Your Mic

Work with us: https://www.spekepodcasting.com/ (https://www.spekepodcasting.com/)

Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-mic/id1777171203

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1PQNHuqxIVhkLfjGYuWcxl

Listen to The Rose’s podcast Let’s Talk About Your Breasts: https://therose.org/podcasts/

Be sure to subscribe to @TheRoseHouston!

Taking a nonprofit podcast to 100,000 downloads is not as easy as you think. Founding CEO of The Rose, Dorothy Gibbons, joins Freddy to talk about building a mission driven show, survivor stories, heavy episodes, nervous guests, and her retirement. They dig into play, grief, legacy, and what it means to leave while the work keeps going.

About Speke Podcasting

You don’t need another “piece of content.” You need a show your people actually want to binge.

I’m Freddy Cruz, founder of Speke Podcasting. We produce podcasts for brands that are done waiting for “gatekeepers” to notice them. These are nonprofits, founders, experts, and troublemakers with something real to say.
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From idea to launch, my team handles strategy, production, editing, and promotion so you can do the fun part: show up, speak your mind, and let the right listeners find you again and again.​

Want a podcast that sounds nothing like everybody else in your feed?
Message me at [email protected].

Free resources: https://www.spekepodcasting.com/freeresources
Work with us: https://www.spekepodcasting.com/

Never compare your first mile to somebody else’s 19th—especially in podcasting. In this episode of Your Mic, I share a story about my neighbor Marcel, a former 150‑pounds‑overweight runner turned marathon machine, and what his mile 19 struggle can teach you about sticking with your show when you’re still on episode one.

You’ll learn why comparing your brand‑new podcast to giants like Joe Rogan, Steven Bartlett, or Mel Robbins is kryptonite for your confidence, and how to flip that energy into steady, sustainable growth instead. We dig into the mindset of playing the long game, plus the actual analytics that matter—Apple Podcasts engaged listeners, retention rates, and how to read drop‑off points so you know what to double down on and what to ditch.

If you’re riding the struggle bus on episode 1, 9, or 19 and wondering if it’s worth it, this one’s for you. Lace up, hit play, and let’s make sure you’re still in the race at episode 20, 200, or 20,000.

🔎 Inside this episode:

- The “first mile vs. 19th mile” mindset for podcasters
- Why copying big‑name shows kills your momentum
- How to use Apple Podcasts analytics (engaged listeners, retention, and more)
- What to repeat, what to retire, and how to stay in the game.

Work with us: https://www.spekepodcasting.com/

Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-mic/id1777171203

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1PQNHuqxIVhkLfjGYuWcxl
Subcribe to Podcast the Newsletter: https://podcastthenewsletter.substack.com/

Subscribe to Earbuds Collective: https://arielle-nissenblatt-4cfp.squarespace.com/

Arielle Nissenblatt and Lauren Passell sit down with Freddy for a no BS round of hot takes about the podcast industry. From fake innovation to recycled failures and hype over listeners, they dig into what actually builds shows that last. If you make or market podcasts, this conversation might hurt and help.

Cristiano Ronaldo bets on curiosity and Perplexity AI. Your favorite podcasts already own your time. This episode dares you to stop lurking in the audience and build your industry’s next favorite show in 2026.Key takeaways

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Curiosity is capital. When someone worth over a billion bucks backs a tool they actually use, it is a signal to stop treating your own curiosity like a hobby.

•

Every week you are clocking serious hours with your favorite hosts. Over years, that adds up to days of your life invested in someone else’s show.

•

That relentless listening habit is not random entertainment. It is proof you care enough about the medium to step behind the mic yourself.

•

The world does not need another polished cardboard expert. It needs your warts, your bad decisions, your “I almost quit” stories laid bare.

•

2026 is a clean slate. You can keep donating your time to everyone else’s feed or you can invest time, budget and courage into your own industry-defining podcast.

Subscribe to Your Mic on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@SpekePodcasting) , Apple (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-mic/id1777171203) , Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/1PQNHuqxIVhkLfjGYuWcxl) or wherever you get your podcasts (https://omny.fm/shows/spekepodcasting/playlists/your-mic) .

Grab your free Speke Podcasting Roadmap here (https://www.spekepodcasting.com/freeresources)

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Shoot Freddy an email: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .

Chung Wu risked his career to put clients first during the Enron crisis, embodying transparency and integrity above all else. Despite immense pressure and personal cost, he refused to compromise on doing what was right. Now, his philosophy centers on living a balanced life with honesty and purpose.

Learn more about Chung Wu here (https://www.cw-investmentgroup.com/) .

Subscribe to Your Mic on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@SpekePodcasting) , Apple (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-mic/id1777171203) , Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/1PQNHuqxIVhkLfjGYuWcxl) or wherever you get your podcasts (https://omny.fm/shows/spekepodcasting/playlists/your-mic) .

Shoot Freddy an email: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .

Key Takeaways

1.

Chung Wu contrasts Baby Boomers’ diligent approach to saving with younger generations (Gen X, Gen Z), who may prioritize present enjoyment and spending over long-term financial planning. The main idea is that while younger people may be smarter and more adaptive, melding intelligence with disciplined saving—such as consistently contributing to retirement accounts—is essential for future financial security.

2.

Chung Wu provides actionable options for business owners and solopreneurs, explaining that tools like a Solo 401k allow substantial savings outside typical employment plans. He also emphasizes that saving outside of retirement-specific accounts (“taxable” investments) can offer flexibility, but consistency and discipline remain crucial to long-term success.

3.

The story of Chung Wu’s Enron experience underscores his unwavering commitment to putting clients first, even at personal and professional cost. The main lesson is that integrity and transparency should guide all financial advice—doing right by clients matters more than following corporate directives, and this approach stands the test of time.

4.

Chung Wu shares that his passion for his work and continuous learning keeps him mentally sharp and engaged well past traditional retirement age. The big conceptual point: a fulfilling career isn’t just a means to an end, but an ongoing source of growth and satisfaction that’s good for both mind and body.

5.

For both his family and clients, Chung Wu stresses the value of honesty, balance, and enjoying life while being financially responsible. Wealth is not the sole measure of a good life; doing the right thing, helping others, and maintaining a strong ethical compass are the ultimate legacies he hopes to pass on.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Save Smart, Spend Wisely

04:23 Entrepreneur Investment Advice

10:32 "Work, Exercise, and Growth"

13:09 "Mindset Shift Brings Success"

18:21 "Fired for Criticizing Enron"

22:34 "Email Oversight and Compliance"

25:35 "Financial System Hypocrisy"

29:37 Balanced Investing Wisdom

30:39 "Embrace Intelligence, Stay Human"

Download free Speke resources: https://www.spekepodcasting.com/freeresources
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-mic/id1777171203
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1PQNHuqxIVhkLfjGYuWcxl

Earworthy newsletter publisher Frank Racioppi joins the show to spotlight the often-overlooked power of independent podcasters. They dig into why indie creators deserve a much larger role in the podcast ecosystem, how big networks and celebrity-fronted shows dominate headlines, and what that means for everyday listeners.

Frank shares the evolution of Earworthy—from amplifying network press releases to exclusively featuring independent shows—and explains how he discovers niche gems that serve very specific communities. He and Freddy also explore the hidden return on investment of podcasting for businesses and nonprofits, from internal culture-building and employee pride to long-term relationships that never show up on a CPM spreadsheet.

Together, they argue that some of the most creative, life-changing audio content lives far outside the big charts and corporate catalogs. For indie hosts, brand builders, and curious listeners alike, this conversation offers a fresh way to think about value, success, and sustainability in podcasting.

Learn more about Frank, and subscribe to Earworthy here (https://www.frankracioppi.com/copy-of-home) .

In this episode of Your Mic, Freddy Cruz sits down with Bruce Chamoff, founder of the World Podcast Network and host of Become a Successful Podcaster.

With over 1,200 shows in his portfolio and nearly two decades of experience, Bruce shares his journey from the early days of podcasting to the current landscape, where video, syndication, and discoverability are more important than ever. The conversation covers the evolution of podcasting, the real power of the RSS feed, how syndication works (with a Seinfeld analogy you won’t forget), and practical advice for podcasters at every level.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your show to the next level, this episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and actionable tips from one of the industry’s originals.

Learn more about World Podcast Network here (https://worldpodcast.network/podcasts/) .

