Podcast Network Insights: Understanding the Business of Podcast "Networks"

What makes a podcast network truly distinctive? In this conversation, the focus shifts to networks that do more than aggregate existing content. Instead, they build new shows from the ground up, taking real creative risks on untested ideas. It’s a hands-on, developmental model, shaped by leaders willing to take part in every stage of show creation. Mike Jensen embodies this approach, blending years of experience in sponsorship and content development with a personal investment in each project.Mike Jensen draws on decades in media—AOL, the Wall Street Journal, and leadership roles in podcasting—to build Rhapsody Voices, a boutique podcast network with more than 40 shows across diverse genres. His career-long expertise in advertising and partnerships sets the foundation for a style of network leadership that prioritizes development, realism, and deep collaboration.Listen for:00:00 Navigating the podcast network world6:27 Managing a boutique show network11:02 Building Community Through Podcasts13:52 Analyzing marketing goals and strategies15:58 Discussing ad delivery strategies20:33 Educating creators on ad strategy23:22 Understanding Audience Size for Sponsorship26:35 Choosing the right podcast network37:38 Startup challenges and early focus50:32 The impact of podcasts on cultureCONNECT WITH GUEST: MIKE JENSEN | CEOWebsite | LinkedInMike’s Podcast rec: The Players Box | Today, Explained | Question EverythingMike's Book rec: The Algebra of Happiness by Scott GallowayCONNECT WITH GREG WASSERMAN, HEAD OF RELATIONSHIPS FOR RSS.COMWebsite | LinkedIn | NewsletterGreg’s book rec: Return on Courage by Ryan BermanSystems, Sponsors, and Partners:Hosted with RSS.com Podcast HostingProduced by Stories & StrategiesContent Repurposed with CastmagicPodcast Project Management with Northflow

What does it look like to build a podcast network where the technical foundation feels as relational and dynamic as a theater ensemble? This conversation explores how the underlying tech and operational choices shape not only discoverability but also the everyday reality for creators, and why a podcast network’s digital backbone can become its most communal feature. Alan Seales brings a rare perspective, blending his background in computer science, Broadway performance, and Google engineering to build a podcast network that serves nearly 200 shows and rethinks how networks can support podcasters at scale.Alan has led the Broadway Podcast Network since 2019, applying his hands-on technical skills to design everything from custom web platforms to automated systems. With experience both on stage and in major tech roles, he offers practical lessons from years of supporting and growing a sizable collection of podcasts in a distinctly creative industry. This conversation weaves together his personal journey, operational philosophy, and the values that drive the network, highlighting BPN’s unique approach to community, automation, and creative support.Listen for:00:00 Discussing podcast networks and operations10:46 SEO focus and network benefits19:35 Operating smoothly with podcast tools28:57 Helping Clients Plan Podcasts32:20 Podcast submission requirements37:46 Talking about podcast growth and community48:41 Building a podcast P&L system54:53 Trying new podcasting strategies56:08 Challenges with marketing strategies01:12:15 Criteria for accepting podcast showsCONNECT WITH GUEST: ALAN SEALES, CO-FOUNDERWebsite | LinkedIn | The Theatre Podcast with Alan SealesAlan’s Podcast rec: The Lonely IslandAlan’s Book rec: The Aetherion Code by Bellamy YoungCONNECT WITH GREG WASSERMAN, HEAD OF RELATIONSHIPS AT RSS.COMWebsite | LinkedInGreg’s book rec: Return on Courage by Ryan BermanSystems, Sponsors, and Partners:Hosted with RSS.com Podcast HostingProduced by Stories & StrategiesContent Repurposed with CastmagicPodcast Project Management with Northflow

What happens when a podcast network builds its identity for listeners—much like a TV channel—instead of just providing services to creators behind the scenes? This episode explores why centering a podcast network’s brand can shape everything from show selection to audience community and long-term business value. It challenges the assumption that a podcast network is simply a vehicle for production and sales, and instead considers it as a consumer-facing brand that must earn long-term loyalty. Guest A.J. Feliciano brings a rare perspective—questioning whether “podcast” will even remain the right word, and pushing operators to rethink how networks build lasting value.With a background in cable television—including nearly a decade at NBCUniversal—and experience building networks that emerged from large, fan-driven brands, A.J. Feliciano now leads the creation of a new kind of podcast network with Companion. His operational focus stretches from network structure to direct-to-consumer brand-building. If you’re curious what it looks like to operationalize a consumer-facing network from scratch, the full conversation goes much deeper.Listen for:00:00 Podcast networks and brand building06:54 How podcast networks operate15:04 Fostering community through meaningful content20:12 Expanding Podcast Network Partnerships30:18 Considering doing ad sales in-house37:11 Discussing podcast network operations43:24 Celebrities and podcast expectations46:52 Approaching Podcast Networks50:17 Identifying red flags in sales pitches57:17 Building Creator Collaborations01:06:42 Streamers licensing podcastsWITH GUESTS: A.J. FELICIANO, GENERAL MANAGERWebsite | LinkedInA.J.’s rec: Podcast Pop Syllabus | Book: Our Iceberg is Melting by John Kotter and Holger RathgeberCONNECT WITH GREG WASSERMAN, HEAD OF RELATIONSHIPS FOR RSS.COMWebsite | LinkedInGreg’s book rec: Return on Courage by Ryan BermanSystems, Sponsors, and Partners:Hosted with RSS.com Podcast HostingProduced by Stories & StrategiesContent Repurposed with CastmagicPodcast Project Management with Northflow

