Key Moments
Shay Carl Interview (Full Episode) | The Tim Ferriss Show (Podcast)
Tim FerrissKey Moments
Shay Carl, from manual laborer to YouTube sensation and co-founder of Maker Studios, shares his journey, life philosophies, and entrepreneurial insights, emphasizing purposeful living and overcoming addiction.
Key Insights
Shay Carl's journey from a manual laborer to a YouTube millionaire emphasizes the power of unconventional paths and finding passion in work.
His experience with daily vlogging revealed the transformative power of external accountability and self-observation for personal growth and managing mood.
The importance of proactive decision-making and setting clear intentions, particularly in relationships and personal challenges, is a recurring theme.
Shay overcame alcohol addiction by making an immediate, firm decision to quit and replacing the habit with healthy activities and self-reflection.
Maker Studios' success highlights the power of collaboration and community in the early YouTube ecosystem, demonstrating how collective effort can lead to exponential growth.
His definition of success evolved from financial stability to the quality of personal relationships, emphasizing family bonds and intergenerational connections.
A HUMBLE BEGINNING AND ACCIDENTAL MONIKER
Shay Carl Butler, born in 1980 in Logan, Utah, into a Mormon family, began his journey from a modest background. He purchased his first computer at 27 in 2007 and, on a break from his granite countertop job, uploaded his first YouTube video. His internet handle, 'Shay Carl,' originated from his first name and middle name, a simple combination for his Hotmail account. This accidental moniker would later become synonymous with one of YouTube's most successful family channels, 'SHAYTARDS,' with billions of views and celebrity appearances.
THE MORMON UPBRINGING AND INFLUENTIAL MENTORS
Shay's upbringing in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints instilled a strong sense of community, service, and a long-term perspective. He credits mentors like Ron Campbell, his Young Men's President, for teaching him about purposeful living, generosity, and the importance of making good choices in life. This structured environment, coupled with the Boy Scouts program, provided Shay with a foundation of hard work, discipline, and the valuable lesson of making decisions in advance, anticipating challenges before they arise.
THE EPIPHANY OF NOT HATING YOUR JOB
Shay's academic pursuits at Idaho State University were driven by a conventional desire for financial stability. However, disillusioned by the perceived 'rat race' and an uninspiring psychology teacher, he dropped out of college. A business 101 teacher's insight—that the secret to success is loving what you do—became a prophetic realization for Shay. This ignited his pursuit of a career he genuinely enjoyed, leading him through various jobs from pest control sales to car salesman, all while seeking a path that didn't feel like a daily grind.
FROM HOBBY TO INCOME: THE DAILY VLOG REVOLUTION
The first $300 YouTube check transformed Shay's perspective, proving that his silly videos could generate real income. His decision to commit to a daily vlog for a year, starting on his 29th birthday, was a pivotal moment. The March 2009 vlog garnered a $6,000 paycheck, solidifying YouTube as his full-time career. This commitment to consistent content creation, particularly family-focused vlogs, resonated with a massive audience, transforming his hobby into a lucrative 'full-time job' that he loved.
OVERCOMING ADDICTION: A JOURNEY OF VULNERABILITY
Shay bravely shared his struggle with alcohol addiction, a period of functional alcoholism lasting four to five years. He highlighted the societal pressure to hide such struggles and the profound impact of vulnerability. His turning point came during a moment of profound self-reflection in a swimming pool, realizing that unless he quit immediately, he never would. This decision, followed by a therapeutic hunting trip, underscores the importance of immediate action, replacing negative habits with healthy ones, and the healing power of shared experience.
THE BIRTH AND SALE OF MAKER STUDIOS
The inception of Maker Studios stemmed from a collaborative vision among early YouTubers in Los Angeles. Shay's participation in a promotional deal for a Jason Statham movie led to a conversation about forming a business to support content creators. The initial move to Venice Beach, despite skepticism from family and audience, marked a bold, unconventional step. Maker Studios thrived on the 'rising tide lifts all ships' philosophy, fostering a community that collectively produced and promoted content, ultimately leading to its near billion-dollar acquisition by Disney.
