The Nathan Barry Show

What does it take to build a million-subscriber YouTube channel, launch a best-selling book, and then walk away from it all for over a year? Noah Kagan, founder of AppSumo, joins Nathan to candidly discuss his journey from full-throttle content creation to a deliberate pause. Noah shares the unexpected internal and external pressures that came with his meteoric rise on YouTube, the strategic decisions that led to viral success, and why, despite achieving his goals, he ultimately stepped back. This conversation offers a rare glimpse into the mindset of a creator who prioritized personal fulfillment over endless growth, and how that decision reshaped his approach to content, business, and life.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction02:26 The decision to go all-in on YouTube05:15 Noah's internal motivations for content creation07:38 Building the YouTube "dream team"10:14 The early content strategy and challenges13:17 The pivotal "Knocking on Doors" video16:45 The cost of rapid growth and Noah's burnout19:10 The successful content pillars uncovered22:18 The meticulous planning behind viral videos25:34 Seeking timeless wisdom: interviewing the wealthy28:22 Noah's biggest regret with the channel30:58 Finding repeatable content formats33:55 Identifying your unique content edge37:25 The appeal of raw, unpolished content40:31 The impact of fatherhood on content creation43:10 Noah's vision for future content creation45:47 The value of a public presence for business48:29 The challenge of building internal influencers51:04 Brainstorming content ideas for Kit54:20 The power of high-caliber speakers57:38 Content that ties directly to your business1:00:27 Noah's current content philosophy1:02:40 On Twitter: counterintuitive long storiesIf you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with your friends, and leave a review. I read every single one.Learn more about the podcast: https://nathanbarry.com/showFollow Nathan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanbarryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanbarryX: https://twitter.com/nathanbarryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenathanbarryshowWebsite: https://nathanbarry.comKit: https://kit.comFollow Noah:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noahkaganX: https://twitter.com/noahkaganInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/noahkaganWebsite: https://noahkagan.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/AppSumoAppSumo: https://appsumo.comFeatured in this episode:Kit: https://www.kit.comAppSumo: https://appsumo.comClickables: https://www.clickableshq.comMillion Dollar Weekend: https://www.amazon.com/Million-Dollar-Weekend-Money-Freedom/dp/0593796593Highlights:02:15 – Questioning the "Why" of Content Creation08:29 – The Shift from Public Validation to Inner Contentment12:29 – The Audience Cares About Entertainment, Not You17:08 – The Challenge of Following a Viral Hit23:25 – Repeating What Works: The Kinko's Founder Interview36:00 – The Value of Raw, Unpolished Content53:08 – Using Conferences for High-Value Content

Chris Hutchins, host of the wildly popular All the Hacks podcast, joins us to crack the code on podcast growth. Most creators dream of building a brand, attracting millions of listeners, and monetizing their passion, but Chris has actually done it, transforming his podcast into a powerhouse through meticulous optimization. If you've ever wondered how successful podcasts truly scale beyond the initial buzz, or how to inject startup-level strategic thinking into your creative venture, this episode is a masterclass. Chris reveals the behind-the-scenes tactics that catapulted his show to millions of downloads, sharing the unconventional strategies that maximize reach and impact.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction07:08 The Underrated Power of Networking11:09 Leveraging Your Inner Circle for Connections15:08 Crafting Pitches That Stand Out20:00 The Value of Deep Expertise23:44 Podcast Growth: Beyond the Numbers28:07 Gauging Podcast Potential with Overcast Ads32:20 Strategic Guesting on Other Podcasts37:57 The Art of Asking to Be a Host42:04 Maximizing Value in Podcast Collaborations46:19 The Untapped Potential of Post-Roll Ads51:00 Subsidizing Growth for Maximum Scale54:15 Reinvestment and Strategic Retreats58:24 Optimizing for Leverage, Not Just Revenue1:01:52 Gaming the Podcast Charts1:08:14 Essential Personal Finance Hacks1:10:00 The Ultimate Hotel Upgrade HackIf you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with your friends, and leave a review. I read every single one.Learn more about the podcast: https://nathanbarry.com/showFollow Nathan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanbarryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanbarryX: https://twitter.com/nathanbarryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenathanbarryshowWebsite: https://nathanbarry.comKit: https://kit.comFollow Chris:Website: https://allthehacks.comX: https://x.com/hutchinsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrishutchinsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrishutchinsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chris-hutchinsFeatured in this episode:Kit: https://www.kit.comAll the Hacks: https://allthehacks.comHighlights:02:22 Shifting from Entrepreneur to Creator Identity08:31 The Power Move of Ending a Conversation12:12 Networking by Adding Value to an Inner Circle26:35 Podcast Downloads vs. YouTube Views: Engagement Matters34:04 Treating Your Creator Business Like a Startup45:15 The Strategy of Buying Post-Roll Ads1:08:29 Why You Should Never Leave Cash in a Checking Account

