Podcast Junkies - Conversations with Fascinating Podcasters

📺 Watch & Subscribe on YouTube

Ever wondered how storytelling can transform lives and create lasting impact? In this episode, I chat with Scott Johnson, the host of "What Was That Like?" Scott is a seasoned podcaster who has mastered the art of storytelling, using his platform to share gripping, real-life experiences that resonate deeply with listeners.

We dive into the heart of Scott's podcasting journey, exploring how he transitioned from a computer business owner to a full-time podcaster. Scott shares the profound effects his show has had on both guests and listeners, from preserving memories to inspiring life-changing actions. His approach to storytelling not only captivates audiences but also provides a therapeutic outlet for those sharing their stories.

Beyond the main theme, we discuss Scott's experiences at podcasting conferences, his strategies for finding compelling stories, and the importance of creating a safe space for guests. Scott also shares insights into his marketing tactics and how he's built a thriving community around his podcast.

Curious to hear more about the power of storytelling and how it can impact lives? Click play and join us for an engaging conversation with Scott Johnson!

Episode Sponsor

FullCast – https://fullcast.co/

Key Takeaways

0:00 Intro

0:25 The Therapeutic Power of Podcasting

03:27 Transition from Computer Business to Podcasting

04:45 Early Tech Memories

10:23 Seeking Extraordinary Stories

17:18 The Power of Editing in Storytelling

19:51 Unforgettable Stories of Trauma and Resilience

29:28 The Fascination with Lottery Winners

38:22 Guerrilla Marketing for Podcasters

42:47 The Power of Podcast Promo Swaps

49:03 Misconceptions About Veganism

54:13 Evolution of Podcast Conferences

Tweetable Quotes

"The gratification of seeing the effect the show has on other people and guests and listeners is incredible. I've had guests tell me it's been therapeutic to share their story in detail with someone genuinely interested in hearing it."

"I started podcasting in 2012 with a computer business podcast, doing weekly tips for non-techie people. It was designed to get more clients, but now my new show has taken the front seat."

"The power of storytelling is immense. I love when guests share their stories, and sometimes they cry while reliving their experiences. It's an honor to bring these stories to people."

Resources Mentioned

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

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wwtl_podcast/

Podcast Junkies Website: podcastjunkies.com

Podcast Junkies YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Podcastjunkies/

Podcast Junkies Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/podcastjunkiesjunkies/

Podcast Junkies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/podcastjunkies

Podcast Junkies Twitter: https://twitter.com/podcast_junkies

Podcast Junkies LinkedIn:

📺 Watch & Subscribe on YouTube

In this episode, I speak with Brandon Birkmeyer, the host of the Brands on Brands podcast and author of "Front and Center Leadership." We dive into the serendipitous way we connected through mutual friends and podcasting events, and how those late-night conversations at conferences often spark the best ideas. Brandon shares his journey from corporate life to becoming a podcast host and author, emphasizing the importance of building a personal brand and the value of genuine relationships in the podcasting community.

Brandon opens up about his transition from a corporate career to entrepreneurship, highlighting the challenges and rewards of taking control of his own narrative. We discuss the process of writing his book, the significance of personal branding, and the strategies he uses to secure speaking engagements. Brandon's insights into networking, content creation, and the power of taking initiative are not only inspiring but also practical for anyone looking to make a similar leap.

This conversation is packed with valuable lessons and personal anecdotes that will resonate with anyone interested in personal growth and professional development.

Episode Sponsor

FullCast – https://fullcast.co/

Key Takeaways

0:00 Intro

2:37 Transition from Door-to-Door Sales to Podcasting

4:00 Brandon's Podcasting Journey

6:32 The Impact of Interviews on Content Creation

8:24 The Power of Structured Brainstorming

13:00 Travis Chappell's Impact on Personal Branding

14:19 Realizing the Importance of Networking

15:39 Building Authority and Credibility

18:54 The Struggles of Job Hunting

20:59 Overcoming Reluctance in Professional Settings

23:32 Brandon's Cross-Country Move for Love and Career

25:24 The Reluctant Author's Journey

36:18 Balancing Business and Personal Life

38:39 Brandon's Strategy for Securing Speaking Gigs

41:04 The Concept of Focusing on Your Genius Zone

43:01 Balancing Podcasting and Other Projects

47:47 Embracing a Dynamic Personal Brand

49:09 The Value of Being a Generalist

52:09 Misunderstood Extroversion

53:20 Building Deep Connections at Conferences

Tweetable Quotes

"For me, perspective is power. That was what I was gaining from doing it."