THE EVOLVING DEFINITION OF SUCCESS
Initially, Shay equated success with financial stability and the ability to provide for his family. However, with the acquisition of Maker Studios, his perspective shifted, realizing that money alone doesn't guarantee happiness. He now defines success through the quality of his relationships, particularly with his family—parents, grandparents, and children. This emphasis on strong, forgiving family bonds and open communication, even amidst disagreements, reflects his mature understanding of true fulfillment and lasting legacies.
THE POWER OF CONSCIOUS THOUGHT AND CLICHÉS
Shay firmly believes in the power of conscious thought, echoing James Allen's 'As a Man Thinketh.' He argues that all actions originate as thoughts, stressing the need to control one's mind to manifest positive outcomes. He also champions the wisdom embedded in clichés, urging listeners to 'perk their ears up' when they hear one, as they often contain fundamental truths. This philosophy extends to physical well-being, where consciously adopting positive postures and expressions can physiologically shift one's mood and improve decision-making.
PARENTING WISDOM: PRESENCE AND UNITED FRONT
As a father of five, Shay emphasizes the importance of simply 'being there' for your children. He acknowledges the challenge of balancing friendship with parental authority, but stresses the need for a united front with his wife. He believes that the marital relationship is paramount, as children will eventually leave the home, and a strong spousal bond ensures long-term stability. His parenting advice centers on reflecting on one's own childhood experiences—what worked and what didn't—to evolve into a better parent for the next generation.
DAILY VLOGGING AS A TOOL FOR SELF-IMPROVEMENT
Shay highlights daily vlogging as a powerful self-improvement tool. By recording, editing, and reviewing his daily life, he gains a unique 'third-person' perspective, enabling him to identify and correct speech patterns, behaviors, and even unconscious mannerisms. This constant self-observation fosters greater self-awareness and serves as an external forcing function, ensuring accountability and incremental personal growth beyond what internal journaling might achieve. He advises aspiring vloggers to start by capturing natural, happy moments and embracing an authentic, unedited approach to storytelling.
TECHNOLOGY'S IMPACT ON CONNECTION AND IMMORTALITY
Shay marvels at how technology, particularly social media and video, has fostered unprecedented global connectivity and transparency. He believes this interconnectedness is forging a 'glass ball' world, making leaders and individuals more accountable. He also expresses excitement about the potential for technological advancements to extend human life, even achieve a form of immortality, through breakthroughs like 3D printed organs and personal quadcopters, viewing all knowledge as connected to a divine creator.
PRACTICAL ADVICE: FINANCIAL PEACE AND EMBRACING WORK
Beyond personal growth, Shay offers practical advice on financial well-being, crediting Dave Ramsey's 'Financial Peace University' for liberating him from debt. This financial freedom, he explains, provided the courage and flexibility to pursue risky entrepreneurial ventures like Maker Studios. He also emphasizes the transformative power of embracing dreaded tasks, recounting how he learned to enjoy cleaning his granite shop by simply committing to the work and finding enjoyment in the process, urging listeners to 'fall in love with work' for ultimate success.
Mentioned in This Episode
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Common Questions
Shay Carl bought his first computer at age 27 in 2007, a $500 Dell laptop. He uploaded his first video, a silly clip of himself in a leotard, after hearing about YouTube while on break from a granite countertop job. Initially, he made videos for fun and connection, not knowing it could be a career.
Topics
Mentioned in this video
Celebrity who has appeared alongside Shay Carl and his family on their YouTube channel.
Podcaster and comedian who Shay Carl followed and who tweeted Tim Ferriss's Jocko Willink podcast, leading Shay Carl to discover Tim's show.
Then Vice President of the United States who invited Tim Ferriss and Shay Carl to walk on stage with him at the White House.
Author of 'As a Man Thinketh,' which Shay Carl cites as a favorite book, emphasizing the power of thought in shaping reality.
Mentioned making a joke about being high in college at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, illustrating a shift in societal transparency regarding past marijuana use compared to Bill Clinton.
Mentioned as a public figure who has openly discussed her past battles with addiction.
The founder of Mormonism, who revealed the 'Word of Wisdom' health code in the early 1800s.
