The Straight-Split Ad Model

What does it look like to build a podcast network with no interest in making it big…and have that actually work?Jason Falls started the Marketing Podcast Network five years ago after being burned by a network that didn’t deliver on its promises. What he built in response is deliberately small, community-first, and structured around a revenue model most operators wouldn’t choose. The result is a network of nearly 90 shows that has grown steadily without a sales team, a growth strategy, or a capitalist bone behind it.Jason is the founder of the Marketing Podcast Network (MPN), a niche network built exclusively for marketing and advertising podcasters. He comes from a broadcast and radio background and now spends the majority of his time producing podcasts for clients, with MPN running alongside as a community he helped build and still stewards.Greg and Jason dig into how MPN’s equal revenue share works… and what it asks of larger shows. They get into the two promises a previous network made that they never kept, how MPN sells advertising without a dedicated sales function, and why Jason would start a video-first network if he were doing it over.If you’re a podcaster wondering whether a community-first network might be a better fit than a revenue-first one, this conversation is worth your time.Listen For:04:19 Evolving in Podcasting Challenges06:45 Collaborative Marketing Podcast Network10:10 Podcasting Profit Challenges Explained15:51 Embracing Podcasts Through Technology19:37 Efficient Network Advertising Solution24:54 Building Collaboration for Podcast Growth32:36 Podcast Analytics: Challenges and Limitations34:35 Podcast Tech and Network Evolution43:05 Building a Video-First Platform45:37 Own It: Closing Gender Gaps50:07 Jason's DIY Marketing NetworkCONNECT WITH GUEST: JASON FALLS, FOUNDER, MARKETING PODCAST NETWORKLinkedIn | Website | Facebook | X | YouTubeJason Book rec: Brand Hijack: Marketing Without Marketing Alex WipperfurthJason's Podcast rec: Cautionary Tales with Tim HarfordCONNECT WITH GREG WASSERMAN, CHIEF RELATIONSHIP OFFICER FOR RSS.COMWebsite | LinkedInSystems, Sponsors and Partners:Hosted with RSS.com Podcast HostingProduced by Stories & StrategiesContent Repurposed with CastmagicPodcast Project Management with Northflow