Jon Denton shares his 20-year journey from games journalist to 500K-subscriber YouTuber, revealing the hidden mental health crisis plaguing creators. We discuss burnout, isolation, surviving online hate mobs, audience capture, and why he's launching a mastermind to help other creators navigate the psychological toll of putting themselves online.

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ABOUT JON DENTON:

Jon Denton is a "Level 99 Unc," grown his YouTube channel to over 500k. He spends half his time "reacting to stuff," and the other half helping people break through their limits.

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CONNECT WITH JON DENTON:

Jon's Newsletter: https://jondenton.substack.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jondenton22/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JonDenton

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SUBSCRIBE TO THE CREATOR ALCHEMY NEWSLETTER:

Subscribe to the Creator Alchemy Newsletter for exclusive content and unlock the Psychology of Success Masterclass for free.

Go to https://www.creatoralchemy.com/

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JOIN THE COMMUNITY:

The Creator Alchemy Lab is a community for ambitious creators taking bold action to transform their businesses, their lives, and themselves.

Go to https://www.creatoralchemy.com/lab now to join.

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TOPICS DISCUSSED:

• Why success amplifies past wounds - Why external achievements often make old wounds louder instead of healing them.
• The creator isolation paradox - Performing connection for thousands while experiencing deep disconnection and loneliness.
• When your audience becomes your prison - How creators become trapped by audience expectations and lose the ability to evolve.
• The psychology behind online hate - Understanding that criticism of your work often reflects the attacker's identity issues, not your content.
• The RAIN protocol for emotional regulation - Practical frameworks for creating space between triggers and responses.
• Mental health as a strategic advantage - Why emotional regulation is foundational to sustainable creator success, not separate from it.
• Creating the stimulus-response gap - How to notice faster and recover quicker from criticism and setbacks.
• Why you can't think away emotional wounds - Why positive thinking alone doesn't work and what actually helps with creator burnout.
• Creator communities as survival tool - How connection with other creators becomes essential for survival, not just networking.

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TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro

01:35 From Journalist to YouTuber

5:45 The Psychology Behind Reaction Videos

13:52 The Craft of Being an Entertainer

22:50 What Makes Great Music

31:06 Meeting The Weeknd - The Power of Putting Yourself Out There

38:50 The Fear of Ridicule and Tall Poppy Syndrome

48:50 The Uncertainty of Being a Creator

54:34 Burnout and Chronic Fatigue

01:01:35 The Inner Journey of Mental Health

01:18:14 The Stimulus-Response Gap and Emotional Regulation

01:24:35 Handling Online Hate

01:41:04 Scarcity vs. Abundance Mindsets in the Creator...

In this in-depth conversation, I talk with Dan Bennett, video expert and founder of Hot Sauce Studio, about the psychology of camera confidence, sharing your expertise with the world, and navigating the insecurities and uncertainties of entrepreneurship. We explore how fear, authenticity, and personal development intersect with being on camera, building a business, and finding your voice as a creator, and share insights into overcoming creative blocks.

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ABOUT DAN BENNETT:

Dan Bennett helps remarkable people look and sound great on camera. After years working with corporate clients, he shifted his focus to helping entrepreneurs and professionals build camera confidence and create effective video content. His company is currently rebranding as Hot Sauce Studio. Dan emphasizes making video simple (though not necessarily easy) and focuses on the psychological aspects of camera confidence.

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CONNECT WITH DAN:

Website: danhaslinks.com

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GET THE CREATOR ALCHEMY NEWSLETTER:

Subscribe to the Creator Alchemy Newsletter for exclusive content and unlock the Psychology of Success Masterclass for free.

Go to https://www.creatoralchemy.com/

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SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://coreywilkspsyd.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@coreywilkspsyd

Substack: https://substack.com/@coreywilkspsyd

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreywilkspsyd/

Twitter: https://x.com/CoreyWilksPsyD

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coreywilkspsyd/

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/coreywilkspsyd.bsky.social

Disclaimers: The content provided is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. Nothing here constitutes personal or professional consultation, treatment, diagnosis, or creates a professional-client relationship

In this conversation, Corey Wilks, Psy.D., explores the concept of impostor syndrome, emphasizing that many successful individuals feel like imposters in their respective fields. He discusses the common rooms where people feel they don't belong, highlighting the importance of embracing one's imposter status as a pathway to personal growth and authenticity. Through examples of well-known figures, he illustrates that everyone grapples with self-doubt, yet these feelings can lead to meaningful contributions and connections.