Shay Carl's wife and mother of his five children, who he met singing on stage and whose support was crucial for his YouTube career and move to Los Angeles.
One of the Vlogbrothers, creators of VidCon and intellectual content, whose podcast Shay Carl enjoys.
Shay Carl mentions attending one of his events and his teachings on 'priming' by changing one's physiology to alter mental perspective. Tim also mentions his framework of state, story, strategy.
Mentioned as an example of someone who had an idea (Hyperloop, landing rockets in the ocean) that manifested into reality, reinforcing the power of thought.
An early and influential YouTuber who inspired Shay Carl. He had a popular online show and held contests for viewers to submit videos.
Helped his girlfriend Lisa Nova produce content and initiated the idea of Maker Studios. He invited Shay Carl to Los Angeles for a sponsored video deal.
YouTuber mentioned by Shay Carl as someone who often films vlogs using his iPhone, highlighting the increasing quality of phone cameras for content creation.
A individual with a Facebook page known for sharing cutting-edge technological and science-fiction-like videos, such as 3D printing organs and sound waves influencing water.
Manufacturer known for the quote: 'Whether you think you can or whether you think you can't, you're right,' which Shay Carl finds motivating.
Mentioned in the context of his past statements about marijuana use and how societal transparency has changed since then.
Documentary filmmaker, whose podcast inspired Shay Carl to be open about his struggles. He also collaborated with Shay Carl on the 'Vlogumentary'.
Author of 'Rich Dad Poor Dad,' whose book Shay Carl read early on, influencing his understanding of OPM (other people's money) and leverage, though he later emphasized getting out of debt.
Author of 'How to Win Friends and Influence People' and 'How to Stop Worrying and Start Living,' whose audiobooks Shay Carl highly recommends for personal growth and happiness.
Actor starring in 'Captain Fantastic,' a movie highly recommended by Shay Carl.
Actor mentioned in the context of a movie deal (Crank) that brought Shay Carl to Los Angeles for his first sponsored YouTube video.
Former Navy SEAL whose podcast appearance on The Tim Ferriss Show was tweeted by Joe Rogan, leading Shay Carl to discover Tim's podcast.
Financial expert whose 'Financial Peace University' is highly recommended by Shay Carl for teaching debt-free living, which he credits for giving him the courage to pursue entrepreneurial ventures.
Author of 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,' mentioned for his principle 'begin with the end in mind,' which aligns with Shay Carl's philosophy of having an eternal perspective.
One of the Vlogbrothers, author of 'The Fault in Our Stars' and creator of VidCon, who Shay Carl considers an 'intellectual dreamboat' and whose podcast he listens to.
An early, prominent female YouTuber whose channel was very popular when Shay Carl started on the platform. Collaborated in the early stages of Maker Studios.
Mentioned as a public figure who has openly discussed his past battles with addiction.
Shay Carl's buddy who collaborated on the documentary 'Vlogumentary' with Morgan Spurlock.
Author of 'Think and Grow Rich,' a staple book for Shay Carl, focused on personal achievement and success.
Comedian and podcaster whose show Shay Carl listens to, aligning with his interest in diverse podcast content.
A type of bathhouse that Shay Carl experienced for the first time with Tim Ferriss, including cold plunges.
Shay Carl's first email account, 'shaycarlhotmail.com', which later inspired his YouTube channel name.
A journaling tool used by Tim Ferriss for daily reflection, gratitude, and setting intentions, serving as a text-based analogous practice to Shay Carl's vlogging.
A collaborative YouTube channel run by brothers Hank and John Green, known for their smart, intellectual content and philanthropic work.
A website that helps influencers determine their value for brand deals by analyzing their social media statistics and provides a platform for submitting brand proposals.
Video editing software mentioned by Shay Carl as an easy tool for importing and cutting footage for vlogs, despite his limited technical knowledge.
The first computer Shay Carl bought at age 27 for $500, which he used to upload his first YouTube video.
An electric skateboard (around $900 or more) that provides a unique sensation of carving uphill, highlighting the advancements in battery technology and personal electric vehicles.
Mentioned for its high-quality front-facing camera, which Casey Neistat uses for vlogging, showcasing the ease of content creation with modern mobile technology. Also for direct mic attachment.