"I think there's three pieces to what I think really rounds you out when you're developing your reputation: content creation, networking, and creating impact through value creation."

"I realized if I can pay the premium upfront to get the momentum started, then I can figure out how to make this more efficient and save money."

Resources Mentioned

LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/bbirkmeyer

Twitter - https://twitter.com/bbirkmeyer

Instagram - https://instagram.com/brandonbirkmeyer/

Facebook - https://facebook.com/bbirkmeyer

Podcast Junkies Website: podcastjunkies.com

Podcast Junkies YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Podcastjunkies/

Podcast Junkies Facebook Group:

📺 Watch & Subscribe on YouTube

In this episode, I speak with Dana Goodyear, a staff writer at The New Yorker and the host of the podcast Lost Hills. Dana shares her journey from being an English major to landing her first job at The New Yorker, where she started as an assistant to two nonfiction editors. She recounts her early days of learning the ropes, reading extensively, and eventually working directly with David Remnick, the editor-in-chief. Dana's career path is fascinating, as she transitioned from writing profiles and investigative pieces to diving into the world of podcasting. Her passion for storytelling and her love for true crime led her to create Lost Hills, a podcast that delves into the dark and mysterious crimes of Malibu.

Dana's insights into the making of Lost Hills are truly captivating. She talks about the challenges and rewards of investigative reporting, the importance of collaboration, and the unique storytelling potential of podcasts. Dana also shares some behind-the-scenes stories about the production process, including the intense research, door-knocking, and the occasional threats she faced. Her dedication to uncovering the truth and bringing these stories to life is inspiring.

If you're a fan of true crime and want to hear about the intriguing and often hidden stories of Malibu, this episode is a must-listen.

Episode Sponsor

FullCast – https://fullcast.co/

Key Takeaways

0:00 Intro

4:43 Discovery of Podcasting

10:18 The My Teresa Richardson Story

11:50 Malibu's Complex Identity

16:29 Malibu's Exclusive Community

18:28 Malibu Creek State Park Shootings

21:31 Dark Side of Mickey Dora

22:32 Unsolved Case of Maitrice Richardson

26:14 Law Enforcement's Role in the Maitrice Case

31:42 Mental Toll of Investigative Reporting

35:00 Safety Concerns in Investigative Journalism

37:55 Podcast Production Process

39:48 Art of Asking Tough Questions

43:55 Dana Goodyear's Experience with Narrative Podcasts

45:37 Future Plans for Lost Hills Podcast

Tweetable Quotes

"I was an English major in college, and I got to New York having very minimal employment. I was working as an unpaid intern at the Paris Review and writing book reviews for various publications. A friend who was ahead of me in school landed a job at the New Yorker and told me about an opening for an assistant. That’s how I started at the New Yorker."

"I remember right around the time I got my first iPhone, there was this weird icon I didn’t know. I found Rachel Maddow and started listening to a ton of her podcasts. For years, that was the only podcast I knew about until things developed in that space."

"When I started making Lost Hills, just being able to bring people’s voices to the listeners was so cool to me. I feel like I’m hosting a party of these sources and the listeners. It’s a unique way to translate the experience to the audience."

Resources Mentioned

Twitter - https://x.com/danagoodyear

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

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p/Dana-Goodyear-100065190092636/?_rdr

Podcast Junkies Website: podcastjunkies.com

Podcast Junkies YouTube:

📺 Watch & Subscribe on YouTube

In this episode, I speak with Jeremy Slate, the host of the Jeremy Ryan Slate Show. We kick things off with a light-hearted chat about our shared love for wooden wall backgrounds and quickly dive into Jeremy's unique journey. From his early days working on a farm with a character known as Bikini Joe to his unexpected stint as a high school teacher, Jeremy shares how these experiences shaped his work ethic and resilience. We also touch on his transition from network marketing and life insurance to becoming a podcast host, where he found his true calling. Jeremy's candid storytelling and humor make for an engaging conversation that you won't want to miss.

