Effective Date: May 19, 2025
Created by Ryan Shepard, Founder of The Motherload

At The Motherload, I value your trust and take your privacy seriously. This policy explains what data I collect, how I use it, and how your information is protected when you interact with my Substack newsletter, website, and related services.

By subscribing or engaging with The Motherload, you agree to the terms outlined below.

1. What Information I Collect

When you subscribe to The Motherload, I may collect:

• Your name and email address

• Payment information (handled securely by Stripe, not stored by me)

• Voluntary information you provide (e.g. survey responses, comment replies, or messages)

• Technical data like IP address, browser type, and device info (collected automatically via Substack’s analytics tools)

2. How Your Information Is Used

I use your information to:

• Deliver newsletters and subscriber-only content

• Process payments for paid subscriptions

• Respond to questions, comments, or support requests

• Analyze engagement to improve the content and experience

• Occasionally share important updates or promotions related to The Motherload (no spam, ever)

3. Who Has Access to Your Data

• Me: I see your email address and subscriber status so I can communicate with you directly and understand how you interact with the content.

• Substack: As the platform hosting The Motherload, Substack stores and processes data according to their own Privacy Policy.

• Stripe: If you’re a paid subscriber, payment info is handled by Stripe and is subject to their Privacy Policy. I never see or store your full payment details.

I do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with third-party marketers. Ever.

4. Your Rights + Choices

You may:

• Unsubscribe at any time using the link at the bottom of any email

• Cancel your paid subscription through your Substack account

• Request access to or deletion of your data by emailing me at ryan@lifewithryan.co

• Opt out of non-essential emails or surveys by simply replying and letting me know

5. Children’s Privacy

The Motherload is not intended for individuals under the age of 18. I do not knowingly collect personal data from children.

6. Cookies + Tracking

Substack may use cookies or similar tracking tools to analyze engagement. This helps me understand what content resonates most. You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings.

7. Data Security

I use Substack’s secure infrastructure to protect your data, and I access subscriber information only through secure, password-protected accounts.

While no platform is 100% immune to risk, I do everything within reason to ensure your information is safe.

8. Policy Updates

If this Privacy Policy changes, I’ll notify you via email or by posting an update on the site. Your continued use of The Motherload after changes means you accept those updates.

9. Contact

If you have questions or concerns about your privacy, please reach out to me directly at:
📧 ryan@lifewithryan.co
📝 Or reply to any newsletter email—I actually read them.

Thanks for trusting me with your time and inbox. I won’t take that lightly.

—Ryan Shepard
Creator of The Motherload