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On this episode of The Profitable Creative, host Christian Brim talks with Jake Doberenz, founder of Theophany Media, about how creatives can turn their expertise into a scalable, service-based business—starting with one simple signal: people keep asking you the same questions.

Jake shares how his journey evolved from creating his own content into building a podcast production and consulting business focused on nonprofits and mission-driven organizations. What began as a creative outlet became a clear business opportunity once demand revealed itself.

This conversation breaks down the realities of working with nonprofits, including budget constraints, complex stakeholder dynamics, and the challenge of measuring success beyond traditional ROI. Instead of focusing on downloads and vanity metrics, Jake explains how podcasting creates value through trust, storytelling, and long-term community building.

Christian and Jake also explore why most podcasts fail—trying to do too much without a clear objective—and how defining a singular goal (fundraising, awareness, or relationship-building) is critical to success.

PROFITABLE TAKEAWAYS...

• Repeated demand is often the clearest signal of a viable business
• Podcast success starts with a single, defined objective
• Nonprofits require a different strategic approach than for-profit businesses
• Downloads are a weak metric—trust and engagement matter more
• Long-form content builds deeper relationships than short-form media
• Community is one of the most valuable assets a creator can build

Join our community of creative entrepreneurs and get a free copy of our No-BS Guide To Making Your Creative Business Actually Profitable delivered straight to your inbox. We’ll share smart, simple tips to help you keep more of what you earn—no boring accountant talk, we promise.
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PROFITABLE TALKS...

On this episode of The Profitable Creative, host Christian Brim sits down with Graham Kuhn of Focus Films to unpack what it really takes to build a profitable creative business—from mindset to messaging to money.

Graham shares his journey from opera singer to full-time entrepreneur, including the terrifying leap into business ownership right as the world shut down in 2020. What followed wasn’t just survival—it was a transformation in how he thinks about storytelling, pricing, and value.

PROFITABLE TAKEAWAYS...

This conversation dives deep into:

• Why storytelling—not features—drives real connection and sales
• The hidden struggle of imposter syndrome (even for confident creatives)
• How inconsistent cash flow forces better discipline and visibility
• Why pricing isn’t about hours—but about outcomes and value
• The mindset shift that unlocks higher-paying clients
• How to sell without feeling “salesy”
• Why the wrong clients will drain your business (and how to avoid them)

If you’ve ever struggled with charging what you’re worth, feeling confident in your work, or building a sustainable creative business—this episode will challenge and equip you.

Because at the end of the day, your value isn’t determined by your effort—it’s determined by the impact you create.

Join our community of creative entrepreneurs and get a free copy of our No-BS Guide To Making Your Creative Business Actually Profitable delivered straight to your inbox. We’ll share smart, simple tips to help you keep more of what you earn—no boring accountant talk, we promise.
https://bit.ly/4uCmlX2

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PROFITABLE TALKS...

What if your business isn’t just about making money—but about preserving meaning?

In this episode of The Profitable Creative, host Christian Brim talks with Teeg Stouffer of Fascination Film Studio about the power of storytelling, legacy, and building a business around purpose. From a career in media and sales to walking away and starting a documentary-focused company, Teeg shares how one deeply personal moment reshaped his entire direction—and why creators should think beyond content and toward impact.

PROFITABLE TAKEAWAYS...

• Why purpose—not profit—should drive your creative business
• The difference between heritage and legacy (and why it matters)
• How storytelling can create long-term impact for families and businesses
• Why most entrepreneurs feel unfulfilled—even when they’re successful
• How to build a business that aligns with your values, not just market demand

Join our community of creative entrepreneurs and get a free copy of our No-BS Guide To Making Your Creative Business Actually Profitable delivered straight to your inbox. We’ll share smart, simple tips to help you keep more of what you earn—no boring accountant talk, we promise.
https://bit.ly/4uCmlX2

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PROFITABLE TALKS...

What if the future of media isn’t controlled by platforms—but by creators?

In this episode of The Profitable Creative, host Christian Brim talks with Nicky P of Iron Age Marketing about the rise of DIY media, the power of podcasting as a relationship-building tool, and how creators can turn content into real business outcomes. This conversation explores why community, consistency, and clarity of purpose matter more than chasing downloads.

PROFITABLE TALKS...

• What the “Iron Age of Media” means for creators and entrepreneurs
• Why podcasting is more about relationships than audience size
• The biggest mistake podcasters make when starting out
• How to use content as a consistent growth and marketing engine
• Why email lists are still the most valuable asset you own

Join our community of creative entrepreneurs and get a free copy of our No-BS Guide To Making Your Creative Business Actually Profitable delivered straight to your inbox. We’ll share smart, simple tips to help you keep more of what you earn—no boring accountant talk, we promise.
https://bit.ly/4uCmlX2

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PROFITABLE TALKS...

What happens when women stop learning alone and start growing together?

