Podcast Junkies - Conversations with Fascinating Podcasters

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Ever wondered how to turn your podcast into a thriving business? Bogdan Bratis, CEO and founder of Saspod, shares his journey from X Factor Romania finalist to successful podcast entrepreneur.

Bogdan's story is a testament to the power of adaptability and perseverance. After moving from Romania to the UK to study music production, he discovered the world of podcasting and quickly became an expert in audio editing. Today, he runs a full-service podcast production company that offers everything from editing to hosting services.

In this episode, Bogdan reveals the secrets behind successful podcasts, including the importance of clear goals, consistent production, and strategic marketing. He emphasizes the value of video podcasting and shares tips on how to improve discoverability through clever naming and keyword strategies.

The conversation also touches on the challenges of balancing entrepreneurship with personal life, the potential of AI in podcasting, and the unexpected joys of fatherhood. Bogdan's insights offer a comprehensive look at the current state of the podcasting industry and its future potential.

If you're looking to take your podcast to the next level or considering starting one, this episode is packed with valuable advice from someone who's been in the trenches. Don't miss out on Bogdan's expert tips – listen now!

Episode Sponsor

FullCast – https://fullcast.co/

5 Key Takeaways

1. Have a clear goal and vision for your podcast. Successful podcasters know why they're starting their show and what they want to achieve with it, whether it's visibility, growth, or eventual monetization.

2. Choose a discoverable podcast name. Consider including relevant keywords in your show's title to improve searchability. You can add descriptive phrases to your main title in podcast directories.

3. Repurpose podcast content across multiple platforms. Turn episodes into blog articles, social media posts, and video clips to expand your reach. Being present on various channels increases discoverability.

4. Optimize your podcast for search. Include relevant keywords in episode titles, descriptions, and show notes. Encourage listeners to use keywords when leaving reviews to boost your ranking.

5. Continuously improve and test different strategies. Implement small, consistent improvements to your show. A/B test various approaches to see what resonates with your audience and focus your efforts on what works best.

Tweetable Quotes

"I wanted an all-in-one solution. It's something that provides a little bit of future for the business because you can integrate AI tools, you can integrate all sorts of different creation tools. So it gives you not just an agency, but a SaaS business as well, which creates a bit of passive income."

"If you have a podcast, why not turn that episode into a blog article? Make sure that it ranks on Google. You're going to get clicks on that article and obviously once you do that, you will be featured in AI as well, if you do it right."

"Once Skyler came into the world, I was like, wow, this is something else. I changed my mind about being a father. I think this is one of the greatest things you can ever do in your life, and if you have the chance to do it that's good."

Connect with Bogdan

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bratis/

Facebook -

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Are you struggling to grow your podcast audience and wondering if there's a secret sauce to success? Jullian Androkae, podcast creative strategist, shares insights on the evolving landscape of podcasting and the importance of building a community around your show.

Jullian Androkae brings a wealth of experience from his work with brands like Coca-Cola and TurboTax, as well as his own agency, Podvision. He discusses the shift in podcaster expectations, the role of AI in content creation, and the value of being a jack-of-all-trades in the current podcasting environment.

The main focus of this episode is the importance of creating an ecosystem around your podcast. Jullian emphasizes that simply putting out great content isn't enough; success often hinges on leveraging earned media, social platforms, and email lists to reach and engage your audience.

Additional topics covered include the challenges of measuring podcast success, the potential of AI tools in streamlining podcast production, and Jullian's journey from Madagascar to becoming a podcast strategist. He also shares his experiences working on various shows and his current project, the Podcaster's Toolkit.

If you're looking to take your podcast to the next level and gain insights from an industry expert, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to hear Jullian's unique perspective on the future of podcasting and how to stand out in a crowded market.

Episode Sponsor

FullCast – https://fullcast.co/

5 Key Takeaways

1. Leverage your existing audience and ecosystem to grow your podcast. Without a built-in community or distribution channels, even great content can struggle to find listeners.

