Creator Craft: Tools, Mindset and Workflows for Content Creators

From Low Motivation to High Output: Journaling, Streaming, and Productivity Tips [Best Of]

Feeling stuck in a creative rut? Discover how to transform your low-energy days into productive powerhouses with our latest episode of Creator Toolbox! Join Colin Gray and Jacob Anderson as they dive into practical strategies for boosting productivity, leveraging new tools, and expanding your creator business. Whether you're a podcaster, writer, or aspiring content entrepreneur, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you level up your creative game. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: * How to use AI-powered journaling to track your progress and overcome creative blocks * Tips for setting up a high-quality streaming setup with tools like the Rode Streamer X * Strategies for expanding your niche audience to a broader creator market * The power of community platforms like Circle for engaging and growing your audience * How to structure your content to cater to both beginners and experienced creators TOOLS DISCUSSED: * Rode Streamer X: A versatile device for streamers and content creators * Circle: A community platform for building and engaging with your audience * OpenAI's latest model: For summarizing and analyzing journal entries * Voice Notes app: For quick and easy audio journaling FEATURED CREATOR SPOTLIGHT: Colin shares insights from Jason Greystone, host of the "Always Free" podcast, who has built a successful business model around his content. Learn how Jason uses a combination of free content, courses, coaching, and mastermind groups to monetize his audience effectively. TRY THIS WORKFLOW: AI-POWERED JOURNALING FOR CREATORS 1. Use your phone's voice notes app to record a 5-10 minute audio journal entry 2. Upload the MP3 to OpenAI's latest model for transcription and summarization 3. Review the AI-generated summary for insights and patterns in your creative process 4. Use these insights to adjust your workflow and overcome creative blocks RESOURCES: * The Podcast Host's guide to being your own boss [https://www.thepodcasthost.com/boss] * Alitu - The Podcast Maker App [https://www.alitu.com] * Circle Community Platform [https://www.circle.so] * Jason Greystone's "Always Free" podcast Ready to supercharge your productivity and take your creator business to the next level? Try implementing one of the strategies discussed in this episode and share your results with us using #CreatorToolbox on social media! Don't forget to subscribe to the Creator Toolbox podcast for more insights on building your creator business. Check out The Podcast Host [https://www.thepodcasthost.com] for everything podcasting, and give Alitu [https://www.alitu.com] - our podcast maker app - a try with a 7-day free trial!

How to Create a Voice-Clone Podcast Episode (& Whether you Should!)

In this episode, Jacob and I discuss the AI-powered episode Jacob created last week - a fascinating experiment using Eleven Labs to clone his voice. He walks through his entire workflow from capturing voice notes and using Claude to help refine ideas, to the challenges of making the AI voice sound natural. We also chat about the ethics and concerns around voice cloning technology. Let us know what you thought of the AI episode here. Would you listen to more content like that? 👉 What did you think of the AI Episode? [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScLnioSadL-wVDB-pun2rVIZC4Qg2W30xrrxN7QR22B_CNuLQ/viewform?usp=dialog] Later, I share insights from a recent trip - particularly how challenging it was to create content while traveling with family, balancing capturing moments versus actually experiencing them. I also provide honest feedback on travel gear like the DJI Osmo Mobile gimbal and DJI Mic Minis. SOME OF THE THINGS WE COVER 👇 🟢 Eleven Labs voice cloning requires verification and paid plans, taking about 5 hours to process the audio samples you provide 🟢 Creating an AI voice that sounds natural in conversation is much harder than for scripted content - Jacob's voice clone worked well for documentary-style narration but wouldn't work for natural conversation 🟢 When traveling and creating content, consider batch processing rather than trying to publish on the go - capturing journal-style voice notes for later refinement works better than trying to create finished content while traveling 🟢 Convenience beats quality when creating content on the move - simpler tools that are quick to set up (like your phone) often win over specialized equipment that takes time to configure 🟢 Consider whether gear purchases like gimbals match your actual content style - they're great for filmmaking but overkill for simple travel documentation RESOURCES 🟢 Eleven Labs - AI voice cloning platform Jacob used to create his voice clone (https://elevenlabs.io [https://elevenlabs.io]) 🟢 Claude - AI assistant used to help refine ideas and create content 🟢 VoicePal - App for recording and expanding on journal entries through AI questioning 🟢 DJI Osmo Mobile 7/7P - Smartphone gimbal for stabilized video (https://www.dji.com/osmo-mobile-7 [https://www.dji.com/osmo-mobile-7]) 🟢 DJI Mic Mini - Wireless microphone system (https://www.dji.com/uk/mic-mini [https://www.dji.com/uk/mic-mini]) 🟢 Alitu - Our podcast maker app with recording, editing and hosting (https://www.alitu.com [https://www.alitu.com]) CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction and catching up 02:05 Jacob's AI-powered episode experiment 05:20 How Jacob created his voice clone with Eleven Labs 08:02 Voice cloning quality and accuracy 14:11 Content workflow with AI assistance 20:15 Script development and voice generation challenges 25:43 The threat of AI voice cloning for scams 30:56 Potential positive uses for AI voices 37:55 Colin's travel content creation experiences 41:44 The challenge of creating while experiencing 46:24 Finding time to edit during travel 51:37 Balancing documentation and enjoyment 55:52 Review of DJI Osmo Mobile gimbal 58:53 Experience with DJI Mic Minis

