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

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

Get a breakdown of Caleb’s frameworks in my free newsletter: https://bit.ly/4nWMw78

Apply to work with me:

https://bit.ly/4qfKpwO

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:

https://www.7xcontent.com

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

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

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:

⁠https://www.7xcontent.com⁠

Follow Saf:

Instagram – ⁠https://www.instagram.com/saffalino⁠

X – ⁠https://x.com/safwaan⁠

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

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

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:

https://www.7xcontent.com/

Follow Jodie:

Website – https://www.jodiecook.com/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jodie.cook_

X – https://x.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

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

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:

https://www.7xcontent.com/

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

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:

https://www.7xcontent.com/

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