Course-creation expert James Marland shares how personal setbacks led him to empower therapists and educators through online courses. His experience highlights the value of niching down, embracing imperfection, and recording wins — with actionable wisdom for growing a mission-driven course business.

James Marland is the founder of Course Creation Studio and host of the Scaling Therapy Practice podcast.

In this episode, Ari, Abe, and James discuss:

• 06:08 — The Importance of Niching
• 06:54 — Attracting Your Ideal Client
• 11:21 — Embracing Authenticity Through Storytelling
• 14:17 — Passion Over Profit
• 18:05 — Using a Cohort Model for Personalized Learning
• 21:26 — Building Client Relationships Online
• 25:30 — Joyful Niching in Work
• 26:08 — Insightful Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

“Answer the question, not where are my clients, but how do I help them find me? Because they’re already looking. Your ideal client is already looking for you.”

— James Marland

James Marland is the passionate founder of Course Creation Studio, where he empowers educators, therapists, and changemakers to amplify their impact through online courses. With a backstory marked by a transformative career shift, James turned a personal crisis into a calling—dedicating himself to helping others harness their potential. A believer in the power of starting small to achieve great things, James champions a practical, step-by-step approach to learning and innovation. At Course Creation Studio, he guides mission-driven professionals to craft compelling educational experiences and write their own success stories. Committed to lifelong learning and grounded in his faith, James inspires his audience to step out of their comfort zones and make a meaningful difference. To support his mission, he is also the founder and host of the Scaling Therapy Practice podcast.

Resources or websites mentioned in this episode:
Mirasee
Ruzuku
Course Creation Studio: CourseCreationStudio.com
Scaling Therapy Practice podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7LlAlEJr39YRD3FCTCm9Vf?si=a96d093078234f0b

Credits:
Hosts: Ari Iny and Abe Crystal
Producer: Michi Lantz
Editor: Andrew Chapman
Executive Producer: Danny Iny
Music Soundscape: Chad Michael Snavely
Making our hosts sound great: Home Brew Audio

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Music credits:

Track Title: Bossa BB
Artist Name: Marie
Writer Name: Chelsea McGough
Publisher Name: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTION

Track Title: Coo Coos
Artist Name: Dresden, The Flamingo
Writer Name: Matthew Wigton
Publisher Name: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTION

Track Title: Grace
Artist Name: Shimmer
Writer Name: Matthew Wigton
Publisher Name: BOSS SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONS

Track Title: Carousel Lights
Artist Name: Chelsea McGough
Writer Name: Chelsea McGough
Writer Name: Matthew Wigton
Publisher Name: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTION
Publisher Name: BOSS SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONS

Special effects credits:
24990513_birds-chirping_by_promission used with permission of the author and under license by AudioJungle/Envato Market.