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SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER:

Subscribe to the Creator Alchemy Newsletter for exclusive content and unlock the Psychology of Success Masterclass for free.

Go to https://www.creatoralchemy.com/

—

JOIN THE COMMUNITY:

The Creator Alchemy Lab is a community for ambitious creators taking bold action to transform their businesses, their lives, and themselves.

Go to https://www.creatoralchemy.com/lab now to join.

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EPISODE LINKS:

Danny Miranda: https://www.youtube.com/@DannyMiranda

Lex Fridman: https://www.youtube.com/@lexfridman

Ali Abdaal: https://www.youtube.com/@aliabdaal and check out Ali's book: https://www.feelgoodproductivity.com/

Leila Hormozi: https://www.youtube.com/@leilahormozi

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SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://coreywilkspsyd.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@coreywilkspsyd

Substack: https://substack.com/@coreywilkspsyd

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreywilkspsyd/

Twitter: https://x.com/CoreyWilksPsyD

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coreywilkspsyd/

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/coreywilkspsyd.bsky.social

Disclaimers: The content provided is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. Nothing here constitutes personal or professional consultation, treatment, diagnosis, or creates a professional-client relationship.

Summary:

In this conversation, psychologists Dr. Corey Wilks and Dr. Nick Wignall discuss essential mental health habits tailored for entrepreneurs. They explore strategies to manage overwhelm, anxiety, and burnout, emphasizing the importance of sleep and relaxation. The dialogue also covers building assertiveness and confidence through incremental steps, as well as the distinction between pursuing fleeting pleasures and long-term fulfillment. The conversation is rich with practical tips and insights aimed at fostering emotional well-being in the entrepreneurial journey.

Takeaways:

• Mental health is crucial for entrepreneurs' success.
• Avoiding overwhelm involves simplifying tasks and closing open loops.
• Scheduled worry can help manage chronic anxiety.
• Creating a sleep runway is essential for quality rest.
• Burnout requires disconnecting from draining activities to recharge.
• Building assertiveness is a skill that can be developed gradually.
• Pursuing eudaimonia leads to more fulfilling work than hedonia.
• Reflection and contemplation can lead to breakthroughs.
• Confidence grows through competence and practice.
• Self-awareness of limiting beliefs is key to overcoming them.

Want More Deep Dives?

Subscribe to the Creator Alchemy Newsletter for exclusive content and unlock the Psychology of Success Masterclass for free.

Go to https://www.creatoralchemy.com/

Socials:

Website: https://coreywilkspsyd.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@coreywilkspsyd

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreywilkspsyd/

Twitter: https://x.com/CoreyWilksPsyD

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coreywilkspsyd/

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/coreywilkspsyd.bsky.social

Other Resources from This Episode:

Nick’s channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFriendlyMind

Nick’s newsletter: https://nickwignall.com/newsletter/

Nick’s 13 Spike Points of View on Emotional Health article: https://nickwignall.com/13-spiky-points-of-view-on-emotional-health/

Anne-Laure Le Cunff’s Liminal Creativity article: https://nesslabs.com/liminal-creativity

Summary:

In this conversation, Corey Wilks and performance coach Steve Timoney explore frameworks for reaching one's potential through the concept of the future self. They discuss strategies for defining and aligning with one's ideal future self, the importance of values, the use of feedback loops, and the creation of a mental advisory board to guide decision-making. The dialogue emphasizes the need for clarity in identity and actions to avoid cognitive dissonance and achieve personal and professional goals.

Takeaways:

• A clear vision of your future self is essential for growth.
• Identifying your core values helps filter opportunities.
• Feedback loops can accelerate progress significantly.
• Proactive planning is more effective than reactive responses.
• Creating a mental advisory board can provide valuable insights.
• Aligning actions with beliefs reduces cognitive dissonance.
• Regular reviews of goals keep you on track.
• Understanding the long-term impact of decisions is crucial.
• Life is about perspective; regain it to succeed.
• Articulating your goals is the first step to achieving them.

Want More Deep Dives?