2. Focus on engagement metrics beyond just downloads, like email list growth or audience interactions. These can be more meaningful indicators of success, especially for business-oriented shows.

3. Explore AI tools and automation to streamline your podcasting workflow. Simple scripts or browser extensions can save significant time on repetitive tasks.

4. Consider a niche focus for your podcast to attract targeted sponsors and generate revenue, even with a smaller audience. Vertical-specific shows can be very appealing to marketers.

5. Develop a range of skills as a "jack of all trades" in podcasting. Being versatile in areas like audio editing, video production, and AI tools can make you more adaptable in the evolving podcast landscape.

Tweetable Quotes

"If you just put out a podcast into the world, not much is going to happen with it, no matter how good it is. Without an ecosystem, a lot of podcasts in this era really struggle."

"I think that writers are actually the best prompt engineers and context engineers to think about how AI tools work and give them the best instructions possible."

"I've always been all over the place in terms of what I like to do. There's always been this idea that you become a jack of all trades. But now everyone is almost asked to become a jack of all trades in the podcasting industry."

Connect with Jullian

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jullianka/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/k.jullian19/

Resources Mentioned

The Second Mountain: The Quest for a Moral Life by David Brooks -

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Ever felt like you're wearing a mask, hiding your true self from the world? Beth Jones, host of "Let's Heal with Beth Jones," knows that feeling all too well. She's on a mission to help others shed their masks and embrace healing.

Beth Jones is a healing mentor, author, and podcast host who spent years as a successful forensic accountant while battling inner turmoil. Her journey from trauma to transformation led her to create a platform dedicated to healing and empowering survivors.

This episode dives deep into Beth's personal story, exploring how she discovered her need for healing at age 50 and embarked on a journey of self-discovery. Beth shares insights on forgiveness, the importance of therapy, and how her podcast provides a safe space for survivors to share their stories of healing.

Harry and Beth also discuss the challenges of hosting a podcast on sensitive topics, the concept of home, and how Beth's international upbringing shaped her worldview. They touch on the process of writing her book and the serendipitous events that led to the creation of her podcast.

If you're curious about the power of healing, the journey from trauma to purpose, or how to create a platform for meaningful conversations, don't miss this episode. Beth's story might just inspire you to start your own healing journey.

Episode Sponsor

FullCast – https://fullcast.co/

5 Key Takeaways

1. Embrace your healing journey. As Beth Jones emphasizes, healing is an ongoing process. Take active steps to address past traumas and work through difficult emotions, even if it feels challenging.

2. Find your purpose through pain. Consider how your personal struggles could be transformed into a way to help others. Beth turned her experiences into a podcast and book to support fellow survivors.

3. Seek professional help when needed. Beth credits trauma therapy with saving her life. Don't hesitate to work with a qualified therapist to process unresolved issues and develop healthy coping strategies.

4. Share your story. Opening up about your experiences, when you're ready, can be healing for both yourself and others. Look for safe spaces to express yourself, whether through writing, podcasts, or support groups.

5. Focus on the healing, not just the trauma. When discussing difficult experiences, emphasize the growth and positive changes that came from overcoming challenges rather than dwelling solely on painful details.

Tweetable Quotes

"I'm all about healing. That's why the show's called Let's Heal with Beth Jones. We focus on the healing. Although I give every guest an opportunity to say whatever they want about how they arrived at a place where they needed to heal, the purpose is to talk about getting to the good place."

"I didn't know until I was 50 that I had something I needed to deal with. It kept building for 45 years, and suddenly I was confronted with it. We've all suffered trauma and abuse, and every one of us is at a varying degree of healing."

"The most misunderstood thing about me is being a radically different person today than the one people knew me as. Inside, I was not that person at all. I wore a bunch of masks that everybody else gave to me, and they became my Achilles heel in many instances."

