The Nathan Barry Show

Can you truly break through your own limitations and achieve what seems impossible? Today, I sit down with my friend Nir Eyal, the author of three bestselling books, including his latest, *Beyond Belief*, which just hit the New York Times bestseller list. Nir recently blew my mind when he told me he doesn't "believe in jet lag" after flying from Europe to Asia, and that was just the appetizer for our conversation. In his typical science-backed style, Nir reveals the surprising research behind why some people persist where others quit, and how our beliefs—not always our circumstances—are ofte...

What actually makes a bestseller? My two guests this episode, James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, which has sold over 30 million copies worldwide and is the best-selling book of the last decade, knows a thing or two about it. I also sit down with Madeline McIntosh, CEO of Penguin Random House US, where she's overseen the publication of over 1000 books. Together, James and Madeline have co-founded Authors Equity, a publishing model that completely inverts how authors are typically paid and how books are brought to market. In our conversation, they break down everything you need to know about publishing...

How do you break through that elusive $1 million revenue ceiling in a creator business? That's the question I dove into with two incredible founders on this episode: Grant Baldwin of The Speaker Lab and Bryan Harris of Growth Tools. Both have scaled their businesses far beyond that mark, not with flashy tactics, but by building fundamentally great businesses. We chat about the counter-intuitive strategies that got them there, why simplifying your offer is often the fastest path to growth, and how tracking actual customer outcomes is a superpower that most businesses ignore. It's a candid conversation about the foundational...

What's the secrets to unreasonable hospitality? That's what I wanted to find out when I sat down with Will Guidara and Brian Canlis. Will spent over a decade running Eleven Madison Park, the restaurant voted number one in the world, and Brian is the force behind Canlis in Seattle, one of the most respected fine dining institutions in the country. Their insights on hospitality extend far beyond the restaurant world, and I was particularly struck by how they've systematically approached building meaningful connections, both online and off. Their approach to "unreasonable hospitality" has completely reshaped how I think about...

He's running a newsletter with over a million subscribers and an engagement rate that turns traditional wisdom on its head. Sean Devlin, a veteran in the newsletter space, pulled back the curtain to reveal the strategies behind his success. Having scaled "Nice News" to over 800,000 subscribers before its acquisition by Encyclopedia Britannica, and currently running "All Healthy" with an astounding 1.3 million subscribers and a 52% open rate, Sean is doing something different. He shares his unconventional approach to content, monetization, and growth that prioritizes reader value and long-term relationships over short-term metrics. If you're building an audience and want them...

What does it take to truly master book marketing and author growth in today’s crowded landscape? Nathan Barry and James Clear co-hosted an exclusive mastermind bringing together 16 of the world's top non-fiction authors in Nashville. This episode pulls back the curtain on the cutting-edge strategies discussed: from leveraging Instagram trial reels for new audiences, to the surprising power of paid "tiny offers" over free lead magnets, and even the meticulous, 80-hour prep work behind viral podcast appearances. Discover how these literary titans are staying ahead, the unscalable tactics that drive massive success, and the mindset required to play at...

Uncovering how 'From Boise' evolved from a passion project rooted in community to a thriving six-figure business, Nathan Barry sits down with Marissa Lovell. Marissa shares the unique content strategy and innovative monetization experiments that fueled its growth, highlighting how deep community connections propelled its success in the local media landscape.

Discover how 'From Boise' sets itself apart by championing positive local stories and community engagement, demonstrating the powerful impact of authenticity and experimentation in building a successful creator business.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction: From Kit to From Boise
04:15 The Origin Story: Why a Local...

Most creators focus on viral hits or massive subscriber counts, but Tintin Smith, former Head of YouTube for Ali Abdaal (where he helped grow the channel from 3 to 6 million subscribers and millions in revenue), reveals that true success lies in a meticulously crafted system designed to convert viewers into high-ticket clients. He breaks down the exact production system used by top educational YouTubers, outlining the critical roles, tasks, and surprisingly, what *not* to do, if you want to turn your audience into a sustainable six-figure business. From strategic positioning to the art of packaging your content, Tintin delivers a...

