What does it really take to launch your first podcast event?

I had big plans for Speke Fest—months of work, meetings, and some tough lessons.
Three things stand out:

• The challenge of bringing people together

• Learning from honest feedback

• Finding real connections when things don’t go as planned

Let’s talk about what worked, what didn’t, and what comes next.

Subscribe to Your Mic on YouTube, Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Shoot Freddy an email: [email protected].

Key Takeaways

1. Freddy reflects on the immense amount of work and unpredictability involved in organizing his first podcast event, Speke Fest. Despite ambitious goals for attendance, turnout was much lower than expected, showcasing the gap between expectations and reality in live event planning.

2. Freddy emphasizes the irreplaceable value of in-person networking and relationship-building, especially in a world increasingly dominated by technology and AI. He argues that authentic human connection remains at the heart of meaningful business interactions.

3. The event’s marketing efforts were comprehensive—organic social, newsletters, collaborations—but failed to deliver the turnout anticipated. Freddy learns that relying heavily on one advertising channel (like newsletters) isn’t enough, and skills like paid social ad management are crucial for event success.

4. Freddy shares candid feedback he received and discusses the value of tough love and honest evaluation, admitting shortcomings while also defending the real benefits attendees gained. He stresses that acknowledgement of mistakes is essential for growth and future improvement.

5. Despite feeling personally embarrassed and let down by the low attendance, Freddy highlights the importance of perseverance and willingness to risk failure. He shows vulnerability about setbacks but insists on learning from them and moving forward without regrets.

A freeway, a baby blue mansion, a banged-up car, and the kind of conversation only a dad can spark. In this episode, everyday moments turn into lessons about real value. Shiny billboards and glossy TV spots look impressive, but the microphone in your hand is where the magic lives. When the world is obsessed with polish and luxury, the smart move is to double-down on what’s personal, scrappy, and true.

Key Takeaways

• Podcasting is underrated gold hiding in plain sight.

• Big budgets don’t guarantee big impact.

• Real connection always outshines fancy advertising.

• The most powerful stories aren’t always dressed up or expensive.

• Invest in authenticity, stay curious, and let the crowd chase flash while you win with substance.

Subscribe to Your Mic on YouTube, Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Shoot Freddy an email: [email protected].

Pop star Anna Storm joins the pod to share powerful lessons on confidence, creativity, and perseverance.

A creator at heart, Anna dives into the importance of remembering why you started your journey and how to maintain the courage to keep shooting your shot. Plus, she reveals the unforgettable advice her dad gave her about quitting—words that will resonate with creators and podcasters alike.

Be sure to share the show with fellow creators and subscribe to never miss an episode packed with insights from the world of creators.

Key Takeaways

1. Anna Storm emphasizes that confidence is a creator’s biggest asset. Whether you’re a music artist or a new podcaster, everything starts with believing in yourself. Without self-belief, the fear of rejection will hold you back from reaching out, creating, and putting your work into the world.

2. Rejection is inevitable, but Anna highlights that fearing rejection prevents progress. Instead, creators should keep trying, keep connecting, and accept that for every no, there will be a yes. It is essential to not let fear define your actions or dampen your creative pursuits.

3. Inspired by lessons from her late father—who instilled the mindset of not knowing what “quit” means—Anna discusses how real failure only happens if you give up. Pushing past setbacks is a universal principle for anyone building something meaningful, whether it’s a podcast, business, or music career.

4. Anna’s collaboration with Petey Pablo, born from a simple TikTok connection, is a testament to the new ways independent creators can work together. Avoid over-complicating collaboration; sometimes you just need to ask, and be open to possibilities rather than waiting for perfect circumstances or gatekeepers.

5. For anyone considering quitting their podcast (or any pursuit), Anna advises remembering the drive and intention that got you started. Self-doubt is temporary, and maintaining focus on your original motivation can help you push through rough patches, making room for future opportunities and growth.

Follow Anna on Instagram and on YouTube.

Subscribe to Your Mic on YouTube, Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Shoot Freddy an email: [email protected].

