Podcast Junkies - Conversations with Fascinating Podcasters

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Ever wondered how to balance your passion for work with your personal life—especially when your business partner is also your spouse?

This week on Podcast Junkies, I’m joined by Gaby Proctor, host of Real Estate Talks and seasoned real estate expert, who offers a candid look into her journey from corporate marketing to thriving real estate entrepreneur in Austin. With over fifteen years in media and more than a decade in real estate, Gaby specializes in helping first-time buyers, investors, and the Hispanic community navigate the U.S. property market.

We dive deep into the unique challenges (and rewards) of running a business with your spouse, how to maintain healthy boundaries between home and work, and strategies for leveraging your marketing background to stand out in a crowded field. Gaby also shares her experiences creating a bilingual real estate podcast, building authentic community, and the power of niching down in a saturated industry.

Plus, we explore additional insights from Gaby’s time at longevity and wellness events, the value of staying adaptable in your business journey, and practical advice for podcasting—like building an email list, engaging listeners, and protecting yourself from social media uncertainty.

Ready to hear how Gaby keeps it real in both work and life? Tap and listen to the full episode now!

Episode Sponsor

FullCast – https://fullcast.co/

Key Takeaways

Leverage Niche Podcasting to Stand Out

Gaby Proctor shared how creating a podcast specifically about real estate in Spanish for the United States helped her fill a unique gap in the market. Starting with a niche keeps your target audience focused and makes your content easier to find for those seeking that specific info.

Build Community and Audience Engagement Beyond Downloads

Harry Duran encouraged offering value through easy-to-access downloads, inviting your audience onto your email list, and hosting virtual meetups like “Happy Hour with Gabby.” Cultivating a community around your podcast builds loyalty and direct relationships outside of social platforms.

Collaborate and Partner to Sustain Long-Term Projects

Gaby Proctor emphasized the benefit of teaming up with a co-host for accountability and support. When motivation dips, having a collaborator helps you push through lulls and stay consistent.

Get Feedback and Learn About Your Audience’s Needs

Proactively ask listeners for feedback and guidance on topics they’re seeking, as suggested by both speakers. However, Harry Duran recommended actionable ways to tailor your episodes—like using outcome-based episode titles, related downloadable resources, and email sequences—to better understand and serve your listeners.

Don’t Build Your Business Solely on Rented Platforms

After Gaby Proctor lost access to her social media accounts, the conversation highlighted the importance of diversifying your online presence. Focus on building your own channels, such as an email list or website, since you truly own your audience there and aren’t subject to the whims of platform algorithms or policies.

Tweetable Quotes

"I love learning about how to grow spiritually, intellectually, or by taking care of your health. I really liked the concept of longevity at the event—it’s not just about living longer but improving every aspect of your life: business, health, relationships, work."

"I realized I was in marketing because I was helping clients promote their business with different ideas, packages, and strategies. I thought all that...

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Ever feel like the future of your job or business could be snatched away by AI before you’ve had a chance to adapt? I know I do—and in this episode, we’re diving headfirst into exactly what you need to watch out for.

This week on Podcast Junkies, host Harry Duran sits down with Matt Rouse, host of the Digital Marketing Masters podcast, AI futurist, author, and yes—AI Chicken Wrangler. Matt Rouse brings a unique blend of digital marketing expertise and real-world insight into what technology is doing to reshape small businesses and creative careers.

The main theme explores how AI is fragmenting social media, transforming local marketing, and pushing business owners to reevaluate where they invest their time and energy. Matt Rouse shares his track record for predicting tech trends (he got 13 out of 15 AI predictions right years before they happened) and offers practical advice for anyone running a local business, a niche startup, or even starting their own podcast.

But this episode isn’t just about doom-and-gloom predictions or runaway robots. Harry Duran and Matt Rouse get personal about parenting in a tech-driven world, universal basic income, and why understanding how to work with AI (rather than ignore it) is now an essential business skill. They also unpack how real relationships, local connections, and creativity might just be the human edge in a future dominated by algorithms.

Curious where your job, your marketing efforts, or even your family's future sits in this rapidly changing landscape? Hit play and future-proof your thinking—this is a conversation every business owner, marketer, and creative needs to hear.

Episode Sponsor

FullCast – https://fullcast.co/

Key Takeaways

Reevaluate Your Marketing Channels:

Matt Rouse stresses that social media has become highly fragmented, making it essential for business owners to reassess where they invest their marketing time and resources. Instead of sticking to traditional platforms, focus on niche-specific or local platforms where your target audience actually spends time.

Prioritize Local Marketing for Local Businesses:

If you run a local service business or have a physical location, shift your energy towards local marketing strategies (like optimizing Google Business pages and partnering with local influencers). Generic, broad social media marketing isn’t as effective anymore for localized businesses.

Use Automation Tools to Save Time and Increase Results:

Take advantage of solutions like SMB Autopilot (developed by Matt Rouse), which automates and optimizes local SEO. These kinds of autopilot tools deliver results and monthly reports without manual effort, freeing up business owners to focus on their actual work and families.

Learn to Work with AI (Don’t Ignore It):

The people who know how to leverage AI in their businesses and workflows will have a significant advantage. Matt Rouse advocates treating AI as a partner—explaining tasks to it and learning how to get the best results. Ignoring AI or underestimating its pace of growth can leave you behind.