The Paradox of AI Content Creation in 2025

In this experimental meta-episode, host Jacob explores the complex relationship creators have with AI in 2025. Using his own voice cloned with ElevenLabs, alongside two AI hosts named NotJacob and Eva, the episode examines how creators are simultaneously empowered and unsettled by AI tools—capable of producing more than ever before, yet questioning what it means to create at all. The conversation follows the typical creator journey with AI: from that first moment of revelation, through experimentation with new workflows, into creative identity crisis, and finally toward finding a balanced approach that preserves human creativity while embracing AI assistance. What makes this episode unique is that it's also a demonstration of the very technology being discussed: AI-generated voices discussing AI content creation, with occasional appearances from "Producer Jacob" sharing his real-world experiences building with these tools. KEY TOPICS COVERED * The revelation moment when creators first realize what's newly possible with AI * How creators experiment with AI to develop workflows that work for them * The creative identity crisis that emerges when AI challenges traditional notions of authorship * Principles for finding balance between human creativity and AI assistance * How the creator-AI relationship differs across podcasting, writing, video, game development, and programming STORIES & EXAMPLES MENTIONED * Jacob's AI Podcast Coach Project: Jacob describes building an AI system with two agents that can help coach podcast creators through a conversation. * Voice Cloning Experiments: Jacob shares his experience cloning his own voice with ElevenLabs [https://elevenlabs.io/voice-cloning] using about two hours of audio, and his reaction to hearing "himself" read the opening page of The Hobbit. * Andrej Karpathy's "Vibe Coding": The AI researcher's description of coding by conversation, where you tell AI what you need in plain English and it generates working code. * Claire Silver's AI Art Process: How this artist, after a life-altering chronic illness [https://www.ted.com/pages/ai-may-take-jobs---but-not-our-creativity], generated thousands of images in a burst of AI-assisted inspiration, then carefully curated her favorites as artworks that have exhibited in major galleries and museums [https://www.clairesilver.com/about]. * ErgoJosh's AI Art Backlash: When YouTuber ErgoJosh mentioned using AI tools in his digital art tutorials, he faced intense criticism from portions of his audience who accused him of "cheating." * Kwebbelkop's AI Clone: Gaming YouTuber Jordi "Kwebbelkop" Van Den Bussche's project to "retire" himself [https://kotaku.com/youtube-kwebbelkop-ai-clone-replace-vtuber-minecraft-1850701416] by creating an AI clone trained on his voice, image, and style to continue his YouTube channel indefinitely. * Scott Dikkers on AI Writing: The satirist and Onion co-founder's critique that AI-written content "reads cold" and "fluffy, like a padded book report." * TikTok Creator's Content System: How one creator overcame content block by having ChatGPT generate "100 viral-ready TikTok prompts" to spark ideas when creativity ran dry. * Darknet Diaries Voice Clone: Jack Rhysider's experiment using an AI voice clone of himself to narrate part of an episode [https://darknetdiaries.com/transcript/144/] of his podcast. * Itch.io's AI Disclosure Field: The indie game platform's introduction of a "Generative AI Disclosure" field, asking developers to declare if their project contains AI-generated assets. RESOURCES MENTIONED * ElevenLabs [https://elevenlabs.io/voice-cloning]: Voice cloning and synthetic voice generation platform used to create the voices for this episode * Claude [https://claude.ai/]: AI assistant by Anthropic used for research and content organization * ChatGPT [https://chat.openai.com/]: OpenAI's language model used for deep research on creator experiences * Alitu [https://alitu.com/]: Podcast creation software that uses AI for audio enhancement and transcription HOW THIS EPISODE WAS MADE This meta-episode showcases a cutting-edge AI content creation workflow: 1. Initial Planning: Jacob recorded voice notes describing his own experiences with AI content creation tools and his vision for the episode. 2. Research Collection: ChatGPT's deep research capability was used to gather real stories, quotes, and examples from creators across different disciplines on how they're using and feeling about AI. 3. Transcript Analysis: Jacob's voice notes were transcribed using AI transcription to capture his authentic thoughts about the topic. 4. Content Organization: The transcripts and research were fed into a Claude project specifically set up with writing samples and instructions on content approach. 5. Script Development: From these inputs, a podcast script was developed that weaves together Jacob's personal experiences with the broader research. 6. Voice Creation: Jacob's voice was cloned using ElevenLabs voice cloning technology [https://elevenlabs.io/docs/product-guides/voices/voice-cloning/professional-voice-cloning], which required about two hours of his audio recordings. 7. AI Voices: Two additional AI voices (NotJacob and Eva) were created using ElevenLabs to serve as co-hosts. 8. Production: The final podcast was assembled with Jacob's real voice for the intro and outro, with the AI voices carrying the main discussion. This workflow exemplifies the "start with human concepts" approach Jacob describes in the episode—the ideas and experiences are authentically his, while AI tools helped with research, organization, and production. CONNECT WITH US Have thoughts about this experimental format? Want to learn more about the AI tools mentioned? Email us at: creator@alitu.com CREDITS Host: Jacob Anderson AI Co-hosts: NotJacob and Eva (powered by ElevenLabs) Research: ChatGPT (OpenAI) Content Organization: Claude (Anthropic) Production: Alitu Creator Craft explores the tools, techniques, and trends shaping creative work today.