Steering a company from nascent idea to multi-million dollar revenue is rarely a smooth ride. Often, it's a journey fraught with uncertainty, tough decisions, and the internal battles no one sees. For Nathan, the guiding hand through much of this journey has been his coach, Dan Putt. As a co-founder of Reboot, Dan has spent years working with leaders and executives, helping them navigate growth without losing themselves in the process. In this episode, Dan shares not only his unique coaching philosophy - which emphasizes a deep, inside-out understanding of oneself, but also practical tools and frameworks that address common founder sticking points like imposter syndrome, the fear of conflict, and the allure of the "magic bullet" solution. Get ready to rethink your approach to leadership and personal development.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction02:23 Dan's coaching philosophy04:36 The Greek God CEO and imposter syndrome07:11 The "have to" versus "get to" reframe10:00 What problems say about identity12:56 Listening to understand: Beyond the words15:46 Inside-out leadership development18:31 The challenge of competitive responses21:52 Journaling for self-discovery25:21 Practical tips for consistent journaling28:11 Getting clear on what you truly want30:26 The "loyal soldier" concept33:53 How personal traits drive ambition38:39 The shift from "need" to "want"41:43 Conflict as progress and care45:34 Tools for navigating conflict50:47 The "net" framework for communication52:23 Avoiding problems vs. facing them55:29 The temptation of the "magic bullet"59:08 Feeling the fear without dwelling1:01:21 The tantruming toddler metaphor for anxiety1:03:00 Leading with curiosity, not fearIf you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with your friends, and leave a review. I read every single one.Learn more about the podcast: https://nathanbarry.com/showFollow Nathan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanbarryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanbarryX: https://twitter.com/nathanbarryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenathanbarryshowWebsite: https://nathanbarry.comKit: https://kit.comFollow Dan:Website: https://danputt.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danputtX: https://twitter.com/danputtCompany Website: https://reboot.ioFeatured in this episode:Kit: https://www.kit.comReboot.io: https://reboot.ioThe Artist's Way by Julia Cameron: https://juliacameronlive.com/books/the-artists-way750words.com: https://750words.comThe Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday: https://ryanholiday.com/books/the-obstacle-is-the-wayExtreme Ownership by Jocko Willink: https://echelonfront.com/Extreme-OwnershipHighlights:02:47 Understanding the spectrum of coaching approaches08:24 The danger of linking self-worth to problems13:44 The wisdom found at the emotional level23:25 The clarifying power of daily journaling34:05 How the "loyal soldier" shapes our drives45:51 Why true care often requires conflict53:49 Facing uncomfortable feelings builds resilience1:01:05 Approaching anxiety like a tantruming child1:03:54 Shifting from fear to wonder for better leadership

