Creator Playbooks

Epizode

• World’s No 1 LinkedIn Creator: I’ll 10x Your Reach in 92 Minutes | Lara Acosta 24.06.2026 1h 32min

  Get the FREE breakdown of Lara's frameworks in my newsletter: https://bit.ly/4w4oRVKApply to work with me: https://bit.ly/3SgmP6zLara Acosta is a founder, creator, and personal branding strategist who built a 7-figure business through LinkedIn.With 320K+ followers and thousands of students, she’s become one of the fastest-growing voices in personal branding - known for turning content into authority, attention into opportunity, and audience into revenue.In this episode, she breaks down the exact frameworks behind her growth - and why most people fail on LinkedIn (even if they’re consistent).This is a full personal branding masterclass.We get into:Why most people aren’t growing (and it’s not the algorithm)The SMPV framework to 10X your reachHow to structure content that actually convertsThe difference between creators and real operator-buildersWhy storytelling beats “educational content”Lara also shares:Her 4-3-2-1 content system (and how to apply it)The SLAY storytelling framework that drives engagementHow to build an audience that actually buysWhy email is her highest revenue channelHow to monetise a personal brand without brand dealsPlus: content strategy, LinkedIn growth, building a community (not just followers), and why most founders are over-optimising the wrong things.Follow Lara:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laraacostar/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laraacostar/Produced by 7xContent: make your own podcast with us: https://www.7xcontent.com/contactFollow Callum:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecallummc/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/callummcdonnell/Timestamps:00:00 Storytelling vs educational content (what actually works)01:00 Why most people aren’t growing on LinkedIn02:00 The SMPV framework (skill, market, problem, value)03:30 How to find your skill + what to post about05:00 Selling to the right audience (and why most creators are broke)06:30 Content that drives leads vs content that gets likes08:00 Why LinkedIn is different from other platforms09:00 The 4-3-2-1 content framework explained10:30 Ideal client vs ideal follower (underrated growth lever)12:00 Why email is the real monetisation engine13:30 Educational content: broad → narrow → niche strategy15:00 Why storytelling is the most powerful format16:30 ICP vs IFP content (and how to balance both)18:00 Going viral vs growing in your niche19:00 The “one” strategy: lead magnets + email funnels20:00 The SLAY framework (story, lesson, action, you)22:00 Writing posts that actually get engagement23:30 The psychology behind LinkedIn formatting25:00 Likes, comments & what actually matters26:00 Why you shouldn’t ask for likes or follows27:00 Building brand equity vs constantly selling28:30 What makes a high-converting lead magnet30:00 How to plan content without batching32:00 Why most content feels the same33:00 Using AI to write better content (properly)35:00 Best formats on LinkedIn (and why it depends on you)37:00 Finding your unique content style39:00 Metrics vs “vibes” (what to actually track)40:30 AI comments & fake engagement41:30 Why Lara does everything herself42:30 The importance of commenting daily44:00 Building community through comments45:00 Why you shouldn’t outsource your personal brand too early47:00 Scaling vs authenticity (founder trade-offs)49:00 Over-optimisation and why it kills growth50:00 LinkedIn algorithm changes + profile importance51:30 How to position your profile properly53:00 Optimising your featured section for revenue54:30 Why niche matters (and “you are the niche” is wrong)56:00 Banner, profile & conversion tips57:00 Monetisation: content → email → sales58:30 Newsletter strategy + launch model01:00:00 Using trends + storytelling in emails01:01:30 Building trust through long-form content01:02:00 Final thoughts + full playbook recap
• Meet The Marketing Genius Working with Red Bull, Nike & ASOS 20.05.2026 1h 9min

