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Season 3, episode 20 is here! Neera Mahajan joined me to talk about writing books fast, building authority, and turning a single book into a scalable business. She shared why most writers never finish their books, the difference between vanity projects and strategic assets, and how she helps creators write their books in 30 days through implementation over information. This one’s a must-listen for anyone struggling to finish their book! In this episode: - Why Neera started writing not because she was good at it but because she was bad, and how quitting her job to write full-time led to publishing 14 books that now serve as the foundation of her entire business model - The moment she realised three years of articles gave her nothing to show for the effort, and how one voice in her head telling her to write that damn book changed everything about her authority and income overnight - Why most writers fail to finish their books because they make them too big and drift in and out of the work, and the strict framework of 13 chapters maximum with 2,000 words each that actually gets books done in 30 days - The difference between vanity projects and strategic authority assets, including how a strategic book needs a clear audience, addresses one specific problem, and launches your tiered offer at the end instead of just existing on a shelf - Her four-level productivity system for writers that starts with calendar management and email inbox zero, and why she now surrounds herself with notebooks that travel from room to room capturing ideas before they disappear - Why her cohort focuses on implementation and daily accountability rather than piling on more information, requiring participants to write 500-1,000 words daily toward their book while working in a group setting Check out all of Neera’s books here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe

Season 3, episode 19 is here! I was super excited to have Justin Moore join me to talk about something most writers think is out of reach: getting paid by brands to create content. Justin shared the sponsorship strategies that built his multi-million dollar business, why your follower count matters less than you think, and the pitching method that stops brands from hitting delete on your emails. This is the perfect episode for anyone interested in finding game-changing sponsorships for their content! What we covered: - Why writers with small audiences can still land sponsorships by offering something completely different than traditional influencer posts, and how your writing skills become the product itself rather than just your audience size - The ROPE method for pitching brands that flips the script on how most creators approach sponsorships, starting with what the brand cares about instead of bragging about your follower count in the first sentence - How Justin’s wife went from accepting free products for years to earning $700 monthly from a single brand deal, and the simple question that changed everything about how they approached collaborations - The sponsorship continuum concept that changes what you pitch based on where you are in your growth journey, from ghostwriting for brands at the start to commanding premium rates once you’ve scaled - Why having a rate card on your website is the worst possible strategy for pricing sponsorships, and the budget range question that gets brands to reveal their numbers 75% of the time without you naming a price first - The ARC framework that determines how much leverage you have in negotiations based on whether brands want awareness, repurposing rights, or conversion metrics from the partnership - Why Justin believes books will outlast almost every other content format in the age of AI, and how writing Sponsor Magnet became the most impactful thing he’s done for his business despite never considering himself a writer 👉 Want to learn these strategies in person? Justin’s hosting Sponsor Games in San Antonio, March 15-18. Use code DAVID500 for $500 off your ticket! Find out more here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe

Season 3, episode 18 is here! My friend Jari Roomer from Write Build Scale joined me for a conversation about the most powerful growth lever on Substack. We talked about why collaboration matters more than ever, how to approach other creators without feeling awkward, and the specific strategies that brought us thousands of subscribers without spending a dime on ads. What we covered: - Why collaborations are the antidote to publishing in the void, and how they make the entire Substack journey more enjoyable while getting your work in front of audiences that already want what you offer - The guest posting approach that creates evergreen pathways for discovery months after you publish, turning one piece of content into a long-term subscriber magnet that keeps working while you sleep - Newsletter recommendations as the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it growth strategy, how Jari gained over 8,000 subscribers in 2025 from recommendations alone, and why most creators hesitate to reach out when it’s actually a win-win scenario - Going live on Substack as the collaboration format that builds the deepest connections, lets your audience see you’re a real person when things go wrong, and makes it easier for introverts who can share the talking with a guest - The exact DM approach that gets more yes responses to collaboration requests, including why you should offer multiple collaboration options and how to make it as easy as possible for someone to say yes - How to use AI as a ghostwriting tool rather than a crutch by recording 30-minute voice memos of your thoughts and stories, then letting AI handle the actual writing process while keeping your authentic voice intact - The ladder strategy for linking posts that guides readers to take the next step up rather than sending them sideways through your archive, and why fewer links actually create more conversions than overwhelming people with options This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe

Season 3, episode 17 is here! In this episode, I sit down with my old school friend Stuart Thompson, who now runs a long-standing gym here in Northern Ireland. We talk about what it really takes to build a business over nearly a decade - not just systems and social media, but relationships, energy, and knowing your limits. We also cover fitness, creativity, confidence, and turning up consistently even when no one’s watching. This is an honest, practical, and surprisingly relevant chat, whether you run a gym, write online, or are just trying to build something for the long haul. What we covered: - How Stuart’s gym actually started - The underrated power of handwritten notes - Why not growing up sporty helped nurture Stuart’s story - Why confidence comes from reps (in fitness and in writing) - What it’s like running a people business as an introvert - Why asking for reviews is awkward but necessary - Why sticking around matters Make sure to check out Cross Functional Fitness before you go! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe

Season 3, episode 16 is here! In this week’s episode, Parker Worth and I chat about his journey from being a high school dropout to becoming a successful creator living in Brazil. Parker discusses the importance of storytelling in building a personal brand and the challenges of navigating the ever-changing landscape of online content creation, and emphasises the need for creators to build relationships and trust with their audience, write real-life stories that convert, and understand their audience’s pain points. What we cover: - Parker Worth’s journey from electrician to creator in Brazil. - The significance of storytelling in personal branding. - How to navigate the challenges of the online creator landscape. - Why building relationships and trust with your audience is crucial. - How using personal stories can lead to higher engagement. - Why understanding audience pain points is essential for content creation. - Why embracing fear can lead to significant personal and professional growth. Make sure to subscribe to Parker’s newsletter before you go! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe

Season 3, episode 15 is here! In this solo episode, I share my thoughts on the critical importance of incorporating video and audio content into a creator’s strategy for 2026 and beyond. I walk you through how online platforms favour video, the engagement benefits of live video, and the monetisation opportunities it presents, as well as the community-building aspect of going live, the authenticity it fosters, and the compounding effects of creating video content in general. In this episode, I break down why: - Incorporating video and audio is becoming essential for audience growth - Live video can significantly increase engagement rates - Platforms prioritise video content over text-based content - Going live can help convert followers into subscribers - Video content enhances personal branding and authority - Live video creates a sense of community among viewers - Authenticity in live video builds trust with the audience - Starting to go live now can future-proof your content strategy This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe

Season 3, episode 14 is here! In this solo episode, I walk through exactly how to build a creator presence from absolute scratch with no fancy equipment, no complex strategy, just clarity and consistency. This is for anyone who feels like the smallest voice in the room but wants to create something real online. In this episode: - Why your personal brand is actually about how people feel when they encounter you, and how that feeling is what makes readers stick around long after they discover your work - The five traps that kill most creator journeys before they start - My recommendation to commit to one platform for six months minimum before spreading yourself thin across the internet - How to craft the one simple promise that becomes your positioning - a single sentence that tells people exactly who you help and what you do for them within five seconds of landing on your profile - The power of predictable touchpoints and why readers follow creators the same way they follow their favorite TV shows - Why confidence comes after consistency, not before it, and how showing up for 3 to 12 months with minimal response is actually part of the process, not a sign you should quit - The recurring format strategy that eliminates decision fatigue and builds loyalty through repetition, turning your weekly presence into something your audience genuinely misses when it’s not there This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe

Season 3, episode 13 is here! I recently went live with Taylin John Simmonds to talk about the honest reality of making money as a writer, and afterwards I thought to myself, “Hey, this would make a great podcast episode!”, et voilà! Taylin’s currently testing ghostwriting on Substack in public, shared his coldest cold email stats, and explained why books might be the worst way to make a living (but still worth doing). What we covered: - Why Taylin sent 10,000 cold emails for Substack ghostwriting clients and what happened next (he’s running the entire experiment in public to see if it’s actually viable) - The credential commoditisation theory he’s been sitting on for six months (spoiler: it’s about why your programmer friends can’t find jobs) - LinkedIn ghostwriting as the most lucrative platform right now, with clients paying $1,000-$5,000/month, and why Substack might be different - The Mark Manson approach to writing books: test your chapters as blog posts first, let virality validate your ideas, and only use titles that have already proven themselves - How to write about whatever you want while still serving your audience - the bridge technique that lets you sneak consciousness development into business content - Why opening with mundane stories (lawnmowers, coffee steam, chopping onions) connects better than dramatic tales of spirit quests in Peru - The painful pattern of spending six months building products nobody wants versus testing ideas in public after just a week or two Make sure to subscribe to Taylin’s publication before you go! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe

Season 3, episode 12 is here! This solo episode is a relaxed, open conversation about reviewing your 2025 creative work and getting intentional about 2026. It’s part reflection, part behind-the-scenes, part gentle push to simplify your process and double down on what genuinely works. What I’ve covered: - How to honestly review your 2025 wins, losses and “busywork” so you don’t drag dead weight into the new year. - Why I’m cutting weekly roundups after nearly 100 editions and what that kind of ruthless pruning makes space for. - The three pillars I’m betting on in 2026: audience growth, income expansion and personal brand depth. - Specific strategies I’ll be leaning on next year, from collaborations to live sessions to experimenting with new formats. - A wider look at income generation beyond paid subs, including digital products, sponsorships and coaching. - Why your voice, your quirks and your personal stories matter more than ever in the AI era. - An invitation to keep the process fun, simple and human while building a creator life that feels genuinely yours. And if you’re interested in working with me 1-to-1, just apply here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe

