Podcasting With Purpose Before Profit—Willie Thornton | Ep 150

What happens when a podcast starts with a mission before it ever makes money?In this episode, I sit down with Wild Willie, host of Soul Impact: How Music Saved Us, to talk about how music became a safe place in his life, how that story shaped his podcast, and why he now interviews artists about the real struggles music has helped them move through.You’ll hear how Wild Willie launched his podcast in June, what it took to get past self-doubt, and why listener feedback became one of the biggest things that helped him keep going. We also talk about the behind-the-scenes work of podcasting, including using StreamYard, AI tools, short-form video tools, social media, podcast networks, and weekly consistency to grow from around 1,500 views to 21,000 views in just a few months. Plus, you’ll get a real look at how his podcast connects with his DJ business, why networking matters, how he thinks about monetization, and why finding your “why” can carry you when the numbers or money are not there yet.Tune in for an honest conversation about podcasting with heart, building community through music, and learning as you go.Connect With Wild WilliePodcast: Soul Impact: How Music Saved UsIf My Podcast Story speaks to you, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. And if you have a moment, leaving a review helps more people discover the stories shared here. Your support truly means a lot.There’s more to every story than what you hear on the episode. Join the My Podcast Story newsletter to receive thoughtful takeaways, episode extras, and personal notes that don’t make it into the show. It’s a quiet way to stay inspired between listens.Sign up here: https://mypodcaststory.com/joinChapters00:00 Welcome to My Podcast Story00:19 Meet Wild Willie00:48 When Soul Impact Started01:01 Music as a Safe Haven01:44 Early Challenges and Self-Doubt02:39 How Listener Feedback Helped Him Keep Going03:30 The Impact Soul Impact Has on Listeners04:18 Behind the Scenes: Tools, Costs, and Production05:51 Growing From 1,500 to 21,000 Views06:44 Faith, Family, and Purpose Behind the Podcast07:13 Consistency, Social Media, and Podcast Growth08:42 Why Networking Matters for Podcasters09:34 When the Podcast Started Feeling Real10:41 My Podcast Story Newsletter Break11:04 How the Podcast Connects to His DJ Business12:24 Monetization, Out-of-Pocket Costs, and Helping One Person13:15 Giving Back to the Entertainment Community14:06 The Benefits of Joining a Podcast Network15:13 Future Projects and Benefit Festivals17:13 Why Podcasting Feels Like an Unplugging Space18:39 Talking About Music Without Always Playing Music19:31 Navigating Music Permissions and Release Forms20:11 Reviewing Episodes and Getting Better21:21 How Podcasting Helps the Host Grow Too22:32 Advice for New Podcasters: Find Your Why24:04 Where to Find Wild Willie and Soul Impact25:24 Final Thoughts