Diversify Audiences, Monetize Smartly, Conquer Discovery
Beyond the Mic: Scaling, Monetizing, and Future-Proofing Your Podcast with Colin Anderson
Related Episodes
Podcast Economics Shift to Audience Support and Lean Production
Podcast economics shift to audience support and lean production, prioritizing independence and honest pitches over high-value ads for sustainable growth.
View Episode Notes →
Long-Form Content Builds Trust and Demonstrates Expertise
Build lasting trust and demonstrate expertise by strategically embracing long-form content, a powerful tool for deep engagement that cuts through the noise.
View Episode Notes →
Media's Shift to Direct Audience Relationships and Talent Franchises
Media success pivots to direct audience relationships and individual talent, making subscriptions the prime revenue driver over ads. Cultivate engaged communities to thrive.
View Episode Notes →
Build Franchises, Not Traffic: Media's New Reality
## Episode Synopsis This episode explores the seismic shifts occurring within the digital media landscape, arguing that the era of mass media is...
View Episode Notes →
Generative AI and Advertising Shift Media Landscape
Generative AI and shifting ad models are transforming Hollywood, displacing workers, and challenging traditional media revenue. Adapt or risk obsolescence in this rapidly evolving landscape.
View Episode Notes →
Beehiiv's Infrastructure Focus Empowers Creator Business Independence
Build your independent digital business on robust infrastructure, not algorithm-driven platforms. Own your audience and revenue with tools designed for long-term creator success.
View Episode Notes →Resources
Resources & Recommendations
People Mentioned
- Colin Anderson (Former VP of Content and Podcasts at SXM, also held roles at Earwolf, Stitcher, Maximum Fun, and BBC) - Featured guest discussing scaling, monetization, and future-proofing podcasts.
- Chris Bannon (Chief Content Officer at Earwolf) - Hired Colin Anderson at Earwolf in 2016.
- Scott Aukerman (Comedian, host of Comedy Bang! Bang!) - Co-founder of Earwolf, whose comedy and improv friends formed the basis of the network.
- Paul Scheer (Comedian, co-host of How Did This Get Made?) - Co-founder of Earwolf, whose comedy and improv friends formed the basis of the network.
- Steve Wilson (Apple) - Was the contact person at Apple for profiling new podcasts in 2016, making show launches easier.
- Karen Kilgariff (Co-host of My Favorite Murder) - Co-host of the true-crime podcast that saw rapid growth by serving an underserved female audience.
- Georgia Hardstark (Co-host of My Favorite Murder) - Co-host of the true-crime podcast that saw rapid growth by serving an underserved female audience.
- Christie Marabell (Stitcher, SiriusXM, now runs her own consultancy) - Marketing expert Colin consults for advice on podcast marketing strategies.
- Jonathan Van Ness (Host of Queer Eye) - Example of a personality whose podcast was successfully sold by an independent seller before his rise to world fame.
- Allison Marino (Salesperson at Midroll/Earwolf, founder of Lipstick & Vinyl) - Founded a boutique marketing and sales network for podcasts, known for its effective approach.
Organizations & Institutions
- SXM - SiriusXM, where Colin Anderson was VP of Content and Podcasts.
- Earwolf - Podcast network where Colin Anderson helped scale operations, known for its comedy shows like "Comedy Bang! Bang!" and "How Did This Get Made."
- Stitcher - Podcast platform where Colin Anderson held a role, and which offered a premium ad-free subscription service.
- Maximum Fun - Podcast network mentioned for its listener-supported model.
- BBC - British Broadcasting Corporation, where Colin Anderson held a role.
- Apple - Mentioned as a key platform for podcast discovery in 2016, though its influence on discovery has since waned.
- Spotify - Mentioned as a platform with its own charts for podcasts.
- Amazon - Mentioned in the context of high-level network sales.
- SAG-AFTRA - Union representing actors and other media professionals, mentioned in relation to talent's concerns about AI integration in podcasting.
Websites & Online Resources
- Patreon - Platform mentioned as a successful monetization model for shows with highly dedicated fanbases, offering ad-free content and bonus material.
- Substack - Newsletter platform mentioned in the context of subscription fatigue.
- TikTok - Social media platform mentioned as a channel for promoting podcasts through video clips, though its effectiveness in driving podcast subscriptions is questioned.
- TripAdvisor - Website mentioned as an example where public reviews can be unreliable or unhelpful due to reviewers' lack of experience.
- Rotten Tomatoes - Movie review aggregation website, suggested as a potential model for podcast review and searchability.
Other Resources
- "Comedy Bang! Bang!" - Podcast mentioned as a foundational show for the Earwolf network, known for its improv comedy.
- "Ron and Beverly" - Podcast mentioned as an example of a show within the Earwolf aesthetic.
- "Womp It Up!" - Podcast mentioned as an example of a show within the Earwolf aesthetic.
- "How Did This Get Made?" - Podcast mentioned as being in the top 20 podcasts and a foundational show for the Earwolf network.
- "My Favorite Murder" - True crime podcast mentioned as an example of a show that achieved rapid growth by serving an underserved audience (women in true crime).
- "Hollywood Handbook" - Podcast mentioned as an example of a show with a devoted fanbase that can monetize effectively through platforms like Patreon.
- "Office Ladies" - Podcast mentioned as an example of a successful show that brought new listeners into podcasting, despite initial industry skepticism.
- Lipstick & Vinyl - A boutique marketing and sales network for podcasts, founded by Allison Marino, which was acquired by Realm in 2023.