THE 505 PODCAST

Try KLING 4.0 today and get 2 extra months of Artlist free when you use our code on an annual subscription: https://artlist.io/artlist-70446?artlist_aid=the505podcast_2970&utm_source=affiliate_p&utm_medium=the505podcast_2970&utm_campaign=the505podcast_2970 What’s up, Rock Nation! Today we’re joined by tech creator, entrepreneur, and founder of Lab Culture, JHawk. We talk about what it actually takes to make a living as a full-time content creator in 2027, from growing an audience and landing brand deals to monetizing your content and knowing when you’re ready to quit your 9–5. We also get into building a sustainable career without burning out, why being easy to work with can lead to bigger opportunities, and JHawk’s full-circle journey from working at an Apple Store to being invited to Apple Park for major product launches. Plus, we dive into building his own clothing brand, moving to Austin, and how AI is changing the future of content creation. Check Out JHawk Here:…

Get 2 extra months of Artlist free when you use our code on an annual subscription: https://artlist.io/artlist-70446?artlist_aid=the505podcast_2970&utm_source=affiliate_p&utm_medium=the505podcast_2970&utm_campaign=the505podcast_2970 What’s up, Rock Nation! Today we’re joined by photographer, filmmaker, and director Vuhlandez. We talk about how personal work helped him develop a style that stands out, how Detroit shaped his creative voice, and why making work for yourself can ultimately lead to bigger opportunities. We also get into taste, creativity, building a career without chasing trends, and how his battle with cancer changed his relationship with work and what really matters. Check Out Vuhlandes Here: https://www.instagram.com/vuhlandes/ Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 01:13 – Being a Filmmaker vs. a “Content Creator” 04:07 – Using YouTube as a Creative Outlet 05:28 – Why Creatives Need to Stop Waiting for Permission 05:57 – How Vuhlandes Developed His Photography and Filmmaking Skills 09:23 – When Vuhlandes…

Get 2 extra months of Artlist free when you use our code on an annual subscription: https://artlist.io/artlist-70446?artlist_aid=the505podcast_2970&utm_source=affiliate_p&utm_medium=the505podcast_2970&utm_campaign=the505podcast_2970 What’s up, Rock Nation! Today we’re joined by director and filmmaker RJ Bruni. In this episode, we break down how RJ went from working heavily in the outdoor space to developing a completely different visual style, how posting cinematic personal work on Instagram helped attract fashion, lifestyle, and commercial brands, and what it actually takes to become a better director. We also get into developing taste, having a strong creative point of view, directing talent, building a career around your work, and why sometimes the best marketing is simply becoming undeniably good at what you do. Plus, RJ walks us through some of his campaigns, treatments, lighting decisions, and the process behind creating branded films that feel more like short films than traditional ads. Check Out RJ…

Try Artlist Flows on Artlist plus get 2 extra months free when you use our code on an annual subscription: https://artlist.io/artlist-70446?artlist_aid=the505podcast_2970&utm_source=affiliate_p&utm_medium=the505podcast_2970&utm_campaign=the505podcast_2970 What’s up, Rock Nation! Today we’re joined by Mitchell Thayne, founder of Film Lab. In this episode, we break down what separates a $3,000 freelance video from a $100,000+ commercial production, how Mitchell built Film Lab into a full-scale production company, what brands are actually paying for at that level, and how to land bigger clients. We also get into hiring, payroll, pricing commercial projects, navigating slow seasons, a shot-by-shot breakdown of one of Film Lab’s campaigns, and how Mitchell is applying everything he’s learned in production to building his running brand, Deadlast. Check Out Mitchell Here: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellthayne/ Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro 01:22 – $3K Freelancer vs. $100K+ Production Company 03:00 – What Brands…

Try Seedance 2.5 on Artlist plus get 2 extra months free when you use our code on an annual subscription: https://artlist.io/artlist-70446?artlist_aid=the505podcast_2970&utm_source=affiliate_p&utm_medium=the505podcast_2970&utm_campaign=the505podcast_2970 What’s up, Rock Nation! Today we’re joined by Shareef, co-founder and Head Director of Blue Stripe Studios. In this episode, we break down what it actually takes to go from one-man-band shoots to six-figure productions, the lessons Shareef brought from working at 72andSunny, why communication and building the right team matter more than doing everything yourself, how to bid and negotiate bigger commercial projects, and a full breakdown of a real $65,000 three-day commercial. We also get into building relationships that lead to repeat work, running a business with your friends, why production companies need multiple streams of revenue, and how a great pitch deck can be just as important as being a great salesperson. Check Out Shareef Here:…

Sign up for the 6 Figure Videographer Workshop here: https://the505podcast.courses/dreamclientworkshop Use Artlist with Claude, plus get 2 extra months free when you use our code on an annual subscription: https://artlist.io/artlist-70446?artlist_aid=the505podcast_2970&utm_source=affiliate_p&utm_medium=the505podcast_2970&utm_campaign=the505podcast_2970 What’s up, Rock Nation! Today, we’re breaking down 12 mistakes that quietly cost talented videographers thousands of dollars and keep them underpaid, overlooked, and stuck at the same level for years. In this episode, we talk about why you need to document yourself working, the importance of creating spec work, how to turn past clients into new opportunities, why specialists can charge more, the questions you need to ask before pricing a project, and how to protect your money through deposits, revision limits, and proper tax planning. These are all mistakes we’ve made throughout our careers, and fixing even one of them could completely change your video…