Are podcast networks still the place for passionate new voices, or is the door closing unless you can prove your numbers? When does building a podcast network shift from nurturing raw talent to protecting a business, and what do you lose in that transition? This conversation unpacks how download minimums, revenue focus, and talent requirements have changed what it actually means to run a podcast network today. Guest Nick Gelso brings a frank view into this reality, questioning the cost of growth for operators and creators alike.Nick Gelso, operator of CLNS Media CLNS Media—Boston’s leading independent digital sports broadcaster—and North Station Media, a hybrid podcast network and agency representing 100+ shows. and North Station Media, has developed two businesses at scale, overseeing dozens of podcasts and digital shows focused on sports and related fields. Moving from a restaurant background into blogging and podcast hosting, he grew his network from individual experiments in the mid-2000s into a large operation responsible for supporting many creators and families.Listen for:00:00 Challenges in Podcasting Growth3:09 Navigating podcast networks14:24 Starting the sports media network21:10 Discussing successful TV shows23:48 Evaluating Podcast Partnerships29:01 Discussing content strategy and meetings30:55 Discussing marketing team activities36:45 Exploring AI-driven content strategies39:28 Joining a content network40:51 Onboarding content creators46:10 Reflecting on starting a business50:41 AI's Impact on Content Networks51:38 Challenges of Scaling Media NetworksCONNECT WITH GUEST: NICK GELSO, CEO & FOUNDER | CLNS MEDIA | NORTH STATION MEDIACLNS Media | CLNS Media X | CLNS Instagram | North Station Media | Nick's X | Nick’s Instagram | LinkedInCONNECT WITH GREG WASSERMAN, HEAD OF RELATIONSHIPS FOR RSS.COMWebsite | LinkedInGreg’s book rec: Return on Courage by Ryan BermanSystems, Sponsors, and Partners:Hosted with RSS.com Podcast HostingProduced by Stories & StrategiesContent Repurposed with CastmagicPodcast Project Management with Northflow

What does it really look like to build a podcast network where creators are central, not just featured? This episode explores how a creator-first philosophy shapes everything from formats to hiring—and why betting on people instead of just shows might be the overlooked lever for genuine audience connection. Joining are Andrew Kenward (president and COO, formerly an agent at WME) and Paige Hymson (EVP of Podcasts, with a background in traditional audio journalism), each bringing perspectives from both legacy media and new digital models.Andrew draws on his agency experience and perspective as a founder, while Paige offers hands-on insights from years in newsroom-style podcasting. Together, they’re building a network with eight long-form audio/video series across sports and comedy, developed around a tightly defined audience and a collaborative, cross-platform approach.Listen for:07:40 Origin of Almost Friday Media14:16 Importance of Visual Elements21:03 Collaborating with talent and creators22:30 Organizing YouTube content like TV studios28:20 Talent investment versus network deals38:33 Strategic planning for live events42:55 Value of host read ads in video53:13 Reviewing audience engagement regularly01:01:33 Innovative media strategy and formatGUESTS: ANDREW KENWARD, PRESIDENT | COOWebsite | LinkedInPAIGE HYMSON, EVP TALK CONTENT (SPORTS AND PODCASTS)LinkedInAndrew’s Podcast rec: Prof G Markets | Book Leonardo da Vinci by Walter IsaacsonPaige’s Podcast rec: Wisecrack | Book Captain Cook: Exploring the Wide, Wide SeaCONNECT WITH GREG WASSERMAN, HEAD OF RELATIONSHIPS FOR RSS.COMWebsite | LinkedInGreg’s book rec: Return on Courage by Ryan BermanSystems, Sponsors, and Partners:Hosted with RSS.com Podcast HostingProduced by Stories & StrategiesContent Repurposed with CastmagicPodcast Project Management with Northflow

What happens when a podcast network is built with a laser-focused niche rather than sheer volume—and most of its shows are produced or hosted by the same person? In fields as specialized as legal compliance or rural West Texas storytelling, the logic behind network-building flips conventional wisdom. This conversation explores how specificity, not broad appeal, reshapes what a podcast network can do.Tom Fox began his career as a lawyer and consultant before pioneering a compliance-focused podcast network in 2017. He now operates two networks—one with about 60 compliance shows (most hosted by himself), and another dedicated to local stories in Texas Hill Country. His approach is rooted in long experience creating, distributing, and monetizing highly specialized podcasts.Listen for:6:34 Starting a podcast7:38 Podcasting motivations and process10:24 Turning recordings into a podcast19:54 Promoting shows through social media22:52 Targeting niche compliance audiences25:10 Advertising to small town businesses28:33 Creating autobiography and podcast series31:40 AI-generated content quality34:56 Starting a local podcast network40:28 Running a business without a website48:10 Reflecting on meaningful conversationsCONNECT WITH GUEST: TOM FOX, VOICE OF COMPLIANCE, COMPLIANCE PODCAST NETWORKWebsite | LinkedIn Podcast rec: The Rest is History | Compliance Tip of the DayBook rec: Deluge Before Dawn: Heartbreak, Survival and Resilience After the Guadalupe River RagedCONNECT WITH GREG WASSERMAN, HEAD OF RELATIONSHIPS FOR RSS.COMWebsite | LinkedInBook rec: Return on Courage by Ryan BermanSystems, Sponsors, and Partners:Hosted with RSS.com Podcast HostingProduced by Stories & StrategiesContent Repurposed with CastmagicPodcast Project Management with Northflow

