Smarter Podcasting: Making Podcasts Better

PodPast : CONTENT: Jordan Harbinger's Key to Podcast Success

In this episode I interview one of the biggest names in podcasting, Jordan Harbinger!We delve into the art of preparing for podcast interviews. Jordan, whose podcast has millions of downloads, shares his journey from being a Wall Street lawyer to a renowned podcaster. He discusses the importance of extensive preparation, including reading entire books, taking notes, and adjusting interview flow in real-time. Jordan emphasizes a structured approach to creating engaging content and advises new podcasters to focus on the joy of podcasting rather than monetization. Additionally, they talk about the misconceptions around podcasting and the hard work required to achieve success in the field. The episode wraps up with Jordan sharing stories about his favorite guests and offering advice for aspiring podcasters.Send us a textEmail me (niall@sevenmillionbikes.com) or contact me on Seven Million Bikes Podcasts Facebook or Instagram to book your free Podcast Audit!Thanks to James Mastroianni from The Wrong Side Of Hollywood for the endorsement! Sign up for Descript now! Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.I’ve been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!

PodPast : 10 Smarter Podcasting PodPast PLANNING expert Strategies how to create a successful show with Charlotte Lewis-West

"Podcast audiences absolutely love consistency." - Charlotte Lewis-WestNiall Mackay sits down with podcast strategist Charlotte Lewis-West to uncover the keys to effective podcast planning and promotion. With years of experience in radio journalism and podcast consultancy, Charlotte shares invaluable insights on developing a solid podcast strategy, understanding your audience, and leveraging various platforms for promotion.The conversation delves into the importance of identifying your niche, setting clear objectives, and measuring success beyond just download numbers. Charlotte emphasizes the power of consistency and explains how proper planning can lead to long-term podcast success. Niall and Charlotte also discuss effective promotion techniques, from leveraging guest networks to creating engaging short-form content across different social media platforms.Key Takeaways:Identify your audience and niche to tailor your podcast format and tone (04:58)Develop a clear objective and success metrics for your podcast (09:14)Consistency is crucial for podcast success and audience retention (34:35)Short-form content can significantly boost podcast visibility (27:28)Understand regional preferences for podcast consumption (audio vs. video) (29:26)Chapters and Timestamps: 04:58 - The importance of podcast planning 09:14 - Developing a podcast strategy 14:58 - Understanding your audience and niche 19:00 - Effective podcast promotion techniques 24:23 - Advertising platforms for podcasts 27:28 - The power of short-form content 29:26 - Audio vs. video podcasting 34:35 - Long-term benefits of podcast planningSend us a textEmail me (niall@sevenmillionbikes.com) or contact me on Seven Million Bikes Podcasts Facebook or Instagram to book your free Podcast Audit!Thanks to James Mastroianni from The Wrong Side Of Hollywood for the endorsement! Sign up for Descript now! Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.I’ve been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!

PodPast : CONTENT: The Power of Storytelling: How Podcasting Shapes Our Lives and Creative Journeys

"Podcasting is a window to my world, and through it, I’ve met people I never imagined I’d connect with."Niall Mackay sits down with Radim Malinic, a creative designer, best-selling author, and the host of Creativity for Sale, now called Mindful Creative. They explore Radim's journey from his initial struggles with podcasting to building a platform that has reached listeners in 85 countries. Radim shares how the medium of podcasting allowed him to extend his message beyond books, making authentic connections and gaining valuable insights from his guests. The conversation also highlights the importance of active listening and how Radim embraced unpredictability in interviews, using it as a tool for deeper storytelling.Niall and Radim discuss the art of creating engaging podcast content, the power of in-person feedback, and the thrill of shaping a narrative that resonates with listeners worldwide. Radim emphasizes the impact podcasting has had on his professional growth and brand, offering practical advice for anyone looking to launch their own show. Whether you're an aspiring podcaster or a creative professional seeking inspiration, this episode is packed with insights on building a successful podcast and using it as a platform for growth.Key Takeaways with Timestamps:The Power of Active Listening: Radim explains how learning to listen attentively transformed his interview style and deepened his conversations.Finding Your Voice in Podcasting: Radim shares his journey of going from self-doubt to confidently using his podcast to connect with a global audience.Embracing Imperfection: Niall and Radim discuss the importance of editing, letting go of perfectionism, and focusing on authentic storytelling.Building a Personal Brand Through Podcasting: Radim highlights how starting a podcast helped him position himself as an authority in the creative industry.Leveraging Podcasting for Business Growth: They explore how Radim’s podcast not only promoted his books but also opened new opportunities in public speaking and networking.Send us a textEmail me (niall@sevenmillionbikes.com) or contact me on Seven Million Bikes Podcasts Facebook or Instagram to book your free Podcast Audit!Thanks to James Mastroianni from The Wrong Side Of Hollywood for the endorsement! Sign up for Descript now! Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.I’ve been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!

