Ep 134 – Jen Moss, JAR - Podcasting That Connects: Story First, Metrics That Matter

Featuring: Jen Moss, JAR In episode 134, I sit down with Jen Moss, Chief Creative Officer and co-founder of JAR, where she helps brands and agencies craft podcasts that move people—not just metrics. Jen calls herself a podcasting doula, guiding clients through the messy middle of creative storytelling. In this conversation, we dive into how to create audio that actually connects, what makes a podcast worth listening to, and why “Job, Audience, Result” is the framework every agency should adopt before hitting record. Jen and I explore why most branded podcasts fizzle, how to define success beyond downloads, and the difference between authenticity and algorithm-chasing. If you’ve ever thought about starting a podcast for your agency—or making your current one work harder—this episode’s for you. Key Bytes • The JAR method: Job, Audience, Result—a simple framework for podcast strategy. • Why authenticity and storytelling beat reach every time. • How agencies can use podcasts as pillar content that drives real relationships. • Common landmines when launching an agency podcast. • Why generosity and curiosity build audience trust. • The most meaningful metrics: engagement, consumption rate, and return listeners. • When to use internal vs. external hosts—and why it depends. • The role of creative courage in a crowded podcast space. • Why “connection” should always be your North Star. Chapters 00:00 Intro – Meet Jen Moss, podcasting doula and CCO of JAR 02:00 From theater to radio: Jen’s storytelling roots 06:00 The JAR framework explained: Job, Audience, Result 09:30 The real “why” behind launching a podcast 12:30 How agencies can use podcasts as strategic marketing tools 16:30 Internal vs. external hosts: what actually works 19:45 Common landmines and why most podcasts fizzle 22:00 Authenticity, generosity, and giving value away 24:30 Is podcasting too saturated? Finding signal in the noise 27:45 Connection over clicks—how to stand out 31:00 The metrics that matter: consumption, return, and reach trends 33:50 Rapid Fire with Jen Moss: storytelling, creative courage, and dream guests In her role as Chief Creative Officer of JAR, Co-Founder Jen Moss loves bringing stories to life. With her clients, Jen acts as a “podcasting Doula,” helping them harness their strengths in service of great storytelling. Deeply steeped in the creative process, Jen is unafraid of its ambiguities, and enjoys guiding others through its twists and turns. Drawing on her strong background in theatre, arts journalism, audio documentary, and new media storytelling, Jen helps clients tell the authentic stories that matter to them, and to their audience. She spent many years working as a producer and award-winning content creator for CBC Radio, and as an interactive story producer for The National Film Board of Canada’s Digital Studio, which taught her to think of stories as living things, full of potential for impact. It also taught her to take an “audience first” approach. Jen is never afraid of surfacing big ideas, but understands that sometimes, it’s the little things – the specific lens that “only you” can bring – that will gain the most traction with an audience. Jen loves to look for “fresh tracks” in the form of stories that haven’t been told before. She encourages her clients and her team at JAR to try out new ideas, learn from what the audience data reveals, and let that inform future creative strategy. Finally, Jen keeps her own professional learning curve alive as she lectures part-time at the University of British Columbia’s School of Creative Writing, interacting with the next generation of writers, podcasters, new media producers, and audiences. Contact Jen on their website or on LinkedIn.   THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY IGNITION. START YOUR FREE 14 DAY TRIAL ignitionapp.info/agencybytes-trial Use Code OUTSIGHT25 to save 50% off!