Season 3, episode 11 is here! In this episode, Jari Roomer and I explore how to meaningfully grow a creator business by developing and selling digital courses (with particular focus on mini-courses). If you’re interested in growing your income in 2026 through semi-passive means, this is a great one for you! Also make sure to claim your spot on Tuesday’s FREE live training session before you go! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe

Season 3, episode 10 is here! In this extra-special chat with my wife, Christine McIlroy, we peel back how our life together has intertwined with our creative work, the shifts we’ve navigated in solopreneurship, and how partnership can both challenge and fuel your writing career in surprising ways. What we covered: - Why going the extra mile for clients is a total game-changer as a solopreneur - What it’s like when you partner in life and in creative purpose, and how sharing a “why” deepens what you publish. - Our journey building businesses in parallel, and how we support each other along the way - The tension between routine and inspiration: how to stay grounded when you work together but also stay individually creative. - What happens when life milestones (moving, family, change) intersect with your writing career - not in polished form, but in real-time. - Why transparency about process matters: how being open about failure, rewriting, and hustle builds trust with readers. - The unseen work behind launching offers, courses, or publications: how support systems, tools, and trade-offs play a role. - Our best mistakes, our biggest learnings, and how ‘doing the work together’ has changed what we believe about freedom, creativity and sustainability. Make sure to check out Christine’s work before you go! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe

Season 3, episode 9 is here! In this episode, Taylin John Simmonds and I talk about what it really takes to build a creative business from scratch without losing your sense of purpose or burning out. Teaching music, ghostwriting at 3am, building an online brand that supports a life of freedom… we cover it all. This is an honest, practical conversation packed with insights for anyone trying to make writing work long term. What we covered: - The unlikely path from musician and teacher to full-time online creator - Why success isn’t about becoming a better writer, but about stacking the right complementary skills - How to build confidence when your identity hasn’t yet caught up with your success - What it really means to find your niche and why lifestyle is a valid form of positioning - The most useful way to think about AI (as a creative assistant, not a replacement) - Why long-form content builds trust faster than any viral post ever could - The one piece of advice that will change how you think about progress and patience Make sure to subscribe to Taylin’s publication before you go! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe

Season 3, episode 8 is here! In this episode, Walter Rhein and I dive deep into the world of fantasy writing - where stories begin, how they evolve, and why imagination still matters in an increasingly practical world. Worldbuilding, villains, the power of silliness - this conversation explores what makes great fantasy resonate and how writers can keep the spark of creativity alive as they grow older. What we covered: - The real connection between nature, folklore, and the fantasy worlds we create - How mythology from different cultures shapes modern fantasy storytelling - Why dialogue and shorter stories are powerful tools for testing your ideas and growing faster as a writer - The difference between good and lazy worldbuilding, and why overplanning kills creativity - What makes a truly great villain, and why the best ones make you question yourself - How writing with (and for) children can reignite your sense of wonder and play - Practical advice for new writers on starting a fantasy novel, finding momentum, and making writing fun again Make sure to subscribe to Walter’s publication before you go! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe

Season 3, episode 7 is here! In this solo episode, I talk about one of the biggest mistakes writers make on Substack - losing readers before they’ve even hit publish. I break down the small, overlooked details that make all the difference when someone lands on your publication for the first time, and how a few simple changes can quietly convert visitors into loyal subscribers. If you’ve been writing great posts but not seeing much growth, this one’s for you. What I covered: Why most readers never discover your archive and where they actually find you instead How to make your tagline instantly clear, confident, and reader-focused The simple tweaks that turn your About page into a conversation instead of a résumé How to organise your homepage so new readers know exactly where to start Why clarity and connection will always beat cleverness and complexity The small design and setup decisions that do your audience-building for you every day How to fix all of this in a single afternoon using the Substack Quickfire Launch Kit If you’d like more personalised help with Substack, consider upgrading to my VIP membership to book a 1-to-1 call and publication audit. I’d be more than happy to chat through your next steps! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe

Season 3, episode 6 is here! In this conversation, Veronica Llorca-Smith and I caught up one year after our very first podcast together to talk about what’s changed, what’s grown, and what’s next. This episode is packed with insight for anyone who wants to build a creative career that feels human, purposeful, and sustainable. What we covered: - How a single podcast interview led to the launch of a second Substack in Spanish - The surprising differences between English- and Spanish-speaking creator audiences - How Veronica attracts new coaching clients without ever doing a hard sell - What she’s learned about scaling from one-to-one work to group coaching and cohorts - Why public speaking has been transformational for her as a creator and a businesswoman - How live sessions and webinars can create real community and boost paid subscriptions - Her advice for writers: stop thinking small, and build an ecosystem around your work Make sure to grab Speak to Scale before you go! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe