Channels with Peter Kafka Inside PJ Vogt’s low budget, super successful podcast
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Mar 19, 2025 
PJ Vogt, host of Search Engine and former co-host of Reply All, shares insights on transitioning from high-budget to lower-budget podcasting while maintaining quality. He emphasizes the importance of ownership and audience support for sustainability. Zach Mack, creator of the Alternate Realities series, dives into his personal journey navigating family conspiracy theories, exploring emotional dynamics and the impact of storytelling. Both guests highlight the evolving podcast landscape and the power of authenticity in engaging listeners.
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Crypto Island's Origin
- PJ Vogt initially resisted creating a miniseries on cryptocurrency.
- His editor, Shruti Panamanini, convinced him, leading to "Crypto Island."
Market Preference for Chat Shows
- While narrative podcasts are popular among creators, chat shows dominate listener preferences.
- Chat shows offer lower production costs compared to narrative podcasts.
Adapting to Market Changes
- The podcast market shifted with increased competition and declining ad revenue.
- PJ Vogt and Shruti Panamanini adapted by prioritizing a weekly explainer format for Search Engine.