An offhand comment can quickly turn someone into the accidental villain online, as public reaction transforms an innocent remark into a widespread controversy. The story of Ethan Zuckerman, who created the pop-up ad, shows how a single idea can ripple across the Internet and change digital culture. Moments meant to be private, whether spoken or posted, can go viral in unexpected ways, fundamentally shifting how reputations are formed and destroyed. Even one sentence on a podcast or social media post can have far-reaching consequences, and the perceived safety of screenshots or recordings is often an illusion—digital content rarely stays private. With these realities, anyone holding a microphone and an audience must recognize the weight of that responsibility.

• Viral backlash can stem from seemingly private or trivial content shared online.

• Screenshots and recordings are easily disseminated, erasing privacy.

• Speaking publicly always carries lasting impact, making accountability essential.

Key Takeaways

1. The Lasting Impact of Digital Communication
Main Takeaway:
Anything you share online or in a podcast—whether you consider it “private” or public—can be screenshotted, shared, and remembered indefinitely. Even if you delete something, it could still come back to haunt you. Your words, once published, are permanent in the digital era.

2. Responsibility that Comes with Having a Public Platform
Main Takeaway:
With the power of the microphone and any public forum comes a responsibility to your audience. “Listeners never unhear”—meaning you need to consider your words before speaking, as you can't take them back after they're out in the world. Owning what you say is crucial.

3. The Dangers of Offhand Comments and Virality
Main Takeaway:
Just like the creator of the pop-up ad inadvertently unleashed chaos, a simple offhand comment on social media or a podcast can make someone the “accidental villain.” A single remark can go viral, leading to negative consequences like getting doxed, shamed, or even canceled.

4. Exercising Restraint and Respect in Content Creation
Main Takeaway:
It's not about avoiding tough or controversial topics, but rather about delivering them artfully and with class. Practicing restraint and thinking before speaking is a “real superpower” in podcasting and on social media. Not every thought needs to be shared, especially if it won’t serve or elevate the audience.

5. The Importance of Intention and Community Standards
Main Takeaway:
Intent is nice, but the real goal is to positively impact your audience. Set boundaries for what is acceptable to discuss, and foster a respectful listener community. Be intentional and mindful of the broader impact of your words and actions—not just their immediate effect.

Buy Speke Fest tickets here!

Subscribe to Your Mic on YouTube, Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Shoot Freddy an email: [email protected].

What happens when you have a goal that keeps getting moved to the next year, and then someone comes along with a way to make it real? Dorothy Gibbons put "start a podcast" on her list—year after year—without even knowing how podcasts worked. Now, "Let's Talk About Your Breasts" brings stories out of the Rose that would otherwise go unheard.

• Hear why telling your own story matters.

• Find out what happens when a guest meets the doctor who changed her life.

• See how sharing these stories makes a difference far beyond Texas.

Key Takeaways

1. The Power of Storytelling and Sharing Patient Experiences
Takeaway:
The podcast provides a unique platform for individuals—especially patients—to tell their own stories in their own words, free from the limitations or editing common in traditional media. This empowers guests and creates genuine connections with listeners, who may recognize themselves in the stories and feel inspired to take charge of their health.

2. The Mission-Driven Nature of The Rose and Its Podcast
Takeaway:
At its core, the podcast is an extension of The Rose’s commitment to breast cancer awareness, early detection, and support for those affected. By featuring a wide array of patient, staff, and community voices, they amplify their advocacy, educate the public, and emphasize the importance of self-care and being your own health advocate.

3. Evolution, Growth, and Endurance in Podcasting
Takeaway:
The journey from a modest conference room setup to a professional studio and tens of thousands of downloads highlights the significance of perseverance and continual growth. Success in podcasting requires going the distance, focusing on improvement rather than instant results, and maintaining an element of fun and engagement for both the hosts and the audience.

4. The Importance of Community and Support Networks
Takeaway:
The Rose's work is made possible by a broad community—including sponsors, foundations, and individuals—demonstrating the importance of collective support in healthcare and nonprofit spaces. The podcast not only celebrates survivors but also the partners and supporters who make the mission possible.