How To Stand Out In a Crowded Market with Mark Hunter

“If the marketplace is already crowded with podcasts that sound great, you’re going to have to start at that level.” — Mark HunterMark started way back in 2005, long before smartphones, video podcasts, or even basic podcast apps. Speaking to someone who has seen the entire evolution of the industry really opened my eyes to how much has changed… and how much hasn’t.What I loved most about this conversation is how aligned we are on the fundamentals: great audio, strong visuals, and a clear point of differentiation are no longer optional. They’re the minimum standard. And both of us have learned—sometimes the hard way—that the way you sound and look directly affects whether sponsors, listeners, and algorithms take you seriously.Key Talking PointsHow Podcasting Has Evolved Since 2005: Mark explains how podcasting started as a grassroots movement with almost no technologyWhy Standing Out Is More Important Than Ever: With millions of active shows, you must differentiate through sound quality, personality, format, or production.The Rise of Solo Episodes: Mark and I both agree: solo episodes are the fastest way to build authority and separate yourself in a crowded market.Sound Quality Is Your First Impression: If your audio isn’t clean, warm, and well-recorded, listeners will scroll past you—no matter how good your content is.Video Is Now Essential for Growth: Even if your show is audio-first, video is the marketing tool that gets you discovered on TikTok, Reels, Shorts, and LinkedIn.Chapters & Timestamps00:00 – The OG Era of Podcasting03:00 – The Explosion of Podcasts & Why It’s Not “Too Crowded”08:00 – What Actually Makes a Show Stand Out in 202512:00 – Solo Episodes: The Hidden Advantage18:00 – The Truth About Audio Quality26:00 – Why Video Is No Longer OptionalSend us a textEmail me (niall@sevenmillionbikes.com) or contact me on Seven Million Bikes Podcasts Facebook or Instagram to book your free Podcast Audit!Thanks to James Mastroianni from The Wrong Side Of Hollywood for the endorsement! Sign up for Descript now! Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.I’ve been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!

PodPast : GUESTS - Mastering Podcast Success the Art of Planning and Audience Connection Hugh Hiemstra

“Don’t underestimate who you can get—leaders in their field want to share their expertise with a dedicated audience.” - Hugh HiemstraTalking to Hugh Hiemstra was truly a game-changer for me, both as a podcaster and someone who’s constantly looking for ways to improve the creative process. Hugh brought incredible insights into the power of curiosity and authentic questions in creating meaningful conversations. He emphasized how going into an interview with genuine interest—not just for the audience but for yourself—can lead to impactful episodes. It’s a reminder that we don’t always have to position ourselves as experts but can instead approach each discussion as an opportunity to learn alongside our listeners.Hugh also shared practical strategies for preparation, from leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT to involving his audience in shaping episode topics. What struck me most was his advice about aiming high when it comes to guests—don’t underestimate who might be willing to join your show. His experiences with securing top-tier experts reminded me that podcasting is not just about content creation; it’s about connection, learning, and continuously improving to deliver value to your audience.Niall MackayKey Takeaways:Strategic Guest Selection: Don’t underestimate your ability to secure top-tier guests—they’re often eager to share their expertise.Listener Engagement: Conduct surveys to understand what your audience craves and plan episodes accordingly.Efficient Use of AI: Tools like ChatGPT can streamline research and categorization, saving hours of prep time.Tailored Introductions: Keep bios concise and relevant to the episode's theme to maintain listener interest.Plan, but Stay Curious: While planning is essential, leaving room for spontaneous curiosity can lead to more authentic conversations.Chapters and Timestamps02:30 - The Origins of The Vet Vault 06:00 - Challenges of Planning in Podcasting10:00 - Hugh’s Planning Process20:30 - Leveraging AI for Episode Research31:00 - Listener Engagement Strategies Send us a textEmail me (niall@sevenmillionbikes.com) or contact me on Seven Million Bikes Podcasts Facebook or Instagram to book your free Podcast Audit!Thanks to James Mastroianni from The Wrong Side Of Hollywood for the endorsement! Sign up for Descript now! Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.I’ve been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!