Episodes

  • The Rise of Gus McKay: From Amazon Dabbler to £25,000 a Month with TikTok Shop

    The Rise of Gus McKay: From Amazon Dabbler to £25,000 a Month with TikTok Shop
    Feb 19 2026
    In this Monetize podcast episode, we sit down with Gus McKay, a TikTok Shop creator who has skyrocketed from humble beginnings to earning £25,000 in a single month - promoting the Nutrition Geeks supplement brand. In just two and a half years, Gus transformed his approach to e-commerce, leveraging the power of live shopping on TikTok Shop to build an engaged community and establish himself as one of the platform's top creators.


    In this first episode of Monetize, Des unpacks Gus’s incredible journey, covering everything from his initial struggles as an Amazon seller to his breakthrough moments on TikTok. Gus shares how he persevered through difficult times, built a brand that people trust, and managed to achieve rapid success by engaging with his audience authentically. Whether you're interested in live commerce, influencer marketing, or building a personal brand, this episode is packed with practical insights and inspiration for anyone looking to monetize their passion online.


    Key Topics Covered:
    • Gus McKay’s journey from Amazon to TikTok Shop: How Gus discovered TikTok Shop after struggling with Amazon and the decision that changed his trajectory.
    • Building resilience through live shopping: Gus's experience of posting three videos a day and transitioning to live streams.
    • The power of consistency and community: How Gus cultivated a loyal following and increased his sales with regular live streams.
    • Challenges and sacrifices: What it takes to balance work, life, and TikTok success, and the personal sacrifices made along the way.
    • How Gus made £25,000 in one month: The breakthrough moments and strategies that led to Gus’s record earnings.
    • Tips for aspiring TikTok Shop creators: Gus’s advice on sticking to one niche, staying consistent, and building your personal brand.

    This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the growing world of live commerce, how to leverage TikTok for sales, and the importance of authenticity in building a brand that stands out.
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    32 mins
  • Episode 2 - The Luke rambles continues …

    Episode 2 - The Luke rambles continues …
    Feb 18 2026
    13 mins