Hey, We’re Colin and Samir, YouTube creators and podcasters that break down the latest news in the creator economy from a creator's perspective. We have a long history building communities and brands through digital content. New episodes of The Colin and Samir show go live every Monday on Spotify and YouTube.com/ColinandSamir.
…
continue reading
Subscribe for conversations that raise your consciousness. Previous guests include Gary Vaynerchuk, Alex Hormozi, Robert Greene, Seth Godin, Andy Frisella, Chris Williamson, Kamal Ravikant, Iman Gadzhi, Anthony Pompliano, George Heaton, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, Miss Excel Kat Norton, Ariel Helwani, James Altucher, Sam Parr, Shaan Puri, Colin and Samir, Gay Hendricks, and 350+ incredible humans.
…
continue reading
For worldbuilders... A worldbuilder is a visionary, architecting an empire on their own terms through a unique mix of content, design, products & experiences. As a worldbuilder, the goal is to create total immersion for any citizen or tourist that spends time in your world. The best mainstream examples are Apple, Disney, Tesla. Other modern ones include Sunday, Poolsuite, Represent. Blueprint is a show designed to interview worldbuilders and breakdown the blueprints, playbooks, and strategie ...
…
continue reading
Every Friday media reporter Max Tani and Semafor Editor-in-Chief Ben Smith pull back the curtain on the most important stories about media, revealing why you see and hear what you see and hear. Mixed Signals from Semafor Media is supported by Think with Google.
…
continue reading
The definitive insider's guide to our current golden age of television, Ben Blacker's The Writers Panel is an ever expanding anthology of live convention panels and intimate in-studio interviews with the writers, producers, and show runners responsible for all the shows you can't stop watching. Over the course of nearly 500 episodes and counting, The Writers Panel has sat across from guests such as Vince Gilligan (Breaking Bad), Amy Sherman-Palladino (Gilmore Girls, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel ...
…
continue reading
A look into the business side of the modern creator. Over the past 8 years, Ian Borthwick has worked with over 1,000 creators. Now he wants to show listeners the businesses these entrepreneur-creators are building. If you're interested in why Cody Ko has his own mug company, why Emma Chamberlain has her own coffee, and why Mr. Beast has his own burger...then this podcast is for you.
…
continue reading

1
The Secret Strategist Behind The Biggest YouTubers
1:44:39
1:44:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:44:39Get better ideas for YouTube — https://www.colinandsamir.com/ideas This week on The Colin and Samir Show, we sit down with YouTube strategist Paddy Galloway — the mind behind 10 billion views annually on YouTube. Paddy shares behind-the-scenes insights on how top-performing videos come to life, what separates average uploads from breakout hits, and…
…
continue reading
Sascha Penn (creator/showrunner, Power Book III) discusses the value of non-industry experience to showrunning, the truth about reps, the storytelling muscle, advice for entering the business at this moment, and more. THE WRITERS PANEL IS A COMPLETELY INDEPENDENT PRODUCTION. Follow and support the show by subscribing to Ben Blacker's newsletter, Re…
…
continue reading

1
Ezra Klein on Trump, Sanity, and Podcasting
48:28
48:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:28Ezra Klein is on a book tour — you may have heard his voice on some of your other favorite podcasts talking about Abundance. Today, Ben and Max also talk to The New York Times columnist and host… but you won’t hear anything about the book (so you’ll just have to buy it). Instead, they ask Ezra what he’s learned about the media and podcasting throug…
…
continue reading

1
Zeitgeist Genius Tina Brown on Meghan Markle, Vanity Fair and Whether We Still Need Editors
47:10
47:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:10Tina Brown has shaped the culture and captured the zeitgeist since she reinvented Vanity Fair and The New Yorker in the 1980s and 1990s. But now, she’s moved onto the digital media space with her Substack, Fresh Hell. This week, Ben and Max talk to the magazine icon about what she makes of the state of print media today, if we still need editors in…
…
continue reading

1
Can YouTube Debates Bring America Back Together? with Jubilee’s Jason Y. Lee
51:37
51:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:37In a YouTube landscape filled with podcasts and talking heads, Jubilee Media’s wild debate videos stand apart: A doctor debates 20 anti-vaxxers, Ben Shapiro debates 25 liberals, Pete Buttigieg debates 25 conservatives. But are these viral videos bringing a divided America back together or are they just profiting off of polarization? This week, Ben …
…
continue reading

