The Business of Creators

What happens when a college freshman drops out and builds a social media empire from scratch? Teddy Solomon did exactly that — and now Fizz is dominating college campuses across the U.S. In this episode of The Business of Creators, Ian Shepherd sits down with Teddy Solomon to uncover how Fizz tapped into Gen Z’s craving for authenticity, creating a platform where real conversations thrive — without influencers, filters, or pressure to be perfect. From viral launch hacks to scaling without a marketing budget, this is how to build products Gen Z actually wants. Topics Discussed: - The origin story of Fizz during the pandemic - How they hacked early growth and scaled across 300+ campuses - Why anonymity and authenticity work together - How Fizz’s content moderation system keeps things safe and local - The roadmap for monetization and post-college expansion Key Takeaways: - Learn how to grow a product without spending a dime on marketing - Discover why Gen Z is rejecting traditional social platforms - Understand the psychology behind anonymous, high-engagement content - See how hybrid moderation models balance community and safety - Get inspired to build platforms rooted in real-world identity and connection Listen to learn actionable strategies to grow your creator business — and don't forget to subscribe to the channel for more insights on the business of creators!

Launching products for sale? Start with a .store domain. Top creators like MrBeast, Dude Perfect and IShowSpeed use .store to build clean, memorable web addresses like YourName.store, boosting clicks, driving sales and making it crystal clear where fans can shop. Grab yours now: https://go.store/boc5  What happens when one of the world’s biggest podcasters backs your startup? In this episode of The Business of Creators, Ian Shepherd dives into the exclusive story behind Steven Bartlett’s investment in Stan — and how co-founders John Hu and Vitalii Dodonov are quietly powering the next generation of creators. From cold emails and relentless hustle to building a platform that’s generated over $300 million for creators, John and Vitalii share what’s working, what’s next, and how AI is changing the game. They Discussed: - How John’s cold outreach landed a deal with Steven Bartlett - The mission behind Stan and its explosive growth - Monetization strategies that actually work: digital products, subscriptions, and coaching - How AI can empower (not replace) creators - Why community and simplicity are the new edge for creator tools Key Takeaways: - Learn exactly how John got Steven Bartlett’s attention — and what made him say “I’m obsessed” - Discover the three product types generating the most income for creators today - Get actionable advice on pricing your first product and avoiding common creator traps - Hear how Stan’s founders think about AI’s role in amplifying—not diluting—creativity - Find out what separates creators who make it from those who burn out Listen to learn actionable strategies to grow your creator business — and don't forget to subscribe to the podcast for more insights on the business of creators!

Launching merch? Start with a .store domain. Top creators like MrBeast, Dude Perfect and IShowSpeed use .store to build clean, memorable web addresses like YourName.store, boosting clicks, driving sales and making it crystal clear where fans can shop. Grab yours now: https://go.store/boc1  In this episode of The Business of Creators, Ian Shepherd sits down with Charles Haynes, Founder and MD of Ziggurat XYZ, to explore how niche creators are building thriving businesses beyond brand deals. Charles shares his journey from recognizing a market shift in YouTube viewership to managing creators who turn passions like woodworking, miniatures, and coffee into profitable product lines. This conversation is packed with real-world examples — from Squidmar Miniatures’ million-dollar Kickstarter to James Hoffmann’s artisan coffee accessories — and reveals what it really takes to launch a successful creator-led product. They Discussed: * The difference between agents and managers in the creator economy * Evaluating if a creator is ready to launch a product * Case studies: Emil of Squidmar, James Hoffmann, Bourbon Moth, and more * Product strategy, fulfillment, pricing, and long-term brand building What You’ll Learn from This Episode: * How to assess whether your audience is ready for a product — and what signals to look for * The difference between a creator selling merch vs. building a product business * Real examples of niche creators turning small audiences into major revenue through physical products * The importance of pricing correctly — and why underpricing can hurt your brand * Practical advice on pre-orders, fulfillment logistics, and avoiding common pitfalls Watch to learn actionable strategies to grow your creator business — and don't forget to subscribe to the channel for more insights on the business of creators!

What if shopping felt more like a stadium packed with fans than a boring scroll through product listings? In this episode of The Business of Creators, Ian Shepherd chats with Nick Bell, CEO of Fanatics Live, about how he’s transforming the world of collectibles through live commerce — blending entertainment, community, and commerce into one addictive experience. They dive into how Fanatics Live fits into the broader Fanatics empire, the psychology behind collecting, and why creators are central to this fast-growing platform. Whether you’re a creator, entrepreneur, or fan of the hobby, Nick shares powerful insights on where the industry is headed — and how you can be part of it. Topics Discussed: - The concept and evolution of Fanatics Live - How live commerce differs from traditional e-commerce - Cultural differences between UK and US collectors - The role of creators and how they earn on the platform - The future of creator monetization and community building What You’ll Learn: - How to turn collecting into a thriving business and community experience - Why creators are moving from ad-based revenue to deep community monetization - How Fanatics Live equips creators with tools to engage fans and drive sales - The power of curating niche audiences and building long-term loyalty - What the rise of live commerce means for the future of digital shopping Watch to learn actionable strategies to grow your creator business — and don't forget to subscribe to the channel for more insights on the business of creators!

In this episode Ian Shepherd is joined by Jesse Feister, new Executive Director of The Webby Awards, to unpack why creators are finally getting their due at one of the internet's most prestigious award shows. From redefining what "creator" means to how the awards process works, Jesse offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the internet’s cultural fabric is being reshaped. They discuss: - Why 2025 marks a turning point for creators at the Webby Awards - Defining what makes someone a “creator” versus a traditional digital talent - How creators are judged: metrics, innovation, and storytelling - Parallels between the music industry and the creator economy - The 2025 Webby Award ceremony: key winners and emerging trends - Gen Z’s digital behavior and the rise of “brain rot” content Key Takeaways: - Learn how the Webby Awards evaluate creator content beyond just views and followers - Understand the evolving definition of a “creator” in today’s digital landscape - Get insights on how AI is shaping content creation — and how to use it as a tool - Discover what top creators are doing to stand out in niche and mainstream spaces - Hear practical advice for emerging creators on building audience and creative resilience Listen to learn actionable strategies to grow your creator business — and don't forget to subscribe to the channel for more insights on the business of creators!