  Get the breakdown of Sedge's frameworks in my free newsletter: https://bit.ly/4tNXDkR Apply to work with me: https://bit.ly/499YncxSedge Beswick is a brand and influencer marketing expert who’s worked with Red Bull, Nike, and ASOS - where she built the iconic Insider Program - and scaled her own agency to a £24M valuation.In this episode, she breaks down what actually wins in marketing in 2026 - and why most brands don’t have a content problem, they have a structure problem.We get into:- Why brand + performance silos are killing growth- How Adidas reinvented itself post-Yeezy (and why working with Molly-Mae makes sense)- The real reason M&S became “cool” again- The inside culture at Red Bull - and why “ask for forgiveness, not permission” works- The ASOS Insider playbook (and how you’d rebuild it today)Sedge also shares:- The eBay sneaker campaign that drove insane demand (and queues around the block)- Why consistency beats constant experimentation in marketing- The 3 P’s of personal brand that drove 75% of her agency leads via LinkedIn- Why TikTok Shop is the biggest opportunity right nowPlus: lessons from building and exiting an agency, mistakes founders make, and how to actually build a brand that converts - not just gets attention.Follow Sedge: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sedgebeswick/ LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sedge-beswick Produced by 7xContent: make your own podcast with us: https://www.7xcontent.com/contact Follow Callum: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecallummc/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/callummcdonnell/ Timestamps:00:00 Intro + Adidas, Yeezy problem & changing strategy 01:00 Why most brands fail (structure problem) 02:00 Brand vs performance (biggest mistake brands make) 03:00 Adidas reinvention + Molly-Mae strategy 05:00 Building brands beyond the founder (Molly-Mae case) 07:00 Why M&S became cool again 09:00 Emotional storytelling in modern marketing 10:00 Long-form content: opportunity or overrated? 11:00 Red Bull culture + “ask for forgiveness” 12:00 Getting arrested at a festival (Red Bull story) 14:00 What makes Red Bull teams different 16:00 Working with Nike vs Red Bull 19:00 Best campaign: eBay sneakers breakdown 21:00 Building a campaign that actually works 23:00 Why most marketing teams are broken 24:30 The importance of consistency (not chopping & changing) 26:00 ASOS lessons + what actually drives sales 28:00 Biggest mistakes brands make today 30:00 How to pitch ideas internally 32:00 Personal brand: what actually works 33:00 75% of leads from LinkedIn (no big following needed) 34:00 The 3 P’s: Perspective, Proof, Personality 36:00 Where to focus today (platform strategy) 37:00 Why TikTok Shop is the biggest opportunity 39:00 Luxury brands + Emma Grede blueprint 42:00 Personal brands doing it right 44:00 Founder vs operator (why most creators get it wrong) 46:00 Finding your “superpower” as a founder 49:00 ASOS insider program deep dive 52:00 How to build a creator program today 54:00 How brands should work with creators long-term 55:00 Scaling & selling an agency (£24M valuation) 57:00 Biggest business lessons & mistakes
• Meet The Advertising Genius Behind Steven Bartlett 01.04.2026 1h 30min

  Get a breakdown of Tom's frameworks in my free newsletter: https://bit.ly/48JKUaaApply to work with me:https://bit.ly/4aqqEewTom Lewis is Steven Bartlett’s advertising performance partner and co-founder of Metastat. At 22, he’s helped scale brands and creators by replacing guesswork with data.In this episode, Tom explains how top creators use paid ads to test thumbnails, titles, hooks, guests, and even product ideas before publishing, sometimes for under £100 on The Diary Of A CEO. He shares how Meta ads can help predict virality, improve click-through rates, and turn content into a repeatable growth system.We also cover when creators should monetise, why many launch too early, and why paid ads should support organic growth, not replace it. A practical guide to turning content into predictable growth and revenue.Listen on your podcast player:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/creatorplaybooksFollow Callum on socials:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thecallumc/TikTok - 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.comFollow Tom: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-lewis-a46877167/Timestamps (accurate + true to transcript)00:00 Introduction to Tom Lewis and Steven Bartlett's Advertising Machine00:13 Tom Lewis' Journey and Partnership with Steven Bartlett04:46 The Power of Paid Media and Experimentation05:22 Deep Dive into Testing and Experimentation12:20 Practical Tips for Running Effective Ad Campaigns18:47 Optimizing Meta Ads for Traffic21:19 Budgeting for Effective Ad Campaigns22:59 Balancing Creativity and Data24:04 Tom's Best Frameworks25:28 The Importance of Eliminating Guesswork26:38 Building a Brand Before Monetization29:12 Using Paid Ads to Catalyze Growth29:12 Understanding Meta's Ad Auction System34:08 Creating Engaging Ad Content35:08 The Power of Problem-Solution Hooks36:42 Leveraging Dragons' Den Pitches43:48 Iterating on Successful Ad Concepts52:06 Meta Ads Campaign Structure52:45 The Outlier Graph and Winning Ads55:07 The Evolution of Magic Ads57:39 Setting Goals for Meta Ads58:00 Instagram Profile Visits Strategy1:02:50 Retargeting and Audience Segmentation1:06:08 Choosing the Right Product for Creators1:11:51 The Future of Meta Advertising1:14:24 Focusing on Long-Term Customer Value1:21:44 Structuring Your Team for Success1:24:42 Insights on Working with Steven Bartlett1:27:00 Conclusion and Next Steps
• Marketing Genius: Social Media Is About to Change Forever (Here’s What to Do) 25.03.2026 1h 16min

