If you’ve ever wondered how creative backgrounds in theater can spark new life into a podcast, this episode is for you. I sit down with Franky Corcoran, the host of the Corcoran Entertainment Show, to talk about taking a local arts brand online when the world shut down. You’ll hear about building a podcasting workflow from scratch, and how to let the audio shine without getting lost in video production. You’ll also hear about Franky’s candid approach to learning as you go—sharing why he kept his early “rough” episodes online, and how he steadily improved the show’s quality. We also discuss the real payoff of listener engagement in a crowded podcast landscape.

A few takeaways podcasters will get from this episode:

• How to decide between focusing on audio-only versus video podcasting, and why simplicity can win out for solo hosts.

• The importance of quality over quantity, and how to continuously improve without erasing your early work.

• Creative ways to keep your podcast and other projects connected—like turning theater shows into behind-the-scenes episodes.

Connect With Franky Corcoran
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/corcoranentertainment
Twitter: https://twitter.com/frankycorcoran

If My Podcast Story speaks to you, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. And if you have a moment, leaving a review helps more people discover the stories shared here. Your support truly means a lot.

There’s more to every story than what you hear on the episode. Join the My Podcast Story newsletter to receive thoughtful takeaways, episode extras, and personal notes that don’t make it into the show. It’s a quiet way to stay inspired between listens.

Sign up here: https://mypodcaststory.com/join

If the stories you hear on My Podcast Story bring you inspiration, clarity, or simply a moment of connection, consider supporting the podcast by buying me a coffee. Every contribution helps me continue sharing the journeys of podcasters from around the world.Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/wisdomhq

Want to be a guest on My Podcast Story? Send Wisdom Okonkwo a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/mypodcaststory

Chapters

00:00 Meet Franky Corcoran and His Journey
01:46 Launching the Corcoran Entertainment Show
02:42 From Theater to Podcasting During COVID
04:12 Choosing Audio Over Video
05:52 Inside a Typical Podcast Episode
08:13 Tools, Workflow, and Getting Better
12:39 The Many Roles Franky Balances
14:42 Grant Support and Setting Up the Studio
18:36 Blending Theater and Podcasting
22:03 How Affiliates and Sponsors Work
26:09 Growing the Show and Standout Episodes
30:42 Upcoming Projects and Playwriting
33:33 Biggest Personal Benefits of Podcasting
35:17 Overcoming Creative Doubts
36:25 Advice to the Three-Years-Ago Host
37:41 Where to Listen and Final Thoughts

If you’re a podcaster or creator looking for practical ways to grow your show and make content easier, you’ll get plenty out of this episode with Brad Groux. Brad shares how he built an AI-focused business podcast from scratch, what’s working right now to attract listeners, and how he uses simple automation and AI tools to save time on editing, descriptions, and promotion. Plus, we dig into the real-life workflow behind podcast production — the exact apps, tools, and systems Brad uses, and why keeping things consistent matters a lot more than being perfect.

You’ll walk away with smart tips for growing your podcast audience with consistent releases and short social clips (even if you don’t love TikTok), plus creative ways to repurpose every episode across newsletters, blogs, and social. Listen in to hear how Brad deals with last-minute guest cancellations, why he recommends having a co-host or support, and the everyday AI hacks that are making podcasting smoother for him and his team.

Connect With Brad Groux
Website: https://linktree.com/digitalmeld

Twitter:https://x.com/digitalmeld

If My Podcast Story speaks to you, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. And if you have a moment, leaving a review helps more people discover the stories shared here. Your support truly means a lot.

There’s more to every story than what you hear on the episode. Join the My Podcast Story newsletter to receive thoughtful takeaways, episode extras, and personal notes that don’t make it into the show. It’s a quiet way to stay inspired between listens.