We also explore Jeremy's deep interest in the Roman Empire and how it has influenced his current work and worldview. He explains how studying ancient civilizations has given him a unique perspective on modern-day issues, particularly in politics and culture. Jeremy's passion for history and his ability to connect it to contemporary life is both enlightening and thought-provoking. Whether you're a history buff or just curious about how past events shape our present, this episode offers valuable insights and plenty of laughs.

Tune in to hear Jeremy's fascinating journey and his take on the importance of having meaningful conversations in today's world.

Episode Sponsor

FullCast – https://fullcast.co/

Key Takeaways

0:00 Intro

5:12 Growing Up on a Farm and Learning Practical Skills

7:43 Jeremy Slate's Journey to Podcasting

13:35 Jeremy Slate's Podcast Evolution

16:44 Jeremy's Influences in Interviewing

20:40 Alexander the Great's Leadership Dynamics

28:02 Advice on Handling Audience Shifts

31:24 Jeremy Slate's Podcast Philosophy

35:32 Civilization Shifting and Community Involvement

44:10 Jeremy Slate's Inspiring Story

Tweetable Quotes

"I think the interesting thing about growing up in a rural area is that you're generally expected to know how to do things. I can drive a tractor, change brakes, and even replace an engine. It's just part of the lifestyle."

"When I started my podcast, I didn't have a plan. I was reading a lot of personal development books and thought, wouldn't it be cool to learn from the authors? It wasn't about making money; it was about having meaningful conversations."

"The pandemic was a turning point for me. I saw a lot of poor management and encroachment on civil rights. I realized that talking to another best-selling author wasn't going to address these issues. I wanted to have real conversations about what's happening in the world and how to navigate it."

Resources Mentioned

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-ryan-slate-bb7b284a/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/JeremyRyanSlate

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jeremyryanslate/

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

Podcast Junkies Website: podcastjunkies.com

Podcast Junkies YouTube:

📺 Watch & Subscribe on YouTube

In this episode, I speak with Oskar Serrander, Co-founder of Wondercraft. Oskar shares his fascinating journey from his early days at iHeart and Spotify to his current venture in the world of AI-driven audio production. We dive into his passion for audio, which started with a love for music and evolved into a career that has seen him at the forefront of some of the most significant innovations in the industry. Oskar's insights into the evolution of audio technology and his vision for making audio production more accessible are truly inspiring.

We also explore Oskar's personal experiences, including his time at a Zen monastery and how it influenced his approach to life and work. His stories about the early days at Spotify, the challenges of launching in the U.S., and the cultural differences between working at Spotify and iHeart are both enlightening and entertaining. Oskar's enthusiasm for audio and his commitment to innovation shine through in our conversation, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of audio technology.

Episode Sponsor

FullCast – https://fullcast.co/

Key Takeaways

0:00 Intro

19:18 Oskar's Journey with acast

24:55 Oskar Serrander's Mentorship Experience

27:45 Advice on Work-Life Balance

30:32 Oskar's Journey from Acast to Wondercraft

34:18 Undervalued Audio Advertising

40:27 Wondercraft's Role in Democratizing Audio

46:09 Future of Podcasting and Audio Consumption

Tweetable Quotes

"I grew up in a home where there was music on always. My dad was a huge music buff, and he introduced me to jazz and classical, and then my two older brothers introduced me to metal. So I had a wide spectrum of noise growing up."

"What I really wanted to do is create an audio production tool for producing studio-quality content in any language, just by typing. The technology is finally here to make that possible."

"I love always having a beginner's mindset. It gives me so much energy and makes me feel like I'm always choosing the adventure path, even though I've been in the industry for a long time."

