How a Successful Podcast Can Create a Loyal Audience--and Grow Your Business

In this episode of Lean to the Left, host Bob Gatty talks with podcasting expert Michelle Glogovac, founder of MLG Collective, author of How to Get on Podcasts, and host of multiple successful podcasts including Read the Damn Book, Kitchen Briefs, and Beyond the Campaign.Michelle explains why podcasting continues to grow despite intense competition, how independent podcasters can compete with major media personalities, and why trust is the secret ingredient that makes podcasts such a powerful marketing and communications tool. She also shares her remarkable journey from selling jet fuel to becoming one of the industry's leading podcast publicists.Whether you're a small business owner, entrepreneur, author, activist, or aspiring podcaster, Michelle offers practical advice on launching a show, finding your audience, creating compelling content, and using storytelling to build meaningful connections. She also discusses the success of her fast-growing Kitchen Briefs news series and reveals how she manages multiple podcasts while helping clients secure guest appearances on shows around the world.In this episode:✅ Why podcast listeners trust podcast hosts✅ How podcasting can help grow a business✅ The real costs of starting a podcast✅ Competing against celebrity and corporate podcasts✅ How Michelle built a successful podcast PR business✅ Why storytelling is the key to audience growth✅ Tips for entrepreneurs and authors seeking podcast exposure✅ How short-form content is helping Michelle reach new audiencesIf you've ever thought about starting a podcast—or using podcasts to grow your brand—this conversation is packed with valuable insights.New to Lean to the Left? Subscribe for conversations with authors, journalists, activists, thought leaders, and newsmakers discussing politics, democracy, media, culture, and the issues shaping America.Can a successful podcast create a loyal audience, help grow your business, build trust with customers, and establish you as a thought leader?👍 Please Like, Subscribe, and Share to support independent journalism and thoughtful conversations.And, to check out the three episodes in our Truth Under Attack series, here are the links:✅ Lilli McGregor -- Can We Trust Our Elections? https://leantotheleft.net/podcast/election-watchdog-republicans-benefited-voting-irregularities/✅ Alison Greene -- Uncovering Ghost Voters -- https://leantotheleft.net/podcast/ghost-voters-florida-investigation-raises-alarm-even-beyond-the-sunshine-state/✅ Marcel Reid -- Whistleblowers, the Free Press & Democracy Under Attack -- https://leantotheleft.net/podcast/they-want-us-silent-marcel-reid-on-why-democracy-needs-whistleblowers-and-a-free-pressmarcel-reid-whistleblowers-free-press-democracy-under-attack/CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction & Meet Michelle Glogovac02:42 Why Podcasting Exploded During COVID04:10 Why Podcast Listeners Trust Their Hosts06:22 Competing Against Celebrity & Network Podcasts08:15 Why Independent Podcasters Have an Advantage09:25 From Selling Jet Fuel to Podcast Matchmaker11:15 Building a Podcast PR Business12:05 Beyond the Campaign & Kitchen Briefs Success13:35 Michelle's Take on Politics, Trump & UFC15:20 How Podcasts Help Small Businesses Gain Customers17:10 Turning a Podcast into a Marketing Tool18:00 The Pizza Shop Podcast Example20:25 What You Need to Start a Podcast21:15 Starting a Podcast for Less Than $100 a Month22:20 How Michelle Produces Four Podcasts24:15 Michelle's Book: How to Get on Podcasts25:30 Repurposing Podcast Content for Growth26:20 Why Every Creator Should Own Their Domain Name27:45 Using Substack and Websites Together28:45 Do You Need Guests on Your Podcast?29:45 Bob's Famous UFO Reporting Story32:20 Audio vs. Video Podcasts: Which Is Better?33:30 Do You Need B-Roll, Graphics & Fancy Effects?34:40 Music, Copyright & Podcast Production Tips35:25 Can You Actually Make Money Podcasting?36:25 SEO Tips for Podcasters37:15 Michelle's Pod