The Jim Kroft Podcast

Jim Kroft

Welcome to my Podcast, where I interview founders and creatives, bridging the worlds of business and art. My show explores the intersection of entrepreneurship and creativity and aims to be a beacon of hope for artists and solopreneurs navigating challenging moments in their careers. The Solopreneur and Arts worlds are connected - but all too often, there is a lack of meaningful exchange between the sectors. By learning from those who have thrived at these crossroads, I hope to pass on stories which give us renewed strength for our paths. With a special interest in the opportunities of the digital economy and the creator world, this podcast deep dives into the challenge of building a life for oneself. This is me, your host Jim, signing off - by saying: WELCOME! Jim read less
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Episodes

The Mission and The Breath | Jim Kroft
Mar 23 2024
The Mission and The Breath | Jim Kroft
Dear friends, Today’s episode, “The Mission and The Breath,” began while I was writing my diary in my local cafe here in Berlin. It was 8 am on a Monday morning, and, honestly, I didn’t set out to write this Podcast.But I found myself moving through the gears and decided to follow the pulse. It brought me to wonder:How can offsetting our life against the cosmic dance improve our choices, circumstances, and creativity?Yes, in this podcast I consider the eternal.Yes, in this podcast, my mind dissolves as I wrestle with the Big Bang.Yes, in this podcast, I pause all things and reframe everyday life with the great symphony. During my rumination and research, I consider:🌈 The Power of Noticing: how awareness sharpens the mind and turns the ordinary into the extraordinary.⏳ Time's Tapestry: how the Big Bang’s cosmic origins link to our everyday existence.💔 Beyond Pain: how our lowest points contain the DNA of our breakthroughs🚀 Choice Power: how one’s attitude transforms our experience of life, inspired by Viktor Frankl’s wisdom🎶 Balanced Living: why the modern narrative on ambition versus presence is misguided, and how blending the two can lead to a more fulfilling life.This podcast is about how creativity and solopreneurship. But if we do not frame our pursuits within the universe’s grand story, how can we ever expect to make the best choices for our lives?Do you understand how significant what you have in your hands is?Today, I ask you to stop for a moment and to come on a non-linear journey with me through time and space. Ok, deep breath.Let's dive in!Your host,Jim LINKSNewsletterYouTubeInstagramX  ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
Go All In | "That Icelandic Guy" Talks YouTube
Mar 9 2024
Go All In | "That Icelandic Guy" Talks YouTube
Hello, everyone, and welcome back to “The Jim Kroft Podcast”, where creativity meets solopreneurship.This week's special guest is Arnulfur Hakonarson, aka "That Icelandic Guy," who has grown his YouTube channel to 170K subscribers and his Instagram to over 300K.IN SHORT:📈 Arnulfur’s strategy for searchable, impactful YouTube content.🧠 Mindset, consistency, and the journey from zero to viral.🎭 The blend of education and fun in his content creation.🚀 Launching and scaling a channel with strategic insights.💡 Generating ideas and overcoming the saturation in digital platforms.Today's episode is a comprehensive guide on starting YouTube, packed with Arnulfur's unique insights—from Titles and Thumbnails to content batching, using bullet points instead of scripts, finding your niche, and juggling YouTube with family life.During it, he grills me on my own YouTube channel with hilarious (and encouraging!) tough love -“…push out content, learn from your mistakes and do it again!”The episode is especially inspiring for anyone who’s older or feels they are coming too late to the creator economy:“…today is the best day to start!”My conversation with Arnulfur is a rip-roaring masterclass on YouTube, the digital economy and Solopreneurship, and will leave you feeling like everything is possible.Are you ready? Then, let’s dive in!Your host, JimLINKSJim KroftNewsletterYouTubeInstagramX That Icelandic GuyInstagramYouTube-----EXPANDEDHow to create searchable, impactful YouTube content that stands out.Strategies for consistent content creation and achieving viral growth on YouTube.Educational and entertaining content creation tips that engage and retain viewers.Best practices for launching and scaling a YouTube channel, including technical tips on titles, thumbnails, and content batching.Overcoming digital platform saturation: Innovative ideas for carving out your niche.Balancing content creation with family life, offering inspiration for creators at any stage of life. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
Be Driven By Intrinsic Motivation | Aishwarya Ashok
Feb 10 2024
Be Driven By Intrinsic Motivation | Aishwarya Ashok