  Get the breakdown of Michael’s frameworks in my free newsletter: https://bit.ly/41tiga0Apply to work with me: https://bit.ly/4bYmX1LMichael is a brand and social media strategist known for his work at Ryanair and now through his consultancy, Slice. In this episode, he explains why most brands do not have a content problem, they have a strategy problem and breaks down the 4 ways brands can actually win on social today.From fast vs. slow social to prompted vs. unprompted discovery, repeatable formats, search, distribution, measurement, and memorability, this episode offers a sharp, practical breakdown of what brands need to understand if they want social to drive real business impact.Follow Callum on socials:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thecallummc/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/callummcdonnell/Produced by 7xContent: make your own podcast with us:https://www.7xcontent.com/contactFollow Michael: https://www.instagram.com/mc_so_me/Timestamps:00:00 Intro + why strategy matters more than ever01:18 The state of social in 2026: fragile platforms, outrage, and rented land04:46 Why trend-chasing is making brands less memorable08:26 The organic social renaissance09:36 Prompted vs unprompted discovery12:10 Fast vs slow social15:11 Fast prompted moments: culture spikes people search for17:11 The 4 ways brands can win on social22:04 Where the biggest opportunity is right now23:53 Brand examples: Currys, Candy Kittens, Confused.com, and more29:47 Slow unprompted content and thinking like TV33:01 How brands should find their real gap / problem / opportunity36:42 The marketing education gap in social41:13 When organic social is and isn’t the answer42:46 Distribution is the missing piece46:49 What brands can learn from podcasts, clipper accounts, creators, and aggregator pages53:26 How to actually implement creative distribution56:45 Why brands struggle to let go of control58:44 What Michael is excited about in 20261:00:47 Brands using social well right now1:02:25 What brands are struggling with most1:05:39 What still works from the Ryanair playbook1:10:05 AI, content abundance, and the return of the all-round marketeer
• Viral Accountant: “I Make $100k a Week from Instagram!” Rachel Harris 04.03.2026 1h 21min

  Get a breakdown of Rachel’s frameworks in my free newsletter: ⁠https://bit.ly/4bcKHi9⁠Apply to work with me: ⁠https://bit.ly/4kYIjiy⁠ Rachel Harris is a multi award-winning industry leader, content creator, entrepreneur and practice owner. She runs a multi seven-figure accounting firm and has built a personal brand (@accountant_she) that drives £100k worth of leads each week from socials.In this episode, Rachel breaks down the exact playbook behind her growth. From viral posting formulas, failing faster, her pre-posting checklist and post-mortem analysis, monetising content with digital products, affiliates and brand deals and so much more. Listen on your podcast player: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/creatorplaybooks⁠Follow Callum on socials:Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thecallumc/⁠LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/callummcdonnell⁠Produced by 7xContent - make your own podcast with us: ⁠https://bit.ly/4kYIjiy⁠Follow Rachel:Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/accountant_she/⁠Timestamps:00:00 Intro + Rachel’s lead numbers from socials01:00 Rachel’s background + personal brand vs accounting firm profits02:15 Step 1: build a product worth talking about (reputation + reviews)03:20 Why professional services is a “blue ocean” on socials05:10 The reality of growth: 1 year posting daily to hit 4k followers06:25 The inflection point: “fail time” + weekly research + reactive planning08:10 Micro testing: makeup, tripod vs handheld, mic, production level09:45 The viral playbook: M&S sandwich x HMRC hooks + data-led creativity13:15 Pre-post checklist: point of the video, emotion, hooks, clarity15:30 Post-mortems + building the content playbook over time16:30 Seasons + evergreen topics + series ideas18:10 Feedback loops: call language analysis + 30-day series that gained 125k20:10 Trust timeline: average 18 months from follow to becoming a client21:10 Daily content + authenticity + disrupting “professional services” norms23:20 Rachel’s weekly schedule: analysis, strategy blocks, long-form filming29:10 The weekly scorecard: revenue-first metrics (no vanity metrics)35:00 Tightrope: leads you want + values-based filtering38:00 Funnel walkthrough: link-in-bio segmentation + nurture sequences42:40 Monetisation overview: affiliates, speaking, brand deals47:00 Digital products + community-led podcast + ascension model55:00 Recurring revenue and pitching brands proactively58:00 Advice: embarrassment, scalability, and building infrastructure01:02:20 Best business lesson: “make sure everyone gets laid” (curation)01:07:10 Team setup + what Rachel still edits herself01:09:00 ICP research: polls, surveys, and asking your audience01:12:00 Opportunities: PM interviews, PR, and asking for intros01:15:00 What’s working now: long-form value, short-form hooks + funnel
• From Finance Career to $1M Coach: The Full Strategy | Simon Alexander Ong 25.02.2026 1h 35min