1
Jonathan Tropper (Your Friends and Neighbors)
27:30
27:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:30Jonathan Tropper (creator, Your Friends and Neighbors, Banshee, Warrior) discusses writing a TV show closer in sensibility to his novels, the role of luck in a writing career, writing a non-action show, one key piece of advice about craft, and more. THE WRITERS PANEL IS A COMPLETELY INDEPENDENT PRODUCTION. Follow and support the show by subscribing…
…
continue reading

1
Piers Morgan On Going Independent, Meghan Markle, and Why He Likes Pouring Gasoline On the Fire
49:19
49:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:19Since the 80s, Piers Morgan has ridden massive changes in the media industry, jumping from print to cable to, more recently, YouTube. This week on Mixed Signals, the TV star joins Ben and (subbing in for Max) Semafor’s head of comms, Meera Pattni, to discuss how he’s building his Uncensored brand, what he likes about being a YouTuber, and if he mis…
…
continue reading

1
#471: Nick Sweeney – Launching Coherence (Breathwork App) & ChatGPT
1:05:50
1:05:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:05:50Nick Sweeney is a breathwork coach and cofounder of Coherence (https://www.coherencebreath.com). In this conversation, we spoke about launching a breathwork app, how to breathe to improve cardio, ChatGPT, and how running Alignment Academy for the first two months of the year impacted us. My X: https://x.com/heydannymiranda My Instagram: https://www…
…
continue reading

1
Nick Denton’s Surprising Return, Courtesy of Elon Musk, Denmark, and Chinese Cars
41:03
41:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:03Nick Denton, the founder of Gawker, more or less disappeared from the Internet in 2017, after a public legal battle with Hulk Hogan (backed by Peter Thiel) resulted in the site being shut down… That is until earlier this month, when Denton suddenly reappeared on X, tweeting over 200 times over the course of days. In his first podcast appearance sin…
…
continue reading

1
Mark Zuckerberg on the future of Facebook, Creators, and Dead Internet Theory
1:06:11
1:06:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:06:11Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Colin and Samir
…
continue reading
Veronica West (creator of Surface, High Fidelity; Dexter: New Blood; Chicago Fire) discusses why she wrote Surface on spec, the elaborate pitch, working with actors, learning on the job, and more. THE WRITERS PANEL IS A COMPLETELY INDEPENDENT PRODUCTION. Follow and support the show by subscribing to Ben Blacker's newsletter, Re:Writing, where you'l…
…
continue reading
YouTube is undeniably the dominant media platform of the moment, and it’s increasingly the go-to place for what used to be an audio-only medium: podcasts. Last month, the company announced that podcasts on YouTube rack up 1 billion viewers a month. This week, Ben and Max bring on CEO Neal Mohan to talk about how YouTube has become the epicenter of …
…
continue reading

1
Does Mass Culture Still Matter? And How Snoop Dogg Mastered Commerce, with Frank Cooper
45:29
45:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:29In this moment of media fragmentation and the rise of niche communities, are there still ways to reach mass audiences? This week, Ben and Max bring on legendary marketing executive, Frank Cooper, who’s always been at the center of big cultural shifts from his time at Def Jam in the 90s, AOL in the 2000s, and BuzzFeed in the 2010s. Throughout his ca…
…
continue reading
On this episode of the Colin and Samir Show, we talk about YouTube's push for creators to win Emmys, answer questions from the audience, including how to find an "internship" to get experience as a creator, and share takeaways from SXSW. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Colin and Samir
…
continue reading

1
#470: Talia Victor – Reason For Being
1:30:16
1:30:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:30:16In this episode, Talia and I explore the transformative power of discovering your Reason for Being - a method that unlocks clarity, purpose, and deep self-awareness. We're hosting our first public event here: https://buy.stripe.com/7sIdSQd0d9c00s87t3 Website: yourreasonforbeing.com Danny's X: https://x.com/heydannymiranda Talia's X: https://x.com/h…
…
continue reading
Abdullah Saeed (creator, Deli Boys) discusses diligence versus talent, his favorite part of the television-making process, the most important part of your sample script, embracing chaos, and more. THE WRITERS PANEL IS A COMPLETELY INDEPENDENT PRODUCTION. Follow and support the show by subscribing to Ben Blacker's newsletter, Re:Writing, where you'l…
…
continue reading

1
Inside the Independent Creator World, with Substack’s Hamish McKenzie – and Nayeema Raza
38:21
38:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:21This week, we get an inside look at the independent creator model of media with a two-part conversation: First, Ben and Max interview Substack co-founder and chief writing officer, Hamish McKenzie, about the platform’s appeal for the resistance on the left, their move into video, and why they turned down Elon Musk’s offer to buy them a few years ag…
…
continue reading

