In this episode, we explore the concept of Yearly Themes, a flexible productivity principle popularized by CGP Grey and the Cortex Podcast.
Instead of setting rigid goals (like "go to the gym every day") that shatter the moment you miss one, a Theme acts as a compass to help you "steer the ship". We discuss why themes are superior for habit forming, how to conduct a Year in Review, and why we are pivoting our creator businesses in 2026.
We also dive deep into the reality of building a creator product versus a community, and why the "marketing funnel" is better visualized as a series of opulent rooms.
Connect with me onLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/vfarkasch/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/orbitforcreators/Music from Uppbeat https://share.uppbeat.io/orbit-for-creatorsSubtitles made with Magic Subtitles https://www.mralextech.com/magicsubtitle/2tj0zThumbnail tested on on ClickPilot https://clickpilot.app?aff=nDNrp
During the editing I realized I missed two lessons.By embracing imperfections I found peace with that and instead of re-recording them you can read find out what I left out in the newsletter: newsletter.orbitforcreators.com/Connect with me onLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/vfarkasch/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/orbitforcreators/Music from Uppbeat https://share.uppbeat.io/orbit-for-creatorsSubtitles made with Magic Subtitles https://www.mralextech.com/magicsubtitle/2tj0zThumbnail tested on on ClickPilot https://clickpilot.app?aff=nDNrpChapters0:00 25 Lessons1:10 Live an interesting Life1:59 Audience over revenue3:39 Systems over outcomes4:35 Simplify5:34 The power of reflection6:24 Think on paper7:59 Pick the right ideas9:13 Focus on one thing10:39 Be clear, not clever12:16 Research connects 12:50 The story is just the beginning14:01 Don’t edit and publish15:56 Long-form is an investment16:49 Metrics are meaningless17:53 Host events or content18:50 Bring people to YouTube19:32 Curate your feed19:45 Captain your own ship20:49 Discovering the tagline21:39 Community takes commitment24:21 Movement is essential24:42 What is real25:39 Forget the algorithm
Find James on YouTube @Project AirConnect with me onLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/vfarkasch/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/orbitforcreators/Music from Uppbeat https://share.uppbeat.io/orbit-for-creatorsSubtitles made with Magic Subtitles https://www.mralextech.com/magicsubtitle/2tj0zThumbnail tested on on ClickPilot https://clickpilot.app?aff=nDNrp
0:00 Intro2:39 Making Niche Topic Interesting to Millions4:29 How to you test ideas? 9:37 When did you start seeing success? 13:17 How do you build for failure? 16:40 The power of community17:56 Is it still possible to become a YouTuber today? 21:23 What does Success look like?
Find Mia on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/mia-zimonjic/My IG https://www.instagram.com/orbitforcreators/My LI https://www.linkedin.com/in/vfarkasch/Music from Uppbeat https://share.uppbeat.io/orbit-for-creatorsSubtitles made with Magic Subtitles https://www.mralextech.com/magicsubtitle/2tj0zThumbnail improved on ClickPilot https://clickpilot.app?aff=nDNrp0:00 Intro1:08 Why research matters3:04 How do you research4:22 Lessons from @ColinandSamir 6:24 Researching for @DodfordYT 9:52 Researching for @digspaghetti 14:27 Podcast Guest Selection15:50 Lessons from Patreon16:53 When should you start a Patreon18:57 Is there still space for art on YouTube22:13 What does success look like for you
We are all Cringe!My LI https://www.linkedin.com/in/vfarkasch/My IG https://www.instagram.com/orbitforcreators/Music from Uppbeat https://share.uppbeat.io/orbit-for-creatorsSubtitles made with Magic Subtitles https://www.mralextech.com/magicsubtitle/2tj0zThumbnail improved on ClickPilot https://clickpilot.app?aff=nDNrpFeaturing in this video @HazarielAtelier @LucForsyth @DavidRitt @MrAlexTech @LouiseStigell @AprilynneAlter @RickBebbington @lilicaymusic @JasonHowell @maqaroon @hashtagimpact
Find Ariel on YouTube @HazarielAtelier
My IG https://www.instagram.com/orbitforcreators/
My LI https://www.linkedin.com/in/vfarkasch/
Music from Uppbeat https://share.uppbeat.io/orbit-for-creators
Subtitles made with Magic Subtitles https://www.mralextech.com/magicsubtitle/2tj0z
Thumbnail improved on ClickPilot https://clickpilot.app?aff=nDNrp
0:00 Intro
1:00 Starting after 2 years of doubt
5:10 How did you develop your style?
6:09 Ariel's Inflection Point
10:48 The emotional rollercoaster of being a creators
13:15 The big community project
16:42 Making and documenting projects
22:35 Creating in English or French?
26:05 Advice to get unstuck
31:41 What is success?