Focus on Customer Language and Needs, Not Personal Preference:

Understand that you are not your customer. Your preferred platforms and lingo might not match your audience’s. Invest time in audience research, listen to your client base, and adapt your marketing language and channels to where your customers actually spend their time online.

Tweetable Quotes

"You really need to speak the language of your customer and identify where and what they're doing. Remember that...

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Sometimes the glue holding my relationship together feels more like Scotch tape—how do I keep things passionate, connected, and real when life (and business) gets in the way?

On this episode of Podcast Junkies, I sit down with Ellen Dorian, host of Make More Love, relationship coach, and entrepreneur with decades of experience helping high-achieving business owners navigate love, sex, and personal fulfillment. Ellen’s always been the ear friends turned to for advice, and she’s since transformed that talent into a thriving career guiding individuals to better, more authentic relationships.

We dive deep into the reality that intimacy can become routine and how introducing novelty—even on a monthly basis—can reignite the connection. Ellen shares candid stories from her own journey, demystifies the three-year rule in relationships, and reveals why strategic annual planning isn’t just for your business, but for your love life, too. Plus, we tackle topics like escaping “roommate syndrome,” the challenges of relationship growth for entrepreneurs, lessons from college, and why taking your clothes off (sometimes literally!) can help you focus.

You'll also hear why direct mail might be making a comeback, tips for overcoming tech overwhelm when starting a podcast, vulnerable reflections on aging, and how editing your own podcast can teach you more than you ever expected. This episode is packed with honest insights and practical wisdom—perfect for anyone who’s ever wondered how to balance their personal and professional ambitions while keeping their relationship front and center.

Ready to hear Ellen’s powerful strategies for sustaining love and intimacy—plus actionable tips you can implement today? Hit “play” and join us for this heartfelt and insightful conversation! Listen now to PJ382: Ellen Dorian.

Episode Sponsor

FullCast – https://fullcast.co/

Key Takeaways

Spice Up Your Relationship Routine

Harry shares a practical relationship tip: even if you have a routine that works in your intimate life, make it a point to try something new at least once a month. Whether it’s a new activity or revisiting something you used to enjoy, fresh experiences can revitalize connection and intimacy.

Treat Your Relationship Like a Business—Strategic Planning Works!

Harry applies his business coaching experience to relationships by encouraging regular “strategic planning” sessions with your partner. He suggests sitting down at least once a year to set rolling three-year goals, create a 12-month plan, and break them down into actionable projects. This keeps both partners aligned and allows you to course-correct regularly.

Understand the Real Issues Behind Business Struggles

Harry points out that business owners often struggle with focus and growth because of unresolved relationship issues at home. By addressing the root personal challenges—instead of just business strategy—you unlock better clarity and decision-making in your professional life.

Start Before You’re Ready and Just Keep Going

Both Ellen and Harry discuss the challenges of launching a podcast (or any creative project). Their advice: Don’t get stuck aiming for perfection. Work through technical hurdles step by step, use cohort or group support if possible, and remember that every episode won’t be perfect. Publishing regularly is more important than waiting until everything is flawless.

Edit Your Own Content—At Least at First

Harry and Ellen both recommend editing your own podcast episodes when starting out. Doing this helps you catch verbal habits (like rambling or...

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Struggling to create high-quality podcast content without breaking the bank? Jeremy Prudhomme's automated studio solution might be the game-changer you've been waiting for.

Jeremy Prudhomme, CEO of ONPOD, is revolutionizing the podcast industry with his innovative approach to studio automation. With a background in videography and years of experience in the broadcasting world, Jeremy has developed a system that allows podcast studios to operate with minimal human intervention, making it easier and more affordable for aspiring podcasters to create professional-quality content.

In this episode, Jeremy shares his journey from videographer to podcast studio mogul, detailing how he's leveraging technology to streamline the podcasting process. He discusses the challenges of automating video production, the importance of focusing on content over technical details, and his vision for expanding onpod across North America through a licensing model.

We also dive into Jeremy's tips for new podcasters, including the importance of considering the audience's perspective and the power of using podcasting as a networking tool. Plus, he reveals insights on studio setup, equipment choices, and the future of automated podcast production.

If you're looking to start a podcast or improve your current setup without breaking the bank, this episode is packed with invaluable insights. Don't miss out on Jeremy's expert advice – click play now and learn how to take your podcasting game to the next level!

Episode Sponsor

FullCast – https://fullcast.co/

5 Key Takeaways

1. Start your podcast with engaging content immediately. Skip lengthy introductions and jump straight into valuable information to capture listeners' attention from the get-go.

2. Use podcasting as a networking tool. Invite potential clients or industry leaders as guests to build meaningful relationships and expand your professional network.

3. Leverage LinkedIn and Sales Navigator to identify ideal podcast guests who align with your target audience or business goals.

4. Focus on providing value to listeners rather than just making guests feel comfortable. Always consider what the audience will gain from each episode.

5. Treat your podcast like a business. Develop a marketing strategy to promote your show and grow your audience - simply publishing episodes isn't enough to attract listeners.

Tweetable Quotes

"Podcasting is the new networking. You create a connection with someone in a totally different way than at a networking event where you just get a business card."

"When starting a podcast, catch people's attention right away. Start with a juicy question that will teach the audience something, rather than background information about the guest."

"We've automated everything in our podcast studios. You press a button, it records all the cameras, and the footage is automatically sent to the client. We've streamlined the whole process."

Connect with Jeremy

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/prudhommejeremy?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/share/1ChWGnEp44/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Instagram -

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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...