The 5-Year Rule: How Tom Calton Hit 250K Subs After Going All In

Our guest today has turned Sudoku from a quiet pastime into a thriving online community. With over 700 videos, 26,000 subscribers, and 5 million views on his Smart Hobbies YouTube channel, Jason Todd, aka Timberlake, is proving that keeping your brain sharp can be both fun and addictive. He’s here to share how he did it, and what’s next with his new website and Sudoku Masterclass. Jason, how are you doing? What We Offer Creators Join Creator Communities. A place to gather with other creators every single day. This provides access to Our Private Discord Server, Monthly Mastermind Group, and MORE!  Hire Dusty To Be Your YouTube Coach YouTube Channel Reviews (Audit): Get a 7-10 minute personalized video review of your YouTube channel with honest, actionable feedback for just $50. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: Each week I document what I'm doing in my business and creative journey, share new things I've discovered, mistakes I've made, and much more! All Tools Mentioned On The Show: The Ultimate Entrepreneurs Resource. This is the spreadsheet where I keep all of the tools mentioned by all the guests on the podcast. BEST TOOLS FOR CREATORS and ENTREPRENEURS: YouTube Optimization (Creative Fuel): https://geni.us/oPCt7Cf Hire Freelancers and Artists (Fiverr): https://geni.us/h4zMWAP Podcast Hosting (Libsyn): https://geni.us/TrpwY0 GeniusLink Link Shortener: https://geni.us/fHPAe Stock Assets For Creators (Envato): https://geni.us/rlEKkLB E-commerce (Shopify): https://geni.us/m9ctWwe Podcast Recording and Editing (Riverside.FM) https://geni.us/PLlt1M My YouTube Film Gear: 🎥 Camera: https://geni.us/B9eb5P 🎙️ Microphone: https://geni.us/QarC 🎤 Audio Interface: https://geni.us/kaosfB 🎧 Headphones: https://amzn.to/48YcHlB Follow The Show: Facebook /// X /// YouTube /// Instagram Connect With Jason: YouTube Channel

In this episode of the Creators Hub podcast, Dusty Porter interviews Dave Whipple, the creator behind the successful YouTube channel Bushradical. They discuss Dave's journey from building cabins in Alaska to sharing his rustic living experiences on YouTube. The conversation covers the importance of storytelling, effective branding, and the challenges new creators face. Dave shares insights on monetization strategies, the significance of quality content, and his thoughts on the future of YouTube in the age of AI. What We Offer Creators Join Creator Communities. A place to gather with other creators every single day. This provides access to Our Private Discord Server, Monthly Mastermind Group, and MORE!  Hire Dusty To Be Your YouTube Coach YouTube Channel Reviews (Audit): Get a 7-10 minute personalized video review of your YouTube channel with honest, actionable feedback for just $50. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: Each week I document what I'm doing in my business and creative journey, share new things I've discovered, mistakes I've made, and much more! BEST TOOLS FOR CREATORS and ENTREPRENEURS: YouTube Optimization (Creative Fuel): https://geni.us/oPCt7Cf Hire Freelancers and Artists (Fiverr): https://geni.us/h4zMWAP Podcast Hosting (Libsyn): https://geni.us/TrpwY0 GeniusLink Link Shortener: https://geni.us/fHPAe Stock Assets For Creators (Envato): https://geni.us/rlEKkLB E-commerce (Shopify): https://geni.us/m9ctWwe Podcast Recording and Editing (Riverside.FM) https://geni.us/PLlt1M My YouTube Film Gear: 🎥 Camera: https://geni.us/B9eb5P 🎙️ Microphone: https://geni.us/QarC 🎤 Audio Interface: https://geni.us/kaosfB 🎧 Headphones: https://amzn.to/48YcHlB Follow The Show: Facebook /// X /// YouTube /// Instagram About Dave: Dave started youtube in 2017 with my frist channel "Bushradical". He grew that channel to 1.15 million subscribers with only 230 videos. In 2025 he launched my personal Brand channel "Dave Whipple" where I teach regular blue collar content creators how to optimize the value they have to offer and make great videos on the YouTube platform. Connect With Dave Main YouTube Channel /// Educational YouTube Channel

