John Corcoran is the Co-founder of Rise25, a company that connects B2B businesses with their ideal clients, referral partners, and strategic partners. He helps clients generate ROI through its done-for-you podcast service. Since 2012, John has hosted the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, interviewing hundreds of CEOs, founders, authors, and entrepreneurs, including Peter Diamandis, Adam Grant, Gary Vaynerchuk, and Marie Forleo. He is also a recovering attorney, an author, a former White House writer, and a speechwriter for the Governor of California. During his career, John worked in Hollywood, the heart of Silicon Valley, and ran his boutique law firm in the San Francisco Bay Area, catering to small business owners and entrepreneurs.

In this episode…

Launching a podcast might seem overwhelming — especially when you're already running a busy business. But what if the real value of podcasting isn't in downloads or viral clips but in something far more powerful: building relationships? Could podcasting be the single best networking tool for B2B professionals?

According to John Corcoran, a seasoned podcast host and business relationship strategist, the answer is a resounding yes. He explains that podcasting creates a unique space for meaningful conversations with clients, referral partners, and industry influencers. He highlights that the act of inviting someone to be a guest opens doors that traditional networking simply can't. This relational approach turns interviews into trust-building moments and helps deepen connections that often lead to new business. By consistently showing up, having thoughtful conversations, and outsourcing the busywork, John argues, podcasting becomes not just a marketing channel but a strategic growth engine.

In this episode of the Pillar6 Podcast, host Roman Polnar sits down with John Corcoran, Co-founder of Rise25, to talk about how podcasting builds powerful business relationships. They explore why authenticity beats perfection, how to use interviews to deepen professional connections, and why consistency is the secret weapon for growth. John also shares advice on overcoming self-doubt and launching your podcast even if you don't feel ready.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Roman M. Polnar on LinkedIn
• Pillar6 Advisors
• John Corcoran on LinkedIn
• Rise25
• Smart Business Revolution Podcast
• The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It by Michael E. Gerber
• The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses by Eric Ries
• Scaling Up: How a Few Companies Make It...and Why the Rest Don't by Verne Harnish
• Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear
• The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses by Eric Ries
• "039: James Clear | How to Adopt Good Habits (and Drop Your Bad Habits)" on the Smart Business Revolution Podcast
• "055: Adam Grant Author of Give and Take | How to Succeed in Business by Being a Giver" on the Smart Business Revolution Podcast
• "[One Question] Awakening the Entrepreneur Within featuring Michael Gerber Founder of Michael E. Gerber Companies" on the Inspired Insider Podcast
• "Verne Harnish | How to Scale Up Your Business (Without Losing Your Mind)" on the Smart Business Revolution Podcast
• "072: Kevin Thompson | How to Make $14.5 Million from an Ugly Website" on the Smart Business Revolution Podcast
• "Anthony Vidergauz | Immigrant Turns $5,000 into $300M/year Business – with Former CEO of California Closets" on the Smart Business Revolution Podcast
• Sara Blakely on LinkedIn
• Brad Feld on LinkedIn