Get a breakdown of Ben’s brand-building frameworks in my free newsletter: https://bit.ly/4noPRuk
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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
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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:
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 views
1:03:20 – Caleb’s final lesson
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:
Follow Saf:
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/saffalino
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:
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Get a breakdown of Rich’s podcast playbook in my free newsletter:
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Apply to work with me:
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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:
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Apply to work with me:
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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:
Follow Jodie:
Website – https://www.jodiecook.com/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.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.comApply to work with me:https://forms.gle/uw6NZDBHs2pQNYhbAIf 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+128GBListen 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.comTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction01:14 – The $1K beginner setup: cameras, mics, lighting03:37 – What we use: Sony A7 IV, FX6, lens options08:46 – Microphones for every budget (and what to skip)12:58 – Lighting mistakes & silent gear to use instead15:43 – Portable battery lights that save every set17:29 – How to light a podcast like a film shoot20:13 – Storage, file sizes & the biggest rookie mistake24:18 – Set design: overlooked but critical26:48 – Camera placement & layout rules29:51 – Authenticity, performance & final tips
Get Tobias' YouTube playbook with my free newsletter:
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Apply to work with me:
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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:
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:
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Apply to work with me:
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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:
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
Get Aydan's playbook with my free newsletter: https://callummcdonnell.substack.com
Apply to work with me: https://forms.gle/uw6NZDBHs2pQNYhbA
Meet Aydan Al-Saad, an entrepreneur who replaced a 200K salary with multiple six‑figure income streams - all powered by social media content and a simple 5‑step system. In this episode, he reveals how to transform your skills into profitable offers, land your first paying client, and scale your earnings with content‑driven sales.
Get Aydan’s 5‑Step Blueprint (FREE):https://callummcdonnell.substack.com/
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 here: https://www.7xcontent.com/
Follow Aydan on socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/aydanalsaad/
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@aydanalsaad
Website - https://www.aydanalsaad.com/
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
01:11 – Tech Sales to Fatherhood - Leaving a £200k job after becoming a dad
06:22 – Corporate Pros & Cons - Money vs. limited creativity and ownership
09:50 – Real Flexibility - Freedom to travel, create, and grow
14:54 – The 5-Step Blueprint
25:56 – First Customer - How Aydan landed early consulting and brand deals
31:00 – Scaling Brand Deals - From £1k posts to year-long partnerships
36:05 – Content-Led Sales - Document your process to attract clients
40:58 – Beyond Six Figures - Challenges in scaling and time management
44:55 – Routine & Reflection - Aydan’s weekly schedule, family focus, and final takeaways
Podcasts are bigger than ever in 2025, and top creators use powerful strategies to grab your attention. In this video, I break down five genius podcast growth hacks that drive millions of views - so you can use them too.
Get a breakdown of this strategy (FREE): https://callummcdonnell.substack.com/
Listen on your Podcast Player:
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/callum-mcdonnell
Follow Callum on socials:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thecallummc/
Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@heycallum/
X - https://twitter.com/McdonnellCallum/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/callummcdonnell/
Produced by 7xContent - make your own Podcast with us here: https://www.7xcontent.com/
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:40 The Thumbnail System
03:08 The Reactive Episode
04:33 Content Waterfall System
05:52 Trailers
07:35 Guest Selection and Collaboration
Ash Jones is the founder of Great Influence, a personal branding agency that has worked with high-profile entrepreneurs and business leaders like Steven Bartlett, Gary Neville, and Sacha Lord to build their online presence and influence. Get a breakdown of Ash Jones' strategy (FREE): https://callummcdonnell.substack.com/ Listen on your Podcast Player: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/callum-mcdonnell Follow Callum on socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thecallummc/ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@heycallum/ X - https://twitter.com/McdonnellCallum/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/callummcdonnell/ Produced by 7xContent - make your own Podcast with us here: https://www.7xcontent.com/ Follow Ash on socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_ashleybjones/ X - https://x.com/_ashleybjones/ Website - https://greatinfluence.com/ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:19 Why Most People Get Personal Branding Wrong 04:48 How Social Media Fits Into Personal Branding 06:44 Building Social Chain's Marketing Strategy 09:52 Lessons from Working with Steven Bartlett 16:07 Finding Your Target Audience 24:41 Gary Neville's Brand Evolution 30:46 Key Elements of Personal Brand Success 36:57 The Early Days with Steven Bartlett 41:55 Building a Top Personal Branding Agency 45:03 Advice for Struggling Entrepreneurs 47:10 Do Social Media Tactics Actually Work? 49:23 Creating an Innovative Personal Brand 59:54 How Much to Share Online 01:01:18 Personal Growth Through Branding 01:01:52 Quick Fire Questions