How can building a podcast network act as the backbone of business development, instead of simply a content play or an ad-driven venture? This episode takes an inside look at designing a podcast network that functions as a strategic connector, breaking down organizational barriers and fueling collaboration. Guest Todd Eury shares how this approach can reshape both network operations and industry relationships.Todd Eury spent years in telecom before moving into pharmacy tech and, in 2008, starting what would become a 40+-show network now at the center of pharmacy industry communications, the Pharmacy Podcast Network. Drawing on nearly two decades of operating a highly specialized network, Todd Eury brings a grounded, inside view you won’t hear from “big media” podcast network executives.Listen for:6:49 Podcast collaboration challenges12:12 The rise of podcast accessibility20:50 Podcasting should not stand alone29:25 Leveraging pharmacy expertise and trends35:00 Choosing the Right Podcast Network42:37 Building a Podcast Network52:40 Podcast Network platform01:03:24 The network effect in podcastingCONNECT WITH GUEST: TODD EURY, RXPODFATHER, PHARMACY PODCAST NETWORKWebsite | LinkedIn | InstagramPodcast rec: The CurbsidersBook rec: Healing the Sick Care System: Why People MatterCONNECT WITH GREG WASSERMAN, HEAD OF RELATIONSHIPS FOR RSS.COMWebsite | LinkedInGreg’s book rec: Return on Courage by Ryan Berman Systems, Sponsors, and Partners:Hosted with RSS.com Podcast HostingProduced by Stories & StrategiesContent Repurposed with CastmagicPodcast Project Management with Northflow

What does it mean to brand yourself as a podcast network—even when you’re still on your first show? Most creators launch solo, but Glenn Hebert took a different path, establishing a network identity from day one to shape listener expectations and drive long-term opportunity. His approach reveals how intentional structure early on can set the stage for growth, monetization, and even acquisition in a niche landscape.Glenn Hebert is a long-time podcaster who launched his first show in 2006 and built a podcast network serving the equestrian world. Over nearly two decades, he expanded from one show to a diverse roster of hosts and programs, ultimately leading to an acquisition. Glenn brings direct, hands-on experience with hiring, contracts, operations, and advertiser relations.Listen for:4:04 Building a Podcast Network9:47 Choosing the Right Hosts16:03 Unique advertising model insights18:26 Host read ads and sponsor products21:47 Handling podcast sponsorship obligations24:30 Contract control over content29:09 Preparing for a Future Sale37:16 Letting hosts leave with their show41:22 Managing time and sponsor relations50:44 Challenges of Being Discovered53:37 Building a Trust-Based Network CONNECT WITH GUEST: GLENN HEBERT, FOUNDER OF THE HORSE RADIO NETWORKWebsite | LinkedIn | Facebook | Horses in the Morning PodcastPodcast rec: Mighty Blue on the Appalachian Trail | Horses in the MorningBook rec: Cat and Wright Series by Lisa WYsockiCONNECT WITH GREG WASSERMAN, HEAD OF RELATIONSHIPS FOR RSS.COMWebsite | LinkedInGreg’s book rec: Return on Courage by Ryan Berman Systems, Sponsors, and Partners:Hosted with RSS.com Podcast HostingProduced by Stories & StrategiesContent Repurposed with CastmagicPodcast Project Management with Northflow

What does it take to make compassion and human connection a true operational thread inside a podcast network, rather than just a slogan? This conversation asks how centering real relationships and creative freedom can shape not only who joins a network, but also how shows are supported, grown, and amplified. Guest Amy Lynn Durham draws from her personal journey in both corporate leadership and podcasting to share how a values-driven approach influences day-to-day decisions.Amy Lynn Durham left a corporate executive role to pursue her mission of infusing heart and connection into the workplace. After hundreds of guest spots and several years running her own show, she launched her podcast network at the end of 2025 with six shows. Her experience straddles independent podcast production, prior network participation, and now building a network from the ground up. Six months into building her own podcast network, she offers a practical window into shaping culture, structure, and opportunities for independent voices.Listen For:5:44 Why she built the network9:17 The creative freedom she wanted15:31 Questions to ask a network23:48 Under-promising on purpose25:24 The two production lanes28:49 Who the network is for35:30 Building the network feed47:21 Card decks as revenue52:16 Cost to join and the liftCONNECT WITH GUEST: AMY LYNN DURHAM, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER | MAGIC THREAD MEDIAWebsite | LinkedIn Podcast rec: Circle’s EdgesBook rec: The Quantum Leader by Dana Zohar | EdgeWalker Card Deck by Dr. Judy NealCONNECT WITH GREG WASSERMAN, HEAD OF RELATIONSHIPS FOR RSS.COMWebsite | LinkedInBook rec: Return on Courage by Ryan BermanSystems, Sponsors, and Partners:Hosted with RSS.com Podcast HostingProduced by Stories & StrategiesContent Repurposed with CastmagicPodcast Project Management with Northflow

What happens when a podcast network is built around storytelling as the organizing principle—not just as a buzzword or content strategy? That’s the lens this conversation explores: how prioritizing story and narrative coherence over ad inventory or content volume shapes not only production, but the listener’s entire experience. Joining to discuss, Jeremy Westphal explains why approaching everything—from show selection to advertising to surveys—with a story-first mindset creates a distinct identity and audience relationship.Jeremy Westphal draws on hands-on experience from building audio projects at major brands like Comedy Central and Nickelodeon to now running a 30+ show network, GZM, focused on original scripted fiction for kids, families, and young adults. With more than a decade of operational roles across production, ad sales, and partnerships, he brings unique perspective on how a podcast network can balance original storytelling with business realities.Listen For:09:29 Creating Podcasts13:41 Understanding Media Business Models18:09 Challenges of original content creation25:49 Understanding the audience demographics29:33 Improving audience experience32:57 Reaching your podcast audience38:14 Importance of network and scale48:52 Independent scripted productions success50:24 The evolution of podcast production01:00:00 Licensing books for podcasts01:07:41 Building an Authentic Audience01:11:37 Producing and sustaining a podcastCONNECT WITH GUEST: JEREMY WESTPHAL, DIRECTOR OF PARTNERSHIPS AT GZM SHOWSWebsite | LinkedInPodcast rec: Sherlock & Co. | Earth RangersBook rec: Dragonships series by Scott ReintgenCONNECT WITH GREG WASSERMAN, HEAD OF RELATIONSHIPS FOR RSS.COMWebsite | LinkedInSystems, Sponsors, and Partners:Hosted with RSS.com Podcast HostingProduced by Stories & StrategiesContent Repurposed with CastmagicPodcast Project Management with Northflow