3 Signs You Have an Amateur Creator Mindset (And How to Fix It) | PodCraft Special

In this episode, Matthew and Jacob discuss the telltale signs of an amateur creator mindset and provide practical strategies to overcome these common challenges. KEY INSIGHTS: 🟢 Writer's Block: Many creators struggle with not knowing what to say or lacking confidence in their ideas. The solution lies in gaining clarity about your audience and purpose. 🟢 Motivation Dependence: Amateur creators often wait for inspiration to strike rather than developing consistent creation habits. Professionals show up regardless of how they feel. 🟢 Fear of Idea Theft: Being overly protective of your ideas can prevent you from creating or sharing your work. Ideas without implementation have little value. PRACTICAL STRATEGIES: OVERCOMING WRITER'S BLOCK: * Get crystal clear on who you're creating for and what value you're providing * Develop ideas away from your desk - walking, doing chores, or simply changing environments * Use voice memos to capture thoughts when they flow naturally * Consider AI tools like Voice Pal to prompt your thinking through questions * Maintain an idea bank so you're never starting from scratch BREAKING MOTIVATION DEPENDENCE: * Create rituals that signal to your brain it's time to work * Change your environment to boost productivity - try cafes or co-working spaces * Remember Chuck Close's quote: "Inspiration is for amateurs. The rest of us just show up and get to work." * Leave yourself "breadcrumbs" for the next day by ending mid-sentence or saving a fun task * Recognize flow state as a bonus, not a requirement OVERCOMING FEAR OF IDEA THEFT: * Acknowledge that ideas themselves have little value - implementation is everything * Publish your work as you go to establish ownership while building in public * Document your process to create content while developing your idea * Realize most people are too busy with their own ideas to steal yours * Use public documentation as validation and feedback gathering FINAL THOUGHTS: The difference between amateur and professional creators isn't talent - it's mindset. Professionals develop systems and habits that allow them to create consistently regardless of feelings, fears, or blocks. By identifying these amateur mindset pitfalls, you can take practical steps to develop a more professional approach to your creative work. RESOURCES: * Cal Newport's Deep Questions Podcast [https://www.calnewport.com/podcast/] * Voice Pal AI Ghostwriter [https://voicepal.ai/] Ready to shift your mindset? Send your questions or experiences to creator@alitu.com!

