This week's episode is a special one — our annual deep-dive into the state of YouTube with my good friends Nick and Dee Nimmin. We've been doing this conversation since 2019, and somehow every year the platform becomes more exciting, more unpredictable, and more full of opportunity for creators.

What We Offer Creators

Join Creator Communities. A place to gather with other creators every single day. This provides access to Our Private Discord Server, Monthly Mastermind Group, and MORE!

Hire Dusty To Be Your YouTube Coach

YouTube Channel Reviews (Audit): Get a 7-10 minute personalized video review of your YouTube channel with honest, actionable feedback for just $50.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: Each week I document what I'm doing in my business and creative journey, share new things I've discovered, mistakes I've made, and much more!

All Tools Mentioned On The Show: The Ultimate Entrepreneurs Resource. This is the spreadsheet where I keep all of the tools mentioned by all the guests on the podcast.

Follow The Show:

Facebook /// X /// YouTube /// Instagram

About Dee:

I help new creators grow and succeed on YouTube. My videos will show you how to build confidence on camera, master video editing, create eye-catching thumbnails, use the best creative tools, live stream, and grow your channel.

About Nick: Nick Nimmin helps you grow on YouTube by sharing YouTube tips and tools to help you get more views, subscribers and make money on YouTube.

Connect With Dee:

YouTube Channel

Connect With Nick:

YouTube Channel

In this powerful conversation, Alexa shares how she went from architect to multi-six-figure YouTube entrepreneur and the mindset shifts that changed everything. We break down niching, monetization, high-ticket coaching, overcoming fear, and what actually works on YouTube in 2025. If you're ready to grow faster with clarity and confidence, this episode is a must-listen.

What We Offer Creators

Join Creator Communities. A place to gather with other creators every single day. This provides access to Our Private Discord Server, Monthly Mastermind Group, and MORE!

Hire Dusty To Be Your YouTube Coach

YouTube Channel Reviews (Audit): Get a 7-10 minute personalized video review of your YouTube channel with honest, actionable feedback for just $50.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: Each week I document what I'm doing in my business and creative journey, share new things I've discovered, mistakes I've made, and much more!

All Tools Mentioned On The Show: The Ultimate Entrepreneurs Resource. This is the spreadsheet where I keep all of the tools mentioned by all the guests on the podcast.

Follow The Show:

Facebook /// X /// YouTube /// Instagram

About Alexa:

Alexa Saarenoja is a YouTube strategist and business mentor who turned a layoff into a multi–six-figure brand in just over a year. After getting monetized on YouTube in just ten weeks, she built a thriving ecosystem of courses, coaching programs, and a global creator community with over 8,000 members. Today, Alexa helps purpose-driven entrepreneurs grow personal brands, master YouTube, and build profitable online businesses that align with their deeper mission.

Connect With Alexa:

YouTube Channel /// Website

Mario from Adventure Gear TV joins the show to share how he grew a highly engaged audience of 117K+ subscribers by niching down, staying consistent, and keeping his workflow simple. We break down the dangers of viral shorts, how to know when to start a second channel, and the importance of branding that actually serves your audience. If you're a creator looking for clarity, direction, and a sustainable path forward, this episode is loaded with gems.

What We Offer Creators

Join Creator Communities. A place to gather with other creators every single day. This provides access to Our Private Discord Server, Monthly Mastermind Group, and MORE!

Hire Dusty To Be Your YouTube Coach

YouTube Channel Reviews (Audit): Get a 7-10 minute personalized video review of your YouTube channel with honest, actionable feedback for just $50.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: Each week I document what I'm doing in my business and creative journey, share new things I've discovered, mistakes I've made, and much more!

All Tools Mentioned On The Show: The Ultimate Entrepreneurs Resource. This is the spreadsheet where I keep all of the tools mentioned by all the guests on the podcast.

Follow The Show:

Facebook /// X /// YouTube /// Instagram

About Mario:

Mario is the creator behind the YouTube channel AdventureGearTV, featuring practical minivan camping and in-depth gear reviews. He brings a data-driven approach to testing outdoor equipment, focusing heavily on portable power stations and accessories. He shares his adventures and expertise from his custom-converted Toyota Sienna minivan, helping thousands of viewers gear up for their own off-grid journeys.