Sign up here: https://mypodcaststory.com/join

If the stories you hear on My Podcast Story bring you inspiration, clarity, or simply a moment of connection, consider supporting the podcast by buying me a coffee. Every contribution helps me continue sharing the journeys of podcasters from around the world.Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/wisdomhq

Want to be a guest on My Podcast Story? Send Wisdom Okonkwo a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/mypodcaststory

Chapters

00:00 Welcome and About Brad
00:26 Why Start Small, Think Big?
01:15 The Podcast’s Origin and Mission
02:04 Growth, Guests, and Release Schedule
02:46 The Inspiration to Finally Start
03:24 Technology as an Equalizer
03:55 Early Consistency and Growth
04:36 Biggest Challenges with Fast News Cycles
05:17 Staying Consistent Despite Busy Weeks
06:05 AI Podcasting Workflow and Systems
06:38 Planning, Notes, and Guest Process
07:20 Changing Format for Guest Perspectives
08:21 Guest Pre-Calls and Release Timeline
09:26 Handling Last-Minute Cancellations
09:53 Flying Solo and Staying Nimble
10:45 Behind-the-Scenes: Tools and Workflow
11:35 Editing, Riverside, and Content Perfection
13:31 AI Tools for Titles and Show Notes
14:39 Why Riverside Enterprise?
16:01 Automation and Processes Before/After Episodes
17:22 Podcast Experience and Lessons Learned
19:33 Podcast Discovery and Legacy Content
20:43 Listener Feedback and Live Events
22:04 Growth Levers — Consistency & Clips
25:11 Social Media Tools and Scheduling
26:49 Platform Reach: LinkedIn, TikTok, Newsletter
29:08 How Newsletter Drives Engagement
31:03 LinkedIn Algorithm and Video Performance
34:07 Speaking Events and Exposure Boost
36:31 Repurposing and Promotion Strategies
41:24 Blog Posts and Back-Catalog Growth
43:17 Local Engagement and Podcast Branding
44:33 Event Interviews and Content Breakouts
47:02 Episode Length Versus Quality
48:58 Projects and What’s Next
51:24 Final Advice for Podcasters
52:44 Where to Find Brad and Digital Meld
54:01 Wrap-Up and Newsletter CTA

If you've ever asked yourself, “Am I born or made to be a podcaster?” this episode is for you. In my conversation with Larry G. Dix II, bestselling author and host of the Born or Made Podcast, you'll get honest, behind-the-scenes insight into what it really takes to grow — not just a podcast, but as a person in the process. Larry shares the ups and downs of his unconventional journey, from starting out with zero podcasting experience to building a show that explores how top leaders think and operate.

In this episode, you'll find out:

• Why embracing flexibility and being open to change can unlock opportunities for your show, even if your original plan starts to shift.

• How focusing on storytelling, genuine curiosity, and careful listening (instead of canned questions) will help you create deeper connections and standout interviews.

Whether you’re just getting started or feeling stuck, Larry’s perspective will remind you it’s normal to learn as you go, and that your growth as host is just as important as your show’s growth. Dive in for a relaxed, real talk that might just help you get unstuck, too.

Connect With Larry G. Dix II
Website: https://bornormadepodcast.com
Website: https://larrygdix.com

If My Podcast Story speaks to you, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. And if you have a moment, leaving a review helps more people discover the stories shared here. Your support truly means a lot.

There’s more to every story than what you hear on the episode. Join the My Podcast Story newsletter to receive thoughtful takeaways, episode extras, and personal notes that don’t make it into the show. It’s a quiet way to stay inspired between listens.

Sign up here: https://mypodcaststory.com/join

If the stories you hear on My Podcast Story bring you inspiration, clarity, or simply a moment of connection, consider supporting the podcast by buying me a coffee. Every contribution helps me continue sharing the journeys of podcasters from around the world.Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/wisdomhq

Want to be a guest on My Podcast Story? Send Wisdom Okonkwo a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/mypodcaststory