When podcast creators see themselves as true partners in the network, not just talent, but contributors to the business side, where does that really take both the creator and the network? This episode unpacks how the attitude and approach of podcast hosts can be a deciding factor in whether a podcast network helps them grow and monetize, or leaves their show flat. Rachel Corbett offers a clear-eyed view from years of operating at scale in Australia, showing why long-term success hinges as much on mindset as on metrics.Rachel Corbett draws on more than a decade in Australian radio and podcasting, including hands-on leadership roles at major networks. She has seen the evolution of the industry from its early days and currently manages the NOVA Podcast Network with hundreds of shows and millions of monthly downloads. Her background transitioning from traditional media to podcast network operations provides practical insight into how networks actually function behind the scenes, and how the Australian market operates, which, in some cases, isn’t too different from other markets.Listen for:04:20 Defining a Network as a Partnership20:02 What Nova Actually Offers Creators22:42 Podcast marketing strategies24:27 What Audience Size Gets You In the Door27:08 Working with brand collaborations34:31 Providing feedback to show creators37:10 When a Creator Is Better Off Going Independent42:16 Building an Independent Network46:36 How Revenue Splits Work With Partner Networks50:40 Partnering with successful creators57:12 Why Audio Feels Different Than VideoCONNECT WITH GUEST: RACHEL CORBETT, NETWORK DIRECTOR | NOVA PODCASTSWebsite | Instagram | LinkedInPodcast rec: Two Broke ChicksBook rec: Babel by R.F. KuangCONNECT WITH GREG WASSERMAN, HEAD OF RELATIONSHIPS FOR RSS.COMWebsite | LinkedInGreg’s book rec: Return on Courage by Ryan BermanSystems, Sponsors, and Partners:Hosted with RSS.com Podcast HostingProduced by Stories & StrategiesContent Repurposed with CastmagicPodcast Project Management with Northflow

How can a podcast network use its editorial engine to make individual shows more visible, and does this strategy offer a real solution to the discoverability problem?With podcasts often lost in the shuffle, The Charisma Podcast Network offers an opportunity to transform audience reach and podcast growth through content- and article-driven workflows.John Matarazzo is the Media Manager at Charisma Media, with experience spanning legacy media and digital audio. After starting as a TV producer and moving into podcasting, he’s helped scale a faith-oriented podcast network within a 50-year-old publishing company, juggling workflows for about 70 shows and leveraging article-driven discovery methods for his podcasters and readers.Listen For:00:00 Understanding podcast discoverability06:35 Charisma Media's early growth story10:24 Improving podcast discoverability15:23 Building a podcast network foundation18:06 Improving podcast management22:28 Joining the Charisma Podcast Network27:31 Innovative podcast discoverability feature29:40 Diversity within the podcast network32:10 Increasing website content output36:11 Expanding podcast reach with video42:07 Finding purpose and making an impact50:44 Discussing network systems and collaborationCONNECT WITH GUEST: JOHN MATARAZZOMEDIA MANAGER FOR CHARISMA MEDIACharisma Podcast Network | Charisma Magazine | LinkedIn | YouTubeJohn's Podcast rec: No Dumb Questions - https://pod.link/1204701206 | John's Book rec: The Power to Prosper by Cap Chatfield - https://amzn.to/4euwJdzCONNECT WITH GREG WASSERMAN, HEAD OF RELATIONSHIPS FOR RSS.COMWebsite | LinkedInGreg’s book rec: Return on Courage by Ryan Berman - https://amzn.to/4tIyOXZSystems, Sponsors, and Partners:Hosted with RSS.com Podcast HostingProduced by Stories & Strategies Content Repurposed with Castmagic Podcast Project Management with Northflow

What happens when a podcast network isn't just a loose collection of shows, but an operational system with complete ownership, direct host management, and monetization strategies that begin before a single episode is released? This conversation examines a distinctive “own everything, sell before launch” approach, offering a pragmatic look at why full control might create better sponsor relationships and higher margins.Mark LaCour draws on a decade-plus of experience building a podcast network from a single niche show into an international portfolio of 30+ in-house productions, the Oil and Gas Global Network, all within the oil and gas sector. Before starting his first podcast in 2011, he spent years in sales and technology, bringing a practical, industry-rooted perspective to every decision about network structure and growth. Listen For:00:00 Exploring Podcast Networks6:15 Finding the right podcast host11:34 Starting the first podcast20:07 Managing podcast sponsorships25:10 Making money from conferences29:31 AI and augmented reality threats33:15 Blocking AI spiders on content40:04 Leveraging loyal listeners for growth42:03 Measuring podcast value beyond downloads49:47 Future of Video Content Creation1:00:52 Hire an editor to improve podcast1:04:12 Staying Creative and Engaging FansCONNECT WITH GUEST: MARK LACOUR, FOUNDER, OIL AND GAS GLOBAL NETWORK (OGGN)LinkedIn | Website | Podcast | XBook rec: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective PeoplePodcast rec: Marketing Over Coffee - https://pod.link/251299460 CONNECT WITH GREG WASSERMAN, HEAD OF RELATIONSHIPS FOR RSS.COMWebsite | LinkedInGreg’s book rec: Return on Courage by Ryan Berman - https://amzn.to/4tIyOXZ Systems, Sponsors, and Partners:Hosted with RSS.com Podcast HostingProduced by Stories & StrategiesContent Repurposed with CastmagicPodcast Project Management with Northflow

