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The Enthusiasm Project

My name is Tom and this is The Enthusiasm Project! Join me each week for deep dives exploring the world of what it means to be an independent creator on YouTube, audio/video production, and keeping a positive, enthusiastic mindset along the way.
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Episodes

I Gave My Resignation (Secret Series #2)

Send a text message to the show! Have you ever thought about what it’d be like to resign from your job? What if that job was a career that you originally planned to follow through to retirement? That’s what I did this week, so this second installment of “The Secret Series” breaks down the how’s and why’s of resigning along with the first stumbling block in my full time endeavor (which of course had to happen the very same day). 🎙Ready to start your own podcast? Check out The Podcaster Playbook,...

Mar 15, 20211 hr 8 minSeason 4Ep. 10

The Decision (Secret Series #1)

Send a text message to the show! This is the first in a series of episodes documenting my decision to leave my 11 year career as a teacher to become a full time content creator. In this first episode, Heather helps me to embrace the fact that this is something I want to do and helps me work through the initial rush of feelings (both good and bad) that come with that decision. 🎙Ready to start your own podcast? Check out The Podcaster Playbook, a step-by-step DIY course to help you launch your sh...

Mar 08, 20211 hr 26 minSeason 4Ep. 8

Let's A Some Q's! [S4E07]

Send a text message to the show! Thank you to everyone who sent in questions via Twitter and Instagram! This week I answer literally all of them, and we cover everything from finding motivation to start a creative project to pieces of gear that ended up being surprisingly underrated (and of course a sprinkling of Rodecaster Pro tech support). 🎙Ready to start your own podcast? Check out The Podcaster Playbook, a step-by-step DIY course to help you launch your show: https://podcasterplaybook.com ...

Mar 01, 202158 minSeason 4Ep. 7

When They Zig, You Zag [S4E06]

Send a text message to the show! How can you tell when you should follow a trend, or “buck” the trend and blaze your own path? What’s the difference between being inspired by your influences and having your creativity tampered by the influence of others? This week's episode dives into the creative challenge of trusting yourself and your instincts to create something uniquely you that will be appreciated by your audience. •Here’s my shameless plug to sign up for the waitlist for my first online c...

Feb 22, 202148 minSeason 4Ep. 6

The Cost of YouTube - Expense Breakdown [S5E05]

Send a text message to the show! In the final chapter of the "YouTube Business Breakdown Trilogy (Real Name TBD)", I go over all of the current expenses for my channel. This is definitely not financial advice, but I hope it's a helpful glimpse into some of the behind the scenes things that go into creating a solid foundation for your creative endeavor. In the previous two episodes I covered revenue streams and business structure, so be sure to check those out if you haven't already. •YouTube Rev...

Feb 08, 202155 minSeason 4Ep. 5

How Much Money My Creativity Earned in 2020 [S4E04]

Send a text message to the show! In this companion episode to S4E03, I wanted to break down the highs and lows of revenue from my YouTube channel in 2020. All in all, there are currently ten revenue streams, so this episode covers the why's and how's behind each one, along with how much each stream earned at its highest and it's lowest. I can't emphasize enough that this is not a boast- I just think it's helpful to have some sort of reference of what's possible in terms of earnings for someone i...

Feb 01, 20211 hr 5 minSeason 4Ep. 4

Build a Business Around Your Creativity (While Keeping Your Integrity) [S4E03]

Send a text message to the show! This week I break down the nuts and bolts of how my YouTube channel is set up as a business. You might remember that Season 2 ended with Heather and I forming an LLC, but how have we actually been able to use our LLC since then? How do we handle income, pay ourselves, and keep everything the up and up? •Here’s the app that we use to track our expenses: https://www.waveapps.com/ 🎙Ready to start your own podcast? Check out The Podcaster Playbook, a step-by-step DI...