Chapters

00:00 Meet Larry G. Dix II
01:19 The Story Behind “Born or Made”
02:52 Asking Guests: Born, Made, or Built?
03:19 How Long the Podcast Has Been Running
03:51 Larry’s First Podcasting Experiences
04:23 Comfortable Conversations & Loosening Up
05:33 Surprising Backstories Guests Reveal
05:53 Biggest Challenges Starting Out
06:36 The Power of Listening as Host
07:12 Podcasting Habits That Spill Into Life
07:47 Why Larry Loves People’s Stories
09:06 Behind-the-Scenes: Episode Production
10:08 Who’s On the Podcast Team
10:50 Balancing AI With the Human Touch
12:09 Recording in Different Studios
13:06 In-Person vs. Remote Conversations
14:53 Lessons from Marathon Interview Days
15:57 Knowing Your Limits as a Host
17:00 Why In-Person Feels Different
17:58 Evolving Growth Strategies
18:26 Launching With a Book, Pivoting to a Podcast
19:17 Keeping the Format Flexible
20:16 Building Brand Around Your Name
21:24 Testing, Pivoting, and Social Content Ideas
22:51 Letting Listeners (and the Market) Decide
24:07 The Podcast’s Personal Impact
25:25 Why Guests Aren’t So Different After All
26:53 Overcoming Fear and Mental Hurdles
29:36 Honest Conversations About Failure
30:02 The Real Value for Listeners
31:30 No Such Thing As Overnight Success
32:15 Sharing the Full Journey, Not Just the Highs
33:41 Feedback From Guests and Listeners
35:10 Interviewing as a Two-Way Street
36:10 Podcasting’s Finances and Reality Check
37:13 Costs, Investments, and Long-Term Bets
39:20 The Bare Essentials for Gear
41:45 Getting the Setup Right, Not Fancy
43:14 Leveraging Your Unique Strengths
46:42 Focusing on the Gain, Not the Gap
48:17 Big Projects: New Book and Framework
49:18 Where to Find Larry and His Resources
50:41 Final Reflections and Thanks

As a podcaster, you know the struggle of turning big challenges into something meaningful. This week, I sat down with Jocelyn King, host of the Smarter Online Safety podcast, who transformed a devastating cybercrime experience into a show that helps regular people stay safe online. Listen in to hear how a personal crisis can motivate incredible learning, and pick up the practical tips Jocelyn uses to protect herself and her listeners from online threats—without complicated tech talk. You’ll find out how she started from scratch and made a podcast that is both helpful and easy to follow. In this episode, you’ll hear her simple approach to launching a show even when you’re nervous, and you’ll learn her super-organized system for getting top guests—even if you’re just starting out. If you want more confidence in your voice, or you want real tips for building a podcast that makes a difference, you’ll love this conversation.

Connect With Jocelyn King
Website: https://smarteronlinesafety.com

If My Podcast Story speaks to you, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. And if you have a moment, leaving a review helps more people discover the stories shared here. Your support truly means a lot.

There’s more to every story than what you hear on the episode. Join the My Podcast Story newsletter to receive thoughtful takeaways, episode extras, and personal notes that don’t make it into the show. It’s a quiet way to stay inspired between listens.

Sign up here: https://mypodcaststory.com/join

If the stories you hear on My Podcast Story bring you inspiration, clarity, or simply a moment of connection, consider supporting the podcast by buying me a coffee. Every contribution helps me continue sharing the journeys of podcasters from around the world.Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/wisdomhq

Want to be a guest on My Podcast Story? Send Wisdom Okonkwo a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/mypodcaststory

Chapters

00:00 Introducing Jocelyn King
01:13 Jocelyn’s Podcast in Her Words
01:34 What Smarter Online Safety Covers
02:07 Launch Date and Origins
02:19 The Spark for Podcasting
02:53 Personal Story: Cybercrime Attack
04:23 How Her Background Shaped the Show
07:20 Everyday People Need Simple Safety
08:23 The Trauma of Cybercrime
10:00 Why Online Safety Matters Now
10:54 First Episode: Getting Started
11:47 Getting Over Perfectionism
13:08 Booking Guests Early
15:17 Reaching Out to High-Profile Guests
16:12 Fears When Starting
17:18 Building Confidence Through Action
18:28 Purpose Bigger Than Fear
20:22 Comparing Yourself to Podcast Veterans
21:31 The 1% Improvement Rule
22:55 Signs of Traction and Growth
23:56 Growing a Newsletter From Guest Spots
25:44 Meeting Demand and Multi-use Content
26:42 Traction Surprises
28:01 Milestones and Booking Top Guests
29:21 Tailoring Invitations for Guests
30:48 Don’t Reject Yourself Before You Ask
32:00 Roadblocks and Solutions
33:44 Mindset Shifts for Outreach
34:38 Pre-Production to Publishing Steps
35:12 Planning Around National Events
36:44 Finding and Inviting Guests
38:17 Recording Setup: Travel-Friendly Gear
40:07 Must-Have Tools and Support
41:17 Who Handles Production
42:06 Knowing Your Strengths
42:36 Creative Ways to Delegate
42:53 Advice to Day-One Podcasters
43:44 Talking to One Listener
44:41 Rapid Fire: Podcast Faves, Habits, Books
46:38 Upcoming Online Safety Challenge
47:45 Where to Learn More About Jocelyn
48:06 Closing Thanks and Reflections