What does it look like to build a podcast network revenue model that actually respects the diversity of its shows? Jethro Jones offers a candid view into how value, sponsorship, and compensation flow within a network, especially when not every show fits the sponsorship mold. His approach challenges common assumptions about monetization, showing what’s possible when incentives are designed to align with real operational and creative dynamics.As a former school administrator who moved from running a single education podcast to launching the BE Podcast Network with 30+ shows, Jethro Jones has seen firsthand what it takes to help podcasters grow, learn, and discover the hidden challenges of network operations. His hands-on approach to onboarding creators, refining support systems, and structuring the business side is shaped by experience in both education and podcasting.Listen For:8:27 Starting a podcast for self-improvement21:06 Coordinating podcast production details24:05 Perception of podcast advertising27:31 Making ad reads authentic33:36 Exploring niche podcast opportunities37:53 Joining the BE Podcast Network48:08 Delegating tasks for efficiency51:35 Finding your podcast community59:00 Sampling content and leveraging SEO1:01:04 Reflections on productivity and focus1:06:25 Rethinking network value and contentCONNECT WITH GUEST: JETHRO JONES, FOUNDER, BE PODCAST NETWORKLinkedIn | Website | Podcast | XJethro’s book rec: The Courage to be Disliked - https://amzn.to/4cIqOPLJethro’s Podcast rec: Transformative Principal- https://pod.link/770942472Jethro’s Podcast rec: Great Houses - https://pod.link/1885728664CONNECT WITH GREG WASSERMAN, HEAD OF RELATIONSHIPS FOR RSS.COMWebsite | LinkedInGreg’s book rec: Return on Courage by Ryan Berman - https://amzn.to/4tIyOXZSystems, Sponsors, and Partners:Hosted with RSS.com Podcast HostingProduced by Stories & StrategiesContent Repurposed with CastmagicPodcast Project Management with Northflow

What happens when a podcast network is built around support instead of scale?Becky Mollenkamp created the Feminist Podcast Collective in 2024 after growing frustrated with how often podcasting rewards visibility, monetization, and industry status over community, accessibility, and overlooked voices. Instead of waiting for traditional networks to create space for different creators, she built a membership-based network centered on collaboration, shared values, and long-term sustainability.From flexible membership dues based on financial circumstances to a values-alignment application process, Becky’s approach challenges many of the assumptions behind how podcast networks traditionally operate. The network has already grown to more than 50 member shows, prioritizing support and equity over aggressive growth or advertising pressure.The conversation explores what it takes to build a mission-driven podcast network, the tension between sustainability and monetization, and why Becky believes independent creators deserve communities designed around mutual support rather than competition. For podcasters questioning whether success must always be measured by downloads, ad revenue, or scale, Becky offers a very different vision for what a network can be.Listen For:00:00 Membership Pricing and Values09:38 Intersectional Feminism Goals19:52 Promoting Member Shows20:48 A Unique Podcast Model30:13 Resource Library Overview37:41 Managing a Community43:33 Member Retention51:20 Celebrity Fatigue in Podcasting59:53 Balancing Growth and SustainabilityCONNECT WITH GUEST: BECKY MOLLENKAMP, FEMINIST BUSINESS COACHLinkedIn | Website | Podcast | ThreadsPodcast rec: Off the Grid Book rec: Liberate Your Business by Becky MollenkampCONNECT WITH GREG WASSERMAN, HEAD OF RELATIONSHIPS FOR RSS.COMWebsite | LinkedInGreg’s book rec: Return on Courage by Ryan BermanSystems, Sponsors, and Partners:Hosted with RSS.com Podcast HostingProduced by Stories & StrategiesContent Repurposed with CastmagicPodcast Project Management with Northflow

What happens when the lines between television, radio, and digital content start to blur? And what does that mean for today’s podcast networks?Jeffrey Hayzlett shares a perspective shaped by decades at the intersection of traditional media and the modern, distributed podcast ecosystem. From how networks think about distribution and format to the business goals that drive long-term success, this discussion explores the real operational challenges and opportunities facing media companies today.Jeffrey’s career spans from corporate marketing leadership, including serving as CMO of Kodak, to launching early podcast initiatives at CBS, producing business television, and now leading C-Suite Network, a podcast network and company with hundreds of shows, with the goal of being in the thousands. His approach blends hands-on production experience with a sharp understanding of how platforms, sponsorships, and communities come together to build scalable, lasting networks.Listen For:5:36 Starting C-Suite TV Online7:44 Network for Business Leaders9:53 Using Podcasts to Grow Business14:51 Changes in Audio and Video Tech16:37 Content Timing for Streaming and Broadcast25:48 Importance of Context in Content28:04 Diversifying Content Distribution32:37 Building a Content Creator Community35:05 Serving the Elite Business Community37:45 Monetization in TV Network Deals41:29 Turning Interviews Into Content44:24 Joining the C-Suite Network53:28 The Future of New MediaCONNECT WITH GUEST: JEFFREY HAYZLETT, CHAIRMAN AND FOUNDER OF C-SUITE NETWORKWebsite | LinkedInBook rec: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie - https://amzn.to/4vZWx81Book rec: The Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandino - https://amzn.to/4cYh6bUPodcast rec: This Week in Startups — Host: Jason Calacanis - https://pod.link/315114957CONNECT WITH GREG WASSERMAN, HEAD OF RELATIONSHIPS FOR RSS.COMWebsite | LinkedInGreg’s book rec: Return on Courage by Ryan BermanSystems, Sponsors, and Partners:Hosted with RSS.com Podcast HostingProduced by Stories & StrategiesContent Repurposed with CastmagicPodcast Project Management with Northflow

