Episode Overview

Podcast: YouTube Creators Hub
Host: Dusty Porter
Guest: Chase Christopher
Episode: DIY, Adventure, and Monetization: Chase's "Side-Hustle YouTube" Blueprint
Date: January 16, 2026

Main Theme:
This episode features DIYer, firefighter, and creator Chase Christopher, who shares his journey of building a thriving YouTube channel (approaching 80,000 subscribers) as a side hustle. The discussion delves into balancing a full-time job and content creation, leveraging side passions for income, overcoming imposter syndrome and self-doubt, and creatively monetizing beyond ad revenue.

Guest Introduction & Origin Story

[02:22–08:38]

• Chase’s background:

  • Lifelong interest in photography, almost pursued it as a profession
  • Transitioned to firefighting during high school; photography continued as a hobby
  • Eventually started doing photography and video for outdoor and hunting companies, leading to travel opportunities

• Meeting his wife & early channel direction:

  • Started seeking a more flexible schedule after a demanding international project
  • Developed an interest in learning presentation/public speaking—used YouTube as a way to practice and get comfortable
  • Initially focused on backpacking and outdoor content (e.g., building a Subaru Outback camper for travel/filming)

Memorable moment:
Chase recounts how he posted an early video on his DIY camper build, which unexpectedly took off and sparked demand for his designs.

"Somebody at work told me, 'Oh, you should make a video about that.' So I did a quick video one day... and it kind of took off a little bit." —Chase [07:06]

• Building his niche/business:
  • Responded to viewer demand by creating and selling basic blueprints on his website (roadtoridge.com)
  • Diversified channel content over time: outdoor adventures, real estate DIY renovations, and travel

Finding Direction, Audience Impact & Imposter Syndrome

[09:19–16:39]

• Turning Points:
  • Realization that his content had real impact came after repeated audience feedback—including a touching call from an elderly woman requesting his plans.
  • Content creation has varied in intensity depending on work and life, but he keeps returning because of the positive feedback and meaningful connections.

Notable quote:

"I didn't feel qualified at all to do it. Among all the other things, I felt unqualified to share online...But [the call] was one of the big turning points for me where I realized I was like, okay, there's actually... a really cool opportunity to reach outside my own little sphere." —Chase [09:49]

• Benefits of Side-Hustle Approach:

  • The flexibility of YouTube means he can step back and return as life allows without losing momentum.
  • Addressed how crucial learning to present on camera has been for his role in firefighter training, and the feedback loop from viewers accelerated his improvement.

• Imposter syndrome & criticism:

  • Struggled with feeling ‘not qualified’ but focused on positive feedback and the impact he made on viewers’ lives.
  • Learned to see negative comments as outnumbered by positive connections and stories:

    "I've had people reach out... they talk about the way it's impacted [them]. I... see these videos... and it feels like a very low-impact capability, but then you talk to people and you realize, 'Oh, wow, this actually had a monumental impact on them.'" —Chase [15:16]

Creative Process & Production Workflow

[18:00–21:06]

• Video process:

  • Chase allows himself to “chase rabbits”—trying new things and learning along the way.
  • For each video, he seeks to identify the core value/lesson ("what's the one little, or big, piece of value?").
  • Balances DIY instruction, vlogging, and travel content.
  • Approaches scripting loosely (avoid rigid scripts, prefers outlines and key points).
  • Handles voiceovers in post-production if needed; prefers natural delivery.

• Case study:

  • During a house flood repair, he shifted to more post-production narration due to the pace and chaos of the real-life situation.

• Tools:

  • Regularly uses Google Suite for planning/notes
  • Employs ChatGPT for cleaning up ideas, basic research, and refining outlines ("often just to clean up [my notes] or do a little bit of research").
  • Uses TubeBuddy occasionally; appreciates new YouTube A/B testing features.

Thumbnail/Packaging Strategies

[23:13–25:24]

• Approach to titles and thumbnails:
  • Favors authentic, experience-driven titles ("How I did X" or "I learned Y") rather than prescriptive ("You should do X").
  • Uses his photography skill to create vibrant, story-driven thumbnails—often featuring himself, key artifacts, or the setting.
  • Minimal or no text on thumbnails; relies on imagery to spark curiosity.