Try Gemini Omni Flash, available exclusively through Artlist, plus get 2 extra months free when you use our code on an annual subscription: https://artlist.io/artlist-70446?artlist_aid=the505podcast_2970&utm_source=affiliate_p&utm_medium=the505podcast_2970&utm_campaign=the505podcast_2970 6 Questions to Ask on a Discovery Call (FREE download) https://the505podcast.beehiiv.com/products/6questions What’s up, Rock Nation! Today we’re joined by Chad Cohen, founder of Fortem Media, a 37-person creative agency built around helping brands become part of culture. In this episode, we talk about what separates a true creative partner from someone who simply shows up and shoots, how brands can build real communities, the relentless selling it took to grow Fortem, why Chad is betting on New York, and how curiosity and relationships can create opportunities no automated outreach system ever could. Check out Chad here: https://www.instagram.com/itschadcohen/ 00:00 – Intro 01:03 – One-Handed Crack 01:53 – What Separates…

6 Questions to Ask on a Discovery Call (FREE download) https://the505podcast.beehiiv.com/products/6questions What’s up Rock Nation! Today we’re joined by Dom, aka Dom The DP, a longtime freelance cinematographer best known for shooting with NFL Films. Dom has captured 16 Super Bowls, worked across 20 NFL seasons, and recently won an Emmy for Netflix’s Quarterback. In this episode, we talk about what it takes to shoot football at the highest level, how NFL Films captures the story of a game in real time, the difference between regular season and Super Bowl assignments, why getting called back as a freelancer is about more than just being talented, the transition from film to digital, the shot that still haunts him, and what young sports filmmakers need to know if they want to break into the industry. Check out Dom here: https://www.instagram.com/domthedp/ 00:00 – Intro 01:01 – One-Handed Crack 01:54 – Shooting 16 Super Bowls 03:24 – How Super Bowl Camera Assignments Work 04:22 – Shooting Regular Season vs…

6 Questions to Ask on a Discovery Call (FREE download) https://the505podcast.beehiiv.com/products/6questions What’s up Rock Nation! Today we’re joined by Zachary Guy, cinematographer, filmmaker, and YouTuber whose work has taken him from studying aerospace engineering to shooting high level commercial campaigns for brands like Aquafina, American Express, Google, and more. In this episode, we get into how Zach made the jump from engineering to filmmaking, the real difference between a videographer and a cinematographer, why pre-production is what separates a nice looking video from a real campaign, how to communicate and lead on bigger sets, how to get hired when you do not have connections yet, why spec work is still one of the best ways to open doors, how much Zach invested into his New Balance spec, what it was like shooting an Aquafina spot in Morocco, the lighting and blocking decisions behind the campaign, how to think about product lighting, match cuts, working with your significant other, why Zach has…

Get 30% OFF your first 3 months of beehiiv with our code "505POD30" http://www.beehiiv.com/splash?utm_campaign=brayden-figueroa-2026-Partnership&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=brayden-figueroa&utm_term=dedicated-podcast-1&stripe_campaign_code=505POD30 What’s up Rock Nation! Today we’re joined by Danny Gevirtz, filmmaker, director, and YouTuber whose work has taken him from one-man-band creator to releasing his first feature film. In this episode, we get into what actually happens after you finish a massive creative project, why your identity can get wrapped up in the work you make, the biggest lesson Danny learned from making his first movie, how to build a career in sports and documentary-style filmmaking, why being reliable and easy to work with gets you rehired, how to earn trust with bigger brands while still working with lean crews, why making your own proof of concept is often the thing that opens the next door, how to pull real emotion out of talent, why cringe is part of the process, Danny’s thoughts…

Unlock unlimited creativity with Artlist unlimited plus get 2 extra months free when you use our code on an annual subscription: https://artlist.io/artlist-70446?artlist_aid=the505podcast_2970&utm_source=affiliate_p&utm_medium=the505podcast_2970&utm_campaign=the505podcast_2970 What’s up Rock Nation! Today we’re joined by Lanre, a tour videographer turned music content agency owner who’s worked with and toured alongside some of the biggest DJs in the world, including Fisher, John Summit, Disco Lines, Adriatique, and more. In this episode, we get into what it actually takes to build a career as a creative in the music industry, why being talented is only a small part of the job, how Lanre went from grinding on tour as a solo photo/video creator to building Made Media, what artists really look for when hiring creators, how to earn trust in high-pressure environments, why energy and personality matter so much when you’re on the road, how to price concert work and multi-cam content, what it takes to shoot massive…

Get 30% OFF your first 3 months of beehiiv with our code "505POD30" http://www.beehiiv.com/splash?utm_campaign=brayden-figueroa-2026-Partnership&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=brayden-figueroa&utm_term=dedicated-podcast-1&stripe_campaign_code=505POD30 What’s up Rock Nation! Today we’re joined by Evan Tanaka, director, DP, and founder of Naka Studios, a production company working with brands like Panda Express, Google, Marvel, Bud Light, and more. In this episode, we get into what actually separates the videographers who level up from the ones who stay stuck, why relationships and trust matter more than gear or talent, how Evan went from one-man-band creator to running a studio with bigger crews and bigger productions, the unspoken rules of working with brands and agencies, how to build trust before you ever step on set, when to speak up creatively versus when to bite your tongue, why renegotiating your rate during a shoot can ruin a relationship, how social media became one of the best investments in his…

Get One Month FREE of Riverside if you use our code "505 https://creators.riverside.com/505 What's up Rock Nation! Today we're joined by Giancarlo Stigliano, a cinematographer and DP who has shot major commercial campaigns, built one of the most thoughtful filmmaking channels on YouTube, and become known for showing the side of cinematography most people never see. In this episode, we get into why being a great DP is only 30% technical, what most videographers are missing when trying to level up into bigger commercial work, the Puma shoot that became his “welcome to the NBA” moment, why buying expensive gear is not always the move, how to think through lighting, contrast, and problem solving on set, and what it actually takes to go from local clients to working on bigger productions with real crews, real pressure, and real stakes. Check out Giancarlo here: https://www.instagram.com/carlostigs/ Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro 01:02 – Free Sales Call Guide 01:13 – Why Being a DP Is Only 30% Technical 03:32 – The Set…