Connect With Mario:

YouTube /// TikTok /// Facebook

City Geek creator Brady Bagley returns to share how he grew from 4K to 55K subs on fewer than 90 videos by leaning into searchable content, strong opinions, and better audio. We break down thumbnails, engagement strategy, sponsorship mindset, and how to outlast imposter syndrome. A masterclass in thoughtful, sustainable YouTube growth.

What We Offer Creators

Join Creator Communities. A place to gather with other creators every single day. This provides access to Our Private Discord Server, Monthly Mastermind Group, and MORE!

Hire Dusty To Be Your YouTube Coach

YouTube Channel Reviews (Audit): Get a 7-10 minute personalized video review of your YouTube channel with honest, actionable feedback for just $50.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: Each week I document what I'm doing in my business and creative journey, share new things I've discovered, mistakes I've made, and much more!

All Tools Mentioned On The Show: The Ultimate Entrepreneurs Resource. This is the spreadsheet where I keep all of the tools mentioned by all the guests on the podcast.

BEST TOOLS FOR CREATORS and ENTREPRENEURS: YouTube Optimization (Creative Fuel): https://geni.us/oPCt7Cf Hire Freelancers and Artists (Fiverr): https://geni.us/h4zMWAP Podcast Hosting (Libsyn): https://geni.us/TrpwY0 GeniusLink Link Shortener: https://geni.us/fHPAe Stock Assets For Creators (Envato): https://geni.us/rlEKkLB E-commerce (Shopify): https://geni.us/m9ctWwe Podcast Recording and Editing (Riverside.FM) https://geni.us/PLlt1M

My YouTube Film Gear: 🎥 Camera: https://geni.us/B9eb5P 🎙️ Microphone: https://geni.us/QarC 🎤 Audio Interface: https://geni.us/kaosfB 🎧 Headphones: https://amzn.to/48YcHlB

Follow The Show:

Facebook /// X /// YouTube /// Instagram

About Brady:

Brady Bagley is the creator behind City Geek, a fast-growing YouTube channel dedicated to helping viewers better understand the history, architecture, culture, and skylines of cities across North America. What started as a passion for geography has turned into a thriving platform built on searchable, long-tail educational content, thoughtful city overviews, and engaging opinion-based rankings. Since his last appearance on the show, Brady has grown from just 4,000 subscribers to more than 55,000 by focusing on quality, storytelling, and consistency—all while traveling frequently for his day job and exploring new cities firsthand. Through his videos, he shares a genuine appreciation for urban design and inspires others to see cities through a more curious lens.

Connect With Brady:

YouTube Channel

In this episode of the YouTube Creator Hub Podcast, Dusty interviews Dana Findwell, a content creator who transitioned from a career in graphic design to YouTube after being laid off in 2020. Dana shares her journey of starting a thrifting business and her struggles with gaining traction on her channel until she pivoted to share her personal story of starting over at 59. The conversation explores the importance of finding a niche, the technical aspects of video production, monetization strategies, and the lessons learned along the way, including overcoming imposter syndrome and the value of vulnerability in storytelling.

What We Offer Creators

Join Creator Communities. A place to gather with other creators every single day. This provides access to Our Private Discord Server, Monthly Mastermind Group, and MORE!

Hire Dusty To Be Your YouTube Coach

YouTube Channel Reviews (Audit): Get a 7-10 minute personalized video review of your YouTube channel with honest, actionable feedback for just $50.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: Each week I document what I'm doing in my business and creative journey, share new things I've discovered, mistakes I've made, and much more!

All Tools Mentioned On The Show: The Ultimate Entrepreneurs Resource. This is the spreadsheet where I keep all of the tools mentioned by all the guests on the podcast.

BEST TOOLS FOR CREATORS and ENTREPRENEURS: YouTube Optimization (Creative Fuel): https://geni.us/oPCt7Cf Hire Freelancers and Artists (Fiverr): https://geni.us/h4zMWAP Podcast Hosting (Libsyn): https://geni.us/TrpwY0 GeniusLink Link Shortener: https://geni.us/fHPAe Stock Assets For Creators (Envato): https://geni.us/rlEKkLB E-commerce (Shopify): https://geni.us/m9ctWwe Podcast Recording and Editing (Riverside.FM) https://geni.us/PLlt1M

My YouTube Film Gear: 🎥 Camera: https://geni.us/B9eb5P 🎙️ Microphone: https://geni.us/QarC 🎤 Audio Interface: https://geni.us/kaosfB 🎧 Headphones: https://amzn.to/48YcHlB

Follow The Show:

Facebook /// X /// YouTube /// Instagram

About Dana:

I'm Dana from Dana Findwell. My YouTube journey started after I was laid off in 2020. I launched a thrifting business and a channel focused on my business, but for two years, I struggled to gain traction. Everything changed when I shared a very personal video about what it was really like starting over at 59—that video went viral and brought in over 20,000 new subscribers! Now, I focus on reinvention, decluttering, and simple living after 50.

