Pods Like Us

Pods Like Us

By Martin ”Marv” QuibellSociety & Culture
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Pods Like Us episodes

  • The Divide with Matthew Woodcock | Spy-Fi Audio Drama & Indie Podcasting

    Episode Summary -

    Host Marv speaks with writer-director Matthew Woodcock about The Divide — a 12-episode spy-fi audio drama from Definitely Human Productions. They cover the creative journey from inspiration to release, including casting, sound design, cliffhanger structure, and the case against binge culture. 

    What You'll Learn -
    ● How a Cold War spy thriller can mirror modern social media manipulation 
    ● Why recording actors together in the same room transforms a performance 
    ● How sound design can function as a character in an audio drama 
    ● Why weekly episodic release beats bingeing for audience engagement 

    Key Topics -
    The Divide follows intelligence operative Paul Wilder across 1964 and 2025, blending spy fiction with sci-fi. Matthew discusses casting, working with sound designer Tom Dowling, and his love of classic cliffhanger storytelling drawn from Doctor Who, The Sandbaggers, and The Man from U.N.C.L.E. 

    Mentioned In This Episode -
    The Sandbaggers · The Ipcress File · The Man from U.N.C.L.E. · The Avengers · BBC Radio 4 Limelight · Audible's Lonely No More · True Fans platform · Atypical Artists · Big Finish · Didcot Railway Centre · Orpheus Studios Dalston 

    Find The Divide - All major podcast platforms | Instagram & Bluesky: @thedividedrama 
    Find Pods Like Us - All major podcast platforms | Patreon | www.themarvzone.org

    1 hr 22 min
  • Rob Walch - What is "podcasting", and how has it changed?

    He was podcasting before Apple knew what a podcast was. Twenty years later, Rob Walch is still the person the industry calls when they need answers — and in this episode he's giving them all away for free.

    Rob Walch, VP of Podcast Relations at Captivate and one of the most experienced voices in podcasting history, joins Marv for a conversation that every podcaster — beginner or veteran — needs to hear. From why your show title is silently killing your growth, to why Joe Rogan's biggest audience isn't watching him on YouTube, to how to use AI without letting it destroy your authenticity, this is a masterclass in modern podcasting from someone who has lived every era of it from the inside.

    If you want to start a podcast, grow your existing show, understand podcast metrics, or learn how to monetise your content — this episode covers all of it.

    📬 CONTACT ROB WALCH 📧 [email protected] 📧 [email protected] ️

    Search Space Business 411 on any podcast platform

    🌐 FIND PODS LIKE US Website, socials & contact: themarzone.org / Support the show on Patreon — link on the website

    "There's just more time in the day to consume audio." — Rob Walch

    #Podcasting #PodcastTips #HowToStartAPodcast #PodcastGrowth #PodcastSEO

    #PodcastMarketing #AudioFirst #RSSFeed #ApplePodcasts #Captivate #RobWalch
    #PodsLikeUs #PodcastMonetization #IndependentPodcasting #ContentCreators
    #SpaceBusiness411 #PodcastAdvice #PodcastingIn2025 #GoogleTrends #AIForPodcasters #NichePodcasting #PodcastMetrics #VideoVsAudio #PodcastDiscovery #ElsieEscobar

    54 min
  • Bob Dylan Easter eggs and a Sixth Sense-style twist inside a serialised audio drama about a hitman?

    Dr. Richard Marcs, author of A Murder Most Foul: The Life of a Hitman, joins Marv to talk abouthow a chance conversation with a Hollywood producer turned his longhand manuscript into aweekly audio drama recorded in Jakarta — and why the ending will send you straight back toepisode one.

    From accidental historical coincidences buried in a Texas road map, to using rock music asserious literary reference, to the unexpected self-editing power of hearing your own writing readaloud — this conversation covers what it actually takes to write a story that rewards beingexperienced twice.

    Whether you love crime fiction, audio drama, literary podcasts, or you're a writer looking for newways to edit your work, this episode is worth your time.

    🎧 FIND THE AUDIO DRAMA: Search "Murder Most Foul: The Life of a Hitman" on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube 📚 Book available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and wherever books are sold

    🌐 FIND PODS LIKE US: Website & contact: www.themarzone.org Support us on Patreon — link on the website.