Catch the full episode on Rethinking Podcasting - https://rethinkingpodcasting.com/and learn more about Matthew Bliss - https://www.mbpod.com/My IG https://www.instagram.com/orbitforcreators/My LI https://www.linkedin.com/in/vfarkasch/Music from Uppbeat https://share.uppbeat.io/orbit-for-creatorsSubtitles made with Magic Subtitles https://www.mralextech.com/magicsubtitle/2tj0zThumbnail improved on ClickPilot https://clickpilot.app?aff=nDNrpChapters0:00 Orbit x Rethinking Podcasting0:54 What was the Foundation?3:03 How did it evolve in season 2?6:39 Testing new styles in season 38:38 Reflecting on success as a podcaster12:18 Should you start a podcast in 2026?15:15 Packaging Podcasts19:02 Why you need a Newsletter24:19 A dialogue about reflections29:41 Whats next for your show? 33:07 Advice on starting a podcast in 2026
What does success look like to you?My IG https://www.instagram.com/orbitforcreators/My LI https://www.linkedin.com/in/vfarkasch/Music from Uppbeat https://share.uppbeat.io/orbit-for-creatorsSubtitles made with Magic Subtitles https://www.mralextech.com/magicsubtitle/2tj0zThumbnail improved on ClickPilot https://clickpilot.app?aff=nDNrpFeaturing in this video @ColinandSamir @AprilynneAlter @BeccaFarsace @LucForsyth @TejasHullur @sferro21 @LouiseStigell @hashtagimpact @JasonHowell @answerinprogress @BenKaluza @MrAlexTech @maqaroon @JustinEspejo @jason_swet @prestongoes @CineD @bartekmalinowski
every level of being a YouTuber, explained.My IG https://www.instagram.com/orbitforcreators/My LI https://www.linkedin.com/in/vfarkasch/Music from Uppbeat https://share.uppbeat.io/orbit-for-creatorsSubtitles made with Magic Subtitles https://www.mralextech.com/magicsubtitle/2tj0zThumbnail improved on ClickPilot https://clickpilot.app?aff=nDNrp
heck out Magic Subtitles - https://www.mralextech.com/magicsubtitle/2tj0zHave Shorts helped your channel grow, or just drained your energy? Drop your take in the comments.I know shorts can get you views. They might even get you subscribers.But here’s the real question: are they helping you build an audience — or are you just feeding the algorithm?In this video, I dive into the Shorts dilemma with insights from creators and managers who’ve seen both sides: explosive growth, reputation risks, and burnout. You’ll hear why some creators refuse to touch Shorts, why others swear by them, and what I’ve learned through my own experiments.If you’ve ever wondered whether Shorts are worth your time, this will give you the clarity you need.0:00 The Shorts Dilemma0:53 Common Wisdom1:50 What Creators Say4:54 Temptation of Virality6:36 Do Shorts Convert?7:20 Starting an Experiment9:20 Tool or Distraction
This is episode is a raw recording of my takeaways from Colin and Samir's Publish Press event in New York. If you want to help launch a event like it in Europe make sure to reach out.
Get Weekly Strategies to Grow as a Solo Creator → https://newsletter.orbitforcreators.com/In this episode, I sit down with Charles Haynes from Ziggurat xyz to uncover what really makes creators sustainable. He has been managing niche creators for 10 years and knows the industry better than most. In our conversation we go into how to find a manager, how they can help you and what you, as a creator, should really focus on. You can find Charles on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleszhaynes/and check out Ziggurat XYZhttps://www.zigguratxyz.com/Help our Orbit Grow→ Share this video with a creator friend→ Drop a comment with your takeaway→ Hit subscribe so you don’t miss the next oneChapters0:00 Intro1:38 Who is Charles Haynes?5:17 What is the job of a manager?6:55 What are the levers of audience growth?11:59 What are the patterns of successful creators14:51 What are the monetization levers?17:07 The state of the creator economy21:14 The role and use of short form content28:21 How do you find a manager?33:37 How to get unstuck as a creator?37:23 How to find creator friends?39:52 Reframing Success
Get Weekly Strategies to Grow as a Solo Creator → https://newsletter.orbitforcreators.com/Jackie Lamport helped transform @moneywisebyhampton into a YouTube-first podcast. Designed for discoverability and retention to grow the overall audience. In this episode she gives a full guide masterclass on how to turn a small podcast into a watchable YouTube channel that still serves the right audience. Chapters0:00 Intro1:38 Who is Jackie Lamport5:19 The video that changed everything11:17 How much extra work is video really?15:50 Earning the viewers attention19:39 Does short form content grow the audience?22:13 The episodettes strategy for growth24:27 Can you republish videos27:26 Testing ideas on YouTube30:06 The most important metric for video podcasts32:48 Choosing between audio and video35:09 Lessons from high net worth individuals38:31 How to keep going when you are stuck41:57 What does success look like?
