9-5 Quitters Club

Join us for a visionary conversation with João Pedro (JP), co-founder and CEO of Hotmart—the global company behind Teachable.

JP shares his journey from selling gaming guides to leading one of the world’s top creator platforms.

We dive into the future of AI in education, why the creator economy is still wide open, and how creators can build sustainable businesses with multiple products.

This episode is packed with insights for anyone looking to grow, scale, or rethink their creator strategy.

Join the club of 1,000s of creators redefining how work works for themJay Clouse shares his refreshing approach to building a creator business that stands the test of time. In this episode, Jay reveals why he chose the path of slow, deliberate growth and how this strategy led to sustainable success through his newsletter and community building. Learn how patience, consistency, and genuine connection with your audience can build more resilient income streams. Jay's insights on permission marketing offer a compelling alternative to the aggressive tactics often seen in the creator economy.

#slowgrowth #sustainablebusiness #creatoreconomy #communitybuilding #contentcreation

RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODE

→ Why He Left A $700k Salary To Become A Full-Time Creator | Timm Chiusano

⏰ TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Introduction and Podcast Overview(00:18) Meet Jay Clouse: From Corporate to Creator(00:50) The Power of Permission Marketing(01:57) Jay's Early Entrepreneurial Journey(04:42) Navigating the COVID-19 Pandemic(05:44) Joining SPI and Business Growth(06:50) The Importance of Patience and Focus(08:49) Challenges of Serving a Niche Market(11:23) The Virality Game vs. Considered Attention(16:59) YouTube as a Discovery Mechanism(19:34) The Future of Content Creation(24:06) The Relentless Pursuit of Progress(25:41) Financial Expectations and Creative Freedom(26:55) Balancing Experimentation and Consistency(27:30) The Challenge of Click-Through Rates(30:34) Investing in the Future of Content Creation(34:00) The Role of Intuition in Decision Making(43:35) The Impact of AI on Content Creation(47:17) Final Thoughts and Reflections

CONNECT WITH GUEST

🗞️ Newsletter: https://creatorscience.com/

🐦 Twitter: https://x.com/jayclouse

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayclouse/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayclouse/

📹 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jay

CONNECT WITH TEACHABLE

📸  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachable

📹 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@teachableTV

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/teachable

Join the club of 1,000s of creators redefining how work works for them

Hala Taha, CEO of YAP Media and host of the top 100 podcast Young and Profiting, shares her journey from unpaid radio intern to successful media entrepreneur. After being fired and blackballed from Hot 97, Hala channeled rejection into building her podcast empire. Today, she runs an award-winning agency with 60 employees and the #1 self-improvement podcast network, monetizing 35+ top business shows. Learn how she turned setbacks into opportunities and why building something you own is crucial in today's economy.

#creatoreconomy #podcastbusiness #entrepreneurship #mediaempire #teachable

RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODE

→ Why YouTube Will Topple Netflix | Erin McGoff

⏰ TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Devastation and Blackballing at Hot 97

(00:14) Introduction to Hala Taha and YAP Media

(00:48) Hala's Early Career in Radio

(05:00) Building the Sorority of Hip Hop

(10:00) Transition to Corporate and Launching YAP Podcast

(16:50) Relentless Action and Skill Stacking

(19:17) The Importance of Webinars for Creators

(19:52) Starting with Webinars: A Personal Journey

(21:36) Challenges and Solutions in Webinar Marketing

(22:59) Targeting the Right Audience for Webinars

(25:10) Live vs. On-Demand Webinars

(26:50) Effective Webinar Strategies and Engagement

(29:35) Building a Sustainable Creator Business

(36:47) The Future of Creator Entrepreneurship

(39:26) Final Thoughts and Advice

CONNECT WITH GUEST

🌐 Website: https://youngandprofiting.com/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yapwithhala/?hl=en

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/htaha/

📹 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/YoungandProfiting

CONNECT WITH TEACHABLE

📸  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachable

📹 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@teachableTV

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/teachable

Join the club of 1,000s of creators redefining how work works for them

In this powerful conversation, three successful creator-entrepreneurs - Gigi Robinson, Janel Abrahami, and Brandon Smithwrick - reveal how they've built thriving personal brands and businesses. They share their journeys from first posts to multiple income streams, discuss the strategic choices behind authentic content, and explain how they've achieved the freedom to work on their own terms. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale your creator business, this episode offers invaluable insights on personal branding, monetization strategies, and creating a sustainable business that aligns with your values and goals.

