<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<?xml-stylesheet type="text/xsl" href="/global/feed/rss.xslt" ?>
<rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:googleplay="http://www.google.com/schemas/play-podcasts/1.0" xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" xmlns:podaccess="https://access.acast.com/schema/1.0/" xmlns:acast="https://schema.acast.com/1.0/">
    <channel>
		<ttl>60</ttl>
		<generator>acast.com</generator>
		<title><![CDATA[PodBiz | Where's The Money In Podcasting? ]]></title>
		<link>https://shows.acast.com/podbiz</link>
		<atom:link href="https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/>
		<language>en</language>
		<copyright><![CDATA[Norma Jean Belenky & John Kiernan]]></copyright>
		<itunes:keywords>podcast,podcasting ,podcast industry,podcast business,podcast monetization</itunes:keywords>
		<itunes:author><![CDATA[Norma Jean Belenky & John Kiernan]]></itunes:author>
		<itunes:subtitle>The podcast about the business of podcasting. Where’s the money? Let’s get down to PodBiz.</itunes:subtitle>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<p><strong>Where's the money in podcasting?     </strong>Hosted by Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, PodBiz dives into the strategies, trends, and tools driving podcast monetization and industry growth. From ad revenue and branded content to audience development and production workflows, we spotlight the real business behind the mic.</p><p>Each week, we speak with creators, executives, and innovators answering the one question on everyone’s mind: Where’s the money in podcasting?</p><p>Whether you're monetizing your show, launching a network, or just obsessed with the space, PodBiz is your insider guide to podcasting’s biggest opportunities.</p><p>Listen to new episodes every Monday- Let’s get down to PodBiz!</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
		<description><![CDATA[<p><strong>Where's the money in podcasting?     </strong>Hosted by Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, PodBiz dives into the strategies, trends, and tools driving podcast monetization and industry growth. From ad revenue and branded content to audience development and production workflows, we spotlight the real business behind the mic.</p><p>Each week, we speak with creators, executives, and innovators answering the one question on everyone’s mind: Where’s the money in podcasting?</p><p>Whether you're monetizing your show, launching a network, or just obsessed with the space, PodBiz is your insider guide to podcasting’s biggest opportunities.</p><p>Listen to new episodes every Monday- Let’s get down to PodBiz!</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
		<itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
		<itunes:owner>
			<itunes:name><![CDATA[Norma Jean Belenky & John Kiernan]]></itunes:name>
			<itunes:email>njbelenky@gmail.com</itunes:email>
		</itunes:owner>
		<acast:showId>68343e1669c98f151d8f0020</acast:showId>
		<acast:showUrl>podbiz</acast:showUrl>
		<acast:signature key="EXAMPLE" algorithm="aes-256-cbc"><![CDATA[wbG1Z7+6h9QOi+CR1Dv0uQ==]]></acast:signature>
		<acast:settings><![CDATA[FYjHyZbXWHZ7gmX8Pp1rmTHg2/BXqPr07kkpFZ5JfhvEZqggcpunI6E1w81XpUaBscFc3skEQ0jWG4GCmQYJ66w6pH6P/aGd3DnpJN6h/CD4icd8kZVl4HZn12KicA2k]]></acast:settings>
        <acast:network id="6807e4156623d6861810ad38" slug="norma-jean-belenky-6807e4156623d6861810ad38"><![CDATA[Norma Jean Belenky]]></acast:network>
		<itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type>
			<itunes:image href="https://assets.pippa.io/shows/cover/1748254201335-96fb7d9a-bcc9-4424-bec3-f8bfe7f58a81.jpeg"/>
			<image>
				<url>https://assets.pippa.io/shows/cover/1748254201335-96fb7d9a-bcc9-4424-bec3-f8bfe7f58a81.jpeg</url>
				<link>https://shows.acast.com/podbiz</link>
				<title><![CDATA[PodBiz | Where's The Money In Podcasting? ]]></title>
			</image>
		<item>
			<title>How Brands Actually Spend in Podcasting with Courtney O’Connor</title>
			<itunes:title>How Brands Actually Spend in Podcasting with Courtney O’Connor</itunes:title>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 11:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<itunes:duration>29:05</itunes:duration>
			<enclosure url="https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/e/69d2965bf44b357ce9989fb9/media.mp3" length="27926778" type="audio/mpeg"/>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">69d2965bf44b357ce9989fb9</guid>
			<itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
			<link>https://shows.acast.com/podbiz-courtney-oconnor-oxford-road</link>
			<acast:episodeId>69d2965bf44b357ce9989fb9</acast:episodeId>
			<acast:showId>68343e1669c98f151d8f0020</acast:showId>
			<acast:episodeUrl>courtney-oconnor-oxford-road</acast:episodeUrl>
			<acast:settings><![CDATA[FYjHyZbXWHZ7gmX8Pp1rmbKbhgrQiwYShz70Q9/ffXZMTtedvdcRQbP4eiLMjXzCKLPjEYLpGj+NMVKa+5C8pL4u/EOj1Vw4h5MMJYp0lCcFAe0fnxBJy/1ju4Qxy1fh8gO4DvlGA40yms2g0/hOkcrfHIopjTygHFqGwwOPKFIai4SuTvs86Lx3UYCyl6ZsSyyWS3sPisdKAZQX03fZ1wBIP98TrrdNJkX3d8hjtuaUOZ3Ue5D0lfzIRN/NVYvJXHF9LfCYjVxfwMkneRAZqqIoMA7mfQu03wWZDCAQ5ZoxOB7LLSaiv8wCx4dtExqk]]></acast:settings>
			<itunes:subtitle>Director of Podcast Media at Oxford Road on host-read ads, media buying, and what drives campaign performance</itunes:subtitle>
			<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
			<itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
			<itunes:episode>38</itunes:episode>
			<itunes:image href="https://assets.pippa.io/shows/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/1775409131842-ad997aad-cf2e-4275-b328-b5680c4ac201.jpeg"/>
			<description><![CDATA[<h3><strong>What actually makes a podcast worth buying for advertisers?</strong></h3><p><br></p><p>In this episode, Courtney O'Connor, Director of Podcast Media at Oxford Road, breaks down how brands actually evaluate, buy, and scale podcast campaigns.  From her early start at Veritone One to now leading podcast strategy at one of the most established agencies in the space, Courtney has operated inside the shift from indie creator reads to performance-driven media buying at scale.  </p><br><p>Courtney brings a media buyer’s perspective from inside one of the most established agencies in the space, where performance, not just reach, determines how dollars are spent and shares the case that alignment between brand, host, and audience is what actually drives results. The conversation also explores how host-read advertising continues to anchor the ecosystem, even as video, attribution, and platform fragmentation reshape how campaigns are executed and measured.</p><p><br></p><h3><strong>In this episode, we cover:</strong></h3><ul><li>Why host-read ads remain the entry point for many brands</li><li>How media buyers actually evaluate podcasts beyond downloads</li><li>Why audience fit matters more than scale in campaign performance</li><li>How small, niche shows can still drive meaningful results</li><li>What brand safety looks like in practice across advertisers</li><li>Why podcast advertising is fundamentally a trust-based ecosystem</li><li>How fragmented data and attribution impact buying decisions</li><li>The shift toward video and multi-platform consumption</li><li>Why “test, learn, scale” is the operating model for campaigns</li></ul><p><br></p><h3><strong>Episode Chapters</strong></h3><p>(00:31) Where the money is in podcasting: host-read media</p><p>(01:40) Courtney’s path into podcast advertising</p><p>(05:21) Evolution of brand and creator relationships</p><p>(06:01) Why downloads aren’t a deal breaker</p><p>(07:28) Indie creators vs celebrity talent</p><p>(10:14) Trust and performance in podcast advertising</p><p>(12:15) Metrics, attribution, and data challenges</p><p>(16:24) Fragmentation across platforms</p><p>(18:08) Brand safety and campaign fit</p><p>(20:52) Matching brands with creators</p><p>(23:51) Trends in podcast media buying</p><p>(25:17) Video and changing consumption</p><p>(26:07) Test-and-learn mindset</p><p>(27:13) What goes into campaign execution</p><p>(28:07) What’s next for podcasting</p><p><br></p><h3><strong>About the Guest</strong></h3><p>Courtney O'Connor is Director of Podcast Media at Oxford Road, where she leads host-read podcast advertising strategy for brands investing in the medium. She began her career at Veritone One and has grown alongside the podcast industry as it evolved into a performance-driven channel, working across creator partnerships, attribution, and campaign strategy.</p><p><br></p><h3><strong>Connect with Courtney</strong></h3><p>Connect with Courtney on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coconnortcu/</p><p><br></p><h3><strong>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz</strong></h3><blockquote>“I’m going to say the money is in endorsed host-run media. I love that is what the industry was built on… connecting brands with creators that have this unbreakable trust with their audience.”</blockquote><blockquote>“I personally have bought podcasts with 65 downloads… there is a time and a place for it and if it’s the right fit, we’re going to buy it.”</blockquote><blockquote>“We are working in a trust based ecosystem… our brands are trusting us to make the right decision with their dollars and spend it wisely.”</blockquote><blockquote>“That is exactly what it is… matchmaking in connecting those brands and creators that make sense.”</blockquote><blockquote>“We have to be the best stewards of our clients’ money… if it doesn’t work, that campaign is going to stop and the client’s not going to come back.”</blockquote><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
			<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<h3><strong>What actually makes a podcast worth buying for advertisers?</strong></h3><p><br></p><p>In this episode, Courtney O'Connor, Director of Podcast Media at Oxford Road, breaks down how brands actually evaluate, buy, and scale podcast campaigns.  From her early start at Veritone One to now leading podcast strategy at one of the most established agencies in the space, Courtney has operated inside the shift from indie creator reads to performance-driven media buying at scale.  </p><br><p>Courtney brings a media buyer’s perspective from inside one of the most established agencies in the space, where performance, not just reach, determines how dollars are spent and shares the case that alignment between brand, host, and audience is what actually drives results. The conversation also explores how host-read advertising continues to anchor the ecosystem, even as video, attribution, and platform fragmentation reshape how campaigns are executed and measured.</p><p><br></p><h3><strong>In this episode, we cover:</strong></h3><ul><li>Why host-read ads remain the entry point for many brands</li><li>How media buyers actually evaluate podcasts beyond downloads</li><li>Why audience fit matters more than scale in campaign performance</li><li>How small, niche shows can still drive meaningful results</li><li>What brand safety looks like in practice across advertisers</li><li>Why podcast advertising is fundamentally a trust-based ecosystem</li><li>How fragmented data and attribution impact buying decisions</li><li>The shift toward video and multi-platform consumption</li><li>Why “test, learn, scale” is the operating model for campaigns</li></ul><p><br></p><h3><strong>Episode Chapters</strong></h3><p>(00:31) Where the money is in podcasting: host-read media</p><p>(01:40) Courtney’s path into podcast advertising</p><p>(05:21) Evolution of brand and creator relationships</p><p>(06:01) Why downloads aren’t a deal breaker</p><p>(07:28) Indie creators vs celebrity talent</p><p>(10:14) Trust and performance in podcast advertising</p><p>(12:15) Metrics, attribution, and data challenges</p><p>(16:24) Fragmentation across platforms</p><p>(18:08) Brand safety and campaign fit</p><p>(20:52) Matching brands with creators</p><p>(23:51) Trends in podcast media buying</p><p>(25:17) Video and changing consumption</p><p>(26:07) Test-and-learn mindset</p><p>(27:13) What goes into campaign execution</p><p>(28:07) What’s next for podcasting</p><p><br></p><h3><strong>About the Guest</strong></h3><p>Courtney O'Connor is Director of Podcast Media at Oxford Road, where she leads host-read podcast advertising strategy for brands investing in the medium. She began her career at Veritone One and has grown alongside the podcast industry as it evolved into a performance-driven channel, working across creator partnerships, attribution, and campaign strategy.</p><p><br></p><h3><strong>Connect with Courtney</strong></h3><p>Connect with Courtney on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coconnortcu/</p><p><br></p><h3><strong>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz</strong></h3><blockquote>“I’m going to say the money is in endorsed host-run media. I love that is what the industry was built on… connecting brands with creators that have this unbreakable trust with their audience.”</blockquote><blockquote>“I personally have bought podcasts with 65 downloads… there is a time and a place for it and if it’s the right fit, we’re going to buy it.”</blockquote><blockquote>“We are working in a trust based ecosystem… our brands are trusting us to make the right decision with their dollars and spend it wisely.”</blockquote><blockquote>“That is exactly what it is… matchmaking in connecting those brands and creators that make sense.”</blockquote><blockquote>“We have to be the best stewards of our clients’ money… if it doesn’t work, that campaign is going to stop and the client’s not going to come back.”</blockquote><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>Packaging, Positioning, and the “Invisible” Money in Podcasting</title>
			<itunes:title>Packaging, Positioning, and the “Invisible” Money in Podcasting</itunes:title>
			<pubDate>Sun, 29 Mar 2026 23:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<itunes:duration>46:25</itunes:duration>
			<enclosure url="https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/e/69c6d141b991732771e50e96/media.mp3" length="22282884" type="audio/mpeg"/>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">69c6d141b991732771e50e96</guid>
			<itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
			<link>https://shows.acast.com/podbiz-jeremy-enns</link>
			<acast:episodeId>69c6d141b991732771e50e96</acast:episodeId>
			<acast:showId>68343e1669c98f151d8f0020</acast:showId>
			<acast:episodeUrl>jeremy-enns</acast:episodeUrl>
			<acast:settings><![CDATA[FYjHyZbXWHZ7gmX8Pp1rmbKbhgrQiwYShz70Q9/ffXZMTtedvdcRQbP4eiLMjXzCKLPjEYLpGj+NMVKa+5C8pL4u/EOj1Vw4h5MMJYp0lCcFAe0fnxBJy/1ju4Qxy1fh8gO4DvlGA40yms2g0/hOkcrfHIopjTygHFqGwwOPKFIai4SuTvs86Lx3UYCyl6ZsSyyWS3sPisdKAZQX03fZ1wBIP98TrrdNJkX3d8hjtuYKlD2QAYDT2t8ZHEgU5pX7i+kb/jb+LxnllHYtsddBx7VQaBgapyipidjXlARRnTja0vvXEUV8Qs91EzmgmVqN]]></acast:settings>
			<itunes:subtitle>Jeremy Enns on why most podcast revenue doesn’t show up in the industry and how concept, positioning, and strategy actually drive growth</itunes:subtitle>
			<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
			<itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
			<itunes:episode>37</itunes:episode>
			<itunes:image href="https://assets.pippa.io/shows/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/1774670528966-6c23597c-e21b-4c8d-9f63-9066559e8a49.jpeg"/>
			<description><![CDATA[<h2><strong>What if most of the money in podcasting isn’t in podcasting at all?</strong></h2><p><br></p><p>In this episode, we’re joined by Jeremy Enns, founder of Podcast Marketing Academy, to break down where podcast revenue really comes from, and why so many shows miss it.</p><p>Jeremy challenges the idea that growth is about tactics. Instead, he makes the case that concept, positioning, and packaging are the real drivers of audience and revenue.</p><br><p>He also introduces a critical shift: podcasts aren’t just content—they’re conversion accelerators within a broader business system.</p><p><br></p><blockquote>“There’s way more money that never gets accounted for… businesses that use podcasting to drive business.”</blockquote><p><br></p><h3><strong>In this episode, we cover:</strong></h3><ul><li>Why most podcast revenue is “invisible” and happens outside the industry</li><li>Podcasting as a conversion accelerator (and how it shortens sales cycles)</li><li>The difference between advertising, partnerships, and equity-based deals</li><li>Why concept is the most overlooked lever in podcast growth</li><li>How poor packaging kills great content before it gets a chance</li><li>The role of podcasts inside a larger media and business strategy</li><li>Why most creators misunderstand content strategy entirely</li><li>The shift from tactics to belief-building in marketing</li><li>Long-term thinking, detachment, and sustainable growth in podcasting</li></ul><p><br></p><h3><strong>Episode Chapters</strong></h3><p>(00:05) Packaging vs. promotion in podcast growth</p><p>(01:08) Where the money in podcasting actually lives</p><p>(03:49) Sponsorship vs. products and services</p><p>(05:30) Creative monetization: equity and partnerships</p><p>(07:16) Podcasting as part of a broader media strategy</p><p>(09:13) The myth of art vs. business in podcasting</p><p>(14:08) Why marketing feels “smarmy” (and how to fix it)</p><p>(17:25) Audience clarity and value proposition</p><p>(18:18) What makes a show inherently shareable</p><p>(21:24) The slow burn of podcast growth</p><p>(26:46) Why concept is everything</p><p>(28:00) Content strategy and belief systems</p><p>(31:50) Positioning your podcast within your business</p><p>(36:09) Detachment, long-term thinking, and creative success</p><p>(42:57) Why there are no shortcuts in podcast growth</p><p><br></p><h3><strong>About the Guest</strong></h3><p>Jeremy Enns is the founder of Podcast Marketing Academy, where he helps creators and businesses grow podcasts through strategy, positioning, and concept development. With a background in audio engineering and years of experience working with podcasters at every level, Jeremy focuses on the intersection of craft and marketing, helping shows become both compelling and commercially effective.</p><p><br></p><h3><strong>Connect with Jeremy</strong></h3><p>Connect with Jeremy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-enns/  </p><p>Explore his work at Podcast Marketing Academy: https://podcastmarketingacademy.com/scrappy-podcasting-newsletter/ </p><p><br></p><h3><strong>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz</strong></h3><blockquote>“There’s way more money that never gets accounted for… businesses that use podcasting to drive business.”</blockquote><blockquote>“Normally my time to conversion was 12 to 18 months… after the podcast, a couple weeks later they’re ready to talk.”</blockquote><blockquote>“If you don’t get the concept right, everything is going to be harder downstream.”</blockquote><blockquote>“People do judge shows by their cover, by their title, by that one sentence blurb.”</blockquote><blockquote>“The game is staying in the game while you build your skills.”</blockquote><blockquote>“If you package great work, it will grow itself.”</blockquote><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
			<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<h2><strong>What if most of the money in podcasting isn’t in podcasting at all?</strong></h2><p><br></p><p>In this episode, we’re joined by Jeremy Enns, founder of Podcast Marketing Academy, to break down where podcast revenue really comes from, and why so many shows miss it.</p><p>Jeremy challenges the idea that growth is about tactics. Instead, he makes the case that concept, positioning, and packaging are the real drivers of audience and revenue.</p><br><p>He also introduces a critical shift: podcasts aren’t just content—they’re conversion accelerators within a broader business system.</p><p><br></p><blockquote>“There’s way more money that never gets accounted for… businesses that use podcasting to drive business.”</blockquote><p><br></p><h3><strong>In this episode, we cover:</strong></h3><ul><li>Why most podcast revenue is “invisible” and happens outside the industry</li><li>Podcasting as a conversion accelerator (and how it shortens sales cycles)</li><li>The difference between advertising, partnerships, and equity-based deals</li><li>Why concept is the most overlooked lever in podcast growth</li><li>How poor packaging kills great content before it gets a chance</li><li>The role of podcasts inside a larger media and business strategy</li><li>Why most creators misunderstand content strategy entirely</li><li>The shift from tactics to belief-building in marketing</li><li>Long-term thinking, detachment, and sustainable growth in podcasting</li></ul><p><br></p><h3><strong>Episode Chapters</strong></h3><p>(00:05) Packaging vs. promotion in podcast growth</p><p>(01:08) Where the money in podcasting actually lives</p><p>(03:49) Sponsorship vs. products and services</p><p>(05:30) Creative monetization: equity and partnerships</p><p>(07:16) Podcasting as part of a broader media strategy</p><p>(09:13) The myth of art vs. business in podcasting</p><p>(14:08) Why marketing feels “smarmy” (and how to fix it)</p><p>(17:25) Audience clarity and value proposition</p><p>(18:18) What makes a show inherently shareable</p><p>(21:24) The slow burn of podcast growth</p><p>(26:46) Why concept is everything</p><p>(28:00) Content strategy and belief systems</p><p>(31:50) Positioning your podcast within your business</p><p>(36:09) Detachment, long-term thinking, and creative success</p><p>(42:57) Why there are no shortcuts in podcast growth</p><p><br></p><h3><strong>About the Guest</strong></h3><p>Jeremy Enns is the founder of Podcast Marketing Academy, where he helps creators and businesses grow podcasts through strategy, positioning, and concept development. With a background in audio engineering and years of experience working with podcasters at every level, Jeremy focuses on the intersection of craft and marketing, helping shows become both compelling and commercially effective.</p><p><br></p><h3><strong>Connect with Jeremy</strong></h3><p>Connect with Jeremy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-enns/  </p><p>Explore his work at Podcast Marketing Academy: https://podcastmarketingacademy.com/scrappy-podcasting-newsletter/ </p><p><br></p><h3><strong>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz</strong></h3><blockquote>“There’s way more money that never gets accounted for… businesses that use podcasting to drive business.”</blockquote><blockquote>“Normally my time to conversion was 12 to 18 months… after the podcast, a couple weeks later they’re ready to talk.”</blockquote><blockquote>“If you don’t get the concept right, everything is going to be harder downstream.”</blockquote><blockquote>“People do judge shows by their cover, by their title, by that one sentence blurb.”</blockquote><blockquote>“The game is staying in the game while you build your skills.”</blockquote><blockquote>“If you package great work, it will grow itself.”</blockquote><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>How HubSpot Built a Podcast Network That Actually Drives Business Value with Carly Baker</title>
			<itunes:title>How HubSpot Built a Podcast Network That Actually Drives Business Value with Carly Baker</itunes:title>
			<pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<itunes:duration>50:04</itunes:duration>
			<enclosure url="https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/e/69b97508e1ad9c35216dd41a/media.mp3" length="24036641" type="audio/mpeg"/>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">69b97508e1ad9c35216dd41a</guid>
			<itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
			<link>https://shows.acast.com/podbiz-hubspot-carly-baker</link>
			<acast:episodeId>69b97508e1ad9c35216dd41a</acast:episodeId>
			<acast:showId>68343e1669c98f151d8f0020</acast:showId>
			<acast:episodeUrl>carly-baker-hubspot</acast:episodeUrl>
			<acast:settings><![CDATA[FYjHyZbXWHZ7gmX8Pp1rmbKbhgrQiwYShz70Q9/ffXZMTtedvdcRQbP4eiLMjXzCKLPjEYLpGj+NMVKa+5C8pL4u/EOj1Vw4h5MMJYp0lCcFAe0fnxBJy/1ju4Qxy1fh8gO4DvlGA40yms2g0/hOkcrfHIopjTygHFqGwwOPKFIai4SuTvs86Lx3UYCyl6ZsSyyWS3sPisdKAZQX03fZ1wBIP98TrrdNJkX3d8hjtubCbvu3UzhocsBCFVy9vSZU2kjpFLLMVpVX9Ca1d0iASANRbUUugJCLElnkkWV2N2emN6XRvrPJDucysz/WJclu]]></acast:settings>
			<itunes:subtitle>Head of Media Partnerships at HubSpot, on creator partnerships, distribution strategy, and what makes a show worth investing in.</itunes:subtitle>
			<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
			<itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
			<itunes:episode>36</itunes:episode>
			<itunes:image href="https://assets.pippa.io/shows/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/1773761797565-ce2cde72-0f08-47a6-84cf-d5ed8b6b47d7.jpeg"/>
			<description><![CDATA[<h3>What does it actually take to build a media network inside a company like HubSpot?</h3><p>As Head of Media Partnerships at HubSpot Media Network, Carly Baker joined shortly after the acquisition of The Hustle and helped grow what started as a small collection of shows into a multi-platform media ecosystem spanning podcasts, YouTube, and newsletters.</p><p>In this episode of PodBiz, Carly breaks down how HubSpot approaches creator partnerships, what makes a show valuable today, and how podcasting fits into a broader media strategy.</p><p>At the center of that shift is a more expansive view of monetization.</p><blockquote>“People are scrambling to try to figure out how to monetize directly through their audience… and to have more control sort of financially.”</blockquote><p>That doesn’t replace advertising, but it does change how creators and networks think about building sustainable businesses.</p><p>It also changes how success is evaluated.</p><blockquote>“Size does not matter… we have shows and newsletters and YouTube channels that we work with of all shapes and sizes.”</blockquote><p>This conversation looks at how media companies are thinking about audience, distribution, and long-term value across platforms.</p><p><br></p><h3><strong>In this episode, we cover:</strong></h3><p>• How HubSpot built a podcast, YouTube, and newsletter network from one acquisition</p><p>• Why monetization is expanding beyond a single revenue stream</p><p>• Why downloads are becoming a misleading metric for audience value</p><p>• How HubSpot evaluates shows beyond audience size</p><p>• The difference between audio and video as separate products</p><p>• How YouTube search vs browse shapes growth strategy</p><p>• Why newsletters are becoming critical for audience ownership</p><p>• The role of trust, brand safety, and alignment in creator partnerships</p><p><br></p><h3><strong>About Carly Baker</strong></h3><p>Carly Baker is Head of Media Partnerships at HubSpot Media Network, where she leads partnership and growth strategy across podcasts, newsletters, and video. She has spent the past four years building sustainable audience growth for shows like My First Million and Goal Digger, with a focus on distribution-first strategy and long-term impact.</p><h3><strong>Connect with Carly Baker</strong></h3><p>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlycbaker/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlycbaker/</a></p><p><br></p><h3><strong>Episode Chapters</strong></h3><p>(01:11) Introduction to Carly Baker and HubSpot Media Network</p><p>(01:53) Where the money is in podcasting today</p><p>(02:45) The shift toward direct audience monetization</p><p>(04:08) Why audience trust is the foundation of revenue</p><p>(05:37) The evolution of podcast advertising</p><p>(08:06) Building HubSpot’s media network after The Hustle acquisition</p><p>(12:16) What actually makes a podcast successful today</p><p>(14:23) The confusion around modern podcast metrics</p><p>(17:26) Why creator relationships drive long-term success</p><p>(21:51) Video strategy and YouTube growth</p><p>(23:55) Search vs browse content on YouTube</p><p>(28:42) Audio vs video as fundamentally different products</p><p>(31:57) Monetization differences across platforms</p><p>(36:09) Why relationships matter more than metrics</p><p>(39:49) The role of newsletters in owning your audience</p><p>(41:37) Substack, community, and direct audience connection</p><p>(46:48) Long-term strategy vs chasing trends</p><p>(47:59) What’s next: IRL events and private communities</p><h2><br></h2><h3><strong>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz</strong></h3><blockquote>“Being able to give the audience a chance to directly support those creators that they love and trust is something that I think we’re seeing a lot more and will continue to see.”</blockquote><blockquote>“We’re not in the business of being transactional with creators… we really want to work one-on-one with the person to be able to provide them that individualized growth support.”</blockquote><blockquote>“If your audience is not on YouTube, that’s fine… you don’t have to be everywhere. You just need to double down where they are.”</blockquote><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
			<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<h3>What does it actually take to build a media network inside a company like HubSpot?</h3><p>As Head of Media Partnerships at HubSpot Media Network, Carly Baker joined shortly after the acquisition of The Hustle and helped grow what started as a small collection of shows into a multi-platform media ecosystem spanning podcasts, YouTube, and newsletters.</p><p>In this episode of PodBiz, Carly breaks down how HubSpot approaches creator partnerships, what makes a show valuable today, and how podcasting fits into a broader media strategy.</p><p>At the center of that shift is a more expansive view of monetization.</p><blockquote>“People are scrambling to try to figure out how to monetize directly through their audience… and to have more control sort of financially.”</blockquote><p>That doesn’t replace advertising, but it does change how creators and networks think about building sustainable businesses.</p><p>It also changes how success is evaluated.</p><blockquote>“Size does not matter… we have shows and newsletters and YouTube channels that we work with of all shapes and sizes.”</blockquote><p>This conversation looks at how media companies are thinking about audience, distribution, and long-term value across platforms.</p><p><br></p><h3><strong>In this episode, we cover:</strong></h3><p>• How HubSpot built a podcast, YouTube, and newsletter network from one acquisition</p><p>• Why monetization is expanding beyond a single revenue stream</p><p>• Why downloads are becoming a misleading metric for audience value</p><p>• How HubSpot evaluates shows beyond audience size</p><p>• The difference between audio and video as separate products</p><p>• How YouTube search vs browse shapes growth strategy</p><p>• Why newsletters are becoming critical for audience ownership</p><p>• The role of trust, brand safety, and alignment in creator partnerships</p><p><br></p><h3><strong>About Carly Baker</strong></h3><p>Carly Baker is Head of Media Partnerships at HubSpot Media Network, where she leads partnership and growth strategy across podcasts, newsletters, and video. She has spent the past four years building sustainable audience growth for shows like My First Million and Goal Digger, with a focus on distribution-first strategy and long-term impact.</p><h3><strong>Connect with Carly Baker</strong></h3><p>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlycbaker/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlycbaker/</a></p><p><br></p><h3><strong>Episode Chapters</strong></h3><p>(01:11) Introduction to Carly Baker and HubSpot Media Network</p><p>(01:53) Where the money is in podcasting today</p><p>(02:45) The shift toward direct audience monetization</p><p>(04:08) Why audience trust is the foundation of revenue</p><p>(05:37) The evolution of podcast advertising</p><p>(08:06) Building HubSpot’s media network after The Hustle acquisition</p><p>(12:16) What actually makes a podcast successful today</p><p>(14:23) The confusion around modern podcast metrics</p><p>(17:26) Why creator relationships drive long-term success</p><p>(21:51) Video strategy and YouTube growth</p><p>(23:55) Search vs browse content on YouTube</p><p>(28:42) Audio vs video as fundamentally different products</p><p>(31:57) Monetization differences across platforms</p><p>(36:09) Why relationships matter more than metrics</p><p>(39:49) The role of newsletters in owning your audience</p><p>(41:37) Substack, community, and direct audience connection</p><p>(46:48) Long-term strategy vs chasing trends</p><p>(47:59) What’s next: IRL events and private communities</p><h2><br></h2><h3><strong>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz</strong></h3><blockquote>“Being able to give the audience a chance to directly support those creators that they love and trust is something that I think we’re seeing a lot more and will continue to see.”</blockquote><blockquote>“We’re not in the business of being transactional with creators… we really want to work one-on-one with the person to be able to provide them that individualized growth support.”</blockquote><blockquote>“If your audience is not on YouTube, that’s fine… you don’t have to be everywhere. You just need to double down where they are.”</blockquote><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>What Podcasting Can Learn From YouTube Growth with Rox Codes</title>
			<itunes:title>What Podcasting Can Learn From YouTube Growth with Rox Codes</itunes:title>
			<pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<itunes:duration>49:10</itunes:duration>
			<enclosure url="https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/e/69b0636ba1c9931634c420a4/media.mp3" length="23602591" type="audio/mpeg"/>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">69b0636ba1c9931634c420a4</guid>
			<itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
			<link>https://shows.acast.com/podbiz-flightcast-rox-codes</link>
			<acast:episodeId>69b0636ba1c9931634c420a4</acast:episodeId>
			<acast:showId>68343e1669c98f151d8f0020</acast:showId>
			<acast:episodeUrl>flightcast-rox-codes</acast:episodeUrl>
			<acast:settings><![CDATA[FYjHyZbXWHZ7gmX8Pp1rmbKbhgrQiwYShz70Q9/ffXZMTtedvdcRQbP4eiLMjXzCKLPjEYLpGj+NMVKa+5C8pL4u/EOj1Vw4h5MMJYp0lCcFAe0fnxBJy/1ju4Qxy1fh8gO4DvlGA40yms2g0/hOkcrfHIopjTygHFqGwwOPKFIai4SuTvs86Lx3UYCyl6ZsSyyWS3sPisdKAZQX03fZ1wBIP98TrrdNJkX3d8hjtuaa4YmW+N3QU9wLgLCeaKDgs3nLZgc2OpMX8VuZMYMXvaIYQybcbmgODapRl8Nc+ey27EO3EbkONYZfFrsoCcbp]]></acast:settings>
			<itunes:subtitle>Flightcast co-founder Rox Codes explains how YouTube’s experimentation culture could reshape podcast growth, analytics, and monetization.</itunes:subtitle>
			<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
			<itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
			<itunes:episode>35</itunes:episode>
			<itunes:image href="https://assets.pippa.io/shows/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/1773167465662-6b7c0cad-3c0e-4d06-9d0f-4d5593e3f144.jpeg"/>
			<description><![CDATA[<h3><strong>Is podcasting focusing on the wrong metrics?</strong></h3><p>For years, the business conversation around podcasts has centered on CPMs, ad fill rates, and monetization mechanics. But Rox Codes believes the bigger opportunity lies somewhere else entirely: growth.</p><p>Rox is the CEO and co-founder of Flightcast, a platform built with Steven Bartlett that brings YouTube-style analytics and experimentation into podcast publishing. His background comes from the YouTube creator ecosystem, where content strategy revolves around testing, packaging, and constant iteration.</p><br><p>As Rox puts it:</p><blockquote>“The money in podcasting traditionally has been where can I find an extra dollar? Like how do I up my CPM or my ad fill rate… fill rate and CPM. But if you made the episode better, you’d hit another mid-roll. If you got people to listen 5% longer, you’d hit another mid-roll.” In the YouTube world, creators obsess over packaging: thumbnails, titles, and audience retention. </blockquote><p>Rox argues that podcasting can learn from that playbook.</p><blockquote>“On YouTube, if you want to make an extra dollar and you’re getting 1,000 views, you have one option. You get 2,000 views.” </blockquote><p><br></p><p>But applying that mindset to podcasting isn’t simple. The medium operates with less data, fewer discovery systems, and a very different culture around creators and content.</p><p>In this episode of PodBiz, Rox joins Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan to discuss the analytics gap in podcasting, why experimentation matters more than many creators realize, and how platforms may evolve as video and audio ecosystems converge.</p><h3><br></h3><h3>In this episode, we discuss</h3><p>• Why podcast monetization conversations focus heavily on CPMs</p><p>• What podcasting can learn from YouTube packaging and discovery</p><p>• The analytics gap between YouTube Studio and podcast hosting platforms</p><p>• Why experimentation is essential for creator growth</p><p>• How small podcast audiences can generate meaningful revenue</p><p>• Why creators should become “students of the game”</p><p>• The future convergence of video and podcast ecosystems</p><h3><br></h3><h3>Episode Chapters</h3><p>(02:08) Where the money in podcasting really is</p><p>(03:34) The YouTube mindset behind creator growth</p><p>(05:44) Metrics creators should actually track</p><p>(08:25) What experienced podcasters already understand about their audiences</p><p>(14:02) Why podcast analytics still lag behind video platforms</p><p>(18:50) Building Flightcast as a growth platform</p><p>(21:27) Why relative performance metrics matter</p><p>(24:50) Choosing the right stories inside a niche</p><p>(31:01) Why small audiences can still generate large revenue</p><p>(40:16) Becoming a “student of the game”</p><h3><br></h3><h3>About Rox Codes</h3><p>Rox Codes is the CEO and co-founder of Flightcast, a podcast growth platform designed to help creators analyze, optimize, and scale their shows. Before launching Flightcast with Steven Bartlett, Rox built ThumbnailTest.com, a YouTube optimization tool used by major creators to experiment with thumbnails and titles. His work focuses on bringing data-driven experimentation into podcast publishing.</p><h3><br></h3><h3>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz</h3><blockquote>“You should spend as much time on the thumbnail and title as you did on the entire episode.”</blockquote><p><br></p><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
			<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<h3><strong>Is podcasting focusing on the wrong metrics?</strong></h3><p>For years, the business conversation around podcasts has centered on CPMs, ad fill rates, and monetization mechanics. But Rox Codes believes the bigger opportunity lies somewhere else entirely: growth.</p><p>Rox is the CEO and co-founder of Flightcast, a platform built with Steven Bartlett that brings YouTube-style analytics and experimentation into podcast publishing. His background comes from the YouTube creator ecosystem, where content strategy revolves around testing, packaging, and constant iteration.</p><br><p>As Rox puts it:</p><blockquote>“The money in podcasting traditionally has been where can I find an extra dollar? Like how do I up my CPM or my ad fill rate… fill rate and CPM. But if you made the episode better, you’d hit another mid-roll. If you got people to listen 5% longer, you’d hit another mid-roll.” In the YouTube world, creators obsess over packaging: thumbnails, titles, and audience retention. </blockquote><p>Rox argues that podcasting can learn from that playbook.</p><blockquote>“On YouTube, if you want to make an extra dollar and you’re getting 1,000 views, you have one option. You get 2,000 views.” </blockquote><p><br></p><p>But applying that mindset to podcasting isn’t simple. The medium operates with less data, fewer discovery systems, and a very different culture around creators and content.</p><p>In this episode of PodBiz, Rox joins Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan to discuss the analytics gap in podcasting, why experimentation matters more than many creators realize, and how platforms may evolve as video and audio ecosystems converge.</p><h3><br></h3><h3>In this episode, we discuss</h3><p>• Why podcast monetization conversations focus heavily on CPMs</p><p>• What podcasting can learn from YouTube packaging and discovery</p><p>• The analytics gap between YouTube Studio and podcast hosting platforms</p><p>• Why experimentation is essential for creator growth</p><p>• How small podcast audiences can generate meaningful revenue</p><p>• Why creators should become “students of the game”</p><p>• The future convergence of video and podcast ecosystems</p><h3><br></h3><h3>Episode Chapters</h3><p>(02:08) Where the money in podcasting really is</p><p>(03:34) The YouTube mindset behind creator growth</p><p>(05:44) Metrics creators should actually track</p><p>(08:25) What experienced podcasters already understand about their audiences</p><p>(14:02) Why podcast analytics still lag behind video platforms</p><p>(18:50) Building Flightcast as a growth platform</p><p>(21:27) Why relative performance metrics matter</p><p>(24:50) Choosing the right stories inside a niche</p><p>(31:01) Why small audiences can still generate large revenue</p><p>(40:16) Becoming a “student of the game”</p><h3><br></h3><h3>About Rox Codes</h3><p>Rox Codes is the CEO and co-founder of Flightcast, a podcast growth platform designed to help creators analyze, optimize, and scale their shows. Before launching Flightcast with Steven Bartlett, Rox built ThumbnailTest.com, a YouTube optimization tool used by major creators to experiment with thumbnails and titles. His work focuses on bringing data-driven experimentation into podcast publishing.</p><h3><br></h3><h3>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz</h3><blockquote>“You should spend as much time on the thumbnail and title as you did on the entire episode.”</blockquote><p><br></p><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>Podcasting Inside the Chemical Industry: Monetizing Industry Authority </title>
			<itunes:title>Podcasting Inside the Chemical Industry: Monetizing Industry Authority </itunes:title>