In this episode of the YouTube Creators Hub podcast, Dusty interviews Eric Wormsley, a content creator who transitioned from family vlogging to a niche channel focused on preparedness. Eric shares insights on the importance of having a business mindset, the significance of niching down, and effective video production strategies. He discusses community building, time management, monetization strategies, and the freedom that comes with being a YouTuber. Eric emphasizes the need for high-quality free content to build trust with the audience and shares his goals for future paid content.   What We Offer Creators Join Creator Communities. A place to gather with other creators every single day. This provides access to Our Private Discord Server, Monthly Mastermind Group, and MORE!  Hire Dusty To Be Your YouTube Coach YouTube Channel Reviews (Audit): Get a 10-12 minute personalized video review of your YouTube channel with honest, actionable feedback for just $50. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: Each week I document what I'm doing in my business and creative journey, share new things I've discovered, mistakes I've made, and much more! BEST TOOLS FOR CREATORS and ENTREPRENEURS: YouTube Optimization (Creative Fuel): https://geni.us/oPCt7Cf Hire Freelancers and Artists (Fiverr): https://geni.us/h4zMWAP Podcast Hosting (Libsyn): https://geni.us/TrpwY0 GeniusLink Link Shortener: https://geni.us/fHPAe Stock Assets For Creators (Envato): https://geni.us/rlEKkLB E-commerce (Shopify): https://geni.us/m9ctWwe Podcast Recording and Editing (Riverside.FM) https://geni.us/PLlt1M My YouTube Film Gear: 🎥 Camera: https://geni.us/B9eb5P 🎙️ Microphone: https://geni.us/QarC 🎤 Audio Interface: https://geni.us/kaosfB 🎧 Headphones: https://amzn.to/48YcHlB Follow The Show: Facebook /// X /// YouTube /// Instagram About Eric: My name is Eric Wormsley. I was a nuclear specialist in the military during the Gulf War. After that, I attended medical school and became a physician, working in the ER for a few years before moving into private practice. Later, I taught college courses and even did a little acting in South Florida. In 2017, I started my YouTube channel to vlog my family and our adventures. Over time, the channel plateaued, so I transformed it into a Prepping and Preparedness channel called Goshen Prepping. It’s a down-to-earth resource for the prepping community. While most channels focus on fear and disasters, we focus on solutions. Connect With Eric YouTube Channel

In this episode of the Creators Hub Podcast, Dusty Porter interviews Kieren Westwood, a YouTube content creator and writer. Kieren shares his journey from being a writer to creating educational content for aspiring writers on YouTube. He discusses the challenges he faced, including overcoming imposter syndrome and finding his niche. Kieren emphasizes the importance of authenticity in content creation and shares insights on SEO, monetization, and balancing creativity with burnout. He also provides practical advice for aspiring creators looking to grow their channels and connect with their audience.     What We Offer Creators Join Creator Communities. A place to gather with other creators every single day. This provides access to Our Private Discord Server, Monthly Mastermind Group, and MORE!  Hire Dusty To Be Your YouTube Coach YouTube Channel Reviews (Audit): Get a 10-12 minute personalized video review of your YouTube channel with honest, actionable feedback for just $50. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: Each week I document what I'm doing in my business and creative journey, share new things I've discovered, mistakes I've made, and much more! BEST TOOLS FOR CREATORS and ENTREPRENEURS: YouTube Optimization (Creative Fuel): https://geni.us/oPCt7Cf Hire Freelancers and Artists (Fiverr): https://geni.us/h4zMWAP Podcast Hosting (Libsyn): https://geni.us/TrpwY0 GeniusLink Link Shortener: https://geni.us/fHPAe Stock Assets For Creators (Envato): https://geni.us/rlEKkLB E-commerce (Shopify): https://geni.us/m9ctWwe Podcast Recording and Editing (Riverside.FM) https://geni.us/PLlt1M My YouTube Film Gear: 🎥 Camera: https://geni.us/B9eb5P 🎙️ Microphone: https://geni.us/QarC 🎤 Audio Interface: https://geni.us/kaosfB 🎧 Headphones: https://amzn.to/48YcHlB Follow The Show: Facebook /// X /// YouTube /// Instagram About Kieren: Kieren is a writer, editor and YouTube content creator. His fiction writing has been published in online journals and shortlisted for several awards and prizes. His educational YouTube content has been shown in classrooms across the world as a teaching aid, and his editing work has received unanimously positive reviews from the writers he's worked with. Connect With Kieren YouTube /// Website