Win $100K from Artlist here: https://artlist.io/artlist-70446?artlist_aid=the505podcast_2970&utm_source=affiliate_p&utm_medium=the505podcast_2970&utm_campaign=the505podcast_2970 Sign up for our newsletter and get the full breakdown of every episode sent straight to you. https://the505podcast.beehiiv.com/ What's up Rock Nation! Today we're diving into the phenomenon of Erewhon, the ultimate health food store where even a single Japanese strawberry can cost $19. We explore how this luxury grocery store in Los Angeles has cultivated a massive following, despite its notoriously high prices, becoming a staple for rich people and a symbol of celebrity lifestyles. Discover the business stories behind its success and why people consistently line up outside its ten locations every morning. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 00:30 - How Erewhon built a cult around expensive lettuce 02:22 - The third space play 04:21 - The membership upsell at checkout 07:17 - The Bieber smoothie economics 10:34 - Artlist $100K AI challenge…

Get 30% OFF your first 3 months of beehiiv with our code "505POD30" http://www.beehiiv.com/splash?utm_campaign=brayden-figueroa-2026-Partnership&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=brayden-figueroa&utm_term=dedicated-podcast-1&stripe_campaign_code=505POD30 What's up Rock Nation! Today we're joined by Taki Moore, the coach of coaches. With 20 years in the game, he's built one of the most respected coaching programs in the world and helped create more seven figure coaches than arguably anyone else doing it. In this episode, we get into why he hopes he never goes viral, why most coaches are accidentally building jobs they hate, the five part offer framework that lets him change the wrapping every month without changing the product, cutting his team from 36 to 8 by leaning back into marketing instead of management, and how to turn your knowledge and expertise into a seven figure online business. Check out Taki here: https://www.instagram.com/takimoore/ Timestamps 00:00 - Intro 00:00:57 - Why Information Became a…

Check out Artlist's new AI music and get 2 extra months for free here: https://artlist.io/artlist-70446?artlist_aid=the505podcast_2970&utm_source=affiliate_p&utm_medium=the505podcast_2970&utm_campaign=the505podcast_2970 Sign up for our newsletter and get the full breakdown of every episode sent straight to you. https://the505podcast.beehiiv.com/ Coachella just pulled off one of the biggest business plays of the year, and we had to break it down. In this episode, we get into how Justin Bieber’s headline set, record merch sales, brand activations, and overall media frenzy turned the festival into an absolute machine. More importantly, we talk about what creators, brands, and business owners can actually learn from it when it comes to attention, hype, world building, and capitalizing on cultural moments. Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 0:31 - Recovering from Bieber fever 1:05 - Coachella inflation: $375 in 2013 vs. $625 GA now 1:49 - Why GA is not worth it anymore 2:24 - The security line chaos before Bieber day 3:25…

Sign up for our newsletter and get the full breakdown of every episode sent straight to you. https://the505podcast.beehiiv.com/ Nike turned a $3 million bet on a 21-year-old Michael Jordan into a $126 million first year. Then they did it again with Tiger, with LeBron, and built the most recognizable brand slogan on the planet. In this episode, we break down how Nike built a dynasty through athlete partnerships, storytelling, and bold bets and what went wrong when they stopped doing what made them great. Plus, we got to pitch our agency Blue Stripe at the Nike campus. Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 1:04 - The bet on Michael Jordan 2:32 - Air Jordan gets banned by the NBA (free marketing) 4:16 - What brands can learn: find the diamond in the rough 6:22 - Tiger Woods signs with Nike 8:11 - Why long-term partnerships beat one-off deals 9:28 - The LeBron James signing 11:56 - Nike won on story, not money 12:53 - Branding is all about pairing 16:07 - Just Do It and Phil Knight meets Wieden+Kennedy 17:08 - Wholesale…

Meet Your All·in·One Creator Store (Stan) https://join.stan.store/the505podcast Get 30% OFF your first 3 months of beehiiv with our code "505POD30" http://www.beehiiv.com/splash?utm_campaign=brayden-figueroa-2026-Partnership&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=brayden-figueroa&utm_term=dedicated-podcast-1&stripe_campaign_code=505POD30 What's up Rock Nation! Today we're joined by Tyler Denk, founder and CEO of beehiiv, the platform becoming the operating system for the creator economy. He was the second employee at Morning Brew before building beehiiv into a $33M funded company powering tens of thousands of publishers worldwide. In this episode, we get into why email is still the most powerful distribution channel alive, how personality driven content is the ultimate AI hedge, raising the Series A in six days, turning down a $30M acquisition offer at 18 months, and the night GoDaddy took down beehiiv.com while he was at a bachelor party in Cabo. Check out Tyler here: https://www.instagram.com/tylerdenk_/…

Meet Your All·in·One Creator Store (Stan) https://join.stan.store/the505podcast Sign up for our newsletter and get the full breakdown of every episode sent straight to you. https://the505podcast.beehiiv.com/ We've made over $1 million through our personal brands and left hundreds of thousands on the table doing it. In this episode, we break down the exact mistakes we made trying to monetize, why misaligned content kills your sales without you knowing, and what we'd do differently from day one. If you're building a personal brand and wondering why it's not converting, this one's for you. Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro 0:33 – Mistake 1: Unaligned Attention 6:52 – Mistake 2: Not Capturing Emails 11:12 – Mistake 3: Not Having Something to Sell 15:05 – Mistake 4: Only Having a Core Offer 17:58 – Mistake 5: Not Asking Your Audience What They Want 25:49 – Mistake 6: Not Marketing What They Actually Want 31:30 – Mistake 7: Following Someone Else's Playbook 38:37 – Mistake 8: Not Qualifying Leads 42:17 – Mistake 9:…