What happens when the definition of “podcast network” changes depending on geography, and the rules of the game are nothing like what you expect from US podcasting? That’s the world David Roemer operates in, where running a podcast network in Latin America means being both an aggregator and an ad agency, adapting to a landscape with fewer advertisers, distinct cultural expectations, and major platform differences. This episode examines what it really takes to build, sustain, and grow a podcast network in an emerging market where ad dollars remain scarce, and creators still face an uphill path to monetization.As co-founder of Genuína Media, David Roemer has been at the forefront of Latin America’s podcast network scene for over five years. His background as a corporate lawyer fueled the pivot into podcasting, first with a homegrown show that broke through in Mexico, then evolving into managing a network of over 230 podcasts stretching from Mexico to Brazil and Spain. With deep ties to creators, platforms, and advertisers, David brings a clear-eyed, hands-on perspective to building a podcast network with limited resources and plenty of unknowns.Listen For:02:47 What "podcast network" means in Latin America04:25 From lawyer to podcaster to network founder17:47 The honest case for joining or not joining23:17 Why brands are the client, not podcasters32:57 Why video is now non-negotiable35:21 Spotify premium and the baked-in ad shift42:39 How attribution and conversion actually work in LATAMCONNECT WITH GUEST: DAVID ROEMER GONZALEZ, CO-FOUNDER AND CEO OF GENUINA MEDIALinkedIn | WebsiteDavid's Podcast rec: Relatos NierosDavid's Book recs: The Palace of Dreams - Ismail KadareCONNECT WITH GREG WASSERMAN, HEAD OF RELATIONSHIPS FOR RSS.COMWebsite | LinkedInGreg’s book rec: Return on Courage by Ryan BermanSystems, Sponsors, and Partners:Hosted with RSS.com Podcast HostingProduced by Stories & StrategiesContent Repurposed with CastmagicPodcast Project Management with Northflow

What happens when your definition of “podcast network” evolves from a simple matchmaking idea to an intricate ecosystem connecting dozens of creators and advertisers? This episode explores how the real work of building a network often differs from the original vision, especially when operational complexity and changing industry conditions reshape your approach. Hospitality media entrepreneur Wil Slickers reflects candidly on the lessons, pivots, and persistent challenges behind growing and ultimately selling a podcast network.Wil Slickers brings a unique perspective from moving through hotel management into hospitality podcasting, eventually building and selling Hospitality.fm, a podcast network that scaled to nearly 50 shows across hotels, food, beverages, and travel. Today, he leads network operations for Skift, where he applies hands-on experience in niche content strategy, monetization, and long-term growth in the B2B audio space. His hands-on perspective covers everything from bootstrapped beginnings and production challenges to acquisitions and strategy within a larger media company.Listen For:03:58 From hotel manager to podcast host09:40 The matchmaking idea takes shape11:30 Cross-collaboration as the early network seed15:12 Audience fit before everything else18:37 On charging $200+ effective CPMs23:02 Starting over: niche, quality, one lane32:30 The missed opportunity in subscription revenue36:07 What changed after the Skift acquisition43:07 Who acquires a niche network — and why46:48 The three-sided negotiation no one talks about52:45 Where things are heading: Substack and long-form01:00:51 The case for just running a good businessCONNECT WITH GUEST: WIL SLICKERS,DIRECTOR OF VIDEO/AUDIO STRATEGY | SKIFTLinkedIn | Website | Podcast |Wil’s Podcast rec: AcquiredWil’s Book rec: Superfans by Pat FlynnCONNECT WITH GREG WASSERMAN, HEAD OF RELATIONSHIPS FOR RSS.COMWebsite | LinkedInGreg’s book rec: Return on Courage by Ryan BermanSystems, Sponsors, and Partners:Hosted with RSS.com Podcast HostingProduced by Stories & StrategiesContent Repurposed with CastmagicPodcast Project Management with Northflow

What does it look like to build a network around removing every obstacle that kills podcasts before they ever find an audience?Rich Butler started RAGE Works Podcast Network in 2014 after his own long-running podcast wound down and the people around him caught the bug. Rather than pointing them elsewhere, he handed them a blueprint and stayed in the room. What followed wasn't a revenue-first strategy. It was a production-and-distribution model built around making it easier for motivated people to create. His reasoning is simple and consistent: content is what grows a network, and the best way to get more content is to get out of the way.What makes Rich's approach distinct is what he refuses to optimize for. He won't take a cut of ad deals he didn't facilitate. He won't chase podcasters for their episodes. He won't guarantee listeners or money in the first conversation. The network exists to water plants and watch the garden grow…and he'll tell you that's exactly why it works.Listen For:03:08 Network as a Discovery Platform04:37 How My Take Radio Became a Network07:41 Why the Dual-Feed Model Still Works10:01 Revenue Without the Revenue-First Model13:04 On Downloads, Die-Hards, and Real Numbers16:25 What to Ask Before You Join a Network18:47 Removing the Roadblocks That Kill Podcasts23:53 Audio First, Video Second27:48 What the Onboarding Process Actually Looks Like31:04 The Jockey Runs the Horse36:54 Gary Vee Called His Bluff39:51 The Case for 10 Downloads44:02 Be of Service, Not a GatekeeperCONNECT WITH GUEST: RICHARD BUTLERFOUNDER OF THE RAGE WORKS PODCAST NETWORKLinkedIn | Website | Website 2 | InstagramRich's Podcast Rec: The Jay Ferruggia ShowRich's Book Rec: Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook by Gary Vaynerchuk CONNECT WITH GREG WASSERMAN, HEAD OF RELATIONSHIPS FOR RSS.COMWebsite | LinkedIn Greg’s book rec: Return on Courage by Ryan BermanSystems, Sponsors, and Partners:Hosted with RSS.com Podcast HostingProduced by Stories & StrategiesContent Repurposed with CastmagicPodcast Project Management with Northflow