			<pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<itunes:duration>42:58</itunes:duration>
			<enclosure url="https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/e/69a6568d5fd4bb611a981f7c/media.mp3" length="20631528" type="audio/mpeg"/>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">69a6568d5fd4bb611a981f7c</guid>
			<itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
			<link>https://shows.acast.com/podbiz-the-chemical-show-victoria-king-meyer</link>
			<acast:episodeId>69a6568d5fd4bb611a981f7c</acast:episodeId>
			<acast:showId>68343e1669c98f151d8f0020</acast:showId>
			<acast:episodeUrl>victoria-kingmeyer</acast:episodeUrl>
			<acast:settings><![CDATA[FYjHyZbXWHZ7gmX8Pp1rmbKbhgrQiwYShz70Q9/ffXZMTtedvdcRQbP4eiLMjXzCKLPjEYLpGj+NMVKa+5C8pL4u/EOj1Vw4h5MMJYp0lCcFAe0fnxBJy/1ju4Qxy1fh8gO4DvlGA40yms2g0/hOkcrfHIopjTygHFqGwwOPKFIai4SuTvs86Lx3UYCyl6ZsSyyWS3sPisdKAZQX03fZ1wBIP98TrrdNJkX3d8hjtuZE9M772+NAsY6B75HMJDRWb2tWkL3yaOXL/xHPLKl6k4X90Qim8D3VUL9bYlWH1GkXuUJ9iaqluYGmej7zDw19]]></acast:settings>
			<itunes:subtitle>Victoria King-Meyer explains how The Chemical Show builds authority, community, and revenue inside a global industry.</itunes:subtitle>
			<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
			<itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
			<itunes:episode>34</itunes:episode>
			<itunes:image href="https://assets.pippa.io/shows/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/1772508809924-8a136910-abcf-46f7-a46a-ad650e89b958.jpeg"/>
			<description><![CDATA[<h3>How do you reach the right audience inside a global industry?</h3><p>Victoria King Meyer has built a podcast that answers that question with clarity. As president of Progressio Global and host of The Chemical Show, she has created a platform that connects leaders across the chemical industry while expanding her reach beyond traditional trade media.</p><br><p>In this episode of PodBiz, Victoria joins NJ to discuss what it takes to build authority through podcasting in a sector that is global, complex, and often overlooked by mainstream business media. The conversation explores how niche B2B podcasts create value, why reach matters more than raw download numbers, and how a show can expand into community, events, and business development.</p><p>As Victoria puts it, </p><blockquote>“The riches are in the niches.” </blockquote><p><br></p><p>She also makes a strong case for thinking beyond vanity metrics. “Downloads don’t count,” she says, arguing instead for a broader view of audience reach, influence, and impact. </p><p><br></p><h3>In this episode, we discuss:</h3><p>• Why industry podcasts can become powerful media platforms</p><p>• How The Chemical Show serves the global chemical sector</p><p>• Why reach and influence matter more than downloads in B2B podcasting</p><p>• How Victoria approaches sponsorships, executive visibility, and audience growth</p><p>• The role LinkedIn plays in professional podcast distribution</p><p>• What it looks like to turn a podcast into events, community, and business opportunity</p><h3><br></h3><h3>About Victoria King Meyer:</h3><p>Victoria King-Meyer is the president of Progressio Global and host of The Chemical Show. A chemical engineer with an MBA, she spent more than 25 years in the chemical industry before launching her consulting business. Today, she advises leaders across the sector and uses podcasting as a platform for connection, insight, and industry visibility.</p><h3>Connect with Victoria King Meyer:</h3><p>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-king-meyer/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-king-meyer/</a></p><p>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/victoriakingmeyer/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/victoriakingmeyer/</a></p><p>The Chemical Show: <a href="https://www.thechemicalshow.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.thechemicalshow.com</a></p><h3><br></h3><h3>Episode Chapters</h3><p>(01:15) Reaching the right audience</p><p>(03:30) From chemical engineer to podcast host</p><p>(10:13) Marketing a podcast</p><p>(12:37) LinkedIn for B2B podcast growth</p><p>(21:59) Turning a podcast into a revenue stream</p><p>(24:38) What industry sponsors are actually buying</p><p>(30:33) Building the Chemical Summit</p><p>(35:39) Measuring reach beyond downloads</p><p><br></p><h3>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz:</h3><blockquote>“The riches are in the niches. I’m a big believer of that. Podcasting is such a great form of storytelling across business mediums, and leaders are looking for opportunities to share their story and connect with people.” </blockquote><blockquote>“If you produce a podcast and don’t tell anybody about it, will anybody hear it? No. You have to share the story of your story and actually market the show.” </blockquote><blockquote>“Podcasting is still an immature baby. There is so much room for growth and change, and that’s what makes this such an exciting time to be building something.”</blockquote><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
			<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<h3>How do you reach the right audience inside a global industry?</h3><p>Victoria King Meyer has built a podcast that answers that question with clarity. As president of Progressio Global and host of The Chemical Show, she has created a platform that connects leaders across the chemical industry while expanding her reach beyond traditional trade media.</p><br><p>In this episode of PodBiz, Victoria joins NJ to discuss what it takes to build authority through podcasting in a sector that is global, complex, and often overlooked by mainstream business media. The conversation explores how niche B2B podcasts create value, why reach matters more than raw download numbers, and how a show can expand into community, events, and business development.</p><p>As Victoria puts it, </p><blockquote>“The riches are in the niches.” </blockquote><p><br></p><p>She also makes a strong case for thinking beyond vanity metrics. “Downloads don’t count,” she says, arguing instead for a broader view of audience reach, influence, and impact. </p><p><br></p><h3>In this episode, we discuss:</h3><p>• Why industry podcasts can become powerful media platforms</p><p>• How The Chemical Show serves the global chemical sector</p><p>• Why reach and influence matter more than downloads in B2B podcasting</p><p>• How Victoria approaches sponsorships, executive visibility, and audience growth</p><p>• The role LinkedIn plays in professional podcast distribution</p><p>• What it looks like to turn a podcast into events, community, and business opportunity</p><h3><br></h3><h3>About Victoria King Meyer:</h3><p>Victoria King-Meyer is the president of Progressio Global and host of The Chemical Show. A chemical engineer with an MBA, she spent more than 25 years in the chemical industry before launching her consulting business. Today, she advises leaders across the sector and uses podcasting as a platform for connection, insight, and industry visibility.</p><h3>Connect with Victoria King Meyer:</h3><p>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-king-meyer/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-king-meyer/</a></p><p>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/victoriakingmeyer/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/victoriakingmeyer/</a></p><p>The Chemical Show: <a href="https://www.thechemicalshow.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.thechemicalshow.com</a></p><h3><br></h3><h3>Episode Chapters</h3><p>(01:15) Reaching the right audience</p><p>(03:30) From chemical engineer to podcast host</p><p>(10:13) Marketing a podcast</p><p>(12:37) LinkedIn for B2B podcast growth</p><p>(21:59) Turning a podcast into a revenue stream</p><p>(24:38) What industry sponsors are actually buying</p><p>(30:33) Building the Chemical Summit</p><p>(35:39) Measuring reach beyond downloads</p><p><br></p><h3>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz:</h3><blockquote>“The riches are in the niches. I’m a big believer of that. Podcasting is such a great form of storytelling across business mediums, and leaders are looking for opportunities to share their story and connect with people.” </blockquote><blockquote>“If you produce a podcast and don’t tell anybody about it, will anybody hear it? No. You have to share the story of your story and actually market the show.” </blockquote><blockquote>“Podcasting is still an immature baby. There is so much room for growth and change, and that’s what makes this such an exciting time to be building something.”</blockquote><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>It’s Difficult to Be Simple: Alberto Betella on Monetization, Emotion AI, and Building RSS.com</title>
			<itunes:title>It’s Difficult to Be Simple: Alberto Betella on Monetization, Emotion AI, and Building RSS.com</itunes:title>
			<pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<itunes:duration>42:44</itunes:duration>
			<enclosure url="https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/e/697cab655edeb3034fb479b2/media.mp3" length="20519515" type="audio/mpeg"/>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">697cab655edeb3034fb479b2</guid>
			<itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
			<link>https://shows.acast.com/podbiz-rss-alberto-betella</link>
			<acast:episodeId>697cab655edeb3034fb479b2</acast:episodeId>
			<acast:showId>68343e1669c98f151d8f0020</acast:showId>
			<acast:episodeUrl>alberto-betella-rss</acast:episodeUrl>
			<acast:settings><![CDATA[FYjHyZbXWHZ7gmX8Pp1rmbKbhgrQiwYShz70Q9/ffXZMTtedvdcRQbP4eiLMjXzCKLPjEYLpGj+NMVKa+5C8pL4u/EOj1Vw4h5MMJYp0lCcFAe0fnxBJy/1ju4Qxy1fh8gO4DvlGA40yms2g0/hOkcrfHIopjTygHFqGwwOPKFIai4SuTvs86Lx3UYCyl6ZsSyyWS3sPisdKAZQX03fZ1wBIP98TrrdNJkX3d8hjtua+6OVOJAs9otXG/o9d/0ce1HbbDVnfrGMtH4VwYS1ih7IzDpg057CdVqYdLxslmlDPVTGBhzEbd1vO3U6cwp1G]]></acast:settings>
			<itunes:subtitle>From value-for-value to Apple subscriptions, the RSS.com co-founder breaks down where the money is in podcasting and why simplicity wins.</itunes:subtitle>
			<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
			<itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
			<itunes:episode>33</itunes:episode>
			<itunes:image href="https://assets.pippa.io/shows/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/1769778015676-86782f8d-b3fa-4322-bdc6-568cf25d2318.jpeg"/>
			<description><![CDATA[<h3>If advertising is a billion-dollar market, where does that leave independent creators?</h3><p>In this episode of PodBiz, NJ sits down with Alberto Betella, co-founder of RSS.com, for a platform-level look at where revenue actually lives.</p><p>Alberto’s answer begins with scale. Advertising remains the largest total addressable market in podcasting and continues to grow. But volume drives ad revenue. For smaller or niche shows, funding models and subscriptions may be more realistic starting points.</p><blockquote>“Money is in ads,”</blockquote><p>Alberto explains.</p><blockquote>“But if you are a small podcaster… and you ask for funding, it kind of works.”</blockquote><p>From Podcasting 2.0’s funding tag to Apple subscriptions and delegated delivery, this conversation explores how reducing friction directly impacts monetization. When payments are simple, revenue becomes possible. We also go deeper into RSS.com’s origin story from a 2006 open-source publishing tool to a modern hosting platform — and Alberto’s background in affective computing, now known as Emotion AI.</p><p>His product philosophy is clear:</p><p><br></p><blockquote>“Simplicity is complex.”</blockquote><p><br></p><br><p><br></p><h3>In this episode, we discuss:</h3><ul><li>Why advertising dominates revenue conversations</li><li>When funding and value-for-value make strategic sense</li><li>Apple subscriptions, early access, and frictionless payments</li><li>Education as the biggest monetization gap</li><li>Building RSS.com from bootstrapped beginnings</li><li>Emotion AI and Alberto’s path from academia to SaaS</li><li>The Podcast Standards Project and industry collaboration</li></ul><p><br></p><br><p><br></p><h3>Episode Chapters</h3><p>(01:47) Ads, TAM, and revenue scale</p><p>(03:20) Funding tags and direct listener support</p><p>(08:21) Apple subscriptions and reducing friction</p><p>(13:17) Educating creators at scale</p><p>(25:25) The origin of RSS.com</p><p>(31:48) “It’s difficult to be simple”</p><p>(37:54) Industry standards and collaboration</p><br><p><br></p><h3><br></h3><h3>About Alberto Betella</h3><p>Alberto Betella is the co-founder of RSS.com. With a PhD in affective computing, he began building podcast publishing tools in 2006 before launching RSS.com with Ben Richardson. Today, he focuses on product strategy, infrastructure, and advancing open podcast standards across the industry.</p><br><p><br></p><p><br></p><h3><br></h3><h3>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz</h3><blockquote>“Reducing friction and making things simple is key.”</blockquote><blockquote>“There is a difference between chance and luck. If you open more doors, you increase your chances.”</blockquote><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
			<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<h3>If advertising is a billion-dollar market, where does that leave independent creators?</h3><p>In this episode of PodBiz, NJ sits down with Alberto Betella, co-founder of RSS.com, for a platform-level look at where revenue actually lives.</p><p>Alberto’s answer begins with scale. Advertising remains the largest total addressable market in podcasting and continues to grow. But volume drives ad revenue. For smaller or niche shows, funding models and subscriptions may be more realistic starting points.</p><blockquote>“Money is in ads,”</blockquote><p>Alberto explains.</p><blockquote>“But if you are a small podcaster… and you ask for funding, it kind of works.”</blockquote><p>From Podcasting 2.0’s funding tag to Apple subscriptions and delegated delivery, this conversation explores how reducing friction directly impacts monetization. When payments are simple, revenue becomes possible. We also go deeper into RSS.com’s origin story from a 2006 open-source publishing tool to a modern hosting platform — and Alberto’s background in affective computing, now known as Emotion AI.</p><p>His product philosophy is clear:</p><p><br></p><blockquote>“Simplicity is complex.”</blockquote><p><br></p><br><p><br></p><h3>In this episode, we discuss:</h3><ul><li>Why advertising dominates revenue conversations</li><li>When funding and value-for-value make strategic sense</li><li>Apple subscriptions, early access, and frictionless payments</li><li>Education as the biggest monetization gap</li><li>Building RSS.com from bootstrapped beginnings</li><li>Emotion AI and Alberto’s path from academia to SaaS</li><li>The Podcast Standards Project and industry collaboration</li></ul><p><br></p><br><p><br></p><h3>Episode Chapters</h3><p>(01:47) Ads, TAM, and revenue scale</p><p>(03:20) Funding tags and direct listener support</p><p>(08:21) Apple subscriptions and reducing friction</p><p>(13:17) Educating creators at scale</p><p>(25:25) The origin of RSS.com</p><p>(31:48) “It’s difficult to be simple”</p><p>(37:54) Industry standards and collaboration</p><br><p><br></p><h3><br></h3><h3>About Alberto Betella</h3><p>Alberto Betella is the co-founder of RSS.com. With a PhD in affective computing, he began building podcast publishing tools in 2006 before launching RSS.com with Ben Richardson. Today, he focuses on product strategy, infrastructure, and advancing open podcast standards across the industry.</p><br><p><br></p><p><br></p><h3><br></h3><h3>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz</h3><blockquote>“Reducing friction and making things simple is key.”</blockquote><blockquote>“There is a difference between chance and luck. If you open more doors, you increase your chances.”</blockquote><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>Where the Money Meets Marketing: Podcast Audience Development with Catrin Skaperdas</title>
			<itunes:title>Where the Money Meets Marketing: Podcast Audience Development with Catrin Skaperdas</itunes:title>
			<pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 12:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<itunes:duration>47:02</itunes:duration>
			<enclosure url="https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/e/697a30a90507f71624919e03/media.mp3" length="22582561" type="audio/mpeg"/>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">697a30a90507f71624919e03</guid>
			<itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
			<link>https://shows.acast.com/podbiz-catrin-skaperdas</link>
			<acast:episodeId>697a30a90507f71624919e03</acast:episodeId>
			<acast:showId>68343e1669c98f151d8f0020</acast:showId>
			<acast:episodeUrl>catrinskaperdas</acast:episodeUrl>
			<acast:settings><![CDATA[FYjHyZbXWHZ7gmX8Pp1rmbKbhgrQiwYShz70Q9/ffXZMTtedvdcRQbP4eiLMjXzCKLPjEYLpGj+NMVKa+5C8pL4u/EOj1Vw4h5MMJYp0lCcFAe0fnxBJy/1ju4Qxy1fh8gO4DvlGA40yms2g0/hOkcrfHIopjTygHFqGwwOPKFIai4SuTvs86Lx3UYCyl6ZsSyyWS3sPisdKAZQX03fZ1wBIP98TrrdNJkX3d8hjtuaXW6EKRo4/rmV++nd+KmKZHdA3w5QWZMFu5O6aZ3YW2d3R6t6QsOVBZWCpsYGWypqvh5jvWaJnL6nQH2Ix93j2]]></acast:settings>
			<itunes:subtitle>How development, consistency, and smart promotion turn podcasts into sustainable brand assets.</itunes:subtitle>
			<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
			<itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
			<itunes:episode>32</itunes:episode>
			<itunes:image href="https://assets.pippa.io/shows/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/1769615524404-f40f65c8-6ce8-4e23-ac55-8b752db8e1ab.jpeg"/>
			<description><![CDATA[<h3>What if audience development doesn’t start at launch… but at concept?</h3><p><br></p><p>This week on PodBiz, we’re joined by Catrin Skaperdas, Marketing and Audience Development Director at The Podcast Guys, whose career spans Cumulus Media, independent consulting across European markets, and now building marketing infrastructure inside a growing UK agency.</p><p>Catrin makes one thing clear: marketing is not an afterthought. It belongs in the room from day one.</p><p>As she puts it:</p><blockquote>“Now I'm part of podcast development. I'm in the room at the beginning of the conversation and I'm working with these brands to just to figure out what the best concept is for them. What's going to get them to their goals.”</blockquote><p>And when it comes to monetization for independent creators, she’s equally direct:</p><blockquote>“The money can be found when you use your podcast as part of a brand ecosystem.”</blockquote><p>This is a grounded, practical conversation about audience growth, branded podcast strategy, European market nuance, and why downloads alone don’t define success.</p><h3><br></h3><h3>Here are some insightful moments within the episode:</h3><ul><li>Why monetization isn’t “one giant pile of money”</li><li>How indie creators can build revenue beyond ads</li><li>Why brands must budget for marketing as seriously as production</li><li>What podcast audits reveal about discoverability</li><li>Why European podcast markets operate differently country to country</li><li>The real meaning behind “the death of the download”</li><li>Why consistency builds subconscious audience trust</li><li>How audience development evolves from execution to leadership</li></ul><h3><br></h3><h3>Episode Chapters</h3><p> (01:54) Where is the money in podcasting?</p><p> (04:52) Paid promotion and podcast listener targeting</p><p> (08:39) Why brands must fund marketing properly</p><p> (14:36) Building and launching Italian For Sure</p><p> (18:12) Why audience development starts in development</p><p> (22:39) U.S. vs European podcast markets</p><p> (25:49) Mindset and staying current in the industry</p><p> (27:46) Moving beyond downloads as the primary metric</p><p> (30:09) Building marketing departments inside agencies</p><p> (38:54) Consistency, seasons, and avoiding podfade</p><p> (44:21) Accessibility, video pressure, and the future of podcasting</p><h3><br></h3><h3>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz</h3><p>On consumption over downloads:</p><blockquote>“If you have just a hundred downloads an episode and you are getting complete, 100 percent completions to that, that's no longer just 100 downloads per episode.”</blockquote><p>On scrappiness:</p><blockquote>“How do you get scrappy? How do you make it work?”</blockquote><p>On consistency:</p><blockquote>“Pick a schedule that you can be consistent with.”</blockquote><p>On marketing clarity:</p><blockquote>“You never want to over ask anybody to do anything.”</blockquote><p><br></p><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
			<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<h3>What if audience development doesn’t start at launch… but at concept?</h3><p><br></p><p>This week on PodBiz, we’re joined by Catrin Skaperdas, Marketing and Audience Development Director at The Podcast Guys, whose career spans Cumulus Media, independent consulting across European markets, and now building marketing infrastructure inside a growing UK agency.</p><p>Catrin makes one thing clear: marketing is not an afterthought. It belongs in the room from day one.</p><p>As she puts it:</p><blockquote>“Now I'm part of podcast development. I'm in the room at the beginning of the conversation and I'm working with these brands to just to figure out what the best concept is for them. What's going to get them to their goals.”</blockquote><p>And when it comes to monetization for independent creators, she’s equally direct:</p><blockquote>“The money can be found when you use your podcast as part of a brand ecosystem.”</blockquote><p>This is a grounded, practical conversation about audience growth, branded podcast strategy, European market nuance, and why downloads alone don’t define success.</p><h3><br></h3><h3>Here are some insightful moments within the episode:</h3><ul><li>Why monetization isn’t “one giant pile of money”</li><li>How indie creators can build revenue beyond ads</li><li>Why brands must budget for marketing as seriously as production</li><li>What podcast audits reveal about discoverability</li><li>Why European podcast markets operate differently country to country</li><li>The real meaning behind “the death of the download”</li><li>Why consistency builds subconscious audience trust</li><li>How audience development evolves from execution to leadership</li></ul><h3><br></h3><h3>Episode Chapters</h3><p> (01:54) Where is the money in podcasting?</p><p> (04:52) Paid promotion and podcast listener targeting</p><p> (08:39) Why brands must fund marketing properly</p><p> (14:36) Building and launching Italian For Sure</p><p> (18:12) Why audience development starts in development</p><p> (22:39) U.S. vs European podcast markets</p><p> (25:49) Mindset and staying current in the industry</p><p> (27:46) Moving beyond downloads as the primary metric</p><p> (30:09) Building marketing departments inside agencies</p><p> (38:54) Consistency, seasons, and avoiding podfade</p><p> (44:21) Accessibility, video pressure, and the future of podcasting</p><h3><br></h3><h3>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz</h3><p>On consumption over downloads:</p><blockquote>“If you have just a hundred downloads an episode and you are getting complete, 100 percent completions to that, that's no longer just 100 downloads per episode.”</blockquote><p>On scrappiness:</p><blockquote>“How do you get scrappy? How do you make it work?”</blockquote><p>On consistency:</p><blockquote>“Pick a schedule that you can be consistent with.”</blockquote><p>On marketing clarity:</p><blockquote>“You never want to over ask anybody to do anything.”</blockquote><p><br></p><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>Small Buckets of Money and Big Direct Deals with Matt Cundill</title>
			<itunes:title>Small Buckets of Money and Big Direct Deals with Matt Cundill</itunes:title>
			<pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 12:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<itunes:duration>41:43</itunes:duration>
			<enclosure url="https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/e/6972fea0d284f5cd093928f4/media.mp3" length="20028831" type="audio/mpeg"/>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">6972fea0d284f5cd093928f4</guid>
			<itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
			<link>https://shows.acast.com/podbiz-soundoff-matt-cundill</link>
			<acast:episodeId>6972fea0d284f5cd093928f4</acast:episodeId>
			<acast:showId>68343e1669c98f151d8f0020</acast:showId>
			<acast:episodeUrl>matt-cundill</acast:episodeUrl>
			<acast:settings><![CDATA[FYjHyZbXWHZ7gmX8Pp1rmbKbhgrQiwYShz70Q9/ffXZMTtedvdcRQbP4eiLMjXzCKLPjEYLpGj+NMVKa+5C8pL4u/EOj1Vw4h5MMJYp0lCcFAe0fnxBJy/1ju4Qxy1fh8gO4DvlGA40yms2g0/hOkcrfHIopjTygHFqGwwOPKFIai4SuTvs86Lx3UYCyl6ZsSyyWS3sPisdKAZQX03fZ1wBIP98TrrdNJkX3d8hjtubmEkZH17nJrFXWB0RJTOgzRKGYn9F1jqJsoQtgRccs2m2TMi3pGi+R+pzNajY12sdduL6vggltEJAN+e8YaZ7v]]></acast:settings>
			<itunes:subtitle>Sound Off Media founder Matt Cundill on niche advertisers, Canadian markets, consumption data, and why long form audio still wins.</itunes:subtitle>
			<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
			<itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
			<itunes:episode>31</itunes:episode>
			<itunes:image href="https://assets.pippa.io/shows/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/1769143955582-f85164de-c109-49e9-acd5-a6a946ef2b77.jpeg"/>
			<description><![CDATA[<h3>Where is the money in podcasting when you’re not chasing a big network buy?</h3><p>This week on PodBiz, NJ sits down with Matt Cundill (AKA Captain Canada), founder of Sound Off Media, longtime radio and podcast strategist to talk about what monetization really looks like for independent podcasters.</p><p>Matt breaks down what he calls “small buckets of money” and why the biggest revenue often comes from one or two direct advertiser relationships rather than large agency buys. He explains how newsletters, websites, and owned inventory often get overlooked, and why podcasters should think beyond just pre-roll and mid-roll ads.</p><br><p>He also shares insights on Canadian podcast markets, exportability, and why comparison across borders can distort expectations.</p><p>As Matt puts it:</p><blockquote>“The best money you're going to find is going to be the deals that you cut individually with an advertiser or a client or a partner.”</blockquote><p>The conversation moves into audience development, consumption data, and what makes a show sustainable long term. From three-year audience timelines to personality-driven growth, this episode is a practical look at podcasting as a business.</p><h3><br></h3><h3>In this episode, we cover:</h3><p>• Why “small buckets of money” add up</p><p> • The one or two advertisers every show should focus on first</p><p> • How to leverage newsletters and inventory beyond the audio feed</p><p> • Why Canadian podcasts face different scaling realities</p><p> • The three-year rule for building an audience</p><p> • Consumption metrics and why 80 percent matters</p><p> • Personality, hosting skills, and mic discipline</p><p> • Taking breaks without killing momentum</p><p> • Why video is a marketing tool more than a revenue engine</p><h3><br></h3><h3>Episode Chapters</h3><p> (01:55) Where’s the money in podcasting</p><p> (04:15) The one or two advertisers that matter most</p><p> (06:21) Grants, foundations, and brand fit</p><p> (09:51) From radio to podcasting</p><p> (11:18) Dynamic ad insertion and monetization</p><p> (17:22) Three years to build an audience</p><p> (23:08) Consumption data and tightening your show</p><p> (27:18) Canadian markets and scale realities</p><p> (34:33) What Matt would do differently</p><p> (37:35) Video as marketing and the coming equipment glut</p><h3><br></h3><h3>About Matt Cundill</h3><p>Matt Cundill is the founder of Sound Off Media, a podcast network and consulting company based in Canada. With a background in radio programming and voiceover, Matt helps podcasters refine their sound, grow their audiences, and build sustainable advertising models.</p><p>Find him on socials at @mattcundill on X, Instagram and Facebook.&nbsp;</p><h3><br></h3><h3>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz</h3><p><br></p><blockquote>“Small buckets of money is what I like to call it.”</blockquote><blockquote>“The best money you're going to find is going to be the deals that you cut individually with an advertiser or a client or a partner.”</blockquote><blockquote>“It takes three years to build an audience.”</blockquote><blockquote>“We wanna get you to 80 percent consumption.”</blockquote><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
			<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<h3>Where is the money in podcasting when you’re not chasing a big network buy?</h3><p>This week on PodBiz, NJ sits down with Matt Cundill (AKA Captain Canada), founder of Sound Off Media, longtime radio and podcast strategist to talk about what monetization really looks like for independent podcasters.</p><p>Matt breaks down what he calls “small buckets of money” and why the biggest revenue often comes from one or two direct advertiser relationships rather than large agency buys. He explains how newsletters, websites, and owned inventory often get overlooked, and why podcasters should think beyond just pre-roll and mid-roll ads.</p><br><p>He also shares insights on Canadian podcast markets, exportability, and why comparison across borders can distort expectations.</p><p>As Matt puts it:</p><blockquote>“The best money you're going to find is going to be the deals that you cut individually with an advertiser or a client or a partner.”</blockquote><p>The conversation moves into audience development, consumption data, and what makes a show sustainable long term. From three-year audience timelines to personality-driven growth, this episode is a practical look at podcasting as a business.</p><h3><br></h3><h3>In this episode, we cover:</h3><p>• Why “small buckets of money” add up</p><p> • The one or two advertisers every show should focus on first</p><p> • How to leverage newsletters and inventory beyond the audio feed</p><p> • Why Canadian podcasts face different scaling realities</p><p> • The three-year rule for building an audience</p><p> • Consumption metrics and why 80 percent matters</p><p> • Personality, hosting skills, and mic discipline</p><p> • Taking breaks without killing momentum</p><p> • Why video is a marketing tool more than a revenue engine</p><h3><br></h3><h3>Episode Chapters</h3><p> (01:55) Where’s the money in podcasting</p><p> (04:15) The one or two advertisers that matter most</p><p> (06:21) Grants, foundations, and brand fit</p><p> (09:51) From radio to podcasting</p><p> (11:18) Dynamic ad insertion and monetization</p><p> (17:22) Three years to build an audience</p><p> (23:08) Consumption data and tightening your show</p><p> (27:18) Canadian markets and scale realities</p><p> (34:33) What Matt would do differently</p><p> (37:35) Video as marketing and the coming equipment glut</p><h3><br></h3><h3>About Matt Cundill</h3><p>Matt Cundill is the founder of Sound Off Media, a podcast network and consulting company based in Canada. With a background in radio programming and voiceover, Matt helps podcasters refine their sound, grow their audiences, and build sustainable advertising models.</p><p>Find him on socials at @mattcundill on X, Instagram and Facebook.&nbsp;</p><h3><br></h3><h3>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz</h3><p><br></p><blockquote>“Small buckets of money is what I like to call it.”</blockquote><blockquote>“The best money you're going to find is going to be the deals that you cut individually with an advertiser or a client or a partner.”</blockquote><blockquote>“It takes three years to build an audience.”</blockquote><blockquote>“We wanna get you to 80 percent consumption.”</blockquote><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>Where Power, Subscriptions, and Distribution Meet with Patrick Hill of Disctopia</title>
			<itunes:title>Where Power, Subscriptions, and Distribution Meet with Patrick Hill of Disctopia</itunes:title>
			<pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 12:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<itunes:duration>43:03</itunes:duration>
			<enclosure url="https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/e/6962a2ee51136f5fcb4c8163/media.mp3" length="20668517" type="audio/mpeg"/>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">6962a2ee51136f5fcb4c8163</guid>
			<itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
			<link>https://shows.acast.com/podbiz-patrick-hill-disctopia</link>
			<acast:episodeId>6962a2ee51136f5fcb4c8163</acast:episodeId>
			<acast:showId>68343e1669c98f151d8f0020</acast:showId>
			<acast:episodeUrl>patrick-hill-disctopia</acast:episodeUrl>
			<acast:settings><![CDATA[FYjHyZbXWHZ7gmX8Pp1rmbKbhgrQiwYShz70Q9/ffXZMTtedvdcRQbP4eiLMjXzCKLPjEYLpGj+NMVKa+5C8pL4u/EOj1Vw4h5MMJYp0lCcFAe0fnxBJy/1ju4Qxy1fh8gO4DvlGA40yms2g0/hOkcrfHIopjTygHFqGwwOPKFIai4SuTvs86Lx3UYCyl6ZsSyyWS3sPisdKAZQX03fZ1wBIP98TrrdNJkX3d8hjtuY1dLs9Ds4unFfQxX8pj8ODtS4354IEBTzQ9mj6ya0Hdmy5cQwl9MjWOgFvcAWdWGXLgXNYS2R8u3DpVQiAUVSp]]></acast:settings>
			<itunes:subtitle>Founder and CEO Patrick Hill on exclusive access, subscription economics, creator platforms, and why long-form voices hold the real leverage in podcasting today.</itunes:subtitle>
			<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
			<itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
			<itunes:episode>30</itunes:episode>
			<itunes:image href="https://assets.pippa.io/shows/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/1768072102703-b991aeb8-5680-4bb0-8505-ca16a8498de5.jpeg"/>
			<description><![CDATA[<p>This week on PodBiz, NJ sits down with <strong>Patrick Hill</strong>, Founder and CEO of <strong>Disctopia</strong>, to unpack where power, money, and influence are converging across podcasting, music, and creator platforms.</p><p>Patrick brings a platform-level view of the industry. He explains why monetization is increasingly tied to access, subscriptions, and distribution control, how opinion-based media has become financially powerful, and why long-form content remains the engine behind sustainable revenue.</p><br><p>From creator subscriptions to streaming versus RSS, from indie hustle to enterprise platforms, this conversation connects the cultural shifts shaping podcasting to the business models emerging underneath them.</p><p><br></p><h3>In this episode, we cover:</h3><ul><li>Why the money sits between content creation and distribution</li><li>How subscriptions and exclusive access are reshaping monetization</li><li>Why people now pay for opinions, not just information</li><li>The role of community and cause-driven creators in building leverage</li><li>How Disctopia evolved from music streaming into podcast hosting</li><li>Streaming vs RSS and where Patrick believes the industry is heading</li><li>Why long-form content is where revenue is actually generated</li><li>The relationship between short-form visibility and long-form income</li></ul><p><br></p><h3>Key moments:</h3><p><strong> (01:44)</strong> Where Patrick sees money concentrated in podcasting</p><p><strong> (02:14)</strong> Subscriptions, exclusivity, and creator access</p><p><strong> (05:36)</strong> Entertainment, opinion, and monetization power</p><p><strong> (07:31) </strong>Creators, causes, and niche communities</p><p><strong> (12:46) </strong>How Disctopia entered podcasting</p><p><strong> (17:47) </strong>Streaming vs RSS and future formats</p><p><strong> (22:08)</strong> Long-form content as a revenue driver</p><p><strong> (36:13) </strong>What Patrick would do differently building today</p><h3><br></h3><h3>About Patrick Hill</h3><p>Patrick Hill is the Founder and CEO of <strong>Disctopia</strong>, a creator-first platform supporting podcasting, music, audiobooks, and streaming distribution. With a background in information technology and software development, Patrick has built Disctopia into a multi-format platform serving independent creators, enterprise clients, and institutions. His work focuses on helping creators distribute content, build community, and get paid.</p><p><br></p><h3>Additional PodBiz Buzz</h3><p>Patrick on where real leverage comes from:</p><blockquote>“Long form gets you paid. Short form gets you noticed.”</blockquote><p>Patrick on subscriptions and access:</p><blockquote>“People are paying exclusive pricing for opinions. That’s where the money is.”</blockquote><p>Patrick on creators and power:</p><blockquote>“Money and power are starting to live in independent voices.”</blockquote><p><br></p><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
			<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<p>This week on PodBiz, NJ sits down with <strong>Patrick Hill</strong>, Founder and CEO of <strong>Disctopia</strong>, to unpack where power, money, and influence are converging across podcasting, music, and creator platforms.</p><p>Patrick brings a platform-level view of the industry. He explains why monetization is increasingly tied to access, subscriptions, and distribution control, how opinion-based media has become financially powerful, and why long-form content remains the engine behind sustainable revenue.</p><br><p>From creator subscriptions to streaming versus RSS, from indie hustle to enterprise platforms, this conversation connects the cultural shifts shaping podcasting to the business models emerging underneath them.</p><p><br></p><h3>In this episode, we cover:</h3><ul><li>Why the money sits between content creation and distribution</li><li>How subscriptions and exclusive access are reshaping monetization</li><li>Why people now pay for opinions, not just information</li><li>The role of community and cause-driven creators in building leverage</li><li>How Disctopia evolved from music streaming into podcast hosting</li><li>Streaming vs RSS and where Patrick believes the industry is heading</li><li>Why long-form content is where revenue is actually generated</li><li>The relationship between short-form visibility and long-form income</li></ul><p><br></p><h3>Key moments:</h3><p><strong> (01:44)</strong> Where Patrick sees money concentrated in podcasting</p><p><strong> (02:14)</strong> Subscriptions, exclusivity, and creator access</p><p><strong> (05:36)</strong> Entertainment, opinion, and monetization power</p><p><strong> (07:31) </strong>Creators, causes, and niche communities</p><p><strong> (12:46) </strong>How Disctopia entered podcasting</p><p><strong> (17:47) </strong>Streaming vs RSS and future formats</p><p><strong> (22:08)</strong> Long-form content as a revenue driver</p><p><strong> (36:13) </strong>What Patrick would do differently building today</p><h3><br></h3><h3>About Patrick Hill</h3><p>Patrick Hill is the Founder and CEO of <strong>Disctopia</strong>, a creator-first platform supporting podcasting, music, audiobooks, and streaming distribution. With a background in information technology and software development, Patrick has built Disctopia into a multi-format platform serving independent creators, enterprise clients, and institutions. His work focuses on helping creators distribute content, build community, and get paid.</p><p><br></p><h3>Additional PodBiz Buzz</h3><p>Patrick on where real leverage comes from:</p><blockquote>“Long form gets you paid. Short form gets you noticed.”</blockquote><p>Patrick on subscriptions and access:</p><blockquote>“People are paying exclusive pricing for opinions. That’s where the money is.”</blockquote><p>Patrick on creators and power:</p><blockquote>“Money and power are starting to live in independent voices.”</blockquote><p><br></p><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>From Indie to Industry: How Michael Osborne Builds Partner-Ready Podcasts</title>
			<itunes:title>From Indie to Industry: How Michael Osborne Builds Partner-Ready Podcasts</itunes:title>
			<pubDate>Mon, 02 Feb 2026 12:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<itunes:duration>45:56</itunes:duration>
			<enclosure url="https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/e/69712157ad93e7a4313369db/media.mp3" length="22049872" type="audio/mpeg"/>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">69712157ad93e7a4313369db</guid>
			<itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
			<link><![CDATA[https://shows.acast.com/podbiz-famous&gravy-michael-osbourne]]></link>
			<acast:episodeId>69712157ad93e7a4313369db</acast:episodeId>
			<acast:showId>68343e1669c98f151d8f0020</acast:showId>
			<acast:episodeUrl>michael-osbourne</acast:episodeUrl>
			<acast:settings><![CDATA[FYjHyZbXWHZ7gmX8Pp1rmbKbhgrQiwYShz70Q9/ffXZMTtedvdcRQbP4eiLMjXzCKLPjEYLpGj+NMVKa+5C8pL4u/EOj1Vw4h5MMJYp0lCcFAe0fnxBJy/1ju4Qxy1fh8gO4DvlGA40yms2g0/hOkcrfHIopjTygHFqGwwOPKFIai4SuTvs86Lx3UYCyl6ZsSyyWS3sPisdKAZQX03fZ1wBIP98TrrdNJkX3d8hjtuYuTIH7aCf3FUClroWDbfDQfYIMp4tEF6H4lyaQDZG64zxVGLqviso0OduZKBQyvJUUqSv0YLnWAqO5SaeP1OLI]]></acast:settings>
			<itunes:subtitle>What it really takes to take a show from concept to major media partnerships, with lessons on originality, audience feedback, and sustainable podcast businesses.</itunes:subtitle>
			<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
			<itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
			<itunes:episode>29</itunes:episode>
			<itunes:image href="https://assets.pippa.io/shows/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/1769625244512-2dc600a5-a01c-435d-93b6-ec7023f6abbb.jpeg"/>
