The Wolf Den

Laura Mayer, Executive Producer of Show Development at Midroll Media joins Lex Friedman and Chris Bannon on The Wolf Den. The three discuss Laura’s past in radio and how she defines her current role at Midroll. Laura also outlines the development process and what to look for in a successful podcast pilot.

Chris Giliberti, Head of Multiplatform at Gimlet Media joins Lex Friedman and Chris Bannon on The Wolf Den. The three discuss Giliberti's early days at Gimlet, and transition to his current position from his original role as Chief of Staff. Chris also explains his method for divining which podcast properties can be best adapted for screen as well as new emerging formats.

Colin Anderson, Executive Producer of Earwolf joins Chris Bannon on The Wolf Den. The pair discuss Colin’s background as a BBC Radio producer and how that led to a job in podcasting across the pond. Colin also describes his idea of what makes a show uniquely Earwolf, and some plans for the network moving forward.

Nathan Russell, Creative Director at UCB Comedy/Don't Think Productions and host of the UCB Digital Podcast joins Lex Friedman on The Wolf Den. The two discuss Nathan’s beginnings as an improvisor at the theater and how that eventually led to running their in-house production arm. Nathan also explains the UCB’s philosophy of trying things and seeing what sticks, and how the intimacy of podcasting lends itself to improv comedy in a way video often can’t.

Alison Hockenberry, chief of staff of Dubner Productions and executive producer of "Freakonomics Radio" and "Tell Me Something I Don't Know," joins Chris Bannon on The Wolf Den. The two discuss how Alison's background as a TV news producer eventually led her to running the "Dubner empire" by embracing the power of saying yes to things. Alison also explains the genesis of “Tell Me Something I Don’t Know” and details the early trial and error period that led to the show it is today. 

Brendan Monaghan, CEO of Panoply Media, joins Chris and Lex on the Wolf Den. The three discuss how journey from working at the digital arm of the Washington Post to podcasting at Panoply. Brendan also explains Panoply's Megaphone Targeted Marketplace and talks about the future of podcast content and listener metrics.

This episode is brought to you by Thursday Boot Company (www.thursdayboots.com code: FREESHIP2DAY).

Jason Concepcion and Mallory Rubin along with producer Zach Mack from The Ringer’s Binge Mode podcast join Chris on the Wolf Den. The four explain the thought process behind the unconventional rollout as well as the the rigors of releasing ten episodes per week. They also explain how a show about Game of Thrones fits in with the Ringer’s podcasting slate, and how they differentiated Binge Mode from the many other recap shows on the market.

Max Temkin, co-creator of Cards Against Humanity and the Chicago Podcast Cooperative, joins Chris and Lex on the Wolf Den. The three discuss how Cards Against Humanity went from a game created by high school friends to a highly profitable performance art piece. Max also talks about his reasons for starting the Chicago Podcast Co-op, his role in bringing Hello From the Magic Tavern to Earwolf, and his favorite podcast ads.

Kathy Doyle, senior director of audio for Macmillan Podcasts and the long-established Quick and Dirty Tips Network, joins Chris and Lex on the Wolf Den. The three discuss the creation of QDT, from its humble beginnings with Grammar Girl, to being featured as airline entertainment. Kathy also details the creation of Tor Labs and their first podcast, the science fiction audio drama “Steal the Stars.”

Samantha Henig, Editorial Director for Audio at the New York Times, joins Chris Bannon on The Wolf Den. The two discuss the creation and challenges of her hugely successful new daily news podcast, The Daily, as well as new opportunities for short-form daily podcasts. Samantha also explains how the Times itself defines what makes a Times podcast. Plus, managing the paper's famous editorial wall between advertising and journalism. And finally, the pros and cons of fielding podcast pitches.

This episode is brought to you by Shutterstock (www.shutterstock.com/WOLFDEN) and Podcast Advertising Works: How to Turn Engaged Audiences Into Loyal Customers by Glenn Rubenstein.