#creatoreconomy #personalbranding #contentcreation #entrepreneurship #passiveincome

RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODE

→ I Don't Want a Life I Need to Escape From | Terry Rice, Brandon Smithwrick & Colin Rocker

⏰ TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Introduction and Personal Struggles

(00:14) Welcome to the 9-5 Quitters Club

(00:21) Meet the Powerhouse Creators

(00:34) The Quest for Freedom

(00:52) Strategic Choices in Content Creation

(01:53) Building a Personal Brand

(08:35) The Importance of Vulnerability

(13:13) Strategic Content and Audience Engagement

(21:15) Personal Goals and Future Aspirations

(29:36) The Desire for Freedom and Multiple Income Streams

(29:51) The Importance of Personal Branding

(30:58) Teaching and Mentorship Aspirations

(31:45) The Right Time for Projects

(34:26) Building Smart Income Streams

(38:26) Owning Your Audience

(40:36) The Power of AI in Content Creation

(43:31) Monetizing Content and Gating Strategies

(49:26) Creating a Personal Brand Universe

(51:30) Favorite Parts of the Day and Final Thoughts

CONNECT WITH GIGI

🌐 Website: https://www.gigirobinson.com/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsgigirobinson/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gigirobinson/

📹 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/GigiRobinson/

📱 Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsgigirobinson

CONNECT WITH JANEL

🌐 Website: https://janelabrahami.com/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janelabrahami/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janelabrahami/

📱 Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@janelabrahami

CONNECT WITH BRANDON

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.contenttocommas.co/subscribe

🌐 Website: https://www.brandonsmithwrick.com/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandonsmithwrick/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonsmithwrick/

CONNECT WITH TEACHABLE

📸  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachable

📹 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@teachableTV

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/teachable

Join the club of 1,000s of creators redefining how work works for them

YouTube vs Netflix, content creator career, filmmaker to creator, making money as creator, Erin McGoff, documentary filmmaker, content creation tips, creator economy, social media platforms, TikTok strategy, YouTube growth strategy, career advice, platform strategy, creative entrepreneurship, creator business model, monetization strategy, digital content creation, creative career transition, film industry vs YouTube, democratized content, sustainable creator business, personal branding, creative freedom, brand partnerships, creator authenticity, passive income, course creation, online education

RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODE

→ Why Your 9-5 Job + Creator Side Hustle Is The Ultimate Career Strategy | Brandon Smithwrick

⏰ TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Introduction to Erin McGough

(00:31) Erin's Background and Career Shift

(00:48) The Future of Entertainment

(01:27) Building a Creator Business

(04:32) Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers

(06:04) Creative Fulfillment and Challenges

(12:28) Balancing Journalism and Content Creation

(16:26) Platform Strategies for Creators

(19:02) Investing in YouTube: The New Frontier

(19:49) Content Strategy and Workflow

(21:27) Navigating Brand Deals and Sponsorships

(25:38) Documentary Techniques in Content Creation

(28:50) Future of Filmmaking and Content Creation

(34:08) Advice for Aspiring Content Creators

(35:59) Conclusion and Final Thoughts

CONNECT WITH GUEST

🌐 Website: https://www.erinmcgoff.com/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinmcgoff/?hl=en

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinmcgoff/

📹 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGetiqFX7l-8unkK1LyrG3A

CONNECT WITH TEACHABLE

📸  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachable

📹 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@teachableTV

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/teachable

Join the club of 1,000s of creators redefining how work works for them

In this powerful conversation, creators Terry Rice, Brandon Smithwrick, and Colin Rocker discuss the evolution from personal branding to character branding, how to build sustainable income streams, and why authenticity is the key to longevity in the creator economy. They share insights on building communities, monetizing expertise, and creating a life you don't need to escape from. Whether you're just starting your creator journey or looking to scale your existing business, this episode offers practical advice and inspiring perspectives on building a meaningful career online.