			<description><![CDATA[<h2><strong>What does it actually take for an independent podcast to become partner-ready?</strong></h2><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>This week on PodBiz, NJ speaks with Michael Osborne</strong> about how shows move from passion projects to major media partnerships and why that transition is almost never fast or accidental.</p><p>Michael has built and produced multiple podcasts that successfully partnered with organizations like <strong>Smithsonian Magazine</strong>, <strong>PRX</strong>, and <strong>Wondery</strong>. Across those projects, he’s seen firsthand how patience, clarity of concept, and real audience feedback matter far more than chasing trends.</p><p>As he explains:</p><blockquote><strong>“Minimum viable product and a partner-ready show are not the same thing.”</strong></blockquote><p>Throughout the conversation, Michael and NJ unpack what creators often misunderstand about timing, originality, and the work required to make a podcast attractive to partners without losing its creative core. They also explore why most successful deals come years into a show’s life and how audience research, not downloads alone, shapes long-term growth.</p><p>This episode offers a grounded look at podcasting as a business built on iteration, collaboration, and trust.</p><p><br></p><h2><strong>Key Topics Discussed</strong></h2><p>• The difference between indie experimentation and industry readiness</p><p>• How podcasts evolve into partner-ready properties</p><p>• Why originality of concept and host both matter</p><p>• Audience research as a growth and development tool</p><p>• Why partnerships take years, not months</p><p>• Increasing value density in audio storytelling</p><p>• The role of producers and collaborators in refining shows</p><p>• Balancing creative fulfillment with sustainable business goals</p><br><p><br></p><h2><strong>About Michael Osborne</strong></h2><p>Michael Osborne is a seasoned podcast producer and consultant based in Austin, Texas. He launched his first show, <em>Generation Anthropocene</em>, in 2011 during his PhD studies in climate science at Stanford University. The podcast later partnered with Grist and Smithsonian Magazine. Michael went on to develop <em>Raw Data</em>, a narrative podcast that collaborated with PRX and PRI, and <em>Famous &amp; Gravy</em>, a dead celebrity biography podcast currently partnering with Wondery. His work has earned multiple Webby and Signal Awards, including for <em>Famous &amp; Gravy</em>, <em>Black Women of Amherst College</em>, and Stanford’s <em>From Our Neurons to Yours</em>. Michael has also delivered two TEDx talks and operates 14th Street Studios, a production and consulting firm in downtown Austin.</p><p>Connect with Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-c-osborne/</p><p>Threads: https://www.threads.net/@famousandgravy</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076654703402</p><p><br></p><h2><strong>Episode Moments</strong></h2><p>(01:04) Michael’s path from academia to podcasting</p><p>(03:13) Three shows, three different partnerships</p><p>(05:48) Originality and value density in podcast concepts</p><p>(10:51) Why partner timelines are longer than creators expect</p><p>(14:56) MVP versus mature, partner-ready shows</p><p>(16:20) Gathering meaningful audience feedback</p><p>(19:01) Interactive formats and listener insight</p><p>(24:41) Producing podcasts as a long-term practice</p><p>(31:25) Sustainability and creative careers</p><p>(38:43) How partners evaluate podcast projects</p><p>(44:01) The future of audio-first storytelling</p><p><br></p><h2><strong>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz</strong></h2><blockquote><strong>“A lot of people think success happens quickly, but most of the meaningful progress happens quietly over time.”</strong></blockquote><blockquote><strong>“Audience feedback tells you things downloads never will.”</strong></blockquote><blockquote><strong>“The shows that last are the ones that keep learning.”</strong></blockquote><p><br></p><p><br></p><h3><br></h3><h3><br></h3><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
			<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<h2><strong>What does it actually take for an independent podcast to become partner-ready?</strong></h2><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>This week on PodBiz, NJ speaks with Michael Osborne</strong> about how shows move from passion projects to major media partnerships and why that transition is almost never fast or accidental.</p><p>Michael has built and produced multiple podcasts that successfully partnered with organizations like <strong>Smithsonian Magazine</strong>, <strong>PRX</strong>, and <strong>Wondery</strong>. Across those projects, he’s seen firsthand how patience, clarity of concept, and real audience feedback matter far more than chasing trends.</p><p>As he explains:</p><blockquote><strong>“Minimum viable product and a partner-ready show are not the same thing.”</strong></blockquote><p>Throughout the conversation, Michael and NJ unpack what creators often misunderstand about timing, originality, and the work required to make a podcast attractive to partners without losing its creative core. They also explore why most successful deals come years into a show’s life and how audience research, not downloads alone, shapes long-term growth.</p><p>This episode offers a grounded look at podcasting as a business built on iteration, collaboration, and trust.</p><p><br></p><h2><strong>Key Topics Discussed</strong></h2><p>• The difference between indie experimentation and industry readiness</p><p>• How podcasts evolve into partner-ready properties</p><p>• Why originality of concept and host both matter</p><p>• Audience research as a growth and development tool</p><p>• Why partnerships take years, not months</p><p>• Increasing value density in audio storytelling</p><p>• The role of producers and collaborators in refining shows</p><p>• Balancing creative fulfillment with sustainable business goals</p><br><p><br></p><h2><strong>About Michael Osborne</strong></h2><p>Michael Osborne is a seasoned podcast producer and consultant based in Austin, Texas. He launched his first show, <em>Generation Anthropocene</em>, in 2011 during his PhD studies in climate science at Stanford University. The podcast later partnered with Grist and Smithsonian Magazine. Michael went on to develop <em>Raw Data</em>, a narrative podcast that collaborated with PRX and PRI, and <em>Famous &amp; Gravy</em>, a dead celebrity biography podcast currently partnering with Wondery. His work has earned multiple Webby and Signal Awards, including for <em>Famous &amp; Gravy</em>, <em>Black Women of Amherst College</em>, and Stanford’s <em>From Our Neurons to Yours</em>. Michael has also delivered two TEDx talks and operates 14th Street Studios, a production and consulting firm in downtown Austin.</p><p>Connect with Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-c-osborne/</p><p>Threads: https://www.threads.net/@famousandgravy</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076654703402</p><p><br></p><h2><strong>Episode Moments</strong></h2><p>(01:04) Michael’s path from academia to podcasting</p><p>(03:13) Three shows, three different partnerships</p><p>(05:48) Originality and value density in podcast concepts</p><p>(10:51) Why partner timelines are longer than creators expect</p><p>(14:56) MVP versus mature, partner-ready shows</p><p>(16:20) Gathering meaningful audience feedback</p><p>(19:01) Interactive formats and listener insight</p><p>(24:41) Producing podcasts as a long-term practice</p><p>(31:25) Sustainability and creative careers</p><p>(38:43) How partners evaluate podcast projects</p><p>(44:01) The future of audio-first storytelling</p><p><br></p><h2><strong>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz</strong></h2><blockquote><strong>“A lot of people think success happens quickly, but most of the meaningful progress happens quietly over time.”</strong></blockquote><blockquote><strong>“Audience feedback tells you things downloads never will.”</strong></blockquote><blockquote><strong>“The shows that last are the ones that keep learning.”</strong></blockquote><p><br></p><p><br></p><h3><br></h3><h3><br></h3><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>Portfolio Thinking and Sustainable Monetization in Podcasting with Danielle Desir Corbett</title>
			<itunes:title>Portfolio Thinking and Sustainable Monetization in Podcasting with Danielle Desir Corbett</itunes:title>
			<pubDate>Mon, 26 Jan 2026 12:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<itunes:duration>45:04</itunes:duration>
			<enclosure url="https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/e/696eab9361af1789a1708a13/media.mp3" length="21637973" type="audio/mpeg"/>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">696eab9361af1789a1708a13</guid>
			<itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
			<link>https://shows.acast.com/podbiz-danielle-desir-corbett</link>
			<acast:episodeId>696eab9361af1789a1708a13</acast:episodeId>
			<acast:showId>68343e1669c98f151d8f0020</acast:showId>
			<acast:episodeUrl>danielle-desir-corbett</acast:episodeUrl>
			<acast:settings><![CDATA[FYjHyZbXWHZ7gmX8Pp1rmbKbhgrQiwYShz70Q9/ffXZMTtedvdcRQbP4eiLMjXzCKLPjEYLpGj+NMVKa+5C8pL4u/EOj1Vw4h5MMJYp0lCcFAe0fnxBJy/1ju4Qxy1fh8gO4DvlGA40yms2g0/hOkcrfHIopjTygHFqGwwOPKFIai4SuTvs86Lx3UYCyl6ZsSyyWS3sPisdKAZQX03fZ1wBIP98TrrdNJkX3d8hjtuavvTrmvnvvLNDjlKvqY769CiUsux7hpjW5CnWcjWVAV18K0TnGGcmw2mFSrUmoaZSSpuQ/vuesQZJ87zIQETZQ]]></acast:settings>
			<itunes:subtitle>How independent creators build diversified revenue, community assets, and long-term stability beyond ads.</itunes:subtitle>
			<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
			<itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
			<itunes:episode>28</itunes:episode>
			<itunes:image href="https://assets.pippa.io/shows/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/1768860557645-a33d869a-417c-4c2c-9833-5fc9b535c834.jpeg"/>
			<description><![CDATA[<h2><strong>What does sustainable monetization actually look like for independent podcasters today?</strong></h2><p> This week on PodBiz, NJ speaks with <strong>Danielle Desir Corbett</strong> about how creators can build resilient podcast businesses by thinking beyond single revenue streams and treating their work as a portfolio.</p><p>Danielle shares how her approach to monetization has evolved over time, why relying on one income source is risky, and how creators can design businesses that compound value even when the market shifts. Rather than chasing trends or short-term wins, she explains the importance of owning assets, nurturing community, and staying flexible.</p><p>As she puts it:</p><blockquote> <strong>“When one income stream pretty much dies on the vine and dries up, I can pivot and shift and refocus. That’s been my reality for 2025.”</strong></blockquote><p>The conversation explores how podcasting fits into a broader creator ecosystem that includes newsletters, consulting, syndication, grants, and community-driven products. Danielle also walks through the creation of <em>Grants for Creators</em> and why helping other creatives access funding has become a meaningful and sustainable part of her business.</p><p>This episode is a practical look at how independent podcasters can build long-term stability by thinking in portfolios, not paydays.</p><h2><strong>Key Topics Discussed</strong></h2><p>• What portfolio thinking means for podcasters</p><p> • Why single-stream monetization is fragile</p><p> • Relationship-driven brand deals and pitching</p><p> • Pricing and packaging campaigns as an indie creator</p><p> • Selling community as a business asset</p><p> • Building and monetizing <em>Grants for Creators</em></p><p> • Airline syndication and evergreen content value</p><p> • Storytelling as a long-term growth strategy</p><h2><strong>About Danielle Desir Corbett</strong></h2><p>Danielle Desir Corbett is a podcast strategist and the host of <em>The Thought Card</em> and <em>Road Trip Ready</em>. She is the creator of <em>Grants for Creators</em>, a paid newsletter that curates funding opportunities for podcasters, journalists, and creatives. Danielle previously founded and sold the Women of Color Podcasters community and works at the intersection of podcasting, personal finance, and travel.</p><p>Websites: https://danielledesir.com/  https://thoughtcard.com/</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedaniellecorbett</p><h2><strong>Episode Moments</strong></h2><p> (01:21) Where Danielle sees money in podcasting today</p><p> (04:00) Why portfolio thinking matters</p><p> (06:03) How brand deals really work for indie creators</p><p> (10:21) Pricing and packaging creator value</p><p> (14:59) Danielle’s path into podcasting</p><p> (19:01) Building and selling a creator community</p><p> (27:40) Inside Grants for Creators</p><p> (38:03) Airline syndication and evergreen ROI</p><p> (41:51) What Danielle would build first today</p><h2><strong>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz</strong></h2><blockquote><strong>“Close mouths don’t get fed.”</strong></blockquote><blockquote><strong>“Just because you’re pivoting doesn’t mean what you built isn’t valuable.”</strong></blockquote><blockquote><strong>“Podcasting has been one of the best investments I’ve made in myself.”</strong></blockquote><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
			<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<h2><strong>What does sustainable monetization actually look like for independent podcasters today?</strong></h2><p> This week on PodBiz, NJ speaks with <strong>Danielle Desir Corbett</strong> about how creators can build resilient podcast businesses by thinking beyond single revenue streams and treating their work as a portfolio.</p><p>Danielle shares how her approach to monetization has evolved over time, why relying on one income source is risky, and how creators can design businesses that compound value even when the market shifts. Rather than chasing trends or short-term wins, she explains the importance of owning assets, nurturing community, and staying flexible.</p><p>As she puts it:</p><blockquote> <strong>“When one income stream pretty much dies on the vine and dries up, I can pivot and shift and refocus. That’s been my reality for 2025.”</strong></blockquote><p>The conversation explores how podcasting fits into a broader creator ecosystem that includes newsletters, consulting, syndication, grants, and community-driven products. Danielle also walks through the creation of <em>Grants for Creators</em> and why helping other creatives access funding has become a meaningful and sustainable part of her business.</p><p>This episode is a practical look at how independent podcasters can build long-term stability by thinking in portfolios, not paydays.</p><h2><strong>Key Topics Discussed</strong></h2><p>• What portfolio thinking means for podcasters</p><p> • Why single-stream monetization is fragile</p><p> • Relationship-driven brand deals and pitching</p><p> • Pricing and packaging campaigns as an indie creator</p><p> • Selling community as a business asset</p><p> • Building and monetizing <em>Grants for Creators</em></p><p> • Airline syndication and evergreen content value</p><p> • Storytelling as a long-term growth strategy</p><h2><strong>About Danielle Desir Corbett</strong></h2><p>Danielle Desir Corbett is a podcast strategist and the host of <em>The Thought Card</em> and <em>Road Trip Ready</em>. She is the creator of <em>Grants for Creators</em>, a paid newsletter that curates funding opportunities for podcasters, journalists, and creatives. Danielle previously founded and sold the Women of Color Podcasters community and works at the intersection of podcasting, personal finance, and travel.</p><p>Websites: https://danielledesir.com/  https://thoughtcard.com/</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedaniellecorbett</p><h2><strong>Episode Moments</strong></h2><p> (01:21) Where Danielle sees money in podcasting today</p><p> (04:00) Why portfolio thinking matters</p><p> (06:03) How brand deals really work for indie creators</p><p> (10:21) Pricing and packaging creator value</p><p> (14:59) Danielle’s path into podcasting</p><p> (19:01) Building and selling a creator community</p><p> (27:40) Inside Grants for Creators</p><p> (38:03) Airline syndication and evergreen ROI</p><p> (41:51) What Danielle would build first today</p><h2><strong>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz</strong></h2><blockquote><strong>“Close mouths don’t get fed.”</strong></blockquote><blockquote><strong>“Just because you’re pivoting doesn’t mean what you built isn’t valuable.”</strong></blockquote><blockquote><strong>“Podcasting has been one of the best investments I’ve made in myself.”</strong></blockquote><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>The Business of Podcasting at Scale with Colin Anderson</title>
			<itunes:title>The Business of Podcasting at Scale with Colin Anderson</itunes:title>
			<pubDate>Mon, 19 Jan 2026 12:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<itunes:duration>51:10</itunes:duration>
			<enclosure url="https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/e/696285a479fe7d5545a4bd98/media.mp3" length="24565151" type="audio/mpeg"/>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">696285a479fe7d5545a4bd98</guid>
			<itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
			<link>https://shows.acast.com/podbiz-clon-anderson</link>
			<acast:episodeId>696285a479fe7d5545a4bd98</acast:episodeId>
			<acast:showId>68343e1669c98f151d8f0020</acast:showId>
			<acast:episodeUrl>colinanderson</acast:episodeUrl>
			<acast:settings><![CDATA[FYjHyZbXWHZ7gmX8Pp1rmbKbhgrQiwYShz70Q9/ffXZMTtedvdcRQbP4eiLMjXzCKLPjEYLpGj+NMVKa+5C8pL4u/EOj1Vw4h5MMJYp0lCcFAe0fnxBJy/1ju4Qxy1fh8gO4DvlGA40yms2g0/hOkcrfHIopjTygHFqGwwOPKFIai4SuTvs86Lx3UYCyl6ZsSyyWS3sPisdKAZQX03fZ1wBIP98TrrdNJkX3d8hjtuZdv0VIo56Y/Iupzxjg+nrvjuLCrh+mDCKjUBsFF8VF/LaHNvlkbbBdG0g86mvoZWvLXQf4gDsCdbKoEm7644/P]]></acast:settings>
			<itunes:subtitle>How network economics, advertiser demand, and audience value are shaping modern podcast monetization.</itunes:subtitle>
			<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
			<itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
			<itunes:episode>27</itunes:episode>
			<itunes:image href="https://assets.pippa.io/shows/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/1768064674219-c7ebf2c3-fc54-445a-8dd6-3129af7da974.jpeg"/>
			<description><![CDATA[<h2><strong>What changes when podcasting moves from experimentation to infrastructure?</strong></h2><p>This week on PodBiz, NJ speaks with <strong>Colin Anderson</strong>, Head of Network Development at the Office Ladies Podcast Network, about how podcasting has evolved into a serious commercial business and what that means for creators, networks, and advertisers operating at scale.</p><p>Colin brings a perspective shaped by years inside podcast production, strategy, and network development. He explains why more advertiser money is flowing into podcasting than ever before, how networks think about audience value beyond downloads, and why community still matters even as the industry becomes more corporate.</p><p>As he puts it:</p><blockquote> <strong>“The money’s here. There’s more money than ever.”</strong></blockquote><p>The conversation also explores how podcasting culture has shifted from its early indie roots to a more structured, professionalized industry. Colin reflects on what has been gained, what has been lost, and how creators and operators should think about sustainability, loyalty, and long-term value in a changing ecosystem.</p><h2><strong>Key Topics Discussed</strong></h2><p>• Why advertiser demand in podcasting continues to grow</p><p> • How podcast networks evaluate shows and revenue potential</p><p> • Audience value beyond scale and raw download numbers</p><p> • The role of community inside networked podcast businesses</p><p> • Podcasting’s shift from indie culture to corporate infrastructure</p><p> • Loyalty, labor, and evolving work culture in media</p><p> • The influence of legacy media on podcast growth</p><p> • What the next phase of podcast networks looks like</p><h2><strong>About Colin</strong></h2><p>Colin Anderson is Head of Network Development at the Office Ladies Podcast Network, where he works on network strategy, partnerships, and show development. He has spent his career across podcast production, monetization, and network leadership, giving him a clear view of how the industry has matured.</p><p>Website: colinanderson.info</p><p>LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrcolinanderson/</p><p><br></p><h2><strong>Episode Moments</strong></h2><p>(01:02) The current state of podcast monetization</p><p> (07:20) Community and audience value at scale</p><p> (12:21) Colin’s path through the podcast industry</p><p> (17:53) How podcast networks have changed</p><p> (24:54) Work culture and loyalty in media</p><p> (30:50) Legacy media’s role in podcast growth</p><p> (37:08) The outlook for creators inside networks</p><p> (44:06) Navigating podcasting as a business</p><h2><strong>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz</strong></h2><blockquote><strong>“Funny is funny, but it’s different to different people.”</strong></blockquote><blockquote><strong>“Podcasting could support journalism in a way that print has failed.”</strong></blockquote><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
			<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<h2><strong>What changes when podcasting moves from experimentation to infrastructure?</strong></h2><p>This week on PodBiz, NJ speaks with <strong>Colin Anderson</strong>, Head of Network Development at the Office Ladies Podcast Network, about how podcasting has evolved into a serious commercial business and what that means for creators, networks, and advertisers operating at scale.</p><p>Colin brings a perspective shaped by years inside podcast production, strategy, and network development. He explains why more advertiser money is flowing into podcasting than ever before, how networks think about audience value beyond downloads, and why community still matters even as the industry becomes more corporate.</p><p>As he puts it:</p><blockquote> <strong>“The money’s here. There’s more money than ever.”</strong></blockquote><p>The conversation also explores how podcasting culture has shifted from its early indie roots to a more structured, professionalized industry. Colin reflects on what has been gained, what has been lost, and how creators and operators should think about sustainability, loyalty, and long-term value in a changing ecosystem.</p><h2><strong>Key Topics Discussed</strong></h2><p>• Why advertiser demand in podcasting continues to grow</p><p> • How podcast networks evaluate shows and revenue potential</p><p> • Audience value beyond scale and raw download numbers</p><p> • The role of community inside networked podcast businesses</p><p> • Podcasting’s shift from indie culture to corporate infrastructure</p><p> • Loyalty, labor, and evolving work culture in media</p><p> • The influence of legacy media on podcast growth</p><p> • What the next phase of podcast networks looks like</p><h2><strong>About Colin</strong></h2><p>Colin Anderson is Head of Network Development at the Office Ladies Podcast Network, where he works on network strategy, partnerships, and show development. He has spent his career across podcast production, monetization, and network leadership, giving him a clear view of how the industry has matured.</p><p>Website: colinanderson.info</p><p>LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrcolinanderson/</p><p><br></p><h2><strong>Episode Moments</strong></h2><p>(01:02) The current state of podcast monetization</p><p> (07:20) Community and audience value at scale</p><p> (12:21) Colin’s path through the podcast industry</p><p> (17:53) How podcast networks have changed</p><p> (24:54) Work culture and loyalty in media</p><p> (30:50) Legacy media’s role in podcast growth</p><p> (37:08) The outlook for creators inside networks</p><p> (44:06) Navigating podcasting as a business</p><h2><strong>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz</strong></h2><blockquote><strong>“Funny is funny, but it’s different to different people.”</strong></blockquote><blockquote><strong>“Podcasting could support journalism in a way that print has failed.”</strong></blockquote><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Breaking Out Of Walled Gardens and France's Podcasting Culture with Sarah Toporoff]]></title>
			<itunes:title><![CDATA[Breaking Out Of Walled Gardens and France's Podcasting Culture with Sarah Toporoff]]></itunes:title>
			<pubDate>Mon, 12 Jan 2026 10:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<itunes:duration>43:02</itunes:duration>
			<enclosure url="https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/e/6962838a23ce58f1466c8217/media.mp3" length="20659949" type="audio/mpeg"/>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">6962838a23ce58f1466c8217</guid>
			<itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
			<link>https://shows.acast.com/podbiz/episodes/sarah-toporoff-headliner</link>
			<acast:episodeId>6962838a23ce58f1466c8217</acast:episodeId>
			<acast:showId>68343e1669c98f151d8f0020</acast:showId>
			<acast:episodeUrl>sarah-toporoff-headliner</acast:episodeUrl>
			<acast:settings><![CDATA[FYjHyZbXWHZ7gmX8Pp1rmbKbhgrQiwYShz70Q9/ffXZMTtedvdcRQbP4eiLMjXzCKLPjEYLpGj+NMVKa+5C8pL4u/EOj1Vw4h5MMJYp0lCcFAe0fnxBJy/1ju4Qxy1fh8gO4DvlGA40yms2g0/hOkcrfHIopjTygHFqGwwOPKFIai4SuTvs86Lx3UYCyl6ZsSyyWS3sPisdKAZQX03fZ1wBIP98TrrdNJkX3d8hjtubyTHquhgVyw+s8yXqQDYwg5u3uRGlftV69P2vqu4c7mgHRs0gc+oNaQhYVEJtlgASUPyhgT5GlCpbrd7Ez+XGs]]></acast:settings>
			<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
			<itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
			<itunes:episode>26</itunes:episode>
			<itunes:image href="https://assets.pippa.io/shows/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/1768064508634-00d882c0-3f5b-41e7-84f9-e79a4426ca18.jpeg"/>
			<description><![CDATA[<h2>Is the secret to podcasting success hidden in the French market?</h2><p><br></p><p>In this episode of PodBiz, Norma Jean Belenky speaks with Sarah Toporoff, Head of Growth for Disco by Headliner, about the evolving landscape of audience growth and monetization. Sarah discusses how her team is helping publishers break podcasting out of "walled garden" platforms and into the wider web, transforming organic traffic into loyal listeners.</p><br><p>As she puts it:</p><blockquote>"Your audio engineer can't be your audience developer. Like, it just doesn't work that way."</blockquote><p><br></p><h2>Here are some insightful moments within the episode:</h2><p>• Where the money is in podcasting: Why Sarah argues the true money is in the audience and why </p><p>• France is a uniquely booming market for branded content.</p><p>• Breaking the walled gardens: How to reach the billions of people online who aren't currently using dedicated podcast apps.</p><p>• The "Owned, Earned, and Paid" framework: Why creators need to look beyond organic growth to reach new heights.</p><p>• The "Death of the Download": Navigating the controversy of auto-play audio and why "guaranteed listens" are a better metric.</p><p>• Professionalizing audience strategy: Moving past the "if we build it, they will come" naivete to implement real media strategy.</p><p>• Awareness vs. Performance: Understanding the spectrum between generating impressions and building a loyal following.</p><p><br></p><h2>About Sarah Toporoff</h2><p>Sarah Toporoff is the Head of Growth for Disco by Headliner. Based in Paris, she has over a decade of experience in media innovation, having worked in journalism innovation, radio product development, and publisher partnerships. She is a self-described "audio girly" who specializes in helping publishers and brands maximize their reach through contextual content recommendation.</p><br><p><br></p><h2>Episode Chapters</h2><p> (00:00) Intro</p><p> (01:04) Where is the money in podcasting?</p><p> (01:29) What is Disco by Headliner?</p><p> (03:27) Breaking podcasts out of "walled gardens"</p><p> (04:49) Why audio was left behind by the web</p><p> (06:33) Case Study: Doubling Al Jazeera’s audience overnight</p><p> (10:52) The importance of paid media in a launch strategy</p><p> (11:55) The controversy of auto-play and inflated downloads</p><p> (13:34) The "booming" branded podcast culture in France</p><p> (16:52) Sarah’s journey from English teacher to legacy media</p><p> (23:32) Debunking the "If we build it, they will come" myth</p><p> (26:34) The shift toward dedicated audience growth teams</p><p> (30:06) Awareness vs. Performance: What are you actually buying?</p><p> (33:15) Why you can’t buy loyalty</p><p> (38:30) Real-world budget benchmarks for podcast growth</p><p> (41:25) Riding the video wave without losing audio's soul</p><p><br></p><h2>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz:</h2><blockquote> "The money is an audience."</blockquote><blockquote>•"Real media has strategy and budget."</blockquote><blockquote>•"A solid media plan is not going to fix a bad show."</blockquote><blockquote> "My job is everything that happens after you hit publish."</blockquote><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
			<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<h2>Is the secret to podcasting success hidden in the French market?</h2><p><br></p><p>In this episode of PodBiz, Norma Jean Belenky speaks with Sarah Toporoff, Head of Growth for Disco by Headliner, about the evolving landscape of audience growth and monetization. Sarah discusses how her team is helping publishers break podcasting out of "walled garden" platforms and into the wider web, transforming organic traffic into loyal listeners.</p><br><p>As she puts it:</p><blockquote>"Your audio engineer can't be your audience developer. Like, it just doesn't work that way."</blockquote><p><br></p><h2>Here are some insightful moments within the episode:</h2><p>• Where the money is in podcasting: Why Sarah argues the true money is in the audience and why </p><p>• France is a uniquely booming market for branded content.</p><p>• Breaking the walled gardens: How to reach the billions of people online who aren't currently using dedicated podcast apps.</p><p>• The "Owned, Earned, and Paid" framework: Why creators need to look beyond organic growth to reach new heights.</p><p>• The "Death of the Download": Navigating the controversy of auto-play audio and why "guaranteed listens" are a better metric.</p><p>• Professionalizing audience strategy: Moving past the "if we build it, they will come" naivete to implement real media strategy.</p><p>• Awareness vs. Performance: Understanding the spectrum between generating impressions and building a loyal following.</p><p><br></p><h2>About Sarah Toporoff</h2><p>Sarah Toporoff is the Head of Growth for Disco by Headliner. Based in Paris, she has over a decade of experience in media innovation, having worked in journalism innovation, radio product development, and publisher partnerships. She is a self-described "audio girly" who specializes in helping publishers and brands maximize their reach through contextual content recommendation.</p><br><p><br></p><h2>Episode Chapters</h2><p> (00:00) Intro</p><p> (01:04) Where is the money in podcasting?</p><p> (01:29) What is Disco by Headliner?</p><p> (03:27) Breaking podcasts out of "walled gardens"</p><p> (04:49) Why audio was left behind by the web</p><p> (06:33) Case Study: Doubling Al Jazeera’s audience overnight</p><p> (10:52) The importance of paid media in a launch strategy</p><p> (11:55) The controversy of auto-play and inflated downloads</p><p> (13:34) The "booming" branded podcast culture in France</p><p> (16:52) Sarah’s journey from English teacher to legacy media</p><p> (23:32) Debunking the "If we build it, they will come" myth</p><p> (26:34) The shift toward dedicated audience growth teams</p><p> (30:06) Awareness vs. Performance: What are you actually buying?</p><p> (33:15) Why you can’t buy loyalty</p><p> (38:30) Real-world budget benchmarks for podcast growth</p><p> (41:25) Riding the video wave without losing audio's soul</p><p><br></p><h2>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz:</h2><blockquote> "The money is an audience."</blockquote><blockquote>•"Real media has strategy and budget."</blockquote><blockquote>•"A solid media plan is not going to fix a bad show."</blockquote><blockquote> "My job is everything that happens after you hit publish."</blockquote><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>Distribution, Relationships, and the Real ROI of Podcasting with Greg Wasserman</title>
			<itunes:title>Distribution, Relationships, and the Real ROI of Podcasting with Greg Wasserman</itunes:title>
			<pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2026 14:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<itunes:duration>20:51</itunes:duration>
			<enclosure url="https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/e/69442e27accce1f842cf3557/media.mp3" length="10008886" type="audio/mpeg"/>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">69442e27accce1f842cf3557</guid>
			<itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
			<link>https://shows.acast.com/podbiz-rss-greg-wasserman</link>
			<acast:episodeId>69442e27accce1f842cf3557</acast:episodeId>
			<acast:showId>68343e1669c98f151d8f0020</acast:showId>
			<acast:episodeUrl>gregwasserman</acast:episodeUrl>
			<acast:settings><![CDATA[FYjHyZbXWHZ7gmX8Pp1rmbKbhgrQiwYShz70Q9/ffXZMTtedvdcRQbP4eiLMjXzCKLPjEYLpGj+NMVKa+5C8pL4u/EOj1Vw4h5MMJYp0lCcFAe0fnxBJy/1ju4Qxy1fh8gO4DvlGA40yms2g0/hOkcrfHIopjTygHFqGwwOPKFIai4SuTvs86Lx3UYCyl6ZsSyyWS3sPisdKAZQX03fZ1wBIP98TrrdNJkX3d8hjtuZf13ORtNXJAGCr+Wis4UAQBO3np5kWOAu0EoLkEqPo6+kqXVd7iP2Dni5NI+bSkUCBe2YSSYOwpm81wWxgpGQM]]></acast:settings>
			<itunes:subtitle>The Head of Relationships at RSS.com on why audience growth starts with distribution, why relationships drive revenue, and how podcasters should rethink monetization beyond ads.</itunes:subtitle>
			<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
			<itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
			<itunes:episode>25</itunes:episode>
			<itunes:image href="https://assets.pippa.io/shows/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/1766076105188-2178a036-e950-4af8-894e-4e7712db31da.jpeg"/>
			<description><![CDATA[<h2><strong>Why do so many podcasters focus on monetization before they’ve solved distribution and audience growth?</strong></h2><p><br></p><p>This week on PodBiz, we’re joined by <strong>Greg Wasserman</strong>, Head of Relationships at RSS.com, to break down how podcasters actually build leverage in the industry and why relationships, not just downloads, are at the core of sustainable growth.</p><br><p>Greg challenges the industry’s obsession with ads and sponsorships as the only path to revenue. Instead, he explains why podcasting works best when it’s treated as part of a broader business strategy, whether you’re a creator, agency, or brand. From audience growth to distribution gaps to relationship-driven ROI, Greg offers a clear framework for thinking about podcasting as a long-term asset.</p><br><p>As he puts it:</p><p>“You want more money? Then go focus on how do you grow your audience.”</p><br><p>He also emphasizes that many podcasters limit their growth by staying inside a single ecosystem rather than taking advantage of open distribution through RSS.</p><p>This episode is a practical conversation about where value is actually created in podcasting and how creators can stop leaving opportunity on the table.</p><br><p><br></p><p><br></p><h2><strong>Key Topics Discussed</strong></h2><ul><li>The three questions every podcaster asks: distribution, audience, money</li><li>Why monetization should not be the starting point</li><li>The hidden cost of limiting your show to one ecosystem</li><li>Podcasting as a relationship-driven business tool</li><li>Why most podcasters misunderstand ROI</li><li>How agencies leave money on the table</li><li>Improving as a host to grow audience trust</li><li>Community building as a growth strategy</li><li>Why relationships are a form of currency in podcasting</li><li>What excites Greg most about where the industry is headed</li></ul><h2><br></h2><h2><strong>About Greg Wasserman</strong></h2><p>Greg Wasserman is the Head of Relationships at RSS.com, where he leads creator and partner engagement across the podcast ecosystem. With a background in media sales, platform growth, and community building, Greg is known for connecting people, building long-term relationships, and helping podcasters think strategically about growth, distribution, and monetization.</p><p>Find Greg on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gregwasserman/</p><p><br></p><h2><strong>Episode Chapters</strong></h2><p>(01:18) Introducing Greg Wasserman</p><p>(01:20) Where the money in podcasting really comes from</p><p>(02:45) Podcasting as a business versus a media company</p><p>(03:12) Rethinking monetization beyond ads</p><p>(04:56) Why being a good host matters</p><p>(05:17) Greg’s path into podcasting</p><p>(06:00) Learning podcast distribution from platforms</p><p>(06:56) The three questions podcasters always ask</p><p>(07:38) Distribution as the fastest path to audience growth</p><p>(08:13) Relationships as a career strategy</p><p>(09:18) Where agencies leave money on the table</p><p>(11:00) Improving your craft as a host</p><p>(13:27) Building creator communities at RSS.com</p><p>(15:59) Serving creators through feedback and partnerships</p><p>(16:30) What Greg would do differently starting today</p><p>(19:11) Why this is an exciting moment for podcasting</p><p><br></p><h2><strong>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz</strong></h2><p>“Life is about time and relationships.”</p><p>“If you want more money, make sure you have those other 30 percent of your audience.”</p><p>“Relationships can be currency. The more conversations you have, the more opportunities appear.”</p><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
			<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<h2><strong>Why do so many podcasters focus on monetization before they’ve solved distribution and audience growth?</strong></h2><p><br></p><p>This week on PodBiz, we’re joined by <strong>Greg Wasserman</strong>, Head of Relationships at RSS.com, to break down how podcasters actually build leverage in the industry and why relationships, not just downloads, are at the core of sustainable growth.</p><br><p>Greg challenges the industry’s obsession with ads and sponsorships as the only path to revenue. Instead, he explains why podcasting works best when it’s treated as part of a broader business strategy, whether you’re a creator, agency, or brand. From audience growth to distribution gaps to relationship-driven ROI, Greg offers a clear framework for thinking about podcasting as a long-term asset.</p><br><p>As he puts it:</p><p>“You want more money? Then go focus on how do you grow your audience.”</p><br><p>He also emphasizes that many podcasters limit their growth by staying inside a single ecosystem rather than taking advantage of open distribution through RSS.</p><p>This episode is a practical conversation about where value is actually created in podcasting and how creators can stop leaving opportunity on the table.</p><br><p><br></p><p><br></p><h2><strong>Key Topics Discussed</strong></h2><ul><li>The three questions every podcaster asks: distribution, audience, money</li><li>Why monetization should not be the starting point</li><li>The hidden cost of limiting your show to one ecosystem</li><li>Podcasting as a relationship-driven business tool</li><li>Why most podcasters misunderstand ROI</li><li>How agencies leave money on the table</li><li>Improving as a host to grow audience trust</li><li>Community building as a growth strategy</li><li>Why relationships are a form of currency in podcasting</li><li>What excites Greg most about where the industry is headed</li></ul><h2><br></h2><h2><strong>About Greg Wasserman</strong></h2><p>Greg Wasserman is the Head of Relationships at RSS.com, where he leads creator and partner engagement across the podcast ecosystem. With a background in media sales, platform growth, and community building, Greg is known for connecting people, building long-term relationships, and helping podcasters think strategically about growth, distribution, and monetization.</p><p>Find Greg on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gregwasserman/</p><p><br></p><h2><strong>Episode Chapters</strong></h2><p>(01:18) Introducing Greg Wasserman</p><p>(01:20) Where the money in podcasting really comes from</p><p>(02:45) Podcasting as a business versus a media company</p><p>(03:12) Rethinking monetization beyond ads</p><p>(04:56) Why being a good host matters</p><p>(05:17) Greg’s path into podcasting</p><p>(06:00) Learning podcast distribution from platforms</p><p>(06:56) The three questions podcasters always ask</p><p>(07:38) Distribution as the fastest path to audience growth</p><p>(08:13) Relationships as a career strategy</p><p>(09:18) Where agencies leave money on the table</p><p>(11:00) Improving your craft as a host</p><p>(13:27) Building creator communities at RSS.com</p><p>(15:59) Serving creators through feedback and partnerships</p><p>(16:30) What Greg would do differently starting today</p><p>(19:11) Why this is an exciting moment for podcasting</p><p><br></p><h2><strong>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz</strong></h2><p>“Life is about time and relationships.”</p><p>“If you want more money, make sure you have those other 30 percent of your audience.”</p><p>“Relationships can be currency. The more conversations you have, the more opportunities appear.”</p><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>Inside Europe’s Emerging Podcast Market with Andreea Coscai</title>
			<itunes:title>Inside Europe’s Emerging Podcast Market with Andreea Coscai</itunes:title>
			<pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 11:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<itunes:duration>28:23</itunes:duration>
			<enclosure url="https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/e/690f3f8b6d62d4e03db4666e/media.mp3" length="13629249" type="audio/mpeg"/>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">690f3f8b6d62d4e03db4666e</guid>
			<itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
			<link>https://shows.acast.com/podbiz-eurowaves-andreea-coscai</link>
			<acast:episodeId>690f3f8b6d62d4e03db4666e</acast:episodeId>
			<acast:showId>68343e1669c98f151d8f0020</acast:showId>
			<acast:episodeUrl>andreea-coscai</acast:episodeUrl>