Legacy pocket video cameras, originally popular for their ease of use, that approached Shay Carl for a custom design before being shut down by Cisco.
Another book by Dale Carnegie that Shay Carl mentions, which Tim Ferriss also owns and considers an 'emergency' book for mindset adjustments.
A religious text central to the Mormon faith, which has been popularized by a Broadway play. Shay Carl recommends it for its stories on faith and hope, even for non-believers.
A book by Napoleon Hill that Shay Carl recommends as a staple of his listening habits for personal development.
A practical book by financial expert Dave Ramsey, recommended by Shay Carl for its teachings on getting out of debt and managing finances, which significantly impacted his ability to take risks.
A book by Robert Kiyosaki that Shay Carl read, introducing him to concepts like OPM (other people's money) and financial leverage, which was formative in his early career thinking.
A classic book by Dale Carnegie, which Shay Carl has listened to multiple times, indicating its significant impact on his life.
A favorite book of Shay Carl's, emphasizing mindfulness and the power of thought in shaping physical reality or external manifestations.
A documentary recommended by Shay Carl for those interested in health, specifically a vegetarian-oriented diet.
Classic story mentioned by Tim Ferriss, which 'Captain Fantastic' movie is compared to, with the exception of the family members passing away.
Another documentary (vegetarian-oriented) mentioned, though Tim jokes about its title potentially hindering its persuasive impact.
A radio show and podcast that Shay Carl enjoys listening to, noted for its unique storytelling.
A movie that offered an early sponsored deal for YouTubers, including Shay Carl, to promote it by creating videos.
Shay Carl's own podcast, which he mentions as another show he listens to among others.
A documentary that explores themes of immortality and technological advancement, which Shay Carl found very interesting and aligns with his belief in humanity's potential for extended life.
A disruptive, set-it-and-forget-it investing service led by technologists and world-famous investors, managing over $2.5 billion. It offers services typically reserved for the ultra-wealthy at low costs due to smart software.
Company that acquired Maker Studios for nearly $1 billion, recognizing the value of its social influence and content creation capabilities.
An early brand that partnered with Maker Studios for a promotional campaign ('Sing for Your Beef'), helping the business get off the ground.
Cited as a place where Wealthfront's technologists originated from. Also mentioned in the context of iPhone cameras being used for vlogging.
Video sharing platform where Shay Carl started his career, built a massive audience with billions of views, and co-founded Maker Studios. Discussed as a platform for vlogging, content creation, and monetization.
Social media platform where Shay Carl is active and where he first connected with Tim Ferriss. Also mentioned for holding Tim accountable for starting a vlog.
Co-founded by Shay Carl, it's a prominent YouTube network that was eventually sold to Disney for a significant amount, showcasing the power of online content creation.
Company that owned Flip cameras and unexpectedly shut down the product line, disappointing Shay Carl who was working on a custom Flip camera design.
Place where Tim Ferriss and Shay Carl unexpectedly met for the first time, to meet with Joe Biden. Joe Biden defied Secret Service wishes to have them walk out on stage with him.
Mentioned stereotypically as a location for rehab centers, which Shay Carl considered during his struggle with alcoholism.
City where Shay Carl visited Tim Ferriss for the interview, and where they engaged in activities like Russian baths and acro yoga.
A scouting program integrated into Mormon culture, where members are encouraged to earn the Eagle Scout rank through service projects and advancing through various levels.
University in southeastern Idaho where Shay Carl attended college. He later dropped out due to frustration with the system and lack of parking.
Space agency mentioned as the base for Singularity University, and also as an organization Shay Carl follows on social media for technological motivation.
Offers concierge coaching (3:1 coach-to-client model) with certified coaches for diet, fitness, and lifestyle accountability, boasting a 95% success rate for clients over 6 months.
Idaho's number one hit music channel where Shay Carl worked as a radio DJ, initially gained a segment for annoying the current DJs, then a weekend slot for $8.50 an hour.
An academic institution, based at NASA, focused on exponential technologies and their impact on humanity. Tim Ferriss was an advising faculty member for a period.
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