Many entrepreneurs and marketers feel like they've missed the boat on short-form video. The common thought: "That worked a few years ago, but it's too saturated now." But what if that's a myth? Colin Landforce, founder of Cut30, argues that with a unique perspective and consistent effort, anyone can achieve massive results, regardless of follower count. He's seen students with under 1,000 followers generate tens of thousands in revenue, proving you don't need millions of views to make a significant business impact. Colin reveals his three-step framework for taking short-form video seriously, alongside the critical role of hooks, and how to simplify your strategy to win big.Timestamps:00:00 Intro: The biggest opportunity in media01:14 Why short-form video is a generational opportunity02:26 Breaking the myth of saturation05:48 The power of small audiences10:48 Why founders should create their own short-form content12:50 The shift from side project to serious business14:39 Break the seal - just start17:08 How to make your first simple "one shot" video20:25 Learn the edit - basic chops in CapCut23:33 The importance of efficiency in short-form content29:26 Do it again tomorrow - consistency is key34:13 How to generate an endless supply of content ideas36:03 The three keys to a compelling hook37:41 The "everyone's been asking me" hook40:28 The impact of visual hooks beyond motorcycle crashes43:01 The power of props in visual hooks48:16 Brainstorming short-form content from this podcast episode50:45 Crafting a tight, efficient short-form video example54:51 Why short-form is Colin's primary driver for any businessIf you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with your friends, and leave a review. I read every single one.Learn more about the podcast: https://nathanbarry.com/showFollow Nathan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanbarryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanbarryX: https://twitter.com/nathanbarryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenathanbarryshowWebsite: https://nathanbarry.comKit: https://kit.comFollow Colin:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/landforceTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@landforce_LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinlandforceCut30: https://course.cut30.coWebsite: https://landforce.comFeatured in this episode:Kit: https://www.kit.comCut30: https://course.cut30.coHighlights:02:15 The myth of saturation in short-form video06:02 Small audience, huge business impact14:08 Short-form video: the biggest opportunity in media24:41 The accordion method for content efficiency32:36 Track inputs, not outputs, for personal growth52:12 Words to make your hook more efficient56:45 Localized algorithms for niche businesses

In this episode, I sit down with Dan Putt, my coach for the last six years, to explore the journey of building a company and the personal transformation that comes with it. We reflect on Kit's growth to over $50 million ARR and discuss the significant shifts in my leadership style, particularly moving from consensus-driven decision-making to confident clarity. Dan and I dive into the importance of identifying and separating reversible from one-way decisions, the power of embracing uncertainty, and the profound impact of connecting with your core "why." Viewers will gain insights into fostering personal growth, navigating leadership challenges, and building a mission-driven company that truly matters.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction02:10 Early bootcamp and Kit's growth04:02 Nathan at 29 vs. now06:15 Evolution of decision-making08:20 The "way that works" philosophy10:15 The difference between right and best decisions12:10 Coinbase's decision-making framework14:40 Clarity on decision timelines16:20 Defining options and decision-makers21:00 Impact of leadership on results22:55 Reconciling consensus and decisive leadership25:30 Building the muscle of making decisions28:40 Responsibility for positives and negatives30:10 Taking your seat as a leader32:45 The clarity of the boundary35:20 The single-axis fallacy37:40 The unchanging "why"43:10 The physics of money and audience46:00 Equipping people with tools and training49:00 Recentering on the mission51:00 Giving work real meaningIf you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with your friends, and leave a review. I read every single one.Learn more about the podcast: https://nathanbarry.com/showFollow Nathan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanbarryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanbarryX: https://twitter.com/nathanbarryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenathanbarryshowWebsite: https://nathanbarry.comKit: https://kit.comFollow Dan:Website: https://danputt.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danputtX: https://twitter.com/danputtReboot: https://reboot.ioFeatured in this episode:Kit: https://kit.comReboot: https://reboot.ioMedium: https://medium.com