  Get a breakdown of Simon's frameworks in my free newsletter: https://bit.ly/4cc9RyuApply to work with me: https://bit.ly/3OXzZn0Simon Alexander Ong is a bestselling author (Energize, Penguin), keynote speaker and one of the world's leading personal development coaches. He left a six-figure finance career in 2017 to build a coaching practice from scratch, and has since grown a YouTube channel to 130,000 subscribers in under 12 months, a viral video with nearly 4 million views, a Sunday Times bestselling book, and a global speaking career.In this episode, Simon breaks down the exact playbook behind every part of his business. From landing his first coaching client to engineering a viral YouTube video, getting a Penguin book deal, and commanding premium speaking fees.Listen on your podcast player: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/creatorplaybooksFollow Callum on socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thecallumc/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/callummcdonnellProduced by 7xContent - make your own podcast with us: https://bit.ly/3OXzZn0Follow Simon: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/simonalexanderong/LinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/simonalexanderongYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@simonalexanderoTimestamps:00:00 Introduction to Simon Alexander Ong01:00 Why Simon left a six-figure finance career03:00 The journey from the head to the heart05:00 Going full-time into coaching in 201708:00 Warren Buffett's #1 most important skill in business09:30 How Simon got his first coaching clients13:00 The Third Door framework and how to use it practically17:00 How speaking grew organically from coaching22:00 Building a personal brand before social media28:00 How to answer "what do you do?" with a story32:00 The YouTube strategy: outlier videos explained40:00 How the "I'm 40" video happened (and nearly didn't)48:00 Why it ranked 9/10 for 3 days then hit 1.5M views52:00 Ad revenue breakdown and YouTube monetisation strategy55:00 LinkedIn content strategy: hero, educational and interactive01:00:00 What Simon's business looks like today01:05:00 What's possible in coaching at every level01:10:00 How to land speaking gigs and what fees are realistic01:14:00 The truth about book deals and why royalties aren't the point01:18:00 How to write a book (and why marketing is 50% of the job)01:19:00 The James Bond opening — how to hook any audience01:24:00 Simon's favourite coaching questions01:27:00 The stories we tell ourselves and how to rewrite them01:30:00 Why "making it" is a trap — and what to focus on instead
• How Anyone Can Sell a Business for Millions | $28M Founder Timo Armoo 11.02.2026 1h 40min

  Get a breakdown of Timo's frameworks in my free newsletter: https://bit.ly/48JKUaaApply to work with me: https://bit.ly/4rMKKXMTimo Armoo has built, scaled, and sold multiple companies. From his first exit at 17 to selling Fanbytes for tens of millions, brokering major media and data acquisitions and now investing through his own fund. In this episode, Timo breaks down what actually goes into building companies that are worth buying, drawing directly from the wins, failures and decisions that shaped his career.We cover how to build founder-level self-belief, why inexperience can be a competitive advantage, how to manufacture luck through networks and value creation, plus how to choose markets and customers that compound growth. Timo shares his framework for going from £0 to £1M+ per month, how to price and sell to wealthy customers, when not to raise capital, how to hire without killing momentum and how to turn a services business into a sellable asset.Listen on your Podcast Player: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/callum-mcdonnellFollow 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/Follow Timo:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/timarmoo/Timestamps (accurate + true to transcript):00:00 Introduction and Early Exits00:42 Building Fanbytes: The Big Breakthrough01:12 Subsequent Ventures and Brokering Deals02:16 The 11 Cheat Codes to Life and Business03:50 Cheat Code 1: The Stories We Tell Ourselves11:02 Cheat Code 2: Inexperience as a Superpower12:21 Cheat Code 10: How to Get Lucky47:17 Cheat Code 3: Make It Easy to Win48:55 The Power of Belief in Sales49:12 The Moral Duty to Sell49:25 Dan Kennedy's Fire Door Story50:54 Psychological Barriers in Business51:48 Cheat Code: It's Not That Deep52:22 Emotional Investment in Business57:29 Raising Funds and Investor Relations01:00:37 Hiring Philosophy and Strategies01:07:16 The Role of Technology in Business01:13:54 Building and Leveraging Personal Brands01:20:11 Timing and Strategy for Selling Your Business01:30:11 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Selling a Business01:33:44 Final Reflections and Advice
• How James Smith Makes $1M+ Per Month From Social Media 04.02.2026 1h 31min