Connect with Beth

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethjoneshealingmentor/

Instagram -

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Ever wondered how to turn your podcast into a money-making machine? Jeff Umbro, CEO of The Podglomerate, shares insider secrets on podcast monetization, marketing, and production that could transform your show.

Jeff Umbro brings over a decade of podcasting experience to the table. As the founder of The Podglomerate, he's helped countless shows grow their audience and revenue through innovative marketing strategies and production techniques.

In this episode, Jeff breaks down the six-tier approach to podcast marketing, including publicity, owned marketing, cross-promotion, app pitching, paid acquisition, and data management. He also discusses the evolving landscape of podcast monetization, from direct sales to programmatic advertising.

Jeff shares insights on the importance of video in podcasting, the costs associated with professional podcast production, and how to set realistic expectations for sponsorship opportunities. He also touches on the challenges of running a podcast network and the personal sacrifices required to build a successful business in the industry.

If you're looking to take your podcast to the next level, this episode is packed with actionable advice from one of the industry's leading experts. Don't miss out on Jeff's invaluable insights – listen now!

Episode Sponsor

FullCast – https://fullcast.co/

5 Key Takeaways

1. When starting a podcast, clearly define your goals first. This will inform everything from show format to marketing strategy.

2. Consider a six-tier marketing approach: publicity, owned marketing, cross-promotion, pitching podcast apps, paid acquisition, and data management.

3. For video podcasts, focus on packaging - optimize your title, description, thumbnail, and first 60 seconds to boost discoverability and retention.

4. Track key metrics like total listeners, consumption data, and platform share to inform both editorial decisions and marketing efforts.

5. For podcast monetization, aim for at least 50,000 downloads per month before pursuing direct response advertising deals. Smaller shows can explore programmatic ads or alternative revenue streams.

Tweetable Quotes

"Podcasting makes people's dreams come true. And you see it so frequently. And it's so funny because frankly, it's almost never in the way that people imagine."

"I view AI as a tool the same way I would view Muckrack or Podchaser or Megaphone as a tool. It allows you to do things easier, hopefully better, and hopefully quicker. But it still requires a lot of strategic thinking where you need to actually come up with a plan and set goals."

"When we approach a podcast marketing campaign, we first go back to the goals question, because I'm going to tweak this campaign based on what you tell me, like if you're looking for scale or niche or anything in between."

Connect with Jeff

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffumbro/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/podglomeratepods/#

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/podglomerate/

X - https://x.com/JeffUmbro

Resources Mentioned

Muckrack - https://muckrack.com/

Podchaser...

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Ever felt overwhelmed trying to juggle multiple business ventures while maintaining a focus on revenue growth? David (Ledge) Ledgerwood, a serial entrepreneur and B2B revenue expert, shares his journey of managing 17 startups and the lessons he's learned along the way.

David (Ledge) Ledgerwood, owner and managing partner of three companies - Add1Zero, Riggg, and Listen Network - brings his wealth of experience in B2B services, consulting agencies, and professional services to the podcast. With a background in programming and a pivot to the business side, Ledge has honed his skills in the full revenue function, from sales to strategy.

In this episode, Ledge dives deep into the evolution of his entrepreneurial journey, from his early days in coding to his current role in revolutionizing podcast production and B2B sales. He shares insights on how he's leveraged podcasting as a powerful tool for business development and relationship building, generating millions in revenue through authentic conversations.

The conversation also touches on the challenges of managing multiple ventures, the importance of adapting to different business cultures, and the role of AI in enhancing business intelligence. Ledge offers valuable advice on prioritization, the power of partnerships, and the concept of "shared abundance" in business success.

If you're looking to scale your B2B services, improve your podcast production, or simply gain insights from a seasoned entrepreneur, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to hear Ledge's unique perspective on navigating the complex world of B2B revenue and content creation.