Connect With Dana:

YouTube Channel

In this week's episode, I sit down with Travis Dykes — a professional touring and studio musician who's built a thriving YouTube channel that teaches bass and music creativity to over 200,000 subscribers. Travis shares how his channel started by accident — simply uploading lessons he wished existed — and how that passion evolved into a full-time creative business. We talk about his shift from gigs to YouTube income, what he learned about consistency, and why discovering your "unfair advantage" might be the most important step in your creator journey.

What We Offer Creators

Join Creator Communities. A place to gather with other creators every single day. This provides access to Our Private Discord Server, Monthly Mastermind Group, and MORE!

Hire Dusty To Be Your YouTube Coach

YouTube Channel Reviews (Audit): Get a 7-10 minute personalized video review of your YouTube channel with honest, actionable feedback for just $50.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: Each week I document what I'm doing in my business and creative journey, share new things I've discovered, mistakes I've made, and much more!

All Tools Mentioned On The Show: The Ultimate Entrepreneurs Resource. This is the spreadsheet where I keep all of the tools mentioned by all the guests on the podcast.

BEST TOOLS FOR CREATORS and ENTREPRENEURS: YouTube Optimization (Creative Fuel): https://geni.us/oPCt7Cf Hire Freelancers and Artists (Fiverr): https://geni.us/h4zMWAP Podcast Hosting (Libsyn): https://geni.us/TrpwY0 GeniusLink Link Shortener: https://geni.us/fHPAe Stock Assets For Creators (Envato): https://geni.us/rlEKkLB E-commerce (Shopify): https://geni.us/m9ctWwe Podcast Recording and Editing (Riverside.FM) https://geni.us/PLlt1M

My YouTube Film Gear: 🎥 Camera: https://geni.us/B9eb5P 🎙️ Microphone: https://geni.us/QarC 🎤 Audio Interface: https://geni.us/kaosfB 🎧 Headphones: https://amzn.to/48YcHlB

Follow The Show:

Facebook /// X /// YouTube /// Instagram

About Travis:

After getting his start in the professional music industry at an early age, Travis has been a full-time touring and studio musician for over 11 years in Nashville, TN. From the start of his music career, he has always felt a passion for teaching and has taught hundreds of bass and guitar students. This passion prompted the start of a YouTube channel to provide bass lessons and a behind-the-scenes look at the professional music industry. Over the past few years Travis' YouTube channel has grown to over 200,000 subscribers, and he continues to create videos weekly.

Connect With Travis:

YouTube Channel /// Instagram /// Website /// Book

In this episode of the YouTube Creators Hub Podcast, Dusty Porter talks with travel and lifestyle influencer Sarah Funk. Sarah shares her journey from struggling to monetize her Instagram in 2017 to becoming a successful YouTuber with over 75 million views and half a million followers. They discuss the importance of niching down, the differences between Instagram and YouTube, and how to balance quantity and quality of content.

What We Offer Creators

Join Creator Communities. A place to gather with other creators every single day. This provides access to Our Private Discord Server, Monthly Mastermind Group, and MORE!

Hire Dusty To Be Your YouTube Coach

YouTube Channel Reviews (Audit): Get a 7-10 minute personalized video review of your YouTube channel with honest, actionable feedback for just $50.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: Each week I document what I'm doing in my business and creative journey, share new things I've discovered, mistakes I've made, and much more!

All Tools Mentioned On The Show: The Ultimate Entrepreneurs Resource. This is the spreadsheet where I keep all of the tools mentioned by all the guests on the podcast.