How do you actually become a successful long-term creator? Chase Reeves, a multi-talented creator ranging from musician to designer to coach, joins Nathan Barry to explore the unexpected ingredients for long-term success. Chase unpacks his unique journey, from pirated Photoshop to crafting captivating content, revealing how developing "taste" isn't just about technical skills, but a deep, soulful curiosity. This episode takes a dive into the critical balance between external validation and internal drive, why "actual" people connect with authenticity, and how embracing a little chaos might just be the secret sauce for innovation and genuine impact. Get ready to...

How do you live an energized life—not just physically, but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually? Simon Alexander Ong, author of the bestselling book "Energize," joins Nathan in a captivating conversation that unpacks the profound difference between simply managing time and mastering energy. Simon, whose journey from the high-stakes world of finance to a renowned speaker and coach, offers a unique perspective on consistency over intensity, the power of gratitude, and why detaching from outcomes is the secret to sustained creativity and joy. This episode is a must-listen for creators and leaders striving to avoid burnout, cultivate a positive mindset, an...

She helped grow a YouTube channel from 100,000 to 14 million subscribers in just four years, all while balancing a suite of other successful podcasts and media ventures? Grace Miller, Head of Failure and Experimentation at Flight Story, the powerhouse behind "The Diary of a CEO" and other massive shows, shares her unique insights. In this episode, Grace pulls back the curtain on the world of high-stakes content creation, revealing the ingenious experiments and surprising failures that have fueled their meteoric rise. If you're obsessed with crafting great content and eager to understand the nuanced mechanics of YouTube growth, this conversation...

Most people chase a single number, believing it holds the key to lasting happiness and an end to their worries. But what happens when you hit that number, or even exceed it, and find yourself staring into an emotional abyss? This week on The Nathan Barry Show, we sit down with Mike Brown, a former Navy fighter pilot who built and sold an eight-figure oil and gas company. He achieved what many dream of – supercars, a beautiful home, and immense wealth. Yet, he still found himself losing peace and $1.5 million in a failing venture, prompting a profound shift in hi...

What does it take to grow a SaaS business from $1 million to $5 million annual recurring revenue when your revenue has plateaued? Michael Sliwinski, founder of the productivity app Nozbe, joins Nathan Barry to diagnose the core issues his business faces and map out a clear path forward. Michael, who flew all the way from Europe for this conversation, dives into the challenges of competing in a crowded market, the impact of a product rebuild, and the search for a compelling new positioning. This episode is a masterclass in auditing your business, identifying roadblocks, and strategizing for breakthrough growth, especially...

The secret to truly enjoying your work, even in the age of AI? According to serial founder Dan Cumberland, it starts with eliminating friction and leveraging AI to become the creator you've always wanted to be. Most people think AI is just for marketing, or they make critical mistakes by relying on an individual chat's memory. In this episode, Dan dives deep into how high-earning creators and companies can implement human-centered AI systems that don’t just save time, but actually help them connect more deeply with their audience and their own purpose. He shares actionable insights, practical examples, an...

What does it truly take to launch a phenomenon? Most authors dream of hitting the bestseller list, but today's guest, Tim Grahl, flips that goal on its head. He's revealing the counterintuitive truth about enduring book success, explaining why chasing a fleeting "bestseller" title might actually hinder your book's long-term impact. If your vision for your book extends beyond a single week of sales to creating a lasting legacy, this episode is packed with essential strategies. Learn why "readers" trump "sales" and how to engineer word-of-mouth that propels your book for years, not just days. Prepare to redefine what...