1
New York Times Editor Joe Kahn, Podcaster Megyn Kelly and More on the Collapse of Trust
40:26
40:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:26Today, we have a special bonus episode: Ben and Max break down the most interesting moments from the Innovating to Restore Trust in News summit held last week in Washington, D.C. They discuss Gallup’s findings on the worsening trust in news media, New York Times executive editor Joe Kahn’s acknowledgment that Donald Trump is good for business, and …
…
continue reading

1
How Johnny Harris Changed The News Forever
1:42:04
1:42:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:42:04Try Airalo and use code COLIN&SAMIR3 for $3 off your first eSIM https://try.airalo.com/ColinSamir On this episode of The Colin and Samir Show, we sit down with Johnny and Iz Harris to talk about the future of news on YouTube. Johnny and Iz explain their mission to provide context-driven news with their company New Press, the evolution of Johnny's Y…
…
continue reading

1
#469: Alex Hardy – Integrity Sessions, Living In Truth, & Divine Moments
1:53:51
1:53:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:53:51In this episode, I sit down with Alex Hardy to dive deep into the power of integrity, radical honesty, and the transformative practice of "Integrity Sessions." We explore how clearing unspoken truths can set you free, how this practice has changed our lives, and why most people are afraid to face themselves. Alex's retreat: https://masculine-mindse…
…
continue reading

1
Why Netflix Is “Obsessed” With Winning an Oscar, with Puck’s Matt Belloni
50:05
50:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:05The 97th Academy Awards are this weekend, giving us a glimpse into the past and future of Hollywood and the entertainment industry. For an insider’s take on the state of the business and how the Academy works, Ben and Max bring on Matt Belloni, founding partner of Puck and host of The Town podcast. They talk about Netflix’s Oscars strategy with Emi…
…
continue reading

1
The Death of the Follower & the Future of Creativity on the Internet: Patreon CEO Jack Conte
1:54:39
1:54:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:54:39On the episode of The Colin and Samir Show, Patreon CEO Jack Conte joins us to share his advice for creators in 2025. We dive into the evolution of the internet from the follower model to the "For You" era, the impact of short-form content, and what it means for creators trying to build sustainable businesses. Join our free live workshop on the 3 r…
…
continue reading

1
Lessons in Creativity from Kevin Hart, Beast Games and Adam Grant
52:09
52:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:09In this episode, we break down key insights from Spotter Summit, including Kevin Hart’s top advice for creators, what creators can take from Beast Games, and major trends shaping 2025. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Colin and Samir
…
continue reading

1
#468: Tej Dosa – Divine Moments, The Power Of Energy, & Meditation
1:51:03
1:51:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:51:03Tej Dosa and I recorded this episode on Saturday, February 15. Whenever I talk to Tej, I always come away from the podcast feeling high. I hope you do too. You can contact me on X at @heydannymiranda and him at @ComedicBizman. AI Summary (created by Otter.ai): Danny Miranda and Tej Dosa discuss the transformative power of their conversations and th…
…
continue reading
Drew Hancock (writer/director, Companion) discusses being put in a box, tricks for directing on the page, writing from the perspective of a robot, why second drafts always suck, and lots more. THE WRITERS PANEL IS A COMPLETELY INDEPENDENT PRODUCTION. Follow and support the show by subscribing to Ben Blacker's newsletter, Re:Writing, where you'll al…
…
continue reading

1
How Fox Is Embracing the Creator Economy, with Red Seat’s Chris Balfe
50:41
50:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:41This week, a big story of media consolidation – and one that devoted Mixed Signals listeners would have seen coming: Fox announced that it has acquired Red Seat Ventures, the digital media company that produces and markets the podcasts of several big names in conservative media, including Megyn Kelly, Tucker Carlson, and Bill O’Reilly. Ben and Max …
…
continue reading

