Today, we’re celebrating a major client milestone - 200 podcast episodes—with Michelle J. Raymond, LinkedIn expert and host of Social Media for B2B Growth.

Welcome to another episode of B2B Podcasting Insights! I'm Neal Veglio and in this special episode, I'm stepping into the interviewer’s chair on Michelle J. Raymond’s own podcast to help her share her incredible podcasting journey.

You’ll hear honest reflections on the first hundred experimental episodes, the turning points that led to lasting success, and the surprising ways podcasting has transformed Michelle J. Raymond’s business and confidence.

From redefining podcast strategy after a dramatic cease-and-desist from LinkedIn to discovering the true power of intimate audience relationships — and why podcasting creates higher-quality leads than any other channel — this episode is packed with raw insights and practical lessons that every B2B podcaster and marketer will resonate with.

If you’re curious about what it really takes to grow a B2B podcast over hundreds of episodes and the impact it can have, you won't want to miss this one.

00:00 "Sharing Diverse Podcast Experiences"

04:52 "Effort, Alignment, and Success"

06:19 "Podcasting for B2B Growth"

12:13 "Empowered Communication and Choices"

16:22 "Podcasting: Building Real Connections"

20:26 "Messages That Motivate Me"

22:21 "Podcast Success with Neal"

Most branded podcasts chase 'awareness' and stall.

Let's make sure yours doesn't.

Hi, I'm Neal Veglio, founder of Podknows Podcasting.

In this episode, I'm making my case for why your show isn’t top-of-funnel content—it’s conversion accelerant.

You’ll learn the 70% Rule (who your show is really for), how to swap broad topics for buying-trigger episodes, and why you need this podcast to become your best salesperson, without the pitch.

Ready to turn your feed into a closer? Book a Podknows Podcast Audit for a written report, video breakdown, and a 1:1 call—delivered within four working days after booking: podknows.co.uk/audits.

Every new podcaster does it. You launch your show, then spend the whole week refreshing your hosting dashboard analytics like it’s going to magically change.

And when those first week podcast download numbers trickle in, they feel… embarrassingly small.

Here’s the truth: those numbers don’t matter. Like, at all.

In this episode, I’ll explain why your launch week stats are useless, the psychology behind why we obsess over them (hello, spotlight effect), and the success metrics that actually fuel real podcast growth.

From listener retention to 30-day rolling averages, I’ll show you what’s worth tracking — and what’s just noise.

If you’ve ever felt crushed by your first week’s downloads, this one’s going to reset how you think about podcast success.

Mentioned in this episode:

Free PLOT workbook

A Podknows Production

Podknows helps brands and creators to build their podcasts into virtual sales and marketing teams which get them results even when they're sleeping. Find out more at https://podknows.co.uk/

B2B brands currently have an unparalleled opportunity for serious growth thanks to podcasting. A recent report from eMarketer suggests that the window is wide open for these brands to seize the moment and dominate this medium.

While individual creators have been quick to capitalise on the expansive potential of podcasting, many companies continue to lag behind, thereby missing out on a significant avenue for establishing thought leadership and fostering relationships.

A branded podcast, when executed with insight and authenticity, can serve as a powerful tool to connect with audiences, cultivate trust, and ultimately drive sales.

As the podcasting landscape evolves, it is imperative for B2B entities to position themselves at the forefront, lest they find themselves relegated to the side-lines in this rapidly advancing field.

Takeaways:

• B2B brands are presented with an unprecedented opportunity to harness podcasting for community growth and engagement.
• Current projections indicate podcast creators in the US are set to earn $1 billion by 2025, reflecting a significant upward trajectory.
• Podcasting serves as a powerful medium for establishing thought leadership and fostering relationships within the B2B sector.
• Brands can leverage the intimate nature of podcasting to cultivate trust and familiarity with their audience, leading to increased sales.
• Unlike traditional advertising, podcasts allow businesses to engage listeners through meaningful conversations that address their immediate challenges.
• The evergreen nature of podcast content enables brands to repurpose episodes across various platforms, enhancing discoverability and reach.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• E Marketer
• Podknows

In this episode, a topic that could redefine your entire marketing strategy; branded podcasts - are they the future of marketing?

I stumbled across the Signal Hill Insights benchmark report that highlight the potential impact and effectiveness of branded podcasts.

This report has uncovered that branded podcasts aren't just a fresh fad.

They're genuinely engaging audiences and, more importantly, generating real business results.

Listen so you can understand why traditional ads may no longer be your best option and discover how branded podcasts can offer a more subtle and effective approach to building trust and long-lasting relationships with your audience.

We're breaking down what makes a branded podcast stand out from the usual ad content that audiences often skip.

You'll learn about the concept of the "halo effect," some important stats around the connection between brands and listeners and even some actionable strategies for creating a podcast that captivates and retains listeners.

See the report for yourself - https://podknows.co.uk/branded-report

Mentioned in this episode:

Learn More About Podknows Podcasting

We're at https://podknows.co.uk/

Podknows Launch Book

Get our free book "Podcast Launch Strategy"

Free Launch Book

Choosing the right microphone can make or break a podcast, especially for brands looking to establish a strong audio identity. Neal Veglio provides an extensive overview of microphone options tailored for different budgets and needs in podcasting.