NEWSLETTEREach week, I expand and reflect on the ideas of the Podcast in my "Creative Insights" on Substack:Subscribe Now----IN SHORTIn today's episode with Aishwarya Ashok:🌱 Growth mindset at the intersection of innovation.📝 Journaling for clarity and productivity.🎙️ Consistent podcasting with preparation and intuition.🏗️ "Building in public" strategy for creative success.🎨 Holistic growth and creativity in diverse fields.----TODAY'S EPISODEHello, everyone, and welcome to "The Jim Kroft Podcast," where I link the worlds of business and creativity.It's self-evident in the digital economy that these once-separated galaxies are starting to collide.The journey of figuring this out has led me to seek the wisdom of others, and today’s special guest, Aishwarya Ashok, embodies this wisdom. I first met Aishwarya on an online course I took last year, run by KP, one of the most cherished guests on this Podcast. Every time Aishwarya spoke, I was struck by her ability with the spoken word and quickly became a fan of her Podcast, “The Founders Foyer”.Recognised among the Top 200 Creators on LinkedIn in India, Aishwarya is a visionary product manager, podcaster, and artist. Today, we'll explore how she balances being a mentor and creator while nurturing an entrepreneurial spirit. How does she navigate these intersections, and what advice does she offer those exploring similar paths?Her answers left me feeling that every challenge is an opportunity, and every day is an unwritten script, pregnant with possibility.I'm excited to introduce Aishwarya and her wonderful perspectives on everything from the digital economy to the creator ecosystem. Are you ready? Then, let’s dive in!AISHWARYA ASHOK LINKWebsiteXJIM KROFT NewsletterInstagramX  ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
Zig When They Zag | Josh Spector
Jan 13 2024
Zig When They Zag | Josh Spector
Hello, everyone, and welcome to “The Jim Kroft Podcast”, where I seek to build bridges between the parallel worlds of the creative arts and solopreneur's path.When I started this Podcast, one of the first names I wrote down as a dream guest was Josh Spector, so I’m just buzzing to introduce you to him today.What I love about Josh is that he combines the innovative mindset of an entrepreneur with the non-conformism of creatives.As he says - “you don’t stand out by trying to fit in”.Josh is a prolific creator with 28 products on Gumroad, the mastermind behind the "For the Interested" newsletter, which has amassed 42,000 subscribers, and the host of the thought-provoking "I Want to Know" podcast.However, what sets Josh apart is that few people are as concentrated on giving value per minute.Today, Josh shares insights on:📈 One-Person Business Strategies🎨 Creative Process (Courses & Gumroad)😊 Fostering a Positive Mindset📣 Revolutionizing Newsletters🎙️ Podcast Strategy Systematization💡 Providing Value vs. InterestOn a personal note, inspired by Josh’s advice, I launched my first lead magnet over Christmas, leading to 170 new subscribers to my “Creative Insights” newsletter. It was my best week ever so far and another example of how all the ideas, insights and actionable tips I’m learning from the Podcast are having a real-life impact. You can see the link in the show notes if you'd like to subscribe.I'm excited to continue sharing the journey ahead for all of you who are starting Podcasts, Newsletters or YouTube channels this year.Okay, it’s time to meet Mr Josh Spector,Are you ready? Then, let’s dive in!JimJim Kroft links:NewsletterInstagramX YouTubeJosh SpectorWebsite ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
A Blueprint for Creatives in 2024 | Jim Kroft
Dec 30 2023
A Blueprint for Creatives in 2024 | Jim Kroft
Hey everyone, and welcome to today’s Podcast, where we’re going to jump into 2024 together. In today's episode, I explore ideas for creatives and solopreneurs in 2024 through the lens of my own resolutions for the year ahead, including:Building my first "Lead Magnet" (see link!)Having the courage to fail on YouTubeWhy distribution is as important as creativityStarting with difficultyWrestling the musical godsHow to finish long-term projects (like "The Isolation Diaries)Before doing though, here is some news to round up 2023:Firstly, as followers of the Podcast know, last week, I had the first cinema screening of my new documentary, “The Isolation Diaries”. I’m really happy to report that it both sold out and that I’m making the film available to listeners of this podcast for the next week! WATCH "THE ISOLATION DIARIES"The second news is that we have some great guests lined up for 2024. I have four recorded already for Season 2, and we’re going to start 2024 with a bang!Finally, thank you all so much for the support as I’ve kicked off the Podcast in 2023. I’ve been kept so motivated by you, my brilliantly supportive community of listeners. We’re finishing the year on a real high, with a Top 100 placement in both the Italian and South African Apple Podcast Charts. If you would like to leave a Christmas present - a review is so appreciated!If you’re ready, then let’s dive into today’s episode. You host, JimLINKSNewsletterInstagramX  ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
No Turns to Yes | The Dark Tenor
Nov 18 2023
No Turns to Yes | The Dark Tenor
Hello, everyone, and thank you for tuning in to 'The Jim Kroft Podcast,' where we explore the exciting intersection of solopreneurship and creativity. I'm your host, Jim Kroft.In these conversations, I engage with mavericks who chart their own courses in life, art, and business. Today, we have a special guest, 'The Dark Tenor' (Billy Andrews), who epitomises these values. Since leaving Universal Music, he has forged a unique path in the music industry and pioneered a groundbreaking business model in the process.Having directed Billy’s last 7 music videos, I’ve watched with curiosity and awe how he approaches the most challenging industry with a can-do attitude and astute business acumen.I asked him to come to my Berlin studio, and today, for the first time, he breaks down in intimate detail how musicians can forge independent careers in the toughest of environments.For Solopreneurs, Billy shares his strategies for launching new products, his approach to content creation, and leveraging marketing funnels effectively.In this episode:1️⃣ Navigating the music industry as your own manager2️⃣ The continuing relevance of Facebook marketing3️⃣ Harnessing AI for innovative marketing strategies4️⃣ Building robust databases5️⃣ Merging music industry insights with e-commerce tactics6️⃣ Adopting big-brand strategies for an independent careerFinally, today is a little landmark for the podcast, as we’ve just reached our 10th episode!Thank you all for the support so far; it really keeps me motivated to keep reaching out to great people, dig into their experiences, and share what I discover.It means the world to have you along for the journey.If you’re ready, then let’s dive in!JimTHE DARK TENORWebsiteSpotifyInstagramJIM KROFT LINKSNewsletterInstagramX ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
