The Business of Talent

Sam Hysell, Jordan Williams
  • 4.9 (54)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED MONTHLY
The Business of Talent

The Business of Talent podcast dives into the creator economy and the rapidly evolving media, entertainment, and digital landscape. Each episode examines how talent—from musicians and athletes to content creators and executives—transforms businesses and influences traditional sectors. With insights on strategies and innovations, it highlights the future of talent-driven enterprises. Hosted by industry veterans, the podcast combines practical experience with a forward-looking view, offering listeners a unique perspective on the dynamic world of media and business.

  1. JUN 20

    Is 2025 the Year Creators Earn More Than TV & Legacy Media?

    Jordan and Sam delve into Publicis's recent $150 million acquisition of Captivate, an influencer marketing company known for its extensive creator network and advancements in affiliate marketing technology. Their discussion highlights the shifting landscape of ad spending, as revenue increasingly moves from traditional formats to user-generated content platforms, accelerating the growth of the creator economy. They also examine strategic moves by major brands, such as MLB, which signal a broader trend of investments in this space. Additionally, the conversation explores how traditional media can stay competitive by collaborating directly with individual creators, reflecting on the opportunities and challenges this evolution presents. 00:00 Morning Catch-Up 00:13 Weekend Adventures 01:06 Exciting Industry News 01:45 Publicis' Strategic Moves 03:58 The Future of Advertising 08:39 MLB's Strategic Investment 08:52 The Rise of Creator Platforms 10:01 Traditional Media's Response

    23 min

  2. JUN 2

    Can Creators Finally Get Paid for YouTube Shorts?

    In this episode, we dive into the evolving landscape of media with a focus on short form content and the economics behind it. Hosts discuss the rise in revenue from YouTube Shorts, new platforms like TTIKR, and the impact of podcasting giant PodX acquiring Lemonada. Discover how creators are navigating these changes, monetizing content, and the implications for the future of digital media. Plus, insights on the importance of repurposing long-form content into shorts and the potential of superfan platforms. 00:00 The Evolution of Short Form Content 00:25 Catching Up 01:47 Diving into Recent Industry News 02:03 YouTube Shorts Revenue Milestone 03:15 Strategies for Creators: Long Form vs. Short Form 08:41 TTIKR: A New Creator-First Platform 09:43 Discussion on TTIKR Potential Impact 17:00 Podcast Industry Insights and Acquisitions 18:44 Celebrity-Driven Podcasts vs. Emerging Talent 23:31 Closing Thoughts

    24 min

  3. MAY 16

    Spotify Paid Podcasters $100M Last Quarter — Here’s Why

    Exploring Spotify's $100M Payouts, YouTube's Creator Partnership Hub, and Rich Paul's New Venture!In this episode, we dive into the latest news in the podcasting and creator economy landscape. We discuss Spotify's impressive $100 million payout to podcasters in Q1 2025 and its continued growth in video podcasting. YouTube's new Creator Partnership Hub, which aims to simplify collaborations between brands and creators, is also covered. Finally, we explore Rich Paul's and Paul Rivera's new media venture, Homecoming, focused on video podcasts at the intersection of sports, business, and culture. Join us for an in-depth look at these exciting developments!00:00 Intro00:48 Spotify's Massive Podcast Payouts08:22 YouTube's New Creator Partnership Hub12:50 Rich Paul's New Sports Media Investment18:24 Closing Thoughts

    19 min

  4. MAY 2

    Ryan Coogler’s Game-Changing Sinners Studio Deal Explained

    Sam and Jordan discuss the significant deal that filmmaker Ryan Coogler has secured for his new movie, 'Sinners.' The deal includes highly unusual points such as final cut rights, first dollar gross, and ownership rights reverting to Coogler after 25 years. These terms represent a monumental shift in power dynamics for filmmakers, especially for those from marginalized communities. They also delve into historical precedents, highlighting similar deals by directors like Christopher Nolan and Tyler Perry, and discuss the broader implications for the future of filmmaking and creative ownership in Hollywood.00:00 Introduction 00:20 Casual Catch-Up and Setting the Scene 00:54 Deep Dive into Ryan Coogler's Deal 04:07 Historical Precedents and Comparisons 04:46 Creative Control and Industry Dynamics 13:35 Impact on Future Filmmakers 19:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    20 min

  5. APR 25

    Tariffs Shake Creator Economy, Epic Gardening's Expansion, and AI's Impact on Media