  Get a breakdown of James' frameworks in my free newsletter: https://bit.ly/48JKUaaApply to work with me:https://bit.ly/48sQY8dJames Smith is one of the few creators willing to say the quiet part out loud. Despite building an audience of over 4 million followers and generating more than a billion views, James explains how chasing virality nearly destroyed his business and why deliberately stagnating his follower growth, ended up doubling (nearly tripling) his income. From seven-figure coaching businesses and bestselling books to a fast-scaling drinks brand and high-leverage mentorships, James breaks down what actually makes creator businesses work behind the scenes.In this episode, we dive into the real economics of content creation and how to turn content into clients; instead of clout. We also unpack James’ philosophy on strong opinions, calling out bad actors, audience capture and the psychological cost of fame. This is one the most honest conversations about money, status and content you’ll hear.Listen on your podcast player:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/creatorplaybooksFollow Callum on socials:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thecallumc/TikTok - 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.comFollow James:LinkedIn - https://www.instagram.com/jamessmith/Timestamps (accurate + true to transcript):00:00 Introduction to James Smith's Success00:38 James Smith's Content Creation Strategy01:38 Building a Lifestyle Business04:37 Monetizing Content and Business Ventures07:25 The Importance of Client-Centric Content14:55 Pricing Strategies for Coaches and Trainers25:25 The Value of High-Quality Mentorship27:53 James Smith's Social Media Journey30:03 The Illusion of Vanity Metrics32:19 The Allure of Status in Content Creation34:40 The Complex Ecosystem of Content Creation37:55 Balancing Fame and Privacy50:06 The Ethics of Calling Out Competitors55:19 Chaos in Content Creation01:02:18 The Importance of Being Able to Speak Off the Cuff01:02:32 The Benefits of Scripting vs. Improvisation01:02:45 Live Events and Audience Engagement01:02:54 The Hypothetical Bird Becky and Utility of Deprivation01:03:36 The Impact of Alcohol on First Dates01:04:33 Creatine Video and Audience Engagement01:04:53 Balancing Scripting and Improvisation01:05:49 YouTube Strategies for Content Creators01:11:25 Instagram vs. YouTube: Platform Differences01:15:53 Building a Content Creation Team01:22:26 Launching Nut Tonic: From Idea to Execution01:28:36 Future Goals and Strategic Investments01:29:56 Conclusion and Future Discussions
• World’s No 1 LinkedIn Expert: How To Grow a Personal Brand FAST in 2026 28.01.2026 1h 31min

  Get a breakdown of Josh’s LinkedIn frameworks in my free newsletter: https://bit.ly/48JKUaaApply to work with me:https://bit.ly/48sQY8dJosh Sanders is the Head of Content for Chris Donnelly, where he helped scale one of the fastest-growing personal brands in the world from 0 to 3M+ followers across platforms and a 0-250,000 subscriber newsletter in under two years, then engineered the systems that turned that attention into a $10M+ education business.In this episode, Josh breaks down the data-backed LinkedIn growth playbook behind that rise. We cover how to grow a personal brand on LinkedIn in 2026, how to turn views into customers using offers, funnels, and attribution, why “don’t chase, attract” is the most effective creator strategy, how newsletters compound audience growth, and what most creators misunderstand about monetisation. Unlike most LinkedIn advice, Josh’s insights are backed by large-scale dataset reviews, rigorous testing, and real revenue outcomes. This is one of the most practical LinkedIn and creator growth masterclasses ever recorded.Listen on your Podcast Player: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/callum-mcdonnellFollow 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/Follow Josh:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshejsanders/Timestamps (accurate + true to transcript)00:00 Introduction to Explosive LinkedIn Growth00:21 Meet Josh Sanders: Content Mastermind00:36 The Power of LinkedIn for Business Growth02:32 Setting Clear Goals and Content Pillars09:23 Optimizing Your LinkedIn Profile17:21 Engaging with Your Network and Building Relationships25:57 Creating High-Impact Content28:10 Analyzing and Adapting Content Strategies45:50 Leveraging Lead Magnet Posts for Engagement46:56 Driving Conversations and Engagement on LinkedIn49:35 Crafting Effective Hooks and Content Structure51:47 The Science Behind High-Performing LinkedIn Posts58:06 Tracking Performance Metrics on LinkedIn01:03:55 Building and Scaling a Creator Accelerator Business01:07:23 Creating a Cohort-Based Program for Maximum Impact01:12:45 Marketing Strategies and Community Building01:28:10 Finding the Right Team and Incentivising Growth01:30:34 Conclusion and Next Steps
• Personal Update & Plans For 2026 24.01.2026 16min