			<acast:settings><![CDATA[FYjHyZbXWHZ7gmX8Pp1rmbKbhgrQiwYShz70Q9/ffXZMTtedvdcRQbP4eiLMjXzCKLPjEYLpGj+NMVKa+5C8pL4u/EOj1Vw4h5MMJYp0lCcFAe0fnxBJy/1ju4Qxy1fh8gO4DvlGA40yms2g0/hOkcrfHIopjTygHFqGwwOPKFIai4SuTvs86Lx3UYCyl6ZsSyyWS3sPisdKAZQX03fZ1wBIP98TrrdNJkX3d8hjtuar4LQRVO1RD9VNbwSHnW0/oK6yh/3toSA01aNVTIx81PXEZVOcMBGjhlltyyeawhvFEvtDL6ge0+Vllt+tYWZa]]></acast:settings>
			<itunes:subtitle>Insights from Eurowaves founder and Tink Media marketing lead Andreea Coscai on monetization, community building, and Europe’s rapidly evolving podcast landscape.</itunes:subtitle>
			<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
			<itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
			<itunes:episode>24</itunes:episode>
			<itunes:image href="https://assets.pippa.io/shows/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/1765213737753-47b869b9-c936-4152-b19b-153d05d9670c.jpeg"/>
			<description><![CDATA[<h3><strong>What does sustainable podcast growth look like inside a fragmented, multilingual, rapidly developing European market?</strong></h3><p>This week on PodBiz, <strong>Andreea Coscai</strong> breaks down how creators across Europe are building audiences, reaching listeners across borders, and monetizing through community-first strategies. As the founder of <em>Eurowaves</em>, Marketing Lead at Tink Media, and a key voice in global creator communities, Andreea offers a grounded look at what independent podcasters need to understand about the European landscape.</p><p>As she puts it, marketing is not optional:</p><blockquote>“If you want to monetize your work, you have to make sure that you're investing as much in your marketing as you are in your production.”</blockquote><p>She also explains why connection and cultural alignment matter more than follower count:</p><blockquote>“It can be discouraging or nerve-wracking or risky, but you can also look at it as who else is doing this really, and how cool is it. Let me try.”</blockquote><p>This episode is a thoughtful, realistic look at what it takes for creators to grow in a market defined by nuance, collaboration, and diversity.</p><p><br></p><h3><strong>Key Topics Discussed</strong></h3><p>• How European creators build audiences across language and culture</p><p>• Why marketing and audience clarity matter more than scale</p><p>• Community-first growth and the rise of Eurowaves</p><p>• How Tink Media supports podcasters through realistic promo systems</p><p>• What creators misunderstand about social media and discoverability</p><p>• Sponsorship reality in smaller or emerging markets</p><p>• The role of grants, co-productions, and cross-border collaboration</p><p>• Why global thinking benefits every independent creator</p><p><br></p><h3><strong>About Andreea Coscai</strong></h3><p>Andreea is the founder and writer of <em>Eurowaves</em>, Marketing Lead at Tink Media, newsletter and community coordinator at EarBuds Podcast Collective, and an independent podcast producer. She works across audience development, marketing strategy, and creator support throughout Europe and beyond.</p><p><br></p><h3><strong>Connect with Andreea</strong></h3><p>Eurowaves: https://eurowaves.substack.com/</p><p>Events: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/safety/go?url=https%3A%2F%2Feurowaves.substack.com%2Fp%2Ftop-podcasting-events&amp;trk=flagship-messaging-web&amp;messageThreadUrn=urn%3Ali%3AmessagingThread%3A2-OTcyOGM4NGMtZjIxNy00MzFlLTliNzUtOGJhMDkyZmVkNGQzXzEwMA%3D%3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://eurowaves.substack.com/p/top-podcasting-events</a></p><p>LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreea-coscai/</p><p>Pod.Vision: <a href="https://pod.vision/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://pod.vision/</a></p><p><br></p><h3><strong>Episode Moments</strong></h3><p>(03:29) Value alignment for Patreon and community support</p><p>(04:08) How Eurowaves began and why Europe needed it</p><p>(05:23) Community gaps in the European podcast space</p><p>(06:57) What podcasters get wrong about audience development</p><p>(08:54) Getting into podcasting through production and community</p><p>(13:21) Cross-platform thinking for modern creators</p><p>(14:42) Value packaging and sponsorship fit</p><p>(16:50) Local markets, local sponsors, local wins</p><p>(18:38) The fragmented but rich European ecosystem</p><p>(19:48) How grants and co-productions shape opportunity</p><p>(20:55) Storytelling across cultures</p><p>(22:24) Learning from the U.S. while building something distinct</p><p>(23:46) What Andreea would approach differently today</p><p>(27:44) What excites her most about Europe’s creator future</p><h3><br></h3><h3><strong>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz</strong></h3><blockquote>“It can be discouraging or nerve-wracking or risky, but you can also look at it as who else is doing this really, and how cool is it. Let me try.” —Andreea Coscai</blockquote><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
			<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<h3><strong>What does sustainable podcast growth look like inside a fragmented, multilingual, rapidly developing European market?</strong></h3><p>This week on PodBiz, <strong>Andreea Coscai</strong> breaks down how creators across Europe are building audiences, reaching listeners across borders, and monetizing through community-first strategies. As the founder of <em>Eurowaves</em>, Marketing Lead at Tink Media, and a key voice in global creator communities, Andreea offers a grounded look at what independent podcasters need to understand about the European landscape.</p><p>As she puts it, marketing is not optional:</p><blockquote>“If you want to monetize your work, you have to make sure that you're investing as much in your marketing as you are in your production.”</blockquote><p>She also explains why connection and cultural alignment matter more than follower count:</p><blockquote>“It can be discouraging or nerve-wracking or risky, but you can also look at it as who else is doing this really, and how cool is it. Let me try.”</blockquote><p>This episode is a thoughtful, realistic look at what it takes for creators to grow in a market defined by nuance, collaboration, and diversity.</p><p><br></p><h3><strong>Key Topics Discussed</strong></h3><p>• How European creators build audiences across language and culture</p><p>• Why marketing and audience clarity matter more than scale</p><p>• Community-first growth and the rise of Eurowaves</p><p>• How Tink Media supports podcasters through realistic promo systems</p><p>• What creators misunderstand about social media and discoverability</p><p>• Sponsorship reality in smaller or emerging markets</p><p>• The role of grants, co-productions, and cross-border collaboration</p><p>• Why global thinking benefits every independent creator</p><p><br></p><h3><strong>About Andreea Coscai</strong></h3><p>Andreea is the founder and writer of <em>Eurowaves</em>, Marketing Lead at Tink Media, newsletter and community coordinator at EarBuds Podcast Collective, and an independent podcast producer. She works across audience development, marketing strategy, and creator support throughout Europe and beyond.</p><p><br></p><h3><strong>Connect with Andreea</strong></h3><p>Eurowaves: https://eurowaves.substack.com/</p><p>Events: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/safety/go?url=https%3A%2F%2Feurowaves.substack.com%2Fp%2Ftop-podcasting-events&amp;trk=flagship-messaging-web&amp;messageThreadUrn=urn%3Ali%3AmessagingThread%3A2-OTcyOGM4NGMtZjIxNy00MzFlLTliNzUtOGJhMDkyZmVkNGQzXzEwMA%3D%3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://eurowaves.substack.com/p/top-podcasting-events</a></p><p>LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreea-coscai/</p><p>Pod.Vision: <a href="https://pod.vision/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://pod.vision/</a></p><p><br></p><h3><strong>Episode Moments</strong></h3><p>(03:29) Value alignment for Patreon and community support</p><p>(04:08) How Eurowaves began and why Europe needed it</p><p>(05:23) Community gaps in the European podcast space</p><p>(06:57) What podcasters get wrong about audience development</p><p>(08:54) Getting into podcasting through production and community</p><p>(13:21) Cross-platform thinking for modern creators</p><p>(14:42) Value packaging and sponsorship fit</p><p>(16:50) Local markets, local sponsors, local wins</p><p>(18:38) The fragmented but rich European ecosystem</p><p>(19:48) How grants and co-productions shape opportunity</p><p>(20:55) Storytelling across cultures</p><p>(22:24) Learning from the U.S. while building something distinct</p><p>(23:46) What Andreea would approach differently today</p><p>(27:44) What excites her most about Europe’s creator future</p><h3><br></h3><h3><strong>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz</strong></h3><blockquote>“It can be discouraging or nerve-wracking or risky, but you can also look at it as who else is doing this really, and how cool is it. Let me try.” —Andreea Coscai</blockquote><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>Independent Creators, Monetization, and Sustainable Growth with Andrew Weiss</title>
			<itunes:title>Independent Creators, Monetization, and Sustainable Growth with Andrew Weiss</itunes:title>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Dec 2025 11:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<itunes:duration>27:59</itunes:duration>
			<enclosure url="https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/e/690f3fbfa17ebcde88c1424e/media.mp3" length="13436569" type="audio/mpeg"/>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">690f3fbfa17ebcde88c1424e</guid>
			<itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
			<link>https://shows.acast.com/podbiz-podfest-andrew-weiss</link>
			<acast:episodeId>690f3fbfa17ebcde88c1424e</acast:episodeId>
			<acast:showId>68343e1669c98f151d8f0020</acast:showId>
			<acast:episodeUrl>andrew-weiss</acast:episodeUrl>
			<acast:settings><![CDATA[FYjHyZbXWHZ7gmX8Pp1rmbKbhgrQiwYShz70Q9/ffXZMTtedvdcRQbP4eiLMjXzCKLPjEYLpGj+NMVKa+5C8pL4u/EOj1Vw4h5MMJYp0lCcFAe0fnxBJy/1ju4Qxy1fh8gO4DvlGA40yms2g0/hOkcrfHIopjTygHFqGwwOPKFIai4SuTvs86Lx3UYCyl6ZsSyyWS3sPisdKAZQX03fZ1wBIP98TrrdNJkX3d8hjtubXl7j9B4RmbSVe1nUcoQwHJdmTOtiDSX89bBMx/jaDdJ1AUR9if/9D1l7vQaj37PRlGaBWHcstmqb0OvLxPuQ2]]></acast:settings>
			<itunes:subtitle>Insights from the Director of Partnerships at Podfest Expo on niche audiences, clear positioning, and consistent systems shape the success of today’s independent podcasters.</itunes:subtitle>
			<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
			<itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
			<itunes:episode>23</itunes:episode>
			<itunes:image href="https://assets.pippa.io/shows/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/1764361181266-3bfba383-034e-4997-b2ad-3b766921e5f9.jpeg"/>
			<description><![CDATA[<h3><strong>Where’s the money in podcasting for independent creators?</strong></h3><p>This week on PodBiz, we talk with Andrew Weiss, Director of Partnerships at Podfest Expo, about the real paths to monetization for indie podcasters. Andrew works directly with thousands of creators through Podfest’s global community, and he brings a grounded, practical view of how shows grow, how they earn, and why some creators thrive while others fade out.</p><p>Andrew explains why niche audiences consistently outperform broad ones, what strong brand alignment looks like, and how smaller shows win high-value sponsorships by understanding exactly whom they serve. He shares examples from the Podfest ecosystem, including a produce-industry podcast earning significant revenue because it reaches a high-intent audience brands care about.</p><p>As he puts it:</p><blockquote>“More sponsor money is being put into podcasts every day. The riches are in the niches.”</blockquote><p>Andrew also talks about the mindset and systems that keep creators consistent. He breaks down batching, workflow design, community support, and why many podcasters underestimate the value of environment. His message is direct: when creators combine structure with a defined purpose, growth becomes achievable no matter their starting point.</p><p>Another reminder he returns to:</p><blockquote>“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”</blockquote><p>This episode is full of practical insights for anyone building a show meant to last.</p><p><br></p><h3><strong>Key Topics Discussed</strong></h3><p>• How independent podcasters earn through niche audiences and alignment</p><p>• Monetization beyond ads: lead generation, partnerships, coaching, and services</p><p>• Why creators should define success before launching</p><p>• Preventing burnout and podfade through systems and batching</p><p>• How community and collaboration accelerate growth</p><p>• Sponsorship trends, audience quality, and brand expectations</p><p>• Why mindset, structure, and environment influence creator success</p><p>• What Podfest creators are doing that works today</p><p><br></p><h3><strong>About Andrew Weiss</strong></h3><p>Andrew Weiss is the Director of Partnerships at Podfest Expo, where he leads sponsor relations, event operations, and community initiatives that support independent creators worldwide. He is also the host of <em>Rapid Results with Andrew Weiss</em> and brings a decade of experience in entrepreneurship, coaching, and creator development.</p><h3><strong>Connect with Andrew</strong></h3><p>Socials: @theandrewjweiss</p><p><br></p><h3><strong>Episode Moments</strong></h3><p>(00:05) Sponsor growth and why niche shows win</p><p>(02:03) Where the money is for indie creators</p><p>(03:10) Monetization beyond advertising</p><p>(04:06) Andrew’s path into podcasting</p><p>(07:16) How Podfest grew virtual creator events</p><p>(08:57) Lead generation and brand alignment</p><p>(11:15) Mindset, grit, and environment</p><p>(15:27) The six-figure produce-industry podcast</p><p>(17:54) Preventing podfade through structure</p><p>(21:35) Running large-scale creator events</p><p>(26:27) What Andrew is excited about next</p><p><br></p><h3><strong>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz</strong></h3><blockquote>“The riches are in the niches.” —Andrew Weiss</blockquote><blockquote>“If you never ask, then the answer is always no.” —Andrew Weiss (via Gary Vee)</blockquote><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
			<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<h3><strong>Where’s the money in podcasting for independent creators?</strong></h3><p>This week on PodBiz, we talk with Andrew Weiss, Director of Partnerships at Podfest Expo, about the real paths to monetization for indie podcasters. Andrew works directly with thousands of creators through Podfest’s global community, and he brings a grounded, practical view of how shows grow, how they earn, and why some creators thrive while others fade out.</p><p>Andrew explains why niche audiences consistently outperform broad ones, what strong brand alignment looks like, and how smaller shows win high-value sponsorships by understanding exactly whom they serve. He shares examples from the Podfest ecosystem, including a produce-industry podcast earning significant revenue because it reaches a high-intent audience brands care about.</p><p>As he puts it:</p><blockquote>“More sponsor money is being put into podcasts every day. The riches are in the niches.”</blockquote><p>Andrew also talks about the mindset and systems that keep creators consistent. He breaks down batching, workflow design, community support, and why many podcasters underestimate the value of environment. His message is direct: when creators combine structure with a defined purpose, growth becomes achievable no matter their starting point.</p><p>Another reminder he returns to:</p><blockquote>“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”</blockquote><p>This episode is full of practical insights for anyone building a show meant to last.</p><p><br></p><h3><strong>Key Topics Discussed</strong></h3><p>• How independent podcasters earn through niche audiences and alignment</p><p>• Monetization beyond ads: lead generation, partnerships, coaching, and services</p><p>• Why creators should define success before launching</p><p>• Preventing burnout and podfade through systems and batching</p><p>• How community and collaboration accelerate growth</p><p>• Sponsorship trends, audience quality, and brand expectations</p><p>• Why mindset, structure, and environment influence creator success</p><p>• What Podfest creators are doing that works today</p><p><br></p><h3><strong>About Andrew Weiss</strong></h3><p>Andrew Weiss is the Director of Partnerships at Podfest Expo, where he leads sponsor relations, event operations, and community initiatives that support independent creators worldwide. He is also the host of <em>Rapid Results with Andrew Weiss</em> and brings a decade of experience in entrepreneurship, coaching, and creator development.</p><h3><strong>Connect with Andrew</strong></h3><p>Socials: @theandrewjweiss</p><p><br></p><h3><strong>Episode Moments</strong></h3><p>(00:05) Sponsor growth and why niche shows win</p><p>(02:03) Where the money is for indie creators</p><p>(03:10) Monetization beyond advertising</p><p>(04:06) Andrew’s path into podcasting</p><p>(07:16) How Podfest grew virtual creator events</p><p>(08:57) Lead generation and brand alignment</p><p>(11:15) Mindset, grit, and environment</p><p>(15:27) The six-figure produce-industry podcast</p><p>(17:54) Preventing podfade through structure</p><p>(21:35) Running large-scale creator events</p><p>(26:27) What Andrew is excited about next</p><p><br></p><h3><strong>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz</strong></h3><blockquote>“The riches are in the niches.” —Andrew Weiss</blockquote><blockquote>“If you never ask, then the answer is always no.” —Andrew Weiss (via Gary Vee)</blockquote><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>How Advertisers Really See Your Podcast: Veronika Taylor on Growth, Revenue, and What Creators Miss</title>
			<itunes:title>How Advertisers Really See Your Podcast: Veronika Taylor on Growth, Revenue, and What Creators Miss</itunes:title>
			<pubDate>Mon, 24 Nov 2025 11:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<itunes:duration>36:06</itunes:duration>
			<enclosure url="https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/e/6908c446911793d200e02c3e/media.mp3" length="17335293" type="audio/mpeg"/>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">6908c446911793d200e02c3e</guid>
			<itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
			<link>https://shows.acast.com/podbiz-acast-veronika-taylor</link>
			<acast:episodeId>6908c446911793d200e02c3e</acast:episodeId>
			<acast:showId>68343e1669c98f151d8f0020</acast:showId>
			<acast:episodeUrl>veronika-taylor</acast:episodeUrl>
			<acast:settings><![CDATA[FYjHyZbXWHZ7gmX8Pp1rmbKbhgrQiwYShz70Q9/ffXZMTtedvdcRQbP4eiLMjXzCKLPjEYLpGj+NMVKa+5C8pL4u/EOj1Vw4h5MMJYp0lCcFAe0fnxBJy/1ju4Qxy1fh8gO4DvlGA40yms2g0/hOkcrfHIopjTygHFqGwwOPKFIai4SuTvs86Lx3UYCyl6ZsSyyWS3sPisdKAZQX03fZ1wBIP98TrrdNJkX3d8hjtuauIESReqzJfu6kNihBbuGsDwWr1kdMspjwPX+tUQ/D25ddwqdZbqGGXo0/fOMX6d8NVG3ZRah35FWu3KVsh1UB]]></acast:settings>
			<itunes:subtitle><![CDATA[Senior Vice President of Content & Creator Network at Acast, Veronika Taylor explains how creators of every size can position their shows for advertiser interest, integrated brand deals, and long-term revenue opportunities.]]></itunes:subtitle>
			<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
			<itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
			<itunes:episode>22</itunes:episode>
			<itunes:image href="https://assets.pippa.io/shows/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/1762182212477-977725e4-3120-425d-89db-472546f0708f.jpeg"/>
			<description><![CDATA[<h3><strong>What makes a show “monetizable” in the eyes of advertisers?</strong></h3><p>This week on PodBiz, Veronika Taylor breaks down how brands evaluate podcasts, what creators often overlook, and why the future of podcast revenue extends far beyond a single medium. As SVP of Content and the Creator Network at Acast, Veronika oversees global teams, creator relationships, and the systems that power advertising across more than 140,000 shows.</p><br><p>She shares a transparent view of what actually drives revenue, how creators can position themselves long before they hit a download threshold, and why integrated brand campaigns are rising faster than traditional host-read ads.</p><br><p><strong>As Veronika puts it:</strong></p><blockquote>“Advertisers care about things you may think only your listeners look at. They’re combing through your cover art, your title, and your metadata. Anything that doesn’t feel right for their brand, they’ll cross you off the list.”</blockquote><p><br></p><p>Veronika also breaks down how Acast is shifting advertising conversations earlier in the funnel, how creators can use audience data to strengthen proposals, and why global podcast consumption habits remain one of the industry's most fascinating growth indicators.</p><p><br></p><h3><strong>KEY TOPICS</strong></h3><p>• How advertisers evaluate shows before they ever buy</p><p>• Why metadata and branding matter more than creators think</p><p>• How small shows are landing premium integrated campaigns</p><p>• Programmatic innovation </p><p>• Why video matters for some creators but not all</p><p>• How to share audience data that strengthens ad sales</p><p>• Global trends in podcast consumption and monetization</p><p>• The value of listening to creator goals, not assuming them</p><p>• Career lessons from navigating multiple media industries</p><p><br></p><h3><strong>ABOUT VERONIKA TAYLOR</strong></h3><p>Veronika Taylor is the Senior Vice President of Content and the Creator Network at Acast, overseeing global creator partnerships, content strategy, and support across major markets including the US, UK, Europe, LATAM, and APAC. Her background in journalism and international publishing informs her approach to scaling shows, developing creator ecosystems, and shaping Acast’s global content vision.</p><p><br></p><h3><strong>EPISODE MOMENTS</strong></h3><p>(00:05) Every podcast has different goals</p><p>(01:41) Welcome Veronika to PodBiz</p><p>(01:52) Where the money is for most creators</p><p>(02:56) Why monetization looks different for every show</p><p>(03:45) Smaller shows landing big brand deals</p><p>(05:02) Ads, sponsorships, and integrated campaigns</p><p>(07:32) How creators can position themselves for advertisers</p><p>(08:55) Why metadata matters more than you think</p><p>(09:54) Feeding sales teams the right audience data</p><p>(12:54) Moving advertisers earlier in the funnel</p><p>(14:13) The rise of multi-platform branded campaigns</p><p>(16:47) Why some creators stay audio-only</p><p>(18:44) Marc Maron’s decision to end WTF</p><p>(20:42) How Veronika entered the podcast industry</p><p>(22:36) Why podcasting still feels new</p><p>(25:43) Tailoring support for each creator’s goals</p><p>(27:36) Branding, metadata, and audience alignment</p><p>(28:59) The “invisible” internal work behind creator success</p><p>(32:50) A global perspective on podcast growth</p><p>(34:59) What Veronika is excited about next</p><p><br></p><h3><strong>SOME ADDITIONAL PODBIZ BUZZ</strong></h3><blockquote>“Podcasting is being consumed in so many different ways now, and as long as the storytelling reaches audiences, that’s what matters. Whether they’re watching on YouTube, listening in audio, or finding clips on TikTok, the medium is expanding in exciting ways.” </blockquote><blockquote>“We’re seeing smaller shows with highly engaged audiences drive real revenue because they’re great at integrated campaigns across all their channels.”</blockquote><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
			<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<h3><strong>What makes a show “monetizable” in the eyes of advertisers?</strong></h3><p>This week on PodBiz, Veronika Taylor breaks down how brands evaluate podcasts, what creators often overlook, and why the future of podcast revenue extends far beyond a single medium. As SVP of Content and the Creator Network at Acast, Veronika oversees global teams, creator relationships, and the systems that power advertising across more than 140,000 shows.</p><br><p>She shares a transparent view of what actually drives revenue, how creators can position themselves long before they hit a download threshold, and why integrated brand campaigns are rising faster than traditional host-read ads.</p><br><p><strong>As Veronika puts it:</strong></p><blockquote>“Advertisers care about things you may think only your listeners look at. They’re combing through your cover art, your title, and your metadata. Anything that doesn’t feel right for their brand, they’ll cross you off the list.”</blockquote><p><br></p><p>Veronika also breaks down how Acast is shifting advertising conversations earlier in the funnel, how creators can use audience data to strengthen proposals, and why global podcast consumption habits remain one of the industry's most fascinating growth indicators.</p><p><br></p><h3><strong>KEY TOPICS</strong></h3><p>• How advertisers evaluate shows before they ever buy</p><p>• Why metadata and branding matter more than creators think</p><p>• How small shows are landing premium integrated campaigns</p><p>• Programmatic innovation </p><p>• Why video matters for some creators but not all</p><p>• How to share audience data that strengthens ad sales</p><p>• Global trends in podcast consumption and monetization</p><p>• The value of listening to creator goals, not assuming them</p><p>• Career lessons from navigating multiple media industries</p><p><br></p><h3><strong>ABOUT VERONIKA TAYLOR</strong></h3><p>Veronika Taylor is the Senior Vice President of Content and the Creator Network at Acast, overseeing global creator partnerships, content strategy, and support across major markets including the US, UK, Europe, LATAM, and APAC. Her background in journalism and international publishing informs her approach to scaling shows, developing creator ecosystems, and shaping Acast’s global content vision.</p><p><br></p><h3><strong>EPISODE MOMENTS</strong></h3><p>(00:05) Every podcast has different goals</p><p>(01:41) Welcome Veronika to PodBiz</p><p>(01:52) Where the money is for most creators</p><p>(02:56) Why monetization looks different for every show</p><p>(03:45) Smaller shows landing big brand deals</p><p>(05:02) Ads, sponsorships, and integrated campaigns</p><p>(07:32) How creators can position themselves for advertisers</p><p>(08:55) Why metadata matters more than you think</p><p>(09:54) Feeding sales teams the right audience data</p><p>(12:54) Moving advertisers earlier in the funnel</p><p>(14:13) The rise of multi-platform branded campaigns</p><p>(16:47) Why some creators stay audio-only</p><p>(18:44) Marc Maron’s decision to end WTF</p><p>(20:42) How Veronika entered the podcast industry</p><p>(22:36) Why podcasting still feels new</p><p>(25:43) Tailoring support for each creator’s goals</p><p>(27:36) Branding, metadata, and audience alignment</p><p>(28:59) The “invisible” internal work behind creator success</p><p>(32:50) A global perspective on podcast growth</p><p>(34:59) What Veronika is excited about next</p><p><br></p><h3><strong>SOME ADDITIONAL PODBIZ BUZZ</strong></h3><blockquote>“Podcasting is being consumed in so many different ways now, and as long as the storytelling reaches audiences, that’s what matters. Whether they’re watching on YouTube, listening in audio, or finding clips on TikTok, the medium is expanding in exciting ways.” </blockquote><blockquote>“We’re seeing smaller shows with highly engaged audiences drive real revenue because they’re great at integrated campaigns across all their channels.”</blockquote><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>Creative Work, Real Revenue: Jeff Umbro on What Makes a Podcast Business Last</title>
			<itunes:title>Creative Work, Real Revenue: Jeff Umbro on What Makes a Podcast Business Last</itunes:title>
			<pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2025 11:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<itunes:duration>22:21</itunes:duration>
			<enclosure url="https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/e/690372b7bb560dc306845c89/media.mp3" length="10730284" type="audio/mpeg"/>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">690372b7bb560dc306845c89</guid>
			<itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
			<link>https://shows.acast.com/podbiz-podglomerate-jeff-umbro</link>
			<acast:episodeId>690372b7bb560dc306845c89</acast:episodeId>
			<acast:showId>68343e1669c98f151d8f0020</acast:showId>
			<acast:episodeUrl>jeff-umbro-podglomerate</acast:episodeUrl>
			<acast:settings><![CDATA[FYjHyZbXWHZ7gmX8Pp1rmbKbhgrQiwYShz70Q9/ffXZMTtedvdcRQbP4eiLMjXzCKLPjEYLpGj+NMVKa+5C8pL4u/EOj1Vw4h5MMJYp0lCcFAe0fnxBJy/1ju4Qxy1fh8gO4DvlGA40yms2g0/hOkcrfHIopjTygHFqGwwOPKFIai4SuTvs86Lx3UYCyl6ZsSyyWS3sPisdKAZQX03fZ1wBIP98TrrdNJkX3d8hjtuZAZ2Y1jp3Il0HubLNug7N22fRGpn43p1zh34RZ8rnPs06w+WFznq/mhCSofiYBZAyKuyiCNgb+cyhPNI2L3Zrx]]></acast:settings>
			<itunes:subtitle>How Podglomerate founder Jeff Umbro built a creator-first agency by choosing the right clients, empowering the right teams, and doing the work that actually works.</itunes:subtitle>
			<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
			<itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
			<itunes:episode>21</itunes:episode>
			<itunes:image href="https://assets.pippa.io/shows/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/1761833651093-1902e5a4-28cf-46db-9b8a-ef2a9b24c832.jpeg"/>
			<description><![CDATA[<h3>How do you build a podcast business that lasts- not just creatively, but financially?</h3><p><br></p><p>In this episode of <em>PodBiz</em>, host <strong>Norma Jean Belenky </strong>sits down with <strong>Jeff Umbro</strong>, Founder and CEO of <strong>The Podglomerate</strong>, to talk about what it really takes to grow a sustainable podcast company in 2025.</p><br><p>Jeff shares how his background in book publicity shaped his approach to audience development, why choosing the right clients matters more than chasing big names, and how he built a business by focusing on people, fit, and long-term partnerships.</p><p>As he puts it:</p><blockquote>“Work with people that you’re comfortable working with and don’t work with people that you’re not. It sounds simple, but if it’s not the right fit, it’s not going to have a good ending for anyone.”</blockquote><p>He also breaks down the realities of running a podcast agency from eight distinct revenue models to the constant balance between creative ambition and what keeps the lights on:</p><blockquote>“Do what works. If you can do that enough, then everything else can start to fall into place.”</blockquote><p><br></p><p>Whether you’re an indie creator, a brand exploring audio, or someone building a podcast business of your own, Jeff offers a grounded, honest, and deeply practical playbook for turning creative work into real revenue.</p><h2><br></h2><h3><strong>Episode Chapters</strong></h3><p>(00:05) Why fit matters more than prestige in client partnerships</p><p>(01:03) Introducing Jeff Umbro and the origin of The Podglomerate</p><p>(02:48) Where Jeff sees the money in podcasting today</p><p>(04:13) Building community as a foundation for growth</p><p>(05:20) From book PR to podcast production</p><p>(07:09) Early traction and the shift to full-service representation</p><p>(08:42) Doing what works and why creative ambition needs revenue behind it</p><p>(10:25) Empowering teams and building a company that lasts</p><p>(11:19) Trusting your gut in client and collaborator selection</p><p>(12:49) Why understanding your audience is core to every revenue model</p><p>(15:28) What most people misunderstand about podcast PR and launches</p><p>(17:21) Sustainable growth over “big splash” thinking</p><p>(19:02) Collaboration, transparency, and the podcast industry’s unofficial code</p><p>(20:28) The future of podcast businesses and where Jeff sees opportunity</p><p><br></p><h3><strong>Guest Bio</strong></h3><p><strong>Jeff Umbro</strong> is the Founder and CEO of <strong>The Podglomerate</strong>, a creator-first podcast company producing, marketing, and monetizing shows for major publishers, media companies, and independent creators. His work has helped shape some of the industry’s most successful launches and long-running series, grounded in a philosophy of strategic partnership, thoughtful storytelling, and sustainable growth.</p><p><br></p><h3>Connect with Jeff</h3><p>LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffumbro/</p><p>Podglomerate WebsiteL https://podglomerate.com/</p><br><p><br></p><h3><strong>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz…</strong></h3><blockquote>“If it’s not something you’re proud of, nobody else will be proud of it either.”</blockquote><blockquote>“You can’t fake growth. Consistency and community are what get you there.”</blockquote><blockquote>“There’s always another shift coming in this industry, and that’s part of the fun.”</blockquote><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
			<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<h3>How do you build a podcast business that lasts- not just creatively, but financially?</h3><p><br></p><p>In this episode of <em>PodBiz</em>, host <strong>Norma Jean Belenky </strong>sits down with <strong>Jeff Umbro</strong>, Founder and CEO of <strong>The Podglomerate</strong>, to talk about what it really takes to grow a sustainable podcast company in 2025.</p><br><p>Jeff shares how his background in book publicity shaped his approach to audience development, why choosing the right clients matters more than chasing big names, and how he built a business by focusing on people, fit, and long-term partnerships.</p><p>As he puts it:</p><blockquote>“Work with people that you’re comfortable working with and don’t work with people that you’re not. It sounds simple, but if it’s not the right fit, it’s not going to have a good ending for anyone.”</blockquote><p>He also breaks down the realities of running a podcast agency from eight distinct revenue models to the constant balance between creative ambition and what keeps the lights on:</p><blockquote>“Do what works. If you can do that enough, then everything else can start to fall into place.”</blockquote><p><br></p><p>Whether you’re an indie creator, a brand exploring audio, or someone building a podcast business of your own, Jeff offers a grounded, honest, and deeply practical playbook for turning creative work into real revenue.</p><h2><br></h2><h3><strong>Episode Chapters</strong></h3><p>(00:05) Why fit matters more than prestige in client partnerships</p><p>(01:03) Introducing Jeff Umbro and the origin of The Podglomerate</p><p>(02:48) Where Jeff sees the money in podcasting today</p><p>(04:13) Building community as a foundation for growth</p><p>(05:20) From book PR to podcast production</p><p>(07:09) Early traction and the shift to full-service representation</p><p>(08:42) Doing what works and why creative ambition needs revenue behind it</p><p>(10:25) Empowering teams and building a company that lasts</p><p>(11:19) Trusting your gut in client and collaborator selection</p><p>(12:49) Why understanding your audience is core to every revenue model</p><p>(15:28) What most people misunderstand about podcast PR and launches</p><p>(17:21) Sustainable growth over “big splash” thinking</p><p>(19:02) Collaboration, transparency, and the podcast industry’s unofficial code</p><p>(20:28) The future of podcast businesses and where Jeff sees opportunity</p><p><br></p><h3><strong>Guest Bio</strong></h3><p><strong>Jeff Umbro</strong> is the Founder and CEO of <strong>The Podglomerate</strong>, a creator-first podcast company producing, marketing, and monetizing shows for major publishers, media companies, and independent creators. His work has helped shape some of the industry’s most successful launches and long-running series, grounded in a philosophy of strategic partnership, thoughtful storytelling, and sustainable growth.</p><p><br></p><h3>Connect with Jeff</h3><p>LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffumbro/</p><p>Podglomerate WebsiteL https://podglomerate.com/</p><br><p><br></p><h3><strong>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz…</strong></h3><blockquote>“If it’s not something you’re proud of, nobody else will be proud of it either.”</blockquote><blockquote>“You can’t fake growth. Consistency and community are what get you there.”</blockquote><blockquote>“There’s always another shift coming in this industry, and that’s part of the fun.”</blockquote><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>The Magic of Podcast Growth with Arielle Nissenblatt</title>
			<itunes:title>The Magic of Podcast Growth with Arielle Nissenblatt</itunes:title>
			<pubDate>Mon, 10 Nov 2025 11:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<itunes:duration>40:03</itunes:duration>
			<enclosure url="https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/e/690f40837728b8766c110294/media.mp3" length="19226976" type="audio/mpeg"/>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">690f40837728b8766c110294</guid>
			<itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
			<link>https://shows.acast.com/podbiz-arielle-niseenblatt</link>
			<acast:episodeId>690f40837728b8766c110294</acast:episodeId>
			<acast:showId>68343e1669c98f151d8f0020</acast:showId>
			<acast:episodeUrl>arielleniss</acast:episodeUrl>
			<acast:settings><![CDATA[FYjHyZbXWHZ7gmX8Pp1rmbKbhgrQiwYShz70Q9/ffXZMTtedvdcRQbP4eiLMjXzCKLPjEYLpGj+NMVKa+5C8pL4u/EOj1Vw4h5MMJYp0lCcFAe0fnxBJy/1ju4Qxy1fh8gO4DvlGA40yms2g0/hOkcrfHIopjTygHFqGwwOPKFIai4SuTvs86Lx3UYCyl6ZsSyyWS3sPisdKAZQX03fZ1wBIP98TrrdNJkX3d8hjtubGRyaLlgRuJBmTCWx3mod8Kfu9J2FDKzcYK6HumK8cvF4T5PurTZBKEJTBVcifwc3LrIUie0jYCzUJUwjZksy9]]></acast:settings>
			<itunes:subtitle>How niche creators, consistent storytelling, and a little bit of hustle keep the podcast industry thriving.</itunes:subtitle>
			<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
			<itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
			<itunes:episode>20</itunes:episode>
			<itunes:image href="https://assets.pippa.io/shows/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/1762794812494-137ff7e2-c8c2-488a-8532-a66e16141232.jpeg"/>
			<description><![CDATA[<p><strong>What does sustainable growth in podcasting look like when the industry keeps changing?</strong></p><br><p><strong>In this episode of </strong><em>PodBiz</em>, <strong>Norma Jean Belenky</strong> talks with <strong>Arielle Nissenblatt</strong>, Director of Community and Content at Pinwheel and founder of <em>EarBuds Podcast Collective</em>.</p><p>Arielle shares how creators can grow without chasing trends and why podcasting’s true value lies in connection, not scale. She explains how independent podcasters turn listener trust into real business opportunities through clarity, outreach, and knowing exactly who they serve.</p><br><p>As Arielle puts it:</p><blockquote>“You are a creator who has figured out a niche. You speak specifically to a group, you understand their wants and their needs, and you actually have a direct line to them..  whether it's through a Facebook group, a monthly Zoom, or Patreon. If you know how to reach those people and can then translate what they need to a potential advertiser, you can make money.”</blockquote><p><br></p><p>Arielle also talks about the connection that keeps podcasting unique:</p><blockquote>“Podcasting is still magical because of the connection it creates. You can’t replicate that feeling in a YouTube video or on social media. It’s a voice in your ear, and that intimacy builds trust faster than any metric ever could.”</blockquote><p><br></p><p><strong>In this episode:</strong></p><ul><li>Why niche shows often outperform broad ones in revenue</li><li>How to turn audience connection into brand partnerships</li><li>What outbound pitching really looks like for creators</li><li>Why consistency and authenticity beat algorithmic reach</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Guest Bio:</strong></p><p><strong>Arielle Nissenblatt</strong> is the Head of Community and Content at <strong>Pinwheel</strong>, cohost of <em>Sounds Profitable: The Download</em>, and founder of <em>EarBuds Podcast Collective.</em> Known for her community-driven approach, Arielle is one of the podcast industry’s most trusted voices on sustainable growth and audience connection.</p><p><strong>Connect with Arielle:</strong></p><p><strong> LinkedIn: </strong>https://www.linkedin.com/in/arielle-nissenblatt</p><p><strong> Instagram: </strong>https://www.instagram.com/arithisandthat</p><p><strong> EarBuds Podcast Collective: </strong>earbudspodcastcollective.org</p><p><br></p><h3><strong>Episode Chapters</strong></h3><p>(00:00) The niche and the hustle</p><p>(01:07) Knowing your audience</p><p>(03:22) Turning community into opportunity</p><p>(06:45) Outbound relationship building</p><p>(09:31) Why podcasting is still magic</p><p>(12:05) Measuring success beyond metrics</p><p>(14:48) The future of creator collaboration</p><p><br></p><h3><strong>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz</strong></h3><blockquote>“If you can translate what your audience needs to a potential advertiser, you can make money.”</blockquote><blockquote>“Podcasting is still one of the few spaces where creators build trust without chasing algorithms.”</blockquote><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