5. Broad Reach and Impact of Podcasting as a Medium
Takeaway:
Podcasting enables stories and health information to reach listeners far beyond local boundaries, spreading awareness and education globally. This accessibility has the power to touch and influence lives internationally, often in places where such stories and knowledge are desperately needed.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign Launch

03:56 "Reflective Goal-Setting Outside Work"

09:17 "Emotional Roller Coaster at Shrimp Boil"

10:28 "Emotional Podcast: Courage and Loss"

14:48 "Prioritizing Others Over Health"

18:54 Podcasting's Global Impact on Awareness

20:56 "Learning Podcasting: Focus Before Analytics"

Johatsu—the phenomenon of Japan’s “evaporated people”—sheds light on the extreme decision to abandon everything and vanish from one’s own life. These stories aren’t just shocking; they force listeners to think about why someone chooses to disappear and what that means about society’s expectations and personal struggles. Sharing these hidden stories can inspire deeper honesty when telling your own, especially if those stories cut through silence and break the mold. Focusing on raw, taboo, or underrepresented experiences helps podcasts make real connections with their audience.

• Powerful stories reach the people who need them most.

• Taboos lose their grip when someone starts the conversation.

• Connecting with a few listeners creates lasting impact.

Buy Speke Fest tickets here!

Subscribe to Your Mic on YouTube, Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Shoot Freddy an email: [email protected].

Key Takeaways

1. Johatsu: The Reality of Evaporated People
Takeaway:
Johatsu refers to people in Japan who vanish into anonymity, often with help from specialized companies, erasing themselves from their old lives. This phenomenon isn’t just a sensational story—it's rooted in specific communities and deep, unspeakable pain, reflecting real struggles with identity and escape.

2. The Power of Specificity in Storytelling and Podcasting
Takeaway:
Hyper-specific stories capture attention more effectively than broad topics. Freddy emphasizes that podcasts should drill down to highly focused demographics or stories, making listeners feel seen and understood—such as targeting "diabetic female patients in their 50s in Texas" rather than a broad "health and fitness" audience.

3. Addressing Taboo and Uncomfortable Topics
Takeaway:
Shows that dive into taboo or culturally avoided subjects resonate deeply because they address pain points or shame that people usually keep hidden. By creating space for these conversations, podcasts can foster connection and support, breaking down cultural barriers—like discussing breast cancer or death openly.

4. Building for a Small, Loyal Audience Instead of Mass Appeal
Takeaway:
Niche focus fosters a stronger, more loyal community. Instead of chasing big numbers, podcasters should aim for the "smallest viable audience" that is both sustainable and deeply engaged. Speaking directly to a well-defined group leads to greater impact and authenticity.

5. Flipping the Script: From Disappearing to Owning Your Story
Takeaway:
Rather than hiding pain (as in Johatsu), podcasts have the power to encourage listeners to vocalize and embrace their struggles. By running towards the challenging conversations and transforming shame into community, podcast hosts can foster connection and help people feel less alone in their experiences.

Experience the behind-the-scenes journey of “Age of Audio” with producer/director Shaun Michael Colon, whose seven-year passion project culminates in a documentary about the people, stories, and struggles that shaped podcasting. VIPs will get a special screening at Speke Fest, National Museum of Funeral History.

Get your tickets here.

Watch the “Age of Audio” trailer here.

Five Key Takeaways

• Bringing “Age of Audio” to life took unmatched perseverance, resilience, and creative drive over seven years.

• Shaun’s chance encounters—including hanging out with Ira Glass—led to pivotal opportunities for the documentary.

• Key figures in podcasting, from Roman Mars to Kevin Smith, contributed unique perspectives that enriched the narrative.

• The pandemic extended the project, ultimately making the documentary more relevant and dynamic in capturing the industry’s highs and lows.

• Shaun’s journey highlights the importance of tenacity: facing financial hurdles, festival rejections, and emotional lows—all in service of telling a story for podcast makers and listeners alike.

Michael Osborne, creator of Famous and Gravy, shares wisdom on podcasting success, gamification in audio, and building a meaningful show that hooks listeners from the first minute. Hear about his creative process and audience engagement, and catch him as a keynote at Speke Fest.

Listen to Famous and Gravy here.

Get your Speke Fest tickets here.

Five Key Takeaways

• Starting a new podcast requires setting realistic expectations—it’s hard, competitive, and demands true creative passion.

• Famous and Gravy’s signature “bluff the listener” quiz cold open combines gamification, trivia, and audience participation for maximum impact.

