Gimbal Podcast

Ali Abdaal's Head of YouTube is All In on Opportunity-Maxxing

Becky Isjwara, Head of YouTube for Ali Abdaal (@aliabdaal), gives a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to grow both a personal brand and a thriving creator community in today’s digital landscape. In this episode of The Gimbal Podcast, Becky shares why community matters, the best networking tactics for creators, and how she approaches managing multiple platforms while helping scale one of YouTube’s biggest educational brands. She also dives into personal branding advice, using your unfair advantage, staying motivated through challenges, and the differences between thinking like an employee versus a CEO. Becky wraps with creators to watch out for and lessons for building long-term success online. Timecodes: 00:00 - Intro 0:18 - Why Community Matters 1:01 - Best Networking Tactics 3:59 - Personal Branding Advice 5:48 - Managing Every Platform 8:14 - Use Your Unfair Advantage 13:26 - How to Stay Motivated? 14:49 - Employee vs CEO? 21:01 - Creator To Watch Out For 21:41 - Outro Connect with our Guest: Follow Becky Isjwara on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beckyisj/ [https://www.instagram.com/beckyisj/] Follow Becky Isjwara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckyisj/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckyisj/] Follow Ali Abdaal on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aliabdaal/ [https://www.instagram.com/aliabdaal/] Subscribe to Ali Abdaal on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aliabdaal [https://www.youtube.com/@aliabdaal] Stay Connected: If you enjoyed this episode, follow Gimbal, share it with a friend, and make sure to subscribe so you never miss new conversations! Meet our Hosts: Follow Devin Robbins on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devinrobbins/ [https://www.instagram.com/devinrobbins/] Follow Olina Cavedoni on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olina-cavedoni [https://www.linkedin.com/in/olina-cavedoni] Our Social Channels: Follow Gimbal Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gimbalpodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/gimbalpodcast/] Follow Gimbal Podcast on X: https://x.com/GimbalPodcast [https://x.com/GimbalPodcast] Follow Gimbal Podcast on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gimbalpodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@gimbalpodcast] Listen to Gimbal Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3IzrPy2lTHxojrY0Dli9A3?si=5063b5d121da4237 [https://open.spotify.com/show/3IzrPy2lTHxojrY0Dli9A3?si=5063b5d121da4237] Listen to Gimbal Podcast on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gimbal-podcast/id1853912925 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gimbal-podcast/id1853912925]

YouTube Has Lost Its Way

Devin Robbins shares his perspective on the current state of YouTube and the major shifts shaping the creator economy. In this solo episode, Devin breaks down the growing tension between creators and the platform, the algorithm dilemma, and why YouTube continues to prioritize Shorts as the platform evolves. He also dives into the current state of YouTube, how creators can adapt to constant changes, the rules for succeeding in today’s landscape, and what the future of the platform could look like for the next generation of creators. Timecodes: 00:00 - Is YouTube in Trouble? 1:28 - The Algorithm Dilemma 4:01 - Creators vs The Platform 6:06 - Why Prioritize Shorts? 8:27 - The Current State of YT 10:31 - Adapting To These Changes 14:07 - Rules For Success 16:55 - Looking Towards the Future 17:58 - Outro Stay Connected: If you enjoyed this episode, follow Gimbal, share it with a friend, and make sure to subscribe so you never miss new conversations! Meet our Hosts: Follow Devin Robbins on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devinrobbins/ [https://www.instagram.com/devinrobbins/] Follow Olina Cavedoni on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olina-cavedoni [https://www.linkedin.com/in/olina-cavedoni] Our Social Channels: Follow Gimbal Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gimbalpodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/gimbalpodcast/] Follow Gimbal Podcast on X: https://x.com/GimbalPodcast [https://x.com/GimbalPodcast] Follow Gimbal Podcast on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gimbalpodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@gimbalpodcast] Listen to Gimbal Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3IzrPy2lTHxojrY0Dli9A3?si=5063b5d121da4237 [https://open.spotify.com/show/3IzrPy2lTHxojrY0Dli9A3?si=5063b5d121da4237] Listen to Gimbal Podcast on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gimbal-podcast/id1853912925 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gimbal-podcast/id1853912925]

Ryan Holiday’s Head of Content Isn’t Chasing Views

Blake Martin, Head of Content for Ryan Holiday, gives a behind-the-scenes look at how one of the most influential modern authors builds a content engine across books, newsletters, and YouTube. In this episode of The Gimbal Podcast, Blake shares how he joined Ryan’s team, the role of a Head of Content, and how strong storytelling drives both audience growth and conversions. He also dives into AI vs analog systems, the metrics that actually matter, advice for new creators, and what it takes to build a content strategy that lasts. Blake wraps with a creator you should watch and lessons from scaling a multi-platform brand. Timecodes: 00:00 - Intro 0:34 - Al vs Analog Systems 2:53 - The Value of Good Storytelling 4:54 - How to Drive Conversions 7:24 - Head of Content Must Do's 10:33 - Metrics of Success 15:42 - Joining Ryan's Team 17:57 - Advice For New Creators 21:09 - Creator You Should Watch 22:31 - Outro Connect with our Guest: Follow Blake Martin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_blakemartin._/ [https://www.instagram.com/_blakemartin._/] Follow Blake Martin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakermartin27/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakermartin27/] Follow Ryan Holiday on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanholiday/ [https://www.instagram.com/ryanholiday/] Subscribe to Daily Stoic on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DailyStoic [https://www.youtube.com/@DailyStoic] Meet our Hosts: Follow Devin Robbins on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devinrobbins/ [https://www.instagram.com/devinrobbins/] Follow Olina Cavedoni on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olina-cavedoni [https://www.linkedin.com/in/olina-cavedoni] Our Social Channels: Follow Gimbal Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gimbalpodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/gimbalpodcast/] Follow Gimbal Podcast on X: https://x.com/GimbalPodcast [https://x.com/GimbalPodcast] Follow Gimbal Podcast on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gimbalpodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@gimbalpodcast] Listen to Gimbal Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3IzrPy2lTHxojrY0Dli9A3?si=5063b5d121da4237 [https://open.spotify.com/show/3IzrPy2lTHxojrY0Dli9A3?si=5063b5d121da4237] Listen to Gimbal Podcast on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gimbal-podcast/id1853912925 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gimbal-podcast/id1853912925]