The word community gets thrown around a lot in the social media world—but what does it actually mean? And more importantly, how do you create one that people truly care about? In this LIVE recording of Creator Playbooks hosted by Frankly Speaking, I’m joined by Daisy Morris, Kira Matthews, and Beth Thomas - creators, thought leaders, and experts in building thriving online communities. Together, we break down the strategies and mindset needed to foster genuine connections online, beyond just replying to comments or chasing followers. Get FREE email breakdown of the strategy from this Episode: https://callummcdonnell.substack.com/ Listen on your Podcast Player: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/callum-mcdonnell Follow Callum on socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thecallummc/ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@heycallum X - https://twitter.com/McdonnellCallum LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/callummcdonnell/ Produced by 7xContent - make your own Podcast with us here: https://www.7xcontent.com/ Follow Daisy on socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/the_self_hood/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daisy-morris-the-selfhood/ Follow Kira on socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kirathebold/ Website - https://www.kiramatthews.com/ Follow Beth on socials: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/betheleanorthomas/ Follow Frankly on socials: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearefrankly/ Website - https://wearefrank.ly/ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:25 Power of Community in 2024 02:31 The Importance of Real Conversations 04:47 Hosting and Human Connection 06:07 Leveraging Live Sessions 07:18 Authenticity in Community Building 08:30 Navigating Social Media Outages 09:18 Diary of a CEO's Telegram Group 10:37 Strategies for Authentic Engagement 18:09 Collaborating with Influencers and Creators 21:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Meet Ben Kaluza, a full-time creator who has mastered the art of growing on Instagram. Ben shares practical tips and strategies, how he rapidly expanded his online presence, and the tactics he uses to stay ahead in 2025.
Get a free Breakdown Of Ben's strategy here: https://callummcdonnell.substack.com/ Tools I use: VidIQ - https://vidiq.com/creatorplaybooks/ Riverside - https://riverside.fm/?via=callum Listen on Podcast Player: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/callum-mcdonnell Follow Callum on socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thecallummc/ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@heycallum Twitter - https://twitter.com/McdonnellCallum LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/callummcdonnell/ Produced by 7xContent - make your own Podcast with us here: https://www.7xcontent.com/
Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Instagram Growth Strategies 01:18 How to Gain 200k Instagram Followers Fast 02:10 Overcoming Creator Burnout and Staying Motivated 03:15 Data-Driven Content Creation for Better Engagement 04:57 How to Find Your Instagram Niche 06:32 Balancing Original Content vs. Instagram Trends12:16 Why Instagram Hooks are Key for Growth15:15 Step-by-step Blueprint for Content Planning26:32 How to Track Instagram Performance Metrics 29:35 Understanding Instagram's Algorithm in 2024 33:06 Achieving Financial Freedom as a Content Creator 41:25 Balancing Work and Life as a Creator 43:06 How to Secure Brand Deals and Monetise Your Content 45:41 Daily Routine Tips for Productive Creators 46:55 Diversifying Your Content Across Multiple Platforms 47:42 Expanding Your Brand to Writing Platforms like LinkedIn, X, Threads, and BlueSky 53:05 Authenticity in Content Creation: Why It Matters 01:01:46 Challenges with Brand Partnerships 01:02:31 How to Optimise Brand Deals for Maximum ROI 01:03:40 Innovations in Influencer Marketing and Content Trends 01:10:10 Quickfire Questions
Meet Callum Church and Jack Whettingsteel, co-founders of HelpBnk and the content viral geniuses behind Simon Squibb's massive social media success. These young entrepreneurs have skyrocketed Simon's brand to over 200 million monthly views. Get Simon Squibb's Strategy (FREE): https://callummcdonnell.substack.com/ Tools I use: VidIQ - https://vidiq.com/creatorplaybooks/ Riverside - https://riverside.fm/?via=callum Listen on Podcast Player: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/callum-mcdonnell Follow Callum on socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thecallummc/ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@heycallum Twitter - https://twitter.com/McdonnellCallum LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/callummcdonnell/ Work with Callum: https://www.7xcontent.com/ Follow HelpBnk on socials: Callum Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/callumchurch15/ Jack Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jackwhettingsteel/ HelpBnk Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/helpbnk/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HelpBnk/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/helpbankapp/ Website - https://helpbnk.com/
Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Simon Squibb and Content Creation 00:56 How to Stand Out Online 03:22 How Simon Squibb Mastered Short-Form Video Content 07:44 How to Create Videos People Actually Want to Watch 12:01 Simon Squibb’s Social Media Strategy 14:23 How to Make Money as a Content Creator 16:00 How to Pitch and Secure Brand Deals as a Content Creator 24:17 The Mindset You Need to Succeed Online 27:45 The Team and Systems Behind Simon Squibb’s Viral Videos 32:20 How to Craft the Perfect Hook for Your Videos 35:54 How to Grow Your YouTube Channel Fast 39:20 Top Strategies for Growing with YouTube Long-Form Content 46:37 How Simon Squibb Boosts Engagement on Video Content 49:11 Building a Mission-Driven YouTube Channel and Brand 51:15 Short-Form vs. Long-Form Content 56:39 The #1 Hack Every Content Creator Should Be Using 59:03 Viral Content Strategy: How to Go Viral More Often 01:04:23 The Power of Purpose and Ownership 01:06:06 How Equity and Incentives Can Grow Your Business 01:09:27 Quickfire Questions
Anthony Smith is the creative mastermind behind the viral trailers for Steven Bartlett’s podcast, The Diary of a CEO, with over 7 million subscribers. Get Diary of a CEO's Strategy (FREE): https://callummcdonnell.substack.com/ Formerly a video editor for major film and TV franchises like James Bond and Marvel, Anthony has revolutionised podcast marketing by bringing cinematic storytelling to short-form social media content. Tune in to learn how his innovative podcast promotion strategies have significantly boosted The Diary of a CEO’s visibility, setting a new industry standard. Tools I use: VidIQ - https://vidiq.com/creatorplaybooks/ Riverside - https://riverside.fm/?via=callum Listen on Podcast Player: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/callum-mcdonnell Follow Callum on socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thecallummc/ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@heycallum Twitter - https://twitter.com/McdonnellCallum LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/callummcdonnell/ Follow Anthony on socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthonyr.smith/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/antsmith93/ Work with Callum: https://www.7xcontent.com/ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:01 How I Got a Job with Steven Bartlett 07:59 Evolution of Trailer Making 11:00 How to Measure Success 24:47 Diary of a CEO’s Blueprint for Creating Trailers 26:35 What Makes a Good Hook? 35:34 Which Metrics Matter Most? 37:42 Crafting the Moment of Value 41:47 The Defense Lawyer Narrative Structure 44:12 Diary of a CEO’s Weekly Workflow 49:51 Urgency in Social Media 58:11 Tips for Hiring and Managing Great Video Editors 01:05:18 What It’s Like to Work with Steven Bartlett 01:09:22 How Ownership and Purpose Drive Editing Success 01:17:30 Quickfire Questions
Jo Franco has turned her passion for creating into a thriving career, transitioning from a travel vlogger to a Netflix host and successful entrepreneur. With over 2 million YouTube subscribers, she is also the author of Fluentish and CEO of JoClub, a global community focused on journaling and personal growth. Get Jo Franco's Content Business Strategy (FREE): https://callummcdonnell.substack.com/ Tools I use: VidIQ - https://vidiq.com/creatorplaybooks/ Riverside - https://riverside.fm/?via=callum Listen on Podcast Player: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/callum-mcdonnell Follow Callum on socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thecallummc/ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@heycallum Twitter - https://twitter.com/McdonnellCallum LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/callummcdonnell/ Follow Jo on socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jo_franco/ X - https://twitter.com/jofranco/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jo_franco/ Website: https://jofranco.world/ Work with Callum: https://www.7xcontent.com/ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Jo Franco’s YouTube Journey 01:04 Jo Franco’s Creator Journey: From Start to Success 04:46 The Power of Searchable Content for Growing Your Channel 08:00 Building a Global Audience 11:02 The Reality of Success in Content Creation 17:41 Exploring the Netflix Opportunity 23:52 The Birth of JoClub 29:05 Sustainable Business Building in the Creator Economy 34:09 Planning for the Future: Long-Term Success Strategies 37:48 Working with an Agent and Finding the Right Manager for You 40:27 How to Make a Good Pitch: Tips and Techniques 46:33 Jo’s Content Strategy and Planning Insights 53:37 Networking and Collaboration: Building Valuable Connections 56:43 What Getting Shot Taught Me About Entrepreneurship 01:01:53 Reflecting on Life 01:04:36 Quickfire Questions