Jan 25, 202155 minSeason 4Ep. 3

Rediscovering the Why Behind the What [S4E02]

Send a text message to the show! Why do we spend our time creating and making stuff? Over the holiday break I had a few key experiences that really made me remember the initial spark of excitement that goes into making creative content and I wanted to share them with you. •My Interview with Eliseo Way: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_JHyrk6guY&t=161s 🎙Ready to start your own podcast? Check out The Podcaster Playbook, a step-by-step DIY course to help you launch your show: https://podcaste...

Jan 18, 202154 minSeason 4Ep. 2

Rafael Ludwig - Fix it in Camera, Finesse it in Post [Season 4 Premiere]

Send a text message to the show! Season 4 kicks off with the man behind one of my favorite Youtube channels, Rafael Ludwig. We dive into Rafael's extensive history in the film and media industry, his YouTube journey, and the process of building your video and filmmaking skillset. •Check out Rafael’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/rafaelludwig •Connect with Rafael @Capricorn8 on Twitter & instagram 🎙Ready to start your own podcast? Check out The Podcaster Playbook, a step-by-step D...

Jan 11, 20211 hr 16 minSeason 4Ep. 1

Diving Into YouTube with Heather from Fellow Filmmaker [Season 3 Finale!]

Send a text message to the show! Heather is serious about helping fellow filmmakers learn their craft through useful reviews, tutorials, and insights. After establishing her own video production company, she's built a thriving YouTube channel around "growth for the serious filmmaker." I've been a fan for a long time, so I was very excited to talk with Heather about her journey, her channel, and her perspectives on how she approaches her work. It's a fantastic way to wrap up the third season! Che...

Dec 21, 20201 hr 3 minSeason 3Ep. 21

The Million Dollar Question [S3E20]

Send a text message to the show! If you’re struggling with a goal, how can you tell if it’s something that’s not possible or just an issue of motivation? That’s the million dollar question. I’ve got a great strategy that I “borrowed” from a friend to help make that differentiation super clear, and I wanted to share it with you. I also wanted to share a few updates on why I moved my podcasts all to Buzzsprout and how my ethics Statement has been received by potential sponsors since I’ve implement...

Dec 14, 202054 minSeason 3Ep. 20

Finding the Drive to Get Started with Jared Spink [S3E19]

Send a text message to the show! Jared Spink hosts The Hive podcast where he interviews creatives and entrepreneurs and own his own photo/video company. This week we dive in to the sometimes tragic circumstances that happen in life to make you reevaluate your priorities and light the fire to get started. The Hive Podcast: https://www.hivepodcast.org/ Jared's Web Site: https://www.growthehive.com/ @jaredspink on Twitter & Instagram 🎙Ready to start your own podcast? Check out The Podcaster Pl...

Dec 07, 20201 hr 10 minSeason 3Ep. 19

Igniting the Creators Campfire w/ Bhav Sharma [S3E18]

Send a text message to the show! The goal of this episode is to get you excited about making something. In 6 months, Bhav Sharma has created a video podcast and YouTube channel where she's been able to invest her time in herself and work towards the goal of being an creator. This was a super fun interview where we talked not only about Bhav's podcasting journey, but her entire process and workflow for approaching potential guests and keeping everything organized in Notion, along with the fulfill...

Nov 30, 20201 hr 1 minSeason 3Ep. 18

Put Your Money Where it Matters [S3E17]

Send a text message to the show! If you want ot create high quality content, you have to invest time and money into it– there's no way around that fact. This week I want to share how a $150 light improved my videos more than a $4000 camera, and I also reached out to the YouTube and Twitter community to see what lesser-known investments have had the biggest impact in audio and video production. Thank you so much to everyone who left comments and messages for this week's show! 🎙Ready to start you...

Nov 23, 202056 minSeason 3Ep. 17

Special Episode: 40K Spectacular w/ Heather! [S3E16]

Send a text message to the show! My YouTube channel crossed the 40,000 subscriber milestone this week, and while I don’t like to place too much of an emphasis on numbers for creative endeavors, for whatever reason, 40K is a big one in my mind. Heather and I did a celebration Livestream Q&A, which was an incredible experience, and ended up running for over two hours! I feel like our podcast community is pretty tight-knit, and I know this is different from our usual episodes, but it was a real...

Nov 16, 20202 hr 4 minSeason 3Ep. 16

Being Authentically Authentic with What You Create [S3E15]

Send a text message to the show! What’s the difference between inspiration and emulation? If you create something to share with the world, like a YouTube channel or podcast, it’s natural to look at what others are doing as a guide. But what if you don’t see anyone else doing things the way you do? What does it mean to be authentic, and how does in play in to the long term growth/sustainability of something that you invest a ton of time and energy into? 🎙Ready to start your own podcast? Check ou...

Nov 09, 202057 minSeason 3Ep. 15

Finding Your Platform & Getting Started - Creator Roundtable! [S3E14]

Send a text message to the show! It's a full studio this week! I'm lucky to have three awesome creators share what they do, how they do it, and why they got started in the first place. This is a great conversation for anyone who creates and shares something online, I hope you enjoy it! •Heather Ramirez (aka my Wonderful Wife) @heatherjustcreate http://youtube.com/heatherjustcreate •Kevin Ramirez @kevandram https://youtube.com/kevandram •Dan Moore @justonethingdm https://www.twitch.tv/justonethin...

Nov 02, 20201 hr 22 minSeason 3Ep. 14

The Cost of Creating [S3E13]

Send a text message to the show! For years, the online creator community has proclaimed “Story is king! Gear doesn’t matter!” But is this doing more harm than good? Has it helped to create a new generation of creators who feel entitled to "pro" results without investing the time and money to get there? And alternate title for this episode could be “Old Man Yells at Cloud.” 🎙Ready to start your own podcast? Check out The Podcaster Playbook, a step-by-step DIY course to help you launch your show:...

Oct 26, 202053 minSeason 3Ep. 13

I Shot Myself in the Foot (Metaphorically) [S3E12]

Send a text message to the show! Do you have innate responsibilities when you have a platform/audience? Last week I talked about my goal of one day being able to generate a full time income via YouTube. This week I explain how I seem to be actively undermining that goal with my over the top ethics statement in a discussion sparked by the impossible-to-ignore gender gap in the camera/video/photo space on YouTube. Some of My Favorite Female Creators: •HeatherJustCreate https://youtube.com/heatherj...

Oct 19, 202050 minSeason 3Ep. 12

The Art of Balancing a Full Time Job with a YouTube Channel [S3E11]

Send a text message to the show! If you work full time but also want to create a YouTube Channel or podcast, how on Earth is it possible to balance everything, especially once your creative endeavors begin to grow? And at what point, if any, should you consider leaving your job to become a full time creator? 🎙Ready to start your own podcast? Check out The Podcaster Playbook, a step-by-step DIY course to help you launch your show: https://podcasterplaybook.com •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••...

Oct 12, 202055 minSeason 3Ep. 11

Let’s A Some Q’s! [S3E10]

Send a text message to the show! It’s time for my second Question & Answer episode! Thank you to everyone who sent in questions on YouTube, Twitter, Instagram and Anchor. Many of the questions were gear related, but I tried to give answers/context in ways that would be helpful to anyone who creates any kind of content, so I think you’ll really enjoy this one! It was a ton of fun to record. 🎙Ready to start your own podcast? Check out The Podcaster Playbook, a step-by-step DIY course to help ...

Sep 28, 20201 hr 26 minSeason 3Ep. 10

Saying Goodbye to The Enthusiasm Project [S3E9]

Send a text message to the show! Let’s revisit my rebranding escapades over the past month because I think there are quite a few valuable lessons for anyone who creates and shares their work online. I was incredibly nervous to rebrand my YouTube channel, which lead down a rabbit whole of other questions. But I’ve ultimately learned a lot and now feel very excited (or should I say…enthusiastic) about where things are and where they’re heade 🎙Ready to start your own podcast? Check out The Podcast...