"It's hard to reject somebody's experience when it's 'I did this.' ... [so] I just try to create thumbnails that are photography that I appreciate... at the end of the day, I just try to have some combination of 'how I did this' and represent it well through good photography." —Chase [23:36]

• Impact of visuals:
  • Big, clear, emotive images raise click-through—examples cited by Dusty include his viral "Turned Our Garage Into a Super Cool Space" thumbnail [26:17].

Monetization: Multiple Streams

[27:31–31:02]

• Income sources:
  • YouTube AdSense (not the majority)
  • Website: Selling DIY plans for campers and projects
  • Etsy: Cross-listing digital products
  • Client work: Occasional freelance and video gigs (wedding videography with his wife, client video/marketing work)
  • Partnerships: Sponsored products (e.g., flooring supplies for home repairs)
  • New business venture: Lewitt Gear Co. (dirt bike hauling system) promoted organically in videos

Monthly earnings:

"On average in the last few years, maybe $2,000 to $5,000 a month. Maybe more... the floor is probably around the $2,000 mark." —Chase [30:27]

• Some months higher, depending on client work or product launches

Dusty’s advice:

"You're charging way, way less than you probably should. That’s my advice to you, here on air on the podcast." —Dusty [27:00]

YouTube’s Power: Community, Opportunities, and Beyond

[32:16–34:33]

• Unexpected Perks:
  • Chase highlights how YouTube has broadened his network well beyond subscriber/view metrics.
  • Shared a story of connecting with a fellow creator, which led to travels and genuine friendships.
  • YouTube organically attracts clients—no need for hard sales or pitching.

"[YouTube] creates this extremely like low stress... environment for me where the client already, they've seen [my work]... and I don't have to pitch myself." —Chase [34:25]

• Host’s Validation:
  • Dusty emphasizes that every video serves as a business card, creating opportunities outside the platform.

Final Lessons & Advice for Creators

[36:02–38:57]

• Chase’s mindset—“Multiple outs”:
  • Inspired by real estate investing: for every project, identify multiple ways it can bring value ("multiple outs")
  • Example: A house repair video may not go viral, but he gains new skills, a partnership covers material costs, and his house is improved—each is a standalone “win”.
  • Advises creators to see value in multiple dimensions, not just view counts.

"If the video reaches people and they enjoy it... that's another win. But even if it doesn't, our house is still fixed and we've got a house to live in... at the end of the day, it's already a win before you push 'make video public.'" —Chase [37:17]

Key Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "I've had people reach out... and they talk about the way that it's impacted [them]... you realize this actually had a monumental impact on them, at least in that time of their life." —Chase [15:16]
• "The willingness to just, I guess, just send it and not care about how you're perceived... that takes time." —Chase [13:52]
• "I just try to create thumbnails that... represent it well through good photography." —Chase [23:36]
• "Every video is, is a business card for you." —Dusty [34:37]
• "With every single project, have multiple outs." —Chase [36:09]

Episode Timestamps for Key Segments

• Chase’s origin story & channel evolution: [02:22–08:38]
• Initial traction, impact of audience feedback: [09:19–10:58]
• Overcoming self-doubt, imposter syndrome: [13:31–16:39]
• Video production process & tools: [18:00–21:06]
• Thumbnails, packaging strategy: [23:13–25:24]
• Monetization & monthly income details: [27:31–31:02]
• Community & opportunities beyond YouTube: [32:16–34:33]
• Final advice—“multiple outs” mentality: [36:02–38:57]

Summary Takeaways

• Embrace the journey: Side-hustle YouTube channels can evolve naturally, gaining momentum from positive feedback and real impact—even with infrequent uploads.
• Authenticity wins: Sharing your process, failures, and personal experiences can create deeper engagement than authority-based or prescriptive education.
• Multiple monetization streams: Diversify beyond AdSense—think digital products, partnerships, and leveraging your channel as a calling card for freelance opportunities.
• YouTube = Opportunity Engine: The platform facilitates real-life connections, client work, and community-building, often regardless of view/subscriber counts.
• Value extends beyond metrics: Every project can bring value via new skills, partnerships, personal growth, and community—even if it doesn’t “go viral.”

For creators:
Chase’s advice—focus on small wins, keep experimenting, and see each video as a multi-faceted opportunity. The impact you have is wider than just what view counts or ad revenue suggest.