The Sound Off Podcast

Paul Ferguson, VP of Programming and Operations at Starboard Communications in Belleville, Ontario discusses radio in a very unique market. Belleville is free from corporate ownership. Paul and I talk about how they keep radio relevant by focusing on local content, like the “Good News in Quinte” newsletter and a robust news website that keeps listeners informed and engaged. We discuss the challenges of adapting to new radio regulations, misguided internet laws like Bill C-11, the antidote which is Inquinte.ca and why it’s crucial to own our digital platforms to stay connected with our audience. Paul shares the administrative hurdles of Canadian content rules and how technology could make things easier. We also explore the evolution of radio, balancing live and voice-tracked shows, and the podcast journey with “Babes of Quinte.”

This episode is about the importance of localism, innovation, and community-driven content in today's challenging radio space.

The listener survey can be found here. Complete it and I'll share with you, my Top 10 Podcast Hacks for 2025. 

Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the things you never knew what you were missing in your life.

Both the Sound Off Podcast and The Podcast Superfriends are apart of The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gordon Firemark is the podcast lawyer. I first had a chance to meet him at Podcast Movement in the late 10's. In 2022 I might have had a few cocktails when I asked him about hoe to manoeuvre cross-broder conflicts between podcasters. In this episode I ask the rest of the questions I had.

We discuss the importance of clear agreements between co-hosts and why you need a guest release forms. We then tackle the complexities of using music in podcasts due to copyright laws. Gordon explains the differences between copyright, trademark, and patent law, and how to protect podcast brand names and segments through trademark registration. But wait! There's more! There's sponsorship agreements, the importance of proper disclosure, and the challenges posed by international regulations, particularly for Canadian podcasters. Gordon also shares a few real-life anecdotes that illustrate the potential pitfalls of not having written agreements or proper permissions, such as costly legal disputes and misunderstandings with sponsors. (This one is jaw dropping)

Practical advice: Get everything in writing, understand your rights, and always prioritize clear communication to avoid legal entanglements in podcasting.

We spoke about having a guest release form to ensure that podcasters don't encounter any misunderstandings between them and their guests. You can access Gordon's free release form here.

You can get all the details about where Gordon will be next on his website.

See Gordon at Vidfest in Atlanta - August 21

See Gordon at Podcast Movement in Dallas - August 22-24

Gordon will be doing a live interactive game-show TwoTruths and a Lie: Podcasting Legal & Business Myths Busted.

And a presentation called Your Podcast Legal Toolkit: Copyrights, Trademarks, and Contracts Made Simple.

The listener survey can be found here. Complete it and I'll share with you, my Top 10 Podcast Hacks for 2025. 

Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the things you never knew what you were missing in your life.

Both the Sound Off Podcast and The Podcast Superfriends are apart of The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rachel Gilbert and I connected over microphones to discuss her perpetual reinvention in the world of audio.

We reminisced about her early days at Fanshawe College, her leap into radio, and the magic that made the Dave and Rachel Show such a staple for so many years. Hearing Rachel describe the camaraderie, the hustle, and even the heartbreak of industry layoffs is a tale told all too often. Her honesty about the challenges—like the decline of radio schools and the uncertainty of media jobs—was a little sobering.

I love Rachel’s ability to pivot. She hasn't just survived the changes; she thrived, building a successful voiceover business and launching a podcast with her former co-hosts. Their show, “Due to Underwhelming Demans,” is proof that authentic connection and storytelling still matter, no matter the platform. It is also ahead of its time when it comes to geo-local content.

Rachel’s insights on AI in voiceover work is something every aspiring voice actor should listen to, and her commitment to ethical practices is something I agree with. Above all, this conversation reminded me that, at its core, our podcast and voiceover industries are about connection.

If you would like to listen to Rachel's podcast with Dave and Forman - you can do so here.

If you would like to have Rachel voice something amazing for you - go here.

The listener survey can be found here. Complete it and I'll share with you, my Top 10 Podcast Hacks for 2025. 

Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the things you never knew what you were missing in your life.

Both the Sound Off Podcast and The Podcast Superfriends are apart of The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I reconnect with Alix Michaels, tracing her journey from Winnipeg’s radio scene in the early 90s to her adventures across the US and back home again. We reminisce about the Winnipeg Radio Reunion, the unique energy of the city’s broadcast community, and the memorable personalities who shaped our careers. Alix shares candid stories about breaking into radio, working overnight shifts in the early 90's at 92 CITI-FM, and the unpredictable calls that came with the job—including a surreal encounter with Dave Mustaine from Megadeth. We discuss her leap into American radio markets, the challenges of TV hosting, and the evolving landscape of voiceover work, especially with the rise of AI. Our conversation also explores Winnipeg’s quirks, from its ever-changing radio dial to its vibrant, sometimes strange local culture.

The listener survey can be found here. Complete it and I'll share with you, my Top 10 Podcast Hacks for 2025. 

Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the things you never knew what you were missing in your life.

Both the Sound Off Podcast and The Podcast Superfriends are apart of The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jen Moss and Roger Nairn, co-founders of Jar Audio, a Vancouver-based podcast company specializing in branded content. They discuss their backgrounds in radio and advertising, and how those experiences shaped their approach to podcasting for brands and nonprofits. The conversation explores the challenges of making branded podcasts that are authentic and audience-focused, rather than advertorial. Jen and Roger share insights on building trust, measuring engagement, and the importance of putting the audience first. They address the lack of funding for Canadian podcast content and their efforts to advocate for government support.