I Asked 3 Podcast Producers What Actually Grows A Show

Emma Krebs, podcast producer for The Doctor’s Farmacy with Dr. Mark Hyman, Alex Michael, who leads guest outreach and commercial partnerships for How I Write with David Perell, and Mia Zimonjic, researcher and story producer, give a behind-the-scenes look at how top-tier podcasts are built from research to release. In this episode of The Gimbal Podcast, the three break down the value of great research, what it takes to produce large-scale shows, and how to manage timelines while maintaining quality across every episode. They also dive into what makes a podcast truly stand out, the growing importance of video, whether you really need famous guests, and how to land your dream interviews. The episode wraps with their picks for the best podcasts today and insights from working across some of the most respected shows in the space. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 0:41 - The Value of Great Research 4:18 - Producing a Huge Podcast 7:43 - How to Manage Timelines 11:37 - What Makes a Show Great? 20:30 - The Importance of Video 31:59 - Need a Famous Guest? 38:21 - Landing Your Dream Interview 41:20 - Best Podcasts Today 45:49 - Outro Connect with our Guest: Follow Emma Krebs on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/byemmakrebs/ [https://www.instagram.com/byemmakrebs/] Follow Emma Krebs on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-krebs-2783701ba/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-krebs-2783701ba/] Follow Mia Zimonjic on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mia-zimonjic/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mia-zimonjic/] Follow Alex Michael on X: https://x.com/alexgmichael [https://x.com/alexgmichael] Meet our Hosts: Follow Devin Robbins on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devinrobbins/ [https://www.instagram.com/devinrobbins/] Follow Olina Cavedoni on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olina-cavedoni [https://www.linkedin.com/in/olina-cavedoni] Our Social Channels: Follow Gimbal Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gimbalpodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/gimbalpodcast/] Follow Gimbal Podcast on X: https://x.com/GimbalPodcast [https://x.com/GimbalPodcast] Follow Gimbal Podcast on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gimbalpodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@gimbalpodcast] Listen to Gimbal Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3IzrPy2lTHxojrY0Dli9A3?si=5063b5d121da4237 [https://open.spotify.com/show/3IzrPy2lTHxojrY0Dli9A3?si=5063b5d121da4237] Listen to Gimbal Podcast on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gimbal-podcast/id1853912925 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gimbal-podcast/id1853912925]

The Case for Being a YouTube Strategist (Not a Full-Time Head of Content)

Jamie Whiffen, YouTube Growth Strategist who has worked with creators like @aliabdaal, @simonsquibb, and @GrowVeg, gives a behind-the-scenes look at how business-focused creators turn their channels into powerful client acquisition engines. In this episode of The Gimbal Podcast, Jamie shares his approach to YouTube strategy, lessons in excellence, and how different creative roles contribute to building high-performing channels. He also dives into starting your own business, choosing the right platform, outsourcing versus in-house teams, and whether outlier theory still works today. Jamie wraps with a creator to watch and insights for turning YouTube into your most valuable growth channel. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 0:27 - Working in YouTube Strategy 3:03 - Lessons in Excellence 8:54 - Types of Creative Roles 11:20 - Starting Your Own Business 20:14 - Which Platform is Best? 26:59 - Outsourcing vs In-House 31:04 - Is Outlier Theory Over? 40:23 - Creator to Watch For 42:47 - Outro Connect with our Guest: Follow Jamie Whiffen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamiewhiffen/ [https://www.instagram.com/jamiewhiffen/] Follow Jamie Whiffen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiewhiffen/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiewhiffen/] Meet our Hosts: Follow Devin Robbins on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devinrobbins/ [https://www.instagram.com/devinrobbins/] Follow Olina Cavedoni on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olina-cavedoni [https://www.linkedin.com/in/olina-cavedoni] Our Social Channels: Follow Gimbal Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gimbalpodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/gimbalpodcast/] Follow Gimbal Podcast on X: https://x.com/GimbalPodcast [https://x.com/GimbalPodcast] Follow Gimbal Podcast on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gimbalpodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@gimbalpodcast] Listen to Gimbal Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3IzrPy2lTHxojrY0Dli9A3?si=5063b5d121da4237 [https://open.spotify.com/show/3IzrPy2lTHxojrY0Dli9A3?si=5063b5d121da4237] Listen to Gimbal Podcast on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gimbal-podcast/id1853912925 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gimbal-podcast/id1853912925]