In this episode of the YouTube Creators Hub Podcast, host Dusty Porter interviews Tom Calton, a full-time content creator and photographer who shares his journey on YouTube. Tom discusses how he started his channel during the pandemic, his growth strategies, and the importance of finding a niche in photography. He also delves into monetization methods, including ad revenue and sponsorships, and offers valuable advice for aspiring creators.    What We Offer Creators Join Creator Communities. A place to gather with other creators every single day. This provides access to Our Private Discord Server, Monthly Mastermind Group, and MORE!  Hire Dusty To Be Your YouTube Coach YouTube Channel Reviews (Audit): Get a 10-12 minute personalized video review of your YouTube channel with honest, actionable feedback for just $50. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: Each week I document what I'm doing in my business and creative journey, share new things I've discovered, mistakes I've made, and much more! BEST TOOLS FOR CREATORS and ENTREPRENEURS: YouTube Optimization (Creative Fuel): https://geni.us/oPCt7Cf Hire Freelancers and Artists (Fiverr): https://geni.us/h4zMWAP Podcast Hosting (Libsyn): https://geni.us/TrpwY0 GeniusLink Link Shortener: https://geni.us/fHPAe Stock Assets For Creators (Envato): https://geni.us/rlEKkLB E-commerce (Shopify): https://geni.us/m9ctWwe Podcast Recording and Editing (Riverside.FM) https://geni.us/PLlt1M My YouTube Film Gear: 🎥 Camera: https://geni.us/B9eb5P 🎙️ Microphone: https://geni.us/QarC 🎤 Audio Interface: https://geni.us/kaosfB 🎧 Headphones: https://amzn.to/48YcHlB Follow The Show: Facebook /// X /// YouTube /// Instagram About Tom: Tom Calton is a full-time content creator and photographer who recently hit the 5-year mark on his YouTube journey — a milestone he originally set as his make-or-break deadline. His main channel now has over 227,000 subscribers, more than 105 million views, and generated around $150,000 in revenue last year, with 4–5 million monthly views across both long- and short-form content. Connect With Tom Youtube /// Website

In this episode of the YouTube Creators Hub podcast, Dusty Porter interviews James Allen, an online business coach who specializes in helping coaches and content creators monetize their expertise. What We Offer Creators Join Creator Communities. A place to gather with other creators every single day. This provides access to Our Private Discord Server, Monthly Mastermind Group, and MORE!  Hire Dusty To Be Your YouTube Coach YouTube Channel Reviews (Audit): Get a 15-minute personalized video review of your YouTube channel with honest, actionable feedback for just $50. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: Each week I document what I'm doing in my business and creative journey, share new things I've discovered, mistakes I've made, and much more! BEST TOOLS FOR CREATORS and ENTREPRENEURS: YouTube Optimization (Creative Fuel): https://geni.us/oPCt7Cf Hire Freelancers and Artists (Fiverr): https://geni.us/h4zMWAP Podcast Hosting (Libsyn): https://geni.us/TrpwY0 GeniusLink Link Shortener: https://geni.us/fHPAe Stock Assets For Creators (Envato): https://geni.us/rlEKkLB E-commerce (Shopify): https://geni.us/m9ctWwe Podcast Recording and Editing (Riverside.FM) https://geni.us/PLlt1M My YouTube Film Gear: 🎥 Camera: https://geni.us/B9eb5P 🎙️ Microphone: https://geni.us/QarC 🎤 Audio Interface: https://geni.us/kaosfB 🎧 Headphones: https://amzn.to/48YcHlB Follow The Show: Facebook /// X /// YouTube /// Instagram About James: James Allen is an online business coach who helps coaches and content creators turn their knowledge into scalable, automated income, so they can stop trading time for money and finally ditch the hustle. Connect With James YouTube Channel /// Website