    This episode delves into the importance of diversifying income streams for creators, featuring a discussion on Epic Gardening's acquisition of Modern Farmer. The hosts also review Q1 2025's surge in creator economy funding and analyze how recent tariffs imposed by President Trump are impacting creator-led businesses. Finally, they explore the shift in creators identifying as entrepreneurs, as highlighted by Kajabi's 2025 State of Creator Commerce report. 00:00 Introduction and Diversifying Income Streams 00:16 Catching Up: Personal Updates 01:27 Episode Overview and Listener Engagement 02:02 Epic Gardening Acquires Modern Farmer 09:37 Q1 2025 Creator Economy Funding Surge 14:07 Impact of 2025 Tariffs on the Creator Economy 17:49 Creators Embracing Entrepreneurship 19:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    20 min

  6. APR 9

    How Emma Chamberlain Built a Coffee Empire from YouTube

    In this episode of the Business of Talent Podcast, the hosts delve into the remarkable journey of Emma Chamberlain and her successful venture, Chamberlain Coffee. Starting as a YouTube influencer, Emma leveraged her online presence to build a $50 million valuation coffee brand. The conversation covers her early beginnings, the growth of Chamberlain Coffee, overcoming challenges, and key lessons for content creators looking to launch their own brands. The episode emphasizes authenticity, strategic growth, and the importance of building a strong team to turn influencer success into a sustainable business. 00:33 Casual Catch-Up and Upcoming Events 01:17 Spotlight on Indo Warehouse 02:34 Deep Dive into Emma Chamberlain's Success 04:23 Emma Chamberlain's Journey and Business Blueprint 12:14 Challenges and Growth of Chamberlain Coffee 26:03 Current State and Future of Chamberlain Coffee 29:47 Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts

    32 min

  7. MAR 25

    The Creator Economy’s Next Frontier: Ownership & Infrastructure

    In this episode of the Business of Talent Podcast, hosts Jordan and Sam explore innovative ways to monetize content and support creators. They dive into the recent developments surrounding Cam Newton's new creator studio in Atlanta and its potential impact on underrepresented voices. The episode also covers Fixated securing $13 million to enhance creator monetization and management, and India's $1 billion commitment to boost its creator economy. Tune in to understand the evolving landscape of media, talent, and entertainment, and how these changes are redefining business strategies. 00:57 Cam Newton's New Creator Studio 08:38 Fixated's $13 Million Funding Round 14:06 India's $1 Billion Investment in Creator Economy 17:53 Closing Remarks and Next Episode Teaser

    19 min

  8. MAR 18

    The Influencer Marketing Playbook Behind the World's Biggest Brands

    In this episode of the Business of Talent Podcast, hosts Jordan and Sam are joined by special guest Isabel Li, a seasoned expert in influencer marketing and social strategy. Isabel has led successful campaigns for brands like Spotify, Netflix, HBO Max, and Target. The conversation dives into the key aspects of running impactful influencer marketing campaigns, setting strategic goals, and the importance of aligning creative content with influencers' authentic styles. Isabel also shares insights into selecting the right creators, avoiding common mistakes, and maximizing ROI. The episode offers a holistic view of influencer marketing, blending business objectives with creative freedom. 00:29 Meet Our Special Guest: Isabel Li 01:34 Diving into Influencer Campaigns 03:21 Setting Clear Goals and KPIs 05:22 Successful Strategies and Campaigns 09:57 Creative Planning and Execution 13:13 Common Mistakes in Influencer Marketing 16:18 Building Relationships with Influencers 17:43 The Impact of Collaboration on Creative Output 18:10 Expanding Influencer Roles Beyond Social Media 18:41 Building Long-Term Relationships with Influencers 19:30 The Evolution of Influencer Selection in the Music Industry 21:40 Manual Research vs. Influencer Software 25:37 Balancing Macro and Micro Influencers 27:30 Effective Marketing Tactics and Common Pitfalls 29:38 The Value of Influencer Relationship Management 31:17 A Viral Success Story: Spotify Wrapped Campaign 33:31 Favorite Tools for Influencer Reporting and Analysis 34:33 Influencer vs. Creator: What's in a Name? 35:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    37 min
See All (138)

4.9
out of 5
54 Ratings

About

The Business of Talent podcast dives into the creator economy and the rapidly evolving media, entertainment, and digital landscape. Each episode examines how talent—from musicians and athletes to content creators and executives—transforms businesses and influences traditional sectors. With insights on strategies and innovations, it highlights the future of talent-driven enterprises. Hosted by industry veterans, the podcast combines practical experience with a forward-looking view, offering listeners a unique perspective on the dynamic world of media and business.

Information

  • Creator
    Sam Hysell, Jordan Williams
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2025
  • Episodes
    138
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Sam Hysell, Jordan Williams
  • Show Website
    The Business of Talent

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