  Email me callum@7xcontent.com with 3 reasons / ideas / examples of your work if you’d like to work with me in 2026.Apply to work with me here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/7xcontent/jobs/Join Callum for a candid start-of-year business and life update, breaking down exactly what happened behind the scenes of Creator Playbooks and 7x Content in 2025.This episode covers real podcast performance numbers, what worked, what didn’t and how one underperforming YouTube episode went on to generate £250k in closed business.Callum also shares the evolution of the agency, from scaling end-to-end podcast production and chart-topping client launches to hiring from his audience and raising personal standards as a founder.Listen on Your Podcast Player:⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/creatorplaybooks⁠Follow Callum on socials:Instagram – ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thecallumc/⁠TikTok – ⁠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
• Meet The Man Behind The Sidemen's $100M Empire 10.12.2025 1h 18min

  Get a breakdown of Jordan’s content engineering frameworks in my free newsletter: https://bit.ly/4pLrw4dApply to work with me: https://bit.ly/3MsFlWeJordan Schwarzenberger is the manager behind The Sidemen — one of the biggest creator groups on the planet, with over 10 billion views and a content empire that extends into restaurants, vodka brands, trading cards, a membership platform, and more. In this episode, Jordan breaks down the systems, strategies, and business models behind The Sidemen’s explosive rise.We cover how The Sidemen built a 2-billion-views-per-year YouTube machine, the real economics behind content businesses, the future of creators, how to think commercially about your channel, why most creators are stuck, and why the next era of content isn’t production — it’s engineering. This is one of the most detailed creator masterclasses ever recorded.Listen on Your Podcast Player: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/creatorplaybooksFollow Callum on socials:Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/thecallumcTikTok – 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.comFollow Jordan:Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jordanschwarzLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanschwarzenbergerWebsite – https://www.jordanschwarz.comTimestamps:0:00 – Introduction: The next era is content engineering1:37 – When Jordan realised creators were different5:04 – Why YouTube is the engine room of the creator economy8:41 – Anyone can win on YouTube: the democratization of reach9:49 – How Jordan first identified the opportunity with The Sidemen12:20 – Building the business: the original strategy & 15 focus areas14:13 – Alcohol brand, restaurant, trading cards & Side+ — choosing what to build17:20 – Launching Sides, XIX Vodka & Best Cereal — the real challenges22:20 – Why Side+ (membership) is their most successful business23:48 – The economics of creator brands & realistic conversion rates28:40 – Joint ventures, partnerships & structuring creator businesses33:46 – Long-term thinking: why creators won’t see returns for years36:11 – Diversifying creator income & building financial resilience41:05 – Why most UK creators are stuck — and the algorithm trap43:21 – How to think commercially: audiences, niches & advertising lanes47:15 – Why YouTube should be your primary platform49:59 – Do creators need managers? (Jordan’s honest take)53:47 – High-volume content, storytelling & what makes content “good”55:58 – The three S’s: Stop, Stay, Satisfy — Jordan’s content framework1:01:34 – The importance of analysing content like an engineer1:03:29 – The monoculture collapse & how algorithms changed everything1:08:07 – Instagram vs TikTok vs YouTube: where the real value is1:13:37 – Why traditional TV talent struggle to transition to YouTube1:17:55 – Final insights + why we’re still early in the creator wave
• Content Isn't Hard. It's Misunderstood. 19.11.2025 17min

  Get a breakdown of my content systems in my free newsletter: https://bit.ly/3LJKSreApply to work with me:https://bit.ly/4o4iD3MI've spent the last 4 years working with some of the world's biggest creators and meeting the creators behind Alex Hormozi, GaryVee, Steven Bartlett and many more. I’ve seen the same mistakes again and again - mistakes that are easy to fix but cost creators months (or years) of progress.In this episode, I break down the eight biggest things holding most creators back: the goals problem, the views trap, content without systems, bad brand positioning, weak storytelling, platform misunderstanding, tracking the wrong metrics, and wasting time in the wrong places.If you create content, lead a brand, or want to build an audience that actually converts - this episode will save you a world of pain.Listen on Your Podcast Player:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/creatorplaybooksFollow Callum on socials:Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/thecallumc/TikTok – 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.comTimestamps:0:00 – Introduction0:25 – Mistake #1: Creating content with no goal2:52 – Mistake #2: Why low-view content can be your most valuable3:50 – Mistake #3: Turning your content into a system5:52 – Mistake #4: Brand = consistent association6:42 – Mistake #5: Don’t seek the spotlight — become one9:58 – Mistake #6: Why you must live and breathe your platform11:37 – Mistake #7: Track only the metrics that matter13:01 – Mistake #8: Wasting time on the wrong platforms
• How To Actually Build a Global Brand And Sell It (In Just 7 Steps) | Ben Branson | Seedlip 29.10.2025 1h 44min

