The Nathan Barry Show

Nathan Barry
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  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
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As the CEO of Kit, Nathan Barry has a front row seat to what’s working in the most successful creator businesses. On The Nathan Barry Show, he interviews top creators and dives into the inner workings of their businesses in his live coaching sessions. You get unique insight into how creator businesses work and what you can do to increase results in your own business. One of the things Nathan is passionate about is helping you create leverage. Creator Flywheels let you create many copies of yourself so you don’t get bogged down with the little things in your business. Flywheels will help you reach a place where you can focus on revenue instead of busywork. Tune in weekly for new episodes with ideas and tips for growing your business. You’ll hear discussions around building an audience, earning a living as a creator, and Nathan’s insights on scaling a software company to $100M. Learn how to get more results with less effort and: Grow faster over time. Work less hard over time. Make more money over time.

  1. How to Build a Million Dollar Creator Business (Masterclass) | 128

    1D AGO

    How to Build a Million Dollar Creator Business (Masterclass) | 128

    How do you break through that elusive $1 million revenue ceiling in a creator business? That's the question I dove into with two incredible founders on this episode: Grant Baldwin of The Speaker Lab and Bryan Harris of Growth Tools. Both have scaled their businesses far beyond that mark, not with flashy tactics, but by building fundamentally great businesses. We chat about the counter-intuitive strategies that got them there, why simplifying your offer is often the fastest path to growth, and how tracking actual customer outcomes is a superpower that most businesses ignore. It's a candid conversation about the foundational shifts that unlock real, sustainable growth. Timestamps:00:00 Introduction02:27 Building a business without being the "dancing monkey"06:40 The million-dollar ceiling for creators12:01 Bryan's first million: simplifying to one core product16:21 Overvaluing sales and marketing vs. a great offer22:04 The "steakhouse vs. buffet" analogy for niche26:58 The shift in the creator economy with AI31:47 The future of SaaS and the role of relationships37:13 Bryan's shocking AI experience saving thousands42:33 Navigating the opportunities and concerns of AI48:08 The problem with tracking success rate53:29 Less information, shorter path, higher success rate coaching01:00:07 The importance of product and rallying a team01:06:52 The near-death experience of a refund-based guarantee01:13:51 Bryan's mistake: stopping getting your hands dirty too soon01:21:40 Grant's decision to wind down his business If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with your friends, and leave a review. I read every single one. Learn more about the podcast: https://nathanbarry.com/show Follow Nathan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanbarryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanbarryX: https://twitter.com/nathanbarryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenathanbarryshowWebsite: https://nathanbarry.comKit: https://kit.com Follow Bryan:Website: https://growthtools.com/nathanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harrisbryannash Follow Grant:Website: https://grantbaldwin.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gbaldwinLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-baldwin Featured in this episode:Kit: https://www.kit.comRework: https://basecamp.com/books/reworkStop Guessing: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59388878-stop-guessingWealth, Riches, and Money: https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Riches-Money-Kingdom-Principles/dp/0984183864 Highlights:06:10 What's the outcome if I stay on this path?12:01 SImplifying to one core product made everything easier.15:47 A great offer makes sales and marketing easier.31:12 When AI solutions are fundamentally 10x better.39:09 People's number one competitor is quitting.01:01:09 Track your outcomes to be in the top 0.01%.01:13:51 You need to keep your hands dirty as a founder.

    1h 42m
  2. Unreasonable Hospitality: The Secret to an Audience That Never Leaves | 127