In this week's episode of the YouTube Creators Hub Podcast, the host interviews Reno James, a former D1 swimmer turned social media influencer, who shares his journey of growing across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.  What We Offer Creators Join Creator Communities. A place to gather with other creators every single day. This provides access to Our Private Discord Server, Monthly Mastermind Group, and MORE!  Hire Dusty To Be Your YouTube Coach YouTube Channel Reviews (Audit): Get a 15-minute personalized video review of your YouTube channel with honest, actionable feedback for just $50. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: Each week I document what I'm doing in my business and creative journey, share new things I've discovered, mistakes I've made, and much more! BEST TOOLS FOR CREATORS and ENTREPRENEURS: YouTube Optimization (Creative Fuel): https://geni.us/oPCt7Cf Hire Freelancers and Artists (Fiverr): https://geni.us/h4zMWAP Podcast Hosting (Libsyn): https://geni.us/TrpwY0 GeniusLink Link Shortener: https://geni.us/fHPAe Stock Assets For Creators (Envato): https://geni.us/rlEKkLB E-commerce (Shopify): https://geni.us/m9ctWwe Podcast Recording and Editing (Riverside.FM) https://geni.us/PLlt1M My YouTube Film Gear: 🎥 Camera: https://geni.us/B9eb5P 🎙️ Microphone: https://geni.us/QarC 🎤 Audio Interface: https://geni.us/kaosfB 🎧 Headphones: https://amzn.to/48YcHlB Follow The Show: Facebook /// X /// YouTube /// Instagram About Reno: My name is Reno James! I just graduated with a finance degree and am a former D1 swimmer at Cleveland State University. After graduation, I took a full-time job and moved out to Arizona, where I decided to go all-in on social media. I started posting every day, sharing my daily routine, fitness, lifestyle, and what it’s really like chasing growth while living alone. Since then, I’ve grown across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube by showing up consistently and keeping it real. Connect With Reno YouTube Channel /// Instagram

In this episode of the YouTube Creators Hub Podcast, host Dusty Porter speaks with Mike and Joelle, a couple who have successfully built a YouTube channel focused on relatable couple comedy. They discuss their journey from other social media platforms to YouTube, the format of their videos, strategies for growth, monetization methods, and the importance of positivity in content creation. The couple shares insights on audience engagement, community building, and their creative process, emphasizing the significance of consistency and humor in their content. What We Offer Creators Join Creator Communities. A place to gather with other creators every single day. This provides access to Our Private Discord Server, Monthly Mastermind Group, and MORE!  Hire Dusty To Be Your YouTube Coach YouTube Channel Reviews (Audit): Get a 15-minute personalized video review of your YouTube channel with honest, actionable feedback for just $50. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: Each week I document what I'm doing in my business and creative journey, share new things I've discovered, mistakes I've made, and much more! BEST TOOLS FOR CREATORS and ENTREPRENEURS: YouTube Optimization (Creative Fuel): https://geni.us/oPCt7Cf Hire Freelancers and Artists (Fiverr): https://geni.us/h4zMWAP Podcast Hosting (Libsyn): https://geni.us/TrpwY0 GeniusLink Link Shortener: https://geni.us/fHPAe Stock Assets For Creators (Envato): https://geni.us/rlEKkLB E-commerce (Shopify): https://geni.us/m9ctWwe Podcast Recording and Editing (Riverside.FM) https://geni.us/PLlt1M My YouTube Film Gear: 🎥 Camera: https://geni.us/B9eb5P 🎙️ Microphone: https://geni.us/QarC 🎤 Audio Interface: https://geni.us/kaosfB 🎧 Headphones: https://amzn.to/48YcHlB Follow The Show: Facebook /// X /// YouTube /// Instagram About Mike and Joelle: We post relatable, laugh-out-loud sketches, viral jokes, and hilarious real-life couple moments that will make you say, “That’s so us!” Whether it’s Mike’s dad-level humor or Joelle’s perfect reactions, we bring daily doses of marriage, mischief, and modern love. Connect With Mike and Joelle: YouTube Channel