Episode Sponsor

FullCast – https://fullcast.co/

5 Key Takeaways

1. Leverage podcasting for business development. Ledge found success using a podcast to connect with high-level prospects, leading to millions in sales. Consider starting a show focused on your target market to build relationships.

2. Explore fractional sales solutions. For B2B service companies struggling with sales, a fractional revenue team like Add1Zero can provide the full sales function without the overhead of hiring internally.

3. Streamline content production. Look into tools like Riggg that enable real-time video production and multi-format content creation from a single recording session to maximize efficiency.

4. Use AI strategically. Rather than relying on AI to generate content, use it to analyze existing content, sales calls, and customer interactions to derive strategic insights for your business.

5. Prioritize ruthlessly. As an entrepreneur juggling multiple ventures, focus relentlessly on revenue-generating activities and build strong partnerships to divide responsibilities effectively.

Tweetable Quotes

"Experience is what allows you to recognize a mistake when you make it again. You had to screw up a lot. I don't know that I couldn't have done that at the beginning, but I am able to leverage it now."

"I'm a revenue first guy. If we're going to do a company, everything's about revenue. The second thing is doing that in a high integrity way. The third is approaching it with calm confidence."

"Wisdom is the accumulation of error. Why do you know that? Because I did it wrong so many times."

Connect with Ledge

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidledgerwood/

Resources...

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Ever wondered how to break into the European podcasting scene or connect with podcast lovers across the globe? Andreea Coscai, Marketing Manager at Tink Media and founder of Eurowaves newsletter, shares her insights on bridging the gap between US and European podcasting industries.

In this episode, Andreea discusses her journey from Romania to the US and back, highlighting her experiences in the podcasting world. She delves into the challenges of converting non-listeners to podcast enthusiasts and the importance of targeting existing podcast audiences for marketing success.

Andreea explores the evolving landscape of European podcasting, touching on the differences in monetization strategies between the US and Europe. She also shares her thoughts on the impact of AI in podcasting and the need for ethical implementation.

The conversation covers topics such as the power of podcasting conferences, the potential of niche podcasts for sponsorship, and the importance of curiosity in conducting interviews. Andreea also discusses her upcoming speaking engagement at the Podcast Show in London and her goals for connecting podcasters across Europe.

If you're curious about the global podcasting landscape and want to learn how to navigate the European market, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to gain valuable insights from Andreea Coscai's unique perspective on the industry.

Episode Sponsor

FullCast – https://fullcast.co/

5 Key Takeaways

1. Focus podcast marketing efforts on reaching existing podcast listeners rather than trying to convert non-listeners. Target places where podcast fans already congregate, like podcast newsletters and cross-promotions with other shows.

2. Consider niche sponsorship opportunities for podcasts, even before launch. Approach companies in your podcast's industry about sponsoring a season, positioning it as an alternative to expensive conference booths.

3. Use AI tools thoughtfully in podcasting, while being mindful of maintaining the human element. Look for ethical and culturally sensitive applications that enhance rather than replace human creativity.

4. Explore co-production opportunities across countries and languages to expand your podcast's reach. Organizations like Wepod facilitate international podcast collaborations on shared topics.

5. When interviewing high-profile guests like CEOs, approach the conversation with genuine curiosity. Ask open-ended questions and treat it like a natural conversation to put guests at ease.

Tweetable Quotes

"It's really so hard to convert someone from a non-listener to a listener and to a podcast lover. I try to do it with my friends all the time. Whatever conversation we're having, I tell them, I have a podcast for you. But they rarely listen, or if they do, they're not going to listen to a second one and get into the habit of it."

"The best way to market your podcast is to go where podcast lovers already are. That's why we focus so much on cross promos and features in podcasting newsletters."

"My main goal in whatever I do now is finding those clients and teams that I align with based on values and their passion for what they do. That's what really drives me at the end of the day."

Connect with Andreea

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreea-coscai

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/andreeacoscai/?hl=en

Resources

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Ever feel like you're missing out on essential life wisdom? Hunter Toran shares insights on embracing elderhood and fostering personal growth that could transform your perspective.