Resources Mentioned

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

Twitter - https://x.com/oskarserrander

Podcast Junkies Website: podcastjunkies.com

Podcast Junkies YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Podcastjunkies/

Podcast Junkies Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/podcastjunkiesjunkies/

Podcast Junkies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/podcastjunkies

Podcast Junkies Twitter: https://twitter.com/podcast_junkies

Podcast Junkies LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/podcastjunkies

The Podosphere: https://www.thepodosphere.com/

Podcast Index,...

📺 Watch & Subscribe on YouTube

In this episode, I speak with Tammy Gooler Loeb, a Career and Executive Leadership Coach and the Host of the "Work from the Inside Out" podcast. Tammy shares her journey from growing up on Long Island to becoming a coach and podcaster. We dive into how podcasting has opened doors for her, allowing her to have meaningful conversations with people she might not have otherwise met. Tammy talks about the importance of listening to your inner voice and making career moves that align with your true passions, rather than just sticking to what you're good at.

We also discuss her book, "Work from the Inside Out," which features stories of people overcoming common obstacles in their careers. Tammy explains how the book and her podcast aim to show what's possible when you follow your instincts and take ownership of your career. Whether you're looking to make a career change or just want to hear some inspiring stories, this episode is packed with insights and practical advice.

Join us for a heartfelt conversation that might just inspire you to take the next step in your own career journey.

Episode Sponsor

FullCast – https://fullcast.co/

Key Takeaways

00:00:00: Introduction and Welcome

00:00:24: How Podcasting Changed Tammy's Life

00:01:35: Tammy's Early Life and Growing Up on Long Island

00:03:03: Fond Memories of Long Island

00:04:07: Moving to Massachusetts and College Aspirations

00:05:43: Tammy's Journey into Psychology and Mental Health

00:07:11: Importance of Making a Difference

00:08:19: Early Days of the Coaching Industry

00:09:30: Discovering Podcasting

00:10:30: Overcoming Initial Podcasting Challenges

00:12:10: Podcast Format and Content Decisions

00:15:15: Personal Career Transitions and Guest Stories

00:19:15: Growth as an Interviewer

00:20:43: Impact of Podcasting on Real-World Conversations

00:24:27: Full Circle Moment with High School Interviewee

00:25:22: Connecting with Guests and Listeners

00:28:04: Listener Feedback and Engagement

00:29:22: Marketing Strategies and Book Promotion

00:32:30: Writing and Publishing the Book

00:36:01: Self-Publishing Experience

00:39:21: Integrating Podcast, Book, and Coaching

00:42:08: Ideal Clients for Coaching

00:43:58: Common Limiting Beliefs in Career Transitions

00:47:02: Adapting to Changes in the Workforce

00:49:26: Personal Changes and Retirement Plans

00:51:15: Modern Retirement Perspectives

00:53:45: Misunderstood Aspects of Tammy's Work

00:57:11: Final Thoughts and Farewell

Tweetable Quotes

"Podcasting has given me the chance to have wonderful conversations with people I might not have connected with otherwise. It opens up possibilities that wouldn't have been there before."

"When I went off to college, I wanted to study psychology. Ithought I was going to get a PhD in clinical psych, but I ended upfinding coaching, which felt like the right intersection of all thethings I had done."

"I think people need to think about their careers as their own littlecompany. They need to be in charge of their own destiny becausethe working world isn't what it used to be."

Resources Mentioned

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

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tammygoolerloeb/

Facebook -

📺 Watch & Subscribe on YouTube

In this episode, I speak with Sophie Bearman, the Director of Special Projects at the San Francisco Standard. Sophie shares her journey from New York to San Francisco, detailing her career in journalism and video production. We dive into her passion for documentary filmmaking and how it led her to the world of podcasting. Sophie opens up about her experience hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, a six-month adventure that provided her with a much-needed break and a fresh perspective. Her story is a testament to the importance of taking risks and following your passions, even when the path isn't clear.

We also discuss her latest project, the podcast "Life in Seven Songs," where she interviews fascinating individuals about their lives through the lens of seven songs that have shaped them. Sophie explains how this unique format allows guests to share personal stories and memories that they might not have revealed before. From San Francisco Mayor London Breed to global architect Norman Foster, the podcast offers a fresh and intimate look at the lives of its guests. Sophie’s warmth and genuine curiosity make for engaging conversations that are sure to resonate with listeners.