Daniel Priestley is an entrepreneur, best-selling author, and international speaker who has built successful multi-million dollar businesses in Australia, the UK, and Singapore, starting with nothing. He co-founded Dent Global, a company dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and business leaders achieve significant success through strategic mentoring and networking. Get Daniel Priestley's Content Strategy (FREE): https://callummcdonnell.substack.com/ Listen on Podcast Player: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/callum-mcdonnell Follow Callum on socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thecallummc/ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@heycallum Twitter - https://twitter.com/McdonnellCallum LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/callummcdonnell/ Follow Daniel on socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/danielpriestley/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/danielpriestley Twitter - https://x.com/DanielPriestley/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielpriestley/ Tools I use: VidIQ - https://vidiq.com/creatorplaybooks/ Riverside - https://riverside.fm/?via=callum Work with Callum: https://www.7xcontent.com/ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:30 Greatest Time to Be Alive 03:43 Key Person of Influence Framework 07:00 The Five P's 08:42 Guide to a Great Pitch 12:07 Published Content Strategy 14:02 7-11-4 Framework 16:45 Daniel’s Book Writing Process 18:59 Product Strategy 24:28 Building a Powerful Profile 26:59 Leveraging Podcasts 29:47 Effective Partnerships 36:22 Becoming a Key Person of Influence 39:00 Coaching My Business From £500k to £3M 44:43 Building a High-Performance Team Culture 45:55 Effective Team Models for Small Businesses 47:52 Creating Recurring Revenue Streams 49:17 Cookie Cutter Products 52:09 Negotiating Fair Partnerships 53:51 Challenges Faced by Top Creators 55:23 Diversifying Revenue Streams for Creators 59:22 Testing Business Ideas With Waiting Lists 01:04:05 Three Things That Drive a Sale 01:18:49 Importance of Lead Generation 01:20:33 Quick-Fire Questions
Daisy Morris is the founder of The Self Hood, a successful social media consultancy and digital community. Under her leadership, The Selfhood has become a six-figure business with a vibrant community of over 30,000 creatives. As an expert in social media strategy, Daisy has worked with major brands such as Microsoft, Mind, the London College of Fashion, AllBright, Bill's, Vagabond Wines, and Candy Kittens. In this episode, she shares: - Her exact social media strategy that scored her partnerships with Apple, Gucci, and Adobe - How to build a profitable community in 2024 - The bad habit that's costing you millions + LOADS MORE! Tools I use: VidIQ - https://vidiq.com/creatorplaybooks/ Riverside - https://riverside.fm/?via=callum FREE breakdown of Daisy's 10-step community-building strategy: https://callummcdonnell.substack.com/ Listen on Podcast Player: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/callum-mcdonnell Follow Callum on socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thecallummc/ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@heycallum Twitter - https://twitter.com/McdonnellCallum LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/callummcdonnell/ Follow Daisy on socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/the_self_hood/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daisy-morris-the-selfhood/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@the_self_hood/ The Self Hood - https://www.theselfhood.com/ Work with Callum: https://www.7xcontent.com/ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:26 Who Is Daisy Morris? 03:13 Why Is Community Important? 06:55 Step 1: Understanding Community 09:08 Step 2: Know Your Story 09:20 Step 3: Find Your People 11:20 Step 4: Make Your Mark 16:49 Step 5: Share Your Magic 17:02 Step 6: Establish a Content Creation Process 19:19 The REACH, ACT, CONVERT, ENGAGE Model 19:48 Step 7: Your Community Journey 20:01 Step 8: Collaborate With People 20:20 Step 9: Community Management 20:42 Step 10: Get Creative Off Screen 21:28 Is Community Building Profitable? 24:19 Community as the Future of Advertising 30:52 Balancing Personal and Professional Transparency 32:51 Mistakes to Avoid on Social Media 35:10 Quality or Quantity 39:34 Overcoming Social Anxiety and Networking 41:21 Starting and Growing a Business 45:52 Hosting and Attending Events 50:45 Pitching to Brands and Creating Opportunities 52:44 Brands Crushing It on Social Media 57:22 Quick-fire Questions
Daniel McMahon, known as Dodford, is a British creative making a name for himself on YouTube with his impressive filmmaking, VFX skills, and storytelling abilities. His collaborations with big names like Mr. Beast and the Sidemen speak volumes about his standing in the online creative world. In this episode, he shares: • His strategy for 6 million views (that actually works) • The harsh reality of being a YouTuber • The importance of timing content + LOADS MORE! This might be the first time he’s ever opened up about the true story behind Dodford. Tools I use: VidIQ - https://vidiq.com/creatorplaybooks/ Riverside - https://riverside.fm/?via=callum Get FREE business breakdowns from Callum: https://callummcdonnell.substack.com/ Listen on Podcast Player: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/callum-mcdonnell Follow Callum on socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thecallummc/ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@heycallum Twitter - https://twitter.com/McdonnellCallum LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/callummcdonnell/ Follow Dodford on socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dodford/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@dodford?lang=en YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@DodfordYT Twitter - https://twitter.com/dannymcmahon Work with Callum: https://www.7xcontent.com/
Timestamps:
Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:25 Small Creator to YouTube Sensation 07:31 The Sidemen Documentary 14:30 Behind the Scenes: Crafting Viral Documentaries 28:45 Sustaining a YouTube Business Model 33:16 Revenue Streams 37:13 Innovating Content Through Elimination 40:02 YouTube Analytics 44:13 Finding Motivation 49:20 Highs and Lows of Content Creation 57:28 Strategic Content Planning and Future Goals 01:02:03 Closing Thoughts