If you ever wondered how to use your own story to build a meaningful podcast, this episode is for you. I talk with Amanda J. Scott about how she transformed her 17 years of surviving domestic abuse into a podcast that helps others find hope and healing. You’ll hear why Amanda believes sharing tough experiences in your own voice matters—and how podcasting can be a discreet lifeline for listeners who aren’t ready to go public with their struggles yet. We dig into the challenges of getting started with your own podcast, especially when your topic is deeply personal. Amanda talks about making sure her content is accessible for people who might not be able to pick up a book, and gives honest advice on finding supportive guests and experts for difficult conversations. If you want to learn how to connect with your ideal listeners, and why every detail of your show—from who you invite to how you show up—can make an impact, you’ll get a lot from this conversation.

Connect With Amanda J. Scott

Website: https://www.amandajscott.com/

If My Podcast Story speaks to you, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. And if you have a moment, leaving a review helps more people discover the stories shared here. Your support truly means a lot.

There’s more to every story than what you hear on the episode. Join the My Podcast Story newsletter to receive thoughtful takeaways, episode extras, and personal notes that don’t make it into the show. It’s a quiet way to stay inspired between listens.

Sign up here: https://mypodcaststory.com/join

If the stories you hear on My Podcast Story bring you inspiration, clarity, or simply a moment of connection, consider supporting the podcast by buying me a coffee. Every contribution helps me continue sharing the journeys of podcasters from around the world.Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/wisdomhq

Want to be a guest on My Podcast Story? Send Wisdom Okonkwo a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/mypodcaststory

Chapters

00:00 Introducing Amanda J. Scott’s Story

00:56 How Podcasting Became a Lifeline

01:40 Why “Walk Youk Talk” Exists

02:21 Supporting Listeners Healing from Abuse

03:21 Who the Podcast Is For

05:25 Behind the Scenes: Finding Guests

07:41 Why Start a Podcast Now?

08:21 Making the Message Accessible

09:58 Challenges of Hosting Healing Conversations

11:04 What Listeners Can Expect

12:10 The Many Faces of Domestic Abuse

13:25 Building the Podcast Episode Library

16:13 Amanda’s Podcast Creation Process

18:59 Focus on the Message Over the Details

20:00 Spotlight on Domestic and Emotional Abuse

22:48 Sharing for Those Still Healing

23:04 Why Episode Length and Approach Matter

25:26 Bringing the Message to More Mediums

29:00 Helping Listeners Recognize Abuse

31:05 The Reality of Admitting Abuse

32:14 Healing Through Shared Experience

34:25 The Power of Medium and Message

35:04 Other Ways to Share the Message

37:35 Meeting Listeners Where They Are

39:45 Listener Impact and Feedback

41:37 Where to Find Amanda Online

If you want a real look at how a seasoned podcaster builds a show that lasts, this episode is for you. I sat down with Anthony Weaver, host of About That Wallet, and pulled back the curtain on his five-year journey helping the sandwich generation talk about—and enjoy—their money. You’ll hear how Anthony went from recording with a phone at his kitchen table to juggling video, live shows, and multiple income streams, all while staying close to his listeners’ needs.

Key takeaways you’ll walk away with: how to thoughtfully monetize your podcast with sponsored episodes, business cards, and merch; and how the right workflow (from AI tools to editing systems) can help you publish consistently without burning out or overspending. Plus, you’ll discover Anthony’s approach to networking and using conferences to connect with both guests and listeners. If you’ve ever wondered how to grow your podcast without losing the personal touch, you’ll find practical steps here. Enjoy the story—and some ideas you’ll want to try right away.

Connect With Anthony Weaver
Website: https://aboutthatwallet.com
Newsletter: https://aboutthatwallet.com/newsletter
Merch Store: https://aboutthatwallet.com/store

If My Podcast Story speaks to you, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. And if you have a moment, leaving a review helps more people discover the stories shared here. Your support truly means a lot.

There’s more to every story than what you hear on the episode. Join the My Podcast Story newsletter to receive thoughtful takeaways, episode extras, and personal notes that don’t make it into the show. It’s a quiet way to stay inspired between listens.