Subscribe to the Creator Alchemy Newsletter for exclusive content and unlock the Psychology of Success Masterclass for free.

Go to https://www.creatoralchemy.com/

Socials:

Website: https://coreywilkspsyd.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@coreywilkspsyd

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreywilkspsyd/

Twitter: https://x.com/CoreyWilksPsyD

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coreywilkspsyd/

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/coreywilkspsyd.bsky.social

Other Resources:

Steve Timoney's Links:

X/Twitter: https://x.com/SteveTimoney

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-timoney-214306101/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@stephentimoney

Website: https://www.stephentimoney.com/

In this conversation, Corey Wilks, Psy.D., discusses the concept of expiration dates in life, emphasizing the importance of recognizing our limited time and how it can motivate us to prioritize our goals. He introduces the idea of setting micro expiration dates to enhance productivity and accountability, encouraging listeners to reflect on their life choices and make the most of their time.

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SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER:

Subscribe to the Creator Alchemy Newsletter for exclusive content and unlock the Psychology of Success Masterclass for free.

Go to https://www.creatoralchemy.com/

—

JOIN THE COMMUNITY:

The Creator Alchemy Lab is a community for ambitious creators taking bold action to transform their businesses, their lives, and themselves.

Go to https://www.creatoralchemy.com/lab now to join.

—

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://coreywilkspsyd.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@coreywilkspsyd

Substack: https://substack.com/@coreywilkspsyd

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreywilkspsyd/

Twitter: https://x.com/CoreyWilksPsyD

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coreywilkspsyd/

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/coreywilkspsyd.bsky.social

Disclaimers: The content provided is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. Nothing here constitutes personal or professional consultation, treatment, diagnosis, or creates a professional-client relationship.

In this conversation, Corey Wilks, Psy.D., discusses the importance of perspective in psychology and coaching. He emphasizes that the way we perceive the world can significantly influence our effectiveness in various disciplines. By learning to see through specific lenses—whether it be psychology, writing, or entrepreneurship—individuals can uncover insights and inspiration from everyday experiences. He also provides practical questions to help listeners develop their own lenses of inspiration, encouraging a deeper engagement with the world around them.

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SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER:

Subscribe to the Creator Alchemy Newsletter for exclusive content and unlock the Psychology of Success Masterclass for free.

Go to https://www.creatoralchemy.com/

—

JOIN THE COMMUNITY:

The Creator Alchemy Lab is a community for ambitious creators taking bold action to transform their businesses, their lives, and themselves.

Go to https://www.creatoralchemy.com/lab now to join.

—

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://coreywilkspsyd.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@coreywilkspsyd

Substack: https://substack.com/@coreywilkspsyd

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreywilkspsyd/

Twitter: https://x.com/CoreyWilksPsyD

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coreywilkspsyd/

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/coreywilkspsyd.bsky.social

Disclaimers: The content provided is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. Nothing here constitutes personal or professional consultation, treatment, diagnosis, or creates a professional-client relationship.

In this conversation, Dr. Corey Wilks discusses the Baader-Meinhoff Phenomenon, a psychological concept that explains how our perception changes when we focus on specific things. He illustrates how this phenomenon can be used to enhance creativity and inspiration effortlessly. By intentionally directing our attention, we can uncover ideas and patterns that were previously overlooked, leading to a more enriched creative process.

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SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER:

Subscribe to the Creator Alchemy Newsletter for exclusive content and unlock the Psychology of Success Masterclass for free.

Go to https://www.creatoralchemy.com/

—

JOIN THE COMMUNITY:

The Creator Alchemy Lab is a community for ambitious creators taking bold action to transform their businesses, their lives, and themselves.

Go to https://www.creatoralchemy.com/lab now to join.

—

EPISODE LINKS:

Hidden Cost of Success article: https://coreywilkspsyd.com/the-hidden-cost-of-success/

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SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://coreywilkspsyd.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@coreywilkspsyd

Substack: https://substack.com/@coreywilkspsyd

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreywilkspsyd/

Twitter: https://x.com/CoreyWilksPsyD

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coreywilkspsyd/

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/coreywilkspsyd.bsky.social

Disclaimers: The content provided is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. Nothing here constitutes personal or professional consultation, treatment, diagnosis, or creates a professional-client relationship.