    MAY 7

    Unreasonable Hospitality: The Secret to an Audience That Never Leaves | 127

    What's the secrets to unreasonable hospitality? That's what I wanted to find out when I sat down with Will Guidara and Brian Canlis. Will spent over a decade running Eleven Madison Park, the restaurant voted number one in the world, and Brian is the force behind Canlis in Seattle, one of the most respected fine dining institutions in the country. Their insights on hospitality extend far beyond the restaurant world, and I was particularly struck by how they've systematically approached building meaningful connections, both online and off. Their approach to "unreasonable hospitality" has completely reshaped how I think about every customer touchpoint in my own business, and there are so many actionable ideas here for any creator or entrepreneur. Timestamps:00:00 Introduction01:07 How Will and Brian started working together03:07 The first big project they worked on04:47 Brian's "friend internship" and meeting his wife05:56 Brian's career running Canlis08:26 The vision for their current business14:16 Shifting from consulting to creative studio16:18 The broad applicability of hospitality30:53 Chewy's pattern recognition and customer experience35:16 "What would have to be true?" for seemingly impossible goals45:40 Mapping every tiny guest interaction54:19 The value of "fresh eyes" and notebook feedback1:07:47 Why doing the "right thing" matters long-term1:09:15 The 95/5 rule for managing resources1:11:49 Opportunities to elevate the Kit platform experience1:15:16 Making powerful tools accessible and fun1:18:18 Celebrating user milestones and personalized moments If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with your friends, and leave a review. I read every single one. Learn more about the podcast: https://nathanbarry.com/show Follow Nathan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanbarryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanbarryX: https://twitter.com/nathanbarryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenathanbarryshowWebsite: https://nathanbarry.comKit: https://kit.com Follow Will:Website: https://unreasonablehospitality.comThe Field Guide: https://uhthefieldguide.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wguidaraLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willguidara Follow Brian:Website: https://unreasonablehospitality.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcanlisLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-canlis-2820122a6 Featured in this episode:Kit: https://www.kit.comUnreasonable Hospitality: https://unreasonablehospitality.comUnreasonable Hospitality Field Guide: https://uhthefieldguide.com

    1h 21m
  3. Inside a 1M+ Subscriber Newsletter (My Exact Strategy) | 126

    APR 30

    Inside a 1M+ Subscriber Newsletter (My Exact Strategy) | 126

    He's running a newsletter with over a million subscribers and an engagement rate that turns traditional wisdom on its head. Sean Devlin, a veteran in the newsletter space, pulled back the curtain to reveal the strategies behind his success. Having scaled "Nice News" to over 800,000 subscribers before its acquisition by Encyclopedia Britannica, and currently running "All Healthy" with an astounding 1.3 million subscribers and a 52% open rate, Sean is doing something different. He shares his unconventional approach to content, monetization, and growth that prioritizes reader value and long-term relationships over short-term metrics. If you're building an audience and want them to genuinely look forward to your emails, this episode is packed with actionable insights you won't want to miss. Timestamps:00:00 Introduction01:01 The power of habit-forming newsletter sections02:47 Why creators get email formats wrong04:09 The long-term perspective on engagement metrics06:40 Balancing clickbait with true value07:19 Achieving high open rates with a massive list09:46 Monetization through seamless sponsorships18:01 The art of increasing sponsorship rates20:56 Taking responsibility for advertiser performance22:14 Newsletter design and structure essentials27:10 Leveraging lead magnets and quizzes for acquisition30:51 Optimizing for subscriber payback period38:38 The content creation flywheel45:30 The overlooked importance of newsletter design47:27 Crafting an engaging newsletter opening51:11 Fixing underperforming emails If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with your friends, and leave a review. I read every single one. Learn more about the podcast: https://nathanbarry.com/show Follow Nathan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanbarryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanbarryX: https://twitter.com/nathanbarryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenathanbarryshowWebsite: https://nathanbarry.comKit: https://kit.com Follow Sean:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seancdevlinAll Healthy: https://www.allhealthy.com Featured in this episode:Kit: https://www.kit.comFeedly: https://feedly.comAirtable: https://www.airtable.comMidjourney: https://www.midjourney.comSpark Loop: https://www.sparkloop.app Highlights:01:01 – Designing sections for reader habit formation07:19 – Maintaining 50%+ open rates with 1.3M subscribers09:46 – Integrating sponsorships seamlessly within content15:01 – Iterating on flexible pricing for sponsors22:14 – Importance of visual design in newsletter trust30:51 – Reducing subscriber payback period strategies45:30 – Why newsletter design is a critical hot take

