134. If you’re gonna join Substack in 2026, listen to this

About this episode

The episode features a conversation about Substack's unique position in the creator economy and its implications for online writing and community building.

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Claire Venus for a really thoughtful conversation about Substack, what makes it different from other platforms, and why so many creators are craving a quieter, more intentional space online. Claire shares how she went from working in festivals and events to building a business around Substack, and how her own desire for a non-algorithmic place to write turned into a thriving community and membership. We talk about what Substack actually is, how it has evolved over the years, and why it is not as simple as “just start a paid newsletter and make easy money.” Claire breaks down the reality of Substack’s 10% fee, the risks of low-ticket high-volume models, and why so many creators can burn themselves out trying to do too much. We also get into where Substack fits into a larger business ecosystem, whether it should replace your email list, and how to think strategically about using it for lead generation, self-expression, community, or paid offers. This episode is a really honest look at what Substack can be, who it makes sense for, and why not every platform is the right fit for every business. If you’ve been curious about starting a Substack but…

People in this episode

Host: Mya Nichol

Guest: Claire Venus

Topics covered

• Substack
• online community
• creator economy
• business strategy
• membership models

Keywords

• Substack
• creators
• membership
• business
• online writing
• community
• lead generation

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Substack

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