Join us as we explore the power of music and storytelling in this exciting new podcast.

Episode Sponsor

FullCast – https://fullcast.co/

Key Takeaways

00:00:00: Introduction

00:00:33: Sophie's New Project

00:01:09: Life in New York

00:02:30: Journalism Beginnings

00:03:58: Early Video Production

00:05:16: Transition to Audio

00:07:33: First Podcast Experience

00:09:56: Podcast Production Process

00:10:18: Joining the San Francisco Standard

00:13:05: Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail

00:15:25: Trail Experience

00:16:45: Return and Podcast Genesis

00:19:16: Podcast Format and Guests

00:20:24: Interview Process

00:21:43: Interview Skills and Preparation

00:24:45: Surprising Interview Moments

00:25:27: Episode Release and Promotion

00:27:19: Internal Feedback and Goals

00:29:00: Emotional Responses in Interviews

00:30:24: Holding Space for Emotions

00:32:21: Power of Silence in Interviews

00:33:01: Sophie's Seven Songs

00:34:41: Recent Changes in Perspective

00:36:10: Misunderstood Aspects

00:37:09: Closing Remarks and Future of Local News

00:39:09: Where to Find the Podcast

Tweetable Quotes

"Growing up in New York is amazing. I didn't learn to drive until my twenties, which shocks a lot of people, but for a New Yorker, that's par for the course. You could just do whatever, and it was very freeing in that sense."

"I think my passion that I discovered in college was actually documentary filmmaking. I had pretty grand ambitions of making feature films, but I got lucky. I also wrote for the college paper, the Harvard Crimson, and my first job out of college combined journalism and video production."

"The hardest part was tracking and writing narration. Writing is hard, and it's even a higher bar when people can't see what the place looks like. The sound can help describe it, but you have to write to that too."

Resources Mentioned

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

Twitter - https://twitter.com/stbearman

Podcast Junkies Website:

📺 Watch & Subscribe on YouTube

In this episode, I speak with Mike Robbins, a Professional Speaker, Author, and Coach with a fascinating journey from Professional Baseball to the world of personal development. Mike shares his unique path, starting with his early days in baseball, being drafted by the Kansas City Royals, and the life-altering injury that ended his sports career. We dive into how he transitioned from the baseball field to becoming a sought-after speaker and author, and the lessons he learned about resilience, mental health, and finding new passions.

Mike's story is not just about overcoming adversity but also about the importance of authenticity and appreciation in both personal and professional life. We discuss his experiences in the podcasting world, the evolution of his show, and the wisdom he's gained from his guests. Whether you're a seasoned podcaster, someone curious about starting a podcast, or just looking for inspiration to navigate life's challenges, this episode is packed with insights and heartfelt moments.

Join us for a conversation that promises to leave you motivated and ready to embrace your own journey.

Episode Sponsor

FullCast – https://fullcast.co/

Key Takeaways

00:00:00: Introduction and Audience Context

00:01:03: Mike's Journey to Podcasting

00:05:04: Harry's Podcasting Beginnings

00:05:57: Mike's Baseball Background

00:09:02: Transition from Baseball to Business

00:12:22: Learning from Different Levels of Talent

00:15:06: Dealing with Career-Ending Injury

00:19:19: Transition to Speaking and Coaching

00:22:11: Starting a Business in the Early 2000s

00:25:43: The Role of Podcasting in Mike's Career

00:27:36: Growth as a Podcast Host

00:31:34: Challenges of Breaking into Podcast Rotation

00:34:09: Writing the First Book

00:38:31: Deciding on Book Topics

00:41:52: Phases of Writing and Promoting a Book

00:42:02: Misunderstandings and Personal Insights

00:42:35: Changing Views on Higher Education

00:44:02: Future of Traditional Institutions

00:44:31: Ideal Clients and Business Focus

00:45:18: Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Tweetable Quotes

"I started my podcast, the one that I currently have that's now called 'We're All in This Together,' back in 2016. The plan was just to do some interviews for my book. Once I was done researching for the book, I was going to be done with the podcast. But I got done writing the book, and I was still liking the podcast and enjoying the conversations, so I just kept going with it."

