Podcast Junkies - Conversations with Fascinating Podcasters

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Are you struggling to grow your podcast audience and monetize your show? Discover how Eric Melchor, founder of B2B Pod Pros, leverages innovative strategies to boost podcast growth and create valuable connections in the industry.

Eric Melchor, a marketing expert turned podcast enthusiast, shares his journey from corporate success to becoming a driving force in the B2B podcasting space. With a background in marketing and a passion for connecting people, Eric has developed unique approaches to podcast growth and audience engagement.

In this episode, Eric reveals his secret weapon for increasing podcast downloads: creating Quora posts for each episode. He also discusses the power of authentic conversations in podcasting and why AI-hosted shows may not replace human-led podcasts anytime soon. Eric's insights into building a community of B2B podcasters and leveraging AI tools for productivity are invaluable for anyone looking to elevate their podcasting game.

From hosting international cocktail parties to embracing fatherhood in his 40s, Eric's diverse experiences contribute to his holistic approach to business and life. He shares his thoughts on the future of AI in podcasting, the importance of networking, and his calling to combat loneliness through meaningful connections.

Episode Sponsor

FullCast – https://fullcast.co/

5 Key Takeaways

1. Leverage Quora for podcast promotion: Create Quora posts related to your podcast topics and link back to relevant episodes. This can drive significant traffic and listenership over time.

2. Use personal videos to connect with guests: Send a short video to guests before recording to help them feel more comfortable and familiar with you. This can lead to better conversations.

3. Play guests' favorite songs before recording: Ask guests for their favorite song and play it when they join the recording session. This puts them in a good mood and helps create a relaxed atmosphere.

4. Explore AI tools to boost productivity: Experiment with AI assistants for tasks like email management, call preparation, and content creation. This can significantly increase efficiency.

5. Host casual gatherings to build connections: Organize small cocktail parties or meetups to facilitate meaningful interactions between people. Focus on icebreakers and follow-up to nurture relationships.

Tweetable Quotes

"I feel like people want to tune into podcasts for the authenticity, and I don't think that will be replaced. I'm sure there will be some people who listen to podcasts that are AI hosted, but I think the majority of people want real, authentic conversations."

"Your network probably matters more than you being able to spot opportunity. A lot of the opportunities that you see are based on the connections that you have. The more people who know you and know what you do, the more opportunities are going to come your way."

"Fatherhood is the greatest joy, knowing that you have the chance to be a coach, a guide, a parent to another human being and have a huge impact on the trajectory of their life. To grow up and be something that could be amazing."

Connect with Eric

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

Resources Mentioned

Bonjoro - https://www.bonjoro.com/

PodMatch - https://podmatch.com/

ChatGPT -

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Are you struggling to keep up with the latest video marketing trends and tools? Lou Bortone, a veteran of the TV industry turned video marketing expert, shares invaluable insights on leveraging AI-powered tools to create compelling content efficiently.

Lou Bortone, host of "Oh Shit, I'm Dead" podcast and video marketing guru, brings decades of experience from his time in radio, TV, and cable in Los Angeles. Now based in the Boston area, Lou helps clients harness the power of video and podcasting to amplify their message.

In this episode, Lou dives deep into the evolving landscape of video production and podcasting. He explores how AI tools like Descript, Pictory, and Luma Labs are revolutionizing content creation, making it easier than ever to produce high-quality videos and podcasts. Lou emphasizes the importance of meeting your audience where they are, whether it's on YouTube, LinkedIn, or traditional podcast platforms.

The conversation also touches on the challenges of remote work, the importance of building social connections, and how content consumption habits are changing across generations. Lou shares personal insights on balancing introversion with public speaking and the joys (and challenges) of working from anywhere.

Ready to take your video marketing to the next level? Listen to this episode for practical tips and cutting-edge strategies from a true industry veteran.