Sign up here: https://mypodcaststory.com/join

If the stories you hear on My Podcast Story bring you inspiration, clarity, or simply a moment of connection, consider supporting the podcast by buying me a coffee. Every contribution helps me continue sharing the journeys of podcasters from around the world.Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/wisdomhq

Want to be a guest on My Podcast Story? Send Wisdom Okonkwo a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/mypodcaststory

Chapters

00:00 Meet Anthony Weaver
00:15 Why a Podcast About Money
00:34 Choosing the Podcast Name
00:45 Audio vs. Video Journey
01:54 First Episode Memories
02:54 Workflow Behind the Podcast
08:12 Editing, AI Tools, and Costs
13:25 Video Creation and Promotion
17:07 Using Opus Clip and AI
19:38 Streamyard, Riverside, and Friction
20:35 Booking Guests and Staying Consistent
22:50 Solo Episodes vs. Interviews
24:12 Growth Strategies: Early Days
25:29 Using Pins, Cards, and Conferences
28:31 Upgrading Marketing Materials
30:17 Podcast as a Business Booster
32:07 Making the Show a Resource
33:39 Monetization: Income Streams
44:48 Sponsored Episodes Explained
46:56 Pitching and Partnering Locally
49:45 Niche Podcasts and Community
52:13 First Steps for New Podcasters
54:55 Where to Find About That Wallet
55:43 Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever wondered how to build a podcast with staying power—even if you start out unsure about your name or format—this episode will hit home. I sat down with Pete A. Turner, host of the Break It Down Show, who’s been podcasting for over ten years and has published more than 2,000 episodes. Pete’s story is filled with real talk about the obstacles and rewards of the long haul.

In this conversation, you’ll pick up a few important things:
First, you’ll hear about the importance of showing up and creating, even when you don’t have all the answers—perfection isn’t required to start. Second, Pete shares how networking with guests and focusing on the value created for others can lead to unexpected opportunities and returns. And finally, if you’ve ever felt burnt out, Pete’s approach to pacing, taking breaks, and shifting content focus might help you keep going without losing the joy.

Whether you’re just starting or years into your journey, there’s wisdom here you’ll want to take with you.

Connect With Pete A. Turner
YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/peteaturner

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteaturner/

If My Podcast Story speaks to you, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. And if you have a moment, leaving a review helps more people discover the stories shared here. Your support truly means a lot.

There’s more to every story than what you hear on the episode. Join the My Podcast Story newsletter to receive thoughtful takeaways, episode extras, and personal notes that don’t make it into the show. It’s a quiet way to stay inspired between listens.

Sign up here: https://mypodcaststory.com/join

If the stories you hear on My Podcast Story bring you inspiration, clarity, or simply a moment of connection, consider supporting the podcast by buying me a coffee. Every contribution helps me continue sharing the journeys of podcasters from around the world.Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/wisdomhq

Want to be a guest on My Podcast Story? Send Wisdom Okonkwo a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/mypodcaststory

Chapters

00:00 Why Podcast Stories Matter
00:22 Introducing Pete A. Turner
01:23 Pete’s Work and Podcast Origin
01:46 What Break It Down Show Covers
02:08 From Combat Zones to the Mic
02:47 Over 10 Years and 2,000 Episodes
03:02 Early Hopes and Lessons Learned
04:11 Pete’s Pre-Podcasting Life
04:44 The Show’s Name and Backstory
05:57 From Midweek Mash to Break It Down
07:27 Don’t Wait for the Perfect Name
08:46 Early Challenges and Value
09:51 Figuring Out Money and Meaning
10:50 Booking Fascinating Guests
11:40 Why Not to Niche Down
12:18 Recording On the Road
13:53 Monetization: Experiments and Reality
15:00 Streamlining Costs and Workflow
17:16 How the Podcast Creates Leverage
19:09 Expenses and Tools Pete Uses
21:32 PR, Ads, and Guest Discovery
24:01 Pete’s Simple Production Process
25:59 Automation and Minimal Editing
27:59 Why Workflow Simplicity Matters
28:57 Creating Value for Others
32:00 Listener Stories That Matter
34:37 Becoming a Podcast Producer
36:21 Helping Others Start Smart
39:44 The Costs of Commitment
41:45 Cadence and Avoiding Burnout
43:26 How to Take Useful Breaks
45:32 The Future: Podcasting, Movies, and Growth
48:23 Parting Advice on Podcast Longevity
49:43 Final Thoughts and Outro