BEST TOOLS FOR CREATORS and ENTREPRENEURS: YouTube Optimization (Creative Fuel): https://geni.us/oPCt7Cf Hire Freelancers and Artists (Fiverr): https://geni.us/h4zMWAP Podcast Hosting (Libsyn): https://geni.us/TrpwY0 GeniusLink Link Shortener: https://geni.us/fHPAe Stock Assets For Creators (Envato): https://geni.us/rlEKkLB E-commerce (Shopify): https://geni.us/m9ctWwe Podcast Recording and Editing (Riverside.FM) https://geni.us/PLlt1M

My YouTube Film Gear: 🎥 Camera: https://geni.us/B9eb5P 🎙️ Microphone: https://geni.us/QarC 🎤 Audio Interface: https://geni.us/kaosfB 🎧 Headphones: https://amzn.to/48YcHlB

Follow The Show:

Facebook /// X /// YouTube /// Instagram

About Sarah:

With half a million followers across social media and 75 million YouTube views, Sarah Funk is a prominent entrepreneur and influencer in the travel and lifestyle industries. Sarah's MBA in Entrepreneurship and Marketing underpins her diverse ventures, including Funky Experiences, a tour company that has won TripAdvisor's Best of the Best award for four consecutive years. She also runs Funk & Co Creatives, a production company operating across the USA, teaches an online entrepreneurship course, and has authored several e-books on NYC available on SarahFunky.com. Featured in Forbes, Travel Channel, Travel & Leisure, and Business Insider, Sarah continues to innovate and inspire in the creative industry.

Connect With Sarah:

YouTube Channel /// Website

In this episode of the YouTube Creators Hub podcast, host Dusty chats with Tom Hitchins from the Byte Review YouTube channel. Tom shares his journey from being a full-time teacher to a successful tech content creator with over 227,000 subscribers. He discusses his unique approach to content creation, the challenges of transitioning to full-time YouTube work, and the importance of standing out in a crowded space.

What We Offer Creators

Join Creator Communities. A place to gather with other creators every single day. This provides access to Our Private Discord Server, Monthly Mastermind Group, and MORE!

Hire Dusty To Be Your YouTube Coach

YouTube Channel Reviews (Audit): Get a 7-10 minute personalized video review of your YouTube channel with honest, actionable feedback for just $50.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: Each week I document what I'm doing in my business and creative journey, share new things I've discovered, mistakes I've made, and much more!

All Tools Mentioned On The Show: The Ultimate Entrepreneurs Resource. This is the spreadsheet where I keep all of the tools mentioned by all the guests on the podcast.

BEST TOOLS FOR CREATORS and ENTREPRENEURS: YouTube Optimization (Creative Fuel): https://geni.us/oPCt7Cf Hire Freelancers and Artists (Fiverr): https://geni.us/h4zMWAP Podcast Hosting (Libsyn): https://geni.us/TrpwY0 GeniusLink Link Shortener: https://geni.us/fHPAe Stock Assets For Creators (Envato): https://geni.us/rlEKkLB E-commerce (Shopify): https://geni.us/m9ctWwe Podcast Recording and Editing (Riverside.FM) https://geni.us/PLlt1M

My YouTube Film Gear: 🎥 Camera: https://geni.us/B9eb5P 🎙️ Microphone: https://geni.us/QarC 🎤 Audio Interface: https://geni.us/kaosfB 🎧 Headphones: https://amzn.to/48YcHlB

Follow The Show:

Facebook /// X /// YouTube /// Instagram

About Tom:

I make calming, aesthetic tech videos on apple, design, & productivity on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok

Connect With Tom:

YouTube /// Instatgram /// Website

In this episode of the Creators Hub Podcast, host Dusty Porter discusses effective YouTube strategies with Nate Woodbury, CEO of Be the Hero Studios. They explore the importance of tailored strategies for ad revenue versus lead generation, using search-based content for niche business success, leveraging AI for creative processes, and the critical aspects of monetization and viewer engagement. Nate shares his experience working with numerous successful YouTube channels and provides actionable insights for creators looking to grow their channels, whether targeting a broad audience or a specific niche.

What We Offer Creators

Join Creator Communities. A place to gather with other creators every single day. This provides access to Our Private Discord Server, Monthly Mastermind Group, and MORE!

Hire Dusty To Be Your YouTube Coach

YouTube Channel Reviews (Audit): Get a 7-10 minute personalized video review of your YouTube channel with honest, actionable feedback for just $50.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: Each week I document what I'm doing in my business and creative journey, share new things I've discovered, mistakes I've made, and much more!

