I had the pleasure of speaking with Dave Sturgeon, a true veteran of the radio industry. With over 40 years of experience, Dave shared his journey from starting on-air in small-town Ontario to managing stations across North America and eventually running his own agency. We discussed his unique path—transitioning from rock radio to talk, then into sales and management, and finally agency ownership. Dave offered candid insights into the challenges and rewards of each role, emphasizing the power of connection that radio brings. He explained why, despite the rise of digital, radio remains a foundational medium for advertisers, driving real results that digital alone can’t match. We also explored the myths surrounding radio’s relevance and measurement, and Dave’s new book, "The Truth About Radio: A Myth Busting Guide For Today's Media Buyers and Sellers" which aims to bust those myths. This conversation is a reminder of radio’s enduring impact and the passion that keeps it alive.

Dave is a very good LinkedIn Follow.

Buy Dave's Book. - Canada

Buy Dave's Book - USA

Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the verbal diarrhea you never knew what you were missing in your life.

Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.

Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show:

Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data Solutions

Mary Anne Ivison at Ivison Voice. - Make her the female voice of your radio station.

Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For the last month we have been surveying listeners to the show.. and anyone else who clicked on our links. In all, the feedback was largely positive; as I expect it would be when you are asking high users of the product. Overall, we learned that a lot of our audience does not listen to every episode. We kind of knew that because of how different the audiences are between broadcast and podcast. We also found that you like the consistent releases of the episode and the frequency. Thank you for participating in the survey.

You still have time to participate.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It was announced at Podcast Movement last year that Paul Riismandel would be taking over as President of Signal Hill Insights and Jeff Vidler would be stepping back from day-to-day duties, and segueing towards retirement. The same way a musician never stops being a musician, and a writer never stops being a writer; researchers may stop doing working for research companies, but their minds never stop asking questions. I've known Jeff for so long that I don't think he will ever stop wondering why something in audio is the way it is.

Jeff has been on the show a number of times before to discuss much of what he researches. But we have never started from the beginning. Until now. We covered his career through research, radio and podcasting. Starting in the 1980s, Vidler worked at various radio stations, including CKDA and CJAY 92 in Calgary. He transitioned to Joint Communications as a music director, where he helped shape radio formats. He then moved to CJFM in Montreal, improving ratings and rebranding the station to Mix96. He later founded Audience Insights and later Signal Hill Insights.

And yes we spook a fair bit about the future too, highlighting the importance of YouTube for podcast discovery and the challenges faced by Canadian podcasters due to smaller advertising budgets. We didn't solve every problem, but we solved a few.

Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the verbal diarrhea you never knew what you were missing in your life.

Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.

Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show:

Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data Solutions

Mary Anne Ivison at Ivison Voice. - Make her the female voice of your radio station.

Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Norma Jean Belenky is the host of the Podbiz, and we didn't get a chance to finish our conversation we started at the Podcast Show in London - so we did so on a podcast. We also didn't have time to talk about everything in London, given her experience living in seven countries. Ideally all of her pod-merch should have "Where's the Money?" emblazoned on every t-shirt and mug; it is the question everyone asks.

We explored her life before PodBiz, from teaching English in South Korea to creating music and working at Podbean, which ultimately led her to launch her own podcast focused on how creators can make money in this evolving medium.

We did our best to look beyond simple download numbers, discussing the importance of niche audiences and creating genuine value for listeners. Norma Jean and her co-host John Kiernan are committed to showing us that there are other podcast revenue strategies, including sponsorships, subscriptions, and strategic content creation. We discussed emerging trends like video podcasting and community building, offering listeners a comprehensive look at the exciting potential of the podcasting industry.

Check out Podbiz here. And ESPECIALLY this episode with Danielle which we referenced a few times.

Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the things you never knew what you were missing in your life.

Both the Sound Off Podcast and The Podcast Superfriends are apart of The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Paul Ferguson, VP of Programming and Operations at Starboard Communications in Belleville, Ontario discusses radio in a very unique market. Belleville is free from corporate ownership. Paul and I talk about how they keep radio relevant by focusing on local content, like the “Good News in Quinte” newsletter and a robust news website that keeps listeners informed and engaged. We discuss the challenges of adapting to new radio regulations, misguided internet laws like Bill C-11, the antidote which is Inquinte.ca and why it’s crucial to own our digital platforms to stay connected with our audience. Paul shares the administrative hurdles of Canadian content rules and how technology could make things easier. We also explore the evolution of radio, balancing live and voice-tracked shows, and the podcast journey with “Babes of Quinte.”

This episode is about the importance of localism, innovation, and community-driven content in today's challenging radio space.

The listener survey can be found here. Complete it and I'll share with you, my Top 10 Podcast Hacks for 2025. 

Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the things you never knew what you were missing in your life.

Both the Sound Off Podcast and The Podcast Superfriends are apart of The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gordon Firemark is the podcast lawyer. I first had a chance to meet him at Podcast Movement in the late 10's. In 2022 I might have had a few cocktails when I asked him about hoe to manoeuvre cross-broder conflicts between podcasters. In this episode I ask the rest of the questions I had.

We discuss the importance of clear agreements between co-hosts and why you need a guest release forms. We then tackle the complexities of using music in podcasts due to copyright laws. Gordon explains the differences between copyright, trademark, and patent law, and how to protect podcast brand names and segments through trademark registration. But wait! There's more! There's sponsorship agreements, the importance of proper disclosure, and the challenges posed by international regulations, particularly for Canadian podcasters. Gordon also shares a few real-life anecdotes that illustrate the potential pitfalls of not having written agreements or proper permissions, such as costly legal disputes and misunderstandings with sponsors. (This one is jaw dropping)

Practical advice: Get everything in writing, understand your rights, and always prioritize clear communication to avoid legal entanglements in podcasting.