Episode Sponsor

FullCast – https://fullcast.co/

5 Key Takeaways

1. Leverage video for podcasts: Record video versions of podcast interviews whenever possible. Your face on camera is a powerful marketing asset, especially in a world of avatars and bots.

2. Utilize AI tools for content creation: Explore AI tools like Pictory, Luma, and Suno to generate B-roll footage, create custom music, and enhance podcast production efficiency.

3. Optimize for multiple platforms: Create different versions of content for various platforms. For example, make square versions with captions for LinkedIn and YouTube Shorts that point back to full episodes.

4. Embrace new technologies: Stay open to emerging tools and platforms. The podcast and video production landscape is constantly evolving, so adaptability is key.

5. Balance online and offline presence: While remote work offers flexibility, make conscious efforts to build and maintain social connections, especially for introverts in the digital space.

Tweetable Quotes

"Your face on camera is your most powerful marketing asset as well as your voice. The more you can give them you, especially in this world of avatars and bots, the better off you're going to be."

"I'm very much an introvert and pretty low key. I think when people meet me in person, they're like 'oh, you seem so quiet' because there's onstage Lou, and then there's everyday Lou."

"Every time you add something - another camera, another light, another piece of software - it gets exponentially more complicated. Now you can just sort of let your guard down and say, as we used to say in TV days, 'we'll fix it in post.'"

Connect with Lou

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

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lou.bortone/

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

X-

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Ever feel like you're stuck in a rut, unable to break free from old patterns and reach your full potential? Rocío Pérez's journey from teenage mother to successful entrepreneur and leadership expert might just be the inspiration you need.

Rocío Pérez, Chief Leadership Officer at Virtuous, shares her remarkable story of transformation and resilience. From overcoming a brain tumor diagnosis to developing innovative tools for personal growth, Rocío's experiences offer valuable insights for anyone looking to make positive changes in their life.

In this episode, we explore the power of self-awareness and intentional growth. Rocío discusses her Mind Shift game, a unique tool designed to help individuals create new neural pathways and achieve their goals. She also touches on the importance of authenticity in leadership and the challenges of balancing personal growth with professional success.

Additional topics include the development of Rocío's TV show and podcast, her expansion plans into Latin American countries and Canada, and the transformative power of changing one's perspective on life and relationships.

Ready to shift your mindset and unlock your potential? Listen now to gain actionable insights from Rocío Pérez's inspiring journey and learn how you can apply her strategies to your own life and career.

Episode Sponsor

FullCast – https://fullcast.co/

5 Key Takeaways

1. Cultivate your intuitive wisdom. Rocío credits her success to staying connected with her inner guidance from a young age. Make time to listen to your intuition and trust your instincts.

2. Challenge limiting beliefs about your potential. Despite difficult circumstances, Rocío refused to accept others' low expectations for her future. Examine any self-limiting beliefs and push past them.

3. Use gamification to make personal growth fun. Rocío created the Mind Shift game to make transformation more engaging. Find ways to gamify your own self-improvement efforts.

4. Prioritize authenticity over perfection. Rocío learned to embrace her humanity on camera rather than striving for flawless delivery. Allow yourself to be genuine rather than putting up a perfect facade.

5. Set public goals to increase accountability. By stating her 12-month goals for international expansion on the podcast, Rocío created external pressure to follow through. Share your goals with others to boost your commitment.

Tweetable Quotes

"I feel like we all are born with that connection and somewhere along the line we lose it because we hear anywhere from 450 negative comments to 50 positive comments a day."

"I was pregnant at 14, had a 6 month old baby at 15, knocking on university doors asking them to let me in. And I wasn't taking no for an answer."

"I wanted to gamify it. I wanted to make it fun. I wanted to make it exciting for people. You decide what you're playing to win for. Are you playing to become a speaker? An accountant? A football player? What is your game?"

Connect with Rocío

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rocio-perez-the-mindshift-experience/

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

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rocioperezpublicfigure/

Resources Mentioned

Expand...

