The Sound Off Podcast

Jessica Rhodes is the founder of Interview Connections and joins me to discuss the evolution of the podcast guest industry. The first time I heard about this side of the podcast business in 2016, I didn't even think it was a thing. Jessica emphasizes the importance of being a podcast guest for business owners to reach new audiences and explains the benefits of niche podcasts over large, broad ones. If you are unsure if you should start your own podcast, being a guest is a great way to start getting used to the podcast process. She also highlights the significance of a strong online presence and the need for proper promotion of podcast episodes. We also touched on the good and the bad of AI, and shared insights on leveraging AI for podcast booking.

Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. All the things that went unsaid on the show.

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

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

Podderapp: Where podcasters can get access to their advanced data dashboard here.

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

Adam McNeil is a senior vice president at Adopter Media, about podcast advertising. Adam went from an e-commerce startup, to becoming a podcast ad expert, revealing insights into the industry's inner workings. We discussed how brands can effectively match with podcasts, using a five-step vetting framework that considers renewal history, demographics, engagement, and ad efficacy. McNeil highlights the challenges in podcast advertising, including the difference between downloads and actual listens, and the variations between Canadian and American podcast markets.

And it's not a discussion about podcasting in 2025 without mentioning AI-generated content and offers advice for podcasters seeking advertisers. McNeil recommends targeting smaller, growing brands and building meaningful relationships. The episode provides a comprehensive look at podcast advertising, emphasizing the importance of authentic connections and data-driven strategies in the evolving media landscape.

Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. All the things that went unsaid on the show.

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

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

Podderapp: Where podcasters can get access to their advanced data dashboard here.

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

I attended PodSummit YYC in Calgary back in September—a creator-driven event reminiscent of the early days of Podcast Movement. Supported by Amazon / Art 19 and highlighted by an outstanding keynote from Jesse Lipscomb, the event buzzed with meaningful conversation about podcast discoverability and monetization.The hoser factor was high for this event. It was great meeting Alex Patterson from YouTube Canada, who offered great insights on integrating podcasts into YouTube and stressing sound quality. I was fascinated by Canadian podcast stats, learning that Alberta is the only province with more female listeners, and wondering aloud if Alberta is the podcasting capital of Canada. It was wonderful connecting with industry talents and sharing ideas. If you’d like to connect further, I’d love to meet for coffee!

Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show:

Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data Solutions

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

Podderapp: Where podcasters can get access to their advanced data dashboard here.

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

I'm leaving Winnipeg. So it seems only fitting that I interview the man responsible for bringing me here 19 years ago. Garth Buchko was the General Manager at CJOB/Power 97 when we met in July 2006. "Butch" shares his journey from a young radio enthusiast to becoming a successful general manager at Corus Entertainment He discusses the competitive Winnipeg radio market, highlighting the importance of relationships, hard work, and innovative sales strategies. The conversation covers Garth's experiences with notable personalities like Ralph Warrington who programmed CJOB for many years, and Howard Stern during his stint at Q107 Toronto. After leaving Winnipeg, Buchko took on roles with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and later became a part-owner and general manager of NL Radio in Kamloops. The interview concludes with Buchko reflecting on his career, the changes in the radio industry, and his retirement in Victoria, emphasizing the joy and camaraderie that made radio special during his time in the business.

Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show:

Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data Solutions

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

Podderapp: Where podcasters can get access to their advanced data dashboard here.

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

Alan Zweig's new podcast is called "Tubby". It's a unique show that explores conversations about weight, body image, and self-esteem, and not a typical self-help podcast. Together with Alan Black, (Left Of Dial Media) the show approaches the topic with authenticity and humour, focusing on storytelling rather than providing solutions.

They've intentionally kept the podcast audio-first, while still considering video; for marketing purposes naturally. Their goal is to create something that feels like a documentary, with raw, unpolished conversations that make people feel less alone.

We discussed the challenges of podcasting, the importance of originality, and how they want to create a show that resonates with dedicated listeners. They're committed to maintaining the podcast's unique voice and avoiding the generic, overly produced feel of many current podcasts. This is why they are on the show this week. It's something I feel a lot of people are forgetting when making a podcast.

Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show:

Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data Solutions

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

Podderapp: Where podcasters can get access to their advanced data dashboard here.