    #PodcastInterview #AudioDrama #CrimeFiction #MurderMostFoul #Hitman #BobDylan #Serialized Fiction #WritingTips #AudioBook #IndependentPodcast #PodsLikeUs #RichardMarcs #ThrillerBooks #MysteryPodcast #WritingCommunity #BookPodcast #HitmanNovel #TrueInspiredFiction #IndieAuthor #PodcastRecommendations

    1 hr 11 min
  • The 'Something Different' Kids' Podcast - Inspiring Dreams with a Stuntman, Ice Skater, and More!

    Join Marv of Pods Like Us as he chats with Arya and Claire about their children's show, Something Different. Discover why having a child ask the questions leads guests like a stuntman and a figure skater to share more openly than they would with an adult. 

    Learn the powerful, heartfelt inspiration behind the show—celebrating people who are "something different," including a special connection to Down Syndrome awareness. The hosts share their full podcast format, from listener questions and games to their advice for new podcasters. A must-listen for kids and families looking for positive, screen-free entertainment and big inspiration.

    51 min
  • Elsie Escobar: Podcasting's Evolution from Community to Industry

    Podcasting pioneer Elsie Escobar joins Martin Quibell to discuss the medium's transformation over two decades, from intimate community to corporate industry. Learn about the early days of podcasting, the challenges that creators face today, and why human connection still matters most. 

    What You'll Learn 
    The Early Days of Podcasting (00:01-08:51) 
    ● How a fifth-generation iPod led Elsie to discover podcasts 
    ● Finding Podcast 411 and becoming part of podcasting's first community 
    ● Why early podcasting was dialogue-driven and deeply interactive 
    ● The power of hearing your name mentioned on a show for the first time 
    From Hollywood to Podcasting Freedom (08:51-14:17) 
    ● Escaping the soul-crushing pigeonholing of the acting industry 
    ● How podcasting offered creative freedom without visual judgment 
    ● The transformative power of getting behind a microphone 
    ● Why voice-only media can be deeply empowering 
    Community vs Industry: The Great Shift (14:17-22:22) 
    ● How podcasting evolved from "we" culture to hierarchical media 
    ● Why early podcasters actively engaged with every listener 
    ● The loss of dialogue between hosts and audiences 
    ● When podcasting stopped being about community and became about assets 
    The Video Podcast Debate (22:22-29:42) 
    ● Concerns about podcasting becoming "another form of television" 
    ● The danger of losing podcasting's punk rock spirit 
    ● Why following corporate rules kills innovation 
    ● How to preserve the freedom that made podcasting special 
    She Podcasts: Amplifying Women's Voices (29:42-34:35) 
    ● Creating a counterbalance to male-dominated podcasting shows 
    ● The chemistry between Elsie and co-host Jess 
    ● How the show evolved into authentic life conversations 
    ● The power of women taking center stage 
    The Modern Podcasting Burden (34:35-48:39) 
    ● Why creating podcasts has become a full-time marketing job 
    ● From simple "mic to RSS" to video clips, transcripts, and social strategy 
    ● How overwhelming requirements stop creators from creating 
    ● Finding workflows that prioritize voice over visibility 
    AI in Podcasting: Tool or Replacement? (48:39-54:51) 
    ● Using AI for transcription while maintaining human curation 
    ● Why AI can't capture your unique message and positioning 
    ● The importance of writing your own show notes and chapter marks 
    ● Balancing efficiency with authentic care for your audience 
    Netflix, Spotify & Distribution Deals (54:51-1:08:22) 
    ● Why the Netflix "podcasting" deal isn't really about podcasts 
    ● Understanding old-school media distribution in new platforms 
    ● How one network built a multi-platform media empire 
    ● The difference between podcast networks and podcast community 
    What Makes a Good Podcast? (1:08:22-1:14:00) 
    ● Podcasts as solutions to listener needs 
    ● Why "good" depends entirely on context and timing 
    ● The soup vs ice cream analogy for podcast consumption 
    ● Why small, engaged audiences matter more than massive numbers 
    The Future: Slow, Human, and Sustainable (1:14:00-end) 
    ● Banking on slow, thoughtful content in a fast-moving world 
    ● Why human skills will become more valuable as AI advances 
    ● Building expansive, sustainable, and aligned creative work 
    ● The importance of staying grounded as technology accelerates 
    Key Quotes 
    "The mere act of getting behind the microphone, it just does a lot to you personally, in a good way. It's your teacher." 
    "I chose to no longer name [certain big podcasters] because we all need somebody else's name to be coming out of our mouths." 
    "Podcasting used to be such a lift. Now it feels like it's a full-time job." 
    "A good podcast provides the solution that I'm looking for at the time. Has nothing to do with quality, topic, format." 
    About Elsie Escobar -
    Elsie Escobar is a podcasting veteran who's been part of the medium since its earliest days. Known for her work at Libsyn and as co-host of The Feed and She Podcasts, Elsie has been a guiding voice for podcasters worldwide. She's an advocate for authentic, human-fi

