Be MORE Than A Podcaster

Circle Sessions: Be More Than A Podcaster - Episode Overview

In this enlightening episode of "The Circle Sessions," host Brett Johnson begins by revisiting an idea brought forth by Eric Nuzum during his podcasting masterclass at Radio Days Europe a few years ago. The episode grapples with the evolving identity of podcasters, urging content creators to think beyond their conventional roles.

Key Concepts: Beyond Being Just a Podcaster

Brett kicks off the episode highlighting two significant ideas from Nuzum’s masterclass:

Don’t Just Be a Podcaster

Nuzum proposes that creators should consider themselves as "audio makers," broadening their focus beyond simply podcasting platforms. This shift allows for greater adaptability to new trends and technologies.

Community Building

Emphasizing that podcasters are not in the audio business but the community building business, Nuzum underscores the importance of creating hubs for listeners who are passionate about specific topics.

Special Guest: Matty Staudt

Joining Brett for this segment is Matty Staudt, a seasoned podcaster with over 17 years of experience and the president and founder of Jam Street Media. Matty shares valuable insights from his journey in both radio and podcasting, emphasizing the transformational nature of podcasts in the business and community engagement landscapes.

Interview Highlights

Matty explores the trajectory from traditional radio to the expansive world of podcasting, noting how the term "podcasting" has evolved from a niche, almost frowned-upon label to a mainstream, billion-dollar industry. He recounts the early days at Stitcher, where they preferred the term "on-demand audio" to distance themselves from the then-negative connotations of podcasting.

1. The Transition from Radio to Podcasting: Matty shares his personal shift from radio to podcasting 15 years ago. He discusses how this move was initially met with skepticism but has ultimately proven to be a groundbreaking venture.
2. Beyond Content Creation: Emphasizing the importance of visibility, Matty asserts that even the best podcast is like an unseen masterpiece if not marketed properly. Highlighting his own educational pursuit, a master's in digital marketing, he advocates for an integrated approach to building and promoting podcasts.
3. Community as the Crux: For Matty, the essence of successful podcasting lies in fostering a loyal community. He explains how podcast listeners often become dedicated followers, a trait highly attractive to advertisers.

Challenges and Realizations

The conversation touches on the initial hurdles businesses might face when embracing podcasting. Matty observes that many brands he works with already possess a sophisticated understanding of their audience as a "tribe." This existing relationship only amplifies the podcast's potential to deepen community engagement.

Case Study: Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco

Matty recounts an interesting case study involving one of his early clients, the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, demonstrating how an institution's values can be communicated effectively through podcasting. By producing content like “Does College Matter?” and “Zip Code Economies,” the bank was able to reshape its public image and extend its influence beyond traditional banking narratives.

Technological Evolution and Future Prospects

Reflecting on the technological advancements in podcasting, from the pre-iPhone era to modern-day streaming, Matty illustrates how improved accessibility has broadened the audience base. He anticipates future technological innovations that could further expand the interactive capacities of podcasts, moving beyond the "silent film" stage to more dynamic content forms.

Guidance for Aspiring Podcasters and Brands

A significant portion of the discussion addresses prospective podcasters and businesses contemplating this medium. Matty offers balanced advice, stressing that while podcasting has immense potential for community building and brand extension, it requires commitment. He cautions against entering the podcasting world with short-term goals or unrealistic expectations about immediate sales impact.

Breaking Conventional Rules

Brett and Matty explore the creative potential in podcasting, encouraging new entrants to experiment and push boundaries. While traditional formats have their place, the most memorable podcasts often break the mold, integrating narrative, interview, and other innovative elements.

Final Thoughts<...