What does it truly take to operate at the pinnacle of human performance? Justin Su'a, a leading expert in performance psychology, joins Nathan Barry to reveal the mindset shifts and practical tactics employed by professional athletes, elite military units, and top-tier companies like Google and Lululemon. From confronting challenging leaders to navigating the intense pressure of the World Series, Justin shares invaluable lessons on embracing obstacles, seeking critical feedback, and building relationships strong enough to withstand even the harshest truths. If you're striving for excellence, looking to lead more effectively, or simply want to learn how the best in...

What does it take to build a million-subscriber YouTube channel, launch a best-selling book, and then walk away from it all for over a year? Noah Kagan, founder of AppSumo, joins Nathan to candidly discuss his journey from full-throttle content creation to a deliberate pause. Noah shares the unexpected internal and external pressures that came with his meteoric rise on YouTube, the strategic decisions that led to viral success, and why, despite achieving his goals, he ultimately stepped back. This conversation offers a rare glimpse into the mindset of a creator who prioritized personal fulfillment over endless growth, and...

What does it take to build a profitable, impactful business while empowering more than 100,000 women? Julia Taylor, founder of GeekPack, shares her incredible journey from the intelligence community to building a thriving company with a mission to reach a million women by 2030. In this episode, Julia unveils her "embedded partnerships framework" – a potent strategy that's catapulted 70% of her revenue this year alone by fostering deep, meaningful collaborations with major brands like Verizon and TikTok. Discover how strategic alignment, win-win-win scenarios, custom integrations, co-creation, and robust impact reporting are key to scaling your business and making a true difference.

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Chris Hutchins, host of the wildly popular All the Hacks podcast, joins us to crack the code on podcast growth. Most creators dream of building a brand, attracting millions of listeners, and monetizing their passion, but Chris has actually done it, transforming his podcast into a powerhouse through meticulous optimization. If you've ever wondered how successful podcasts truly scale beyond the initial buzz, or how to inject startup-level strategic thinking into your creative venture, this episode is a masterclass. Chris reveals the behind-the-scenes tactics that catapulted his show to millions of downloads, sharing the unconventional strategies that maximize reach...

What does it take to scale a business to a multi-million dollar enterprise and beyond, all while maintaining profitability and a thriving culture? Chandler Bolt, founder of selfpublishing.com sits down in his bustling office to reveal the crucial shifts and strategic insights that propelled his company from the initial million-dollar milestone to hitting the ambitious $10 million mark and charting a course for even greater heights.

From turning business into a game complete with scoreboards and "green days" to mastering product-market fit and the art of "reverse selling" in hiring, Chandler shares the unconventional wisdom he's gained...

Steering a company from nascent idea to multi-million dollar revenue is rarely a smooth ride. Often, it's a journey fraught with uncertainty, tough decisions, and the internal battles no one sees. For Nathan, the guiding hand through much of this journey has been his coach, Dan Putt. As a co-founder of Reboot, Dan has spent years working with leaders and executives, helping them navigate growth without losing themselves in the process. In this episode, Dan shares not only his unique coaching philosophy - which emphasizes a deep, inside-out understanding of oneself, but also practical tools and frameworks that address...

Start 2026 strong with a handpicked collection of the best advice from this year's top moments! This episode is a treasure trove of actionable insights designed to elevate your business and personal growth. We've curated the moments that resonated most, offering practical strategies for everything from scaling your business and building a thriving community to mastering content creation and leveraging social media. Get ready to learn from the best and apply these game-changing lessons to achieve your goals this year!

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:30 Dan Martell: The Buyback Loop for Capacity
01:56 Transferring Tasks with the Camcorder Method<...

Many entrepreneurs and marketers feel like they've missed the boat on short-form video. The common thought: "That worked a few years ago, but it's too saturated now." But what if that's a myth? Colin Landforce, founder of Cut30, argues that with a unique perspective and consistent effort, anyone can achieve massive results, regardless of follower count. He's seen students with under 1,000 followers generate tens of thousands in revenue, proving you don't need millions of views to make a significant business impact. Colin reveals his three-step framework for taking short-form video seriously, alongside the critical role of hooks, and how...