    1 hr 20 min
  • The Future of Podcasting is Here: Sam Sethi on Podcasting 2.0, Micropayments & Why Downloads Don't Matter

    Episode Description -

    Join host Marv for an in-depth conversation with Sam Sethi, entrepreneur, former tech journalist, and co-creator of True Fans. Discover the evolution of podcasting technology, the future of RSS feeds, and how blockchain-based micropayments could revolutionize creator monetization. Sam shares insights from his 30+ year journey through tech giants like Microsoft, Netscape, and BBC, and explains why podcasting 2.0 might be the industry's biggest shift since iTunes. 

    Key Topics Covered -
    Podcasting 2.0 & The New Namespace Sam explains the revolutionary metadata tags transforming podcast discovery and functionality, from person tags and chapters to location-based podcast mapping. Learn how open-source collaboration is challenging Big Tech's dominance. 

    The Future of Podcast Monetization Discover programmable money and value-for-value models that could replace traditional advertising. Sam reveals how listeners can earn micropayments for their attention while giving creators direct revenue streams. Streaming vs. Downloads: The Coming Shift Why the podcast industry's obsession with download numbers is outdated, and how first-party listen time data will revolutionize advertising effectiveness and creator insights. 

    AI in Podcasting: Hype vs. Reality Sam's take on "assisted intelligence" - where AI transcripts and automated chapters add value, and where synthetic voices fall short of authentic creator-listener relationships. 

    Timestamps -
    [00:00] Introduction and Sam's tech journalism background

    [02:00] From army officer to Microsoft: Sam's unconventional career path [04:00] The early days of blogging and TechCrunch Europe

    [05:00] COVID pivot: Building a radio station and discovering podcasting

    [06:00] Launching Pod News Weekly Review with James Cridland

    [07:00] Getting involved with Podcasting 2.0 and building True Fans

    [08:00] Apple finally adopts transcripts and chapters - validation for the namespace

    [10:00] Location tags and the future of podcast discovery

    [12:00] Why Sam loves technology over advertising metrics

    [14:00] The Spotify-Netflix deal and protecting niche podcasting

    [15:00] Advertising as "Emperor's new clothes" - the measurement problem

    [17:00] Revolutionary concept: Paying listeners to watch ads with programmable money

    [20:00] Value-for-value and streaming micropayments explained

    [22:00] Co-listening feature and building podcast communities

    [26:00] The Pod News Weekly dynamic: British humor and rapport

    [28:00] Moving from downloads to streaming: The next five years

    [30:00] Why listen time percentage matters more than raw numbers

    [33:00] The death of the download model and rise of streaming data

    [36:00] BBC Sounds international availability debate

    [40:00] The Panorama editing scandal and BBC's reputation

    [42:00] What makes a great podcast: Content, chemistry, and audio quality

    [45:00] Parasocial relationships and podcast magic

    [46:00] Claire Waite Brown's "Podcasting 2.0 in Practice" - essential listening

    [47:00] Concerns about declining podcasting 2.0 content creators

    [51:00] Sam's podcast listening habits: Politics, sports, and intelligent conversation

    [53:00] AI as "assisted intelligence" not artificial intelligence

    [54:00] AI voices vs. authentic creator relationships

    [56:00] Different AI podcast models: Editorial control vs. content farms

    [58:00] How to connect with Sam and True Fans 

    Key Quotes -
    "I think micropayments and wallets might take a little longer, but I can see in 2026 
    that catching on as well... the merit of what the technology provides and why people want it stands out very well." 
    "The joy and the promise of podcasting is about the long tail, about the niche of 
    podcasting... somebody who's got a niche podcast about fishing or knitting or 
    whatever, c