Get Weekly Strategies to Grow as a Solo Creator → https://orbitforcreators.beehiiv.com @Tapakapa is one of the most interesting creators I know. Because he build a sustainable YouTube channel and income through Patreon without ever showing his face and spilling his whole personality online. He grew an audience over nearly a decade, not with virality, but with trust and consistent storytelling. Despite not showing his face and covering niche topics like tram lines, flags and potatoes. Chapters0:00 Intro0:52 Who is Tapakapa1:33 Making people care3:44 How do you show personality5:18 How to hold attention7:53 How do you choose topics9:54 Video packaging11:30 Being a faceless YouTuber15:00 Monetizing through Patreon18:40 How to get started20:23 What is success
Get Weekly Field Notes For Creators → https://newsletter.orbitforcreators.com/I never thought LinkedIn would be a platform I'm raving about. But here we are. Out of all the social media platforms this has been a hidden gem for me where I genuinely enjoy spending time on and can post without the pressure to perform. Help me cross 1000 followers on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/vfarkasch/Chapters0:00 Intro1:45 LinkedIn Opens Doors You Didn't Know Existed3:51 Posting On LinkedIn Is Low Pressure8:33 LinkedIn Creates Connections11:35 LinkedIn Showed Me My Personal Brand15:21 LinkedIn is a Lean In Experience17:32 How To Get Started On LinkedIn
Go to https://newsletter.orbitforcreators.com/ for weekly thoughts on being a content creator. In this episode, I break down the power of audio-first podcasting with Regina Larko, covering how she built a top 5% global podcast without video, why audio creates a safer space for new voices (especially women), and how to start before you feel ready. We also unpack the emotional side of podcasting — from imposter syndrome to redefining what success really means. Whether you're an independent creator or just starting out, these strategies will help you launch your podcast with confidence, overcome perfectionism, and create impact on your own terms.Find her athttps://reginalarko.com/Chapters0:00 Intro1:10 Audio vs Video Podcasts5:05 The simplicity of audio podcasts7:36 Creating without being measured11:43 How to get started13:45 The biggest challenges15:53 How to create impact20:06 What makes a creator who can have impact22:19 What does success look like
Go to https://newsletter.orbitforcreators.com/ for weekly thoughts on being a content creator. Check out the Thumbnail magnet: https://tools.orbitforcreators.com/A couple days ago I got a visit from my friend Alex who loves notion and helps people build better workflows. He asked me a few question about how I work and what it's really like to be a YouTuber. We spend a day together and in this video you can get a peek behind the doors of my day to day as a content creator in Europe. Chapters0:00 Intro0:33 Where are you now? 0:58 Community & Content3:40 Niche & Focus5:43 Artificial Inteligence7:37 Getting Outside
Go to https://newsletter.orbitforcreators.com/ for weekly thoughts on being a content creator. What if a single 30-day challenge could change your life? @JustinEspejo is a creator who turned one month of posting short-form content into a full-time creative career. From landing a major brand collaboration with Adobe to writing a book that helps other creators find their voice, Justin’s journey proves that it’s not about the gear — it’s about the story.His most high-profile video wasn’t filmed on fancy cameras or edited with high-end software. It was shot entirely on the stock iPhone app, no color grading, no gear. But it still worked because it had a story people connected with. If you're starting out, forget the pressure to over-edit or over-produce. Justin shares how storytelling and relatability keep people watching, even with just a phone in your hand. Attention comes from feeling, not effects.Justin’s process isn’t perfect — it’s evolving. Some days he has a script, some days he just feels like making something. That commitment to creating no matter what is what sustains him — and what might inspire you to finally press record.Follow Justin and pre-order the book at:https://www.instagram.com/justin_joseph_espejo/Chapters0:00 Intro1:04 Making Short Form Content in 20252:38 How to stand out on Instagram4:41 Justin's Creation Process7:44 Solving the edit9:17 The book deal11:57 How to master short form content15:16 Who is the book for? 16:23 Where to start?19:35 What is success? Being a solo creator can feel isolating. We are here to change that.https://community.orbitforcreators.com/
Get Weekly Strategies to Grow as a Solo Creator → https://newsletter.orbitforcreators.com/
After two years of building a YouTube channel as a solo creator, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned — the mistakes, the mindset shifts, and the systems that actually made a difference.
This isn’t a highlight reel. It’s the real story of growing slow, staying sane, and figuring out what matters.
If you're trying to build something meaningful without burning out, this one’s for you.
Get Weekly Strategies to Grow as a Solo Creator → https://newsletter.orbitforcreators.comSimone went viral on TikTok. But his first product? Made $8.Now he runs a 6-figure course business — and spends thousands a month on ads to scale it.In this episode, we unpack how Simone went from posting presets that didn’t sell… to building the Home Studio Blueprint — a product his audience actually wanted.We talk:→ Why most creators fail to monetize→ What makes a course actually sell→ The moment he left Skillshare to build his own system→ And how paid ads changed everythingWhether you're sitting on a half-finished course or scared to sell at all — this one’s for you.📲 Learn more about Simone: https://www.instagram.com/sferro21🎥 His course: https://simoneferretti.net/💡 Join the Orbit community: https://community.orbitforcreators.com/