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Ever wonder how a gaming podcast pioneer navigates the ever-changing landscape of the industry? I sat down with Danny Peña, the creator of Gamertag Radio, to explore his 20-year journey in podcasting and gaming.

Danny Peña is the founder of Gamertag Radio, the first gaming podcast to reach 1,000 episodes. With two decades of experience in the gaming industry, Danny has become a respected voice and consultant in the field. In this episode, we dive into Danny's remarkable journey from the early days of podcasting to his current role as a media consultant. We discuss the evolution of the gaming industry, the impact of podcasting on his career, and how he's adapted to changes in technology and audience preferences.

We also explore Danny's personal life, including his move from Miami to Los Angeles, his marriage, and becoming a father. Danny shares insights on interviewing celebrities, the importance of asking creative questions, and his approach to measuring success beyond just numbers. If you're interested in the intersection of gaming, podcasting, and personal growth, you won't want to miss this inspiring conversation with Danny Peña. Click play to hear how passion and persistence can lead to a fulfilling career in the ever-evolving world of digital media.

Episode Sponsor

FullCast – https://fullcast.co/

5 Key Takeaways

1. Focus on impact over numbers. Danny emphasizes that the true measure of success isn't view counts or subscriber numbers, but the tangible impact you have on your audience and industry. Concentrate on creating quality content and building meaningful relationships.

2. Diversify your income streams. Danny's success comes from multiple sources - his podcast, consulting business, speaking engagements, and more. Don't rely solely on one revenue stream; explore various opportunities within your niche.

3. Stay adaptable in a changing industry. The gaming and content creation landscapes are constantly evolving. Be willing to pivot, learn new skills, and embrace emerging platforms or technologies to stay relevant.

4. Network and build relationships. Many of Danny's opportunities came from connections he made over the years. Attend industry events, collaborate with others in your field, and nurture professional relationships.

5. Give back to your community. Danny speaks at schools and mentors upcoming creators. Sharing your knowledge and experiences can be rewarding and help establish you as a leader in your field.

Tweetable Quotes

"Podcasting has changed so much where it's not how it used to be when it comes to making money. I think podcasts nowadays, for me is a tool to promote my talent, to promote and also to help me network with gaming companies."

"Numbers come and go. But to me, what matters most is the impact that you make. Did you influence somebody to buy the product? Did you influence somebody to subscribe to your show, to buy a shirt, to wear a shirt?"

"I want to make sure that my daughter is set for life. I don't want her to go through the struggles that I went through as a kid, I want her to have a better life. I think that's my main goal."

Connect with Danny

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dpena7

Instagram - http://instagram.com/godfree

X - http://x.com/godfree

Resources Mentioned

Gamertag Radio Podcast -...

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Ever wondered how to turn your passion for travel into a thriving podcast? Marilyn Ball's journey from marketing executive to host of "Speaking of Travel" offers invaluable insights.

Marilyn Ball, host of "Speaking of Travel," shares her inspiring transition from a successful marketing career to creating a travel-focused podcast. With over 500 episodes under her belt, Marilyn has mastered the art of storytelling and building a loyal audience.

In this episode, Marilyn reveals how she leveraged her marketing background to secure long-term sponsors and create a sustainable podcast business. She discusses the challenges of pivoting during COVID-19 and how she used the pandemic as an opportunity to explore deeper, more meaningful conversations with her guests.

Harry and Marilyn also delve into the importance of embracing new technologies, the power of community in podcasting, and how to stay true to your passion while growing your show. Marilyn's experience with recent natural disasters in her hometown of Asheville, NC, adds a poignant perspective on resilience and the human spirit.

Ready to take your travel podcast to the next level? Listen now to gain actionable insights from a seasoned podcaster who's successfully merged her love for travel with a thriving show.

Episode Sponsor

FullCast – https://fullcast.co/

5 Key Takeaways

1. Leverage your existing skills and background when starting a podcast. Marilyn's marketing experience helped her approach sponsorships strategically from the beginning.

2. Be flexible with sponsorship arrangements, especially when starting out. Marilyn used trade deals and shorter commitments initially before moving to annual sponsorships.

3. Batch record episodes to build a queue, allowing you to take time off while maintaining a consistent publishing schedule. Marilyn records extra episodes before traveling.

4. Consider hiring help for areas outside your expertise. Marilyn hired a business coach to help transition her focus fully to her podcast.

5. Reach out to potential guests and opportunities, even if it feels uncomfortable. Marilyn

emphasized the importance of getting out of your comfort zone to grow your show.

Tweetable Quotes

"I think sometimes, as you would probably recognize in an advertising career especially, that old imposter syndrome steps in. Like, who am I to be wearing this hat or doing these great things? And I think people sometimes misunderstand me for my accomplishments and what I've really been able to accomplish in my career and my life."

"I feel more strongly than ever that I have found my voice and I'm strong with that voice. And maybe people just don't recognize yet how important that is."

"It's almost like when you live out in nature for so long, you start living like nature does. Patience and perseverance. You don't really know that little pine cone is eventually gonna grow into that giant pine tree."

Connect with Marilyn

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marilyn-ball-8550a25/

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

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

Resources Mentioned

Speaking of Travel podcast -

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Ever wondered how environmental journalism can uncover hidden hazards in your community?

Jordan Gass-Pooré, host of "Hazard NJ" and an accomplished environmental journalist, shares her journey from small-town Texas to becoming a leading voice in investigative reporting on hazardous sites and environmental issues.

In this episode, Jordan discusses her latest project, "Hazard NJ," which explores the origins and impacts of PFAS (forever chemicals) in New Jersey. She delves into the challenges of reporting on environmental issues, the importance of long-term follow-ups on hazardous site cleanups, and the fascinating characters she encounters in her work.

Jordan also touches on her early days in journalism, her passion for horror movies, and how she balances freelance work with her dedication to environmental reporting. She offers insights into the changing landscape of journalism in the face of AI advancements and shares her thoughts on the future of hazardous site reporting.

Ready to dive into the world of environmental journalism and discover the hidden stories beneath our feet? Listen now to gain a new perspective on the environmental challenges we face and the dedicated reporters working to bring them to light.

Episode Sponsor

FullCast – https://fullcast.co/

5 Key Takeaways

1. Pursue your passions early: Jordan's early interest in environmental issues and journalism led to a successful career. Start exploring your interests and gaining experience in your chosen field as soon as possible.

2. Embrace diverse experiences: Jordan's varied work history across different media outlets and projects has enriched her skills and perspective. Don't be afraid to try different roles and organizations in your industry.

3. Find your niche: Jordan's focus on hazardous sites reporting demonstrates the value of specializing in a specific area. Identify a unique angle or topic within your field that you can become an expert in.

4. Be open to changing perceptions: Jordan's experience with New Jersey changed her preconceived notions about the state. Stay open-minded when approaching new subjects or locations in your work.

5. Use storytelling to make complex topics engaging: Jordan incorporates horror references and personal stories to make environmental reporting more accessible. Find creative ways to present difficult or technical information to your audience.

Tweetable Quotes

"I remember I approached him and I was like, 'Hey, first off, my college town, it's like, you know, there's an endangered species. It's an environmentally sensitive area. I said, no one's covering the environment. Can I cover the environment as a reporter for one of the radio shows?' He was like, 'Sure, as long as you don't cuss.'"

"I'm hoping that this is a way for whatever writing passion that they had or passion they had that now they could be able to pursue that, that maybe there will be some new openings. I've told people in the past too, especially like mentees that are in college that one, you know, you don't have to go into investigative journalism. But I'm bringing that up as an example that I think that's one of the genres of journalism that will be really hard for an AI to replicate."

