rely on.Community keeps podcasts alive. Darrell built long-lasting shows by treating listeners like real people, not download numbers.Content pillars prevent burnout. Defining 3–4 themes gives you endless episode ideas and simplifies planning.You don’t need a “perfect” launch. Disneyland had a disastrous opening day and turned out fine. Same idea here.Let your audience guide your format. Episode length, structure, and segment ideas become obvious when you actually ask (and watch your analytics).Fan-based shows live and die with the source material. If you’re podcasting about a TV series or franchise, expect to shift gears when the show ends.Your unique angle matters. Darrell’s early success came from having a dedicated science expert on a sci-fi podcast—find the thing that sets you apart.Your purpose powers longevity. When things get tough, the “why” behind your show is what keeps you going.Great production doesn’t have to be complicated. A few smart tools can elevate your audio without requiring hours of editing.ResourcesPro Podcast Solutions – Foundation Toolkit: https://propodcastsolutions.com/creator (Darrell’s free planning guide + spreadsheet he mentioned during the episode)Pro Podcast Solutions: https://propodcastsolutions.comDarrell’s Podcasts on Golden Spiral Media: https://goldenspiralmedia.com (It's a great time to binge The Stranger Things Podcast before season 5 comes out!)----------------------Ecamm - Your go-to solution for crafting outstanding live shows and podcasts. Right now is Ecamms' Black Friday Sale, their biggest sale of the year (40% off for new users!) So, if you’ve been on the fence, this is the easiest yes you’ll make all year.SocialMediaNewsLive.com - Dive into our website for comprehensive episode breakdowns.Youtube.com - Tune in live, chat with us directly, and be part of the conversation. Or, revisit our archive of past broadcasts to stay updated.Facebook - Stream our show live and chat with us in real time. Connect, engage, and be a part of our community.Email - Subscribe and never miss a live show reminder.----------------------JeffSieh.com - Unlock the power of authentic storytelling with me! With over 20 years of marketing experience, I'm here to elevate your brand's narrative in an ever-competitive market. My expertise spans consulting, visual marketing, and producing podcasts and live videos.Additionally, as a seasoned speaker, I'm not just about sharing knowledge--I believe in entertaining audiences and injecting humor into every presentation. I'm available to enlighten and engage audiences at your events, conferences, or institutions. My talks cover a diverse range of subjects, from purposeful repurposing and captivating storytelling to podcast promotion, social media strategies, visual marketing insights, the art of live video, and much more.

Bad audio is one of the fastest ways to lose an audience, no matter how great your content is. But sounding better doesn’t have to mean buying piles of gear or learning how to mix audio like a pro. This week, I’m joined by Laura Clapp Davidson, musician, content creator, and market development manager at Shure, who knows exactly how to make creators sound their best.Laura explains how to simplify your setup, fix common mistakes, and pick the right mic for your space and budget. We talk about everything from the basics of guest audio prep to the myths around shotgun mics, boom arms, and USB vs. XLR setups. Laura also shares her approach to starting a podcast, managing sound on the go, and what she’s most excited about in the future of creator audio. If you’ve been putting off upgrading your setup, this episode might just convince you it’s time.Key TakeawaysYour mic doesn’t need to break the bank: Great sound is about positioning and setup, not price tags.Headphones matter: Always use wired headphones to avoid echo and delay (sorry, AirPods fans).Mic placement beats editing: Get close to the mic; fixing bad audio later only goes so far.Prep your guests: A quick checklist for mics, headphones, and background noise saves hours of editing later.Invest in you: Good audio is a long-term asset. Buy gear that will last, not one you’ll replace next year.ResourcesLaura Clapp Davidson: lauraclapp.comPodcast: Song 43 and TMI (The Music Industry) — tmiwithlaura.comShure Microphones: shure.com----------------------Ecamm - Your go-to solution for crafting outstanding live shows and podcasts. - Get 15% off your first payment with promo code JEFF15SocialMediaNewsLive.com - Dive into our website for comprehensive episode breakdowns.Youtube.com - Tune in live, chat with us directly, and be part of the conversation. Or, revisit our archive of past broadcasts to stay updated.Facebook - Stream our show live and chat with us in real time. Connect, engage, and be a part of our community.Email - Subscribe and never miss a live show reminder.----------------------JeffSieh.com - Unlock the power of authentic storytelling with me! With over 20 years of marketing experience, I'm here to elevate your brand's narrative in an ever-competitive market. My expertise spans consulting, visual marketing, and producing podcasts and live videos.Additionally, as a seasoned speaker, I'm not just about sharing knowledge--I believe in entertaining audiences and injecting humor into every presentation. I'm available to enlighten and engage audiences at your events, conferences, or institutions. My talks cover a diverse range of subjects, from purposeful repurposing and captivating storytelling to podcast promotion, social media strategies, visual marketing insights, the art of live video, and much more.

Conferences can be pricey, but are they worth it for creators? Paul Gowder joins me to share how in-person events can transform your business, your network, and your confidence.----------------------If you’ve ever stared at the price tag for a conference ticket and thought, “Do I really need to go?”, this episode’s for you. Between the travel, hotel, and time away from work, it’s a big investment, but one that might just change your business.This week, I’m joined by Paul Gowder, founder of PowWows.com, who’s spent over 25 years building community both online and in person. Paul shares what he’s learned about finding real ROI at conferences, not just from the sessions, but from the conversations in the hallways, the introductions over coffee, and the long-term relationships that come from showing up.We dig into how to choose which events are worth it, how to prepare so you’re not wandering aimlessly, and the secret to making every trip pay off long after you’re home. Whether you’re an introvert looking to make your first conference count or a seasoned creator who wants better results, this episode will help you show up strategically and walk away with more than just a tote bag.----------------------Key TakeawaysFind your people, not just the speakers: The sessions are great, but the community you build is what lasts.Look for structure: Conferences that include table talks or networking sessions make connecting easier.Invest in yourself: The right event can lead to opportunities that pay for themselves.Prepare with purpose: Know who you want to meet, what you want to learn, and what value you can offer.Follow up fast: Message new contacts within a few days while the connection is still fresh.Consider volunteering: It’s a great way to save money, gain access, and meet more people.----------------------ResourcesPaul Gowder: paulgowder.com and powwows.comConferences mentioned:Ecamm's Creator CampLou Mongellos Momentum KIT's Craft & CommerceSocial Media Marketing WorldEcamm - Your go-to solution for crafting outstanding live shows and podcasts. - Get 15% off your first payment with promo code JEFF15SocialMediaNewsLive.com - Dive into our website for comprehensive episode breakdowns.Youtube.com - Tune in live, chat with us directly, and be part of the conversation. Or, revisit our archive of past broadcasts to stay updated.Facebook - Stream our show live and chat with us in real time. Connect, engage, and be a part of our community.Email - Subscribe and never miss a live show reminder.----------------------JeffSieh.com - Unlock the power of authentic storytelling with me! With over 20 years of marketing experience, I'm here to elevate your brand's narrative in an ever-competitive market. My expertise spans consulting, visual marketing, and producing podcasts and live videos.Additionally, as a seasoned speaker, I'm not just about sharing knowledge--I believe in entertaining audiences and injecting humor into every presentation. I'm available to enlighten and engage audiences at your events, conferences, or institutions. My talks cover a diverse range of subjects, from purposeful repurposing and captivating storytelling to podcast promotion, social media strategies, visual marketing insights, the art of live video, and much more.