			<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<p><strong>What does sustainable growth in podcasting look like when the industry keeps changing?</strong></p><br><p><strong>In this episode of </strong><em>PodBiz</em>, <strong>Norma Jean Belenky</strong> talks with <strong>Arielle Nissenblatt</strong>, Director of Community and Content at Pinwheel and founder of <em>EarBuds Podcast Collective</em>.</p><p>Arielle shares how creators can grow without chasing trends and why podcasting’s true value lies in connection, not scale. She explains how independent podcasters turn listener trust into real business opportunities through clarity, outreach, and knowing exactly who they serve.</p><br><p>As Arielle puts it:</p><blockquote>“You are a creator who has figured out a niche. You speak specifically to a group, you understand their wants and their needs, and you actually have a direct line to them..  whether it's through a Facebook group, a monthly Zoom, or Patreon. If you know how to reach those people and can then translate what they need to a potential advertiser, you can make money.”</blockquote><p><br></p><p>Arielle also talks about the connection that keeps podcasting unique:</p><blockquote>“Podcasting is still magical because of the connection it creates. You can’t replicate that feeling in a YouTube video or on social media. It’s a voice in your ear, and that intimacy builds trust faster than any metric ever could.”</blockquote><p><br></p><p><strong>In this episode:</strong></p><ul><li>Why niche shows often outperform broad ones in revenue</li><li>How to turn audience connection into brand partnerships</li><li>What outbound pitching really looks like for creators</li><li>Why consistency and authenticity beat algorithmic reach</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Guest Bio:</strong></p><p><strong>Arielle Nissenblatt</strong> is the Head of Community and Content at <strong>Pinwheel</strong>, cohost of <em>Sounds Profitable: The Download</em>, and founder of <em>EarBuds Podcast Collective.</em> Known for her community-driven approach, Arielle is one of the podcast industry’s most trusted voices on sustainable growth and audience connection.</p><p><strong>Connect with Arielle:</strong></p><p><strong> LinkedIn: </strong>https://www.linkedin.com/in/arielle-nissenblatt</p><p><strong> Instagram: </strong>https://www.instagram.com/arithisandthat</p><p><strong> EarBuds Podcast Collective: </strong>earbudspodcastcollective.org</p><p><br></p><h3><strong>Episode Chapters</strong></h3><p>(00:00) The niche and the hustle</p><p>(01:07) Knowing your audience</p><p>(03:22) Turning community into opportunity</p><p>(06:45) Outbound relationship building</p><p>(09:31) Why podcasting is still magic</p><p>(12:05) Measuring success beyond metrics</p><p>(14:48) The future of creator collaboration</p><p><br></p><h3><strong>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz</strong></h3><blockquote>“If you can translate what your audience needs to a potential advertiser, you can make money.”</blockquote><blockquote>“Podcasting is still one of the few spaces where creators build trust without chasing algorithms.”</blockquote><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>The Legal Side of Podcasting with Gordon Firemark</title>
			<itunes:title>The Legal Side of Podcasting with Gordon Firemark</itunes:title>
			<pubDate>Mon, 03 Nov 2025 05:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<itunes:duration>22:15</itunes:duration>
			<enclosure url="https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/e/6903729f95ee8b1815f5e034/media.mp3" length="10681800" type="audio/mpeg"/>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">6903729f95ee8b1815f5e034</guid>
			<itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
			<link>https://shows.acast.com/podbiz-legal-podcasting-gordon-firemark</link>
			<acast:episodeId>6903729f95ee8b1815f5e034</acast:episodeId>
			<acast:showId>68343e1669c98f151d8f0020</acast:showId>
			<acast:episodeUrl>gordon-firemark</acast:episodeUrl>
			<acast:settings><![CDATA[FYjHyZbXWHZ7gmX8Pp1rmbKbhgrQiwYShz70Q9/ffXZMTtedvdcRQbP4eiLMjXzCKLPjEYLpGj+NMVKa+5C8pL4u/EOj1Vw4h5MMJYp0lCcFAe0fnxBJy/1ju4Qxy1fh8gO4DvlGA40yms2g0/hOkcrfHIopjTygHFqGwwOPKFIai4SuTvs86Lx3UYCyl6ZsSyyWS3sPisdKAZQX03fZ1wBIP98TrrdNJkX3d8hjtuZhfmqeswPP6EiYwCsRYIO4UnVQGAcQgNYLsEsWEgu3Ru6qUtyW1pahk2JvkwPxl+9EJX3rqcaUMBPzYedU8xfZ]]></acast:settings>
			<itunes:subtitle>How to protect your podcast, your partnerships, and your profits with the Podcast Lawyer himself.</itunes:subtitle>
			<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
			<itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
			<itunes:episode>19</itunes:episode>
			<itunes:image href="https://assets.pippa.io/shows/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/1761833629570-1309f531-9b46-4472-b159-69c69a6ea976.jpeg"/>
			<description><![CDATA[<h3><strong>How legally protected is your podcast?</strong></h3><p><br></p><p><strong>In this episode of </strong><em>PodBiz</em>, <strong>Norma Jean Belenky</strong> and <strong>John Kiernan</strong> speak with <strong>Gordon Firemark</strong>, entertainment and media attorney known as <em>The Podcast Lawyer™.</em> Gordon shares how podcasters can protect their work, structure their businesses, and avoid the mistakes that cost creators time and money.</p><br><p>He explains why “fair use” isn’t a safety net, why every show needs clear contracts, and how creators can think strategically about the business side of podcasting.</p><br><p>As Gordon puts it:</p><blockquote>“You don’t want to walk up to a vending machine that says haircuts $1 and stick your head in the hole. Maybe you get a decent haircut, maybe you lose an ear. That’s what happens when you take a shortcut on something that actually matters.”</blockquote><p><br></p><h3>Here are a few key takeaways from this episode:</h3><ul><li>The top legal pitfalls podcasters overlook</li><li>Why fair use doesn’t mean what most think</li><li>How contracts protect co-hosts, guests, and editors</li><li>When and why to form an LLC for your podcast</li><li>Why ownership agreements matter for brands and collaborations</li><li>The future of podcast discovery and YouTube’s legal implications</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Guest Bio:</strong></p><p><strong>Gordon Firemark</strong>, The Podcast Lawyer™, is an entertainment and media lawyer, podcaster, and educator known as <em>The Podcast Lawyer™.</em> He helps creators and companies protect their IP, contracts, and business structures. Gordon is the author of <em>The Podcast, Blog, and New Media Producer’s Legal Survival Guide</em> and host of <em>Entertainment Law Update</em> and <em>Legit Podcast Pro.</em></p><br><p><strong>Connect with Gordon Firemark:</strong></p><p><strong>Website: </strong><a href="https://gordonfiremark.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://gordonfiremark.com</a></p><p><strong>LinkedIn: </strong><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordonfiremark" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordonfiremark</a></p><br><p><br></p><p><br></p><h3><br></h3><h3><strong>Episode Chapters</strong></h3><p>(00:30) The $1 Haircut Analogy</p><p>(01:05) Welcome to PodBiz</p><p>(02:19) Where’s the Money in Podcasting?</p><p>(03:03) From Theater to Media Law</p><p>(05:27) Why Podcasting Isn’t Radio</p><p>(08:25) Making Legal Education Accessible</p><p>(09:11) Templates, Courses, and the DIY Legal Toolkit</p><p>(10:12) The $1 Haircut Rule</p><p>(12:08) Treating Your Podcast as a Business</p><p>(14:22) Top Three Legal Mistakes Podcasters Make</p><p>(16:46) StoryBrand and Making the Client the Hero</p><p>(18:36) Quality Over Quantity</p><p>(18:52) The Future of Podcast Discovery</p><p>(21:14) Audio First, Video Smart</p><p>(22:10) Closing Takeaways</p><br><p><br></p><br><p><br></p><h3><strong>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz...</strong></h3><blockquote>“Getting people to pay you is great, but getting to keep the money they pay you is even better. If you don’t have contracts and clear ownership, you’re one disagreement away from losing it.”</blockquote><blockquote>“Fair use isn’t a shield you can hide behind. The best way to stay safe is to get permission or make it yourself.”</blockquote><blockquote>“Every podcast creates intellectual property. The sooner you treat it like a business, the more control you keep.”</blockquote><blockquote>“Good audio, clear intent, and understanding your rights matter more than a perfect studio setup.”</blockquote><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
			<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<h3><strong>How legally protected is your podcast?</strong></h3><p><br></p><p><strong>In this episode of </strong><em>PodBiz</em>, <strong>Norma Jean Belenky</strong> and <strong>John Kiernan</strong> speak with <strong>Gordon Firemark</strong>, entertainment and media attorney known as <em>The Podcast Lawyer™.</em> Gordon shares how podcasters can protect their work, structure their businesses, and avoid the mistakes that cost creators time and money.</p><br><p>He explains why “fair use” isn’t a safety net, why every show needs clear contracts, and how creators can think strategically about the business side of podcasting.</p><br><p>As Gordon puts it:</p><blockquote>“You don’t want to walk up to a vending machine that says haircuts $1 and stick your head in the hole. Maybe you get a decent haircut, maybe you lose an ear. That’s what happens when you take a shortcut on something that actually matters.”</blockquote><p><br></p><h3>Here are a few key takeaways from this episode:</h3><ul><li>The top legal pitfalls podcasters overlook</li><li>Why fair use doesn’t mean what most think</li><li>How contracts protect co-hosts, guests, and editors</li><li>When and why to form an LLC for your podcast</li><li>Why ownership agreements matter for brands and collaborations</li><li>The future of podcast discovery and YouTube’s legal implications</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Guest Bio:</strong></p><p><strong>Gordon Firemark</strong>, The Podcast Lawyer™, is an entertainment and media lawyer, podcaster, and educator known as <em>The Podcast Lawyer™.</em> He helps creators and companies protect their IP, contracts, and business structures. Gordon is the author of <em>The Podcast, Blog, and New Media Producer’s Legal Survival Guide</em> and host of <em>Entertainment Law Update</em> and <em>Legit Podcast Pro.</em></p><br><p><strong>Connect with Gordon Firemark:</strong></p><p><strong>Website: </strong><a href="https://gordonfiremark.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://gordonfiremark.com</a></p><p><strong>LinkedIn: </strong><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordonfiremark" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordonfiremark</a></p><br><p><br></p><p><br></p><h3><br></h3><h3><strong>Episode Chapters</strong></h3><p>(00:30) The $1 Haircut Analogy</p><p>(01:05) Welcome to PodBiz</p><p>(02:19) Where’s the Money in Podcasting?</p><p>(03:03) From Theater to Media Law</p><p>(05:27) Why Podcasting Isn’t Radio</p><p>(08:25) Making Legal Education Accessible</p><p>(09:11) Templates, Courses, and the DIY Legal Toolkit</p><p>(10:12) The $1 Haircut Rule</p><p>(12:08) Treating Your Podcast as a Business</p><p>(14:22) Top Three Legal Mistakes Podcasters Make</p><p>(16:46) StoryBrand and Making the Client the Hero</p><p>(18:36) Quality Over Quantity</p><p>(18:52) The Future of Podcast Discovery</p><p>(21:14) Audio First, Video Smart</p><p>(22:10) Closing Takeaways</p><br><p><br></p><br><p><br></p><h3><strong>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz...</strong></h3><blockquote>“Getting people to pay you is great, but getting to keep the money they pay you is even better. If you don’t have contracts and clear ownership, you’re one disagreement away from losing it.”</blockquote><blockquote>“Fair use isn’t a shield you can hide behind. The best way to stay safe is to get permission or make it yourself.”</blockquote><blockquote>“Every podcast creates intellectual property. The sooner you treat it like a business, the more control you keep.”</blockquote><blockquote>“Good audio, clear intent, and understanding your rights matter more than a perfect studio setup.”</blockquote><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>Measuring ROI and Brand Lift on Branded Podcasts with Stevie Manns</title>
			<itunes:title>Measuring ROI and Brand Lift on Branded Podcasts with Stevie Manns</itunes:title>
			<pubDate>Mon, 27 Oct 2025 05:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<itunes:duration>24:49</itunes:duration>
			<enclosure url="https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/e/68fe8f47deee754a72b19864/media.mp3" length="11916452" type="audio/mpeg"/>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">68fe8f47deee754a72b19864</guid>
			<itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
			<link>https://shows.acast.com/podbiz-stevie-manns</link>
			<acast:episodeId>68fe8f47deee754a72b19864</acast:episodeId>
			<acast:showId>68343e1669c98f151d8f0020</acast:showId>
			<acast:episodeUrl>measuring-roi-and-brand-lift-with-branded-podcasts-with-stev</acast:episodeUrl>
			<acast:settings><![CDATA[FYjHyZbXWHZ7gmX8Pp1rmbKbhgrQiwYShz70Q9/ffXZMTtedvdcRQbP4eiLMjXzCKLPjEYLpGj+NMVKa+5C8pL4u/EOj1Vw4h5MMJYp0lCcFAe0fnxBJy/1ju4Qxy1fh8gO4DvlGA40yms2g0/hOkcrfHIopjTygHFqGwwOPKFIai4SuTvs86Lx3UYCyl6ZsSyyWS3sPisdKAZQX03fZ1wBIP98TrrdNJkX3d8hjtualW6zWH5g068p3WJYigJUa1EKXKS1XNp12vpq0dkaiXFC80GF7lIU7ZAXnq8SnsbYlL6m3DeBHtx6JcHRe1DDg]]></acast:settings>
			<itunes:subtitle>How working for a brand can be the most strategic move in podcasting</itunes:subtitle>
			<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
			<itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
			<itunes:episode>18</itunes:episode>
			<itunes:image href="https://assets.pippa.io/shows/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/1761512647675-3bd2d905-75f7-48f2-9d41-bfa2facf11c6.jpeg"/>
			<description><![CDATA[<h3>Can working for a brand truly be where the money is in podcasting, and what metrics prove the ROI?</h3><p><br></p><p>In this episode of PodBiz, Norma Jean Belenky speaks with Stevie Manns, a producer with a background in both finance and media who currently works on the branded podcast The Bid for BlackRock. Stevie shares their journey of realizing a passion for podcast production and strategy during the pandemic and how they now apply their over a decade and a half of industry experience to help brands achieve significant return on investment and exposure.</p><br><p>As Stevie puts it:</p><blockquote>"The podcast that you’re listening to at the end of the day is the tip of the iceberg ,5,%.. and 95% of it is what you don’t see below the surface".</blockquote><p><br></p><h3>Here are some insightful moments within the episode</h3><p>• Why working for a brand remains one of the most reliable income paths in podcasting</p><p> • How branded podcasts drive ROI through brand lift, thought leadership, and audience trust</p><p> • What metrics actually matter, from subscriber growth to consumption rate</p><p> • Why a 75 percent completion rate is “really, really good” for a branded show</p><p> • How Stevie’s transition from finance to production led to purpose-driven work</p><p> • The importance of caring deeply about your subject matter, even in complex topics</p><p> • Why understanding your limitations and collaborating with experts builds stronger shows</p><p> • How creative brand storytelling is evolving and why now is the time for bold ideas</p><br><p><strong>Stevie Manns</strong> (they/them) is a producer currently working with BlackRock on their podcast, The Bid. They have a long professional background in finance and a creative background in music and radio, which they combined to pivot into podcast production and strategy. Stevie also works on independent projects, including the Star Trek podcast Set Phasers.</p><br><p>Learn more about Stevie's work at <a href="http://steviemanns.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://steviemanns.com</a> </p><p><br></p><h3><strong>Episode Chapters</strong></h3><p>(00:00) Where is the money in podcasting?</p><p>(01:01) The value and ROI of a branded podcast</p><p>(03:16) The halo effect and brand lift</p><p>(04:50) Podcasts as “top of funnel” thought leadership</p><p>(05:38) ROI as a function of content need, subscribers, and consumption rate</p><p>(06:49) Defining a high consumption rate for brands</p><p>(07:22) Stevie’s unconventional path into podcasting</p><p>(09:56) The existential COVID question and realizing a passion for production</p><p>(11:43) Combining finance experience with production passion</p><p>(12:01) Independent projects, including work with a Ukrainian journalist</p><p>(14:25) The key mindset: caring about the subject matter and telling a story</p><p>(15:38) What people may not know about the producer’s role</p><p>(17:49) Advice for creators: knowing your limitations and not trying to do it all</p><p>(19:14) Thoughts on regrets and the future career path</p><p>(20:52) Excitement for industry growth, new listeners, and brand creativity</p><p>(22:57) Examples of creative brand podcasting</p><h3><br></h3><h3>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz…</h3><blockquote>“I do think there is a lot of money in working for a brand, whether it’s a corporate or whatever, but I really think that’s where it is”</blockquote><blockquote>“76% of them prioritize like thought leadership as what their podcasts will provide for you to eventually kind of think over time”</blockquote><blockquote>“You should be looking for a need and you should be filling that need.”</blockquote><blockquote>“I have a passion for the subject matter in general and trying to find a way to tell that story.”</blockquote><blockquote>“The secret to great audience development and to making a great show is labor.”</blockquote><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
			<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<h3>Can working for a brand truly be where the money is in podcasting, and what metrics prove the ROI?</h3><p><br></p><p>In this episode of PodBiz, Norma Jean Belenky speaks with Stevie Manns, a producer with a background in both finance and media who currently works on the branded podcast The Bid for BlackRock. Stevie shares their journey of realizing a passion for podcast production and strategy during the pandemic and how they now apply their over a decade and a half of industry experience to help brands achieve significant return on investment and exposure.</p><br><p>As Stevie puts it:</p><blockquote>"The podcast that you’re listening to at the end of the day is the tip of the iceberg ,5,%.. and 95% of it is what you don’t see below the surface".</blockquote><p><br></p><h3>Here are some insightful moments within the episode</h3><p>• Why working for a brand remains one of the most reliable income paths in podcasting</p><p> • How branded podcasts drive ROI through brand lift, thought leadership, and audience trust</p><p> • What metrics actually matter, from subscriber growth to consumption rate</p><p> • Why a 75 percent completion rate is “really, really good” for a branded show</p><p> • How Stevie’s transition from finance to production led to purpose-driven work</p><p> • The importance of caring deeply about your subject matter, even in complex topics</p><p> • Why understanding your limitations and collaborating with experts builds stronger shows</p><p> • How creative brand storytelling is evolving and why now is the time for bold ideas</p><br><p><strong>Stevie Manns</strong> (they/them) is a producer currently working with BlackRock on their podcast, The Bid. They have a long professional background in finance and a creative background in music and radio, which they combined to pivot into podcast production and strategy. Stevie also works on independent projects, including the Star Trek podcast Set Phasers.</p><br><p>Learn more about Stevie's work at <a href="http://steviemanns.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://steviemanns.com</a> </p><p><br></p><h3><strong>Episode Chapters</strong></h3><p>(00:00) Where is the money in podcasting?</p><p>(01:01) The value and ROI of a branded podcast</p><p>(03:16) The halo effect and brand lift</p><p>(04:50) Podcasts as “top of funnel” thought leadership</p><p>(05:38) ROI as a function of content need, subscribers, and consumption rate</p><p>(06:49) Defining a high consumption rate for brands</p><p>(07:22) Stevie’s unconventional path into podcasting</p><p>(09:56) The existential COVID question and realizing a passion for production</p><p>(11:43) Combining finance experience with production passion</p><p>(12:01) Independent projects, including work with a Ukrainian journalist</p><p>(14:25) The key mindset: caring about the subject matter and telling a story</p><p>(15:38) What people may not know about the producer’s role</p><p>(17:49) Advice for creators: knowing your limitations and not trying to do it all</p><p>(19:14) Thoughts on regrets and the future career path</p><p>(20:52) Excitement for industry growth, new listeners, and brand creativity</p><p>(22:57) Examples of creative brand podcasting</p><h3><br></h3><h3>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz…</h3><blockquote>“I do think there is a lot of money in working for a brand, whether it’s a corporate or whatever, but I really think that’s where it is”</blockquote><blockquote>“76% of them prioritize like thought leadership as what their podcasts will provide for you to eventually kind of think over time”</blockquote><blockquote>“You should be looking for a need and you should be filling that need.”</blockquote><blockquote>“I have a passion for the subject matter in general and trying to find a way to tell that story.”</blockquote><blockquote>“The secret to great audience development and to making a great show is labor.”</blockquote><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>Hot Takes on Money In Podcasting, Ad Tech, and Community with Dane Cardiel of Good Tape</title>
			<itunes:title>Hot Takes on Money In Podcasting, Ad Tech, and Community with Dane Cardiel of Good Tape</itunes:title>
			<pubDate>Mon, 20 Oct 2025 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<itunes:duration>46:50</itunes:duration>
			<enclosure url="https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/e/68f5aa39e2cf93c3143dd20a/media.mp3" length="22482251" type="audio/mpeg"/>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">68f5aa39e2cf93c3143dd20a</guid>
			<itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
			<link>https://shows.acast.com/podbiz-good-tape-dane-cardiel</link>
			<acast:episodeId>68f5aa39e2cf93c3143dd20a</acast:episodeId>
			<acast:showId>68343e1669c98f151d8f0020</acast:showId>
			<acast:episodeUrl>hot-takes-on-money-in-podcasting-ad-tech-and-community-with</acast:episodeUrl>
			<acast:settings><![CDATA[FYjHyZbXWHZ7gmX8Pp1rmbKbhgrQiwYShz70Q9/ffXZMTtedvdcRQbP4eiLMjXzCKLPjEYLpGj+NMVKa+5C8pL4u/EOj1Vw4h5MMJYp0lCcFAe0fnxBJy/1ju4Qxy1fh8gO4DvlGA40yms2g0/hOkcrfHIopjTygHFqGwwOPKFIai4SuTvs86Lx3UYCyl6ZsSyyWS3sPisdKAZQX03fZ1wBIP98TrrdNJkX3d8hjtubgaOUAI6zvL2r8Hjhm4+JCTpg3fRjbr3S55/P2CAsQQR5KxQ6MVZ2ezjNDWYjkbZk1fpv/lcToY4DyhHTHemaE]]></acast:settings>
			<itunes:subtitle>How community, creativity, and data collide in the future of podcast monetization.</itunes:subtitle>
			<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
			<itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
			<itunes:episode>17</itunes:episode>
			<itunes:image href="https://assets.pippa.io/shows/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/1760929837335-205273b5-3cf4-4cbf-842c-a5324a4927b1.jpeg"/>
			<description><![CDATA[<p><strong>Where's the best place to make money in podcasting in 2025?</strong></p><br><p>In this episode of PodBiz, Norma Jean Belenky speaks with <strong>Dane Cardiel</strong>, Founder and Publisher of Good Tape, about the business, culture, and ethics of the podcasting industry. Dane shares his "two answers" to the question of where the money is, the crucial role of community, and his journey from being the first non-CTO employee at Simplecast to launching a physical print magazine dedicated to the craft of audio.</p><br><p>As he puts it:</p><blockquote> “Podcasting... really is one of the only mediums a talent can actually have ownership over and really control their voice, their distribution, their monetization, sort of the full stack that other mediums really don't have any access to.”</blockquote><p><br></p><p>Here are some insightful moments within the episode:</p><p>• Where Dane Cardiel believes the money is in podcasting—with a hot take and a deep dive into community-building.</p><p>• The "Autonomous" and "Participatory" community quadrants where financial success is located.</p><p>• The ethics and responsibility of the podcast medium, which allows talent to control their voice, distribution, and monetization.</p><p>• Dane's journey from being the first non-CTO employee at Simplecast to a VP role in ad tech.</p><p>• The one key mistake Dane observed in ad sales: the widespread lack of audience surveys.</p><p>• Why Good Tape, a physical magazine, was created to elevate cultural coverage and shift the industry to be more active in the broader "creator economy."</p><br><p>Dane Cardiel is the Founder and Publisher of Good Tape, an independent print magazine and creative studio dedicated to the craft and culture of podcasting. He previously held leadership positions at several podcast companies, including serving as VP of Creator Partnerships at Gumball and being an early employee at Simplecast.</p><br><p>Connect with Dane on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danecardiel/</p><br><p>Check out Dane's write up, Cashing In On Podcast Communities: <a href="https://offtherecrd.substack.com/p/cashing-in-on-podcast-communities" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://offtherecrd.substack.com/p/cashing-in-on-podcast-communities</a></p><br><p>Episode Chapters</p><p>(00:00) The tea is hot</p><p>(01:07) Welcome to Podbiz &amp; Introducing Dane Cardiel</p><p>(01:37) Where is the money in podcasting?</p><p>(02:18) The second answer: Community</p><p>(03:09) Dane's community chart and quadrants</p><p>(04:58) Discussing Good Tape and Dane's advocacy</p><p>(08:29) Podcasting as a double-edged sword and medium ownership</p><p>(11:07) "We're going to grow old together" and shared values in the industry &nbsp;</p><p>(16:40) Dane's career trajectory: Simplecast &nbsp;</p><p>(18:46) Selling air: the enterprise side of Simplecast &nbsp;</p><p>(21:51) Transition to ad tech: Headgum and Gumball &nbsp;</p><p>(23:38) What podcast categories sell in ad tech &nbsp;</p><p>(25:41) The biggest learning in ad sales: the lack of audience surveys &nbsp;</p><p>(30:42) The Good Tape journey &nbsp;</p><p>(35:12) Key moves and mindset: producers and 'business-leaning' talent &nbsp;</p><p>(37:00) The difficulties in the industry (layoffs, competition) &nbsp;</p><p>(39:03) The future of audio-only and community &nbsp;</p><p>(45:16) If starting over, what Dane would do differently &nbsp;</p><p>(45:36) What Dane is most excited about: Creator Economy</p><br><p>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz…</p><blockquote>“The ability to influence that ability to oscillate that that shared equilibrium of values like, to a center that I feel more comfortable with... that feels like it's within my control.”</blockquote><blockquote>“We have to be in this like new entertainment space and be a contributor to that conversation, not just a passive recipient of it.”</blockquote><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
			<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<p><strong>Where's the best place to make money in podcasting in 2025?</strong></p><br><p>In this episode of PodBiz, Norma Jean Belenky speaks with <strong>Dane Cardiel</strong>, Founder and Publisher of Good Tape, about the business, culture, and ethics of the podcasting industry. Dane shares his "two answers" to the question of where the money is, the crucial role of community, and his journey from being the first non-CTO employee at Simplecast to launching a physical print magazine dedicated to the craft of audio.</p><br><p>As he puts it:</p><blockquote> “Podcasting... really is one of the only mediums a talent can actually have ownership over and really control their voice, their distribution, their monetization, sort of the full stack that other mediums really don't have any access to.”</blockquote><p><br></p><p>Here are some insightful moments within the episode:</p><p>• Where Dane Cardiel believes the money is in podcasting—with a hot take and a deep dive into community-building.</p><p>• The "Autonomous" and "Participatory" community quadrants where financial success is located.</p><p>• The ethics and responsibility of the podcast medium, which allows talent to control their voice, distribution, and monetization.</p><p>• Dane's journey from being the first non-CTO employee at Simplecast to a VP role in ad tech.</p><p>• The one key mistake Dane observed in ad sales: the widespread lack of audience surveys.</p><p>• Why Good Tape, a physical magazine, was created to elevate cultural coverage and shift the industry to be more active in the broader "creator economy."</p><br><p>Dane Cardiel is the Founder and Publisher of Good Tape, an independent print magazine and creative studio dedicated to the craft and culture of podcasting. He previously held leadership positions at several podcast companies, including serving as VP of Creator Partnerships at Gumball and being an early employee at Simplecast.</p><br><p>Connect with Dane on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danecardiel/</p><br><p>Check out Dane's write up, Cashing In On Podcast Communities: <a href="https://offtherecrd.substack.com/p/cashing-in-on-podcast-communities" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://offtherecrd.substack.com/p/cashing-in-on-podcast-communities</a></p><br><p>Episode Chapters</p><p>(00:00) The tea is hot</p><p>(01:07) Welcome to Podbiz &amp; Introducing Dane Cardiel</p><p>(01:37) Where is the money in podcasting?</p><p>(02:18) The second answer: Community</p><p>(03:09) Dane's community chart and quadrants</p><p>(04:58) Discussing Good Tape and Dane's advocacy</p><p>(08:29) Podcasting as a double-edged sword and medium ownership</p><p>(11:07) "We're going to grow old together" and shared values in the industry &nbsp;</p><p>(16:40) Dane's career trajectory: Simplecast &nbsp;</p><p>(18:46) Selling air: the enterprise side of Simplecast &nbsp;</p><p>(21:51) Transition to ad tech: Headgum and Gumball &nbsp;</p><p>(23:38) What podcast categories sell in ad tech &nbsp;</p><p>(25:41) The biggest learning in ad sales: the lack of audience surveys &nbsp;</p><p>(30:42) The Good Tape journey &nbsp;</p><p>(35:12) Key moves and mindset: producers and 'business-leaning' talent &nbsp;</p><p>(37:00) The difficulties in the industry (layoffs, competition) &nbsp;</p><p>(39:03) The future of audio-only and community &nbsp;</p><p>(45:16) If starting over, what Dane would do differently &nbsp;</p><p>(45:36) What Dane is most excited about: Creator Economy</p><br><p>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz…</p><blockquote>“The ability to influence that ability to oscillate that that shared equilibrium of values like, to a center that I feel more comfortable with... that feels like it's within my control.”</blockquote><blockquote>“We have to be in this like new entertainment space and be a contributor to that conversation, not just a passive recipient of it.”</blockquote><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>The Real Business of Podcast Marketing with Randi P’Pool</title>
			<itunes:title>The Real Business of Podcast Marketing with Randi P’Pool</itunes:title>
			<pubDate>Mon, 13 Oct 2025 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<itunes:duration>24:38</itunes:duration>
			<enclosure url="https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/e/68e93c01f513ad2b81285c7a/media.mp3" length="11829307" type="audio/mpeg"/>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">68e93c01f513ad2b81285c7a</guid>
			<itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
			<link>https://shows.acast.com/podbiz-ppoolmedia-randi-ppool</link>
			<acast:episodeId>68e93c01f513ad2b81285c7a</acast:episodeId>
			<acast:showId>68343e1669c98f151d8f0020</acast:showId>
			<acast:episodeUrl>randippoolpodcastmarketing</acast:episodeUrl>
			<acast:settings><![CDATA[FYjHyZbXWHZ7gmX8Pp1rmbKbhgrQiwYShz70Q9/ffXZMTtedvdcRQbP4eiLMjXzCKLPjEYLpGj+NMVKa+5C8pL4u/EOj1Vw4h5MMJYp0lCcFAe0fnxBJy/1ju4Qxy1fh8gO4DvlGA40yms2g0/hOkcrfHIopjTygHFqGwwOPKFIai4SuTvs86Lx3UYCyl6ZsSyyWS3sPisdKAZQX03fZ1wBIP98TrrdNJkX3d8hjtuaYaW3JBc15lxXVGz3mmn2PKS28aCVoaY/lopGrWTL4dzV9guGGMPawRF8S/YUcGVYyShUv8jXdKSo+EM5CoTWM]]></acast:settings>
			<itunes:subtitle>How Randi P’Pool built a modern media agency that adapts, scales, and stays human.</itunes:subtitle>
			<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
			<itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
			<itunes:episode>16</itunes:episode>
			<itunes:image href="https://assets.pippa.io/shows/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/1760115709964-d9e8eeba-eafa-4d62-af22-c86704411889.jpeg"/>
			<description><![CDATA[<h3>What does it really take to build a business that lasts in podcasting?</h3><p><br></p><p>In this episode of <em>PodBiz</em>, Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan talk with <strong>Randi P’Pool</strong>, Founder and CEO of <strong>P’Pool Media</strong>, about the realities of leading a modern media agency — from scaling teams and navigating client departures to redefining what creative success actually looks like.  Randi shares lessons from two decades in broadcast and marketing and the shift from corporate structures to the agility of podcasting. It’s a candid look at leadership, adaptation, and what happens when you build a business that reflects the people behind it.</p><br><p><strong>As she puts it:</strong></p><blockquote>“You have to learn to pivot. If something isn’t working, stop trying to force it to look like success.”</blockquote><h3><br></h3><h3>Here are some insightful moments within the episode:</h3><p><br></p><p>• Why adaptability is the key to long-term success in podcast marketing</p><p>• How to recover when a major client leaves — and what it teaches you about leadership</p><p>• Why authenticity and consistency still outperform “corporate buzzword speak”</p><p>• The shift from broadcast culture to agile, creator-led podcasting</p><p>• How fractional teams and partnerships can scale creative businesses</p><p>• The emotional side of entrepreneurship and protecting your confidence</p><p>• What the future of podcast marketing looks like for agencies and creators alike</p><br><p><strong>Randi P’Pool</strong> is the Founder and CEO of <strong>P’Pool Media</strong>, a full-service marketing agency working with B2B and B2C podcast companies. With over twenty years of experience in media, she helps creators, networks, and brands build marketing strategies that connect, convert, and sustain. Randi’s work bridges traditional broadcast expertise with the adaptability of today’s podcast industry, emphasizing creative integrity and measurable results.</p><br><p>Connect with Randi on LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/randi-p-pool-75872520/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/randi-p-pool-75872520/</a></p><p><br></p><h3><br></h3><h3>Episode Chapters</h3><p>(00:00) Opening | Defining the real business of podcast marketing</p><p>(02:14) From corporate broadcasting to entrepreneurship | Randi’s leap into ownership</p><p>(06:42) Strategy over spin | Finding the right message for the right audience</p><p>(09:22) Authenticity in content | Why “busy buzzword speak” doesn’t work</p><p>(10:02) Leadership lessons | Building and managing a business that scales</p><p>(17:53) Fractional teams | How integration keeps clients growing</p><p>(19:51) The never-off entrepreneur | Boundaries and balance in creative work</p><p>(20:43) Learning from loss | Navigating client departures with perspective</p><p>(23:13) The future of podcast marketing | Why evolution keeps it exciting</p><h3><br></h3><h3>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz…</h3><blockquote>“It’s devastating not only to your ego but financially when a client leaves. You have to learn to take those in stride.”</blockquote><blockquote>“People are going to say no. Knowing that things happen at the right time has been the biggest mindset shift.”</blockquote><blockquote>“I’m a Leo and I like to be my own boss.”</blockquote><blockquote>“You have to learn to pivot. If something isn’t working, stop trying to force it to look like success.”</blockquote><blockquote>“Look at the stage. We’re all friends. That’s the best part of this industry.”</blockquote><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
			<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<h3>What does it really take to build a business that lasts in podcasting?</h3><p><br></p><p>In this episode of <em>PodBiz</em>, Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan talk with <strong>Randi P’Pool</strong>, Founder and CEO of <strong>P’Pool Media</strong>, about the realities of leading a modern media agency — from scaling teams and navigating client departures to redefining what creative success actually looks like.  Randi shares lessons from two decades in broadcast and marketing and the shift from corporate structures to the agility of podcasting. It’s a candid look at leadership, adaptation, and what happens when you build a business that reflects the people behind it.</p><br><p><strong>As she puts it:</strong></p><blockquote>“You have to learn to pivot. If something isn’t working, stop trying to force it to look like success.”</blockquote><h3><br></h3><h3>Here are some insightful moments within the episode:</h3><p><br></p><p>• Why adaptability is the key to long-term success in podcast marketing</p><p>• How to recover when a major client leaves — and what it teaches you about leadership</p><p>• Why authenticity and consistency still outperform “corporate buzzword speak”</p><p>• The shift from broadcast culture to agile, creator-led podcasting</p><p>• How fractional teams and partnerships can scale creative businesses</p><p>• The emotional side of entrepreneurship and protecting your confidence</p><p>• What the future of podcast marketing looks like for agencies and creators alike</p><br><p><strong>Randi P’Pool</strong> is the Founder and CEO of <strong>P’Pool Media</strong>, a full-service marketing agency working with B2B and B2C podcast companies. With over twenty years of experience in media, she helps creators, networks, and brands build marketing strategies that connect, convert, and sustain. Randi’s work bridges traditional broadcast expertise with the adaptability of today’s podcast industry, emphasizing creative integrity and measurable results.</p><br><p>Connect with Randi on LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/randi-p-pool-75872520/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/randi-p-pool-75872520/</a></p><p><br></p><h3><br></h3><h3>Episode Chapters</h3><p>(00:00) Opening | Defining the real business of podcast marketing</p><p>(02:14) From corporate broadcasting to entrepreneurship | Randi’s leap into ownership</p><p>(06:42) Strategy over spin | Finding the right message for the right audience</p><p>(09:22) Authenticity in content | Why “busy buzzword speak” doesn’t work</p><p>(10:02) Leadership lessons | Building and managing a business that scales</p><p>(17:53) Fractional teams | How integration keeps clients growing</p><p>(19:51) The never-off entrepreneur | Boundaries and balance in creative work</p><p>(20:43) Learning from loss | Navigating client departures with perspective</p><p>(23:13) The future of podcast marketing | Why evolution keeps it exciting</p><h3><br></h3><h3>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz…</h3><blockquote>“It’s devastating not only to your ego but financially when a client leaves. You have to learn to take those in stride.”</blockquote><blockquote>“People are going to say no. Knowing that things happen at the right time has been the biggest mindset shift.”</blockquote><blockquote>“I’m a Leo and I like to be my own boss.”</blockquote><blockquote>“You have to learn to pivot. If something isn’t working, stop trying to force it to look like success.”</blockquote><blockquote>“Look at the stage. We’re all friends. That’s the best part of this industry.”</blockquote><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>Monetizing Every Angle: Jack Levy’s Playbook for Sustainable Podcasting</title>
			<itunes:title>Monetizing Every Angle: Jack Levy’s Playbook for Sustainable Podcasting</itunes:title>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Oct 2025 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<itunes:duration>48:11</itunes:duration>
			<enclosure url="https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/e/68d6d76b2552b72c2013b185/media.mp3" length="23130506" type="audio/mpeg"/>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">68d6d76b2552b72c2013b185</guid>
			<itunes:explicit>true</itunes:explicit>
			<link>https://shows.acast.com/podbiz-table-read-jack-levy</link>
			<acast:episodeId>68d6d76b2552b72c2013b185</acast:episodeId>
			<acast:showId>68343e1669c98f151d8f0020</acast:showId>
			<acast:episodeUrl>jack-levy</acast:episodeUrl>
			<acast:settings><![CDATA[FYjHyZbXWHZ7gmX8Pp1rmbKbhgrQiwYShz70Q9/ffXZMTtedvdcRQbP4eiLMjXzCKLPjEYLpGj+NMVKa+5C8pL4u/EOj1Vw4h5MMJYp0lCcFAe0fnxBJy/1ju4Qxy1fh8gO4DvlGA40yms2g0/hOkcrfHIopjTygHFqGwwOPKFIai4SuTvs86Lx3UYCyl6ZsSyyWS3sPisdKAZQX03fZ1wBIP98TrrdNJkX3d8hjtuZurJlNPZNBRvC5TKjgtqVCtosgVEqcFI7sCG6RwaxSKfF/GR32lMNumP2rUG8ynXHIqIFeHByscd3eZeSYy84m]]></acast:settings>
			<itunes:subtitle>How Table Read transformed community, partnerships, and storytelling into a profitable model for podcasters</itunes:subtitle>
			<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
			<itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
			<itunes:episode>15</itunes:episode>
			<itunes:image href="https://assets.pippa.io/shows/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/1758910313237-c58ef9b4-2cdb-4dac-9fb6-3ce190977935.jpeg"/>