"My whole obsession for the past couple of years has been around hazardous sites. I've just become super obsessed with hazardous sites. And not just Superfund sites, but just the idea for me of how we got to this place. At one point in time, we were definitely okay with just dumping every kind of chemical into a body of water. The psyche of it just is interesting to me about...

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Ever feel like your story isn't worth telling? You're not alone. April Adams Pertuis, host of the Inside Story podcast, knows that feeling all too well. April is a storytelling expert with over 30 years of experience in broadcasting and production. She's interviewed over 10,000 people and now helps others share their stories through her company, Light Beamers.

In this episode, April reveals how she overcame her own hesitation to share her story and why she believes everyone has a story worth telling. She breaks down the three-part story arc she uses to help clients uncover their transformative experiences and find the courage to share them.

Harry and April also discuss the power of podcasting as a storytelling medium, the challenges of maintaining a show long-term, and how to quickly build trust with interviewees. April shares her "heart math" technique for creating a safe space for vulnerability.

If you've ever doubted the value of your own story or struggled to find your voice, this episode will inspire you to shine your light. Listen now to unlock the transformative power of storytelling in your own life and work.

Episode Sponsor

FullCast – https://fullcast.co/

5 Key Takeaways

1. Embrace your story, no matter how big or small. Whether you have a complex, messy narrative or feel your life is "vanilla," your experiences are valuable and worth sharing.

2. Focus on the transformation in your story. Move past dwelling on the "before" and highlight how you've grown, what you've learned, and who you've become.

3. Use heart math to connect with interviewees. Enter conversations with genuine openness, compassion, and a desire to listen without judgment. This creates a safe space for authentic sharing.

4. Practice telling your own story. Even if you're used to sharing others' stories, push yourself to be vulnerable and share your experiences. This builds authenticity and connection with your audience.

5. Surround yourself with people who challenge you. Seek out relationships that push you to grow, call out your potential, and refuse to let you play small. This environment fosters continuous personal and professional development.

Tweetable Quotes

"I've probably interviewed 10,000 people in my career, which is pretty significant. And when I saw that on paper, when I did the math, I was like, wow, that's a lot. It's allowed me to really just be present with people and ask questions and let the interview go where it goes."

"The number one rule of storytelling is who is your audience? Remember that first. Who are you trying to reach? It's about them first. It's not about your agenda, your outcomes, your beautiful interview. It's about their story and them."

"I think people are actually surprised about how sharp-tongued I can be. With my clients and people in my inner circle, I will speak freely and say things you need to hear. I'm not going to stand for your mediocrity. If you're playing small, I'm going to call you out on it."

Connect with April

Podcast - https://www.lightbeamers.com/podcast

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/lightbeamers

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

Facebook -

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Ever wondered how a small business banking platform could revolutionize your financial management? Discover the journey of a CEO who's reshaping the landscape for entrepreneurs.

Eytan Bensoussan, CEO of NorthOne and host of This Week in Small Business, shares his path from science student to fintech innovator. With a background in management consulting and a family history of small business ownership, Eytan brings a unique perspective to the world of business banking.

In this episode, Eytan reveals how NorthOne was born from a desire to solve the financial pain points of small business owners. He discusses the importance of rigorous thinking, resilience in the face of challenges, and the power of customer-driven innovation.

The conversation also touches on Eytan's experiences as a podcast host, the value of empathy in leadership, and the constant drive to improve and anticipate customer needs. Eytan's insights offer a masterclass in entrepreneurship and the evolution of financial technology.

Ready to gain invaluable insights from a leader at the forefront of small business banking? Tune in to this episode and discover how NorthOne is changing the game for entrepreneurs across America.

Episode Sponsor

FullCast – https://fullcast.co/

5 Key Takeaways

1. Speak to customers regularly. Eytan tries to talk to 1-2 customers per week minimum to understand their needs and pain points. This direct feedback informs product development and business strategy.

2. Identify your "MIT" (Most Important Thing). Regularly assess where the biggest bottleneck is in your business and focus your energy there until it's resolved before moving on to the next priority.