#CreatorEconomy #PersonalBranding #CharacterBranding #CreatorIncome #OnlineBusinessTips

RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODE

→ Why Your 9-5 Job + Creator Side Hustle Is The Ultimate Career Strategy | Brandon Smithwrick

⏰ TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) The Shift from Personal to Character Branding

(00:17) Introduction to the 9-5 Quitters Club Podcast

(00:26) Meet the Experts: Terry, Brett, and Colin

(00:37) Defining Purpose and Mission

(00:56) Challenging the 1,000 True Fans Concept

(01:16) Building a Sustainable Creator Business

(01:25) The Importance of Consistency and Cadence

(01:41) Insights on Authentic Storytelling and Community Building

(01:53) Personal Journeys and Mindset Shifts

(02:51) The Value of Sharing Personal Stories

(03:39) Character Branding vs. Personal Branding

(04:05) Building Real-Life Community Connections

(05:09) The Future of Creator Economy

(08:11) The End Goal for Creators

(10:01) Evolving as a Creator

(13:32) The Role of Authenticity and Relatability

(23:27) The Antidote to AI in Content Creation

(25:46) Investing in Real-Life and Digital Communities

(27:12) Deep Engagement on LinkedIn

(27:55) Sustainable Career Paths and Long-Term Mindset

(28:33) The Importance of In-Person Connections

(29:33) Scaling with AI and Digital Products

(30:10) The Power of Real-Life Events

(31:38) Building a Strong Online Presence

(35:07) Curating High-Quality Events

(44:35) The Role of Mindfulness in Content Creation

(46:34) Balancing AI and Authenticity

(51:42) Advice for Aspiring Community Builders

(55:27) Conclusion and Final Thoughts

CONNECT WITH TERRY

🌐 Website: https://www.savagelife.co/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsterryrice/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-rice/📹 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TerryRice

CONNECT WITH COLIN

🌐 Website: https://colinrocker.komi.io/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/careercolin/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinrocker/

📹 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@careercolin

CONNECT WITH BRETT

🌐 Website: https://creatoreconomynyc.com/

✉️ Newsletter: https://mail.creatoreconomynyc.com/p/welcome-to-the-official-cenyc-newsletter

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brettdash_/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brettdash/

CONNECT WITH TEACHABLE

📸  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachable

📹 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@teachableTV

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/teachable

Join the club of 1,000s of creators redefining how work works for them

Brandon Smithwrick, Content Director at Kickstarter, reveals how he built a thriving creator business alongside his 9-5 career. In this episode of the 9-5 Quitter's Club, Brandon shares his framework for creating high-impact content that resonates with audiences while maintaining professional credibility. Learn how to leverage your industry expertise into content that builds authority, discover why personal branding is essential career insurance in today's economy, and get actionable tactics for growing on LinkedIn even as algorithms change. Brandon's experience spanning Ralph Lauren, Squarespace, and Kickstarter provides unique insights for established creators looking to balance corporate identity with creator success.

#PersonalBranding #LinkedInCreator #9to5Creator #CareerCreator

RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODE

→ Reverse Engineer Success For Your Career Pivot | Hanna Goefft

⏰ TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Introduction: The Power of Personal Branding

(00:14) Welcome to the 9-5 Quitters Club

(00:21) Meet Brandon Smithwrick: Balancing Corporate and Creator Worlds

(00:42) Building a Personal Brand Without Burning Out

(01:57) Brandon's Journey: From Social Media to Creator Success

(06:43) Navigating Corporate and Creator Responsibilities

(09:53) Practical Tips for Aspiring Creators

(13:10) The Importance of Consistency and Authenticity

(16:07) Innovative Campaigns and Anti-Viral Strategies

(21:38) Fashion vs. Tech: Editorializing Content

(22:45) Transitioning from Fashion to Tech

(23:21) Innovative Social Media Strategies

(24:52) Building Community Engagement

(26:47) Measuring Success with Data

(32:05) Career Switching and Personal Growth

(35:52) Practical Tips for Content Creation

(40:04) The Importance of Starting Now

(42:09) Rapid Fire Questions and Conclusion

CONNECT WITH GUEST

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.contenttocommas.co/subscribe

🌐 Website: https://www.brandonsmithwrick.com/

📸 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/brandonsmithwrick/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonsmithwrick/

CONNECT WITH TEACHABLE

📸  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachable

📹 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@teachableTV

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/teachable

Join the club of 1,000s of creators redefining how work works for them

We sit down with Terry Rice, a business coach, keynote speaker, and content creator who turned adversity into opportunity after being fired from his dream job. Terry shares his incredible journey of resilience, reinvention, and unapologetic authenticity.

RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODE

→ From Selling Siding to YouTube Icon | Larry Jones

⏰ TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Welcome to the 9-5 Quitters Club

(00:46) Meet Terry Rice

(01:05) Adversity Breeds Authenticity

(01:47) Terry Rice's Journey from Corporate to Entrepreneurship

(03:05) Building a Personal Brand Through Storytelling

(06:58) The Concept of the Anti-Hero

(16:52) Practical Steps to Crafting Your Anti-Hero Persona

(23:13) Balancing Authenticity and Professionalism

(24:08) Consequences of Speaking Your Mind

(24:39) Building a Personal Brand

(26:49) Aggressive Business Strategies

(36:32) Leveraging AI for Storytelling

(38:03) Identity and Purpose in Work

(39:47) Final Thoughts and Advice

CONNECT WITH GUEST

🌐 Website: https://www.savagelife.co/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsterryrice/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-rice/

📹 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TerryRice

CONNECT WITH TEACHABLE

📸  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachable

📹 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@teachableTV

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/teachable

Join the club of 1,000s of creators redefining how work works for them

Hanna Goefft, former corporate marketer turned content creator, shares her inspiring journey from a frustrating 9-5 job to becoming a full-time creator. Hanna discusses her career pivots, the creation process, and the importance of finding fulfilling work. She also offers actionable advice on skill-building through experimentation and leveraging creativity for career growth. This episode is filled with insights on navigating career transitions, leveraging creativity, and designing a fulfilling life. Don't miss Hanna's tips on treating content creation seriously and the potential of side projects.

RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODE

→ She Quit And Made More Than Her Boss In Six Months | Michela Allocca

⏰ TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Introduction

(00:15) Meet Hanna Goefft: Career Pivots and Content Creation

(00:30) Hanna's Journey: From Frustration to Exploration

(00:46) Discovering Content Creation

(04:49) First Steps on TikTok

(06:22) Early Success and Brand Partnerships

(08:18) Consistency and Growth

(08:58) The Generalist Perspective

(12:27) The Value of Experimentation

(15:58) The Importance of a Niche

(19:51) Skills for Career Success

(25:24) Embracing Self-Confidence and Problem-Solving

(26:21) Transitioning from Corporate to Content Creation

(27:04) The Big Travel Adventure

(28:24) Flexibility and Financial Independence

(30:18) Reflecting on the Creator Journey

(34:30) The Value of Salary Transparency

(37:28) Choosing Education Over Entertainment

(43:54) Advice for Aspiring Creators

(47:29) Rapid Fire Questions and Conclusion

CONNECT WITH GUEST

🐦 Threads: https://www.threads.net/@hannagetshired

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannagetshired/

📱TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hannagetshired

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanna-goefft/

📹 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hannagetshired

CONNECT WITH TEACHABLE

📸  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachable

📹 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@teachableTV

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/teachable

Join the club of 1,000s of creators redefining how work works for them.

We sit down with Larry Jones from Stock Up! Larry shares invaluable insights on finding your true calling by focusing on what people will pay you for, and then becoming passionate about it. He discusses his transition into YouTube during the pandemic, his strategy for success, and the lessons he learned from his diverse career background. Learn how Larry turned a challenging situation into a thriving online business by leaning into his fears and meticulously documenting his journey.

RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODE

→ How To Build Compound Income As A Creator | Abagail Pumphrey

⏰ TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Introduction to the 9-5 Quitters Club

(00:18) Meet Larry Jones: From Music to Financial Freedom

(00:32) Larry's Journey to YouTube Success

(00:50) Choosing the Right Niche

(02:22) Building a YouTube Channel During the Pandemic

(03:55) From 16K to 665K Subscribers

(04:15) Keys to Success: Do What People Will Pay You For

(04:57) The Decision to Focus on Stocks

(06:18) Documenting Trades and Growing an Audience

(08:08) Replacing a Full-Time Income with YouTube

(17:16) Lessons from Past Jobs

(24:53) The Future of Content Creation and Education

(26:29) Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts

CONNECT WITH GUEST

🌐 Website: https://stock-up-u.teachable.com/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larryjonesstockup/?hl=en

📹 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZw2iqBZShBxWy8r1fwqP8A

CONNECT WITH TEACHABLE

📸  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachable

📹 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@teachableTV

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/teachable