			<description><![CDATA[<p>How do you build a podcast that earns from every direction while keeping its creative core intact?</p><p>In this episode of <em>PodBiz</em>, Norma Jean Belenky speaks with <strong>Jack Levy</strong>, Creator, Producer, Director, Entrepreneur and Co-Founder &amp; COO of Manifest Media Productions and creator of <em>Table Read</em>, the scripted series that brought Hollywood’s table-read tradition to podcasting. Jack shares how he turned creativity, collaboration, and business acumen into what he calls a “360 monetization” model that keeps storytelling at the center.</p><br><p><strong>As he puts it:</strong></p><blockquote>“Money in podcasts is like a goddamn Easter egg hunt when you’re three. Everyone’s chasing the biggest egg, but if you’re paying attention, you’ll fill your basket with smaller ones that are worth even more.”</blockquote><h3><br></h3><h3>Here are some insightful moments within the episode</h3><p>• What 360 monetization really means for creators and producers</p><p> • How <em>Table Read</em> turned community and collaboration into revenue</p><p> • Why partnerships and product alignment can be more valuable than ads</p><p> • How fiction and storytelling remain untapped business opportunities</p><p> • The importance of patience, quality, and purpose in building a brand</p><p> • What Jack wishes every independent podcaster understood about growth</p><br><p><strong>Jack Levy</strong> is the Co-Founder of Manifest Media Productions and the creator of <em>Table Read</em>, a scripted podcast that transforms Hollywood’s creative process into audio storytelling. With a background in film and production, Jack’s work bridges creative culture with sustainable business practices, helping creators turn great stories into profitable ventures.</p><p>Connect with Jack on IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0506446/&nbsp;</p><p>LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacklevyanefx/ </p><p>The Table Read Podcast Website: https://www.tablereadpodcast.com/ </p><p>Listen to The Table Read Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grg-the-pod/id1809713147?i=1000710066981</p><p><br></p><h3>Episode Chapters</h3><p>(00:00) Opening | Defining the 360-degree view of monetization</p><p>(02:19) Table Read | How the concept started and found its audience</p><p>(06:42) Building a business | Early partnerships and first wins</p><p>(10:33) Collaboration | Why aligned partners matter more than ad spend</p><p>(14:51) Storytelling and sustainability | Keeping creativity profitable</p><p>(19:03) Fiction podcasts | Why narrative formats are still wide open</p><p>(23:28) Audience growth | Building and maintaining a real community</p><p>(28:15) Easter eggs | What real monetization looks like in practice</p><p>(32:57) Lessons learned | Advice for new creators</p><p>(36:44) What’s next | The future of <em>Table Read</em> and Manifest Media</p><h3><br></h3><h3>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz…</h3><blockquote>“You can’t pay people to care. You have to make something they believe in.”</blockquote><blockquote>“I just decided to stop waiting for somebody else to fund the thing I wanted to make.”</blockquote><blockquote>“The whole point of podcasting for me is the freedom to create without waiting for permission.”</blockquote><p><br></p><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
			<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<p>How do you build a podcast that earns from every direction while keeping its creative core intact?</p><p>In this episode of <em>PodBiz</em>, Norma Jean Belenky speaks with <strong>Jack Levy</strong>, Creator, Producer, Director, Entrepreneur and Co-Founder &amp; COO of Manifest Media Productions and creator of <em>Table Read</em>, the scripted series that brought Hollywood’s table-read tradition to podcasting. Jack shares how he turned creativity, collaboration, and business acumen into what he calls a “360 monetization” model that keeps storytelling at the center.</p><br><p><strong>As he puts it:</strong></p><blockquote>“Money in podcasts is like a goddamn Easter egg hunt when you’re three. Everyone’s chasing the biggest egg, but if you’re paying attention, you’ll fill your basket with smaller ones that are worth even more.”</blockquote><h3><br></h3><h3>Here are some insightful moments within the episode</h3><p>• What 360 monetization really means for creators and producers</p><p> • How <em>Table Read</em> turned community and collaboration into revenue</p><p> • Why partnerships and product alignment can be more valuable than ads</p><p> • How fiction and storytelling remain untapped business opportunities</p><p> • The importance of patience, quality, and purpose in building a brand</p><p> • What Jack wishes every independent podcaster understood about growth</p><br><p><strong>Jack Levy</strong> is the Co-Founder of Manifest Media Productions and the creator of <em>Table Read</em>, a scripted podcast that transforms Hollywood’s creative process into audio storytelling. With a background in film and production, Jack’s work bridges creative culture with sustainable business practices, helping creators turn great stories into profitable ventures.</p><p>Connect with Jack on IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0506446/&nbsp;</p><p>LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacklevyanefx/ </p><p>The Table Read Podcast Website: https://www.tablereadpodcast.com/ </p><p>Listen to The Table Read Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grg-the-pod/id1809713147?i=1000710066981</p><p><br></p><h3>Episode Chapters</h3><p>(00:00) Opening | Defining the 360-degree view of monetization</p><p>(02:19) Table Read | How the concept started and found its audience</p><p>(06:42) Building a business | Early partnerships and first wins</p><p>(10:33) Collaboration | Why aligned partners matter more than ad spend</p><p>(14:51) Storytelling and sustainability | Keeping creativity profitable</p><p>(19:03) Fiction podcasts | Why narrative formats are still wide open</p><p>(23:28) Audience growth | Building and maintaining a real community</p><p>(28:15) Easter eggs | What real monetization looks like in practice</p><p>(32:57) Lessons learned | Advice for new creators</p><p>(36:44) What’s next | The future of <em>Table Read</em> and Manifest Media</p><h3><br></h3><h3>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz…</h3><blockquote>“You can’t pay people to care. You have to make something they believe in.”</blockquote><blockquote>“I just decided to stop waiting for somebody else to fund the thing I wanted to make.”</blockquote><blockquote>“The whole point of podcasting for me is the freedom to create without waiting for permission.”</blockquote><p><br></p><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>Why Storytelling is the Real Currency in Podcasting with Laura Joyce Davis</title>
			<itunes:title>Why Storytelling is the Real Currency in Podcasting with Laura Joyce Davis</itunes:title>
			<pubDate>Mon, 29 Sep 2025 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<itunes:duration>41:13</itunes:duration>
			<enclosure url="https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/e/68d59e0b099369ce428b5ebc/media.mp3" length="19792266" type="audio/mpeg"/>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">68d59e0b099369ce428b5ebc</guid>
			<itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
			<link>https://shows.acast.com/podbiz-narrative-podcasts-laura-joyce-davis</link>
			<acast:episodeId>68d59e0b099369ce428b5ebc</acast:episodeId>
			<acast:showId>68343e1669c98f151d8f0020</acast:showId>
			<acast:episodeUrl>laura-joyce-davis</acast:episodeUrl>
			<acast:settings><![CDATA[FYjHyZbXWHZ7gmX8Pp1rmbKbhgrQiwYShz70Q9/ffXZMTtedvdcRQbP4eiLMjXzCKLPjEYLpGj+NMVKa+5C8pL4u/EOj1Vw4h5MMJYp0lCcFAe0fnxBJy/1ju4Qxy1fh8gO4DvlGA40yms2g0/hOkcrfHIopjTygHFqGwwOPKFIai4SuTvs86Lx3UYCyl6ZsSyyWS3sPisdKAZQX03fZ1wBIP98TrrdNJkX3d8hjtubLdJtn1LdE/0bEKxQ9JmZYdKIu+a7QWB/3LN5A2sfnTwreD3GcrZH9vHCyJ/dBFCnzckBar3mZg+0ks3Rx80Ex]]></acast:settings>
			<itunes:subtitle>How Shelter in Place became a teaching tool, why narrative skills drive revenue, and what Laura Joyce Davis has learned about podcasting’s future.</itunes:subtitle>
			<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
			<itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
			<itunes:episode>14</itunes:episode>
			<itunes:image href="https://assets.pippa.io/shows/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/1758830083027-913b4dbc-cd6f-42fa-837c-88e9b6058dd9.jpeg"/>
			<description><![CDATA[<p><strong>Can storytelling really be the most valuable skill in podcasting- and in business?</strong></p><br><p>In this episode of PodBiz, Norma Jean Belenky speaks with Laura Joyce Davis, CEO of Narrative Podcasts and Managing Editor of the Stanford Storytelling Project, about the power of narrative podcasting. Laura shares how she went from launching <em>Shelter in Place</em> on the first day of lockdown to producing 200 episodes, founding a company, and now teaching podcasting at Stanford and Google.</p><br><p>As she puts it:</p><blockquote>“The magic happens in the revision process. That’s where professional growth, creative breakthroughs, and the best ideas live.”</blockquote><p><br></p><p>Here are some insightful moments within the episode:</p><ul><li>Why storytelling is the most valuable skill in podcasting</li><li>How <em>Shelter in Place</em> became both a lifeline and a launchpad</li><li>Why the revision process matters more than quick wins</li><li>The importance of separating ‘creator brain’ from ‘marketer brain’</li><li>Building an audience before launching a podcast</li><li>How AI can serve as a creative companion, not a replacement</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Laura Joyce Davis</strong> is the CEO of Narrative Podcasts and Managing Editor of the Stanford Storytelling Project. She created the award-winning <em>Shelter in Place</em>, has trained dozens of emerging podcasters, and now teaches storytelling at Stanford, Stanford Continuing Studies, and Google. She is also writing a forthcoming book on narrative podcasting.</p><p>Connect with Laura on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurajoycedavis/</p><p>Learn more at Narrative Podcasts: www.narrativepodcasts.com</p><p><br></p><h3><br></h3><h3>Episode Chapters</h3><p>00:00 – Storytelling as a vital skill</p><p>01:47 – Can you really make money in podcasting?</p><p>05:00 – How narrative podcasting builds life skills</p><p>07:28 – Shelter in Place: a pandemic project becomes a career</p><p>11:12 – Learning by doing: 200 episodes, zero training wheels</p><p>13:06 – Why revision is where the magic happens</p><p>17:52 – Building Narrative Podcasts to train new creators</p><p>22:12 – From burnout to Stanford</p><p>25:29 – The mindset shift that makes or breaks creators</p><p>29:08 – Creator brain vs. marketer brain</p><p>32:31 – The community power of podcasting</p><p>33:28 – If starting over, what Laura would do differently</p><p>37:31 – AI as a creative companion</p><p><br></p><h3><br></h3><h3>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz…</h3><blockquote>“Good work will always stand the test of time.”</blockquote><blockquote>“When you can turn research and interviews into a great story, that’s the skill that will bring money, profit, and success to you.”</blockquote><blockquote>“You don’t become an expert until you learn by doing — over and over again.”</blockquote><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
			<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<p><strong>Can storytelling really be the most valuable skill in podcasting- and in business?</strong></p><br><p>In this episode of PodBiz, Norma Jean Belenky speaks with Laura Joyce Davis, CEO of Narrative Podcasts and Managing Editor of the Stanford Storytelling Project, about the power of narrative podcasting. Laura shares how she went from launching <em>Shelter in Place</em> on the first day of lockdown to producing 200 episodes, founding a company, and now teaching podcasting at Stanford and Google.</p><br><p>As she puts it:</p><blockquote>“The magic happens in the revision process. That’s where professional growth, creative breakthroughs, and the best ideas live.”</blockquote><p><br></p><p>Here are some insightful moments within the episode:</p><ul><li>Why storytelling is the most valuable skill in podcasting</li><li>How <em>Shelter in Place</em> became both a lifeline and a launchpad</li><li>Why the revision process matters more than quick wins</li><li>The importance of separating ‘creator brain’ from ‘marketer brain’</li><li>Building an audience before launching a podcast</li><li>How AI can serve as a creative companion, not a replacement</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Laura Joyce Davis</strong> is the CEO of Narrative Podcasts and Managing Editor of the Stanford Storytelling Project. She created the award-winning <em>Shelter in Place</em>, has trained dozens of emerging podcasters, and now teaches storytelling at Stanford, Stanford Continuing Studies, and Google. She is also writing a forthcoming book on narrative podcasting.</p><p>Connect with Laura on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurajoycedavis/</p><p>Learn more at Narrative Podcasts: www.narrativepodcasts.com</p><p><br></p><h3><br></h3><h3>Episode Chapters</h3><p>00:00 – Storytelling as a vital skill</p><p>01:47 – Can you really make money in podcasting?</p><p>05:00 – How narrative podcasting builds life skills</p><p>07:28 – Shelter in Place: a pandemic project becomes a career</p><p>11:12 – Learning by doing: 200 episodes, zero training wheels</p><p>13:06 – Why revision is where the magic happens</p><p>17:52 – Building Narrative Podcasts to train new creators</p><p>22:12 – From burnout to Stanford</p><p>25:29 – The mindset shift that makes or breaks creators</p><p>29:08 – Creator brain vs. marketer brain</p><p>32:31 – The community power of podcasting</p><p>33:28 – If starting over, what Laura would do differently</p><p>37:31 – AI as a creative companion</p><p><br></p><h3><br></h3><h3>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz…</h3><blockquote>“Good work will always stand the test of time.”</blockquote><blockquote>“When you can turn research and interviews into a great story, that’s the skill that will bring money, profit, and success to you.”</blockquote><blockquote>“You don’t become an expert until you learn by doing — over and over again.”</blockquote><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>Pitching Podcasts That Get Noticed with Alice Florence Orr</title>
			<itunes:title>Pitching Podcasts That Get Noticed with Alice Florence Orr</itunes:title>
			<pubDate>Mon, 22 Sep 2025 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<itunes:duration>30:23</itunes:duration>
			<enclosure url="https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/e/68a0c71e8f8e6e846154aaba/media.mp3" length="14587629" type="audio/mpeg"/>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">68a0c71e8f8e6e846154aaba</guid>
			<itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
			<link>https://shows.acast.com/podbiz-pitching-your-podcast-alice-florence-orr</link>
			<acast:episodeId>68a0c71e8f8e6e846154aaba</acast:episodeId>
			<acast:showId>68343e1669c98f151d8f0020</acast:showId>
			<acast:episodeUrl>alice-orr</acast:episodeUrl>
			<acast:settings><![CDATA[FYjHyZbXWHZ7gmX8Pp1rmbKbhgrQiwYShz70Q9/ffXZMTtedvdcRQbP4eiLMjXzCKLPjEYLpGj+NMVKa+5C8pL4u/EOj1Vw4h5MMJYp0lCcFAe0fnxBJy/1ju4Qxy1fh8gO4DvlGA40yms2g0/hOkcrfHIopjTygHFqGwwOPKFIai4SuTvs86Lx3UYCyl6ZsSyyWS3sPisdKAZQX03fZ1wBIP98TrrdNJkX3d8hjtuaWPG+E1uqbVQUtqtzaMyvFsXHocGKELbQFEvy81/K50lXDX4yaLgtXiVTRawIwPZdE/3ft5TDzaRHgJcsJLUzw]]></acast:settings>
			<itunes:subtitle>How to pitch your podcast, avoid common PR mistakes, and reach new audiences with Alice Florence Orr of Podcast Review.</itunes:subtitle>
			<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
			<itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
			<itunes:episode>13</itunes:episode>
			<itunes:image href="https://assets.pippa.io/shows/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/1755367903465-c692bc98-f753-45bc-b8b0-5d5009642c4c.jpeg"/>
			<description><![CDATA[<h3>How do you pitch your podcast so it actually gets noticed?</h3><p><br></p><p>In this episode of PodBiz, Norma Jean Belenky speaks with <strong>Alice Florence Orr</strong>, Staff Writer and Managing Editor at <em>Podcast Review</em> and BBC Radio contributor, about the realities of podcast PR, pitching, and discoverability. Alice shares the common mistakes creators make when pitching their shows, how to think beyond “industry validation,” and why audio-only podcasts still have a unique space in the market.</p><br><p>As she puts it:</p><blockquote>“Most pitches fail because they don’t tell me why the podcast matters to an audience.”</blockquote><h3><br></h3><h3>Here are some insightful moments within the episode:</h3><ul><li>Why “selling IP” isn’t the only way to make money in podcasting</li><li>The pitfalls of podcast PR and what makes a pitch stand out</li><li>How independent creators can leverage ads, subscriptions, and branded partnerships</li><li>Why discoverability remains the industry’s biggest challenge</li><li>The future of audio-only podcasts in a video-saturated market</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Alice Florence Orr</strong> is the Managing Editor of <em>Podcast Review</em> and a BBC Radio contributor. Her work focuses on podcast criticism, media strategy, and discoverability, helping creators understand how to reach new audiences. She is also an active voice on LinkedIn, writing about podcasting, media, and culture.</p><br><p>🔗 Connect with Alice on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliceflorenceorr/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a></p><p>📖 Read her work on <a href="http://www.podcastreview.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Podcast Review</a></p><p><br></p><h3><br></h3><h3>Episode Chapters</h3><p>00:52 – The Money Question | Where Alice sees revenue opportunities</p><p>01:44 – Independent Podcasting | Models beyond the big network buyout</p><p>04:21 – Reviewing Genres | Why niches and listening habits matter</p><p>07:25 – Finding Your Audience | Reverse-engineering discoverability</p><p>09:02 – Pitching Mistakes | What not to do in press releases</p><p>13:19 – What Reviewers Need | How to make your podcast pitch stand out</p><p>17:17 – Discoverability Challenges | Why apps alone won’t get you found</p><p>23:38 – Getting Into Podcasting | Alice’s career journey and BBC contributions</p><p>27:34 – Looking Ahead | Why audio still matters in a video-first world</p><p><br></p><h3><br></h3><h3>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz...</h3><blockquote>“Just because… if you want to make a million dollars, you’ve got to sell your podcast. That doesn’t mean that’s the only way to have a career in this industry.”</blockquote><blockquote>“You can have a really successful podcast with only a few hundred dedicated listeners.”</blockquote><blockquote>“If it ain’t working and you don’t feel like it’s a fit, maybe you should just move on and try something else.”</blockquote><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
			<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<h3>How do you pitch your podcast so it actually gets noticed?</h3><p><br></p><p>In this episode of PodBiz, Norma Jean Belenky speaks with <strong>Alice Florence Orr</strong>, Staff Writer and Managing Editor at <em>Podcast Review</em> and BBC Radio contributor, about the realities of podcast PR, pitching, and discoverability. Alice shares the common mistakes creators make when pitching their shows, how to think beyond “industry validation,” and why audio-only podcasts still have a unique space in the market.</p><br><p>As she puts it:</p><blockquote>“Most pitches fail because they don’t tell me why the podcast matters to an audience.”</blockquote><h3><br></h3><h3>Here are some insightful moments within the episode:</h3><ul><li>Why “selling IP” isn’t the only way to make money in podcasting</li><li>The pitfalls of podcast PR and what makes a pitch stand out</li><li>How independent creators can leverage ads, subscriptions, and branded partnerships</li><li>Why discoverability remains the industry’s biggest challenge</li><li>The future of audio-only podcasts in a video-saturated market</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Alice Florence Orr</strong> is the Managing Editor of <em>Podcast Review</em> and a BBC Radio contributor. Her work focuses on podcast criticism, media strategy, and discoverability, helping creators understand how to reach new audiences. She is also an active voice on LinkedIn, writing about podcasting, media, and culture.</p><br><p>🔗 Connect with Alice on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliceflorenceorr/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a></p><p>📖 Read her work on <a href="http://www.podcastreview.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Podcast Review</a></p><p><br></p><h3><br></h3><h3>Episode Chapters</h3><p>00:52 – The Money Question | Where Alice sees revenue opportunities</p><p>01:44 – Independent Podcasting | Models beyond the big network buyout</p><p>04:21 – Reviewing Genres | Why niches and listening habits matter</p><p>07:25 – Finding Your Audience | Reverse-engineering discoverability</p><p>09:02 – Pitching Mistakes | What not to do in press releases</p><p>13:19 – What Reviewers Need | How to make your podcast pitch stand out</p><p>17:17 – Discoverability Challenges | Why apps alone won’t get you found</p><p>23:38 – Getting Into Podcasting | Alice’s career journey and BBC contributions</p><p>27:34 – Looking Ahead | Why audio still matters in a video-first world</p><p><br></p><h3><br></h3><h3>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz...</h3><blockquote>“Just because… if you want to make a million dollars, you’ve got to sell your podcast. That doesn’t mean that’s the only way to have a career in this industry.”</blockquote><blockquote>“You can have a really successful podcast with only a few hundred dedicated listeners.”</blockquote><blockquote>“If it ain’t working and you don’t feel like it’s a fit, maybe you should just move on and try something else.”</blockquote><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>When Independent Voices Shape an Industry: Remembering Todd Cochrane</title>
			<itunes:title>When Independent Voices Shape an Industry: Remembering Todd Cochrane</itunes:title>
			<pubDate>Mon, 15 Sep 2025 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<itunes:duration>40:24</itunes:duration>
			<enclosure url="https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/e/68c72ffd8b1c6a4828115e86/media.mp3" length="19398130" type="audio/mpeg"/>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">68c72ffd8b1c6a4828115e86</guid>
			<itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
			<link>https://shows.acast.com/podbiz-todd-cochrane</link>
			<acast:episodeId>68c72ffd8b1c6a4828115e86</acast:episodeId>
			<acast:showId>68343e1669c98f151d8f0020</acast:showId>
			<acast:episodeUrl>remembering-todd-cochrane</acast:episodeUrl>
			<acast:settings><![CDATA[FYjHyZbXWHZ7gmX8Pp1rmbKbhgrQiwYShz70Q9/ffXZMTtedvdcRQbP4eiLMjXzCKLPjEYLpGj+NMVKa+5C8pL4u/EOj1Vw4h5MMJYp0lCcFAe0fnxBJy/1ju4Qxy1fh8gO4DvlGA40yms2g0/hOkcrfHIopjTygHFqGwwOPKFIai4SuTvs86Lx3UYCyl6ZsSyyWS3sPisdKAZQX03fZ1wBIP98TrrdNJkX3d8hjtuaw2Z0LVhGBHNRlNZtbyZGnUpEpepSa/z+RRTPQEr6m9qGF9gmjnpheGHLTYRDXeAJwX+wFfXsQfyb9vtbHmD4Q]]></acast:settings>
			<itunes:subtitle>A conversation with the late Todd Cochrane on audience-first podcasting, monetization, and the future of independent creators.</itunes:subtitle>
			<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
			<itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
			<itunes:episode>12</itunes:episode>
			<itunes:image href="https://assets.pippa.io/shows/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/1757906924074-0a85f81d-85d8-4e62-8b01-2263b9d4c316.jpeg"/>
			<description><![CDATA[<h3><strong>What does it take to build podcasting from the ground up, and keep it independent?</strong></h3><p><br></p><p>In this episode of <em>PodBiz</em>, recorded before his unexpected passing last week, Todd Cochran, Founder &amp; CEO of Blubrry Podcasting, joined Norma Jean Belenky to share his perspective on the realities of monetization, the future of the industry, and why creators must first serve their audiences.</p><br><p>As James Cridland wrote in an <a href="https://podnews.net/article/todd-cochrane-obituary" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">obituary published in <em>Podnews</em></a>, “Todd Cochrane was a fierce proponent of open RSS and building your podcast on your own website… Ever willing to help progress the industry, Todd was always interested to learn and make friends with anyone in podcasting.” His words in this conversation are a reminder of just how much one person can shape an industry.</p><br><p>As he put it:</p><blockquote>“If you want to make money in this space, you have to first deliver value to your audience.”</blockquote><h3><br></h3><h3>Here are some insightful moments within the episode:</h3><ul><li>Why podcasters should build community before chasing ads</li><li>The download thresholds that really matter to advertisers (10K–50K)</li><li>Subscription models and listener support as alternative revenue streams</li><li>Why transparency and vulnerability create lasting trust</li><li>How independent voices and audio-first strategies continue to shape the industry</li></ul><h3><br></h3><p><strong>Todd Cochran</strong> was the Founder &amp; CEO of <a href="https://blubrry.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Blubrry Podcasting</a>, a pioneer in hosting and monetization. A Navy veteran, author of one of the first books on podcasting, and longtime host of <em>Geek News Central</em>, Todd helped establish podcasting as a professional medium. His leadership empowered countless independent podcasters to find their voice, their audience, and their sustainability.</p><br><p>We’re deeply grateful to have recorded this conversation with Todd, and we honor his legacy in podcasting.</p><p><br></p><h3>Episode Chapters</h3><p><strong>01:26 – Monetization Realities</strong> | Why most creators shouldn’t chase ads first</p><p><strong>04:22 – The Numbers That Matter</strong> | When agencies start paying attention</p><p><strong>07:32 – Beyond Ads</strong> | Subscriptions and listener support</p><p><strong>10:16 – Building Trust</strong> | Transparency, vulnerability, and audience connection</p><p><strong>13:46 – Early Days</strong> | Hosting, GoDaddy, and growing the ecosystem</p><p><strong>19:11 – Hitting Record</strong> | Why starting is the hardest—and most important—step</p><p><strong>24:27 – Practical Advice</strong> | “Record for your audience. Write for Google.”</p><p><strong>32:39 – From Niche to Mainstream</strong> | The growth of podcasting at scale</p><p><strong>36:16 – Future of Revenue</strong> | Ads, acquisitions, and industry shifts</p><p><strong>37:14 – Why Audio-First Still Wins</strong> | Todd’s advice for new podcasters</p><h2><br></h2><h3>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz…</h3><blockquote> “Record for your audience. Write for Google.”</blockquote><blockquote> “The reality is, unless you’re getting 10,000 to 50,000 downloads an episode, the agencies just aren’t going to pay attention.”</blockquote><blockquote> “It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being present.”</blockquote><blockquote> “Independent voices built podcasting, and they’re still the backbone of the industry today.”</blockquote><p><br></p><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
			<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<h3><strong>What does it take to build podcasting from the ground up, and keep it independent?</strong></h3><p><br></p><p>In this episode of <em>PodBiz</em>, recorded before his unexpected passing last week, Todd Cochran, Founder &amp; CEO of Blubrry Podcasting, joined Norma Jean Belenky to share his perspective on the realities of monetization, the future of the industry, and why creators must first serve their audiences.</p><br><p>As James Cridland wrote in an <a href="https://podnews.net/article/todd-cochrane-obituary" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">obituary published in <em>Podnews</em></a>, “Todd Cochrane was a fierce proponent of open RSS and building your podcast on your own website… Ever willing to help progress the industry, Todd was always interested to learn and make friends with anyone in podcasting.” His words in this conversation are a reminder of just how much one person can shape an industry.</p><br><p>As he put it:</p><blockquote>“If you want to make money in this space, you have to first deliver value to your audience.”</blockquote><h3><br></h3><h3>Here are some insightful moments within the episode:</h3><ul><li>Why podcasters should build community before chasing ads</li><li>The download thresholds that really matter to advertisers (10K–50K)</li><li>Subscription models and listener support as alternative revenue streams</li><li>Why transparency and vulnerability create lasting trust</li><li>How independent voices and audio-first strategies continue to shape the industry</li></ul><h3><br></h3><p><strong>Todd Cochran</strong> was the Founder &amp; CEO of <a href="https://blubrry.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Blubrry Podcasting</a>, a pioneer in hosting and monetization. A Navy veteran, author of one of the first books on podcasting, and longtime host of <em>Geek News Central</em>, Todd helped establish podcasting as a professional medium. His leadership empowered countless independent podcasters to find their voice, their audience, and their sustainability.</p><br><p>We’re deeply grateful to have recorded this conversation with Todd, and we honor his legacy in podcasting.</p><p><br></p><h3>Episode Chapters</h3><p><strong>01:26 – Monetization Realities</strong> | Why most creators shouldn’t chase ads first</p><p><strong>04:22 – The Numbers That Matter</strong> | When agencies start paying attention</p><p><strong>07:32 – Beyond Ads</strong> | Subscriptions and listener support</p><p><strong>10:16 – Building Trust</strong> | Transparency, vulnerability, and audience connection</p><p><strong>13:46 – Early Days</strong> | Hosting, GoDaddy, and growing the ecosystem</p><p><strong>19:11 – Hitting Record</strong> | Why starting is the hardest—and most important—step</p><p><strong>24:27 – Practical Advice</strong> | “Record for your audience. Write for Google.”</p><p><strong>32:39 – From Niche to Mainstream</strong> | The growth of podcasting at scale</p><p><strong>36:16 – Future of Revenue</strong> | Ads, acquisitions, and industry shifts</p><p><strong>37:14 – Why Audio-First Still Wins</strong> | Todd’s advice for new podcasters</p><h2><br></h2><h3>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz…</h3><blockquote> “Record for your audience. Write for Google.”</blockquote><blockquote> “The reality is, unless you’re getting 10,000 to 50,000 downloads an episode, the agencies just aren’t going to pay attention.”</blockquote><blockquote> “It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being present.”</blockquote><blockquote> “Independent voices built podcasting, and they’re still the backbone of the industry today.”</blockquote><p><br></p><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>From Downloads to Listeners: Dan Misener on New Ways to Measure Podcast Growth</title>
			<itunes:title>From Downloads to Listeners: Dan Misener on New Ways to Measure Podcast Growth</itunes:title>
			<pubDate>Mon, 08 Sep 2025 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<itunes:duration>30:30</itunes:duration>
			<enclosure url="https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/e/68a72be6352b565deb2be05d/media.mp3" length="14645516" type="audio/mpeg"/>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">68a72be6352b565deb2be05d</guid>
			<itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
			<link>https://shows.acast.com/podbiz/episodes/podcast-measurement-dan-misener</link>
			<acast:episodeId>68a72be6352b565deb2be05d</acast:episodeId>
			<acast:showId>68343e1669c98f151d8f0020</acast:showId>
			<acast:episodeUrl>podcast-measurement-dan-misener</acast:episodeUrl>
			<acast:settings><![CDATA[FYjHyZbXWHZ7gmX8Pp1rmbKbhgrQiwYShz70Q9/ffXZMTtedvdcRQbP4eiLMjXzCKLPjEYLpGj+NMVKa+5C8pL4u/EOj1Vw4h5MMJYp0lCcFAe0fnxBJy/1ju4Qxy1fh8gO4DvlGA40yms2g0/hOkcrfHIopjTygHFqGwwOPKFIai4SuTvs86Lx3UYCyl6ZsSyyWS3sPisdKAZQX03fZ1wBIP98TrrdNJkX3d8hjtubBBBdiAPVK6hFy7qZyfqY+rdYSNRuPEf11B+jsF/PalK8sexjztSZQ/PKxH1Rr7bfD3ANxl9cNen/7XNmf5RXr]]></acast:settings>
			<itunes:subtitle>Why brands, publishers, and creators need new metrics to define success in podcasting.</itunes:subtitle>
			<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
			<itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
			<itunes:episode>11</itunes:episode>
			<itunes:image href="https://assets.pippa.io/shows/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/1757264433248-edb6618a-38b9-4fa9-a46e-534866934068.jpeg"/>
			<description><![CDATA[<h3><strong>Are downloads still the right way to measure podcast success?</strong></h3><p><br></p><p>In this episode of <em>PodBiz</em>, Norma Jean Belenky speaks with <strong>Dan Misener, co-founder of Bumper</strong>, about why the download has lost its value as the industry’s currency and what new measures should define growth. Dan shares how brands like Ford and Shopify are rethinking ROI, what top-of-funnel really means for branded podcasts, and why audience clarity is the key to sustainable strategy.</p><br><p>As he puts it:</p><blockquote>“Why are we selling the number that’s declining? Why are we not selling the number that’s going up?”</blockquote><h3><br></h3><h3>Here are some insightful moments within the episode:</h3><ul><li>The limits of downloads as a measure of success</li><li>Verified listeners, time spent, and playback as stronger metrics</li><li>Why branded podcasts often win on top-of-funnel strategy</li><li>What Bumper has learned from working with companies like Ford and Shopify</li><li>How creators and publishers should define growth before chasing it</li></ul><h3><br></h3><h3><br></h3><p><strong>Dan Misener</strong> is the <strong>co-founder of Bumper</strong>, a podcast growth and strategy company. Previously head of audience development at Pacific Content, Dan has worked with brands including Ford, Shopify, Slack, and Dell on award-winning shows. With a background in public broadcasting at CBC, he has become one of podcasting’s most influential voices on measurement, growth, and the evolving value of audio.</p><p>Connect with Dan on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/danmisner" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>.</p><p>Learn more at wearebumper.com.</p><h3><br></h3><h3>Episode Chapters</h3><p><strong>01:15 – Where’s the Money?</strong> | How brands monetize podcasts directly and indirectly</p><p><strong>04:15 – Top of Funnel</strong> | What Shopify taught Dan about brand shows</p><p><strong>07:33 – Brand ROI</strong> | What Ford and the Met want from podcasting</p><p><strong>12:23 – The Death of the Download</strong> | Why it’s no longer the right yardstick</p><p><strong>16:47 – Verified Listeners &amp; Playback</strong> | Measuring people, not impressions</p><p><strong>20:26 – Audience Clarity</strong> | Why knowing who you serve drives growth</p><p><strong>24:23 – The Hidden Work</strong> | Why good podcasting looks effortless but isn’t</p><p><strong>27:54 – Redefining Growth</strong> | Asking the right questions before you scale</p><p><strong>28:46 – Looking Ahead</strong> | A new era of measurement and sustainability</p><h2><br></h2><h3>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz…</h3><blockquote>“The smartest teams we’re working with are actively working on de-risking their podcast businesses because the download number… I don’t think that’s coming back.”</blockquote><blockquote>“When podcasting works, it looks really easy. What people don’t see is the hundreds of decisions behind the scenes that make it successful.”</blockquote><blockquote>“The least successful shows we’ve worked with have tried to reach everybody.”</blockquote><blockquote>“Growth looks different to every single creator and brand out there. The key is clarity on what growth means for you.”</blockquote><blockquote>“I am excited by a renewed interest in the measures that matter: people, playback, and time spent.”</blockquote><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
			<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<h3><strong>Are downloads still the right way to measure podcast success?</strong></h3><p><br></p><p>In this episode of <em>PodBiz</em>, Norma Jean Belenky speaks with <strong>Dan Misener, co-founder of Bumper</strong>, about why the download has lost its value as the industry’s currency and what new measures should define growth. Dan shares how brands like Ford and Shopify are rethinking ROI, what top-of-funnel really means for branded podcasts, and why audience clarity is the key to sustainable strategy.</p><br><p>As he puts it:</p><blockquote>“Why are we selling the number that’s declining? Why are we not selling the number that’s going up?”</blockquote><h3><br></h3><h3>Here are some insightful moments within the episode:</h3><ul><li>The limits of downloads as a measure of success</li><li>Verified listeners, time spent, and playback as stronger metrics</li><li>Why branded podcasts often win on top-of-funnel strategy</li><li>What Bumper has learned from working with companies like Ford and Shopify</li><li>How creators and publishers should define growth before chasing it</li></ul><h3><br></h3><h3><br></h3><p><strong>Dan Misener</strong> is the <strong>co-founder of Bumper</strong>, a podcast growth and strategy company. Previously head of audience development at Pacific Content, Dan has worked with brands including Ford, Shopify, Slack, and Dell on award-winning shows. With a background in public broadcasting at CBC, he has become one of podcasting’s most influential voices on measurement, growth, and the evolving value of audio.</p><p>Connect with Dan on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/danmisner" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>.</p><p>Learn more at wearebumper.com.</p><h3><br></h3><h3>Episode Chapters</h3><p><strong>01:15 – Where’s the Money?</strong> | How brands monetize podcasts directly and indirectly</p><p><strong>04:15 – Top of Funnel</strong> | What Shopify taught Dan about brand shows</p><p><strong>07:33 – Brand ROI</strong> | What Ford and the Met want from podcasting</p><p><strong>12:23 – The Death of the Download</strong> | Why it’s no longer the right yardstick</p><p><strong>16:47 – Verified Listeners &amp; Playback</strong> | Measuring people, not impressions</p><p><strong>20:26 – Audience Clarity</strong> | Why knowing who you serve drives growth</p><p><strong>24:23 – The Hidden Work</strong> | Why good podcasting looks effortless but isn’t</p><p><strong>27:54 – Redefining Growth</strong> | Asking the right questions before you scale</p><p><strong>28:46 – Looking Ahead</strong> | A new era of measurement and sustainability</p><h2><br></h2><h3>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz…</h3><blockquote>“The smartest teams we’re working with are actively working on de-risking their podcast businesses because the download number… I don’t think that’s coming back.”</blockquote><blockquote>“When podcasting works, it looks really easy. What people don’t see is the hundreds of decisions behind the scenes that make it successful.”</blockquote><blockquote>“The least successful shows we’ve worked with have tried to reach everybody.”</blockquote><blockquote>“Growth looks different to every single creator and brand out there. The key is clarity on what growth means for you.”</blockquote><blockquote>“I am excited by a renewed interest in the measures that matter: people, playback, and time spent.”</blockquote><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>When Do Podcasts Become Businesses? Heather Osgood on the Realities of Ad Sales</title>
			<itunes:title>When Do Podcasts Become Businesses? Heather Osgood on the Realities of Ad Sales</itunes:title>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Sep 2025 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<itunes:duration>24:51</itunes:duration>
			<enclosure url="https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/e/68a0c9d4436325e278fb2e35/media.mp3" length="11929200" type="audio/mpeg"/>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">68a0c9d4436325e278fb2e35</guid>
			<itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
			<link>https://shows.acast.com/podbiz-heather-osgood-true-native</link>
			<acast:episodeId>68a0c9d4436325e278fb2e35</acast:episodeId>
			<acast:showId>68343e1669c98f151d8f0020</acast:showId>
			<acast:episodeUrl>heatherosgoodwhenpodcastsbecomebusinesses</acast:episodeUrl>
			<acast:settings><![CDATA[FYjHyZbXWHZ7gmX8Pp1rmbKbhgrQiwYShz70Q9/ffXZMTtedvdcRQbP4eiLMjXzCKLPjEYLpGj+NMVKa+5C8pL4u/EOj1Vw4h5MMJYp0lCcFAe0fnxBJy/1ju4Qxy1fh8gO4DvlGA40yms2g0/hOkcrfHIopjTygHFqGwwOPKFIai4SuTvs86Lx3UYCyl6ZsSyyWS3sPisdKAZQX03fZ1wBIP98TrrdNJkX3d8hjtub55iQ6S8U7vImSPKB2Jj+998OxUabyR1F26dr/cJMj84yVf1Gp4lGocJaEl9LOxnDqr5y3EMqF/vA376BuVFtN]]></acast:settings>
			<itunes:subtitle>Why download thresholds, host-read ads, and cross-platform influence define the next chapter for podcasters.</itunes:subtitle>
			<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
			<itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
			<itunes:episode>10</itunes:episode>
			<itunes:image href="https://assets.pippa.io/shows/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/1755367916258-1362c3d6-c146-49f7-a418-53695c98b1ce.jpeg"/>