Meet Your All·in·One Creator Store (Stan) https://join.stan.store/the505podcast Unlock your first product and start getting paid as a creator (FREE download) https://the505podcast.courses/paidofferplaybook What's up Rock Nation! Today we're joined by Dan Martell, entrepreneur, investor, bestselling author, and one of the sharpest minds in the game when it comes to AI, business systems, and buying back your time. He's built and exited multiple companies, runs Martell Ventures, an AI venture studio with 15 companies already on pace for $250M, and last month alone pulled 220 million views across his content. In this episode, we break down why AI agents are the biggest wealth creation opportunity since the internet, the 92/8 rule for keeping your creative edge in an AI powered world, how Dan went from 8 years at 1,500 views to going fully pro at content, the raw story he's never shared publicly about hitting rock bottom at 16 and the prison guard who changed everything, and why your worst moment might be the…

Meet Your All·in·One Creator Store (Stan) https://join.stan.store/the505podcast Unlock your first product and start getting paid as a creator (FREE download) https://the505podcast.courses/paidofferplaybook What's up Rock Nation! Today we're joined by Omar Eltakrori, personal brand strategist, content coach, and the mind behind a coaching program helping hundreds of entrepreneurs become the go to expert in their niche. In this episode, we break down why visibility beats ability and being known will always outperform being the best, the mindset shift around money and investing in yourself that led to Omar's first seven figure year, how the greatest personal brands sell behind the curtain not on social, the power of manufactured urgency and scarcity to drive sales, and how to unlock infinite content and show up online with intention so your personal brand opens doors you didn't even know existed. Check out Omar here: https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@OmarEltakrori⁩ https://www.instagram.com/omareltakrori/ Timestamps…

Meet Your All·in·One Creator Store (Stan) https://join.stan.store/the505podcast Unlock your first product and start getting paid as a creator (FREE download) https://the505podcast.courses/paidofferplaybook What's up Rock Nation! Today we're joined by Greg La Vecchia, co-founder of Bloom, the bootstrapped creator brand that scaled to $180M before taking on their first strategic partnership and is now moving over 170 million cans of energy drink with distribution in 70,000 doors nationwide. In this episode, we break down how Bloom went from a niche greens powder brand to a nine-figure CPG powerhouse, the marketing psychology behind selling out products and using "restocked" as your most powerful word, why product will always beat branding, how they used Amazon dominance as a launchpad into major retail, and what it really takes to compete with the monsters of the beverage world. Check out Greg here: https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@GregLaVecchia⁩ https://www.instagram.com/greglavslife/ Timestamps 00:00 - Intro…

Get One Month FREE of Riverside Pro of Live Plan here: https://riverside.com/?utm_medium=creator&utm_source=YouTube&utm_campaign=505&utm_content=integration1&utm_term=Mar2026 Unlock your first product and start getting paid as a creator (FREE download) https://the505podcast.courses/paidofferplaybook What’s up Rock Nation! Today we’re joined by Greg Hoffman, former Chief Marketing Officer at Nike, where he spent nearly three decades helping shape one of the most iconic brands in the world. In this episode, we break down why emotion separates unforgettable brands from forgettable ones, how Nike built cultural relevance instead of just selling products, the creative systems that powered some of the brand’s most legendary campaigns, why curiosity is the most important trait for creators, and how founders can build brands that actually last in an AI-driven world. Check out Greg here: https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@ghoffbrand⁩ https://www.instagram.com/ghoffbrand/ Timestamps 00:00 – Intro 00:01:11 – People Buy the…

Meet Your All·in·One Creator Store (Stan) https://join.stan.store/the505podcast Unlock your first product and start getting paid as a creator (FREE download) https://the505podcast.courses/paidofferplaybook What’s up Rock Nation! Today we’re joined by Matt Gray, creator of Founder OS, who’s built multiple eight-figure businesses and published over 36,000 pieces of content. In this episode, we break down the battle of longevity, why your leadership is the real cap on your success, what scaling from $1M to $10M actually demands, the hard lessons of hiring and firing, and how to build systems that let your personal brand become a real company, not just a content page. Check out Matt here: https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@realmattgray⁩ https://www.instagram.com/matthgray/ Timestamps 00:00 – Intro 00:01:07 – Paid Offer Playbook 00:01:22 – First System That Changed Everything 00:03:24 – Scaling Content While Traveling 00:05:10 – Early Content Was Messy 00:07:00 – Systems Born From Frustration 00:08:03 – How the Content…

Meet Your All·in·One Creator Store (Stan) https://join.stan.store/the505podcast Meet Your All·in·One Creator Store (Stan) https://join.stan.store/the505podcast What’s up Rock Nation. Today we’re joined by Alex Costa, one of the biggest men’s lifestyle creators in the world and the founder of Forte Series, now in over 800 Target stores. Before the millions of followers and the retail deals, Alex was filming videos in his bedroom while working at Google. Then he bet on himself. In this episode, we break down why he quit a stable job, how he built real confidence through reps, why most creators quit too early, and what it actually takes to turn a personal brand into a real company. Check out Alex here: https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@alexcosta⁩ https://www.instagram.com/alexcosta/ Timestamps 0:00 – Intro 1:03 – Paid To Be You waitlist 1:18 – Alex’s rise + why hair care first 2:01 – Finding his niche in men’s hair 3:37 – Launching Forte before it was perfect 4:38 – Selling 10,000 units in six weeks 5:24 – Speed vs…

Sign up for the Paid To Be You Waitlist here: https://the505podcast.courses/waitlistpaidtobeyou Let's talk about how to blow up your Personal Brand in 2026 Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro 0:18 – Paid to Be You Waitlist 0:33 – Interest over Viral 5:04 – Fewer Platforms, More Focus 8:04 – Go Long Form 12:04 – Influence over Views 22:28 – 3S + 2F Framework 33:35 – You have to post daily 38:02 – Short and long form strategy 43:01 – Repurpose Everything 45:15 – Retention Wins 53:04 – Pick Your POV 56:04 – Always CTA 57:43 – Pick an Enemy If you liked this episode please send it to a friend and take a screenshot for your story! And as always, we'd love to hear from you guys on what you'd like to hear us talk about or potential guests we should have on. DM US ON IG: (Our DM's are always open!) Bfiggy: https://www.instagram.com/bfiggy/ Kostas: https://www.instagram.com/kostasg95/

Get The Paid Offer Playbook here: https://the505podcast.courses/paidofferplaybook Collab with Artlist and get 2 extra months for free here: https://artlist.io/artlist-70446?artlist_aid=the505podcast_2970&utm_source=affiliate_p&utm_medium=the505podcast_2970&utm_campaign=the505podcast_2970 What’s up Rock Nation! Today we’re joined by Matt, a creator who’s built over $5 million using nothing but organic LinkedIn content. No ads, no virality, no fluff. While most people chase views, Matt built a system that turns conversations into clients. In this episode, we break down why LinkedIn is the most honest platform on the internet, how to sell without feeling salesy, why vanity metrics don’t matter, and how to turn your personal brand into a real business. Check out Matt here: https://www.youtube.com/@matthewlakajev https://www.instagram.com/matthewlakajev/ SUSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: https://the505podcast.ac-page.com/rock-report Kostas' Lightroom Presets…

Get The Paid Offer Playbook here: https://the505podcast.courses/paidofferplaybook Collab with Artlist and get 2 extra months for free here: https://artlist.io/artlist-70446?artlist_aid=the505podcast_2970&utm_source=affiliate_p&utm_medium=the505podcast_2970&utm_campaign=the505podcast_2970 What's up Rock Nation! Today we're joined by Marcus, founder of Minted New York, a brand that went from side project to full-blown fashion business built entirely in public. Zero investors, no shortcuts. Just documenting the journey and betting on himself before he felt ready. Marcus has built his brand on one core principle: respect for the time and effort people put into earning the money they spend on your product. In this episode, we break down why documenting beats perfection, why entrepreneurship is never easy even when you're winning, how integrity builds a brand people actually care about, and what it takes to build something real without waiting for permission. Let's get into it. Check out Marcus here:…

Get The Paid Offer Playbook here: https://the505podcast.courses/paidofferplaybook What’s up Rock Nation! Today we’re joined by Jun Yuh, one of the most disciplined personal brand builders on the internet. After posting every day for over six years, Jun has built an audience of 8+ million and turned his content into a multi million dollar business without a big team or high production. His attract nurture convert framework is the foundation behind content that builds real trust and real revenue. In this episode, we break down how Jun thinks about content, why consistency is really a systems problem, why followers matter more than people think, and what it actually takes to win in today’s creator economy. Check out Jun here: https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@jun_yuh⁩ https://www.instagram.com/jun_yuh/ SUSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: https://the505podcast.ac-page.com/rock-report Kostas' Lightroom Presets https://www.kostasgarcia.com/store-1/p/kglightroompresetsgreece COP THE BFIGGY "ESSENTIALS" SFX PACK HERE:…

Meet Your All·in·One Creator Store (Stan) https://join.stan.store/the505podcast The 10 Minute Personal Brand Kickstart (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/personalbrandkickstart What’s up Rock Nation! Today we’re joined by Michael Lim, the architect behind some of the most elite content systems on the internet. Michael led Alex Hormozi’s media team during the $100M launch and helped build the foundation for MrBeast’s Philanthropy channel. In this episode, we break down how world-class content teams actually operate, why followers aren’t a vanity metric (but not for the reason you think), and why most creators are playing the wrong game entirely. We also get into building something worth talking about, optimizing for the right metrics, and what it really takes to win in today’s creator economy. Check out Michael here: https://www.instagram.com/mikawl/ https://www.youtube.com/@mikawl SUSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: https://the505podcast.ac-page.com/rock-report Kostas' Lightroom Presets…

The 10 Minute Personal Brand Kickstart (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/personalbrandkickstart What’s up Rock Nation! Today we’re joined by Robert Croak - the founder of Silly Bands and the mind behind one of the biggest consumer product phenomena of the last decade. Robert breaks down why speed beats perfection, how he bootstrapped a $100M+ brand by selling his car and keeping 100% equity, and the real lessons founders need to know about product-market fit, distribution, and timing. We also get into building wealth, avoiding lifestyle creep, and why now is the easiest time in history to build something massive. Check out Robert here: https://www.instagram.com/robertcroak/ SUSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: https://the505podcast.ac-page.com/rock-report Kostas' Lightroom Presets https://www.kostasgarcia.com/store-1/p/kglightroompresetsgreece COP THE BFIGGY "ESSENTIALS" SFX PACK HERE: https://courses.the505podcast.com/BFIGGYSFXPACK Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 1:14 - The Truth About Product Success 3:00 - Why You…

Meet Your All·in·One Creator Store (Stan) https://join.stan.store/the505podcast The 10 Minute Personal Brand Kickstart (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/personalbrandkickstart What’s up Rock Nation! Today we’re joined by Zack Honarvar – the operator behind creator empires like Yes Theory, Airrack, and Boring Stuff, the company helping creators master their finances. Zack breaks down how top creators think like founders, why formats beat consistency, and the systems behind viral content and sustainable growth. We also get into monetization, burnout, and the most underrated skill in the creator economy. Check out Zack here: https://www.instagram.com/zackhonarvar/ SUSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: https://the505podcast.ac-page.com/rock-report Kostas' Lightroom Presets https://www.kostasgarcia.com/store-1/p/kglightroompresetsgreece COP THE BFIGGY "ESSENTIALS" SFX PACK HERE: https://courses.the505podcast.com/BFIGGYSFXPACK Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro 1:04 - Paid To Be You 1:27 - What Separates Creators Who Break Out…

Meet Your All·in·One Creator Store (Stan) https://join.stan.store/the505podcast The 10 Minute Personal Brand Kickstart (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/personalbrandkickstart What’s up Rock Nation! Today we’re breaking down exactly how to make your first $10,000 a month online with your personal brand. Between the two of us, we’ve generated over $1 million online selling services, courses, consulting, brand deals, and more. We’ve also made just about every mistake along the way. In this episode, we’re cutting through the noise to show you what actually works, why you don’t need more followers to hit $10K, and how to build a clear, high-leverage offer that turns the audience you already have into real income. SUSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: https://the505podcast.ac-page.com/rock-report Kostas' Lightroom Presets https://www.kostasgarcia.com/store-1/p/kglightroompresetsgreece COP THE BFIGGY "ESSENTIALS" SFX PACK HERE: https://courses.the505podcast.com/BFIGGYSFXPACK Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro 0:25 - The $10K…

Meet Your All·in·One Creator Store (Stan) https://join.stan.store/the505podcast The 10 Minute Personal Brand Kickstart (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/personalbrandkickstart What’s up Rock Nation! Today we’re diving into YouTube. Something we’ve both been grinding on for over a decade. We’ve learned a ton along the way, and here’s the truth: 2026 is the year to go ALL-IN. There's seriously never been a better time to grow your personal brand on YouTube than right now. So in this episode, we’re breaking down why YouTube in 2026 is such a game-changer, and sharing our top tips to help you win on the platform. SUSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: https://the505podcast.ac-page.com/rock-report Kostas' Lightroom Presets https://www.kostasgarcia.com/store-1/p/kglightroompresetsgreece COP THE BFIGGY "ESSENTIALS" SFX PACK HERE: https://courses.the505podcast.com/BFIGGYSFXPACK Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro 0:20 - Why you should go ALL IN on YouTube in 2026 6:26 - Start with the Packaging, Not the Content 12:00 - One Clear Idea…

Collab with Artlist and get 2 extra months for free here: https://artlist.io/artlist-70446?artlist_aid=the505podcast_2970&utm_source=affiliate_p&utm_medium=the505podcast_2970&utm_campaign=the505podcast_2970 The 10 Minute Personal Brand Kickstart (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/personalbrandkickstart What’s up Rock Nation! Today we’re joined by Jeff Su. He's an ex-Google employee, turned full-time creator and AI educator. Jeff helps solopreneurs and creators turn AI tools into real leverage, not just shortcuts. In this episode, Jeff shares why AI-native creators will outpace everyone in 2026, how to use AI to replace a 10-person content team, and why good prompts are built on systems, not templates. He also breaks down his repurposing workflow, the red team prompt strategy, and why AI won't replace you, but a smarter creator using AI will. Check out Jeff here: https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@JeffSu⁩ https://www.instagram.com/j.sushie/ SUSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: https://the505podcast.ac-page.com/rock-report…

The 10 Minute Personal Brand Kickstart (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/personalbrandkickstart What’s up Rock Nation! Today we’re joined by Ross McKay, second-time founder, brand architect, and the mind behind Cadence, the $2 sports drink built like a luxury brand. Ross previously built Daring Foods into a nine-figure company, and now he’s moving faster, smarter, and with way more edge. In this episode, he shares how to build a brand that people brag about, why speed beats capital, and what it really takes to scale from startup to shelves in Target, Walmart, and GNC. We get into why most founders focus on the wrong metrics, how to stand out in crowded categories, and why Ross thinks distribution doesn’t matter, velocity does. You’ll also hear how he hires, how he sets boundaries, and why the secret to Cadence’s success is obsession-level execution. Check out Ross here: https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@RossMackay1⁩ https://www.instagram.com/rossmackay/ https://www.instagram.com/cadence/ SUSCRIBE TO OUR…

Meet Your All·in·One Creator Store (Stan) https://join.stan.store/the505podcast The 10 Minute Personal Brand Kickstart (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/personalbrandkickstart What’s up Rock Nation! Today we’re joined by Dan Koe - writer, philosopher, and one of the clearest thinkers in the creator economy. Dan helps creators escape burnout, build deeper personal brands, and turn their lived experiences into real leverage. In this episode, Dan breaks down why 2026 is the perfect moment to build a creator business, why 1,000 true fans beats 25,000 followers, and how to design a brand people subscribe to - not just scroll past. We also cover how to know what actually moves the needle, how to monetize without chasing virality, and why creators need better filters, not more ideas. If you want to grow with intention, make money without the chaos, and build a personal brand that compounds for years, this one’s for you. Check out Dan here: https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@DanKoeTalks⁩…