Listen to Bruce’s podcast Become a Successful Podcaster here (https://worldpodcast.network/podcasts/podcast/be-a-successful-podcaster-with-bruce-chamoff) .

Subscribe to Your Mic on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@SpekePodcasting) , Apple (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-mic/id1777171203) , Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/1PQNHuqxIVhkLfjGYuWcxl) or wherever you get your podcasts (https://omny.fm/shows/spekepodcasting/playlists/your-mic) .

Shoot Freddy an email: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .

Buy tickets to Speke Fest: Night of the Living Pod here (https://spekepodcasting.com/spekefest2025) .

Key Takeaways


1. RSS Feeds Are Your Secret Weapon:
Bruce explains why the RSS feed is the backbone of podcasting, enabling distribution and syndication across platforms—and why every podcaster should understand how it works.

2. Syndication Is Like TV Reruns:
Using a memorable Seinfeld analogy, Bruce breaks down how podcast syndication can give your episodes a second life, reaching new audiences long after their original release.

3. Video Is Here to Stay:
The shift from audio-only to video-first podcasts is real. Bruce shares how embracing video can expand your reach and make your show more discoverable.

4. Show Notes and SEO Matter:
Detailed, keyword-rich show notes help your podcast get found in search—don’t overlook this simple but powerful tool.

5. Be Consistent, Be Yourself:
Bruce and Freddy agree: Consistency and authenticity are the keys to long-term success. Don’t chase trends at the expense of your unique voice.

Timestamped Overview


• 00:00 – 02:30
Introduction to Bruce Chamoff and the World Podcast Network; Bruce’s early days in podcasting.

• 02:31 – 07:15
The evolution of podcasting: audio to video, changing listener habits, and why video is now essential.

• 07:16 – 13:45
Deep dive into RSS feeds: what they are, why they matter, and how they power podcast distribution.

• 13:46 – 19:50
Syndication explained: Seinfeld reruns, podcast longevity, and how to get your show on more platforms.

• 19:51 – 25:10
The importance of show notes and SEO; practical steps to make your podcast more discoverable.

• 25:11 – 31:00
Common mistakes new podcasters make, and Bruce’s advice for building a show that lasts.

• 31:01 – End
Bruce’s final thoughts on the future of podcasting, his Mount Rushmore of podcasters, and where to find him online.

Support the show: https://cruzthroughhtx.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.

Reena Friedman Watts doesn’t do boring, and she definitely doesn’t do lazy podcast guests. In this episode, we break down what separates forgettable interviews from the ones that live rent‑free in your listeners’ heads: obsessive prep, real interaction, and hosts who are willing to bleed a little on the mic.​
We get into why you should never pitch yourself cold, how to use every appearance to sharpen your chops, and how deep, thoughtful follow‑up can turn you from “random listener” into “must‑book guest.” If you want to stop winging it and start showing up like a pro every time you’re handed a microphone, this one’s your blueprint.

Download free Speke resources: https://www.spekepodcasting.com/freeresources
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-mic/id1777171203
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1PQNHuqxIVhkLfjGYuWcxl

If you’re tired of gurus and hype, you’re not alone. On Be Amazing You, Lolita and I get real about building a show, why you probably have everything you need already, and the value of keeping things simple.

Your story is worth sharing. Just make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons.

Download free Speke resources: https://www.spekepodcasting.com/freeresources
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-mic/id1777171203
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1PQNHuqxIVhkLfjGYuWcxl

Speke Podcasting brings you a jet-fueled holiday special with Britney Crosson from Fun Love Media, dropping the secrets combos of social media and podcasting during the holiday season. If you dread marketing or want to ride the festive wave, Britney and Freddy break down omnipresence, platform picks, and why recycling content is pure genius. This chat shows how midlife podcasters and business owners can own their season, set custom goals, and create fun, audience-connecting content with half the stress.

Key Takeaways

Tapping into the holiday energy makes your brand pop and keeps your podcast or business ahead.

There’s no need to post everywhere, but choosing the right platforms for your audience gives you max payoff.

Reusing past holiday content is smart strategy, not laziness, especially for evergreen topics.

Forget chasing viral numbers unless you really want to — focus on engaged, realistic goals for your show or shop.

B-roll and quick-hit video clips are your shortcut to omnipresence, expanding reach across Instagram, Facebook, and beyond.