Season 2, episode 12 is here!

In this episode, I chat to… myself… about why Substack is the best place to be right now as a writer, and what I’d do if I was just starting out on the platform.

You’ll learn:

- Why Substack is the #1 platform for writers starting today

- How I grew from ~50 to 23,000+ subscribers using simple, consistent strategies

- The three biggest advantages of using Substack over other platforms

- How to leverage Substack’s discovery tools to grow without a large following

- Why owning your email list is more powerful than having social media followers

- How Substack integrates seamlessly with YouTube for creators

- Tips for turning YouTube videos into Substack content

- Three key steps to follow in your first month on Substack

- How to engage effectively on Substack to build a loyal audience

This is a quick and easy episode for anyone who’s just getting started on Substack!

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe

Season 2, episode 11 is here!

In this episode, I chat to Derek Hughes about how he’s built a thriving online writing business on Substack and Medium.

You’ll learn:

- How Derek grew his audience and income with Notes, coaching cohorts, and digital products

- Why autonomy and personal freedom matter more than just chasing big income

- The most crucial advice for new writers: focus on starting and staying consistent

- How to build a rock-solid writing habit and overcome imposter syndrome

- Why success in digital products comes from smart marketing, not just creation

- How simple, practical resources (like templates) can outperform complex offers

- How to stand out as an authentic, differentiated creator in the age of AI

- What a balanced, sustainable writing life looks like, and why it’s worth aiming for

If you’ve been looking for practical strategies, hard-earned lessons, and honest encouragement to build your own writing path, this episode delivers.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe

Season 2, episode 8 is here!

In this episode, I chat with Michael Lim, who’s currently living the sweet creator life in Bali and can’t believe he’s almost 30.

Here’s some of what we touched on in this one:

- The DOT framework for solopreneurs

- How to fix your offer using the Three Ps

- Why money and titles don’t equate to happiness

- Which other writers have influenced Michael’s approach

If you want to hone your offer and generate more income as a writing-based solopreneur, this one’s for you.

And don’t forget to check out Michael’s publication, Solopreneur Launch, before you go!

Paid members can watch every full video episode in our Member Resource Hub.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe

Season 2, episode 7 is here!

In this episode, I chat with Jari Roomer, who expertly walks us through the process of creating and lauching digital products actually wanted by our audience members (which is kind of a big deal!).

Here’s some of what we covered:

- When to let go as an entrepeneur

- How to validate ideas with your audience

- The differences between full and mini courses

- The best ways to grow an email audience on Substack

If you’re interested in launching your own digital products, this one’s for you.

And don’t forget to check out Jari’s co-hosted publication, Write • Build • Scale!

Paid members can watch every full video episode in our Member Resource Hub.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe

Season 2, episode 6 is here!

In this episode, I chat with Emma Nelson, who shares some fascinating insights on what it’s like to be a professional ghostwriter (while simultaneously writing a novel!).

Here’s some of what we covered:

What a ghostwriter actually is

How to approach potential clients

What the ghostwriting process looks like

How ghostwriting and Substack combine to become a thriving business

If you’re interested in becoming a ghostwriter yourself, this one’s for you.

You can also check out Emma’s publication here.

Paid members can watch every full video episode in our Member Resource Hub.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe

Episode 5 is here!

In this episode, I chat with Scott Perry, who’s on a mission to help seasoned solopreneurs build their ideal lifestyle.

We covered a lot here, including:

- What it’s like to change course after a decades-long career

- Adapting your lifestyle to meet fresh needs

- How to position yourself effectively as a solopreneur

- How to ensure you reserve the right to change lanes

If you’re a writer interested in building a life-giving solo business, this one’s for you.

Paid members can watch every full video episode in our Member Resource Hub.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe

Episode 4 is here!

In this episode, I share what I’m doing more and less of in 2025, and why. I also answer a handful of questions from subscribers (listen out for yours!).

If you have any questions after listening, just drop them in the comments.

Paid members can watch every full video episode in our Member Resource Hub.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe

Episode 3 is here!

Today, I chat to Ana Calin about the best ways to grow an online audience, particularly here on Substack (where she’s absolutely flying!).

In this episode, we discuss:

- How Ana grew a 40k Substack audience in a matter of months

- How her background in marketing helped prepare her for life on Substack

- What it means to “just start” your creator journey

- Which kinds of Substack Notes are most effective

- How to make paid content irresistible

- How to be serious about having fun

- And much more!

Make sure to drop a question for Ana in the comments after listening.

And as always, paid members can watch every full video episode in our Member Resource Hub.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe

Episode 2 of Season 2 is here!

Today, I chat to Claudia Faith about how she grew a sustainable writing-based business on Substack, where she helps other writers get paid for their words.

In this episode, we discuss:

- How Claudia went from working with investor startups to full-time writer

- How she grew a 3,000+ audience on Substack in just 6 months

- Our thoughts on the use of AI in writing

- How our writing processes differ

- How to build trust with readers through authenticity

- Key approaches writers can take to generate income from their words

- Why Substack is such a brilliant platform for writers at any stage in their journey

Make sure to drop a question for Claudia in the comments after listening.

And as always, paid members can watch every full video episode in our Member Resource Hub.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to Season 2!

In the very first episode of the second season, I chat to Jamie Northrup about what it means to have a “minimalist” approach to writing, content creation and business growth.

Jamie’s built an audience of 7,000+ minimalist hustlers with a simple daily email strategy. He goes for quality over quantity in his mission to help writers and online business owners earn more by working on their own terms. If this sounds good to you (and why the heck wouldn’t it?), you’ll enjoy this episode for sure.

Make sure to drop a question for Jamie in the comments after listening.

And as always, paid members can watch every full video episode in our Member Resource Hub.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe