The Independent Creator

What We're Talking About This Week: YouTube had everyone freaking out lately, and honestly, most of it was just creators jumping to conclusions without doing their homework. We're breaking down what actually happened with those mysterious view drops everyone was complaining about. The Real Story: Remember when bigger channels like Linus Tech Tips and Markiplier started saying their views tanked? E...

What We're Talking About This Week Josh dives deep into a really uncomfortable topic that's been brewing in the streaming world. After a French creator tragically died during a live stream where he was essentially being abused for donations, we're asking the hard questions about where platforms draw the line. The Real Talk: Remember when IRL streaming was just people walking around chatting? Now w...

Hey Linux Lovers & Tech Explorers! Buckle up for this week's spicy episode where I dive into the world of open source elitism! 🔥 I'm getting real about my recent adventures in Linux-land, including my battle with Fedora 42 installation and the struggle to get my favorite games running smoothly. Ever been made to feel stupid for asking a "simple" question in a tech forum? Then this episode is...

Hey podcast fam! 👋 Josh dropped another super interesting episode where he digs into something pretty surprising—Gen Z isn't abandoning podcasts for TikTok after all! Who knew?! What we chatted about this time: Turns out a MASSIVE 55.9% of Gen Z listens to podcasts on Spotify (whoa!) YouTube is climbing the charts at 20.6% (no surprise there) The whole "Spotify taking over the podcast world" deba...

🏠 Why Your Content Needs Its Own Home Have you ever thought about what happens when the algorithm changes overnight and your content just vanishes ? In our latest episode, Josh dives into the digital landlord game and why you might be playing it all wrong. What We Unpacked 📦 Josh takes us on a journey through the digital real estate market, explaining why posting exclusively on platforms like Fa...

In this episode of the Independent Creator podcast, Josh delves into the intricacies of organizing workflows for content creation. He shares his personal journey of restructuring his digital life using the PARA method, which stands for Projects, Areas, Resources, and Archives. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining an organized file system to enhance productivity...

Beyond Twitch: Finding Your Perfect Live Streaming Home in 2025 Hey there, independent creators! Just released the latest episode of the Independent Creator Podcast, and I'm excited to share the juicy details about the evolving world of live streaming platforms. The Twitch Situation: What's Really Happening? Let's talk about Twitch first. CEO Dan Clancy recently dropped their 2025 roadmap, and the...

Moving to the Fediverse? Slow Down and Enjoy the Journey! | The Independent Creator Podcast Hey Fediverse friends! 🌐 This week's episode tackles something we've all seen happen - those massive waves of users flooding into Mastodon when drama hits the bird site or Meta makes another questionable decision. But is that sudden growth actually good for our beloved federated spaces? Let's dive in! What...

Episode 023: Navigating the AI Revolution in Creative Spaces In this episode, I explore the complex relationship between artificial intelligence and content creation, discussing: • The current "monsoon" of AI integration across creative industries  • Analysis of recent AI controversies (Coca-Cola ad, Disney+ intro)  • The emergence of AI-resistant platforms like Cara  • DeepSeek's impact on the AI...

In this episode of the Independent Creator podcast, I discuss the recent shutdown of the live-streaming platform LiveSpace and its impact on content creators. I reflect on the lack of communication leading up to the shutdown and the challenges faced by new streaming platforms. Our conversation also touches on the role of AI in live streaming and the potential benefits and drawbacks. I emphasize th...

In this episode of the Independent Creator Podcast, I discuss what content creators and viewers want from live-streaming platforms. Highlighting the one-way nature of many platforms, where users are the product and platforms prioritize ad revenue and data collection. I explore decentralized platforms like Mastodon and PeerTube, which allow users to have more control over their content and the cont...

Welcome to the Independent Creator Podcast. In this episode, Josh dives into a topic that's been on everyone's lips: Artificial Intelligence (AI). He demystifies AI, explaining how it can be an asset rather than a threat to our jobs, especially for content creators. Key Points Discussed: Understanding AI: Josh breaks down what AI is and its relevance in today's digital landscape. AI in Video Editi...

