Podcast Summary: The Think Media Podcast - Episode 413: This is What Happens When You Go ALL IN on YouTube (Real Results) Release Date: May 15, 2025

In Episode 413 of The Think Media Podcast, host Sean Cannell converses with Ben Azadi, a seasoned functional health practitioner and YouTube strategist. The episode delves into the transformative power of YouTube in scaling a business, building authority, and unlocking diverse opportunities. Below is a comprehensive summary of their discussion, highlighting key insights, strategies, and notable quotes.

1. YouTube as a Catalyst for Book Sales and Authority

Ben Azadi begins by sharing his journey from self-publishing to securing a six-figure book deal with Hay House, attributing this success largely to his YouTube presence.

• Connection with Publishers:

  • Ben reached out to Hay House with a book proposal that prominently featured his YouTube growth.
  • "They even told me that when I had my follow-up meeting, they're like, 'We're really pleased with your YouTube growth.'" ([03:45])

• Authority Building:

  • Publishers are increasingly valuing authors who have a strong YouTube following, recognizing it as a testament to their influence and reach.
  • "YouTube is so sexy to everyone these days...companies are starting to see that YouTube is where it's at." ([05:38])

2. Building and Leveraging an Email List Through YouTube

Ben elaborates on how YouTube has been instrumental in exponentially growing his email list, which serves as a goldmine for nurturing leads and converting them into customers.

• Growth Metrics:

  • "My email list almost doubled in the last 40 days or so, primarily from YouTube growth." ([06:24])

• Strategy Implementation:

  • Content Repurposing:
    • Creating free guides (freemiums) based on YouTube videos using AI tools like ChatGPT.
    • Example: Transforming a video on losing visceral fat into a four-page eBook.
  • Tools Used:
    • LeadPages for landing pages.
    • Mailchimp for email automation.
    • "Once the person goes to that lead page, they put their email, get the free guide, all from a video that's already created." ([10:22])

• Engagement Tactics:

  • Sending a series of nurturing emails that redirect subscribers back to YouTube for more content.
  • "I'm actually sending them back to YouTube during that series... so it's just like back and forth." ([11:18])

3. YouTube as a Gateway to Speaking Engagements

YouTube's role in establishing Ben's authority has opened numerous doors for him in the realm of public speaking.

• Key Insights:

  • Authority and Visibility:
    • "YouTube has been the number one reason why I'm getting these paid keynotes." ([12:56])
  • Engaging Presence:
    • Sharing speaker reels and keynotes on YouTube makes Ben an attractive candidate for conferences and events.
    • "I'm like, dude, grow your YouTube. People find me on there." ([12:56])

• Personal Attributes for Success:

  • Consistency and unwavering commitment are pivotal.
  • "I'm consistent. I never quit, never give up. To me, there's no other option." ([13:38])

4. Monetizing YouTube through Sponsorships and Courses

Ben discusses the various revenue streams that YouTube has facilitated, from sponsored content to launching educational programs.

• Sponsored Interviews:

  • Earning significant income by featuring companies he believes in.
  • "I'm getting paid for sponsored interviews... $15,000 for a 60-minute interview." ([16:13])

• Educational Offerings:

  • Launching programs like the Fat Loss Academy based on YouTube audience demand.
  • "One video interview got me 37 students at $97 a month from the YouTube interview." ([17:42])

5. Networking and Influencer Connections Through YouTube

The viral nature of YouTube content can lead to unexpected and high-profile connections, enhancing one's influence and reach.

• High-Profile Followers:

  • Celebrities and influencers like Gordon Ramsay, Steve Aoki, and Eric Trump have followed Ben, stemming from viral content.
  • "Gordon Ramsay...Steve Aoki...they follow you because of that reel." ([21:13])

• Content Repurposing for Virality:

  • Leveraging breakout YouTube videos by creating short-form content for platforms like Instagram and Facebook Reels.
  • "Your YouTube journey...can connect you to Gordon Ramsay, Eric Trump, Steve Aoki." ([21:44])

6. Repurposing Content for Maximum Reach

Ben emphasizes the importance of leveraging successful content across multiple platforms to amplify reach and engage diverse audiences.

• Strategic Content Creation:

  • Taking a YouTube video that performed well (e.g., 2 million views) and transforming it into a 90-second Instagram Reel, achieving up to 12.9 million views.
  • "I knocked it out in 90 seconds for the reel and posted on the channels, and it's currently got 12.9 million on Instagram Reels." ([21:51])

• Benefits:

  • Enhanced visibility across platforms.
  • Attraction of a broader audience and high-profile followers.

7. Final Insights and Call to Action

Sean wraps up the episode by reinforcing the multifaceted benefits of investing in YouTube, from building a personal brand to generating substantial business growth.

• Ethical Responsibility:

  • "It's your ethical responsibility to get them in the hands of as many people as possible." ([22:00])

• Encouragement to Listeners:

  • Motivates entrepreneurs to overcome fear and perfectionism to harness YouTube's potential.
  • "If you're listening to this, I hope you do because then it's your ethical responsibility to get them in the hands of as many people as possible." ([22:00])

• Upcoming Content:

  • Teases a deeper dive into tactical strategies in part one of the conversation.
  • "Listen to part one of my conversation with Ben where we go deeper into some specific tactics." ([22:00])

8. Where to Follow Ben Azadi and His Book

Ben provides listeners with information on where to connect with him and access his latest work.

• YouTube Channel:

  • BenAzadi (previously KetoCamp)

• Book Details:

  • Title: Metabolic Freedom
  • Availability: Hardcover, traditional publisher
  • Website: metabolicfreedombook.com for free bonuses
  • Main Website: benazadi.com

Key Takeaways

1. YouTube as a Multifaceted Growth Platform:

   • It's not just for video views; YouTube serves as a foundation for building email lists, selling books, securing speaking engagements, and generating multiple revenue streams.

2. Strategic Content Repurposing:

   • Leveraging existing content to create additional assets (eBooks, Reels) maximizes reach and engagement without reinventing the wheel.

3. Consistency and Commitment:

   • Steady effort and unwavering dedication are crucial for sustained growth and unlocking diverse opportunities.

4. Networking and Influencer Marketing:

   • A strong YouTube presence can attract high-profile followers and industry influencers, amplifying one's authority and reach.

5. Integrated Marketing Approach:

   • Combining YouTube with email marketing, sponsored content, and educational programs creates a robust ecosystem for business expansion.

Notable Quotes

• "YouTube is an investment in the future." — Sean Cannell ([22:00])

• "YouTube is where people are finding me." — Ben Azadi ([12:56])

• "I'm consistent. I never quit, never give up." — Ben Azadi ([13:38])

For entrepreneurs looking to harness the full potential of YouTube, this episode offers invaluable insights and real-world examples of how strategic video content can drive significant business growth and open doors to unprecedented opportunities. Be sure to listen to the full episode for an in-depth exploration of these strategies.