Dusty chats with Amazon expert Kathleen Kobel about turning Amazon Influencer content into a full-time career in 2025. They dive into tips for getting started, finding winning products, balancing content quality, and building long-term income as a creator. ---- What We Offer Creators Join Creator Communities. A place to gather with other creators every single day. This provides access to Our Private Discord Server, Monthly Mastermind Group, and MORE!  Hire Dusty To Be Your YouTube Coach YouTube Channel Reviews (Audit): Get a 15-minute personalized video review of your YouTube channel with honest, actionable feedback for just $50. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: Each week I document what I'm doing in my business and creative journey, share new things I've discovered, mistakes I've made, and much more! BEST TOOLS FOR CREATORS and ENTREPRENEURS: YouTube Optimization (Creative Fuel): https://geni.us/oPCt7Cf Hire Freelancers and Artists (Fiverr): https://geni.us/h4zMWAP Podcast Hosting (Libsyn): https://geni.us/TrpwY0 GeniusLink Link Shortener: https://geni.us/fHPAe Stock Assets For Creators (Envato): https://geni.us/rlEKkLB E-commerce (Shopify): https://geni.us/m9ctWwe Podcast Recording and Editing (Riverside.FM) https://geni.us/PLlt1M My YouTube Film Gear: 🎥 Camera: https://geni.us/B9eb5P 🎙️ Microphone: https://geni.us/QarC 🎤 Audio Interface: https://geni.us/kaosfB 🎧 Headphones: https://amzn.to/48YcHlB Follow The Show: Facebook /// X /// YouTube /// Instagram About Kathleen: Kathleen Kobel is an expert in eCommerce and the Amazon Influencer Program. She has helped launch and grow over 1,000 brands on Amazon for multimillion-dollar companies and now teaches entrepreneurs and content creators how to build profitable, sustainable income streams. As the author of The Unconventional Business Model and creator of the Influence & Earn program, Kathleen empowers others to break free from the 9-to-5, maximize their earnings, and create a business that fits their lifestyle. Connect With Kathleen: YouTube Channel /// Website /// Instagram /// Amazon Creator Page

In this special Q&A episode of the YouTube Creators Hub Podcast, Dusty answers real questions from creators just like you — covering everything from how to grow a small channel in 2025, picking the right niche, and staying motivated when the views aren’t coming, to monetization strategies, sponsorships, and thumbnail tactics that actually work. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to break through your next plateau, this episode is packed with honest, actionable advice to help you grow with clarity and confidence What We Offer Creators Join Creator Communities. A place to gather with other creators every single day. This provides access to Our Private Discord Server, Monthly Mastermind Group, and MORE!  Hire Dusty To Be Your YouTube Coach Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: Each week I document what I'm doing in my business and creative journey, share new things I've discovered, mistakes I've made, and much more! BEST TOOLS FOR CREATORS and ENTREPRENEURS: YouTube Optimization (Creative Fuel): https://geni.us/oPCt7Cf Hire Freelancers and Artists (Fiverr): https://geni.us/h4zMWAP Podcast Hosting (Libsyn): https://geni.us/TrpwY0 GeniusLink Link Shortener: https://geni.us/fHPAe Stock Assets For Creators (Envato): https://geni.us/rlEKkLB E-commerce (Shopify): https://geni.us/m9ctWwe Podcast Recording and Editing (Riverside.FM) https://geni.us/PLlt1M My YouTube Film Gear: 🎥 Camera: https://geni.us/B9eb5P 🎙️ Microphone: https://geni.us/QarC 🎤 Audio Interface: https://geni.us/kaosfB 🎧 Headphones: https://amzn.to/48YcHlB Follow The Show: Facebook /// X /// YouTube /// Instagram