    1 hr 2 min
  • Can You Turn Your Podcast into a Bestselling Book? (The Strategy Revealed with Tina Dietz of Twin Flames Studios)

    Can you really write a book just by talking? In this episode of Pods Like Us, Martin "Marv" Quibell is joined by Tina Dietz, founder of Twin Flames Studios, to reveal the secret "Podcast Book" method that experts are using to turn their episodes into published books in record time. 

    We dive deep into how to repurpose your content, why most AI writing tools fail (and how to use them correctly), and why "conversational" writing is the key to building authority. If you’re a podcaster, coach, or entrepreneur looking to scale your brand, this conversation is a masterclass in content strategy. 

    In this episode, you will learn: 
    ✅ How to use your RSS feed to "write" a book without typing a 
    word. 
    ✅ The difference between "prescriptive" and "reflective" nonfiction. 
    ✅Why limited podcast series can be more effective than weekly shows. 
    ✅ Real case studies of authors hitting Amazon bestseller lists in months. 
    SUBSCRIBE & LISTEN 
    Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with the voices shaping the audio industry! 
    ⏱
    TIMESTAMPS

    0:00 - Intro & Tina’s Journey from Online Radio

    3:40 - Evolution: From 

    Production to Publishing

    6:06 - Why Unscripted Audio Beats Video

    8:00 - Case Study: Turning 500 Episodes into a Book

    12:50 - Helping First Responders: A Vital New Book

    16:00 - AI in Publishing: Data Analysis vs. Generators

    19:00 - Why "Purpose-Driven" Podcasting Wins

    20:47 - How to Connect with Tina Dietz 

    CONNECT WITH TINA DIETZ & TWIN FLAMES STUDIOS Website: 
    https://twinflamesstudios.com

    Free Author Webinars: https://twinflamesstudios.com/webinars 

    CONNECT WITH MARV & PODS LIKE US Website: https://themarvzone.org 
    SPONSOR 
    ☕
     Tired of the coffee crash? Try RYSE Mushroom Coffee for sustained energy and 
    focus. Use code PODNA15 for 15% off at https://rysesuperfoods.com 

    #PodcastToBook #TinaDietz 

    #ContentRepurposing #AuthorStrategy 

    39 min
  • AI in Podcasting: Humans, Voices, Ethics

    Join host Martin Quibell (Marv) and a panel of industry experts as they dive deep into the impact of artificial intelligence on podcasting. From ethical debates to hands-on tools, discover how AI is shaping the future of audio and video content creation. 

    Guests: 
    ● Benjamin Field (Deep Fusion Films) 
    ● William Corbin (Inception Point AI) 
    ● John McDermott & Mark Francis (Caloroga Shark Media) 
     Timestamps 
    00:00 – Introduction 
    00:42 – Meet the Guests 
    01:45 – The State of AI in Podcasting 
    03:45 – Transparency, Ethics & the EU AI Act 
    06:00 – Nuance: How AI Is Used (Descript, Shorten Word Gaps, Remove Retakes) 
    08:45 – AI & Niche Content: Economic Realities 
    12:00 – Human Craft vs. AI Automation 
    15:00 – Job Evolution: Prompt Authors & QC 
    18:00 – Quality Control & Remastering 
    21:00 – Volume, Scale, and Audience 
    24:00 – AI Co-Hosts & Experiments (Virtually Parkinson, AI Voices) 
    27:00 – AI in Video & Visuals (HeyGen, Weaver) 
    30:00 – Responsibility & Transparency 
    33:00 – The Future of AI in Media 
    46:59 – Guest Contact Info & Closing 
     Tools & Platforms Mentioned 
    ● Descript: Shorten word gaps, remove retakes, AI voice, scriptwriting, editing 
    ● HeyGen: AI video avatars for podcast visuals 
    ● Weaver (Deep Fusion Films): AI-driven video editing and archive integration 
    ● Verbal: AI transcription and translation 
    ● AI Voices: For narration, co-hosting, and accessibility 
    ● Other references: Spotify, Amazon, Wikipedia, TikTok, Apple Podcasts, Google 
    Programmatic Ads 
    Contact the Guests: 
    - William Corbin: [email protected] | LinkedIn - John McDermott: [email protected] | LinkedIn - Benjamin Field: [email protected] | LinkedIn - Mark Francis: [email protected] | LinkedIn | caloroga.com  - Marv: themarvzone.org 
     Like, comment, and subscribe for more deep dives into the future of podcasting and media! 
    #Podcasting #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #Descript #HeyGen #PodcastTools #Ethics #MediaInnovation