In this episode, we explore how community-driven learning, financial literacy, and shared experience can transform not only your business—but your identity as an entrepreneur. Jennifer Kornoely, founder of She Reads, She Leads, breaks down how reading, conversation, and accountability create real-world growth for women building businesses and navigating life.

PROFITABLE TAKEAWAYS...

• Why reading alone is not enough—and how community accelerates learning
• How financial literacy and business knowledge impact long-term independence
• The real reason many entrepreneurs stay stuck (and how to break out of it)
• How to build a scalable business that doesn’t rely on trading time for money
• Why accountability and “skin in the game” change how people show up

Join our community of creative entrepreneurs and get a free copy of our No-BS Guide To Making Your Creative Business Actually Profitable delivered straight to your inbox. We’ll share smart, simple tips to help you keep more of what you earn—no boring accountant talk, we promise.
https://bit.ly/4uCmlX2

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PROFITABLE TALKS...

In this episode of The Profitable Creative, host Christian Brim sits down with John Tyreman, founder of Red Cedar Marketing, to explore how podcasting is evolving—and why it’s becoming one of the most powerful marketing tools for experts and professional services firms.

John shares how the COVID-era podcast boom changed the industry, why audio still dominates listener behavior, and how business owners can use podcasting to build trust at scale. They dig into the growing role of video in podcast discovery, the psychology behind parasocial relationships with podcast hosts, and why many business podcasts succeed even when listeners consume them primarily as audio.

The conversation also goes deeper into entrepreneurship and the realities of building a creative business—from surviving layoffs and launching a company from scratch to scaling with systems like EOS, building strategic networks, and pricing services for growth instead of trading time for money.

PROFITABLE TAKEAWAYS...

Whether you're a creative entrepreneur, consultant, or professional services leader, this episode offers practical insights on:

• The rise of podcast marketing for professional services firms
• Why audio still matters—even in a video-first world
• How networks and relationships drive business growth
• Pricing strategies that avoid the “hourly trap”
• Using systems and processes to scale beyond survival mode

If you're thinking about starting a podcast, growing your audience, or building a sustainable creative business, this episode will challenge how you think about content, marketing, and entrepreneurship.

Join our community of creative entrepreneurs and get a free copy of our No-BS Guide To Making Your Creative Business Actually Profitable delivered straight to your inbox. We’ll share smart, simple tips to help you keep more of what you earn—no boring accountant talk, we promise.
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PROFITABLE TALKS...

In this engaging conversation, Christian Brim interviews Connor Quinn, a seasoned voiceover artist with a rich history in the industry. They explore Connor's journey from a child actor for Disney to a prominent voice in commercials and animations. The discussion delves into the impact of AI on the voiceover industry, the importance of authentic storytelling, and the evolving landscape of creative opportunities. Connor shares insights on navigating the industry, building relationships, and the necessity of adapting to changes while maintaining a human touch in creativity.

PROFITABLE TAKEAWAYS...

• Connor Quinn has 38 years of experience in voiceovers.
• He started his career as the voice of Christopher Robin for Disney.
• Voiceover work has evolved with technology, especially with AI.
• Authenticity in storytelling is crucial in today's creative landscape.
• The gig economy is reshaping how creative professionals work.
• Building relationships is key in the creative industry.
• AI can assist but will never replace the human element.
• There are opportunities for those willing to adapt and learn new skills.
• Voiceover artists are increasingly expected to be multi-talented.
• The importance of storytelling remains a constant in creative fields.

Join our community of creative entrepreneurs and get a free copy of our No-BS Guide To Making Your Creative Business Actually Profitable delivered straight to your inbox. We’ll share smart, simple tips to help you keep more of what you earn—no boring accountant talk, we promise.
https://bit.ly/4uCmlX2

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PROFITABLE TALKS...

In this episode of The Profitable Creative, host Christian Brim speaks with Justin Vajko, founder of Dialogue Video Marketing. They discuss the evolution of video marketing, the challenges of selling video services, and the importance of authenticity and coaching in video production. Justin shares insights on navigating client relationships, the impact of AI on marketing strategies, and the trust issues prevalent in the marketing space. The conversation also touches on the misalignment of expectations in marketing, innovative service offerings, and the core purpose of marketing to drive revenue. They conclude with thoughts on self-promotion and the value of visibility in business.

PROFITABLE TAKEAWAYS...

• Video marketing is essential for storytelling.
• Coaching clients on video production enhances content quality.
• Authenticity is key in video marketing.
• AI is disrupting traditional marketing strategies.
• Trust issues exist between marketers and clients.
• Expectations must be clearly communicated in marketing.
• Diversifying service offerings can increase revenue.
• Visibility is crucial for business success.
• Self-promotion is necessary to help others.
• Overcoming personal insecurities can lead to better marketing outcomes.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Join our community of creative entrepreneurs and get a free copy of our No-BS Guide To Making Your Creative Business Actually Profitable delivered straight to your inbox. We’ll share smart, simple tips to help you keep more of what you earn—no boring accountant talk, we promise.
https://bit.ly/4uCmlX2