In this episode of the G&T Sessions, Andrew Turner interviews Sam Sethi, a veteran in the tech and media space. They discuss Sam's extensive background in the software industry, his journey through various tech companies, and his current venture, TrueFans, which aims to revolutionise podcasting through micro-payments and community engagement. The conversation delves into the evolution of podcasting, the importance of content ownership, and the future of advertising in a digital landscape. Sam shares insights on the challenges and opportunities in the podcasting industry, emphasising the need for creators to connect directly with their audiences and monetise their content effectively.

Sam Sethi is a 30 year veteran of the IT industry. He has held senior technical and marketing director roles across a number of companies including Microsoft, Netscape, Gateway Computers and Microstrategy. Sam has also been an entrepreneur having started and successfully sold 4 startups covering home automation, fashion, journalism and e-commerce. He also started TechCrunch Europe and has been an angel investor and mentor to numerous startups.

Today Sam is the co-host of Podnews Weekly Review and the Chief Evangelist of the Podcast Standards Project. He is also the Founder & CEO of TrueFans, a new Podcasting 3.0 marketplace for independent content creators producing podcasts, music, audiobooks, online courses and films, all delivered via RSS. With TrueFans, creators are not forced to monetise their content with advertising or subscription paywalls. Instead fans can directly reward their favourite content creators with digital micropayments.

Before entering the IT industry, Sam was an Army Officer in the Parachute Regiment and in his spare time enjoys teaching Krav Maga, an Israeli martial art, playing Padel as well as importing German & Austrian fine wine.

Takeaways

• Sam Sethi has a rich background in tech and media.
• TrueFans aims to create a value exchange for content creators.
• Micro-payments can revolutionise how creators earn from their content.
• The traditional download model for podcasts is becoming obsolete.
• Quality content is increasingly being recognised as valuable.
• Decentralisation is a key trend in the future of the web.
• Creators need to own their audience and content.
• Advertising models need to adapt to the changing landscape.
• The future of podcasting includes streaming technology over downloads.
• TrueFans is set to launch innovative features for podcasters.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Sam Sethi and His Journey

02:38 Sam's Early Career and Experiences in Tech

05:24 The Evolution of the Web and Podcasting

08:12 Insights on Micro-Payments and Decentralisation

10:54 The Launch of TrueFans and Its Vision

13:53 The Future of Content Creation and Community Engagement

16:50 The Shift from Traditional Media to Digital Platforms

19:36 The Importance of Ownership in Content Creation

22:21 The Role of Community in Podcasting and Content Commerce

28:20 Value Exchange in Content Creation

29:32 Curating Diverse Perspectives

30:27 Understanding Listener Engagement

32:30 Innovative Advertising Models

34:46 The Future of Micro Payments

37:13 Challenges for Advertisers

39:52 Decentralisation and Community Engagement

42:02 The Shift in Content Monetisation

45:13 TrueFans: A New Value Exchange Model

47:10 Apple's Payment Control and Market Dynamics

50:54 Simplifying Micro Payments for Creators

56:39 The Evolution of Streaming Technology

59:29 Transitioning to a New Podcasting Model

01:02:10 Innovations in Podcast Hosting

01:05:49 The Future of Podcast Metrics

01:08:21 The Role of Major Platforms in Podcasting

01:11:22 Building a Sustainable Podcasting Ecosystem

Links

https://www.truefans.fm

https://x.com/TrueFansFM

  / samsethi  

https://podcastindex.social/@samsethi