All Tools Mentioned On The Show: The Ultimate Entrepreneurs Resource. This is the spreadsheet where I keep all of the tools mentioned by all the guests on the podcast.

BEST TOOLS FOR CREATORS and ENTREPRENEURS: YouTube Optimization (Creative Fuel): https://geni.us/oPCt7Cf Hire Freelancers and Artists (Fiverr): https://geni.us/h4zMWAP Podcast Hosting (Libsyn): https://geni.us/TrpwY0 GeniusLink Link Shortener: https://geni.us/fHPAe Stock Assets For Creators (Envato): https://geni.us/rlEKkLB E-commerce (Shopify): https://geni.us/m9ctWwe Podcast Recording and Editing (Riverside.FM) https://geni.us/PLlt1M

My YouTube Film Gear: 🎥 Camera: https://geni.us/B9eb5P 🎙️ Microphone: https://geni.us/QarC 🎤 Audio Interface: https://geni.us/kaosfB 🎧 Headphones: https://amzn.to/48YcHlB

Follow The Show:

Facebook /// X /// YouTube /// Instagram

About Nate:

Nate Woodbury, CEO of Be The Hero Studios is a renowned producer of over 60 successful YouTube channels, specializing in helping coaches and speakers transform their expertise into thriving platforms of thought leadership. With a proven, tactical strategy to dominate YouTube search, Nate has consistently delivered measurable results, turning subscribers into high-quality leads. Backed by a dedicated team of 35 experts, Nate offers a comprehensive Done-For-You system, making YouTube Lead Generation seamless and predictable for his clients.

Connect With Nate:

Website /// YouTube Channel

In this week's episode of the YouTube Creators Hub Podcast, Roberto Blake joins me to break down the real state of YouTube in 2025. We dive into why 90% of creators never reach 1,000 subscribers, the surprising number of videos it takes to hit 100K, and how Shorts, live streaming, AI tools, and dynamic ad insertion are reshaping the creator economy. Whether you're just starting out or scaling toward full-time, this conversation is packed with strategies you can apply right now.

What We Offer Creators

Join Creator Communities. A place to gather with other creators every single day. This provides access to Our Private Discord Server, Monthly Mastermind Group, and MORE!

Hire Dusty To Be Your YouTube Coach

YouTube Channel Reviews (Audit): Get a 7-10 minute personalized video review of your YouTube channel with honest, actionable feedback for just $50.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: Each week I document what I'm doing in my business and creative journey, share new things I've discovered, mistakes I've made, and much more!

All Tools Mentioned On The Show: The Ultimate Entrepreneurs Resource. This is the spreadsheet where I keep all of the tools mentioned by all the guests on the podcast.

BEST TOOLS FOR CREATORS and ENTREPRENEURS: YouTube Optimization (Creative Fuel): https://geni.us/oPCt7Cf Hire Freelancers and Artists (Fiverr): https://geni.us/h4zMWAP Podcast Hosting (Libsyn): https://geni.us/TrpwY0 GeniusLink Link Shortener: https://geni.us/fHPAe Stock Assets For Creators (Envato): https://geni.us/rlEKkLB E-commerce (Shopify): https://geni.us/m9ctWwe Podcast Recording and Editing (Riverside.FM) https://geni.us/PLlt1M

My YouTube Film Gear: 🎥 Camera: https://geni.us/B9eb5P 🎙️ Microphone: https://geni.us/QarC 🎤 Audio Interface: https://geni.us/kaosfB 🎧 Headphones: https://amzn.to/48YcHlB

Follow The Show:

Facebook /// X /// YouTube /// Instagram

About Roberto:

Roberto Blake is a seasoned entrepreneur, YouTuber, and digital marketing expert known for empowering creators through his "Create Something Awesome" philosophy. As the founder and CEO of Awesome Creator Academy, he helps content creators and businesses build successful brands online. With over 500,000 YouTube subscribers and multiple successful businesses, Roberto is a respected voice in the creator economy. He frequently speaks at industry events and has been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and other major publications for his expertise in content creation, monetization strategies, and building sustainable creative businesses.

Connect With Roberto:

Official Website: robertoblake.com - Main hub with courses, consulting services, and resources.

YouTube Channel: youtube.com/robertoblake2 - 640K subscribers, featuring creator tutorials and business advice.

Twitter: twitter.com/robertoblake - Daily insights on creator economy and digital marketing trends