  Get a breakdown of Ben’s brand-building frameworks in my free newsletter: https://bit.ly/4noPRukApply to work with me:https://bit.ly/4oDmAgxBen 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/creatorplaybooksFollow Callum on socials:Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/thecallumc/TikTok – 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.comFollow Ben:Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/seedlip_benLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/benbransonYouTube (podcast) – https://www.youtube.com/@hidden20charityTimestamps:0:00 – Introduction1:34 – The origin story: how Seedlip began in a kitchen garden6:12 – Turning a personal experiment into a global drinks brand11:25 – Naming, storytelling, and the design philosophy behind Seedlip17:18 – What it takes to pioneer a new category in the drinks world23:05 – The moment a huge company came knocking29:42 – Staying true to purpose after acquisition35:26 – The power of restraint: branding lessons from simplicity41:15 – Building brands with emotion and authenticity48:10 – Launching the next generation of purpose-led products55:42 – The tension between creativity and commercial success1:03:38 – What Ben learned from failure and iteration1:12:06 – Designing for meaning, not just marketing1:20:14 – The impact of nature, art, and ritual on creative thinking1:28:45 – What founders get wrong 1:36:22 – The future of non-alcoholic culture and conscious consumption1:42:49 – Final lessons
• Meet The Marketing Genius Behind Alex Hormozi And GaryVee | Caleb Ralston 15.10.2025 1h 33min

  Get a breakdown of Caleb’s frameworks in my free newsletter: https://bit.ly/4nWMw78Apply to work with me:https://bit.ly/4qfKpwOCaleb 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/creatorplaybooksFollow Callum on socials:Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/thecallumc/TikTok – 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.comFollow Caleb:Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/calebralstonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/calebralstonX - https://x.com/calebralstonYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CalebRalstonWebsite: https://calebralston.comTimestamps:0:00 – Introduction1:32 – The framework to build a personal brand5:50 – The biggest mistake creators make with content9:45 – Why your brand must stand for something contrarian13:30 – Lessons from GaryVee on spotting new platforms early17:55 – How to pick your primary platform & stay consistent23:22 – Why trust beats virality (and always will)29:40 – Turning your creative team into strategic thinkers35:18 – The role of quality vs quantity in content41:07 – Inside the Hormozi content machine48:12 – The one hire every creator should make first54:48 – Building long-term systems instead of chasing views1:03:20 – Optimising your team1:08:15 – What Caleb learned working with the Hormozi's1:14:33 – Balancing what your own work & more team advice1:18:47 – GaryVee & Document, don't create1:29:23 – Premium looking content & final advice
• Meet The Marketing Genius Behind PerfectTed | $200M Brand Masterclass | Marisa Poster 08.10.2025 1h 32min

  Get a breakdown of Marisa’s brand-building frameworks in my free newsletter: https://bit.ly/4mL8kRKApply to work with me:https://bit.ly/42PymMoMarisa 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/creatorplaybooksFollow Callum on socials:Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/heycallum/TikTok – 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.comFollow Marisa:LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/marisa-posterInstagram – https://www.instagram.com/marisalposter/PerfectTed – https://www.perfectted.comTimestamps:0:00 – How Marisa scaled PerfectTed from £9K to £4M a month2:15 – Why matcha was the answer to anxiety, ADHD & caffeine crashes6:40 – From failed lattes to launching a hit energy drink10:25 – The Kickstarter campaign that proved demand15:10 – Inside the Dragons’ Den pitch (and what you don’t see on TV)23:45 – Signing with Steven Bartlett & scaling with supermarket deals32:18 – Scrappy marketing hacks: Facebook, Holland & Barrett, Cameo stunts40:12 – Why café partnerships like Joe & the Juice changed everything48:27 – Working with Steven: advice followed vs ignored55:36 – The reality of building with family co-founders1:03:42 – Mistakes, lessons & what founders should know before starting1:10:28 – World domination: the vision for PerfectTed
• The YouTube Secrets Behind Ali Abdaal’s $5 Million Channel | Saf Mohammed 24.09.2025 1h 8min