Hunter Toran, a somatic practitioner and men's work facilitator, brings his wealth of experience to the Podcast Junkies show. With a background in agriculture, spirituality, and human development, Hunter offers a unique blend of practical and philosophical wisdom.

This episode explores the concept of elderhood and the importance of embracing personal growth at any age. Hunter discusses the "Third Way" - a balanced approach to life that combines traditional wisdom with modern insights, offering a fresh perspective on navigating our complex world.

The conversation also touches on the power of somatic work, the challenges of men's personal development, and the transformative potential of facing our fears. Hunter shares personal anecdotes from his work with Sacred Sons and reflects on the evolving nature of masculinity in today's society.

Ready to gain some elder wisdom and explore new paths for personal growth? Tune in to this episode of Podcast Junkies with Hunter Toran for an enlightening conversation that might just change how you view your own journey.

Episode Sponsor

FullCast – https://fullcast.co/

5 Key Takeaways

1. Cultivate awareness through movement. Somatic practices can help uncover subconscious patterns and increase intuition. Try incorporating mindful movement or body-based practices into your routine.

2. Seek balance between catharsis and integration. While intense experiences can be transformative, sustainable growth requires ongoing integration. Look for ways to process and apply insights from peak experiences in daily life.

3. Explore elderhood as a journey, not just an age. Regardless of your years, consider how you can cultivate wisdom and take on mentorship roles. Reflect on what you have to offer younger generations.

4. Practice attunement to natural rhythms. Notice how aligning with cycles like sunrise and sunset affects your energy and awareness. Experiment with adjusting your schedule to sync with nature's patterns.

5. Embrace the "Third Way" in relationships and decision-making. When faced with polarities, look for emergent solutions that honor multiple perspectives. Cultivate both personal sovereignty and collective responsibility.

Tweetable Quotes

"The body keeps the story. Even the brain - there's no hard drive in the head. They keep looking for the memories there. They're not going to find them. Because they're in the soft tissues. And they're actually in the space around us."

"The Third Way speaks to what's emergent. We always want to honor tradition, but tradition has also failed. We have to be real about that. These new traditions that will be born will be a third way between the human being suspended between the cosmos and land."

"I've changed my mind about aging. I used to fear it, pulling out gray hairs and worrying about wrinkles. Now I'm savoring the age I'm at and have a beautiful curiosity about where it's going. I don't want to get old - I want to get elder."

Connect with Hunter

Website - https://www.huntertoran.com/

Resources Mentioned

Sacred Sons - men's organization - http://sacredsons.com/

Mankind Project - men's organization -

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Are you struggling to tap into your creative potential? Discover how embracing your creativity can transform your life and boost your mental well-being.

Beth Ann Buffington, host of Create Today with Beth Buffington, is an expert in helping people unlock their creative passions. With decades of experience as a graphic designer, illustrator, and educator, Beth shares her insights on nurturing creativity and turning it into a fulfilling career.

In this episode, Beth explores the transformative power of creativity and how it can be a free, accessible tool for improving mental health. She emphasizes that everyone has creative potential, whether it's through traditional art forms or everyday activities like cooking and gardening.

Beth also discusses her journey as a podcast host, sharing tips on conducting engaging interviews and repurposing content across various platforms. She touches on her upcoming live retreats, which combine creativity and health coaching for personal and professional growth.

Ready to unleash your creative side and discover its potential to enrich your life? Listen to this episode for practical advice and inspiration from a seasoned creative professional.

Episode Sponsor

FullCast – https://fullcast.co/

5 Key Takeaways

1. Embrace creativity as a forgiving process. Even if you make mistakes or face setbacks, you can always return to your creative pursuits and learn from the experience.

2. Explore different avenues to monetize your creative skills. Consider options like teaching, creating online courses, or licensing your work to diversify your income streams.