The secret to building a content machine that reaches millions, all without spending a dime on ads? According to Ryan Holiday, it starts with making content people actually want to consume. In this live interview from Austin, Texas, Ryan pulls back the curtain on how Daily Stoic went from an obscure philosophy discussed only in academia to a global phenomenon. From cultivating an audience one platform at a time to transforming a single piece of content into a multi-platform strategy, discover the counterintuitive lessons from a master of timeless ideas and modern media. This isn't just about stoicism; it's...

In this episode, I sit down with Dan Putt, my coach for the last six years, to explore the journey of building a company and the personal transformation that comes with it.

We reflect on Kit's growth to over $50 million ARR and discuss the significant shifts in my leadership style, particularly moving from consensus-driven decision-making to confident clarity.

Dan and I dive into the importance of identifying and separating reversible from one-way decisions, the power of embracing uncertainty, and the profound impact of connecting with your core "why."

Viewers will gain insights into...

In this episode, I sit down with Rob Jentsch, an education leader and consultant, to discuss his mission of providing remarkable education to more students globally.

We dive deep into his journey from volunteer work in El Salvador to becoming a high school teacher, and then into management consulting, all driven by a desire to improve educational outcomes.

Rob shares his current business model, which balances high-ticket consulting with a passion for serving smaller, impactful organizations. We explore strategies for him to scale his impact, build an online presence, productize his services, and optimize his...

In this episode, I sit down with Bill Burnett & Dave Evans, Stanford Design Professors and best-selling authors, to discuss how they've helped millions rethink their careers and purpose through their "Design Your Life" framework.

We dive into the surprising journey developing their best-selling book, the core principles of "design thinking" applied to life, and the critical role of understanding human needs.

Later, we get tactical, breaking down their ambitious goal to reach 10 million people with their new book, "How to Live a Meaningful Life," and explore effective strategies for leveraging communities, media, and digital platforms...

In this episode, I sit down with Nicole Burke, founder of Gardenary, to unpack her dynamic strategy for building a 7-figure brand primarily through short-form visual content.

Nicole shares exactly how she leverages Instagram to generate millions of views and drive revenue, all while embracing her identity as a business owner who leverages social media, not just an influencer.

We dive deep into her content methodology, breaking down the essential categories of reels—entertain, educate, showcase, and invite—and how each contributes to a robust growth and sales funnel.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
02:11 Grow...

In this episode, I sit down with Eric Rhodes, DJ and content creator with over 3 million followers, to discuss how to monetize his massive audience beyond traditional events.

Eric shares his journey from professional DJ to viral social media sensation and explores the challenges of earning revenue when much of his content features copyrighted music.

We brainstorm two main paths for monetization: deepening engagement with music fans, and serving a specific niche of aspiring DJs. We dive into strategies for segmenting his audience, developing high-value lead magnets, and creating educational products like courses or masterminds...

In this episode, I sit down with Jay Singh, founder of Casper Studios, to explore how AI voice agents are transforming how we create, communicate, and collect information.

We dive into how Jay helped Kit’s team automate workflows with voice-based AI, why voice will soon replace typing entirely, and how creators can use tools like Whisper Flow and ElevenLabs to turn ideas into finished content faster. Jay also gives a live demo, showing exactly how to build a working AI voice agent from scratch.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:10 Hitting a $2M run rate with AI...

In this episode, I sit down with Jessica Miller, business strategist and founder of Jessica Miller Coaching, to uncover four keys that will help you unlock $100K in hidden profit inside your existing business.

Jessica shares how to identify the “Hell Yes” offer that energizes you and your audience, simple add-ons and bundles that boost profit instantly, and how to reactivate past clients and turn referrals into a predictable growth system. We also dive into real client examples—from $80-an-hour coaches turning into $30K earners, to brick-and-mortar shops doubling revenue overnight.

If you want to find t...

In this episode, I sit down with Erin Green, founder of Audacious Labs, to break down how to design a course that actually changes behavior.

