The Profitable Creative

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What if the future of media isn’t controlled by platforms—but by creators?

In this episode of The Profitable Creative, host Christian Brim talks with Nicky P of Iron Age Marketing about the rise of DIY media, the power of podcasting as a relationship-building tool, and how creators can turn content into real business outcomes. This conversation explores why community, consistency, and clarity of purpose matter more than chasing downloads.

PROFITABLE TALKS...

•  What the “Iron Age of Media” means for creators and entrepreneurs 
•  Why podcasting is more about relationships than audience size 
•  The biggest mistake podcasters make when starting out 
•  How to use content as a consistent growth and marketing engine 
•  Why email lists are still the most valuable asset you own 

Join our community of creative entrepreneurs and get a free copy of our No-BS Guide To Making Your Creative Business Actually Profitable delivered straight to your inbox. We’ll share smart, simple tips to help you keep more of what you earn—no boring accountant talk, we promise.  
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What happens when women stop learning alone and start growing together?

In this episode, we explore how community-driven learning, financial literacy, and shared experience can transform not only your business—but your identity as an entrepreneur. Jennifer Kornoely, founder of She Reads, She Leads, breaks down how reading, conversation, and accountability create real-world growth for women building businesses and navigating life.

PROFITABLE TAKEAWAYS...

• Why reading alone is not enough—and how community accelerates learning
• How financial literacy and business knowledge impact long-term independence
• The real reason many entrepreneurs stay stuck (and how to break out of it)
• How to build a scalable business that doesn’t rely on trading time for money
• Why accountability and “skin in the game” change how people show up

Join our community of creative entrepreneurs and get a free copy of our No-BS Guide To Making Your Creative Business Actually Profitable delivered straight to your inbox. We’ll share smart, simple tips to help you keep more of what you earn—no boring accountant talk, we promise.  
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In this episode of The Profitable Creative, host Christian Brim sits down with John Tyreman, founder of Red Cedar Marketing, to explore how podcasting is evolving—and why it’s becoming one of the most powerful marketing tools for experts and professional services firms.

John shares how the COVID-era podcast boom changed the industry, why audio still dominates listener behavior, and how business owners can use podcasting to build trust at scale. They dig into the growing role of video in podcast discovery, the psychology behind parasocial relationships with podcast hosts, and why many business podcasts succeed even when listeners consume them primarily as audio. 

The conversation also goes deeper into entrepreneurship and the realities of building a creative business—from surviving layoffs and launching a company from scratch to scaling with systems like EOS, building strategic networks, and pricing services for growth instead of trading time for money.

PROFITABLE TAKEAWAYS...

Whether you're a creative entrepreneur, consultant, or professional services leader, this episode offers practical insights on:

• The rise of podcast marketing for professional services firms
• Why audio still matters—even in a video-first world
• How networks and relationships drive business growth
• Pricing strategies that avoid the “hourly trap”
• Using systems and processes to scale beyond survival mode

If you're thinking about starting a podcast, growing your audience, or building a sustainable creative business, this episode will challenge how you think about content, marketing, and entrepreneurship.

Join our community of creative entrepreneurs and get a free copy of our No-BS Guide To Making Your Creative Business Actually Profitable delivered straight to your inbox. We’ll share smart, simple tips to help you keep more of what you earn—no boring accountant talk, we promise.  
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In this engaging conversation, Christian Brim interviews Connor Quinn, a seasoned voiceover artist with a rich history in the industry. They explore Connor's journey from a child actor for Disney to a prominent voice in commercials and animations. The discussion delves into the impact of AI on the voiceover industry, the importance of authentic storytelling, and the evolving landscape of creative opportunities. Connor shares insights on navigating the industry, building relationships, and the necessity of adapting to changes while maintaining a human touch in creativity.

PROFITABLE TAKEAWAYS...

• Connor Quinn has 38 years of experience in voiceovers.
• He started his career as the voice of Christopher Robin for Disney.
• Voiceover work has evolved with technology, especially with AI.
• Authenticity in storytelling is crucial in today's creative landscape.
• The gig economy is reshaping how creative professionals work.
• Building relationships is key in the creative industry.
• AI can assist but will never replace the human element.
• There are opportunities for those willing to adapt and learn new skills.
• Voiceover artists are increasingly expected to be multi-talented.
• The importance of storytelling remains a constant in creative fields.