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

There are a few Instagram accounts that operate anonymously. Now comes a podcast that is somewhat anonymous. A 15 year radio pro dubbed "Radio Girl" reveals enough about herself to tell us why she has embarked on this project, and also showing us that while the podcast's artwork is AI, she definitely is a real person. She shares candid insights about the challenges of working in radio, including toxic workplace dynamics, sexual harassment, and the the dysfunctional relationships. She explains her decision to create an anonymous show as a way to process her experiences and provide a platform for honest conversations about radio's behind-the-scenes realities.

I asked her about her motivation for creating the podcast as a personal creative outlet, her experiences of sexual harassment in the workplace, the challenges faced by women in radio, and whether this show can this show be a contributor to positive change.

Follow Up On The Podcast

The podcast went bye-bye after 2 episodes. Who knows what happened? My guess is that audio might have been a little too revealing to be truly anonymous. I certainly hope that the host finds a way to tell her stories. 

Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show:

Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data Solutions

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

Podderapp: Where podcasters can get access to their advanced data dashboard here.

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

Anna Zee has been with Q104 in Halifax for nearly 38 years. Her first radio foray was in 1981 at Queens University's. She transitioned through various stations including Rock 103 (Now C-103) in Moncton before landing at the legendary Q104 in Halifax, where she became a daytime fixture.

Throughout her career, she's witnessed significant changes in radio, from physical record deliveries to digital platforms and social media integration. While the technology has changed, her passion for music has not. Q104 has been more than a job for Anna - it's been a family. She's experienced the station's evolution, including some subtle and slight shifts in musical format as the station's audience evolved and grew over the years. Despite opportunities elsewhere, she remained committed to Halifax, loving the city's vibrant music scene and tight-knit radio community.

The Electric Lunch, continues to be a staple. Today, it's 90's music take center stage on the show.

Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show:

Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data Solutions

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

Podderapp: Where podcasters can get access to their advanced data dashboard here.

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

Paul Jacobs has the same advice he had in 2019 when he came on this show and said, "Stop Selling Radio." In 2025, it's stop selling radio and start selling solutions. With revenue trending flat to down, the radio must innovate or risk falling further behind digital platforms that promise instant results and granular analytics.

Paul and I explored how radio’s real strength lies in local content, strong communities, and brand reach. We talked about public radio navigating loss of traditional funding, and the need for new digital strategies. Paul urged programmers and managers to see mobile apps and newsletters as opportunities for deeper connection—not just boxes to tick. Despite industry challenges, both Paul and I are optimistic. If broadcasters double down on what makes radio great—engaging personalities, community focus, and the free, local experience—there’s a bright future ahead.

Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. All the things that went unsaid on the show.

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

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

Podderapp: Where podcasters can get access to their advanced data dashboard here.

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

Professor Michael Geist is someone I think about often. It could be from the writings on his blog or his words from his podcast, Law Bytes. With the CRTC spending its valuable time these days discussing with Canadian Radio, what qualifies and should qualify as Canadian Content, I thought now would be a good time to have him on the show to discuss some of the inner workings of their policy making.

We explored the evolving landscape of Canadian media regulation and the challenges facing policymakers in the digital age. He highlighted how, for over two decades, both Conservative and more often Liberal governments have struggled to keep pace with the rapid changes brought by the internet, often lagging behind technology and failing to anticipate the real-world impact of new laws.

We discussed the influence of lobby groups on legislation like Bill C-11 and C-18, which have shaped the way news and streaming content are regulated in Canada. Professor Geist pointed out that these laws often overlook the needs of end users and the realities of modern content distribution, leading to unintended consequences—such as the inability to share news on social platforms.

The conversation also touched on the CRTC’s lack of direct radio experience and its tendency to prioritize traditional stakeholders over public interest. As AI becomes more prevalent in media, Geist suggested greater transparency would be an excellent start.

Looking ahead, Geist emphasized the importance of keeping public interest at the heart of policy decisions, especially as new privacy and AI regulations are debated in Canada.

You can see the full video of Michael Geist's appearance at the CRTC Hearing in 2023 here. 

Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. All the things that went unsaid on the show.

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

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

Podderapp: Where podcasters can get access to their advanced data dashboard here.

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