Podcasting Success w/ Mignon Fogarty (Grammar Girl)

I've learned a lot about writing and communication from Mignon Fogarty (sometimes known as Grammar Girl), but also a lot about the business of podcast networks. In this episode we talk about both.

Mignon is the founder of the Quick and Dirty Tips network and creator of Grammar Girl, which has been named one of Writer's Digest's 101 best websites for writers multiple times. She is also an inductee in the Podcasting Hall of Fame.

She's a pioneer in the field of podcasting, recognizing its potential as a platform for independent journalism and storytelling. Her insightful interviews and informative content have made her a trusted source of information for her audience. With a background in linguistics and a passion for clear communication, she's become a leading voice in the world of podcasting, demonstrating the power of media in the digital age.

In this episode, I talk with Mignon about:​

• Success with Grammar Girl and her commitment to meeting podcast deadlines
• Her "Quick and Dirty" podcasting network
• Her use of a friendly cartoon character as Grammar Girl's avatar to make grammar more approachable and the importance of maintaining a personal connection with her audience
• The impact of speech styles on written content and the nuances of audio in podcasting in the age of advanced AI technology
• The challenges of content quality, fact-checking, and speed in podcasting without traditional journalistic filters
• Her career transition from writing and grammar to podcasting, facilitated by an experience with repetitive injury and dictation, and her subsequent success partnering with Macmillan Publishing

Episode Timestamps:​

• 00:00 "The Grammar Daily"
• 03:32 Anyone can now gather and share news.
• 06:52 Podcast deadlines are always strictly met ... at least for Grammar Girl
• 13:03 How a repetitive injury helped Mignon's podcast hosting
• 13:53 A partner for the "Quick and Dirty" podcasting network.
• 19:03 The Grammar Girl artwork and caricature.
• 20:22 Importance of forming personal connections in AI era
• 24:45 Why you need to promote your work after finishing it
• 28:23 PhD dropout becomes chair of media entrepreneurship ...
• 33:04 Detailed legal contracts 
• 35:04 The "original format" scripted shows continue
• 37:41 Privacy and making videos
• 42:23 Diversity in podcast (and other content) distribution
• 44:44 The NPR host who ignored me
• 46:49 Subscribe now to never miss an episode

Want More?  

Big Podcast Insider is a weekly newsletter on podcasting. If you like the content of this episode, you can subscribe here – it's free and you can unsubscribe at any time with a single click.​ 

And if you want even more ... check out the daily newsletter, Big Podcast Daily.