In this episode, I sit down with Bill Burnett & Dave Evans, Stanford Design Professors and best-selling authors, to discuss how they've helped millions rethink their careers and purpose through their "Design Your Life" framework. We dive into the surprising journey developing their best-selling book, the core principles of "design thinking" applied to life, and the critical role of understanding human needs. Later, we get tactical, breaking down their ambitious goal to reach 10 million people with their new book, "How to Live a Meaningful Life," and explore effective strategies for leveraging communities, media, and digital platforms for impactful book promotion.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction02:00 Two essential ingredients for a meaningful life04:23 What we do at Stanford07:28 Coaching is a trend10:13 Why plans don't work for life design12:22 There is more aliveness in you than one life15:41 From FOMO to JOMO19:45 How to prototype your life choices24:00 How to choose when there are too many opportunities28:28 From Star Wars toys to Apple32:20 From Mechanical Engineer to Electronic Arts36:11 Making your life a beautiful experience39:09 The simplicity of building a meaningful life42:06 Responding to a deep longing46:11 Leadership and authenticity48:41 Goal for the new book53:23 Lessons from wildly successful books57:00 Inspirations for book promotion1:01:46 The flywheel of reviews1:05:13 Unfair advantages in book promotion1:10:51 Connecting with students and educators1:16:30 The power of mass mediaIf you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with your friends, and leave a review. I read every single one.Learn more about the podcast: https://nathanbarry.com/showFollow Nathan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanbarryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanbarryX: https://twitter.com/nathanbarryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenathanbarryshowWebsite: https://nathanbarry.comFollow Bill:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-burnett-4225401Website: https://designingyour.lifeBook: https://designingyour.life/how-to-live-a-meaningful-lifeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.art.shadowsInstagram (shared): https://www.instagram.com/fullyalive_bydesignYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@designingyourlifethebookmo6856Follow Dave:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-evans-62148Website: https://designingyour.lifeBook: https://designingyour.life/how-to-live-a-meaningful-lifeInstagram (shared): https://www.instagram.com/fullyalive_bydesignYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@designingyourlifethebookmo6856To get weekly tools and ideas to design a meaningful life, sign up for Bill and Dave's newsletter Fully Alive, by Design at https://designingyour.life/newsletterFeatured in this episode:Kit: https://www.kit.comDesigning Your Life: https://designingyour.lifeHow to Live a Meaningful Life: https://designingyourlife.com/how-to-live-a-meaningful-life

In this episode, I sit down with Eric Rhodes, DJ and content creator with over 3 million followers, to discuss how to monetize his massive audience beyond traditional events. Eric shares his journey from professional DJ to viral social media sensation and explores the challenges of earning revenue when much of his content features copyrighted music.We brainstorm two main paths for monetization: deepening engagement with music fans, and serving a specific niche of aspiring DJs. We dive into strategies for segmenting his audience, developing high-value lead magnets, and creating educational products like courses or masterminds, all while maintaining control over his time and balancing his passion for DJing with his family life.Timestamps:01:21 Eric's Social Media Following Breakdown03:00 The Start of Eric's Online Content Creation05:07 Key Factors in Eric's Rapid YouTube Growth08:44 The Importance of Feedback in Content Creation10:48 Using Negative Feedback for Improvement13:38 Eric's Current Business Revenue and Breakdown16:35 The Trade-offs of Reduced Travel and Events19:40 Segmenting the Audience: Fans vs. DJs27:07 The "Skill That Makes Money" Framework32:00 Strategies for Patreon Growth and Fan Engagement46:17 High-Ticket Offers and Masterminds54:10 Using Lead Magnets for DJ Audience Growth01:03:55 The Value of Packaging Knowledge into a Course01:10:15 Next Steps for Building a DJ Education BusinessIf you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with your friends, and leave a review. I read every single one.Learn more about the podcast: https://nathanbarry.com/showFollow Nathan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanbarryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanbarryX: https://twitter.com/nathanbarryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenathanbarryshowWebsite: https://nathanbarry.comFollow Eric Rhodes:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djericrhodesWebsite: https://theericrhodes.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNqLnC4Mc6nGY1ad-aLxxqwTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@djericrhodesFeatured in this episode:Kit: https://www.kit.comAmpersand Studios: https://ampersandstudios.coPatreon: https://www.patreon.comSitePoint: https://www.sitepoint.comWhisper: https://github.com/openai/whisperChatGPT: https://chat.openai.com