3. When promoting podcast episodes, create short video clips highlighting key moments. Share these teasers across platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and Pinterest to attract listeners.

4. Use Pinterest as a long-lasting promotional tool for your podcast. Unlike other social platforms, Pinterest posts can drive traffic to your show for months after publishing.

5. Experiment with different titles and descriptions for your podcast content across platforms. What works for audio may need tweaking for YouTube to improve discoverability and engagement.

Tweetable Quotes

"The thing about creativity is that it's very forgiving. It allows you to go back, and you're always learning something from whatever it's happened to you. So it's an encouraging thing to know that you can go back and it's still there for you."

"My creativity isn't just something I do for a living. It's something I do to stay alive. It helps me keep my head on straight. It helps me solve problems."

"We have such an epidemic of mental crisis in our world, and so much of that is because we don't pay attention to ourselves as much as we could or should. Creativity is free. It doesn't involve any medication, it doesn't involve trips to the doctor."

Connect with Beth

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bbbuffington/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/b.b.buffington_celebratetoday/?hl=en

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/BDIcreatetoday

Resources Mentioned

Cody Burch's Email School - https://codyburch.com/

Beyond Anxiety by Martha Beck -

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Ever wondered how to turn your personal struggles into a powerful platform for change? Justine Finocchiaro-Doles, host of "Just Talk with Justine," shares her journey from cancer survivor to podcast host, inspiring others through stories of resilience and hope.

Justine, a four-time cancer survivor and dragon boat enthusiast, launched her podcast to give voice to breast cancer survivors and thrivers. With 20 episodes under her belt, she's created a safe space for sharing deeply personal stories of triumph over adversity.

In this episode, Justine opens up about her own battle with cancer, her mission to make guests feel at ease, and her plans to rebrand and grow her show. She discusses the challenges of podcasting, from technical hurdles to building self-confidence as a host.

Harry and Justine explore the art of holding space for difficult conversations, the importance of curiosity in interviewing, and strategies for podcast growth. They touch on topics like sponsorship, website creation, and the power of treating guests and sponsors "like gold."

Ready to be inspired by Justine's journey and gain valuable insights into podcasting with purpose? Listen now and discover how one woman's mission to share stories of survival is changing lives, one episode at a time.

Episode Sponsor

FullCast – https://fullcast.co/

5 Key Takeaways

1. Rebrand your podcast to better reflect its focus. Consider changing "Just Talk with Justine" to something like "Survivors and Thrivers: Living Your Best Life" to clearly communicate the show's purpose and attract your target audience.

2. Create a simple website using a tool like PodPage. Connect it to your RSS feed so new episodes automatically generate blog posts, giving you an easy-to-maintain online presence.

3. Develop a "dream 100" list of potential guests whose stories of surviving and thriving you'd love to feature. Use this as motivation and a guide for growing your show.

4. Improve your guest follow-up process. After publishing an episode, send your guest a package with links to the episode, social media copy, and graphics they can use to promote their appearance.

5. Focus on creating a safe space for guests to share vulnerable stories. Practice active listening, allow for pauses and silence, and remember there are three people in each conversation - you, your guest, and the listener.

Tweetable Quotes

"I view life as live life like you're dying. If I want to jump out of that airplane, I better do it. You're going to go one day, so it all depends on how you go. I want to just live like I'm dying."

"My goal is to make them feel at ease. I don't want anybody to feel nervous talking about personal stuff like their breasts are gone and they've got tattoos on their nipples. That's a hard thing to talk about sometimes."

"I'm a four time cancer survivor, so I know when I was going through all that, I didn't have somebody to chat with. Now with the camaraderie of my team, that has really helped me step out of my comfort zone and speak to others about their journeys."

Connect with Justine

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/justtalkwithjustine/

Website - https://justtalkwithjustine.com/

Resources Mentioned

Buzzsprout (podcast hosting platform) -