Pod-Crashing Episode 42 Knowing The Dirt

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Pod-Crashing Episode 42 Knowing The Dirt

This could be a touchy subject but I think it needs to be talked about.  Since mid-summer 2019 I’ve noticed a very interesting trend.  The growing number of promoters and producers tossing their energy into the podcast hat.  I call them “Listener Locaters” and “Guitar Center Home Studios Are Us” 
I’m endlessly flooded with emails and phone calls, “Hey man I can bring bigger days to your growing needs.”  My response is always the same, “That’s so cool!  Find me a sales person that’s interested in making new money.” 
First… I get it!  With the most recent increase of podcast listening business owners and everyday talkers are finding the digital sport to be entertaining as well as affective.  We’re all doing the same thing.  Reaching for the centerfield fence and all we’re getting is a fly ball over second base. 
The really good news?  Somebody’s always willing to help out.  I also love that recording studios are popping up all over the nation guaranteeing high quality.  Who wouldn’t want to tap into this fast moving beast?   
The other night it hit me.  Do any of these experts host their own podcasts?  Do they post two or three episodes a week?  Are they biting at the bit to maybe get 1/10th the numbers Joe Rogan’s pulling in? 
The podcasting experience is more than being a communications specialist or setting up a couple of mics and hitting play and record.  There’s a lifestyle to this.  Being in the trenches is priceless.  There’s a lot to be said about making absolutely no money and you’re still busting serious ass to make a listener connection.
Once again, I’m not saying Listener Locaters and Guitar Center Home Studios Are Us are wrong.  What I see on their Linkdin posts and company emails is the total cost to make your podcast a reality.  You can do it!  For this amount of money!  Join our team of professionals and put your brand out there in the shape of a podcast! 
Guess this is where my heart gets bent out of shape.  You want how much money for how much studio time?  And how long will it take to start making my own money?  I mean like right away right?  This my take.  Up to this moment.  Golf and horse racing have been the world’s most expensive hobbies.  We’ve gotta tuck podcasting into this picture.
I’m not saying your company podcast isn’t going to inspire new consumers to test and purchase your product.  I’m totally into the idea of generating a conversation with podcast followers. Sharing products that bring comfort and security to their life.  Helping them become knowledgeable about cars, computers, homes, medical issues and whatever else the business is willing to bring forward. 
My initial question.  How many Listener Locaters and Guitar Center Home Studios Are Us are hosting their own podcasts?  Why would that be important?  Simple.  During these opening rounds of everybody can do a podcast it takes only seconds to get a bad taste in your mouth.  The very second you get hooked up with someone that sounds pretty reliable but it flops like a fish.  There’s a big chance those of us that are living this everyday won’t get your business.         
It reminds me of a message I bring to future Broadcasters.  Short and to the point.  I’m glad you’ve got the ambition and drive to reach toward terrestrial radio.  The requirement is years of hard work, dedication, sacrifice and in the beginning very little pay.  Or you can create a podcast and instantly be the CEO of Me Incorporated.
I write to those who invite me to use their services.  I’m very professional.  One question, “Where can I listen to your latest podcast?” 
In a really weird way this has to be how Marc Maron felt while I sat across from him in the studio.  I was trying to convince him to help change the name of podcasting.  He said, “Don’t mess up a good thing?” 
He was right!  I was just getting into podcasting.  My only real experience was what I put down on paper.  I hadn’t bled the blood.  Sweat the tough times.  Or looked at myself long enough in the mirror asking, “Seriously?  Really? Come on!  Take up professional bowling!” 
In 2011 my good friend Nathan put me on the spot, “Why are you trying to get radio station advertisers to create a podcast?  Dude!  Just because you write and produce commercials doesn’t make you an expert in podcasting!  You can’t lead people without knowing the ins and outs of what is or isn’t a good or bad podcast.”     
Even after eight years of hardcore pushing and pulling the only thing I can truly offer you are simple questions that in the end could poison your wallet.  But if we’re being truthful.  Maybe that’s what you need.  The first edition of Podcast Magazine is blessed with self-developed journeys that should’ve gone south but those involved didn’t give up. 
What I got out their digital confessions is the same story I’ve picked up in my four decades of terrestrial radio.  What you’re doing in the way of communicating isn’t in your hands.  No matter how much it hurts or is pushed away it acts like hot sticky gum on the bottom of your shoe.
You should be able to look into the eyes of someone and know on the spot if they podcast.  This is why I’ve chosen to invite so many podcasters to my podcast Unplugged and Totally Uncut.  The behind the scenes stories are perfect tools for those wanting to podcast. Other listeners are getting a backstage pass into a world that’s just getting started on its long term design. 
I received an email this morning from Age Of Radio.org.  They clearly state, “We don’t believe that you should have to pay for podcast hosting and we don’t believe you have to have a minimum of 20,000 downloads per episode to be on a podcast network.”  I sent them my RSS link.  Got a quick reply with further instructions.  Their choice for podcast delivery is Megaphone.
Videos instantly connect you to a ton of information about setting up the episodes then executing them.  From the very beginning they introduce you to their CEO Jeremy Quintanilla who has built a strong team of supporters and relationship managers. 
After signing up I still had questions.  With so much attention placed on having Relationship Managers I wanted to test the water.  Within three minutes a reply was received.             
Let me also give a shout out to Anchor.fm as well.  They’re also providing a free platform, plus they’re hosting specialized podcasts on how to bring yours forward.  I’ve been with Anchor.fm for several months with no complaints. 
Both platforms seem to get it.  They know that in order for you to make a listener connection, they need to be connected to you.  It makes you feel like you belong.  You’re part of a new age of something that’s showing growth.
So what’s the moral of the story?  If Listener Locators and Guitar Center Home Studios Are Us are going to help podcasters, producers, writers and planners please be in the same game.  I can’t prove that church ministers practice what they preach.  I just know that they usually say a bunch of stuff that’s taken directly from my street.