    1 hr 20 min
  • Inception Point AI & The Future of Podcasting with William Corbin

    In this episode of Pods Like Us, Marv sits down with William Corbin, Chief AI Officer and co-founder of Inception Point AI, to discuss the evolution of AI in podcasting, the creation of AI-generated voices, the business model behind Inception Point AI, and the future of content creation. William shares behind-the-scenes stories, ethical considerations, and how AI is making content more accessible and personalized. 

    Timestamps -

    00:00 – Introduction & Guest Welcome 

    ● Marv introduces William Corbin and the founding team of Inception Point AI. 
    ● William’s current role as Chief AI Officer. 
    01:30 – The Founding Story 
    ● How William assembled the founding team using AI. 
    ● The unique process of selecting Janine Wright as CEO via AI analysis. 
    02:30 – Company Motto & AI-First Culture 
    ● Inception Point AI’s creed: “Always AI, always forward, always fun.” 
    ● How AI is integrated into every aspect of the company. 
    02:50 – William’s Podcasting Origins 
    ● Early podcasting experiments in 2004 with RSS feeds. 
    ● The journey from hobbyist to professional podcaster. 
    05:00 – The Coronavirus 411 Podcast 
    ● Launching a daily COVID-19 news podcast. 
    ● Achieving syndication on 1,800 radio stations and becoming the #2 daily news podcast. 
    06:30 – The Power of Niche Content 
    ● Using AI to create hyper-targeted podcasts (e.g., fishing reports for specific lakes). 
    ● The value of serving small, passionate audiences. 
    08:00 – AI’s Role in Content Accessibility 
    ● How AI transforms raw data into engaging stories. 
    ● Making content accessible for people with disabilities. 
    10:00 – The Evolution from Blogging to Podcasting 
    ● The shift from written blogs to audio content. 
    ● Podcasting as the new “blogosphere.” 
    12:00 – Quality Control & AI-Generated Voices 
    ● Challenges with AI-generated content: glitches, fact-checking, and quality assurance. 
    ● Moving from voice clones to fully AI-generated voices for ethical and legal reasons. 
    15:00 – Ethical Considerations in AI Voice Creation 
    ● Avoiding unauthorized use of real voices (e.g., Siri’s voice actress story). 
    ● Transparency and consent in AI voice usage. 
    18:00 – The Origin of “Inception Point” 
    ● How the company name was chosen with the help of AI. 
    20:00 – AI Voices as Non-Characters 
    ● Creating backstories for AI voices without misleading listeners. 
    ● Ensuring authenticity and transparency. 
    22:00 – Business Model & Monetization 
    ● Three revenue streams: licensing, ad revenue, and partnerships. 
    ● AI personalities as brand ambassadors. 
    25:00 – The Future of AI in Content Creation 
    ● AI’s growing intelligence and its impact on media. 
    ● The importance of advocating for AI as a new form of intelligence. 
    28:00 – Addressing Backlash & Industry Resistance 
    ● Reactions to AI in Hollywood and the podcasting community. 
    ● The importance of starting conversations about AI’s role in media. 
    32:00 – AI vs. Human-Hosted Podcasts 
    ● Surprising listener growth after switching to AI hosts. 
    ● Where AI excels and where human hosts still shine. 
    35:00 – Content Longevity & Accessibility 
    ● The value of evergreen podcast content. 
    ● Making content accessible to all, including those with disabilities. 
    38:00 – The Impact of AI on Jobs 
    ● AI’s role in creating new job opportunities. 
    ● The need for optimism and adaptability in the face of technological change. 
    41:00 – Reviving Underutilized Content 
    ● Using AI to give new life to old research, university archives, and media catalogs. 
    44:00 – Serving Underserved Audiences 
    ● Producing “critical content” for niche audiences (e.g., allergy reports, space weather). 
    47:00 – Embracing Mistakes & Continuous Improvement 
    ● The importance of learning from errors in AI and human content creation. 
    50:00 – The Diversity of Podcasting 
    ● The wide range of podcast genres and formats. 
    ● The role of smart speakers in podcast discovery. 
    53:00 – Living Biographies & Real-Time Updates 
    ● AI-powered biographies that update as public figures’ lives evolve. 
    5