			<description><![CDATA[<p><strong>At what point does a podcast become a business that advertisers want to invest in?</strong></p><br><p>In this episode of <em>PodBiz</em>, Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan sit down with <strong>Heather Osgood, founder of True Native Media and host of <em>The Podcast Advertising Playbook</em></strong>, to talk about what really matters in podcast monetization today.</p><br><p>Heather shares nearly a decade of experience connecting podcasters and advertisers, from the realities of download thresholds to how long it takes to close a brand deal, to why host-read ads remain central even as programmatic grows.</p><br><p>As she puts it:</p><blockquote>“Most people prefer the host-read ad. You’re going to have a better result with a host-read ad. But when we can sprinkle in the programmatic as well, it really helps round out a whole monetization strategy.”</blockquote><h3><br></h3><h3><strong>Here are some insightful moments from the episode:</strong></h3><ul><li>Why podcasters need to start thinking of themselves as <em>content creators</em> across platforms</li><li>The ongoing strength of host-read ads and where programmatic fits in</li><li>What 5K, 25K, and 100K monthly downloads really mean in ad sales</li><li>How long it can actually take to secure brand dollars (hint: it’s not overnight)</li><li>Why technology and easier buying paths are the next frontier for podcast ads</li></ul><h3><br></h3><p><strong>Heather Osgood</strong> is the founder of <strong>True Native Media</strong>, a podcast representation agency specializing in podcast advertising. With a background in radio sales and a love for podcasting, Heather has become an influential voice in the space. She’s a frequent speaker at events like Podcast Movement and PodFest, and she hosts the podcast, <em>The Podcast Advertising Playbook</em>, where she educates creators and advertisers alike on how to make podcast ads work. When she’s not connecting brands and shows, she’s hiking or spending time with her family at the beach.</p><p>Connect with Heather on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherosgood?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>.</p><p>Learn more at <a href="truenativemedia.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">truenativemedia.com</a>.</p><br><p><br></p><h3>Episode Chapters</h3><p><strong>01:29 – Where’s the Money?</strong> | Why advertising still drives podcast revenue</p><p><strong>03:21 – Podcasters or Content Creators?</strong> | Shifting how the industry thinks about influence</p><p><strong>04:58 – Host-Read vs. Programmatic</strong> | What listeners and advertisers actually prefer</p><p><strong>07:55 – Starting True Native Media</strong> | Heather’s journey from radio to podcast ad sales</p><p><strong>14:13 – Brand Dollars Take Time</strong> | Why long sales cycles are part of the process</p><p><strong>19:07 – Download Thresholds</strong> | 5K, 25–50K, and 100K monthly downloads explained</p><p><strong>21:33 – Lessons Learned</strong> | Why Heather wishes she’d built tech sooner</p><p><strong>23:41 – Looking Ahead</strong> | Podcasters as influencers and the next stage for ad buys</p><br><p><br></p><h2>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz…</h2><blockquote>“If I start calling on Toyota today, I’ll be lucky if I get them to place ads on your show next year.”</blockquote><blockquote>“If you want individualized representation, I would aim for more like 25 to 50 thousand downloads per month.”</blockquote><blockquote>“I’ve stopped referring to our podcasters as podcasters and started referring to them as content creators.”</blockquote><blockquote>“If I could go back, I would start the technology side of our company sooner.”</blockquote><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
			<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<p><strong>At what point does a podcast become a business that advertisers want to invest in?</strong></p><br><p>In this episode of <em>PodBiz</em>, Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan sit down with <strong>Heather Osgood, founder of True Native Media and host of <em>The Podcast Advertising Playbook</em></strong>, to talk about what really matters in podcast monetization today.</p><br><p>Heather shares nearly a decade of experience connecting podcasters and advertisers, from the realities of download thresholds to how long it takes to close a brand deal, to why host-read ads remain central even as programmatic grows.</p><br><p>As she puts it:</p><blockquote>“Most people prefer the host-read ad. You’re going to have a better result with a host-read ad. But when we can sprinkle in the programmatic as well, it really helps round out a whole monetization strategy.”</blockquote><h3><br></h3><h3><strong>Here are some insightful moments from the episode:</strong></h3><ul><li>Why podcasters need to start thinking of themselves as <em>content creators</em> across platforms</li><li>The ongoing strength of host-read ads and where programmatic fits in</li><li>What 5K, 25K, and 100K monthly downloads really mean in ad sales</li><li>How long it can actually take to secure brand dollars (hint: it’s not overnight)</li><li>Why technology and easier buying paths are the next frontier for podcast ads</li></ul><h3><br></h3><p><strong>Heather Osgood</strong> is the founder of <strong>True Native Media</strong>, a podcast representation agency specializing in podcast advertising. With a background in radio sales and a love for podcasting, Heather has become an influential voice in the space. She’s a frequent speaker at events like Podcast Movement and PodFest, and she hosts the podcast, <em>The Podcast Advertising Playbook</em>, where she educates creators and advertisers alike on how to make podcast ads work. When she’s not connecting brands and shows, she’s hiking or spending time with her family at the beach.</p><p>Connect with Heather on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherosgood?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>.</p><p>Learn more at <a href="truenativemedia.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">truenativemedia.com</a>.</p><br><p><br></p><h3>Episode Chapters</h3><p><strong>01:29 – Where’s the Money?</strong> | Why advertising still drives podcast revenue</p><p><strong>03:21 – Podcasters or Content Creators?</strong> | Shifting how the industry thinks about influence</p><p><strong>04:58 – Host-Read vs. Programmatic</strong> | What listeners and advertisers actually prefer</p><p><strong>07:55 – Starting True Native Media</strong> | Heather’s journey from radio to podcast ad sales</p><p><strong>14:13 – Brand Dollars Take Time</strong> | Why long sales cycles are part of the process</p><p><strong>19:07 – Download Thresholds</strong> | 5K, 25–50K, and 100K monthly downloads explained</p><p><strong>21:33 – Lessons Learned</strong> | Why Heather wishes she’d built tech sooner</p><p><strong>23:41 – Looking Ahead</strong> | Podcasters as influencers and the next stage for ad buys</p><br><p><br></p><h2>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz…</h2><blockquote>“If I start calling on Toyota today, I’ll be lucky if I get them to place ads on your show next year.”</blockquote><blockquote>“If you want individualized representation, I would aim for more like 25 to 50 thousand downloads per month.”</blockquote><blockquote>“I’ve stopped referring to our podcasters as podcasters and started referring to them as content creators.”</blockquote><blockquote>“If I could go back, I would start the technology side of our company sooner.”</blockquote><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>Fair Pay in Podcasting: Erin McGregor on AIR’s 2025 Rate Guide and Building Sustainable Careers</title>
			<itunes:title>Fair Pay in Podcasting: Erin McGregor on AIR’s 2025 Rate Guide and Building Sustainable Careers</itunes:title>
			<pubDate>Mon, 25 Aug 2025 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<itunes:duration>33:04</itunes:duration>
			<enclosure url="https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/e/689617d3c6d7c56cda90cfd5/media.mp3" length="15875570" type="audio/mpeg"/>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">689617d3c6d7c56cda90cfd5</guid>
			<itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
			<link>https://shows.acast.com/podbiz/episodes/erin-mcgregor-air-fair-pay</link>
			<acast:episodeId>689617d3c6d7c56cda90cfd5</acast:episodeId>
			<acast:showId>68343e1669c98f151d8f0020</acast:showId>
			<acast:episodeUrl>erin-mcgregor-air-fair-pay</acast:episodeUrl>
			<acast:settings><![CDATA[FYjHyZbXWHZ7gmX8Pp1rmbKbhgrQiwYShz70Q9/ffXZMTtedvdcRQbP4eiLMjXzCKLPjEYLpGj+NMVKa+5C8pL4u/EOj1Vw4h5MMJYp0lCcFAe0fnxBJy/1ju4Qxy1fh8gO4DvlGA40yms2g0/hOkcrfHIopjTygHFqGwwOPKFIai4SuTvs86Lx3UYCyl6ZsSyyWS3sPisdKAZQX03fZ1wBIP98TrrdNJkX3d8hjtubFqIppQiNJVgG69YWOZE2w8M8A4n51CqD67wA6lZbRXfo0K1NtrwdXgzUru+Jc0hjxv/pg1Qm1NdvZbD05aOgC]]></acast:settings>
			<itunes:subtitle>How the Association of Independents in Radio is setting industry standards, advocating for freelancers, and helping podcast professionals grow through pay transparency, mentorship, and community.</itunes:subtitle>
			<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
			<itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
			<itunes:episode>9</itunes:episode>
			<itunes:image href="https://assets.pippa.io/shows/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/1754667045800-26a43899-befa-43ba-bf39-bdfeb72c52aa.jpeg"/>
			<description><![CDATA[<p><strong>How can pay transparency change the podcast industry for the better?</strong></p><br><p>In this episode of PodBiz, Norma Jean Belenky speaks with Erin McGregor, Program Manager at the Association of Independents in Radio (AIR), about the newly released 2025 AIR Rate Guide and why setting industry standards matters for freelancers and hiring managers alike. Erin shares insights on building sustainable careers, the role of mentorship, and how community is often the most valuable investment independent audio professionals can make.</p><br><p>As she puts it:</p><blockquote>“The year I stopped taking work below my bottom line, I broke six figures as an independent.”</blockquote><p><br></p><p><strong>Here are some insightful moments from the episode:</strong></p><ul><li>How AIR’s 2025 Rate Guide was built and why it’s a critical industry tool</li><li>The link to AIR's 2025 Rate Guide: <a href="https://airmedia.org/tools/2025-rate-guide" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://airmedia.org/tools/2025-rate-guide</a> </li><li>The most common reasons freelancers undercharge for their work</li><li>How community and peer networks can shape professional growth</li><li>The role of advocacy in protecting independent creators</li><li>Why mentorship can accelerate your career in audio</li><li>The future of audience engagement and live podcast events</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Erin McGregor</strong> is the Program Manager at AIR, where she oversees SoundPath, AIR’s training platform for the audio industry, and leads initiatives in pay transparency, mentorship, and professional development. A former freelancer and self-taught audio producer, Erin brings deep experience in community building and creator advocacy.</p><br><p><strong>Connect with Erin on LinkedIn</strong></p><p>Learn more at <a href="https://airmedia.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">AIR Media</a> and <a href="https://soundpath.co" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">SoundPath</a></p><br><p><br></p><h3><strong>Episode Chapters</strong></h3><p><strong>01:13 – About the Rate Guide</strong> | Why pay transparency matters</p><p><strong>06:04 – Common Underpayment Traps</strong> | Why freelancers earn less than the standard</p><p><strong>09:29 – AIR’s Role</strong> | Advocacy, opportunities, and resources</p><p><strong>12:33 – The Water Cooler Effect</strong> | Building safe spaces for freelancers</p><p><strong>16:48 – Erin’s Career Journey</strong> | From freelancer to AIR leadership</p><p><strong>23:36 – Thinking Like a Business</strong> | Setting a bottom line</p><p><strong>25:43 – Underused Resources</strong> | How AIR supports independents</p><p><strong>26:59 – Mentorship Marketplace</strong> | Getting guidance when you need it</p><p><strong>31:02 – What’s Next</strong> | Audience engagement and live events</p><br><p><br></p><h3><strong>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz...</strong></h3><blockquote>“Freelancers need to think like a business.”</blockquote><blockquote>“All interns should get paid—no exceptions.”</blockquote><blockquote>“Community is often the number one thing people renew their membership for.”</blockquote><blockquote>“Pay transparency benefits everyone on all sides of the industry.”</blockquote><blockquote>“Mentorship can accelerate your career by years.”</blockquote><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
			<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<p><strong>How can pay transparency change the podcast industry for the better?</strong></p><br><p>In this episode of PodBiz, Norma Jean Belenky speaks with Erin McGregor, Program Manager at the Association of Independents in Radio (AIR), about the newly released 2025 AIR Rate Guide and why setting industry standards matters for freelancers and hiring managers alike. Erin shares insights on building sustainable careers, the role of mentorship, and how community is often the most valuable investment independent audio professionals can make.</p><br><p>As she puts it:</p><blockquote>“The year I stopped taking work below my bottom line, I broke six figures as an independent.”</blockquote><p><br></p><p><strong>Here are some insightful moments from the episode:</strong></p><ul><li>How AIR’s 2025 Rate Guide was built and why it’s a critical industry tool</li><li>The link to AIR's 2025 Rate Guide: <a href="https://airmedia.org/tools/2025-rate-guide" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://airmedia.org/tools/2025-rate-guide</a> </li><li>The most common reasons freelancers undercharge for their work</li><li>How community and peer networks can shape professional growth</li><li>The role of advocacy in protecting independent creators</li><li>Why mentorship can accelerate your career in audio</li><li>The future of audience engagement and live podcast events</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Erin McGregor</strong> is the Program Manager at AIR, where she oversees SoundPath, AIR’s training platform for the audio industry, and leads initiatives in pay transparency, mentorship, and professional development. A former freelancer and self-taught audio producer, Erin brings deep experience in community building and creator advocacy.</p><br><p><strong>Connect with Erin on LinkedIn</strong></p><p>Learn more at <a href="https://airmedia.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">AIR Media</a> and <a href="https://soundpath.co" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">SoundPath</a></p><br><p><br></p><h3><strong>Episode Chapters</strong></h3><p><strong>01:13 – About the Rate Guide</strong> | Why pay transparency matters</p><p><strong>06:04 – Common Underpayment Traps</strong> | Why freelancers earn less than the standard</p><p><strong>09:29 – AIR’s Role</strong> | Advocacy, opportunities, and resources</p><p><strong>12:33 – The Water Cooler Effect</strong> | Building safe spaces for freelancers</p><p><strong>16:48 – Erin’s Career Journey</strong> | From freelancer to AIR leadership</p><p><strong>23:36 – Thinking Like a Business</strong> | Setting a bottom line</p><p><strong>25:43 – Underused Resources</strong> | How AIR supports independents</p><p><strong>26:59 – Mentorship Marketplace</strong> | Getting guidance when you need it</p><p><strong>31:02 – What’s Next</strong> | Audience engagement and live events</p><br><p><br></p><h3><strong>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz...</strong></h3><blockquote>“Freelancers need to think like a business.”</blockquote><blockquote>“All interns should get paid—no exceptions.”</blockquote><blockquote>“Community is often the number one thing people renew their membership for.”</blockquote><blockquote>“Pay transparency benefits everyone on all sides of the industry.”</blockquote><blockquote>“Mentorship can accelerate your career by years.”</blockquote><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>Monetizing Political Podcasts at Scale with Giancarlo Bizzarro of Crooked Media</title>
			<itunes:title>Monetizing Political Podcasts at Scale with Giancarlo Bizzarro of Crooked Media</itunes:title>
			<pubDate>Mon, 18 Aug 2025 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<itunes:duration>42:28</itunes:duration>
			<enclosure url="https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/e/689f5451290bdec8f985b961/media.mp3" length="20386813" type="audio/mpeg"/>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">689f5451290bdec8f985b961</guid>
			<itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
			<link>https://shows.acast.com/podbiz/episodes/giancarlo-bizzarro-crooked-media</link>
			<acast:episodeId>689f5451290bdec8f985b961</acast:episodeId>
			<acast:showId>68343e1669c98f151d8f0020</acast:showId>
			<acast:episodeUrl>giancarlo-bizzarro-crooked-media</acast:episodeUrl>
			<acast:settings><![CDATA[FYjHyZbXWHZ7gmX8Pp1rmbKbhgrQiwYShz70Q9/ffXZMTtedvdcRQbP4eiLMjXzCKLPjEYLpGj+NMVKa+5C8pL4u/EOj1Vw4h5MMJYp0lCcFAe0fnxBJy/1ju4Qxy1fh8gO4DvlGA40yms2g0/hOkcrfHIopjTygHFqGwwOPKFIai4SuTvs86Lx3UYCyl6ZsSyyWS3sPisdKAZQX03fZ1wBIP98TrrdNJkX3d8hjtuZeYe5J0hSK01uKYV+HhJmJmGvSZ7FF6xfi40ziSQk12Uf4ZySzHPqb6PRcvu2tQsf1Q1mqgUbqGFVMkdLvOmlO]]></acast:settings>
			<itunes:subtitle>How sales, partnerships, and audience alignment fuel growth in mission-driven media</itunes:subtitle>
			<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
			<itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
			<itunes:episode>8</itunes:episode>
			<itunes:image href="https://assets.pippa.io/shows/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/1755272270419-28a6eb84-c094-424d-a0e8-fe4b27afac81.jpeg"/>
			<description><![CDATA[<p><strong>How do political and narrative podcasts carve out sustainable monetization strategies in today’s ad-driven industry?</strong></p><br><p>In this episode of PodBiz, Norma Jean Belenky speaks with <strong>Giancarlo Bizzarro, VP of Sales at Crooked Media</strong>, about how the company approaches podcast monetization in a shifting media landscape. From balancing content with ad sales to cultivating long-term client partnerships, Giancarlo breaks down the strategies that keep Crooked at the forefront of political and cultural podcasting.</p><br><p>As he puts it:</p><p>“Act as if you’re the client’s ad agency.”</p><br><p>Here are some insightful moments within the episode:</p><ul><li>Crooked Media’s current revenue mix: direct sales, programmatic, branded content, subscriptions, and video</li><li>How limited series and partnerships (<em>World Corrupt</em> with Men in Blazers) help “de-risk” new show launches</li><li>Why Giancarlo says “a baked-in ad is king” and how it compares with programmatic in today’s market</li><li>Real CPM benchmarks in podcasting today | From high teens to mid-twenties, and when higher pricing makes sense</li><li>Giancarlo’s career journey from the Obama campaign to Oxford Road, WME, Cadence13, and now Crooked Media</li><li>A sales philosophy built on acting as if you’re the client’s ad agency, not just a vendor</li><li>What’s next for Crooked Media: Crooked Con, video expansion, global growth, and delivering the best audience and advertiser experience</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Giancarlo Bizzarro</strong> is the Vice President of Sales at <strong>Crooked Media</strong>, where he leads advertising and sponsorship strategy across the company’s podcast network. With extensive experience in media sales, Giancarlo has shaped how Crooked positions its shows in a crowded marketplace, balancing the demands of advertisers with the unique voice of politically and culturally influential podcasts.</p><p>Connect with Giancarlo on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/giancarlobizzarro/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>.</p><p><br></p><h3>Episode Chapters</h3><p>01:22 – Today’s Revenue Mix | Direct, programmatic, subscriptions, branded content, custom segments, and video</p><p>02:44 – Limited Series &amp; De-Risking | How Crooked launches shows and protects investment with feed strategy</p><p>07:09 – Case Study: <em>World Corrupt</em> | Men in Blazers × <em>Pod Save the World</em> collaboration and why it worked</p><p>10:14 – Baked-In vs. Programmatic | Why baked-in is still the “king” of ad units for brands and audiences</p><p>14:10 – CPMs &amp; Pricing | Where the market lands today and when higher CPMs make sense</p><p>18:49 – GC's Career Path to Crooked | From the Obama campaign to Oxford Road, Cadence13, WME, and Crooked</p><p>23:44 – Sales Philosophy | Acting as the client’s agency and building long-term partnerships</p><p>27:57 – What’s Next for Crooked | CrookedCon </p><p><br></p><h3>Additional PodBiz Buzz</h3><blockquote><em>“My ethos has always been in selling, act as if you're the client's ad agency.”</em></blockquote><blockquote><em>“The money is generally dispersed mainly amongst direct advertisers, programmatic advertisers, subscription.”</em></blockquote><blockquote><em>“You're seeing money in branded content. You're seeing money in custom segments, and now you're seeing some money in video as well.”</em></blockquote><blockquote><em>“If they're smart, pick up on, and if they're small, they can still get a piece of the pie.”</em></blockquote><blockquote><em>“Subscriptions, branded content, and ads in general.. there's a lot of opportunity for people who have small businesses or maybe are coaches to use a podcast as a funnel.”</em></blockquote><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
			<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<p><strong>How do political and narrative podcasts carve out sustainable monetization strategies in today’s ad-driven industry?</strong></p><br><p>In this episode of PodBiz, Norma Jean Belenky speaks with <strong>Giancarlo Bizzarro, VP of Sales at Crooked Media</strong>, about how the company approaches podcast monetization in a shifting media landscape. From balancing content with ad sales to cultivating long-term client partnerships, Giancarlo breaks down the strategies that keep Crooked at the forefront of political and cultural podcasting.</p><br><p>As he puts it:</p><p>“Act as if you’re the client’s ad agency.”</p><br><p>Here are some insightful moments within the episode:</p><ul><li>Crooked Media’s current revenue mix: direct sales, programmatic, branded content, subscriptions, and video</li><li>How limited series and partnerships (<em>World Corrupt</em> with Men in Blazers) help “de-risk” new show launches</li><li>Why Giancarlo says “a baked-in ad is king” and how it compares with programmatic in today’s market</li><li>Real CPM benchmarks in podcasting today | From high teens to mid-twenties, and when higher pricing makes sense</li><li>Giancarlo’s career journey from the Obama campaign to Oxford Road, WME, Cadence13, and now Crooked Media</li><li>A sales philosophy built on acting as if you’re the client’s ad agency, not just a vendor</li><li>What’s next for Crooked Media: Crooked Con, video expansion, global growth, and delivering the best audience and advertiser experience</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Giancarlo Bizzarro</strong> is the Vice President of Sales at <strong>Crooked Media</strong>, where he leads advertising and sponsorship strategy across the company’s podcast network. With extensive experience in media sales, Giancarlo has shaped how Crooked positions its shows in a crowded marketplace, balancing the demands of advertisers with the unique voice of politically and culturally influential podcasts.</p><p>Connect with Giancarlo on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/giancarlobizzarro/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>.</p><p><br></p><h3>Episode Chapters</h3><p>01:22 – Today’s Revenue Mix | Direct, programmatic, subscriptions, branded content, custom segments, and video</p><p>02:44 – Limited Series &amp; De-Risking | How Crooked launches shows and protects investment with feed strategy</p><p>07:09 – Case Study: <em>World Corrupt</em> | Men in Blazers × <em>Pod Save the World</em> collaboration and why it worked</p><p>10:14 – Baked-In vs. Programmatic | Why baked-in is still the “king” of ad units for brands and audiences</p><p>14:10 – CPMs &amp; Pricing | Where the market lands today and when higher CPMs make sense</p><p>18:49 – GC's Career Path to Crooked | From the Obama campaign to Oxford Road, Cadence13, WME, and Crooked</p><p>23:44 – Sales Philosophy | Acting as the client’s agency and building long-term partnerships</p><p>27:57 – What’s Next for Crooked | CrookedCon </p><p><br></p><h3>Additional PodBiz Buzz</h3><blockquote><em>“My ethos has always been in selling, act as if you're the client's ad agency.”</em></blockquote><blockquote><em>“The money is generally dispersed mainly amongst direct advertisers, programmatic advertisers, subscription.”</em></blockquote><blockquote><em>“You're seeing money in branded content. You're seeing money in custom segments, and now you're seeing some money in video as well.”</em></blockquote><blockquote><em>“If they're smart, pick up on, and if they're small, they can still get a piece of the pie.”</em></blockquote><blockquote><em>“Subscriptions, branded content, and ads in general.. there's a lot of opportunity for people who have small businesses or maybe are coaches to use a podcast as a funnel.”</em></blockquote><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>Mark Asquith on Captivate, Diversifying Podcast Revenue, and the Rise of Indie Creators</title>
			<itunes:title>Mark Asquith on Captivate, Diversifying Podcast Revenue, and the Rise of Indie Creators</itunes:title>
			<pubDate>Mon, 11 Aug 2025 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<itunes:duration>21:48</itunes:duration>
			<enclosure url="https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/e/68980af77f93fda8b2b5852b/media.mp3" length="10466969" type="audio/mpeg"/>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">68980af77f93fda8b2b5852b</guid>
			<itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
			<link>https://shows.acast.com/podbiz-captivate-mark-asquith-rise-of-indie-creators</link>
			<acast:episodeId>68980af77f93fda8b2b5852b</acast:episodeId>
			<acast:showId>68343e1669c98f151d8f0020</acast:showId>
			<acast:episodeUrl>markasquithcaptivate</acast:episodeUrl>
			<acast:settings><![CDATA[FYjHyZbXWHZ7gmX8Pp1rmbKbhgrQiwYShz70Q9/ffXZMTtedvdcRQbP4eiLMjXzCKLPjEYLpGj+NMVKa+5C8pL4u/EOj1Vw4h5MMJYp0lCcFAe0fnxBJy/1ju4Qxy1fh8gO4DvlGA40yms2g0/hOkcrfHIopjTygHFqGwwOPKFIai4SuTvs86Lx3UYCyl6ZsSyyWS3sPisdKAZQX03fZ1wBIP98TrrdNJkX3d8hjtua7KtvAL5KsJFFVFQg5ovSDeJSPwO616Ql/sZiyPNNA3OdAmzksqtqj+ekZ0i7XxG316A7MHbr9/fDdQ1zmmwBT]]></acast:settings>
			<itunes:subtitle>Captivate’s co-founder shares how podcast monetization has expanded beyond ads, what indie creators can learn from top-earning shows, and why a service-first approach drives sustainable growth.</itunes:subtitle>
			<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
			<itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
			<itunes:episode>7</itunes:episode>
			<itunes:image href="https://assets.pippa.io/shows/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/1754794738503-1364790c-172c-4f09-8db5-c43c30d58384.jpeg"/>
			<description><![CDATA[<p><strong>What can indie podcasters learn from building a podcast software company from the ground up?</strong></p><br><p>In this episode of <em>PodBiz</em>, Norma Jean Belenky speaks with Mark Asquith, co-founder and Managing Director of Captivate, about building a service-first software company, Captivate’s acquisition by Global, and how the independent creator economy continues to evolve. Mark shares why putting people and experience first has been his guiding principle- and how that mindset benefits both software companies and podcasters alike.</p><br><p>As he puts it:</p><blockquote>“Give people the best experience every time they interact with you or your brand, no matter the outlet.”</blockquote><p><br></p><p><strong>Here are some insightful moments from the episode:</strong></p><ul><li>How podcasting’s revenue streams have diversified since 2014</li><li>Why the top 1% of shows will always attract the biggest ad spend—and how indie creators can still win</li><li>How Captivate built a loyal audience through service, not just software</li><li>Lessons from Captivate’s acquisition by Global and what changed afterward</li><li>Why putting experience first is the best growth strategy</li><li>What the rise of mainstream podcast awareness means for indie creators</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Mark Asquith</strong> is the co-founder and Managing Director of Captivate, a UK-based podcast hosting, analytics, and monetization platform acquired by Global in 2021. Known as <em>“That British Podcast Guy,”</em> Mark is one of the United Kingdom’s original podcasting experts and is recognized worldwide as an insightful, thought-provoking, and actionable podcast industry keynote speaker. A creator, startup founder, and advocate for independent podcasters for over a decade, Mark has built his career on a service-first approach, focusing on brand experience, community, and creator support.</p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/markasquith/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Connect with Mark on LinkedIn</strong></a></p><p>Learn more at Captivate.fm</p><p><br></p><h3><strong>Episode Chapters</strong></h3><p><strong>00:29 – Where’s the Money?</strong> | How podcast monetization has evolved</p><p><strong>03:51 – New Revenue Streams</strong> | Live events, subscriptions, fan engagement</p><p><strong>04:59 – How Mark Got Started</strong> | From pop culture podcasting to software founder</p><p><strong>08:10 – People First</strong> | Why service and experience drive success</p><p><strong>12:21 – Captivate’s Differentiator</strong> | More than a software company</p><p><strong>14:07 – Starting Over?</strong> | Why he wouldn’t change a thing</p><p><strong>15:33 – The Global Acquisition</strong> | How it happened and what stayed the same</p><p><strong>19:17 – The Ripple Effect</strong> | How mainstream deals helped indie podcasters</p><p><br></p><h3><strong>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz...</strong></h3><blockquote>“Treat everyone with the same level of respect—no matter who they are.”</blockquote><blockquote>“We built Captivate for serious podcasters, not everyone.”</blockquote><blockquote>“The audience for podcasts is bigger than it’s ever been.”</blockquote><blockquote>“Experience is what people remember—not features.”</blockquote><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
			<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<p><strong>What can indie podcasters learn from building a podcast software company from the ground up?</strong></p><br><p>In this episode of <em>PodBiz</em>, Norma Jean Belenky speaks with Mark Asquith, co-founder and Managing Director of Captivate, about building a service-first software company, Captivate’s acquisition by Global, and how the independent creator economy continues to evolve. Mark shares why putting people and experience first has been his guiding principle- and how that mindset benefits both software companies and podcasters alike.</p><br><p>As he puts it:</p><blockquote>“Give people the best experience every time they interact with you or your brand, no matter the outlet.”</blockquote><p><br></p><p><strong>Here are some insightful moments from the episode:</strong></p><ul><li>How podcasting’s revenue streams have diversified since 2014</li><li>Why the top 1% of shows will always attract the biggest ad spend—and how indie creators can still win</li><li>How Captivate built a loyal audience through service, not just software</li><li>Lessons from Captivate’s acquisition by Global and what changed afterward</li><li>Why putting experience first is the best growth strategy</li><li>What the rise of mainstream podcast awareness means for indie creators</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Mark Asquith</strong> is the co-founder and Managing Director of Captivate, a UK-based podcast hosting, analytics, and monetization platform acquired by Global in 2021. Known as <em>“That British Podcast Guy,”</em> Mark is one of the United Kingdom’s original podcasting experts and is recognized worldwide as an insightful, thought-provoking, and actionable podcast industry keynote speaker. A creator, startup founder, and advocate for independent podcasters for over a decade, Mark has built his career on a service-first approach, focusing on brand experience, community, and creator support.</p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/markasquith/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Connect with Mark on LinkedIn</strong></a></p><p>Learn more at Captivate.fm</p><p><br></p><h3><strong>Episode Chapters</strong></h3><p><strong>00:29 – Where’s the Money?</strong> | How podcast monetization has evolved</p><p><strong>03:51 – New Revenue Streams</strong> | Live events, subscriptions, fan engagement</p><p><strong>04:59 – How Mark Got Started</strong> | From pop culture podcasting to software founder</p><p><strong>08:10 – People First</strong> | Why service and experience drive success</p><p><strong>12:21 – Captivate’s Differentiator</strong> | More than a software company</p><p><strong>14:07 – Starting Over?</strong> | Why he wouldn’t change a thing</p><p><strong>15:33 – The Global Acquisition</strong> | How it happened and what stayed the same</p><p><strong>19:17 – The Ripple Effect</strong> | How mainstream deals helped indie podcasters</p><p><br></p><h3><strong>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz...</strong></h3><blockquote>“Treat everyone with the same level of respect—no matter who they are.”</blockquote><blockquote>“We built Captivate for serious podcasters, not everyone.”</blockquote><blockquote>“The audience for podcasts is bigger than it’s ever been.”</blockquote><blockquote>“Experience is what people remember—not features.”</blockquote><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>From Podcast Ads to Media Empires: Bryan Barletta on Building Value in Audio</title>
			<itunes:title>From Podcast Ads to Media Empires: Bryan Barletta on Building Value in Audio</itunes:title>
			<pubDate>Mon, 04 Aug 2025 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<itunes:duration>23:41</itunes:duration>
			<enclosure url="https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/e/688b8052fc150bcf7fdbc16e/media.mp3" length="11372478" type="audio/mpeg"/>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">688b8052fc150bcf7fdbc16e</guid>
			<itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
			<link>https://shows.acast.com/podbiz-bryan-barletta-soundsprofitable</link>
			<acast:episodeId>688b8052fc150bcf7fdbc16e</acast:episodeId>
			<acast:showId>68343e1669c98f151d8f0020</acast:showId>
			<acast:episodeUrl>from-podcast-ads-to-media-empires-bryan-barletta-on-building</acast:episodeUrl>
			<acast:settings><![CDATA[FYjHyZbXWHZ7gmX8Pp1rmbKbhgrQiwYShz70Q9/ffXZMTtedvdcRQbP4eiLMjXzCKLPjEYLpGj+NMVKa+5C8pL4u/EOj1Vw4h5MMJYp0lCcFAe0fnxBJy/1ju4Qxy1fh8gO4DvlGA40yms2g0/hOkcrfHIopjTygHFqGwwOPKFIai4SuTvs86Lx3UYCyl6ZsSyyWS3sPisdKAZQX03fZ1wBIP98TrrdNJkX3d8hjtuYl4U3PzrE3M1emYQ3/lhIOmCynlYXqDeePm4w3r4T0wnHlYPVa0M8PAHjtxrBdUC0qpRVU0qhguucakfF0nCcu]]></acast:settings>
			<itunes:subtitle>How Sounds Profitable is reshaping podcast business strategy, partnerships, and momentum in the audio industry</itunes:subtitle>
			<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
			<itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
			<itunes:episode>6</itunes:episode>
			<itunes:image href="https://assets.pippa.io/shows/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/1753972428369-6e1f7ae1-cfa9-470f-bab9-6ebca3927679.jpeg"/>
			<description><![CDATA[<h3><strong>How can podcast creators build lasting impact in a fast-moving industry?</strong></h3><p>In this episode of PodBiz, Norma Jean Belenky speaks with Bryan Barletta, partner at <em>Sounds Profitable</em>, about sustainable podcast growth, industry transparency, and the future of audio as a media platform. Bryan shares how creators and companies alike can think beyond short-term ad models and lean into strategic momentum, consulting, and collaboration to thrive in podcasting today.</p><br><p>As he puts it:</p><blockquote>“Everything we’re doing is growth—even if your podcast doesn’t have ads, you’re promoting your brand.”</blockquote><p><br></p><p>Here are some insightful moments from the episode:</p><ul><li>Why advertising is just the tip of the podcast monetization iceberg</li><li>How transparency and subscription support unlock long-term revenue</li><li>The power of building industry momentum with partnerships</li><li>What podcasting can learn from YouTube’s creator economy</li><li>Why consulting and hands-on support still matter most</li><li>How thinking like a media company changes your podcast strategy</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Bryan Barletta</strong> is the co-founder of <em>Sounds Profitable</em>, a leading trade publication and partnership network advancing the business of podcasting. With a background in attribution and ad tech, Bryan previously worked at Barometric and Megaphone before founding Sounds Profitable to bring clarity, transparency, and strategic insight to the podcast industry.</p><br><p>Connect with <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanbarletta/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bryan on LinkedIn</a></p><p>Learn more at <a href="SoundsProfitable.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">SoundsProfitable.com</a></p><p><br></p><h3><br></h3><h3><strong>Episode Chapters</strong></h3><p><strong>00:16 – Where’s the Money?</strong> | Bryan breaks down podcast revenue beyond ads</p><p><strong>01:49 – Subscriptions &amp; Support</strong> | What fans value—even if they don’t always listen</p><p><strong>04:40 – Bryan’s Career Path</strong> | From ad tech to industry advocate</p><p><strong>06:17 – Industry Lessons</strong> | Why podcasting failed to upskill creatives</p><p><strong>10:15 – Building Momentum</strong> | How Sounds Profitable hit 200+ partners</p><p><strong>12:45 – Case Study: SXSW</strong> | Activating opportunities with short timelines</p><p><strong>15:00 – Consulting &amp; Value</strong> | What partners really get from Sounds Profitable</p><p><strong>17:43 – Community &amp; Network</strong> | Why collaboration still drives podcasting</p><p><strong>20:49 – If Starting Over</strong> | What Bryan would do differently</p><p><strong>23:42 – Future Vision</strong> | Podcasts as media companies, not just shows</p><p><br></p><h3><strong>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz...</strong></h3><blockquote>“Subscriptions continue to be a thing that’s incredibly valuable.”</blockquote><blockquote>“Podcasting is a killer job entry point for the creator economy.”</blockquote><blockquote>“The networking is so killer—your network is your net worth.”</blockquote><blockquote>“Momentum is really it. It’s thinking in years, not weeks.”</blockquote><blockquote>“The word podcasting is unifying creators across platforms.”</blockquote><blockquote>“We consistently underpromise and overdeliver—and that builds trust.”</blockquote><p><br></p><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
			<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<h3><strong>How can podcast creators build lasting impact in a fast-moving industry?</strong></h3><p>In this episode of PodBiz, Norma Jean Belenky speaks with Bryan Barletta, partner at <em>Sounds Profitable</em>, about sustainable podcast growth, industry transparency, and the future of audio as a media platform. Bryan shares how creators and companies alike can think beyond short-term ad models and lean into strategic momentum, consulting, and collaboration to thrive in podcasting today.</p><br><p>As he puts it:</p><blockquote>“Everything we’re doing is growth—even if your podcast doesn’t have ads, you’re promoting your brand.”</blockquote><p><br></p><p>Here are some insightful moments from the episode:</p><ul><li>Why advertising is just the tip of the podcast monetization iceberg</li><li>How transparency and subscription support unlock long-term revenue</li><li>The power of building industry momentum with partnerships</li><li>What podcasting can learn from YouTube’s creator economy</li><li>Why consulting and hands-on support still matter most</li><li>How thinking like a media company changes your podcast strategy</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Bryan Barletta</strong> is the co-founder of <em>Sounds Profitable</em>, a leading trade publication and partnership network advancing the business of podcasting. With a background in attribution and ad tech, Bryan previously worked at Barometric and Megaphone before founding Sounds Profitable to bring clarity, transparency, and strategic insight to the podcast industry.</p><br><p>Connect with <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanbarletta/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bryan on LinkedIn</a></p><p>Learn more at <a href="SoundsProfitable.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">SoundsProfitable.com</a></p><p><br></p><h3><br></h3><h3><strong>Episode Chapters</strong></h3><p><strong>00:16 – Where’s the Money?</strong> | Bryan breaks down podcast revenue beyond ads</p><p><strong>01:49 – Subscriptions &amp; Support</strong> | What fans value—even if they don’t always listen</p><p><strong>04:40 – Bryan’s Career Path</strong> | From ad tech to industry advocate</p><p><strong>06:17 – Industry Lessons</strong> | Why podcasting failed to upskill creatives</p><p><strong>10:15 – Building Momentum</strong> | How Sounds Profitable hit 200+ partners</p><p><strong>12:45 – Case Study: SXSW</strong> | Activating opportunities with short timelines</p><p><strong>15:00 – Consulting &amp; Value</strong> | What partners really get from Sounds Profitable</p><p><strong>17:43 – Community &amp; Network</strong> | Why collaboration still drives podcasting</p><p><strong>20:49 – If Starting Over</strong> | What Bryan would do differently</p><p><strong>23:42 – Future Vision</strong> | Podcasts as media companies, not just shows</p><p><br></p><h3><strong>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz...</strong></h3><blockquote>“Subscriptions continue to be a thing that’s incredibly valuable.”</blockquote><blockquote>“Podcasting is a killer job entry point for the creator economy.”</blockquote><blockquote>“The networking is so killer—your network is your net worth.”</blockquote><blockquote>“Momentum is really it. It’s thinking in years, not weeks.”</blockquote><blockquote>“The word podcasting is unifying creators across platforms.”</blockquote><blockquote>“We consistently underpromise and overdeliver—and that builds trust.”</blockquote><p><br></p><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>Molly DeMellier of Sundaze on PR, Community, and Diversified Podcast Revenue</title>