JAR Audio are also advocating for Canadian podcast content, asking the current Liberal government to recognize the medium's potential and provide necessary funding for innovative storytelling. You can see and sign the letter here. 

I also ask Jen and Rob to discuss the integration of video in podcasting, the evolving role of AI in production, and the differences between radio and podcast formats. Listeners gain practical tips for improving sound quality and preparation, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at Jar Audio’s creative process and industry advocacy.

The listener survey can be found here. Complete it and I'll share with you, my Top 10 Podcast Hacks for 2025. 

Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the things you never knew what you were missing in your life.

Both the Sound Off Podcast and The Podcast Superfriends are apart of The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week’s episode marks nine years of the Sound Off Podcast, and it’s a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come—and where we’re going. From upgrading our sound and socials, bringing on sponsors, to adding video in a world that now scrolls for connection, our show has evolved alongside the media landscape.

In this episode, I dig into what’s broken in radio: a system that stretches talent like Stretch Armstrong—asking for more with less—and a stubborn over-reliance on music in an era where listeners can get any song, any time. What keeps people tuning in? Spoiler: it’s not the music—it’s the personalities. So why aren’t we hearing more from them?

We also talk about recent radio layoffs, a nostalgic Winnipeg radio reunion, and why spoken word content is more valuable than ever. Plus, I share the details on my new Studiobricks booth. Yes Matt Cundill voiceovers is still a thing; even though I don't talk about it a lot on the show.

The listener survey can be found here. Complete it and I'll share with you, my Top 10 Podcast Hacks for 2025. 

Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the things you never knew what you were missing in your life.

Take our SURVEY Here!

Both the Sound Off Podcast and The Podcast Superfriends are apart of The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I've known Neil Veglio from his ongoing posts on LinkedIn, but I thought it would be fun to just say hello in a line up at the Podcast Show in London last month. Neal is the founder of PodKnows, a podcast production and coaching company out of the UK. He agreed to come on the show to share his journey from radio to podcasting, and why it is important to create value-driven content rather than focusing solely on monetization. We discussed the challenges of podcast marketing, including the pitfalls of buying downloads and gaming platform algorithms.

We talked about many of the podcast strategies he covers on his show Podcasting Insights with The Podmaster: growth advice for people and brands, such as the significance of websites, proper SEO, and audience engagement. Neil provides insights into podcast auditing, recommending creators critically listen to their older episodes and focus on improving content quality. Neal pointed out accurately that the current trend of video podcasting is excellent to disuss, but creators need to focus on the basics like the importance of choosing meaningful podcast titles.

Don't expect any knock 'em down drag 'em out fighting in this. We both believe success comes from creating authentic content that provides genuine value to listeners, rather than chasing vanity metrics.

Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the things you never knew what you were missing in your life.

Take our SURVEY Here!

Both the Sound Off Podcast and The Podcast Superfriends are apart of The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What is a podcast in 2025? We called in Rob Greenlee to provide insights into the evolving landscape of podcasting, focusing on the rise of video podcasting. He discusses how platforms like YouTube and Spotify are reshaping the industry, challenging traditional RSS-based distribution. We tried to land on the definition of a podcast, emphasizing content over distribution method.

We talked metrics, monetization, and content creation for new podcasters. Rob highlighted the importance of personal branding and adapting to technological changes, including the potential impact of AI on media. The group debates the future of local podcasting and the difficulties creators face in generating revenue. Things are changing. Fast.

⁠⁠A full transcription of the episode is available on our website.⁠⁠

Check out more from the Superfriends below:

Johnny Peterson - ⁠⁠⁠Johnny Podcasts⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.johnnypodcasts.com⁠⁠⁠

Catherine O’Brien -⁠⁠⁠ Branch Out Programs ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.branchoutprograms.com/⁠⁠⁠ 

Jon Gay: Jag in Detroit ⁠⁠⁠https://www.jagindetroit.com⁠⁠⁠

David Yas: Pod 617 -⁠⁠⁠ The Boston Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.pod617.com/⁠⁠⁠

Matt Cundill - ⁠⁠⁠The Sound Off Media Company⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://soundoff.network⁠⁠⁠ 

Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the things you never knew what you were missing in your life.

Both the Sound Off Podcast and The Podcast Superfriends are apart of The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.

Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show:

Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data Solutions

Take Our Survey here!

Mary Anne Ivison at Ivison Voice. - Make her the female voice of your radio station.

Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I get back together with Terry Evans, the morning host at Edmonton's K97, to discuss life family and his new podcast Reluctantly. I warn you, we don't spend a ton of time talking about radio; more about radio life and family. Terry shares insights into his family's remarkable achievements: his son Riley, a drummer who has played at major international venues like Lollapalooza and Coachella, and his daughter Katie, who was recently crowned Canada's top bartender and will represent the country in a global competition.

The conversation explores Terry's long radio career, his initial hesitation about podcasting, and the vibrant Edmonton music scene that nurtured his son's talent. We reflect on the city's evolution, its diversity, and the supportive community that helped shape his family's success.

With humour and warmth, Terry discusses his health, multiple home moves, and the challenges of early morning radio. Terry has launched his new podcast Reluctantly, which my company is more than happy to assist with. His reaction to podcast creation has been much like the 1970's commercial for Life Cereal.

A Transcript and video of the show is available on our network page.

Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the things you never knew what you were missing in your life.

Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.

Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show:

Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data Solutions

Mary Anne Ivison at Ivison Voice. - Make her the female voice of your radio station.

Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.