Fail Forwards | Boris Eldagsen
Oct 21 2023
Fail Forwards | Boris Eldagsen
Welcome to "The Jim Kroft Podcast," where we unravel the symbiosis of entrepreneurship and the arts.Today, I'm thrilled to present Boris Eldagsen, a pioneering German artist and agitator. Boris's work has exploded into global recognition this year, particularly after winning and then rejecting the Sony World Photography Award. It thrust his AI-generated images to the forefront of discussions around the topic of AI.Since then, he's become a figurehead for artists worldwide, gaining ubiquitous coverage from The Guardian to Al Jazeera. I’ve known Boris for over a decade and have greatly enjoyed seeing his splendidly tall frame towering above the crowd at several of my concerts.Welcoming him onto the show was a moving moment in our friendship, and to celebrate it, the team went full Joe Rogan on the film production. Please do pop over to my YouTube channel if you'd like to check it out!In today’s episode, Boris dives deep into:🤖 The concept of authenticity in the AI Age🚀 His remarkable journey from underground artist to global acclaim🏆 The audacious stance he took regarding the Sony Awards📜 His eclectic philosophy, drawing from Jungian psychology and Eastern mysticism🤝 The art of building community in the digital economyWhether you're an artist navigating the AI landscape or working out how to use AI in your business, this episode is for you.If you’re ready, then let's dive in!Your host, JimBORIS ELDAGSENInstagram PseudomnesiaJIM KROFT LINKSNewsletterInstagramX  ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
Document Your Journey | Hypefury's Yannick Veys
Sep 23 2023
Document Your Journey | Hypefury's Yannick Veys
Hello everyone and welcome to “The Jim Kroft Podcast” where I explore the intersection between the business and arts worlds.My exploration of this topic began while pounding the icy streets of Berlin where I found myself drawn back to the world of Twitter, now X.Initially hesitant, I worried about the potential distraction from my work that another social media platform could pose.This uncertainty propelled me to investigate how I could think outside the box and that's when I discovered Hypefury, a groundbreaking platform that empowers content creators in numerous ways, from content scheduling to monetization.And so today I feel really lucky to to speak with Yannick Veys, Hypefury’s co-founderDuring our conversation, we dive into various topics, including:Building a personal brand or solo Twitter businessAdvance content scheduling for finding your voiceYannick's insights on the Twitter algorithmBalancing content creation and business successHypefury's expansion, acquisitions, and future featuresThe appeal of X lies in its abundance of ideas, and few individuals understand its complexities better than Yannick.Before we begin, I want to say thank you as always for all the support and if you enjoy the episode, please consider rating and reviewing!I’m your host Jim Kroft and if you’re ready, let's dive!YANNICK VEYS LINKS- Hypefury- TwitterJIM KROFT LINKS-  Jim on Twitter-  Jim's Substack-  Jim's Instagram ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
Share Every Step | Arvid Kahl
Aug 12 2023
Share Every Step | Arvid Kahl
Welcome to "The Jim Kroft Podcast" where we explore the intersection between Entrepreneurship and the Arts.In this week's episode, I'm thrilled to welcome legendary "Indie Bootstrapper" and author Arvid Kahl.If I could synthesize the human embodiment of what a person might look like at the mysterious confluence between entrepreneurship and creativity, it would be Arvid.Having secured a million-dollar exit for his business, Arvid pivoted towards creativity, so far releasing two best-selling books and amassing 120,000 Twitter followers along the way.Today’s story however delves beyond the surface of the success and metrics. In the Podcast, we explore:- Transitioning from million-dollar exit to bestselling author - Overcoming social isolation and burnout - Arvid's content creation system- Effective message distribution across platforms- Finding the right audience to serve- Building in public as a Creative or SolopreneurArvid packs today’s Podcast with actionable steps, practical tips and hard-hitting life lessons. I also want to say THANK YOU to everyone for the wonderful launch of the Podcast! Your support helped it enter the Apple Podcasting Charts, which is just so energising. If you have a moment to rate or review, it would be a massive help as I try to keep the momentum rolling.OK, time to jump to today's episode!JimARVID KAHL LINKSWebsite:https://thebootstrappedfounder.comTwitter:https://twitter.com/arvidkahlJIM KROFT LINKSSUBSTACKhttps://jimkroft.substack.comINSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/jimkroftTWITTERhttps://twitter.com/jimkroft ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★