Meet Your All·in·One Creator Store (Stan) https://join.stan.store/the505podcast Check out Artlist's 2026 A.I. report here: https://artlist.io/blog/trend-report-2026/?artlist_aid=%E2%80%8Bthe505podcast_2970&utm_source=affiliate_p&utm_medium=%E2%80%8B%E2%80%8Bthe505podcast_2970&utm_campaign=%E2%80%8B%E2%80%8Bthe505podcast_2970 The 10 Minute Personal Brand Kickstart (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/personalbrandkickstart What’s up Rock Nation! Today we’re joined by Ali Abdaal - Doctor-turned-creator, author, and one of the internets most insightful voices when it comes to building a business that serves your life… not the other way around. Ali has spent the last few years helping thousands of people create profitable lifestyle businesses while avoiding burnout and breaking free from the “grind culture” trap. In this episode, Ali breaks down why 2026 is the best year ever to launch a lifestyle business, how to charge high-ticket without imposter syndrome, and why creators need to stop chasing massive…

The 10 Minute Personal Brand Kickstart (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/personalbrandkickstart Check out Artlist's Biggest Sale of the Year: https://artlist.io/artlist-70446/?artlist_aid=the505podcast_2970&utm_source=affiliate_p&utm_medium=the505podcast_2970&utm_campaign=the505podcast_2970 What’s up, Rock Nation! It's been 4 years since we started the show, and today we wanted to revisit a few of a our favorite moments that have reshaped the way we think about creating a personal brand. Let us know which moment is your favorite in the comments! SUSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: https://the505podcast.ac-page.com/rock-report Join our Discord! https://discord.gg/xgEAzkqAvs Kostas' Lightroom Presets https://www.kostasgarcia.com/store-1/p/kglightroompresetsgreece COP THE BFIGGY "ESSENTIALS" SFX PACK HERE: https://courses.the505podcast.com/BFIGGYSFXPACK Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 0:21 - Seth Godin 6:15 - Gary Vee 11:19 - Chris Do 14:11 - Artlist 16:07 - Everything is Risky 18:58 - Caleb Ralston 28:06 - Oren John…

The 10 Minute Personal Brand Kickstart (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/personalbrandkickstart What’s up Rock Nation! Today we’re joined by Dan Churchill - professional chef, author, and entrepreneur whose mission is to change the world through food. He’s built a brand that goes far beyond social media by combining storytelling, discipline, and business acumen. In this episode, Dan breaks down how to turn a viral moment into a long-term brand that actually lasts. We talk about finding your North Star, building momentum, and why creators need to start thinking like business owners, not influencers. Dan also shares how he’s leveraged partnerships with brands like Apple and BPN, the mindset behind turning one-off deals into long-term relationships, and how he uses content as a vehicle for his purpose, not the product itself. If you want to learn how to build a brand that stands the test of time, make smarter business moves, and create content that connects deeper than just 60 seconds on TikTok, this…

The 10 Minute Personal Brand Kickstart (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/personalbrandkickstart What’s up, Rock Nation! Today we’re joined by Brendan Kane - author, speaker, and founder of Hook Point, who’s helped brands like Taylor Swift and MTV generate billions of views through storytelling. In this episode, we dive into why storytelling is the #1 skill for creators in 2026, how to craft viral formats, and how to turn attention into income. If you’re a creator or founder looking to master storytelling and grow your brand, this one’s a must-listen. Want to go deeper on what Brendan shared today? Grab a FREE copy of his latest book and discover the proven system behind 60+ billion views 👇 https://hookpoint.com/505 Inside, you’ll learn: •⁠ ⁠How to engineer viral storytelling, not hope for it •⁠ ⁠The repeatable formula used to generate over 100 million followers •⁠ ⁠The psychological patterns that make people stop scrolling and start paying attention Connect with Brendan: 📱 instagram.com/brendankane 🎥…

The 10 Minute Personal Brand Kickstart (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/personalbrandkickstart What’s up, Rock Nation! Today we’re joined by Adrian Per - Content creator, director, and storyteller who’s built one of the strongest personal brands in the creator space. In this episode, we talk about what it really takes to stand out online — how to turn your limitations into your unique style, build a brand that connects instead of copies, and stay authentic in a world full of trends. If you’re a creator looking to build a personal brand that actually lasts, this episode is your playbook. Check out Adrian here: https://www.instagram.com/omgadrian/ https://www.content-college.com/ SUSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: https://the505podcast.ac-page.com/rock-report Join our Discord! https://discord.gg/xgEAzkqAvs Kostas' Lightroom Presets https://www.kostasgarcia.com/store-1/p/kglightroompresetsgreece COP THE BFIGGY "ESSENTIALS" SFX PACK HERE: https://courses.the505podcast.com/BFIGGYSFXPACK Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro…

The 10 Minute Personal Brand Kickstart (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/personalbrandkickstart What’s up, Rock Nation! Today we’re joined by Erica Mallett - brand strategist, creator, and former national radio host who helps people become a category of one using the science and psychology of icons. In this ep, Erica breaks down the psychology behind magnetic personal brands: why connection beats attention, why copying others kills your magnetism before it starts, and how to build a belief-based brand that people actually rally behind. We dive into the frameworks behind cult-like audiences - from The Enemy Effect and Cringe Mountain to why “different” will always beat “better.” If you want to stop blending in, find your voice, and create a brand that people believe in, this episode is your exact playbook for standing out online and building a community that truly connects. Check out Erica here: https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@ericamallett⁩ https://www.instagram.com/erica_mallett/ SUSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER:…