"I ended up choosing to go to Stanford even though I was scared. It was such a good decision for me because what I learned when I got there was that it was better to be in an environment where I was a bit intimidated and felt like the players were even better around me because it forced me to step up."

"For me, it's not a huge money maker or a big marketing funnel. It's just something that I like doing, I feel like I'm good at, and I think it reaches some people. It gives me a platform to share ideas, interview interesting people, and talk about topics that matter to me. It's an extension of my larger brand and a way to connect with my audience."

Resources Mentioned

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

Twitter - https://twitter.com/mikedrobbins

Instagram -

📺 Watch & Subscribe on YouTube

In this episode, I speak with Alban Brooke, a returning guest who brings a wealth of knowledge and insight into the podcasting world. We dive into the evolution of podcasting, the impact of location changes on our lives and work, and the exciting developments in podcast technology. Alban shares his journey from working in a tiny room to embracing significant changes that enhance his creativity and productivity. It's a relaxed yet insightful conversation that covers everything from the challenges of not meeting at conferences to the personal shifts we've both experienced in our lives and work environments.

Alban also introduces some fascinating new features from Buzzsprout that are designed to enhance the podcasting experience for both hosts and listeners. We discuss the launch of an iOS app that addresses real needs within the podcast community, making podcast management more accessible and efficient. Furthermore, Alban unveils 'Fan Mail,' a feature that allows podcast listeners to engage directly with podcast hosts through text messages, enriching the connection between creators and their audience.

Join us for this episode as we discuss the practical insights and exciting developments that will intrigue anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes of podcasting and the innovative tools that continue to shape this dynamic industry.

Episode Sponsor

FullCast – https://fullcast.co/

Key Takeaways

00:00:00 - Introduction and Casual Start

00:00:27 - Alban's Current Location and Weather Update

00:01:41 - Harry's Homesteading Activities and Updates

00:02:23 - Harry's Involvement in Vertical Farming

00:03:12 - Celebrating Ten Years of Podcast Junkies

00:03:18 - Alban's Transition from Law to Podcasting

00:03:45 - Support for Podnews and Industry Updates

00:04:33 - Launch of Buzzsprout's iOS App and New Features

00:05:30 - Discussion on Podcast Hosting and App Functionality

00:06:47 - Importance of Mobile Access for Podcast Management

00:07:06 - Enhancements in Podcast Statistics and Analytics

00:08:21 - Actionable Insights from Podcast Metrics

00:10:30 - The Role of Dynamic Content and Ad Insertion in Podcasts

00:13:44 - Leveraging AI for Podcast Enhancement

00:16:01 - The Introduction of Fan Mail Feature

00:18:14 - Future Plans and Ideas for Podcast Interaction

00:18:46 - Discussion on AI and Its Impact on Podcasting

00:27:52 - Launch and Explanation of Fan Mail Feature

00:33:05 - Potential for Social Media Integration with Fan Mail

00:34:35 - Accessibility and App Agnosticism of Fan Mail

00:36:46 - Importance of Listener Feedback and Support

00:39:12 - Discussion on Podcasting 2.0 and New Tags

00:40:38 - The Concept of Pod Roll for Podcast Recommendations

00:44:31 - Handling Download Metrics and Addressing Gaming Issues

00:48:23 - Buzzsprout's Approach to Accurate Stat Reporting

00:49:37 - The Role of OP3 in Verifying Podcast Metrics

00:54:23 - The Impact of YouTube on Podcasting

01:02:45 - Final Thoughts and Future Plans

Tweetable Quotes

"I've moved a whole room in our house. I relocated here because the lighting's better, and I can look outside at trees and birds instead of just a wall."

"That's when I quit my job as a lawyer to work on a podcasting product with three other guys in a tiny room. It ended up working out really well for us."

"We finally launched an iOS app for Buzzsprout after years of requests. We were convinced over time by hearing various use cases and thinking of some...