Podcast Junkies - Conversations with Fascinating Podcasters

366: Marilyn Ball - Transforming Travel Tales into Community Impact

Apr 17, 2025

01:04:52

Ever wondered how to turn your passion for travel into a thriving podcast? Marilyn Ball's journey from marketing executive to host of "Speaking of Travel" offers invaluable insights.

Marilyn Ball, host of "Speaking of Travel," shares her inspiring transition from a successful marketing career to creating a travel-focused podcast. With over 500 episodes under her belt, Marilyn has mastered the art of storytelling and building a loyal audience.

In this episode, Marilyn reveals how she leveraged her marketing background to secure long-term sponsors and create a sustainable podcast business. She discusses the challenges of pivoting during COVID-19 and how she used the pandemic as an opportunity to explore deeper, more meaningful conversations with her guests.

Harry and Marilyn also delve into the importance of embracing new technologies, the power of community in podcasting, and how to stay true to your passion while growing your show. Marilyn's experience with recent natural disasters in her hometown of Asheville, NC, adds a poignant perspective on resilience and the human spirit.

Ready to take your travel podcast to the next level? Listen now to gain actionable insights from a seasoned podcaster who's successfully merged her love for travel with a thriving show.

Episode Sponsor

FullCast – https://fullcast.co/

5 Key Takeaways

1. Leverage your existing skills and background when starting a podcast. Marilyn's marketing experience helped her approach sponsorships strategically from the beginning.

2. Be flexible with sponsorship arrangements, especially when starting out. Marilyn used trade deals and shorter commitments initially before moving to annual sponsorships.

3. Batch record episodes to build a queue, allowing you to take time off while maintaining a consistent publishing schedule. Marilyn records extra episodes before traveling.

4. Consider hiring help for areas outside your expertise. Marilyn hired a business coach to help transition her focus fully to her podcast.

5. Reach out to potential guests and opportunities, even if it feels uncomfortable. Marilyn

emphasized the importance of getting out of your comfort zone to grow your show.

Tweetable Quotes

"I think sometimes, as you would probably recognize in an advertising career especially, that old imposter syndrome steps in. Like, who am I to be wearing this hat or doing these great things? And I think people sometimes misunderstand me for my accomplishments and what I've really been able to accomplish in my career and my life."

"I feel more strongly than ever that I have found my voice and I'm strong with that voice. And maybe people just don't recognize yet how important that is."

"It's almost like when you live out in nature for so long, you start living like nature does. Patience and perseverance. You don't really know that little pine cone is eventually gonna grow into that giant pine tree."