Erin spent 15 years inside agencies building programs for IKEA, Google, and Amazon before developing her framework for turning expertise into transformative learning experiences. We dive deep into what makes most courses flop, how to create real outcomes for students, and how to use AI to design and validate better programs faster.
If you’re building a course or product that needs to deliver real results, this episode will show you exactly ho...

In this special episode, I sit down with my friend Frannie Wilson to interview her for my new book "The Ladders of Wealth. We explore her journey of running Ampersand Studios for over 16 years and how she’s reinventing her business after buying out her longtime partner.

Instead of having the conversation over a cup of coffee, we decided to record one in the studio instead. We dive into what it takes to scale an agency without burning out, why delegating fulfillment is critical, and how Frannie is using systems, subcontractors, and culture-building to position her team fo...

In this episode, I sit down with Lily Jones, founder of Educator Forever, for a coaching session to map out how she can scale her education business from $700K to $1M and beyond.

We dive into Lily’s unique flywheel that connects training teachers with agency work, why she’s hitting a growth plateau, and how focusing on sales could unlock her next stage.

Lily shares her journey from kindergarten teacher to entrepreneur, what she’s learned building two businesses in one, and how to prioritize growth without burning out.

If you’re looking...

In this episode, I sit down with Kristin Flanary, co-founder of the $1.2M Glaucomflecken brand, for a coaching session on how to scale to $10M by building systems, productized services, and new revenue streams.

We dive into Kristin’s unique journey blending healthcare satire, advocacy, and entrepreneurship, and map out how to grow beyond skits and sponsorships into licensing, joint ventures, and an agency model.

Kristin shares the challenges of balancing inbound opportunities, managing a lean team, and creating scalable offers that go beyond her and her husband’s personal involvement.

If you want...

Creator Flywheels: https://creatorflywheels.com

In this episode, I share how creator flywheels can help you get greater results with less effort by turning scattered tasks into systems that compound over time.

I break down the three laws of flywheels, how to design them for your business, and examples that took my own projects from stalled growth to unstoppable momentum.

I also show how to measure and improve your flywheels with a simple weekly check-in, plus the exact flywheels that scaled Kit, my podcast, and top creators’ newsletters.

If you’ve been...

In this episode, I sit down with Barrett Brooks, coach to some of the biggest creators in the industry, to break down the five traps that keep creators stuck below one million in revenue and how to avoid each one.

We talk about why search and algorithms are shifting, how to stop chasing “greener” business models, and why risk aversion quietly kills momentum.

Barrett also shares the patterns he sees working with top creators, how to double down on what’s working without burning out, and the mindset shift every entrepreneur must make to step into t...

In this episode, I sit down with Haley from the Kit team, to answer audience questions about building creator businesses, growing newsletters, and scaling software companies.

We cover everything from how to find a solo SaaS idea as a non-technical founder, to mapping out a creator business from scratch, to scaling newsletters and identifying blue ocean opportunities.

Haley also brings her behind-the-scenes perspective from working with creators at Kit.

If you want a practical look at audience growth, business models, and the future of creator tools, this episode has it all.

...

In this episode, I sit down with Ryan Beck, co-founder of Pray.com, a $30M platform reaching 10M people a month, to talk about his journey from jail at 18 to building one of the most impactful companies in the faith and creator space.

We dive into Ryan’s backstory, how he and his co-founders built Pray.com, and the systems churches use that modern creators can learn from. Ryan also shares lessons on building double flywheels, turning sermons into scalable content, and how AI is transforming faith-based media.

If you want to understand how to sc...

In this episode, I sit down with Caitlin Copple for a coaching session to map out how she can scale her PR agency, Full Swing, from $1.2M to $5M by shifting from custom services to scalable productized offers.

We dive into why retainers cap growth, how to package services into clear visibility outcomes, and the low-overhead path to building a multi-million dollar agency.

Caitlin also shares the challenges of managing a team, navigating growth plateaus, and how to design offers that scale without burning out.

If you want to grow a services business...