Episodes

How do you know when it's time to move on, even when nothing looks broken? In this final episode of Content Inc. (for now), Joe reflects on how chapters in our lives and careers often end quietly, without a clear signal. He explores why so many capable people stay in roles that no longer fit, how loyalty can turn into a trap, and why understanding the system and chapter you're in is critical to knowing what comes next. Joe also shares why he's choosing to pause the Content Inc. podcast and wha...

In this special year-end episode, Joe revisits one of the earliest Content Inc. podcasts, originally recorded in December 2014. It's a deeply personal reflection on growing up around his grandfather's funeral home in Sandusky, Ohio, and the unexpected business and storytelling lessons that came from those years. At the heart of the episode is a simple truth. Great storytelling is not about performance or persuasion. It's about service, empathy, and meaning. Through one powerful story from the G...

In this episode, Joe digs into a hard truth most creators avoid: we keep doing things we no longer enjoy, not because we have to, but because stopping feels harder than continuing. After a personal conversation with his wife about the commitments and routines they no longer want in their lives, Joe realized something uncomfortable. Most of what fills our calendars is self-chosen… even the stuff we complain about. And the longer we avoid questioning it, the more permanent it becomes. This episo...

In this episode, Joe shares a personal story about his father, two very different types of people he observed over Thanksgiving, and why gratitude may be one of the most overlooked advantages creators can build right now. Joe explains how a well-known research study divided people into three groups: one that listed things they were grateful for, one that listed their hassles, and one that listed neutral events. The gratitude group ended up healthier, more optimistic, more energetic, and made mo...

In this episode, Joe breaks down the idea he shared during his MarketingProfs keynote — why creators don't need another tactic or another tool, but a focused ninety-day challenge that forces clarity, momentum, and real progress. It's called the Misogi Quarter. Joe explains where the idea came from, why creators desperately need it right now, and the simple system for choosing and completing a Misogi that actually changes your identity as a builder. What Joe Covers in This Episode 1. The Marketi...

In this episode, Joe revisits an old article he wrote six years ago about Apple's Think Different campaign and discovers a deeper lesson hidden inside it. This is not a story about marketing, or even about Apple. It is a story about belief, service, and the system every creator needs to survive long enough to succeed. Joe shares how belief powered Apple's turnaround in 1997 and how the same kind of belief shows up in the creators and entrepreneurs who persist through uncertainty. But he also ex...

In this episode, Joe digs into what he believes will become the final competitive advantage for creators in the years ahead. As AI accelerates and platforms gain the ability to clone creator voices, styles, and content patterns, many of the moats creators once relied on are disappearing. Technology can now replicate content quality. Algorithms can generate reach. Even personal style and voice can be synthesized. The last remaining moat is being known personally by real people. Joe explains why ...

In this unscripted, straight-from-the-heart episode, Joe talks directly to creators and entrepreneurs about what really matters heading into 2026. It's not about doing more... it's about doing less but with intention. Joe calls this episode "The Creator Reset." It's about identifying what you don't want to do anymore — the habits, platforms, clients, or patterns that drain your energy or pull you off mission. Once you stop doing those things, you can finally see what truly lights you up and w...

In this episode, Joe explores what happens after the "three-year window" closes — when AI begins to produce nearly everything on demand. What does that mean for creators and entrepreneurs? Joe shares three essential moves to stay relevant and build lasting value in the coming Age of Abundance. Key Points: 1. Build a Small Tribe with Purpose Forget chasing scale. The next era belongs to creators who build small, mission-driven communities rooted in shared values and purpose. Machines can copy...

Joe Pulizzi goes deeper into his “three-year window” theory and shares three unconventional strategies creators can use to build real connection before AI changes how audiences find and consume content. These moves — collaboration, physical experiences, and shared memory — create the kind of trust algorithms can’t replicate. Key Takeaways: Turn your audience into collaborators. Your audience doesn’t just want to consume — they want to contribute. From small communities to co-created projects, i...

This week, Joe shares insights from conversations at MAICON in Cleveland, where leading AI and marketing experts warned that creators have a limited window, about three years, before technology reshapes how audiences consume content. In a world where devices generate or curate content on the fly, traditional audience-building could vanish overnight. But this episode isn’t just a warning. It’s a call to action. Joe explains how independent creators can use this time to build deeper trust, stro...

Joe Pulizzi is back from London—and he’s got a story that will change how you think about the future of creation. After traveling overseas (yes, to watch the Browns lose again), Joe and his wife attended ABBA Voyage, a virtual concert where lifelike digital avatars of the legendary band perform with a live orchestra. The experience was so real, so emotional, that it sparked a powerful realization: the line between real and fake content has officially disappeared. In this episode, Joe explores...