If you’ve ever wondered how to start and grow a podcast without spending a fortune or getting tangled up in tech, this episode is a must-listen. My guest, Willie Blake, shares how he took the leap from inspiration to launching “Light Beyond Limits” in just two days — proving your podcast dreams can become reality fast, even on a shoestring budget. We dive into Willie’s practical workflow, why he chose podcasting as his main platform, and what it’s really like producing consistent episodes while balancing family and business.

A couple of takeaways you’ll get from this conversation: how podcasting can be a low-cost way to share your story and build leads for your business, and the real importance of showing up consistently (even when life gets busy). Plus, we get honest about the challenges and mindsets that stop creators, and how Willie’s approach might help you get started or keep going.

You won’t hear the same old advice here — you'll pick up genuine tips and some thought-provoking perspectives for podcasters who want to take action now.

Connect With Willie Blake
Website: https://coachwillieblake.com

If My Podcast Story speaks to you, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. And if you have a moment, leaving a review helps more people discover the stories shared here. Your support truly means a lot.

There’s more to every story than what you hear on the episode. Join the My Podcast Story newsletter to receive thoughtful takeaways, episode extras, and personal notes that don’t make it into the show. It’s a quiet way to stay inspired between listens.

Sign up here: https://mypodcaststory.com/join

If the stories you hear on My Podcast Story bring you inspiration, clarity, or simply a moment of connection, consider supporting the podcast by buying me a coffee. Every contribution helps me continue sharing the journeys of podcasters from around the world.Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/wisdomhq

Want to be a guest on My Podcast Story? Send Wisdom Okonkwo a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/mypodcaststory

Chapters

00:00 Meet Willie Blake and Podcast Story

00:33 Turning Challenges into Strengths

01:06 Willie’s Coaching Focus

01:30 The Light Beyond Limits Podcast

01:41 Launching the Podcast

02:01 Why Podcasting Over Other Mediums

04:10 Getting Started — Fast!

05:09 First Episode Experience

07:19 Creating a Podcast for Yourself

08:52 Behind the Scenes: Production Process

10:03 Podcast Gear and Budget Tips

11:23 Editing and Publishing Workflow

12:38 Uploading Audio to YouTube

16:01 Podcasting on a Budget

18:19 Imperfect Action and Consistency

22:22 Episode Frequency and Milestones

23:37 Podcasting with a Busy Schedule

25:09 Consistency and Motivation

25:49 Growing the Podcast Audience

26:49 Social Media for Podcast Promotion

28:40 Aligning Brand and Guest Stories

29:49 Podcast SEO and Descriptions

30:53 Using AI for Podcast Workflow

31:30 Website and Security Lessons

33:31 Discoverability Across Platforms

35:56 Search Engines and Podcast Growth

36:15 Sharing with Friends and Networks

36:32 Guesting on Other Podcasts

38:01 The Podcast as a Lead Generator

40:54 Indirect Monetization Through Leads

43:33 Podcasting Builds Credibility

45:55 Being Featured and Building Trust

46:49 Final Advice for Podcasters

48:13 Connect with Willie and Wrap-Up

If you’re a podcaster or thinking about starting your own show, this episode is packed with down-to-earth advice you can actually use. I sat down with David McClam, who’s been podcasting for nearly a decade and knows the real struggles behind the scenes. We talked about finding your podcast voice, making production work even when you’re low on budget, and how personal experience can shape the kind of stories you tell.

You’ll hear how David moved from YouTube content creation into podcasting, and why he launched a show that spotlights not only true crime but also authors and everyday people with extraordinary stories. One big takeaway: building a podcast is about choosing a niche and standing out, especially in crowded genres. Another: developing your own workflow and finding support can help overcome time and technical challenges—whether that’s learning editing skills yourself or finding the right tools and partners. Plus, you'll get tips on bringing more authenticity and transparency to your episodes so your audience feels truly connected.

Connect With David McClam
Website: https://truecrimeauthors.com

If My Podcast Story speaks to you, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. And if you have a moment, leaving a review helps more people discover the stories shared here. Your support truly means a lot.