The 10 Minute Personal Brand Kickstart (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/personalbrandkickstart Get 2 months free of Motion Array here: https://motionarray.com/?artlist_aid=the505podcast_2970&utm_source=affiliate_p&utm_medium=the505podcast_2970&utm_campaign=the505podcast_2970 What’s up, Rock Nation! Today we’re breaking down one of the biggest creator myths: that brand deals are the only way to make money. In this episode, we share the 7 income streams every creator should build, from digital products to cohorts and consulting, so you’re not relying on one-off sponsorships. We’ve made over $1M through our personal brands, and we’re showing you exactly how to do the same. Whether you’re a freelancer or creative business owner, this is your blueprint for turning your personal brand into a real business. SUSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: https://the505podcast.ac-page.com/rock-report Join our Discord! https://discord.gg/xgEAzkqAvs Kostas' Lightroom Presets…

The 10 Minute Personal Brand Kickstart (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/personalbrandkickstart What’s up, Rock Nation! Today we’re joined by Sabri Suby. He's a serial entrepreneur, Shark Tank investor, and founder of King Kong, the digital agency that’s generated over $7.8 billion in sales for clients. In this ep, Sabri breaks down the psychology behind brands people obsess over: why scarcity and friction actually make your product more desirable, why the first sale should start a relationship (not end it), and how premium positioning attracts better clients with less stress. We dive into cult-like brand building, the mistakes that keep most businesses broke, and how to craft offers so powerful that customers beg to pay you. If you want to stop selling like everyone else, learn the blueprint luxury brands use to command premium pricing, and build a brand that customers line up for, this episode is your exact playbook. Check out Sabri here: https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@SabriSubyOfficial⁩…

The 10 Minute Personal Brand Kickstart (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/personalbrandkickstart What’s up, Rock Nation! Today we’re joined by Camille Adrian, one of the top personal brand strategists helping creators turn content into real income. In this ep, Millie breaks down her 3-phase system (Build, Scale, Profit), why action beats clarity, and how even micro-creators can land paid deals. We dive into the income streams that actually work, how to find your unique “recipe” for content, and why giving away free value is the fastest path to trust and sales. If you want to stand out, stop relying on brand deals, and build a $10K/month brand without burning out, this episode gives you the exact playbook. Check out Millie here: https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@MillieAdrian⁩ https://www.instagram.com/itsmodernmillie/ SUSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: https://the505podcast.ac-page.com/rock-report Join our Discord! https://discord.gg/xgEAzkqAvs Kostas' Lightroom Presets…

The 10 Minute Personal Brand Kickstart (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/personalbrandkickstart What’s up, Rock Nation! Today we’re joined by Kolin Jones - founder and CEO of Amalfi Jets, one of the fastest-growing private aviation companies in the world. While most of his competitors stuck to polished ads and Google keywords, Kolin flipped the script and turned TikTok into his main growth engine, racking up billions of views with provocative office skits, culture clips, and disruptive behind-the-scenes content Kolin breaks down how to engineer virality in one of the most conservative industries imaginable, why safe is actually risky, and how consistency and volume beat aesthetics every time. From declaring war on industry “dinosaurs” to turning impressions into real revenue, he shares the exact systems that scaled Amalfi Jets from startup to tens of millions. If you want to understand how to make any business go viral - even the ones that look boring on the surface - this episode is packed with lessons…

The 10 Minute Personal Brand Kickstart (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/personalbrandkickstart What’s up, Rock Nation! Today we’re joined by Chris Do - award-winning designer, educator, and founder of The Futur. He’s built one of the most recognizable personal brands in the creative world, reaching millions with lessons on business, creativity, and self-expression. Chris reveals why most creators feel invisible online, how to cut through A.I.-driven noise, and why value has to come before selling. From leaning into vulnerability to building the “bank of karmic equity” to experimenting with bold new formats, he shares the exact playbook for standing out. If you want to build a profitable personal brand before it’s too late, this episode is packed with practical, hard-earned lessons from one of the most respected voices in design and business. Check out Chris here: https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/ https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@thefutur⁩ SUSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER:…

Collab with Artlist and get 2 extra months for free here: https://artlist.io/artlist-70446?artlist_aid=the505podcast_2970&utm_source=affiliate_p&utm_medium=the505podcast_2970&utm_campaign=the505podcast_2970 The 10 Minute Personal Brand Kickstart (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/personalbrandkickstart What’s up, Rock Nation! Today we’re joined by Heidi Somers - YouTuber, entrepreneur, and founder of Buffbunny Collection. Over the past nine years, she’s scaled her creator-led activewear brand into a movement that women around the world connect with. Heidi breaks down how storytelling became her unfair advantage - from early campaign videos that made women cry, to collections inspired by childhood nostalgia, to the inclusive sizing approach that fixed a broken industry standard. She shares why “pretty girl, pretty outfit” isn’t enough, and how Buffbunny built community by making every woman feel seen. We also dive into the blueprint any brand can use in 2025: Nail your storytelling, lean into influencer…

The 10 Minute Personal Brand Kickstart (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/personalbrandkickstart What’s up, Rock Nation! Today we’re joined by Christian Guzman — fitness YouTuber, entrepreneur, and founder of Alphalete, Alphaland, and 3D Energy. His creator-led brands have generated over half a billion dollars in revenue. Christian shares how he went from sleeping on a futon in a failing gym to building Alphaland, and the hard lessons most people miss behind the $500M headlines - from chasing top-line revenue at the expense of profit, to nearly losing it all during Alphaland’s buildout, to why the right hires matter more than more hires. We also dive into what creators misunderstand about building a brand, why influencer marketing is fading, and why YouTube is still king. If you want the blueprint for scaling beyond content and turning vision into a business, this one’s for you. Check out Christian here: https://www.instagram.com/christianguzmanfitness/ https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@guzmanchristian⁩…