Join our community of creative entrepreneurs and get a free copy of our No-BS Guide To Making Your Creative Business Actually Profitable delivered straight to your inbox. We’ll share smart, simple tips to help you keep more of what you earn—no boring accountant talk, we promise.  
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In this episode of The Profitable Creative, host Christian Brim speaks with Justin Vajko, founder of Dialogue Video Marketing. They discuss the evolution of video marketing, the challenges of selling video services, and the importance of authenticity and coaching in video production. Justin shares insights on navigating client relationships, the impact of AI on marketing strategies, and the trust issues prevalent in the marketing space. The conversation also touches on the misalignment of expectations in marketing, innovative service offerings, and the core purpose of marketing to drive revenue. They conclude with thoughts on self-promotion and the value of visibility in business.

PROFITABLE TAKEAWAYS...

• Video marketing is essential for storytelling.
• Coaching clients on video production enhances content quality.
• Authenticity is key in video marketing.
• AI is disrupting traditional marketing strategies.
• Trust issues exist between marketers and clients.
• Expectations must be clearly communicated in marketing.
• Diversifying service offerings can increase revenue.
• Visibility is crucial for business success.
• Self-promotion is necessary to help others.
• Overcoming personal insecurities can lead to better marketing outcomes.

Join our community of creative entrepreneurs and get a free copy of our No-BS Guide To Making Your Creative Business Actually Profitable delivered straight to your inbox. We’ll share smart, simple tips to help you keep more of what you earn—no boring accountant talk, we promise.  
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In this episode of Profitable Creative, host Christian Brim speaks with Kyle Merrick, the founder of Anarchy for a Day, about his journey from running a marketing agency to becoming a marketing coach. They discuss the impact of AI on the marketing industry, the importance of building trust with clients, and the future of marketing agencies in a rapidly changing landscape. Kyle emphasizes the need for creativity and the human touch in coaching and voice acting, while also addressing the challenges posed by AI in the creative realm. The conversation concludes with insights on embracing individuality and the importance of connecting with one's audience.

PROFITABLE TAKEAWAYS...

• Kyle Merrick transitioned from a marketing agency to coaching.
• AI is reshaping the marketing landscape, creating both opportunities and challenges.
• Building trust with clients is crucial for marketers.
• The future of marketing agencies may involve more automation and less personal touch.
• Creativity is essential for moving culture forward in the age of AI.
• The human touch in coaching is irreplaceable.
• Voice acting is being impacted by AI, but unique human qualities remain valuable.
• Anarchy for a Day emphasizes embracing individuality in a conformist society.
• Business owners need to understand their market to make informed decisions.
• The conversation highlights the importance of storytelling in marketing.

Join our community of creative entrepreneurs and get a free copy of our No-BS Guide To Making Your Creative Business Actually Profitable delivered straight to your inbox. We’ll share smart, simple tips to help you keep more of what you earn—no boring accountant talk, we promise.  
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PROFITABLE TALKS...

In this episode of The Profitable Creative, host Christian Brim speaks with cinematographer Makayla Wheeler about her journey in the creative industry, the challenges of client relationships, and the importance of networking. Makayla shares her transition from managing a production company to focusing on her work as a cinematographer and director, emphasizing the need for specialization and the unique perspective women bring to the industry. The conversation also touches on the significance of ROI in creative work, building communities for female cinematographers, and effective marketing strategies for creatives.

PROFITABLE TAKEAWAYS...

• Makayla started her production company in high school as an LLC.
• She transitioned to focusing on directing and cinematography.
• The creative industry requires proving ROI to clients.
• Managing people was not a part of Michaela's passion.
• Her pricing strategy is now more straightforward as a cinematographer.
• Networking has been crucial for finding new opportunities.
• Specialization can lead to more targeted work and clients.
• Makayla aims to build a community for female cinematographers.
• Monetizing creative communities can enhance value and commitment.
• Effective marketing strategies involve leading with value and collaboration.