    58 min
  4. I Met 16 Of The World’s Smartest Authors (Their Best Advice) | 125

    APR 23

    I Met 16 Of The World’s Smartest Authors (Their Best Advice) | 125

    What does it take to truly master book marketing and author growth in today’s crowded landscape? Nathan Barry and James Clear co-hosted an exclusive mastermind bringing together 16 of the world's top non-fiction authors in Nashville. This episode pulls back the curtain on the cutting-edge strategies discussed: from leveraging Instagram trial reels for new audiences, to the surprising power of paid "tiny offers" over free lead magnets, and even the meticulous, 80-hour prep work behind viral podcast appearances. Discover how these literary titans are staying ahead, the unscalable tactics that drive massive success, and the mindset required to play at the highest levels of the author game. Timestamps:00:00 Intro: Book Marketing Secrets from Top Authors04:50 Unscalable Tactics for Book Launches08:26 The Power of "Tiny Offers" Over Lead Magnets11:58 Instagram Story Strategy: The Power of Three15:47 Leveraging Old Content for Viral Success19:07 Micro Podcast Tours for Book Promotion23:10 The Audiobook Debate: Does Listening Count as Reading?28:40 The 80-Hour Podcast Prep Phenomenon34:04 Authenticity vs. Meticulous Preparation in Content38:30 AI Checkpoints for Authentic Content Creation41:00 Scaling Speaking Fees Strategically45:30 Madeline Macintosh: CEO of Authors Equity49:00 Email Marketing and the Kit Flywheel for Book Sales52:45 Leveraging Local Indie Bookstores for Sales56:10 The Grind Behind Every Bestseller1:01:00 Building Your Own Mastermind Community1:06:50 The Power of Creating Your Own Room If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with your friends, and leave a review. I read every single one. Learn more about the podcast: https://nathanbarry.com/show Follow Nathan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanbarryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanbarryX: https://twitter.com/nathanbarryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenathanbarryshowWebsite: https://nathanbarry.comKit: https://kit.com Follow Haley:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haleyjaniLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haley-janicekFollow Chelsea:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelseahahnInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chelseainboise Featured in this episode:Kit: https://www.kit.comUnreasonable Hospitality: https://www.unreasonablehospitality.comAtomic Habits: https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habitsThe Five Types of Wealth: https://sahilbloom.com/5-types-of-wealthDiary of a CEO: https://www.stevenbartlett.com/podcastAuthors Equity: https://www.authorsequity.comSouthall Farm: https://www.southalltn.comA Gentleman in Moscow: https://www.amor-towler.com/a-gentleman-in-moscow

    1h 15m
  5. I built a $100K Newsletter Business (Here's How) | 124

    APR 16

    I built a $100K Newsletter Business (Here's How) | 124

    Uncovering how 'From Boise' evolved from a passion project rooted in community to a thriving six-figure business, Nathan Barry sits down with Marissa Lovell. Marissa shares the unique content strategy and innovative monetization experiments that fueled its growth, highlighting how deep community connections propelled its success in the local media landscape. Discover how 'From Boise' sets itself apart by championing positive local stories and community engagement, demonstrating the powerful impact of authenticity and experimentation in building a successful creator business. Timestamps:00:00 Introduction: From Kit to From Boise04:15 The Origin Story: Why a Local Newsletter?09:40 Subscriber Milestones: 24,000+ Strong17:15 The From Boise Dinner Club: From Idea to Sold Out Success21:55 Craft & Commerce: A Note from Nathan23:20 Experimentation as a Core Philosophy27:00 Spotlighting Boise's Creative and Entrepreneurial Spirit32:50 The Business Arc: From Hobby to Six Figures38:25 Audience Questions: Content Curation46:30 The Art of Curation and Personal Touch If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with your friends, and leave a review. I read every single one. Learn more about the podcast: https://nathanbarry.com/show Follow Nathan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanbarryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanbarryX: https://twitter.com/nathanbarryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenathanbarryshowWebsite: https://nathanbarry.comKit: https://kit.com Follow Marissa:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/from.boiseWebsite: https://www.fromboise.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/withlovefromboisePodcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6I7HKhg8nj5tiNJhssnYRqTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@from.boise Featured in this episode:Kit: https://www.kit.comFrom Boise: https://www.fromboise.comCraft & Commerce Conference: https://kit.com/conferenceRick Rubin - The Creative Act: A Way of Being: https://www.rickrubin.com/the-creative-actAnn Helen Peterson's Newsletter: https://annehelen.substack.comBoise Dev: https://boisedev.comTreefort Music Fest: https://www.treefortmusicfest.comIdaho Film Society: https://idahofilmsociety.orgSeth Godin: https://sethgodin.com Highlights:04:15 The Start of From Boise: An Experiment in Local Media14:10 Building Community: The Difference Between an Audience and a Crowd22:04 Diverse Monetization: From Sponsorships to Discount Cards28:00 News vs. Community Stories: A Unique Content Strategy32:50 The Business Side: Crossing Six Figures with a Local Newsletter

