Channels with Peter Kafka Podcast Pioneer PJ Vogt’s Second Act: Less Budget, More Control
Dec 24, 2025
PJ Vogt, a podcasting pioneer and creator of Search Engine, shares insights from his journey after co-hosting Reply All. He dives into the contrasts between narrative and chat formats, revealing the challenges of producing a quality show with a smaller budget. With a focus on audience engagement, PJ explains the importance of ownership and independence, highlighting the success of his hybrid audio approach. He reflects on past experiences, workplace culture, and the future of storytelling in podcasting, all while balancing innovation and sustainability.
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Narrative Podcasts Require Big Resources
- Narrative podcasts are resource-heavy and often a product of large teams rather than a single authorial voice.
- PJ Vogt decided to build a smaller, sustainable show that fits limited resources and retains independence.
Market Forces Shaped Show Design
- The podcast market shifted from abundant funding to a tougher ad market with lower CPMs and more competition.
- Vogt shaped Search Engine as a weekly explainer to reach profitability faster under those market realities.
Pilot Early, Pre-Produce A Quarter
- Pilot formats before launch to discover what works for your skills and budget.
- Ship early but pre-produce a chunk of episodes to learn and keep a reliable release cadence.