In this episode, the hosts discuss the impact of AI on the creator economy, separating hype from genuine change. They delve into popular AI tools currently used by creators, how these technologies are integrated into workflows, and the importance of audience connection and authenticity in an AI-driven landscape. They explore the benefits and pitfalls of various AI applications, ranging from content generation to competitive analysis, and emphasize the necessity for creators to develop unique skills to stay ahead. The discussion also touches on the future of AI in content creation, the potential business impacts, and strategies for leveraging AI without sacrificing artistic integrity.

00:00 Introduction: The AI Revolution for Creators

00:22 Exploring the AI Toolbox for Creators

01:26 AI in Action: Real-World Use Cases

02:27 Competitive Analysis and Strategy with AI

04:27 Content Ideation and Custom AI Models

09:10 The Hype vs. Reality of AI Tools

15:32 The Business Impact of AI on Content Creation

29:30 Future-Proofing Your Creative Career with AI

34:53 Conclusion: Embracing AI in the Creative Process

Jordan and Sam reconnect to discuss recent updates in their lives and their return to the show. Highlights include Jordan buying an apartment in New York City and Sam working on big projects for Usher. They discuss the evolving role of AI in the creator economy and the impact of Rolling Stone's 25 Most Influential Creators of 2025 list. They also delve into a new media funding platform, Waterfall, that promises to shake up traditional film and TV funding models by offering fans and investors more power. The episode concludes with a discussion on how AI will shape content creation and what it means for the authenticity of creators.

00:00 Reunion and Catching Up

00:54 Big Life Updates

01:51 The Evolving Creator Economy

02:46 Rolling Stone's Influential Creators of 2025

11:44 Waterfall: A New Era in Film and TV

16:02 AI's Impact on the Creator Economy

28:41 Conclusion and Future Plans

Jordan and Sam delve into Publicis's recent $150 million acquisition of Captivate, an influencer marketing company known for its extensive creator network and advancements in affiliate marketing technology. Their discussion highlights the shifting landscape of ad spending, as revenue increasingly moves from traditional formats to user-generated content platforms, accelerating the growth of the creator economy. They also examine strategic moves by major brands, such as MLB, which signal a broader trend of investments in this space. Additionally, the conversation explores how traditional media can stay competitive by collaborating directly with individual creators, reflecting on the opportunities and challenges this evolution presents.

00:00 Morning Catch-Up

00:13 Weekend Adventures

01:06 Exciting Industry News

01:45 Publicis' Strategic Moves

03:58 The Future of Advertising

08:39 MLB's Strategic Investment

08:52 The Rise of Creator Platforms

10:01 Traditional Media's Response