    52 min
  6. The Exact Systems Behind a $1m YouTube Channel | 123

    APR 9

    The Exact Systems Behind a $1m YouTube Channel | 123

    Most creators focus on viral hits or massive subscriber counts, but Tintin Smith, former Head of YouTube for Ali Abdaal (where he helped grow the channel from 3 to 6 million subscribers and millions in revenue), reveals that true success lies in a meticulously crafted system designed to convert viewers into high-ticket clients. He breaks down the exact production system used by top educational YouTubers, outlining the critical roles, tasks, and surprisingly, what *not* to do, if you want to turn your audience into a sustainable six-figure business. From strategic positioning to the art of packaging your content, Tintin delivers a masterclass for any entrepreneur ready to leverage YouTube beyond ad revenue. Timestamps:00:00 Introduction03:30 Ali Abdaal's YouTube strategy09:50 YouTube production system overview16:15 Building your YouTube team26:00 Calls to action (CTAs) and lead magnets36:40 Editing: Why you shouldn't do it yourself44:10 Cost analysis of a YouTube team47:50 Five things the entrepreneur MUST do55:40 Five things the entrepreneur should NOT do1:02:50 The mindset of long-term YouTube success1:10:40 Highest leverage activities for YouTube growth1:14:00 Where to find Tintin Smith If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with your friends, and leave a review. I read every single one. Learn more about the podcast: https://nathanbarry.com/show Follow Nathan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanbarryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanbarryX: https://twitter.com/nathanbarryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenathanbarryshowWebsite: https://nathanbarry.comKit: https://kit.com Follow Tintin:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TintinSmithWebsite: https://100kyt.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tintin-smith-9b4720174Newsletter: https://tintinsmith.kit.com100K Roadmap: https://100kroadmap.coX: https://x.com/TintinSmith Featured in this episode:Kit: https://www.kit.com1 of 10: https://1of10.comFrame.io: https://frame.ioPsychometrics: https://psychometrics.com Highlights:03:30 Ali Abdaal's Strategy09:50 Production System16:15 Building Your Team26:00 CTAs & Lead Magnets55:40 What NOT to Do1:02:50 Long-Term Mindset

    1h 15m
  7. How To Actually Become A Successful Creator In 2026 | 121

    APR 2

    How To Actually Become A Successful Creator In 2026 | 121

    How do you actually become a successful long-term creator? Chase Reeves, a multi-talented creator ranging from musician to designer to coach, joins Nathan Barry to explore the unexpected ingredients for long-term success. Chase unpacks his unique journey, from pirated Photoshop to crafting captivating content, revealing how developing "taste" isn't just about technical skills, but a deep, soulful curiosity. This episode takes a dive into the critical balance between external validation and internal drive, why "actual" people connect with authenticity, and how embracing a little chaos might just be the secret sauce for innovation and genuine impact. Get ready to rethink how you approach your craft and cultivate a career that truly resonates. Timestamps:00:00 Introduction02:18 Intentionality and the exploration of feeling05:37 How Chase developed taste and his approach to making things09:24 The internet rewards performance, not integration12:54 How to sustain long-term growth and avoid burnout16:53 Connecting with your audience and understanding their needs20:47 Being playful and holding things loosely24:00 How small groups and men's work create healing through witness27:31 The cure for addiction is intimacy31:05 The difference between feeling good and being good34:10 The role of curiosity in building taste37:25 How to make a living while pursuing creative passions41:40 The power of saying "no" to opportunities44:25 Why creators need to protect their mental health47:20 Finding your unique voice in a crowded world50:10 Building a sustainable creative practice01:10:02 Embracing discomfort as a path to innovation01:20:30 Final thoughts on being a successful long-term creator If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with your friends, and leave a review. I read every single one. Learn more about the podcast: https://nathanbarry.com/show Follow Nathan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanbarryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanbarryX: https://twitter.com/nathanbarryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenathanbarryshowWebsite: https://nathanbarry.comKit: https://kit.com Follow Chase:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasewreevesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chasereevesWebsite: https://chasereeves.coLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasereeves Featured in this episode:Kit: https://www.kit.comTroubadour: https://www.troubadourgoods.comRedwood Outdoor Sauna: https://www.redwoodoutdoors.com/Cold Plunge: https://thecoldplunge.com/Wandered: https://www.wandrd.com/Pact: https://pact.com/Studio Neat: https://www.studioneat.com/ Highlights:01:51 – Musicians to content creators is an underused path06:26 – Your nervous system matters in business09:03 – Taste is higher than capabilities in the beginning12:00 – Make something that's an exact copy15:18 – Deep sense of insecurity fuels learning19:50 – The internet rewards performance, not integration27:31 – The cure for addiction is intimacy