3. Challenge your own thinking. Eytan encourages disagreement and different perspectives to refine ideas. He enters conversations with strong opinions but hopes others will "trash" them to reveal better solutions.

4. Build resilience through experience. Facing and overcoming repeated challenges builds confidence in your ability to handle future obstacles. View setbacks as opportunities to develop this critical skill.

5. Right-size your banking for cost savings. Many businesses waste money on unnecessary fees or suboptimal account structures. Regularly review your banking setup to ensure it aligns with your needs and minimizes costs.

Tweetable Quotes

"I hate quitting more than I hate suffering. This is the system telling me I don't work. I'm going to crush the system, manage myself through it so I can walk away on my terms rather than simply having the system give me low marks and tell me I'm not good."

"My goal wasn't to say, can you get people's eyes for 35 minutes? But rather, can I have that conversation and bring a couple of nuggets that are then something I can take to the customers? That's really where the podcast started."

"The best decisions, the best ideas, they definitely don't come from me. They come from people who are in the trenches, working on stuff, and they're like, 'Hey, what about?' And all of a sudden that turns into something really novel."

Connect with Eytan

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

Podcast Show - https://www.thisweekinsmb.com/

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

Resources Mentioned

Profit First by Mike...

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Ever wondered how to tap into your spiritual power without falling into the traps of 'fluffy bunny' spirituality or dangerous practices? This episode might just be your guide to authentic spiritual growth.

Kelle Sparta, host of Spirit Guide and Spirit Sherpa podcasts, joins us to share her journey from real estate podcaster to spiritual teacher. With 50 years of spiritual study under her belt, Kelle brings a unique blend of personal growth and energetic training to her work.

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of spiritual podcasting and personal transformation. Kelle shares her insights on the challenges of creating spiritual content, the importance of understanding one's core essence, and the power of stubborn persistence in spiritual growth.

We also explore the evolution of podcasting, from the early days of 2005 to today's saturated market. Kelle offers valuable tips on podcast production, audience engagement, and the benefits of high-ticket offerings in the spiritual coaching space.

If you're curious about the intersection of spirituality and podcasting, or if you're on your own spiritual journey and seeking guidance, don't miss this enlightening conversation with Kelle Sparta. Click play now to unlock the secrets of authentic spiritual growth and successful spiritual podcasting.

Episode Sponsor

FullCast – https://fullcast.co/

5 Key Takeaways

1. Consider adding a co-host to your podcast if you're struggling with motivation or consistency. As Kelle Sparta mentioned, having someone to talk to can make it easier to sit down and record regularly.

2. Plan your podcast content in advance. Kelle aims to be 90 days ahead on content for her show, which reduces stress and allows for better organization.

3. Experiment with different podcast formats to find what works best for you and your audience. Kelle's Spirit Sherpa podcast includes a brief personal update, a main topic discussion, and a call to action at the end.

4. Don't underestimate the power of your podcast as a business tool. Kelle shared that 98% of her business comes from her podcast, demonstrating its potential as a lead generation channel.

5. Consider using asynchronous communication tools like Marco Polo for coaching or client interactions. This approach can provide flexibility for both you and your clients, improving work-life balance and client satisfaction.

Memorable Quotes

"I am an initiatrix. I stand in the doorway of initiation. I carry the energy of transformation. I can't do anything that is fluffy bunny. I can't. I can try and it won't work."

"If you want to truly be magical, if you want to truly tap into all of your resources, you have to do the personal growth work because the limiting beliefs keep you from your power. And if you don't clear those, then you don't get to your power and your power will always be limited."

"It's not what I do. It's who I am. My mother raised me in this work. I was five years old when she started exposing me to all of these things and bringing home education cassette tapes, because I'm that old."

Connect with Kelle

Twitter - @KelleSparta

Instagram - @kellesparta

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

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

Resources Mentioned

Voxer -