Join our community of creative entrepreneurs and get a free copy of our No-BS Guide To Making Your Creative Business Actually Profitable delivered straight to your inbox. We’ll share smart, simple tips to help you keep more of what you earn—no boring accountant talk, we promise.  
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In this episode, Christian Brim interviews George Ellzey Jr., the founder of Cottage Grove Productions, who shares his journey as a director and screenwriter. They discuss the significance of the name 'Cottage Grove,' the importance of storytelling in exploring identity, and the challenges and opportunities in the current film and television landscape. George emphasizes the need for community engagement and specificity in storytelling, as well as the importance of adapting to changing market dynamics and audience expectations.

PROFITABLE TAKEAWAYS...

• George founded Cottage Grove Productions after his successful thesis project.
• The name 'Cottage Grove' holds personal significance for George.
• Storytelling can explore universal themes through specific identities.
• The film industry is shifting towards community-driven projects.
• Building trust with the audience is essential for success.
• Experiential marketing can enhance audience engagement.
• The traditional business model in film is evolving.
• In-person connections are increasingly valued by audiences.
• Specificity in storytelling can resonate with a broader audience.
• Cottage Grove Productions aims to create impactful stories for the community.

Join our community of creative entrepreneurs and get a free copy of our No-BS Guide To Making Your Creative Business Actually Profitable delivered straight to your inbox. We’ll share smart, simple tips to help you keep more of what you earn—no boring accountant talk, we promise.  
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In this episode of The Profitable Creative, host Christian Brim speaks with Annie Figenshu, founder of Downstage Media. They discuss Annie's journey from performing arts to marketing, the importance of storytelling and community in content creation, and the balance between content, relationships, and revenue generation. Annie shares insights on understanding audience needs, the role of empathy in marketing, and the significance of transitioning from niche markets to broader opportunities. The conversation emphasizes the need for creatives to focus on problem-solving and revenue generation while maintaining authenticity in their work.

PROFITABLE TAKEAWAYS...

• Annie Figenshu emphasizes the importance of understanding audience needs.
• Content creation should focus on solving problems for the audience.
• Building relationships is crucial for effective marketing.
• Revenue generation should be a priority for creatives.
• Storytelling is a powerful tool in marketing and content creation.
• Empathy plays a key role in connecting with the audience.
• Transitioning from a niche market can open new opportunities.
• Community engagement enhances content discoverability.
• Balancing content, relationships, and revenue is essential for success.
• Diligence in marketing activities leads to better results.

Join our community of creative entrepreneurs and get a free copy of our No-BS Guide To Making Your Creative Business Actually Profitable delivered straight to your inbox. We’ll share smart, simple tips to help you keep more of what you earn—no boring accountant talk, we promise.  
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In this episode of the Profitable Creative podcast, host Christian Brim speaks with Brent Lindstrom, the founder of Light-Minded Arts. Brent shares his journey from the construction industry to the creative arts, discussing his passion for storytelling and filmmaking. He emphasizes the importance of financial stability while pursuing artistic endeavors and the challenges of self-sustaining art in a noisy marketplace. The conversation also touches on the role of algorithms in content creation and the need for trust and audience engagement in today's digital landscape.

PROFITABLE TAKEAWAYS...

• Brent Lindstrom transitioned from construction to creative arts.
• Light-Minded Arts was founded to house Brent's creative projects.
• Financial stability is crucial for pursuing artistic endeavors.
• Brent's 10-year plan included becoming a full-time filmmaker.
• Self-publishing and independent filmmaking can be financially challenging.
• Building street cred with an audience is essential for success.
• Algorithms serve as gatekeepers in the content creation space.
• Trust and audience engagement are vital in a noisy marketplace.
• Creativity can be applied to problem-solving in business.
• Brent aims to create stories that align with his personal values.

Join our community of creative entrepreneurs and get a free copy of our No-BS Guide To Making Your Creative Business Actually Profitable delivered straight to your inbox. We’ll share smart, simple tips to help you keep more of what you earn—no boring accountant talk, we promise.  
https://bit.ly/4uCmlX2