In today’s episode, I’m joined by Claire Venus for a really thoughtful conversation about Substack, what makes it different from other platforms, and why so many creators are craving a quieter, more intentional space online. Claire shares how she went from working in festivals and events to building a business around Substack, and how her own desire for a non-algorithmic place to write turned into a thriving community and membership.

We talk about what Substack actually is, how it has evolved over the years, and why it is not as simple as “just start a paid newsletter and make easy money.” Claire breaks down the reality of Substack’s 10% fee, the risks of low-ticket high-volume models, and why so many creators can burn themselves out trying to do too much. We also get into where Substack fits into a larger business ecosystem, whether it should replace your email list, and how to think strategically about using it for lead generation, self-expression, community, or paid offers.

This episode is a really honest look at what Substack can be, who it makes sense for, and why not every platform is the right fit for every business. If you’ve been curious about starting a Substack but also side-eyeing it a little, this conversation will help you think through it with a lot more clarity.

What you'll learn

Claire’s journey from the events industry to building a business around Substack
What Substack is, how it has evolved, and why it feels different from traditional social platforms
How creators can grow on Substack without relying heavily on algorithms or viral content
Why many creators are craving deeper connection and longer-form attention online
The reality of monetizing on Substack, including the 10% platform fee and subscription model
How Substack fits into a larger business ecosystem alongside email lists, courses, and memberships
Who Substack is best suited for and why it’s not too late to start using the platform

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More about the Radical Disruption podcast:

Are you wanting to make waves in your industry, push the envelope, and change the way things are done in a radical way? Are you looking for tangible, tactical, and actionable steps that will help you build a sustainable business that stands out? You’re in the right place!

Radical Disruption is home to the disrupters. Here, you’ll learn how to take your business to the next level, break the status quo, and build a disruptive business.

Nursing student turned business and social media expert and host Mya Nichol (hey, that’s me!) shares the real and raw of the crazy journey of entrepreneurship and building a multi-six-figure business.

Through solo episodes and special guest interviews, you can expect honest conversations about throwing out the traditional way of business, scaling in a sustainable way, and becoming the go-to expert in your industry. It’s time to build a disruptive business. See you on Tuesdays!

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134. If you’re gonna join Substack in 2026, listen to this