1
An Unfiltered Conversation with Pokimane
2:14:00
2:14:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
2:14:00Check out InVideo AI: https://invideo.io/i/ColinandSamir In this episode with Pokimane, we dive into her early days on Twitch, the business moves that shaped her career, and the challenges of being both a creator and entrepreneur. Pokimane shares insights on diversifying income streams, launching a snack brand, handling internet drama, and navigati…
…
continue reading
Katie O'Brien (creator, The Z Suite; co-creator, Teachers; The Santa Clauses) discusses improv and showrunning, her post-Teachers struggle, optimism in the face of rejection, the bananas sample script she had to write, and more. THE WRITERS PANEL IS A COMPLETELY INDEPENDENT PRODUCTION. Follow and support the show by subscribing to Ben Blacker's new…
…
continue reading
The Super Bowl, the biggest single media event in the US, is upon us. And the Chiefs and the Eagles aren’t the only ones with a lot on the line: advertisers have staked their reputations – and for Instacart’s Laura Jones, her job – on 30 seconds of airtime this Sunday. This week, Ben and Max bring on the Instacart CMO to talk about what it takes to…
…
continue reading
On this episode of The Colin and Samir Show, we sit down with Snapchat founder and CEO, Evan Spiegel, for a deep dive into the evolution of social media, the future of technology, and the role of Snapchat in the creator economy. Evan shares his insights on the future of wearables like Spectacles, the TikTok ban, how social media shapes culture and …
…
continue reading
Adam Rudman (Carl the Collector; Nature Cat; Sesame Street) discusses pitching and selling pre-school series, the throughline in his shows, carrying on the traditions of Buster Keaton and Spongebob, and more. THE WRITERS PANEL IS A COMPLETELY INDEPENDENT PRODUCTION. Follow and support the show by subscribing to Ben Blacker's newsletter, Re:Writing,…
…
continue reading

1
How to Make Money in Media, with Kara Swisher
46:58
46:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:58Kara Swisher has been a reporter, an editor, a founder, and is now one of the most successful podcasters in the world. This week, Ben and Max bring on the host of On with Kara Swisher and co-host of the popular tech podcast Pivot to talk about the business of media in 2025. She talks unabashedly about her own income, and whether other journalists c…
…
continue reading

1
MrBeast Reflects on Beast Games, Feastables, and the State of YouTube
1:24:19
1:24:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:24:19Check out Spotter Studio: https://partner.spotterstudio.com/colinandsamir In our fifth interview with Jimmy Donaldson, we break down MrBeast's biggest year yet. From launching the most expensive unscripted reality show of all time—Beast Games on Prime Video—to scaling Feastables, and pushing the limits of YouTube, Jimmy opens up about the challenge…
…
continue reading

1
How the Creator Economy Has Transformed Advertising
40:08
40:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:08This week, we look at digital fragmentation through the eyes of a transformed marketing industry – because to really see where media is headed, you have to follow the money. Ben and Max bring on CMO of Verizon and former Twitter CMO, Leslie Berland, to talk about how creators have changed marketing and what she thinks is coming next. They also talk…
…
continue reading

1
Michelle Nader (Shifting Gears; Deli Boys)
37:43
37:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:43Michelle Nader (showrunner of Shifting Gears and Deli Boys) discusses relationships with actors, including her "avatar" Kat Dennings, writing yourself out of your low points, how growing up in the mob prepared her for a career in television, and more. THE WRITERS PANEL IS A COMPLETELY INDEPENDENT PRODUCTION. Follow and support the show by subscribi…
…
continue reading

1
Davos, the Inauguration, and Media’s Place in the New Global Order, with Ian Bremmer
42:04
42:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:04As the second inauguration of Donald Trump approaches and global leaders head to Davos, Switzerland for the World Economic Forum, we at Mixed Signals want to know: what will media’s role be in an increasingly unstable era? And will it bring more order or disorder for global politics? To discuss this, Ben and Max bring on political risk advisor Ian …
…
continue reading

1
How Technology Will Shape Media in 2025, with Jessica Lessin
42:31
42:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:31This year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) showcased an array of new gadgets, screens, and robots – but will any of them impact how and what we consume? Or will the real changes come from Washington, where the big tech companies from Meta to Amazon seem to be targeting their attention? To discuss all the ways that tech and tech leaders will impact…
…
continue reading

1
How Dating Apps Survive in the Age of Digital Exhaustion, with Tinder’s Melissa Hobley
46:30
46:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:30We’re kicking off 2025 with a foray into dating apps — and an announcement of Nayeema’s next venture (not a dating app but a new show called Smart Girl Dumb Questions). But first: Today’s episode of Mixed Signals merges Ben and Nayeema’s interests in CMO podcasts and dating apps, respectively. Tinder CMO Melissa Hobley joins us to talk about digita…
…
continue reading

1
Buying and Selling 2025 Creator Economy Trends
1:21:21
1:21:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:21:21Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Colin and Samir
…
continue reading

1
#467: Nick Sweeney – Launching Alignment Academy, 40-Hour Fast, Using Intuition
1:39:14
1:39:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:39:14Alignment Academy: alignmentacademy.coA 7-week program to help you become your greatest version. Nick and I are beginning on January 1. alignmentacademy.coEpisode 467. In this episode, Nick and I go deep into what it means to live in alignment. We talk about the lessons we’ve learned through fasting, meditation, and breathwork, and share the challe…
…
continue reading