In this episode, I explore the features and advantages of Guilded, a chat app that offers a range of options for free. I compare Guilded with Discord and highlight the benefits of using Guilded, such as the availability of built-in bots and a variety of channel types. I also discuss the challenges of migrating a community from Discord to Guilded and encourage listeners to give Guilded a chance. Th...

Ever felt like the digital tides are changing for content creators? Get ready to navigate the vast ocean of possibilities with FourthWall, your new beacon of monetization! Our latest episode is a treasure map for creators and live streamers looking to craft a distinctive brand that stands out from the sea of first-party services like Twitch. We're spilling the secrets of customizing your website w...

Navigating the labyrinth of content creation and community building can feel akin to orchestrating a symphony with a hundred instruments, each vying for attention. I've walked this path, grappling with self-promotion and the dizzying array of skills it demands, and today I'm peeling back the curtain to share the raw truths of this journey. We take a hard look at the fallacy of a universal blueprin...

Unlock the secrets of thriving online communities as we traverse the evolving digital landscape, contrasting the enduring value of forums with the dynamic nature of Discord. Discover why forums like SMF remain essential archives of knowledge, while Discord's fleeting conversations risk losing decades of community wisdom. We delve into the RuneScape community's shift from forums to Discord, probing...

Welcome to the first podcast of the year, where we navigate the turbulent waters of live-streaming platforms. The tides are shifting, and content creators are actively seeking new harbors away from the likes of Twitch, with its growing ad demands, and YouTube, which often sidelines live streamers. Remember the fleeting success of platforms like Mixer and Glimmish? As history cycles, we’re now turn...

Sometimes change is a quiet revolution, humming along in the world of technology while we carry on with our daily tweets and scrolls. But have you stopped to consider the digital exodus from mainstream social media to pioneering platforms? Our year-end retrospective takes you through the leaps in alternative platform technology made in 2023, with a special focus on the rise of federated networks l...

Are you looking for the perfect holiday gift for the content creator in your life? Or maybe, you're the creative genius yearning for new equipment to boost your production value! Either way, we've got you covered! We journey through a plethora of microphone options suitable for every budget, from the affordable Fifine USB microphone to the top-tier Shure SM7B. We dispel the myth that great audio q...

In this insightful episode of the Independent Creator Podcast, we delve into the innovative world of self-hosted live streaming with Owncast, an open-source software that's rewriting the rules of broadcasting. Host Josh Bailey demystifies Owncast's functionalities and explores its bold initiative of involving creators in the platform’s continuing growth. The episode also uncovers how Owncast users...

Welcome to the Independent Creator Podcast, where we discuss alternative platforms and content creation. In this episode, we announce a major evolution for the show - we're becoming more dynamic, offering more value while refining our content production process. No longer are we sticking to the three stories per episode structure; instead, we're moving to a free-flowing format where we dive into a...

Welcome back to the Independent Creator Podcast! I'm overjoyed to share my latest episode with you, where I peel back the layers of my journey as a content creator. Starting from my humble beginnings as a Twitch live streamer under 'Schrodember', I dive into my unexpected transition into Mixer, my eventual progression into the co-host role for Zero Point Report, and how my passion for indie games...

In this episode of my Independent Creator Podcast, I dive deep into chatbots - what they are, why streamers use them, and the different types available. I explain the key differences between locally installed vs cloud-based bots and demonstrate features of popular options like BeepBot, MixItUp, and Aitum. I provide an overview of what chatbots can do, from commands and channel points to automation...

In this episode of the Independent Creator Podcast, I dive into some alternative monetization options beyond just Twitch subscriptions. We'll explore platforms like StreamLoots, Ko-Fi, and FourthWall that offer streamers a bigger cut of earnings. I'll outline how each one works, including the percentage you get to keep compared to Twitch's 50% sub-cut. I also share tips for integrating these servi...

Welcome to another episode of the Independent Creator Podcast where it's all about helping you navigate the tricky world of content creation. This time around, I'm tackling an essential, yet often misunderstood, component of live streaming and video creation - music. Today, I shed light on how to navigate the minefield of copyright-free and DMCA-free music. I break down the various options availab...