    1h 38m
  8. My Habits For (Almost) Limitless Energy | Simon Alexander Ong | 121

    MAR 25

    My Habits For (Almost) Limitless Energy | Simon Alexander Ong | 121

    How do you live an energized life—not just physically, but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually? Simon Alexander Ong, author of the bestselling book "Energize," joins Nathan in a captivating conversation that unpacks the profound difference between simply managing time and mastering energy. Simon, whose journey from the high-stakes world of finance to a renowned speaker and coach, offers a unique perspective on consistency over intensity, the power of gratitude, and why detaching from outcomes is the secret to sustained creativity and joy. This episode is a must-listen for creators and leaders striving to avoid burnout, cultivate a positive mindset, and harness their inner force to achieve their biggest goals. Timestamps:00:00 Introduction01:14 From finance to fulfillment06:05 From comparison to inspiration12:00 Mission, purpose, and seeing life as a game16:16 Wisdom begins with knowing yourself22:36 Finding stillness and inner rest28:10 The emotional side of action34:00 The power of loosening up41:40 Shifting from control to connection46:00 The four dimensions of energy50:11 Seasonal approach to energy54:26 Inspiration from outside your industry58:30 Leveraging novelty for marketing1:04:19 Question storming for deeper insights1:08:26 Leading with proud energy1:12:30 Expressing gratitude verbally1:18:18 Energetic decision-making If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with your friends, and leave a review. I read every single one. Learn more about the podcast: https://nathanbarry.com/show Follow Nathan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanbarryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanbarryX: https://twitter.com/nathanbarryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenathanbarryshowWebsite: https://nathanbarry.comKit: https://kit.com Follow Simon:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonalexanderongX: https://twitter.com/SimonAlexanderOInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonalexanderoYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@simonalexanderoWebsite: https://simonalexanderong.comFeatured in this episode:Kit: https://www.kit.comThe Aughts Hotel: https://aughts.coAdam Grant: https://www.adamgrant.comBasecamp: https://basecamp.comHighlights:06:05 From comparison to inspiration16:16 Wisdom begins with knowing yourself34:00 The power of loosening up46:00 The four dimensions of energy58:30 Leveraging novelty for marketing1:12:30 Expressing gratitude verbally

    1h 22m
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About

As the CEO of Kit, Nathan Barry has a front row seat to what’s working in the most successful creator businesses. On The Nathan Barry Show, he interviews top creators and dives into the inner workings of their businesses in his live coaching sessions. You get unique insight into how creator businesses work and what you can do to increase results in your own business. One of the things Nathan is passionate about is helping you create leverage. Creator Flywheels let you create many copies of yourself so you don’t get bogged down with the little things in your business. Flywheels will help you reach a place where you can focus on revenue instead of busywork. Tune in weekly for new episodes with ideas and tips for growing your business. You’ll hear discussions around building an audience, earning a living as a creator, and Nathan’s insights on scaling a software company to $100M. Learn how to get more results with less effort and: Grow faster over time. Work less hard over time. Make more money over time.

Information

  • Creator
    Nathan Barry
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    129
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Nathan Barry
  • Show Website
    The Nathan Barry Show

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