    1 hr 1 min
  • Inside Blighthouse Studios: Audio Drama, Actual Play, and Podcasting Wisdom with Hem Brewster

    Join Marv as he interviews Hem Brewster, the creative force behind Blighthouse Studios, home to acclaimed podcasts like The Lucky Die, The Sprouting, Counterbalance, and Four Top Threes. Discover the secrets of audio drama production, actual play podcasting, and the evolving world of indie podcasting. Hem shares actionable advice for creators, insights on show notes, and the importance of community in podcasting. 

    Key Topics & Time Stamps 
    ● 00:00 – Introduction 
    ○ Meet Hem Brewster and Blighthouse Studios 
    ○ Overview of the studio’s shows 
    ● 01:18 – The Blighthouse Studios Podcast Lineup 
    ○ The Lucky Die: Apocalyptic actual play audio drama 
    ○ The Sprouting: Horror roleplay in a plant-based apocalypse 
    ○ Counterbalance: Fantasy audio drama with a custom language 
    ○ Four Top Threes: International chat show 
    ● 06:15 – What is an Actual Play Podcast? 
    ○ Dungeons & Dragons and Call of Cthulhu as storytelling engines 
    ○ Improvised audio drama vs. scripted drama 
    ● 10:56 – The Creative Team & International Collaboration 
    ○ Cast and crew from the UK, Iceland, Germany, and the US 
    ○ The importance of diverse perspectives 
    ● 14:15 – Podcasting Origins 
    ○ Hem’s journey from mechanical design engineering to podcasting 
    ○ Discovering “We’re Alive” and the power of audio storytelling 
    ● 24:00 – Building a Podcasting Empire 
    ○ Starting The Lucky Die and growing a network 
    ○ Lessons learned from failed and successful projects 
    ● 31:00 – Podcast Production & Team Roles 
    ○ The evolution of team responsibilities 
    ○ Social media, marketing, and the realities of indie podcasting 
    ● 38:00 – Podcast Promotion & Community 
    ○ Free and effective ways to promote your show 
    ○ The value of helping other podcasters 
    ● 44:00 – Audio Drama vs. Talk Show Podcasting 
    ○ Differences in structure, audience, and production 
    ○ The impact of BBC and German audio drama traditions 
    ● 54:00 – Show Art, Music, and Branding 
    ○ Why your podcast logo matters 
    ○ Tips for commissioning and using artwork 
    ● 1:00:00 – The Importance of Show Notes 
    ○ What to include for SEO and accessibility 
    ○ Content warnings, cast/crew credits, and linking strategies 
    ● 1:10:00 – Podcasting Advice for Beginners 
    ○ Logistics, scheduling, and the value of a backlog 
    ○ Honest conversations and setting realistic goals 
    ● 1:18:00 – Standout Moments & Community Impact 
    ○ Success stories and the power of fan engagement 
    ○ The joy of cross-promotion and collaboration 
    ● 1:22:00 – How to Connect with Blighthouse Studios 
    ○ Where to find the shows and contact Hem 

    Featured Podcasts from B Lighthouse Studios 
    ● The Lucky Die – Fantasy apocalypse actual play 
    ● The Sprouting – Eldritch horror in a post-apocalyptic world 
    ● Counterbalance – Fantasy audio drama with original language and music 
    ● Four Top Threes – International chat and ranking show 

    Resources & Links 
    ● Blighthouse Studios: Website 
    ● Contact Hem: [email protected] 

    For more podcasting resources, visit themarvzone.org or contact Hem at 

    1 hr 24 min

About Pods Like Us

From the publisher's feed

Martin 'Marv' Quibell talks to different podcasters each week about their different shows.