How To Stop Being a Consumer And Become a Creator

In this solo episode, Jacob tackles one of the most common struggles for aspiring creators: how to make the leap from passively consuming content to actively creating it. He shares practical strategies and a 7-day challenge to help overcome the psychological barriers that keep us stuck in consumption mode. KEY INSIGHTS: 🟢 Creation Paralysis: The fear of judgment and exposure prevents many would-be creators from taking their first steps, even when they feel a deep urge to create. 🟢 The Perfection Trap: We compare our beginner efforts to highly polished professional content, setting unrealistic expectations for our early work. 🟢 Starting Small: Personal creation begins as a selfish act for yourself before it becomes something for others. The key is setting extremely low barriers to begin. 🟢 Learning from Experience: Jacob shares his story of a failed podcast project (Hell's Theater) where overthinking and not publishing early enough killed the momentum. 5 PRACTICAL STRATEGIES: 1. SET AN INPUT TO OUTPUT RATIO * For every hour of consumption, commit to creating for 15-20 minutes * Start with simple acts like voice notes, journal entries, or rough sketches * Take back some of the time that platforms fight for with an act of self-love 2. CONSUME WITH INTENT * Be selective and deliberate about the content you consume * Choose content that feeds your creative needs and inspires you * Study how creators you admire structure their work * Remember: you are the algorithm, not the platforms 3. START WITH SMALL, PRIVATE ACTS OF CREATION * Begin with low-pressure formats like voice memos or private journals * Consider creating content on an anonymous blog with no analytics * Focus on the act of creation rather than audience reaction * Watch how the "what-ifs" dissolve when you take action 4. DESIGN YOUR ENVIRONMENT FOR CREATION * Change your physical space to escape consumption habits * Break the automatic cycle of reaching for your phone * Consider writing in cafes, co-working spaces, or different rooms * Pay attention to your overall headspace and morning routine 5. BREAK DOWN BIG DREAMS INTO SMALL STEPS * Divide overwhelming goals into manageable milestones * Recognize the space between where you are and where you want to be * Accept that the journey takes time and requires building progressive skills * Dream Plotter tool (dream.itwasjacob.com) can help map this journey 7-DAY CHALLENGE TO START CREATING: Day 1: Identify your big dream and honestly assess where you are now Day 2: Create something tiny related to your dream for just 15 minutes Day 3: Find a new environment and create there for 20 minutes Day 4: Audit your consumption habits - what are you consuming and why? Day 5: Increase creation time to 25 minutes and try a different format Day 6: Share something you've created with one trusted person Day 7: Reflect on the week and plan sustainable next steps FINAL THOUGHTS: The benefits of creation come primarily from the act itself rather than distribution. Focus on going from 0 to 1, not on building an audience or making money immediately. The goal is to start spending some of the time you use for endless scrolling on creation instead. > "The magical creation isn't actually in the act itself, not necessarily in the distribution... The personal benefits, the fulfillment, the growth, developing your own voice, that all comes just from the acts of creation." RESOURCES: 🟢 Dream Plotter: Free tool at dream.itwasjacob.com to help break down creative goals into manageable steps 🟢 Share something you made: email creator@alitu.com COMING NEXT WEEK: Join Jacob and Matthew as they discuss the difference between amateur and professional creators - but remember, you need to start creating first to have the privilege of figuring out how to become a professional!