What does it look like to build a network around a purpose rather than a revenue model?Adam Bird started Heroes Media Group in 2012 as a place for veterans and military voices, and has spent the decade since expanding that mission to cover all community heroes: law enforcement, firefighters, first responders, and other "community heroes," anyone who aligns with the cause. The network grew not from a monetization plan, but from a commitment to positive, purpose-driven content at a time when most media was heading in the opposite direction.What makes Adam's approach distinct is what he actively refuses to optimize for. He's turned down six-figure investment offers and won't touch content that conflicts with the network's values, no matter the dollar amount attached. The business case comes second, and he'll tell you that's exactly why it works.Adam started in terrestrial radio around 2011 and transitioned into podcasting when he realized he wanted to tell stories without editorial constraints. Over the last decade, he has personally worked on more than 28,000 podcast episodes, built a full production and agency arm at HMG, and grown the network to over 50 active shows.Listen For:00:00 Finding Purpose Through Podcasting06:51 Helping Others, Finding Purpose11:22 Building Connections Through Collaboration15:58 Business Model Perspectives19:07 The Power of Networking19:58 Maintaining Network Support Over Time23:03 Unpopular Opinions in Business Trends28:41 Balancing Podcast Goals and Strategy32:01 Podcasting's Future: Big Buyouts35:11 Podcasting: Harder Than It Seems36:31 Lessons on Starting Small45:21 Finding Purpose Through Service46:16 Grinding Toward Life’s PurposeCONNECT WITH GUEST: ADAM BIRDFOUNDER & OPERATOR, HEROES MEDIA GROUPLinkedIn | WebsiteAdam's Book rec: Outwitting the Devil by Napoleon HillAdam's Podcast rec: The Arms RoomCONNECT WITH GREG WASSERMAN, CHIEF RELATIONSHIP OFFICER FOR RSS.COMWebsite | LinkedInGreg’s book rec: Return on Courage by Ryan BermanSystems, Sponsors and Partners:Hosted with RSS.com Podcast HostingProduced by Stories & StrategiesContent Repurposed with CastmagicPodcast Project Management with Northflow

What does it actually look like when someone from Hollywood runs a podcast network?For Aisha Corpas Wynn, an Emmy-nominated producer whose career spans scripted TV, unscripted reality, film, and the NFL Podcast Network, the answer is a masterclass in reverse engineering. She doesn't start with a mic and a guest list. She starts with the market, the mission, and the person, and works backward from there.Aisha breaks down how she thinks about building podcast networks from the ground up, what most podcast creators get completely wrong about joining one, and why her entertainment background gives her a fundamentally different lens than most people working in the space today.Greg and Aisha go deep on how Stoked Bros. Media is being built, athlete by athlete, show by show, with the same framework she'd apply to developing a TV series. They get into what it really takes to bring celebrity talent into podcasting (spoiler: fame is not a guarantee), how to think about rev share splits and network deals, and why the "hip hop model" of building an ecosystem is more relevant to podcasting than most people realize.Listen For:2:23 What "Podcast Network" Means: Cross Promotion First2:58 How Podcasting Became Its Own Sub-Economy11:06 Individual Brand vs. Network Ecosystem13:28 The Hip-Hop Label Model Applied to Podcasting16:07 Why Celebrity Doesn't Guarantee an Audience22:14 Building Stoke Bros: Differentiating Within a Sports Network34:41 The Economics: Funding vs. Rev Share45:15 Questions to Ask Before Joining a Network52:57 Why Your Wins May Not Be One for OneCONNECT WITH GUEST: AISHA CORPAS WYNN, STOKED BROS PODCAST NETWORKLinkedIn | Website | InstagramAisha pod rec: All In and The AI ChicksAisha book rec: Psychology of MoneyCONNECT WITH GREG WASSERMAN, HEAD OF RELATIONSHIPS AT RSS.COMWebsite | LinkedInGreg’s book rec Selling with Love by Jason Marc CampbellSystems, Sponsors, and Partners:Hosted with RSS.com Podcast HostingProduced by Stories & StrategiesContent Repurposed with CastmagicPodcast Project Management with Northflow

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

What would change if every podcast network made its integrity pledge public, and actually used it to decide who gets through the door? Building a network around editorial standards (instead of just downloads or scale) isn't the standard playbook, but that's where Dan Kendall's approach stands out.Dan Kendall brings decades of experience in health innovation and hands-on experience supporting podcasters. After starting in health tech, he became a full-time podcaster, then launched and expanded a health-focused podcast network, Health Podcast Library, developing rigorous selection criteria and testing multiple monetization models along the way. He'll unpack the pressures and choices behind curating science-based health shows with clarity and transparency.Listen for:05:29 Health Podcast Model Evolution16:04 Ethical Advertising and Trusted Referrals20:07 Healthcare Podcasting Innovation Summit22:15 Podcast Network Pricing Shift28:06 Success Requires Effort and Tools32:11 Podcast Growth Starts With Packaging37:16 Engaging Clients Anytime, Anywhere44:51 Rethinking Podcast Networks45:54 10X Over 2X Mindset51:38 Integrity and Dan's Network52:55 Time, Teams, & ConnectionsCONNECT WITH GUEST: DAN KENDALLFOUNDER & OPERATOR, HEALTH PODCAST LIBRARYLinkedIn | WebsiteDan's Book rec: 10x Is Easier Than 2x by: Dan SullivanDan's Podcast rec: Speak Up for Your HealthCONNECT WITH GREG WASSERMAN, HEAD OF RELATIONSHIPS FOR RSS.COMWebsite | LinkedInSystems, Sponsors and Partners:Hosted with RSS.com Podcast HostingProduced by Stories and StrategiesContent Repurposed with CastmagicPodcast Project Management with Northflow

