The Nathan Barry Show

My conversation with David Perell, host of the "How I Write" podcast and a truly prolific creator, took my understanding to a whole new level. He's one of the few people who has consistently challenged my thinking on how we communicate ideas effectively. In this episode, I dove deep with David into critical questions like: Does writing still hold its weight in today's crowded digital landscape? What specific elements should creators prioritize to make their words resonate? And importantly, how do you stand out when everyone else is shouting? David shares his incredible insights into the craft of writing...

I recently sat down with my speaking coach, Mike Pacchione, for this totally unprecedented episode where we dissect, minute by minute, my full keynote speech from this year's Craft + Commerce conference. We’re not holding anything back. Mike points out my flaws, celebrates my strengths, and reveals all the chaos that happens backstage that the audience never sees. If you've ever delivered a product launch, feared public speaking, or just want to understand the art of a compelling presentation, you'll learn so much from our candid conversation.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:03 Breaking Down the Keynote
02:22 The Ch...

I've always brought Mike Pacchione in to coach every speaker at my Craft + Commerce conferences, including myself, because he has an uncanny ability to help people transform their talks from good to truly great. Mike's number one goal? For the audience to forget it's even a speech. In our conversation, Mike unpacks his framework for crafting compelling stories, why you should almost never tell them in chronological order, and his genius TED acronym for tension, editing for emotional impact, and the right details. He also shares invaluable insights on designing an ending that resonates and even how to strategically...

How do you build significant wealth in a way that feels sustainable and joyful, rather than sacrificing your mental and physical health? That's what I explored in my conversation with Mallory Rowan, who achieved a million-dollar net worth by age 29, but not without first hitting a wall of burnout at 22. Her story isn't just about financial metrics; it's a testament to redefining success and building a life where financial freedom supports personal well-being. I was particularly struck by her "Six Solutions Theory" and how she challenges the conventional wisdom about ambition versus balance. Join me as Mallory shares her...

How do actually make meaningful money on Instagram? That's what I wanted to find out when I sat down with Gannon Meyer. He's figured out how to turn social media attention into actual revenue. My guest today, Gannon, went from living with his girlfriend's mom to building a thriving business in just 12 months, and he credits a huge part of that transformation to what he shares in our conversation. We dive deep into his "free, segment, upsell" framework for converting Instagram followers into paying customers, and I even get a direct critique of my own content strategy. If you're...

Why did this founder fire himself from his own company? That's what I wanted to find out when I sat down with Steve Kamb, founder of Nerd Fitness. We've known each other for a long time, and I've watched him build an incredible audience and business. But then, to my surprise, he "fired" himself – twice! Steve shares the surprising truth about chasing growth, the pitfalls of wearing the wrong hat in your own business, and how he rediscovered his passion for writing. His journey is a powerful reminder that sometimes, the true path to fulfillment means stepping away from th...

Codifying your knowledge into intellectual property (IP) is a crucial step for scaling any business, but what my guest Mo Bunnell shared in this episode completely changed my perspective on how to do it and the incredible impact it can have. Mo, author of Give to Grow and founder of the Bundle Idea Group, has built an astonishing career training professionals at some of the world's most prestigious organizations. He walked me through the evolution of his IP, from humble beginnings to the sophisticated materials he uses today to secure multi-six-figure contracts. This isn't something he typically breaks down...

I’ve always been fascinated by how some companies manage to create not just customers, but passionate communities who become true advocates. My guest today, Russell Brunson, has mastered this, building ClickFunnels to a staggering 100,000+ users *without any outside funding*. In our conversation, Russell broke down the exact framework he used to achieve this, a framework born from studying thousands of successful movements across history, politics, and even religion. If you've ever wondered how to inspire loyalty that goes beyond a simple transaction and transforms your audience into a committed tribe, this episode reveals the secrets to building a mo...

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.

...

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...