He starts by stressing the importance of audio quality, noting that even the best content can be undermined by poor sound. For beginners on a budget, Veglio recommends the Audio Technica ATR2100X and the Samson Q2U, both of which offer USB and XLR connectivity, making them versatile for both novice and experienced podcasters.

His insights into the mid-range microphones, like the Shure MV7 and Rode Podmic, reveal how these models not only enhance audio quality but also provide user-friendly features for those venturing into more professional territories. The episode also delves into premium options, including the legendary Shure SM7B, known for its remarkable sound capture and background noise rejection. Veglio's candid critique of the Blue Yeti highlights common pitfalls that many new podcasters face, making this episode a vital resource for anyone serious about improving their podcasting game.

Takeaways:

• Choosing the right microphone is crucial for building trust with your podcast audience.
• Budget microphones like the Audio Technica ATR2100X are excellent for beginners starting out.
• Investing in a quality microphone can significantly enhance your podcast's audio quality and appeal.
• Dynamic microphones are better suited for noisy environments, reducing background noise effectively.
• Avoid the Blue Yeti for podcasting; its features can confuse beginners and lead to poor sound.
• Consider your future growth when selecting a microphone to ensure long-term usability.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Audio Technica
• Samson
• Maono
• Shure
• Rode
• Electro Voice
• Aston

Mentioned in this episode:

Learn More About Podknows Podcasting

We're at https://podknows.co.uk/

Podknows Launch Book

Get our free book "Podcast Launch Strategy"

Free Launch Book

Welcome to "The Asylum - LinkedIn Won't Like This", a podcast that gets messy into the depths of the world’s largest professional networking platform.

We'll be ruffling feathers and spilling the secrets behind the connections, the phony influencers, and the scammers who make up LinkedIn’s dark, creepy underbelly.

Each week, we tackle a new topic that goes beyond the polished profiles and perfect endorsements.

From scams and fake influencers to the effectiveness of networking and the point of verification or LinkedIn Premium, we're definitely not here to make friends.

But we're not just going to dish on the 'din – we're also bring in some of the platform's experts to share their insights on business, LinkedIn strategies, and the realities of professional networking.

But let me be clear. This is not a LinkedIn educational podcast. Our goal isn't to make you better informed about LinkedIn. There are plenty of LinkedIn themed podcasts that will do that far better.

This podcast has one goal.

To provide you with a critical, humorous, and insightful look at the darker side of LinkedIn, so you can be better equipped to avoid the shysters, the cringey try hard wannabe influencers, and the copy-paste PDF peddlers.

Whether you’re a LinkedIn enthusiast, a sceptical professional, or just curious about what really goes on behind the scenes, this podcast is for you.

Follow the show now and stay connected to the truth about LinkedIn!

As the UK's top podcast consultant, it's my job to keep ahead of trends in podcasting in the country.

Along with that, the latest Edison Research data has been released, revealing a significant growth in podcast listenership in the UK.

This episode addresses both aspiring and existing podcasters, highlighting the key demographics and their engagement levels.

Next steps:

Fancy working with me on launching your new podcast?

Find out all you need to know at http://podknowspodcasting.co.uk/

Welcome to my totally sarcasm-free, honest guide to starting a podcast for free!

In this episode, we're breaking down the myth that podcasting requires a hefty budget.

Join us as we explore how to start your podcast journey without spending a penny.

From using your mobile phone or computer to free recording tools and hosting platforms, we've got you covered.

Here's what you'll learn:

• Essential materials you need to get started
• Step-by-step guide to planning, recording, editing, and distributing your podcast
• Tips for finding a suitable recording space and setting up your equipment
• How to promote your podcast and grow your audience on a budget

Whether you're a newbie or looking to cut costs, this episode provides practical insights and actionable steps to launch your podcast for free.

Next steps:

Fancy working with me on launching your new podcast?

Find out all you need to know at podknows.co.uk

Mentioned in this episode:

Podknows Launch Book

Get our free book "Podcast Launch Strategy"

Free Launch Book

Fancy some 'tea spilling' around some of the home truths around the viability of your success in podcast marketing in 2024?

In this episode of "Your Business Needs A Branded Podcast," I'm debunking some of the biggest myths around your opportunity to grow with a podcast this year.

Hi! I'm Neal Veglio, better known to my friends, clients and peers as "The Podmaster".

If you want to check out my other show of that name, which is aimed more at independent and DIY podcasters, you'll find it here.

https://www.podmastery.co/

Back to you, as someone in charge of the marketing of your brand.

No doubt you'll have stumbled across some of the scare-mongery nonsense that gets peddled around podcasting by the wider content marketing industry's so-called 'experts'.

Particularly by that propaganda platform... sorry... informative tech blog The Verge.

But half of the nonsense they publish is ill-informed, unaware pap at best.

At worst, it's downright lies.

Listen to learn the truth about the opportunities you face if you launch a branded podcast in 2024!

If you've listened and you think you're ready to start your branded podcast, you can check out the services we offer brands like you, below.

Click here (if you're a larger corporate businesses)

Click here (if you're a smaller business or solopreneur!)

Just want to do a 'fact find' or get some advice at this stage?

Click here for a chat.