• Building a show starts with analyzing, critiquing, and learning from favorite podcasts and creators, just like writers study literature.

• Consistent engagement with listeners through interactive segments has unlocked new insights and helped grow Michael’s audience organically.

• Success isn’t about finishing—the journey and love for the process are what sustain creators, leading to professional and personal growth.

Nestle, despite being a global powerhouse, stumbled hard when they tried to launch coffee in Japan because they didn’t account for local tastes. I walk you through how the campaign flopped and how they finally rebounded by listening to the culture, rolling out Kit Kats tailored for the Japanese market, which became a huge success. 

My takeaway for podcasters is simple: listen to your audience, experiment boldly, and shape your content to fit the people you want to serve.

Key Takeaways

1. The Importance of Cultural Adaptation (The Nestle Story)

• Takeaway: Success isn’t about pushing a product (or podcast) onto an audience, but about adapting to that audience’s unique tastes and preferences. Just as Nestle won over Japan by shifting from coffee to KitKat bars tailored to local culture, podcasters should listen to their audience and adjust their content accordingly.

2. The Value of Feedback and Pivoting

• Takeaway: If your podcast isn’t gaining traction—downloads are low, retention stinks—don’t just keep doing more of the same. Seek feedback from your listeners through surveys, polls, or direct conversations, and be willing to pivot your format, topics, or approach based on their needs and interests.

3. Focusing and Niching Down

• Takeaway: A podcast that tries to cover “everything” or lacks a clear focus struggles to build an audience. The host shares his personal journey from a broad, unfocused podcast to a localized, Houston-centric one, showing that niche focus leads to more sharing, engagement, and listener loyalty.

4. Flexibility in Format and Experimentation

• Takeaway: You don’t have to stick to a single format, length, or style for your podcast. Be willing to experiment—mix solo and interview episodes, adjust episode length, or even try live recordings. This adaptability can help you discover what truly resonates with your listeners.

5. Building Relationships Through Authenticated Hosting

• Takeaway: Listeners primarily connect with the host, not just the guests. By letting your personality come through, balancing interview and solo content, and being authentic, you foster a deeper relationship with your audience—one that keeps them coming back for more.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 "The Art of Targeted Podcasting"

04:13 "Self-Employment After 455 Rejections"

08:21 Podcast Success Through Adaptation

12:09 Embrace Versatility in Content

14:12 Podcasting Sound and Experimentation

Subscribe to Your Mic on YouTube, Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Shoot Freddy an email: [email protected].

Pepsi’s infamous “number fever” fiasco in the Philippines led to chaos, riots, and even tragedy, yet the brand ultimately survived and thrived. I found a powerful parallel, reminding creators that even their biggest failures will fade into obscurity.

The real victory is choosing to keep going and pressing record, no matter the setbacks.

Key Takeaways

1. Major brand mistakes happen—even to global giants
Takeaway:
Even massive and successful companies like Pepsi can make serious, costly mistakes (like the $20 million “number fever” debacle in the Philippines). No one is immune to failure, no matter their size or reputation.

2. Mistakes aren’t the end—they’re survivable and often forgotten
Takeaway:
Big errors or failures might feel catastrophic in the moment, but their impact fades quickly. History is full of forgotten blunders, and even huge mistakes rarely tarnish a brand or individual forever.

3. Failure is a universal and necessary part of creative and business pursuits
Takeaway:
Whether you’re a new podcaster or seasoned professional, you’ll make mistakes (missed appointments, tech problems, awkward moments). These mishaps don’t define you—they simply prove you’re human and learning.

4. Resilience is more important than perfection
Takeaway:
Success comes from persistence, not avoiding mistakes. The real beauty and growth in podcasting (and life) comes from repeatedly showing up, learning from setbacks, and moving forward instead of quitting.

5. The passage of time erases almost all failures
Takeaway:
The things that feel so embarrassing or “disastrous” today will be forgotten—in 99 years no one will remember your missteps or awkward episodes. The fear of being remembered for mistakes is mostly in your head.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Pepsi's $20M Mistake Lessons

03:56 Forgotten Mistakes Fade Quickly

07:33 Keep Podcasting, Imperfection Inspires