  Get a breakdown of Saf's framework in my free newsletter: https://bit.ly/46QMur8Apply to work with me: https://bit.ly/4muEMHSSaf 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/creatorplaybooks⁠Follow 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.com⁠Follow Saf:Instagram – ⁠https://www.instagram.com/saffalino⁠X – ⁠https://x.com/safwaan⁠LinkedIn – ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/safmohammed⁠Timestamps:0:00 – Introduction1:18 – Meeting Ali's team4:04 – Ali's organisation05:32 – How to come up with content ideas9:11 – YouTube packaging15:24 – Working with clients & writing hooks20:37 – Ali's unfair advantage22:37 – Finding your “core content thesis”26:15 – Programs and what matters28:23 – YouTube metrics34:22 – People leaving Ali's team35:40 – Content analysis41:40 – Saf's YouTube journey44:00 – Content opportunity51:38 – Saf's passion54:39 – What Saf learnt from Ali59:33 – Saf's agency & more content opportunities#podcast #youtube #youtubeexpert #expert #contentcreator #strategy #youtubestrategy
• Meet The Marketing Genius Behind A $100M Podcast | ZOE’s Rich Willan 20.08.2025 1h 20min

  Get Rich's pitch template:https://mailchi.mp/f5fbb8d327b2/zsn-pitch-template-lead-mag Get a breakdown of Rich’s podcast playbook in my free newsletter:https://callummcdonnell.substack.comApply to work with me:https://forms.gle/uw6NZDBHs2pQNYhbARich 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/@heycallumX – 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-69764957Timestamps:00:42 – How ZOE built the most shared podcast in the UK02:55 – How to grow a podcast without relying on virality06:13 – The “content engine” behind ZOE’s success09:01 – Structuring your show like a Netflix series11:49 – Audience feedback, discovery, and listening data15:37 – Planning content that builds real trust18:24 – Why ZOE avoids TikTok and sticks to longform21:03 – Their growth flywheel: consistency → trust → action23:45 – Building a $100M brand through podcasting27:20 – ZOE’s workflow: research, scripts & final edits30:16 – The role of the host (and training for it)34:07 – What makes a great guest vs a forgettable one36:39 – How to structure a podcast team that scales39:18 – What creators get wrong about “growth content”41:59 – Rich’s best advice for creators, founders & content teams
• 23 Harsh Truths Holding You Back | Unlock Your Full Potential | Jodie Cook 23.07.2025 1h 20min

  Get a breakdown of Jodie’s frameworks in my free newsletter:https://callummcdonnell.substack.comApply to work with me:https://forms.gle/uw6NZDBHs2pQNYhbAJodie 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/@heycallumX – 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 Jodie:Website – https://www.jodiecook.com/Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jodie.cook_X – https://x.com/jodie_cookLinkedIn – https://linkedin.com/in/jodie-cookTimestamps:03:02 – 9 productivity principles for better days06:15 – What changes after you sell your business10:47 – How Jodie organizes her goals, calendar, and time14:23 – The secret to content consistency without burnout18:58 – Living a meaningful life as an entrepreneur22:10 – How to build an identity outside your business25:45 – Training for Ironman & lessons from competition30:12 – How to publish books, newsletters, and stay creative34:08 – Why writing is Jodie’s operating system39:26 – “You can't always be creating chaos” — focus & repeatability44:40 – How to make decisions faster (with less regret)48:13 – Jodie’s writing process and content schedule52:30 – The two types of creators — and how to tell which one you are56:02 – How to set better goals (that energize you long-term)59:17 – Jodie’s best advice for founders & creators
• Ultimate Podcast Setup For 2025 - Beginner To Advanced 25.06.2025 32min

  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
• Meet The Marketing Genius Behind Alex Hormozi | Tobias Allen 07.05.2025 1h

  Get Tobias' YouTube playbook with my free newsletter:https://callummcdonnell.substack.comApply to work with me:https://forms.gle/uw6NZDBHs2pQNYhbATobias 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/@heycallumX - 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 Tobias on socials:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tobias-allen/Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction01:10 – Tobias’ journey: sales to Hormozi’s team05:50 – Elevators & cake: how to capture attention10:12 – The MAN formula: targeting buyers who convert13:30 – Crafting offers: building bridges that sell18:00 – Going for the bullseye: messaging that resonates27:00 – Salesmanship in print: making funnels actually sell33:00 – Avoiding vanity metrics: the “elephant in the room” test44:45 – Scaling without sacrificing margin or sanity50:00 – Tobias’ lessons from working directly with Alex & Leila Hormozi55:00 – Tobias’ top books and final takeaways