There’s more to every story than what you hear on the episode. Join the My Podcast Story newsletter to receive thoughtful takeaways, episode extras, and personal notes that don’t make it into the show. It’s a quiet way to stay inspired between listens.

Sign up here: https://mypodcaststory.com/join

If the stories you hear on My Podcast Story bring you inspiration, clarity, or simply a moment of connection, consider supporting the podcast by buying me a coffee. Every contribution helps me continue sharing the journeys of podcasters from around the world.Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/wisdomhq

Want to be a guest on My Podcast Story? Send Wisdom Okonkwo a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/mypodcaststory

Chapters
00:00 Opening and guest intro
00:52 David’s background and podcast focus
01:33 How David’s podcasts are structured
02:13 Covering diverse crime stories
02:43 Family inspiration and podcast beginnings
03:56 David’s YouTube story
04:44 True crime fascination explained
05:36 Avoiding exploitation in storytelling
07:04 Why start a new show?
08:32 Personal experience shapes the podcast
09:02 Is “A Day with Crime” still live?
10:26 Podcasting vs. traditional media
11:53 Podcast ads and evergreen content
12:53 Father-daughter podcast dynamic
13:38 Early technical challenges
15:56 Growth through production struggles
16:29 Podcast production for creators
17:17 Supporting new podcasters
18:12 Launching a production company
21:09 Building out convenient podcast solutions
22:22 Frustrations that lead to business ideas
23:24 Why editing and production support matters
24:07 Connecting more with listeners
25:00 Time—the biggest challenge
26:47 Scheduling and flexibility in podcasting
27:21 Creating bonus content
28:05 How production support frees creators
29:53 Researching for true crime episodes
31:42 The value of script writers
32:01 Linking sources and references
33:36 Biggest lesson learned the hard way
34:53 Dealing with celebrity expectations
36:43 The value of transparency
38:02 Behind the scenes: making an episode
38:48 Crafting show titles and artwork
39:28 Importance of theme music
41:22 Sourcing intro and outro music
43:43 Adapting intros for different podcasts
44:43 Episode creation process
46:03 Research and uncovering unique details
48:03 Tools and production workflow
49:59 Audio vs. video episodes
50:41 Using PodPage and other tools
50:54 Advice to a new podcaster
52:08 Rapid fire questions
53:13 Books, habits, and resources
54:19 What’s next for David
54:41 Wrapping up and future catch-ups
55:27 Farewell and listener call to action

If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to run a podcast that stands out, you’ll want to hear my conversation with Jake Doberenz, host of Christianity Without Compromise. In this episode, Jake shares his approach to tackling controversial topics while keeping his show laser-focused and relevant. You’ll learn why narrowing your podcast’s mission beats being general, and how choosing an audience helps you build real fans—not just random listeners. We also talk behind the scenes: balancing production, choosing marketing platforms, and knowing when to say “no” to extra work so you don’t burn out.

A couple things you’ll take away: how to make clear choices about show format (like going audio-only), and the key benefits of doing pre-interview chats to make sure your guests—and their tech—are a good fit. You’ll hear honest insights on growth strategies, workflow, and why letting go of what “everyone else is doing” actually works. If you want real advice from someone who’s been through every podcast role, don’t miss this episode.

Connect with Jake Doberenz

Website:https://jakedoberenz.com/

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Chapters

00:00 Introducing Jake Doberenz
00:01 What Is Christianity Without Compromise?
00:03 Jake’s Start in Podcasting
00:06 Lessons from Previous Shows
00:07 Why This Podcast Idea?
00:10 Picking a Specific Focus
00:12 The Reality of Running a Podcast
00:15 Choosing Audio Over Video
00:17 Decisions Around Marketing
00:20 What Actually Works in Promotion
00:22 Making the Podcast Fit Your Life
00:23 Workflow and Tools Used
00:25 Producing for Clients vs. Own Show
00:28 Hosting on Substack
00:29 How Growth Happens
00:31 Using Stories to Engage
00:33 Upcoming Projects and Video Plans
00:34 What Would It Take to Add Video?
00:36 Tech Barriers and Guest Setup
00:41 Gradually Shifting to Video
00:43 Repurposing with Video Content
00:44 Does the Podcast Make Money?
00:45 Final Advice for Podcasters
00:48 Where to Connect with Jake