We spoke about having a guest release form to ensure that podcasters don't encounter any misunderstandings between them and their guests. You can access Gordon's free release form here.

You can get all the details about where Gordon will be next on his website.

See Gordon at Vidfest in Atlanta - August 21

See Gordon at Podcast Movement in Dallas - August 22-24

Gordon will be doing a live interactive game-show TwoTruths and a Lie: Podcasting Legal & Business Myths Busted.

And a presentation called Your Podcast Legal Toolkit: Copyrights, Trademarks, and Contracts Made Simple.

The listener survey can be found here. Complete it and I'll share with you, my Top 10 Podcast Hacks for 2025. 

Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the things you never knew what you were missing in your life.

Both the Sound Off Podcast and The Podcast Superfriends are apart of The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rachel Gilbert and I connected over microphones to discuss her perpetual reinvention in the world of audio.

We reminisced about her early days at Fanshawe College, her leap into radio, and the magic that made the Dave and Rachel Show such a staple for so many years. Hearing Rachel describe the camaraderie, the hustle, and even the heartbreak of industry layoffs is a tale told all too often. Her honesty about the challenges—like the decline of radio schools and the uncertainty of media jobs—was a little sobering.

I love Rachel’s ability to pivot. She hasn't just survived the changes; she thrived, building a successful voiceover business and launching a podcast with her former co-hosts. Their show, “Due to Underwhelming Demand,” is proof that authentic connection and storytelling still matter, no matter the platform. It is also ahead of its time when it comes to geo-local content.

Rachel’s insights on AI in voiceover work is something every aspiring voice actor should listen to, and her commitment to ethical practices is something I agree with. Above all, this conversation reminded me that, at its core, our podcast and voiceover industries are about connection.

If you would like to listen to Rachel's podcast with Dave and Forman - you can do so here.

If you would like to have Rachel voice something amazing for you - go here.

The listener survey can be found here. Complete it and I'll share with you, my Top 10 Podcast Hacks for 2025. 

Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the things you never knew what you were missing in your life.

Both the Sound Off Podcast and The Podcast Superfriends are apart of The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I reconnect with Alix Michaels, tracing her journey from Winnipeg’s radio scene in the early 90s to her adventures across the US and back home again. We reminisce about the Winnipeg Radio Reunion, the unique energy of the city’s broadcast community, and the memorable personalities who shaped our careers. Alix shares candid stories about breaking into radio, working overnight shifts in the early 90's at 92 CITI-FM, and the unpredictable calls that came with the job—including a surreal encounter with Dave Mustaine from Megadeth. We discuss her leap into American radio markets, the challenges of TV hosting, and the evolving landscape of voiceover work, especially with the rise of AI. Our conversation also explores Winnipeg’s quirks, from its ever-changing radio dial to its vibrant, sometimes strange local culture.

The listener survey can be found here. Complete it and I'll share with you, my Top 10 Podcast Hacks for 2025. 

Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the things you never knew what you were missing in your life.

Both the Sound Off Podcast and The Podcast Superfriends are apart of The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jen Moss and Roger Nairn, co-founders of Jar Audio, a company that rebranded as Jar Podcast Solutions in July 2025. They are a Vancouver-based podcast company specializing in branded content. Jen and Roger discuss their backgrounds in radio and advertising, and how those experiences shaped their approach to podcasting for brands and nonprofits. The conversation explores the challenges of making branded podcasts that are authentic and audience-focused, rather than advertorial. Jen and Roger share insights on building trust, measuring engagement, and the importance of putting the audience first. They address the lack of funding for Canadian podcast content and their efforts to advocate for government support.

JAR Podcast Solutions are also advocating for Canadian podcast content, asking the current Liberal government to recognize the medium's potential and provide necessary funding for innovative storytelling. You can see and sign the letter here. 

I also ask Jen and Rob to discuss the integration of video in podcasting, the evolving role of AI in production, and the differences between radio and podcast formats. Listeners gain practical tips for improving sound quality and preparation, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at Jar Podcast Solutions creative process and industry advocacy.

You can read more about the Jar Audio to Jar Podcast Solutions Rebrand here.

The listener survey can be found here. Complete it and I'll share with you, my Top 10 Podcast Hacks for 2025. 

Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the things you never knew what you were missing in your life.

Both the Sound Off Podcast and The Podcast Superfriends are apart of The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week’s episode marks nine years of the Sound Off Podcast, and it’s a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come—and where we’re going. From upgrading our sound and socials, bringing on sponsors, to adding video in a world that now scrolls for connection, our show has evolved alongside the media landscape.

In this episode, I dig into what’s broken in radio: a system that stretches talent like Stretch Armstrong—asking for more with less—and a stubborn over-reliance on music in an era where listeners can get any song, any time. What keeps people tuning in? Spoiler: it’s not the music—it’s the personalities. So why aren’t we hearing more from them?

We also talk about recent radio layoffs, a nostalgic Winnipeg radio reunion, and why spoken word content is more valuable than ever. Plus, I share the details on my new Studiobricks booth. Yes Matt Cundill voiceovers is still a thing; even though I don't talk about it a lot on the show.

The listener survey can be found here. Complete it and I'll share with you, my Top 10 Podcast Hacks for 2025. 

Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the things you never knew what you were missing in your life.

Take our SURVEY Here!

Both the Sound Off Podcast and The Podcast Superfriends are apart of The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.