			<itunes:title>Molly DeMellier of Sundaze on PR, Community, and Diversified Podcast Revenue</itunes:title>
			<pubDate>Mon, 28 Jul 2025 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<itunes:duration>19:41</itunes:duration>
			<enclosure url="https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/e/68790c036fb6cef50f2fd082/media.mp3" length="9454881" type="audio/mpeg"/>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">68790c036fb6cef50f2fd082</guid>
			<itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
			<link>https://shows.acast.com/podbiz-molly-demellier-sundaze-pr</link>
			<acast:episodeId>68790c036fb6cef50f2fd082</acast:episodeId>
			<acast:showId>68343e1669c98f151d8f0020</acast:showId>
			<acast:episodeUrl>molly</acast:episodeUrl>
			<acast:settings><![CDATA[FYjHyZbXWHZ7gmX8Pp1rmbKbhgrQiwYShz70Q9/ffXZMTtedvdcRQbP4eiLMjXzCKLPjEYLpGj+NMVKa+5C8pL4u/EOj1Vw4h5MMJYp0lCcFAe0fnxBJy/1ju4Qxy1fh8gO4DvlGA40yms2g0/hOkcrfHIopjTygHFqGwwOPKFIai4SuTvs86Lx3UYCyl6ZsSyyWS3sPisdKAZQX03fZ1wBIP98TrrdNJkX3d8hjtuZtoaTF/IOW6aefM//+7n1TVGXpzExHnMkUdPs0GheHyVEDbFDi82nkREDgGrd9S1NCrCrbW6eI4dIJfo5UXD2t]]></acast:settings>
			<itunes:subtitle>Why slow-burn visibility, earned media, and audience connection are reshaping long-term success in podcasting.</itunes:subtitle>
			<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
			<itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
			<itunes:episode>5</itunes:episode>
			<itunes:image href="https://assets.pippa.io/shows/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/1752763392114-6ac02533-d8a1-4d9f-9c6c-3e7efc8e0d74.jpeg"/>
			<description><![CDATA[<h3>How do you grow a podcast with long-term visibility instead of short-term spikes?</h3><p><br></p><p>In this episode of <em>PodBiz</em>, Norma Jean Belenky speaks with Molly DeMellier, COO of Sundaze PR, about how creators can use earned media, slow-burn PR, and community building to increase visibility and diversify podcast revenue.  Molly shares how understanding the difference between PR and marketing- and leaning into the long game- can help creators build sustainable brand value. We also dig into her career journey from Acast to leading a boutique podcast PR agency, and what’s next for audio in mainstream media.</p><p>As she puts it:</p><blockquote> “PR is very much a slow burn and it can take a very long time to pay off.” </blockquote><h3><br></h3><h3>Here are some insightful moments within the episode:</h3><ul><li>Why community is a cornerstone of podcast growth</li><li>The difference between PR and marketing in a podcasting context</li><li>How creators can prepare for press with a media-first mindset</li><li>Diversified monetization strategies beyond just ads</li><li>The rise of podcasts in mainstream recognition (hello Golden Globes)</li></ul><h3><br></h3><p><strong>Molly DeMellier</strong> is the COO of SunDaze PR, a boutique agency that helps podcasters and creators gain long-term visibility through strategic PR campaigns. With deep expertise in creator strategy, earned media, and podcast positioning, Molly leads SunDaze’s efforts to put high-quality shows in front of the audiences that matter most.</p><p>Connect with Molly on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/molly-demellier/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a></p><p>Learn more at <a href="https://www.sundayspr.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">SunDaze PR</a></p><p><br></p><h3>Episode Chapters</h3><p>03:00 – Community is Currency | Why listener relationships still matter most</p><p>06:00 – PR vs. Marketing | Key distinctions for podcast visibility</p><p>10:00 – Molly’s Career Journey | From Acast to building a PR agency</p><p>15:00 – Mainstream Media | How podcasting is being taken seriously</p><p>20:00 – Final Thoughts | Why Golden Globes 2026 signals a turning point</p><p><br></p><h3>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz...</h3><blockquote>“Community is exactly the right word there.” </blockquote><blockquote>“The way that businesses have really taken hold of the influence that these creators have, it's completely reshaped media.” </blockquote><blockquote>“The sweet spot is really in diversified revenue streams.”</blockquote><blockquote> “Seeing that podcasts are going to be added to the Golden Globes in 2026 is so exciting.” </blockquote><p><br></p><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
			<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<h3>How do you grow a podcast with long-term visibility instead of short-term spikes?</h3><p><br></p><p>In this episode of <em>PodBiz</em>, Norma Jean Belenky speaks with Molly DeMellier, COO of Sundaze PR, about how creators can use earned media, slow-burn PR, and community building to increase visibility and diversify podcast revenue.  Molly shares how understanding the difference between PR and marketing- and leaning into the long game- can help creators build sustainable brand value. We also dig into her career journey from Acast to leading a boutique podcast PR agency, and what’s next for audio in mainstream media.</p><p>As she puts it:</p><blockquote> “PR is very much a slow burn and it can take a very long time to pay off.” </blockquote><h3><br></h3><h3>Here are some insightful moments within the episode:</h3><ul><li>Why community is a cornerstone of podcast growth</li><li>The difference between PR and marketing in a podcasting context</li><li>How creators can prepare for press with a media-first mindset</li><li>Diversified monetization strategies beyond just ads</li><li>The rise of podcasts in mainstream recognition (hello Golden Globes)</li></ul><h3><br></h3><p><strong>Molly DeMellier</strong> is the COO of SunDaze PR, a boutique agency that helps podcasters and creators gain long-term visibility through strategic PR campaigns. With deep expertise in creator strategy, earned media, and podcast positioning, Molly leads SunDaze’s efforts to put high-quality shows in front of the audiences that matter most.</p><p>Connect with Molly on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/molly-demellier/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a></p><p>Learn more at <a href="https://www.sundayspr.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">SunDaze PR</a></p><p><br></p><h3>Episode Chapters</h3><p>03:00 – Community is Currency | Why listener relationships still matter most</p><p>06:00 – PR vs. Marketing | Key distinctions for podcast visibility</p><p>10:00 – Molly’s Career Journey | From Acast to building a PR agency</p><p>15:00 – Mainstream Media | How podcasting is being taken seriously</p><p>20:00 – Final Thoughts | Why Golden Globes 2026 signals a turning point</p><p><br></p><h3>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz...</h3><blockquote>“Community is exactly the right word there.” </blockquote><blockquote>“The way that businesses have really taken hold of the influence that these creators have, it's completely reshaped media.” </blockquote><blockquote>“The sweet spot is really in diversified revenue streams.”</blockquote><blockquote> “Seeing that podcasts are going to be added to the Golden Globes in 2026 is so exciting.” </blockquote><p><br></p><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[James Cridland on Podcast Revenue, Community & the Future of Audio]]></title>
			<itunes:title><![CDATA[James Cridland on Podcast Revenue, Community & the Future of Audio]]></itunes:title>
			<pubDate>Mon, 21 Jul 2025 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<itunes:duration>38:12</itunes:duration>
			<enclosure url="https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/e/68790cf44c0314994e689ba5/media.mp3" length="18343619" type="audio/mpeg"/>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">68790cf44c0314994e689ba5</guid>
			<itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
			<link>https://shows.acast.com/podbiz-podnews-james-cridland</link>
			<acast:episodeId>68790cf44c0314994e689ba5</acast:episodeId>
			<acast:showId>68343e1669c98f151d8f0020</acast:showId>
			<acast:episodeUrl>james-cridland</acast:episodeUrl>
			<acast:settings><![CDATA[FYjHyZbXWHZ7gmX8Pp1rmbKbhgrQiwYShz70Q9/ffXZMTtedvdcRQbP4eiLMjXzCKLPjEYLpGj+NMVKa+5C8pL4u/EOj1Vw4h5MMJYp0lCcFAe0fnxBJy/1ju4Qxy1fh8gO4DvlGA40yms2g0/hOkcrfHIopjTygHFqGwwOPKFIai4SuTvs86Lx3UYCyl6ZsSyyWS3sPisdKAZQX03fZ1wBIP98TrrdNJkX3d8hjtuZR2dX9Je/hfuJBVvuu7zVKTM2yGCqSmTdHkMOa7mzPym/hXTntOegJgYRp4mNi9AbBEGlaOuJCL8T1stW+hw3e]]></acast:settings>
			<itunes:subtitle>How value-for-value, consistency, and trusted news sources are shaping the next era of podcasting</itunes:subtitle>
			<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
			<itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
			<itunes:episode>4</itunes:episode>
			<itunes:image href="https://assets.pippa.io/shows/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/1752763632771-b2cfa368-9bd6-4801-aaa9-114f70d8be9c.jpeg"/>
			<description><![CDATA[<p><strong>How are today’s creators rethinking monetization and what role does trust play in podcast growth?</strong></p><br><p>In this episode of <em>PodBiz</em>, NJ sits down with James Cridland, Editor of <em>Podnews</em> and radio futurologist, for a high-level look at current state of podcast monetization. James shares how creators are expanding beyond traditional advertising into value-for-value models, subscriptions, and newsletters that build real trust with their audiences. With clarity and candor, James discusses how the medium is evolving and how Podnews itself became an industry staple by doing one thing very well, consistently.</p><br><p>As he puts it:</p><blockquote>“It’s about providing value and creating a community around the people you serve.”</blockquote><p><br></p><p>We dive into the ecosystem-wide shifts reshaping podcast monetization and audience engagement, including:</p><ul><li>How creators are leveraging <em>value-for-value</em> models to align with listeners</li><li>The overlooked power of <em>newsletters</em> in a fragmented media landscape</li><li>Why <em>consistency</em> still drives growth and discovery</li><li>What Podcasting 2.0, location tags, and new tech mean for creators today</li><li>James’ own journey with Podnews and what he sees coming next for the industry</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>James Cridland</strong> is Editor of <em>Podnews</em>, the leading daily podcast industry briefing, and a renowned radio futurologist. A former strategist at Virgin Radio and the BBC, James has spent decades helping platforms and creators innovate across streaming, radio, and podcasting. His work has shaped open podcasting standards, and his newsletter now reaches thousands of professionals every day with trusted, global insights.</p><p>Website: <a href="https://podnews.net" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://podnews.net</a></p><p>Newsletter: <a href="https://podnews.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Subscribe to Podnews</a></p><p>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamescridland/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamescridland/</a></p><br><p><br></p><h3>Here are some insightful moments within the episode:</h3><p>02:15 – Exploring Revenue Streams in Podcasting</p><p>08:30 – Value for Value and Community Engagement</p><p>15:45 – The Power of Newsletters for Growth</p><p>22:10 – The Importance of Consistency</p><p>30:00 – Podcasting Technology and Future Trends</p><p>38:20 – James’s Personal Journey and Industry Reflections</p><br><p><strong>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz:</strong></p><blockquote>“Newsletters bypass all of the algorithms.”</blockquote><blockquote>“Consistency is the real win.”</blockquote><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
			<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<p><strong>How are today’s creators rethinking monetization and what role does trust play in podcast growth?</strong></p><br><p>In this episode of <em>PodBiz</em>, NJ sits down with James Cridland, Editor of <em>Podnews</em> and radio futurologist, for a high-level look at current state of podcast monetization. James shares how creators are expanding beyond traditional advertising into value-for-value models, subscriptions, and newsletters that build real trust with their audiences. With clarity and candor, James discusses how the medium is evolving and how Podnews itself became an industry staple by doing one thing very well, consistently.</p><br><p>As he puts it:</p><blockquote>“It’s about providing value and creating a community around the people you serve.”</blockquote><p><br></p><p>We dive into the ecosystem-wide shifts reshaping podcast monetization and audience engagement, including:</p><ul><li>How creators are leveraging <em>value-for-value</em> models to align with listeners</li><li>The overlooked power of <em>newsletters</em> in a fragmented media landscape</li><li>Why <em>consistency</em> still drives growth and discovery</li><li>What Podcasting 2.0, location tags, and new tech mean for creators today</li><li>James’ own journey with Podnews and what he sees coming next for the industry</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>James Cridland</strong> is Editor of <em>Podnews</em>, the leading daily podcast industry briefing, and a renowned radio futurologist. A former strategist at Virgin Radio and the BBC, James has spent decades helping platforms and creators innovate across streaming, radio, and podcasting. His work has shaped open podcasting standards, and his newsletter now reaches thousands of professionals every day with trusted, global insights.</p><p>Website: <a href="https://podnews.net" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://podnews.net</a></p><p>Newsletter: <a href="https://podnews.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Subscribe to Podnews</a></p><p>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamescridland/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamescridland/</a></p><br><p><br></p><h3>Here are some insightful moments within the episode:</h3><p>02:15 – Exploring Revenue Streams in Podcasting</p><p>08:30 – Value for Value and Community Engagement</p><p>15:45 – The Power of Newsletters for Growth</p><p>22:10 – The Importance of Consistency</p><p>30:00 – Podcasting Technology and Future Trends</p><p>38:20 – James’s Personal Journey and Industry Reflections</p><br><p><strong>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz:</strong></p><blockquote>“Newsletters bypass all of the algorithms.”</blockquote><blockquote>“Consistency is the real win.”</blockquote><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Acast’s Milly Botes on Driving Podcast Revenue with Ads & Partnerships]]></title>
			<itunes:title><![CDATA[Acast’s Milly Botes on Driving Podcast Revenue with Ads & Partnerships]]></itunes:title>
			<pubDate>Mon, 14 Jul 2025 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<itunes:duration>27:34</itunes:duration>
			<enclosure url="https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/e/686d518dfe0897380ebca2f1/media.mp3" length="13240129" type="audio/mpeg"/>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">686d518dfe0897380ebca2f1</guid>
			<itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
			<link>https://shows.acast.com/podbiz/acast-milly-botes</link>
			<acast:episodeId>686d518dfe0897380ebca2f1</acast:episodeId>
			<acast:showId>68343e1669c98f151d8f0020</acast:showId>
			<acast:episodeUrl>acast-milly-botes</acast:episodeUrl>
			<acast:settings><![CDATA[FYjHyZbXWHZ7gmX8Pp1rmbKbhgrQiwYShz70Q9/ffXZMTtedvdcRQbP4eiLMjXzCKLPjEYLpGj+NMVKa+5C8pL4u/EOj1Vw4h5MMJYp0lCcFAe0fnxBJy/1ju4Qxy1fh8gO4DvlGA40yms2g0/hOkcrfHIopjTygHFqGwwOPKFIai4SuTvs86Lx3UYCyl6ZsSyyWS3sPisdKAZQX03fZ1wBIP98TrrdNJkX3d8hjtuaTi5I3/18i87YqoG52SbDYAXGk2WLzGqdRgC/cGrPjuZ1TgfHVOKWDkesYOusbHHQ7LsFicLDBflMk1tTlEUBR]]></acast:settings>
			<itunes:subtitle>Global Platform-Level Insight</itunes:subtitle>
			<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
			<itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
			<itunes:episode>1</itunes:episode>
			<itunes:image href="https://assets.pippa.io/shows/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/1751994756054-7ef50784-bd42-49bb-aa98-b08bc8666534.jpeg"/>
			<description><![CDATA[<h3><strong>How are leading platforms evolving podcast monetization in 2025 and beyond?</strong></h3><p><br></p><p>In the premiere episode of <em>PodBiz</em>, NJ speaks with <strong>Milly Botes</strong>, VP of Product at Acast, about building scalable advertising tools, empowering creators, and rethinking what podcast success actually looks like. Milly shares how her team is building scalable infrastructure for audio and video sponsorships, and why, in her words,</p><blockquote><strong><em>“authenticity is key for creators in monetization.”</em></strong></blockquote><p>We dive into the shift from downloads to engagement, the growth of video podcasting, and what brands really look for in high-performing content partnerships. We'll also get into platform strategy, product design, and why creator monetization is shifting away from traditional metrics like downloads toward more meaningful engagement.</p><h3><br></h3><p><strong>Milly Botes</strong> is a seasoned product leader with a passion for building platforms where creativity, technology, and commerce meet. As <strong>VP of Product at </strong><a href="https://www.acast.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Acast</strong></a>, she leads the evolution of the podcast monetisation marketplace, creating a more connected, self-serve, and scalable ecosystem that helps creators and advertisers thrive across both audio and video.</p><p>Previously, Milly built the Care Navigation platform at Ada Health and began her career at Monitor Deloitte. She has lived and worked in London, Berlin, New York, and Cape Town, bringing a global lens to platform strategy and creator empowerment.</p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/milly-botes-18b02985/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Connect with Milly on LinkedIn</a></p><h3><br></h3><h3>Here are some insightful moments within the episode:</h3><p>00:00 – The Evolution of Podcast Monetization</p><p>01:25 – Defining a Podcast in Today's Landscape</p><p>03:59 – Trends in Podcasting: Video and Creator Empowerment</p><p>06:20 – Metrics Beyond Downloads: Understanding Engagement</p><p>08:47 – Milly’s Journey into Podcasting</p><p>11:25 – The Role of Product in Podcasting</p><p>12:56 – Empowering Creators: Monetization Strategies</p><p>15:30 – The Challenges of Product Management</p><p>17:56 – Looking Ahead: The Future of Podcasting</p><h3><br></h3><h3>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz..</h3><p>“We are building accessible products for creators.”</p><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
			<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<h3><strong>How are leading platforms evolving podcast monetization in 2025 and beyond?</strong></h3><p><br></p><p>In the premiere episode of <em>PodBiz</em>, NJ speaks with <strong>Milly Botes</strong>, VP of Product at Acast, about building scalable advertising tools, empowering creators, and rethinking what podcast success actually looks like. Milly shares how her team is building scalable infrastructure for audio and video sponsorships, and why, in her words,</p><blockquote><strong><em>“authenticity is key for creators in monetization.”</em></strong></blockquote><p>We dive into the shift from downloads to engagement, the growth of video podcasting, and what brands really look for in high-performing content partnerships. We'll also get into platform strategy, product design, and why creator monetization is shifting away from traditional metrics like downloads toward more meaningful engagement.</p><h3><br></h3><p><strong>Milly Botes</strong> is a seasoned product leader with a passion for building platforms where creativity, technology, and commerce meet. As <strong>VP of Product at </strong><a href="https://www.acast.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Acast</strong></a>, she leads the evolution of the podcast monetisation marketplace, creating a more connected, self-serve, and scalable ecosystem that helps creators and advertisers thrive across both audio and video.</p><p>Previously, Milly built the Care Navigation platform at Ada Health and began her career at Monitor Deloitte. She has lived and worked in London, Berlin, New York, and Cape Town, bringing a global lens to platform strategy and creator empowerment.</p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/milly-botes-18b02985/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Connect with Milly on LinkedIn</a></p><h3><br></h3><h3>Here are some insightful moments within the episode:</h3><p>00:00 – The Evolution of Podcast Monetization</p><p>01:25 – Defining a Podcast in Today's Landscape</p><p>03:59 – Trends in Podcasting: Video and Creator Empowerment</p><p>06:20 – Metrics Beyond Downloads: Understanding Engagement</p><p>08:47 – Milly’s Journey into Podcasting</p><p>11:25 – The Role of Product in Podcasting</p><p>12:56 – Empowering Creators: Monetization Strategies</p><p>15:30 – The Challenges of Product Management</p><p>17:56 – Looking Ahead: The Future of Podcasting</p><h3><br></h3><h3>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz..</h3><p>“We are building accessible products for creators.”</p><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Adam McNeil of ADOPTER Media on Host-Read Ads & Podcast Monetization]]></title>
			<itunes:title><![CDATA[Adam McNeil of ADOPTER Media on Host-Read Ads & Podcast Monetization]]></itunes:title>
			<pubDate>Mon, 14 Jul 2025 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<itunes:duration>21:39</itunes:duration>
			<enclosure url="https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/e/686d51b88d3d6839f4a0118c/media.mp3" length="10395916" type="audio/mpeg"/>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">686d51b88d3d6839f4a0118c</guid>
			<itunes:explicit>true</itunes:explicit>
			<link>https://shows.acast.com/podbiz-adopter-adam-mcneil</link>
			<acast:episodeId>686d51b88d3d6839f4a0118c</acast:episodeId>
			<acast:showId>68343e1669c98f151d8f0020</acast:showId>
			<acast:episodeUrl>adopter-adam-mcneil</acast:episodeUrl>
			<acast:settings><![CDATA[FYjHyZbXWHZ7gmX8Pp1rmbKbhgrQiwYShz70Q9/ffXZMTtedvdcRQbP4eiLMjXzCKLPjEYLpGj+NMVKa+5C8pL4u/EOj1Vw4h5MMJYp0lCcFAe0fnxBJy/1ju4Qxy1fh8gO4DvlGA40yms2g0/hOkcrfHIopjTygHFqGwwOPKFIai4SuTvs86Lx3UYCyl6ZsSyyWS3sPisdKAZQX03fZ1wBIP98TrrdNJkX3d8hjtuaJgiMm1jQ7iBcGTOo1cmVkRr8dU+dtb6WLpTJ0va7xY/ObQrdA1EISAz7l3cc/fnS5tvCwqYpjGH/NFg8In+GM]]></acast:settings>
			<itunes:subtitle>How host-read ads convert, where attribution falls short, and why relationships drive podcast ad success.</itunes:subtitle>
			<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
			<itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
			<itunes:episode>2</itunes:episode>
			<itunes:image href="https://assets.pippa.io/shows/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/1751994801461-d26ea14f-25a2-40e5-a0d6-7d840fa93c3b.jpeg"/>
			<description><![CDATA[<h3>What actually makes a podcast ad perform, and how do brands decide who gets the spend?</h3><p><br></p><p>In this premiere episode of <em>PodBiz</em>, NJ speaks with<strong> Adam McNeil</strong>, SVP of Client Services at <strong>ADOPTER Media</strong>, about what makes podcast advertising effective- and what still holds it back. From host-read ads to media buying strategy, Adam shares what he’s learned placing over $100M in podcast sponsorships for direct-to-consumer brands, and in his words,</p><blockquote><strong><em>“host-read ads don’t scale- relationships do.”</em></strong></blockquote><p><br></p><p>We dive into how creators and buyers can align more effectively, why attribution remains a challenge, and how relationships and content fit still drive performance in today’s creator economy including:</p><ul><li>What makes host-read ads work — and when they don’t</li><li>Media buying best practices for creators and brands</li><li>Attribution limitations and evolving metrics</li><li>The role of relationships in performance and scale</li><li>Building a career in podcast advertising</li></ul><h3><br></h3><p>Adam McNeil is SVP of Client Services at <a href="https://www.adopter.media/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ADOPTER Media</a>, a leading podcast and YouTube sponsorship agency. Adam has led podcast ad campaigns that have generated more than $100 million in attributable revenue for top DTC brands.  He’s a sought-after industry voice, known for his newsletter <em>The Roast</em>, his insights on LinkedIn, and media appearances in <strong>Forbes</strong>, <strong>The Verge</strong>, <strong>Bloomberg</strong>, and <strong>Sounds Profitable</strong>. Adam also advises analytics platforms like Podscribe, helping improve attribution and reporting across the podcasting space.</p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjamesmcneil/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Connect with Adam on LinkedIn</a></p><br><p>Here are some insightful moments within the episode:</p><p>00:00 – Host-Read Ads: What Works &amp; Why</p><p>02:15 – How ADOPTER Places $100M+ in Podcast Spend</p><p>05:02 – Building Trust Between Brands and Creators</p><p>07:48 – Common Pitfalls in Attribution and Reporting</p><p>10:30 – Podcast Career Advice: From Buyer to Advisor</p><p>13:20 – How to Vet a Show’s Sponsorship Readiness</p><p>15:42 – Shifts in Buyer Expectations Post-2023</p><p>18:10 – The Future of Media Buying in the Creator Economy</p><p><br></p><h3>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz..</h3><blockquote>“Attribution is broken, but it’s getting better.”</blockquote><blockquote>“If creators don’t know their audience, brands will.”</blockquote><blockquote>“The best media buyers are part strategist, part therapist.”</blockquote><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
			<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<h3>What actually makes a podcast ad perform, and how do brands decide who gets the spend?</h3><p><br></p><p>In this premiere episode of <em>PodBiz</em>, NJ speaks with<strong> Adam McNeil</strong>, SVP of Client Services at <strong>ADOPTER Media</strong>, about what makes podcast advertising effective- and what still holds it back. From host-read ads to media buying strategy, Adam shares what he’s learned placing over $100M in podcast sponsorships for direct-to-consumer brands, and in his words,</p><blockquote><strong><em>“host-read ads don’t scale- relationships do.”</em></strong></blockquote><p><br></p><p>We dive into how creators and buyers can align more effectively, why attribution remains a challenge, and how relationships and content fit still drive performance in today’s creator economy including:</p><ul><li>What makes host-read ads work — and when they don’t</li><li>Media buying best practices for creators and brands</li><li>Attribution limitations and evolving metrics</li><li>The role of relationships in performance and scale</li><li>Building a career in podcast advertising</li></ul><h3><br></h3><p>Adam McNeil is SVP of Client Services at <a href="https://www.adopter.media/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ADOPTER Media</a>, a leading podcast and YouTube sponsorship agency. Adam has led podcast ad campaigns that have generated more than $100 million in attributable revenue for top DTC brands.  He’s a sought-after industry voice, known for his newsletter <em>The Roast</em>, his insights on LinkedIn, and media appearances in <strong>Forbes</strong>, <strong>The Verge</strong>, <strong>Bloomberg</strong>, and <strong>Sounds Profitable</strong>. Adam also advises analytics platforms like Podscribe, helping improve attribution and reporting across the podcasting space.</p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjamesmcneil/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Connect with Adam on LinkedIn</a></p><br><p>Here are some insightful moments within the episode:</p><p>00:00 – Host-Read Ads: What Works &amp; Why</p><p>02:15 – How ADOPTER Places $100M+ in Podcast Spend</p><p>05:02 – Building Trust Between Brands and Creators</p><p>07:48 – Common Pitfalls in Attribution and Reporting</p><p>10:30 – Podcast Career Advice: From Buyer to Advisor</p><p>13:20 – How to Vet a Show’s Sponsorship Readiness</p><p>15:42 – Shifts in Buyer Expectations Post-2023</p><p>18:10 – The Future of Media Buying in the Creator Economy</p><p><br></p><h3>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz..</h3><blockquote>“Attribution is broken, but it’s getting better.”</blockquote><blockquote>“If creators don’t know their audience, brands will.”</blockquote><blockquote>“The best media buyers are part strategist, part therapist.”</blockquote><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Danielle Bezalel on Sponsorships, Niches & Building a Podcast Business]]></title>
			<itunes:title><![CDATA[Danielle Bezalel on Sponsorships, Niches & Building a Podcast Business]]></itunes:title>
			<pubDate>Mon, 14 Jul 2025 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<itunes:duration>27:37</itunes:duration>
			<enclosure url="https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/e/686d51ea8778efbd1acc8e44/media.mp3" length="13257265" type="audio/mpeg"/>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">686d51ea8778efbd1acc8e44</guid>
			<itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
			<link>https://shows.acast.com/podbiz/episodes/sex-with-db-danielle-bezalel</link>
			<acast:episodeId>686d51ea8778efbd1acc8e44</acast:episodeId>
			<acast:showId>68343e1669c98f151d8f0020</acast:showId>
			<acast:episodeUrl>sex-with-db-danielle-bezalel</acast:episodeUrl>
			<acast:settings><![CDATA[FYjHyZbXWHZ7gmX8Pp1rmbKbhgrQiwYShz70Q9/ffXZMTtedvdcRQbP4eiLMjXzCKLPjEYLpGj+NMVKa+5C8pL4u/EOj1Vw4h5MMJYp0lCcFAe0fnxBJy/1ju4Qxy1fh8gO4DvlGA40yms2g0/hOkcrfHIopjTygHFqGwwOPKFIai4SuTvs86Lx3UYCyl6ZsSyyWS3sPisdKAZQX03fZ1wBIP98TrrdNJkX3d8hjtuZxdVaFQtcp+SuWKvLs2J0R0uzt0dYveIH0EzSF1Lg/mLJ4pMDBDay6P5ajQU7qvl31Lp50urlUmLHfun6rFNFy]]></acast:settings>
			<itunes:subtitle>How Sex Ed with DB earns $140K annually from a niche show, brand alignment, and smart media packaging</itunes:subtitle>
			<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
			<itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
			<itunes:episode>3</itunes:episode>
			<itunes:image href="https://assets.pippa.io/shows/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/1751994854505-0b31e69a-cdaf-4c4b-834b-6155b01a2fae.jpeg"/>
			<description><![CDATA[<h3>How do you turn 1,200 downloads a month into a six-figure podcast business?</h3><p><br></p><p>In this episode of <em>PodBiz</em>, NJ speaks with <strong>Danielle Bezalel, MPH</strong>, creator and host of <em>Sex Ed with DB</em>, about building a profitable show in a niche many advertisers won’t touch. Danielle shares how she earns up to <strong>$140,000 a year</strong> from her single podcast feed, not through massive reach, but by building strong sponsor relationships and packaging her podcast alongside other media assets.</p><p>As she puts it:</p><blockquote><strong>“The money in podcasting is in advertising and long-term sponsorships.”</strong></blockquote><p>We dive into the strategy, systems, and mindset behind her success, including:</p><ul><li>How focusing on a niche can attract aligned sponsors</li><li>Packaging a podcast with other media assets to increase deal value</li><li>Long-term brand relationships in underrepresented industries</li><li>Creating deliverables that meet sponsor needs across platforms</li><li>Treating your podcast like a business from day one</li></ul><h3><br></h3><p><strong>Danielle Bezalel, MPH (she/her)</strong> is the Creator, Executive Producer, and Host of <em>Sex Ed with DB</em> — a smart, science-backed podcast delivering inclusive sex education from top experts in sex, sexuality, and pleasure. With a Master of Public Health from Columbia University and deep experience in the reproductive health space, Danielle helps bridge the gap between education, empowerment, and media strategy.</p><p>She lives in Oakland, CA and is available for live and virtual speaking engagements.</p><p>Learn more: <a href="https://www.sexedwithdb.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">sexedwithdb.com</a></p><p>Email: sexedwithdb@gmail.com</p><p>Follow: TikTok, Instagram, Threads, YouTube: @sexedwithdb</p><br><p><br></p><h3>Here are some insightful moments within the episode:</h3><p>00:00 – Introduction | Meet Danielle Bezalel and her podcasting journey</p><p>05:30 – The Power of Niche | How focusing on a niche can attract sponsors</p><p>12:00 – Building Sponsor Relationships | The art of long-term sponsorships</p><p>20:00 – Creative Sponsorship Packages | Deliverables that add value</p><p>30:00 – Professionalism in Podcasting | Treating your podcast like a business</p><p>40:00 – Insights and Advice | Key takeaways for aspiring podcasters</p><h3><br></h3><h3>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz..</h3><blockquote>“I’ve gone really hard on this niche because I know I’m an asset to these companies.”</blockquote><blockquote>“Treating your podcast like a business is so important.”</blockquote><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
			<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<h3>How do you turn 1,200 downloads a month into a six-figure podcast business?</h3><p><br></p><p>In this episode of <em>PodBiz</em>, NJ speaks with <strong>Danielle Bezalel, MPH</strong>, creator and host of <em>Sex Ed with DB</em>, about building a profitable show in a niche many advertisers won’t touch. Danielle shares how she earns up to <strong>$140,000 a year</strong> from her single podcast feed, not through massive reach, but by building strong sponsor relationships and packaging her podcast alongside other media assets.</p><p>As she puts it:</p><blockquote><strong>“The money in podcasting is in advertising and long-term sponsorships.”</strong></blockquote><p>We dive into the strategy, systems, and mindset behind her success, including:</p><ul><li>How focusing on a niche can attract aligned sponsors</li><li>Packaging a podcast with other media assets to increase deal value</li><li>Long-term brand relationships in underrepresented industries</li><li>Creating deliverables that meet sponsor needs across platforms</li><li>Treating your podcast like a business from day one</li></ul><h3><br></h3><p><strong>Danielle Bezalel, MPH (she/her)</strong> is the Creator, Executive Producer, and Host of <em>Sex Ed with DB</em> — a smart, science-backed podcast delivering inclusive sex education from top experts in sex, sexuality, and pleasure. With a Master of Public Health from Columbia University and deep experience in the reproductive health space, Danielle helps bridge the gap between education, empowerment, and media strategy.</p><p>She lives in Oakland, CA and is available for live and virtual speaking engagements.</p><p>Learn more: <a href="https://www.sexedwithdb.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">sexedwithdb.com</a></p><p>Email: sexedwithdb@gmail.com</p><p>Follow: TikTok, Instagram, Threads, YouTube: @sexedwithdb</p><br><p><br></p><h3>Here are some insightful moments within the episode:</h3><p>00:00 – Introduction | Meet Danielle Bezalel and her podcasting journey</p><p>05:30 – The Power of Niche | How focusing on a niche can attract sponsors</p><p>12:00 – Building Sponsor Relationships | The art of long-term sponsorships</p><p>20:00 – Creative Sponsorship Packages | Deliverables that add value</p><p>30:00 – Professionalism in Podcasting | Treating your podcast like a business</p><p>40:00 – Insights and Advice | Key takeaways for aspiring podcasters</p><h3><br></h3><h3>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz..</h3><blockquote>“I’ve gone really hard on this niche because I know I’m an asset to these companies.”</blockquote><blockquote>“Treating your podcast like a business is so important.”</blockquote><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Trailer | Let's Get Down to PodBiz]]></title>
			<itunes:title><![CDATA[Trailer | Let's Get Down to PodBiz]]></itunes:title>
			<pubDate>Fri, 04 Jul 2025 14:14:26 GMT</pubDate>
			<itunes:duration>1:02</itunes:duration>
			<enclosure url="https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/e/6867e1c2a5162e94233c9229/media.mp3" length="499479" type="audio/mpeg"/>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">6867e1c2a5162e94233c9229</guid>
			<itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
			<link>https://shows.acast.com/podbiz/episodes/podbiztrailer</link>
			<acast:episodeId>6867e1c2a5162e94233c9229</acast:episodeId>
			<acast:showId>68343e1669c98f151d8f0020</acast:showId>
			<acast:episodeUrl>podbiztrailer</acast:episodeUrl>
			<acast:settings><![CDATA[FYjHyZbXWHZ7gmX8Pp1rmbKbhgrQiwYShz70Q9/ffXZMTtedvdcRQbP4eiLMjXzCKLPjEYLpGj+NMVKa+5C8pL4u/EOj1Vw4h5MMJYp0lCcFAe0fnxBJy/1ju4Qxy1fh8gO4DvlGA40yms2g0/hOkcrfHIopjTygHFqGwwOPKFIai4SuTvs86Lx3UYCyl6ZsSyyWS3sPisdKAZQX03fZ1wBIP98TrrdNJkX3d8hjtuaP5C36J8KMe1D+nZX/IF1ZZ19rgWTZkKQ095Tyvim3R3gjiVus+HFaSCH6hIapJxJRGy2XWfaPKScmbXFFKQi+]]></acast:settings>
			<itunes:subtitle>The podcast about the business of podcasting.  Where’s the money?  Let’s get down to PodBiz.</itunes:subtitle>
			<itunes:episodeType>trailer</itunes:episodeType>
			<itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
			<itunes:image href="https://assets.pippa.io/shows/68343e1669c98f151d8f0020/1751637981491-610f32b4-2daf-4f78-8e27-9b806781fbd0.jpeg"/>
			<description><![CDATA[<p><strong>Welcome to PodBiz: The Podcast About the Business of Podcasting. </strong>In this trailer episode, meet your hosts <strong>Norma Jean Belenky</strong> and <strong>John Kiernan</strong>, two podcast industry veterans with years of experience across production, marketing, monetization, and audience strategy. <em>PodBiz</em> is a show for creators, networks, and media professionals who want to understand how podcasting works as a business. Every episode centers around one essential question:</p><p><strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Through candid conversations with founders, producers, advertisers, and platform leaders, <em>PodBiz</em> explores real-world strategies for monetization, growth, and sustainability in audio. Whether you're running an indie show or managing a network, you'll get insights on advertising, branded content, subscriptions, IP development, and how the top players are building revenue through podcasting.</p><p><strong>Upcoming guests include leaders from</strong> Acast, Captivate, Podnews True Native Media, Adopter Media, Buzzsprout, Crooked Media, Podfest Expo, The Podglomerate, Sounds Profitable, Sundaze PR, BlackRock, Blubrry, RSS.com, Disctopia and more, including independent creators earning six figures and executives shaping the future of the podcast and media industry.</p><p>Subscribe now and join us as we go behind the scenes of how the podcasting business really works.</p><p><strong>Let’s get down to PodBiz. </strong></p><p><strong>Follow us on </strong><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/podbizpodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>LinkedIn</strong></a><strong> and comment, share, or repost your episode from our </strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@PodBizPodcast?sub_confirmation=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>YouTube channel</strong></a><strong>. </strong></p><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
			<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<p><strong>Welcome to PodBiz: The Podcast About the Business of Podcasting. </strong>In this trailer episode, meet your hosts <strong>Norma Jean Belenky</strong> and <strong>John Kiernan</strong>, two podcast industry veterans with years of experience across production, marketing, monetization, and audience strategy. <em>PodBiz</em> is a show for creators, networks, and media professionals who want to understand how podcasting works as a business. Every episode centers around one essential question:</p><p><strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Through candid conversations with founders, producers, advertisers, and platform leaders, <em>PodBiz</em> explores real-world strategies for monetization, growth, and sustainability in audio. Whether you're running an indie show or managing a network, you'll get insights on advertising, branded content, subscriptions, IP development, and how the top players are building revenue through podcasting.</p><p><strong>Upcoming guests include leaders from</strong> Acast, Captivate, Podnews True Native Media, Adopter Media, Buzzsprout, Crooked Media, Podfest Expo, The Podglomerate, Sounds Profitable, Sundaze PR, BlackRock, Blubrry, RSS.com, Disctopia and more, including independent creators earning six figures and executives shaping the future of the podcast and media industry.</p><p>Subscribe now and join us as we go behind the scenes of how the podcasting business really works.</p><p><strong>Let’s get down to PodBiz. </strong></p><p><strong>Follow us on </strong><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/podbizpodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>LinkedIn</strong></a><strong> and comment, share, or repost your episode from our </strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@PodBizPodcast?sub_confirmation=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>YouTube channel</strong></a><strong>. </strong></p><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong>  Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
		</item>
		<itunes:category text="Business">
			<itunes:category text="Marketing"/>
		</itunes:category>
		<itunes:category text="Business">
			<itunes:category text="Careers"/>
		</itunes:category>
    	<itunes:category text="Technology"/>
    </channel>
</rss>