Can a million Instagram followers actually fill a podcast feed? How do you turn influencers into Podcasters?Podcast Nation co-founders Nadine Robinson & Clio De La Llave challenge familiar expectations about what a podcast network delivers, sharing lessons from their years helping creators, especially millennial and Gen Z women, build loyal audiences and sustainable businesses. Their on-the-ground experience shows just how much depends on the right fit, real partnership, and the daily grind.Nadine and Clio have worked together for 18 years, building businesses together, evolving from a digital agency, Booje Media, focused on social and influencer campaigns, to creating Podcast Nation. Their operational experience spans helping podcasters launch successfully, managing network relationships, and navigating the fast-changing demands of content formats. They've seen every side of how creators cross from social to audio and what real support looks like. Their approach is marked by a hands-on, customized model designed for long-term results.Listen for:00:00 Podcast Networks and Influencers10:01 Podcasting Requires Unique Skills11:02 Success: Niche is Key19:53 Show Development and Launch Strategy22:02 Tips for Podcaster Agreements27:36 Choosing Between Boutique and Large Networks34:54 Cross-Platform Branding Challenges41:17 From Social Media to Podcasts49:20 No Magic BulletCONNECT WITH GUESTS:CLIO DE LA LLAVE, FOUNDER OF PODCAST NATIONLinkedIn | Clio's IGNADINE ROBINSON, FOUNDER OF PODCAST NATIONLinkedInPODCAST NATIONPodcast NationNadine's Book rec: Rabbit: The Autobiography of Ms. PatNadine's Podcast rec: Petty CrimesClio's Book rec: Transforming ToddlerhoodClio's Podcast rec: Take Your Shoes OffCONNECT WITH GREG, HEAD OF RELATIONSHIPS FOR RSS.COMWebsite | LinkedInGreg's Book rec: GritSystems, Sponsors, and Partners:Hosted with RSS.com Podcast HostingProduced by Stories and StrategiesContent Repurposed with CastmagicPodcast Project Management with Northflow

What happens when a podcast network starts by experimenting with a “sampler feed," packing dozens of niche music shows into one place? This approach shaped how one podcast network helped new podcasts find listeners and revealed what truly matters for building a network that endures shifts in technology and creator needs.Peter Ferioli has been at the helm of Pantheon Podcast Network for nearly a decade, growing it from a passion project launched with a friend and co-founder, Christian Swain, into a home for more than 100 music-focused shows. In this conversation, he pulls back the curtain on how Pantheon was born out of a scripted rock history show that launched to crickets, why they walked away from ad money early on, and the counterintuitive moves that built one of the most respected independent networks in podcasting today.Greg and Peter go deep on the "magazine feed" strategy Pantheon pioneered before anyone else was talking about it, why Slack is the most valuable thing they've ever built (more than any tool or tech), what "liquid content" means for the future of audio, and the red flags every podcaster should watch for before signing with any network.Listen For:06:28 Early Podcast Growth Challenges13:22 Evolving Podcasts for Diverse Audiences18:50 Building Listener Loyalty Strategy27:11 Streamlining Podcast Tools for Creators37:13 Music, Tech, and AI Insights42:54 Gigaverse: Collaborative Content Platform48:23 Consistency Over Star Power51:48 Empowering Podcasters Through Support59:51 Insights on Podcasting SuccessCONNECT WITH GUEST: PETER FERIOLILinkedIn | Pantheon Podcasts | Instagram | YouTubePeter's Book rec: Notes on Being a Man by Scott GallowayPeter's Podcast rec: Possible with Reid Hoffman and Guy Kawasaki's Remarkable PeopleCONNECT WITH GREG WASSERMAN, CHIEF RELATIONSHIP OFFICER FOR RSS.COMWebsite | LinkedInSystems, Sponsors and Partners:Hosted with RSS.com Podcast HostingProduced by Stories and StrategiesContent Repurposed with CastmagicPodcast Project Management with Northflow

What exactly is a podcast network?Is it a group of shows under one banner?A talent manager?A distribution engine?A collective?Or something entirely different?Podcast networks are among the most talked about yet least understood parts of the podcast industry.Welcome to Podcast Network Insights, a show exploring how podcast networks actually operate.Hosted by Greg Wasserman, a relationship-driven podcast professional who has worked across podcast platforms, creator tools, and media partnerships, the show brings together conversations with the founders and operators behind today’s podcast networks.Because if you talk to podcasters, you’ll hear one set of stories about networks.And if you talk to the networks themselves, you’ll hear another.This podcast brings those perspectives together.In this show, you can expect:Candid conversations with podcast network founders and operatorsInsights into how networks grow shows and support creatorsHonest discussions about monetization, strategy, and industry changeReal examples of how different networks structure and run their businessesWhether you're a podcaster considering joining a network, a production company thinking about starting one, an advertiser looking for your next set of shows to buy, or someone curious about how the podcast industry works behind the scenes, this show is designed to help you understand the evolving role of podcast networks.Episodes are released on Thursdays. Subscribe now and listen to the trailer to learn what to expect from the conversations ahead.Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregwasserman/And follow the show: https://www.linkedin.com/company/podcast-network-insights/about/Systems, Sponsors and Partners:Hosted with RSS.com Podcast HostingProduced by Stories & StrategiesContent Repurposed with CastmagicPodcast Project Management with Northflow