This week I’m reflecting on a huge milestone: the 500th episode of This Old Marketing with my friend and co-host Robert Rose. Five hundred weeks without missing an episode. How did we get here? And more importantly—what can you, as a creator, take away from this kind of consistency? In this episode, I break down the keys that made it possible: Consistency builds trust. Showing up week after week, no matter what. Partnership makes the journey sustainable. The right collaborator k...

For almost two decades, Joe Pulizzi was known as the content marketing guy. Then came fiction writing, creator support, and a mix of new projects that left him wondering—what do I really stand for now? This week, Joe shares how a post from Jonathan Mast reshaped his perspective: “If you can’t explain how you make people’s lives better in 15 seconds or less, you’re invisible in today’s short attention span economy.” That idea forced Joe to simplify his answer, sharpen his Tilt, and l...

This week’s Content Inc. is a little different. With the launch of my new book Burn the Playbook right around the corner, I wanted to share something I rarely talk about... the “little things” that made the biggest difference in my career. These aren’t flashy moves. They’re small, repeatable habits that paved the way for everything else: Writing down financial goals and reviewing them daily Getting on the same page with my wife from the very beginning Building community thro...

In this episode of Content Inc., Joe Pulizzi shares a major shift in his work and thinking. For years, Joe was known as “the content marketing guy.” More recently, he’s been called the entrepreneur guy, the creator guy, even the orange guy. But after some reflection, and inspiration from friends Jay Clouse and Jay Acunzo, Joe has distilled his new premise. The only true path to meaning, freedom, and wealth is building something you control. Joe explains why this premise matters today, and why i...

This week on Content Inc., Joe shares a powerful reminder for every creator: feeling “behind” or “not good enough” is not a weakness. It is often a marker of growth. Fresh off the afterglow of CEX, Joe reflects on a conversation between Jay Acunzo and Ann Handley about imposter feelings and self-doubt. Even when we are recognized and quoted, we can still feel like we are falling short. To bring it home, Joe draws inspiration from the legendary golfer Bobby Jones, who once admitted his game fel...

I just got back from the 4th Annual Content Entrepreneur Expo (CEX) and my notebook is full. In this episode, I share the biggest lessons that every creator needs to hear: Why replies matter more than followers or likes How to craft a clear, powerful premise that makes your audience’s eyes light up The surprising ways your community can create content with you Why breaking patterns and pushing boundaries keeps you unforgettable The trap of playing small—and how to step fully into your power...

What if you only had 60 days left to live? In this episode, Joe shares one of the most powerful thought exercises he uses to cut through distractions and refocus on what truly matters...both in business and in life. Instead of letting busy work, endless scrolling, or meaningless meetings dominate your days, the 60 Days to Live Mentality forces you to ask: What would I double down on? Who would I spend time with? What would I stop doing altogether? Joe explains how this simple but radical l...

Most creators don’t fail because they lack skill or talent — they fail because they never make the mindset shifts that turn effort into results. After more than two decades in content entrepreneurship, I’ve seen what separates the ones who win from the ones who quit. In this episode, I share six powerful mindset shifts that can change your entire trajectory as a creator. You don’t need to adopt all of them today... pick one, live it, and watch what happens. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: W...

Most of the time, content creators are alone...working on content. While this can be productive for the content, it's not good for your mental health or overall business (if you need to be more creative or sell things). So we must network, and often, we need to use forced networking. In this episode, I talk about three ways to do it: Quarterly in-person events Monthly small-group meetings One-on-one planned coffee meetings This process has been instrumental in my creator success...

Most creators are following the rules...and that’s exactly the problem. They listen to the podcasts, follow the gurus, and try to reverse-engineer success based on surface-level metrics. But the truly successful creators do things a bit differently. Here are six rules the top creators break...and what they do instead. They Don’t Chase Platforms—They Build Homes They Start Tiny They Monetize Early They’re Long-Term Obsessed They Create Signature Content They Treat It Like a Busi...

If you’re a content creator in a business niche and you’re NOT going to live events, you’re missing one of the easiest ways to grow your influence, revenue, and network. But just showing up isn’t enough. You need to be strategic about it. Let me walk you through exactly how to make live events your secret growth engine. 1. Pick the Right Events Don’t just go to every conference in your industry. Be selective. Ask yourself: Will my ideal audience or customers be there? Will the people I want ...

Jesse Itzler believes the key to goal setting is in the Misogi Challenge. Jesse's Misogi Challenge is one big, audacious goal that you accomplish during each year. For example, Jesse’s one big goal for 2025 is to run 2025 miles. Every day, that’s the major goal. Sure, he does the things he has to for work and play, but his Misogi goal is always top of mind. 2025 was the first year I tried Jesse’s challenge. My Misogi Challenge was to focus on optimum brain health. And I have to admit…focusing ...