Sep 14, 202054 minSeason 3Ep. 9

It’ll Never Be Perfect, So Just Jump In [S3E8]

Send a text message to the show! If you have a creative spark that’s been in the back of your mind, or you’ve had the little urge to get started on something new. Just go for it. Don’t wait, just create! I know firsthand the frustration that cmomes with waiting for things to be perfect before you get started, but I’ve also learned the value of just jumping in and figuring it out as you go. 🎙Ready to start your own podcast? Check out The Podcaster Playbook, a step-by-step DIY course to help you ...

Sep 07, 202051 minSeason 3Ep. 8

It's OK to Just Have Fun [S3E7]

Send a text message to the show! Why does every creative endeavor need to become a money making venture? This week I wanted to dive in to some thoughts I’ve been having on why it seems that “having fun” isn’t as much of a priority on YOuTube as it used to be. Is there a way to be strategic with the content you create while also staying true to yourself and hanging on to the spark of fun that made you want to begin in the first place? And thank you to everyone who has sent me messages over the pa...

Sep 02, 20201 hrSeason 3Ep. 8

Let Me Off This Hype Train [S3E6]

Send a text message to the show! This week’s show is a journey. We’re going to talk about cameras, but that’s really just for context. More importantly, I’m going to share a creative identity crisis I’ve been dealing with that forced me to reconnect with my roots in terms of why I originally wanted to share anything with the world in the first place and how authenticity plays a key role in every part of that. 🎙Ready to start your own podcast? Check out The Podcaster Playbook, a step-by-step DIY...

Aug 03, 202050 minSeason 3Ep. 6

Let's Answer Your Questions! Q&A #1 [S3E5]

Send a text message to the show! It’s my first ever Q&A episode! I can’t believe how many great questions were submitted, so let’s dive in for an extended episode! Thank you so much to everyone who took the time to submit a question. •The Hive Podcast: https://www.hivepodcast.org/ 🎙Ready to start your own podcast? Check out The Podcaster Playbook, a step-by-step DIY course to help you launch your show: https://podcasterplaybook.com ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 🎯Support t...

Jul 27, 20201 hr 28 minSeason 3Ep. 5

The Ethics of YouTube & Podcasting [S3E4]

Send a text message to the show! Let’s get ethical! Last season I talked about wanting to develop an ethics statement to help guide how I approach potential partnerships with my YouTube channel and podcast, and to help keep my audience, me, and partners on the same page. It took about 6 weeks, but I drafted a statement that I’m very happy with and that has already helped to build stronger relationships. This week I want to go line by line and explain my thinking behind each point and how it migh...

Jul 20, 202058 minSeason 3Ep. 4

Gear Doesn’t Not Matter [S3E3]

Send a text message to the show! It’s been a whirlwind of camera news lately, and I think it’s super exciting! However, as people are praising new releases or lamenting imitations, there’s a third group that tends to show up and remind everyone that “story is king” and “gear doesn’t matter.” While there’s definitely truth to those platitudes, I think they can actually be harmful, and in some instances, can even end up discouraging people from diving in and making something. Leave a message and b...

Jul 13, 202051 minSeason 3Ep. 3

Just Create More - Heather Reevaluates Her YouTube Channel [S3E2]

Send a text message to the show! My lovely wife Heather has been struggling with the direction of her own YouTube channel lately. We wanted to have a candid conversation about creativity and how she might want to adapt/approach her content in the future. I think this includes a lot of very valuable lessons for anyone who creates things to share with an audience online. Thank you to Heather for being so open! Be sure to check out Heather’s YouTube channel: http://youtube.com/heatherjustcreate 🎙R...

Jul 06, 20201 hr 12 minSeason 3Ep. 2

3 Years, 3 Stories, and 3 Lessons! (Season 3 Premiere!) [S3E1]

Send a text message to the show! We’re kicking off Season 3 on what happens to be the 3 year anniversary of my YouTube channel! To celebrate, I wanted to share three personal stories with you that taught me 3 very valuable lessons, not only helpful for life in general, but that have also proven immensely valuable as a digital content creator. Leave a message and be included in a future episode! I’d love to hear your thoughts on my lessons learned or even hear some of your own life lessons! https...

Jun 29, 20201 hr 8 minSeason 3Ep. 1
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