There’s a lot of noise right now about AI replacing creators, automating everything, and turning content into something fast, polished, and forgettable. In this episode, I sit down with Paul Gowder to talk about why the opposite shift is happening, creators are leaning more human, more personal, and more real, not less.

Paul has spent decades building community online, long before algorithms and AI tools were part of the conversation. We talk about why raw content is starting to outperform polished feeds, why people are craving connection over perfection, and how things like live video, email, and community spaces are becoming trust signals again. This conversation is about relationships, not reach, and why creators who embrace their full personality, interests, and stories are the ones who will stand out as AI continues to flood the internet with generic content.

1. Polished content isn’t the advantage it used to be: Raw, imperfect posts signal that a real human is behind the content.
2. People connect to people, not niches: Sharing parts of your life and interests builds trust faster than one-dimensional posting.
3. Community is not a platform: Your community includes everyone who feels connected to your content, even if they never comment.
4. Live video creates shared experience: Real-time interaction builds deeper bonds than edited content alone.
5. Email is still one of the strongest trust channels: Writing like a person, not a brand, creates real connection.
6. Stories beat surface-level tips: Teaching what something meant to you matters more than explaining how to do it.
7. Doing the “unscalable” work sets you apart: Replying to emails, asking questions, and engaging directly builds loyalty.
8. Creators should stop chasing vanity metrics: Replies, conversations, and feedback are stronger signals than views alone.
9. Offline relationships still matter: Conferences, meetups, and face-to-face interactions strengthen online trust.
10. AI can support creators, but it can’t replace humanity: Personal experience, mistakes, and perspective are irreplaceable.

1. Paul Gowder: www.paulgowder.com
2. On The Way Community: www.onthewaycommunity.com
3. PowWows.com: www.powwows.com/powwow101

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A lot of content creators talk about monetization, but very few explain what it actually looks like. In this episode, we chat with Billy Thorpe, who’s built a real business around brand deals, shoppable videos, and live selling without relying on a massive audience or viral hits.

Billy breaks down why most creators misunderstand brand deals, especially the idea that you need big follower counts to get paid. We dig into what brands really care about: usable content, clear demos, reliability, and why systems matter more than motivation. He also shares how volume, when done with repeatable formats and smart workflows, leads to income that compounds instead of burning you out.

We also get into live selling, AI, platform risk, and why “maybe money” from algorithms should never be your only plan. This conversation is a reality check for creators who want to stop guessing and start building something boring, stable, and sustainable… on their own terms.

1. Brand deals don’t require big audiences: Brands pay for clear demos, reliable delivery, and usable content, not follower counts.
2. Volume works when systems exist: Burnout comes from chaos, not from publishing more content.
3. Batching removes decision fatigue: Pre-deciding formats and workflows makes consistency easier.
4. Assets matter more than analytics: A portfolio of finished content closes deals faster than pitch decks or dashboards.
5. Live selling scales trust: One-to-many selling builds confidence faster than one-to-one sales.
6. Don’t build on one platform: Algorithms, payouts, and rules change without warning. Diversification protects you.
7. AI should support, not replace you: Use it for structure and clarity, not fake opinions or avatars.

1. Billy Thorpe: https://billythorpe.live
2. Billy's Dealmakers Community is FREE to join right now! Check it out!

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Check out all the fun things The Unsinkable Conor Brown has going on at: https://www.vacationkingdoms.com/

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If design has ever felt overwhelming, especially with AI tools popping up every five minutes, you’re not alone. In this episode, I’m joined by Maliha Khan, founder of Khanect the Dots, to talk about what’s really happening at the intersection of AI, Canva, and modern design workflows, and how creators can use these tools without spiraling into chaos.

Maliha has a great way of describing where many creators get stuck, the “messy middle” between strategy and execution. We dig into how AI can either help you move faster or push you straight into tactical overload, depending on how you approach it. From Canva’s latest AI features to building a tech stack that actually fits your brain, this conversation is all about clarity, consistency, and staying human in the process.

This episode is especially for creators who want their visuals to look intentional, on-brand, and professional, without spending hours tweaking templates or chasing every new trend. AI isn’t here to replace designers or creators, but it can absolutely make your workflow easier if you use it with purpose.

1. AI works best when strategy comes first: Tools are helpful, but without clarity around message and audience, they just create more noise.
2. Consistency beats chasing trends: You don’t need every new feature; you need a workflow you can repeat week after week.
3. Your input determines your output: AI needs context, brand voice, and direction; otherwise, everything it produces sounds generic.
4. Design doesn’t need to be perfect to be effective: Hitting 80 percent and shipping often beats endless tweaking.
5. Templates are a starting point, not the finish line: Mixing elements, animations, and brand assets helps your visuals stand out.
6. Brand voice matters as much as visuals: Clear guidelines help AI tools support your brand instead of diluting it.
7. AI should reduce friction, not add pressure: Use it to offload busywork, not to replace creative judgment.
8. The human layer still matters most: Taste, experience, and review are things AI can’t replicate.

1. Maliha Khan
2. www.khanectthedots.com
3. Canva Toolkit (Free Resource from Maliha)
4. www.khanectthedots.com/canvatoolkit
5. Khanect the Dots Workshops & Trainings
6. Strategy-first sessions covering Canva, AI workflows, brand voice, and content...