Michael Bosstick - CEO of Dear Media on the Future of Podcasting and Digital Media
Sep 20, 2024
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Michael Bosstick, CEO and Co-Founder of Dear Media, shares his fascinating journey from e-commerce to podcasting. He reveals the challenges of bootstrapping and self-producing the immensely popular podcast, The Skinny Confidential Him & Her. Their innovative approach filled a gap in the industry, emphasizing female empowerment. Michael discusses entrepreneurship in a marital partnership, the journey to securing an $8 million Series A, and the importance of health and fitness in a demanding career. Exciting prospects like video production and live events are also explored.
Michael Bosstick's transition from digital brands to founding Dear Media illustrates the evolving landscape of podcasting and digital media.
Dear Media acts as a brand incubator, empowering creators to expand beyond podcasting into diverse markets with comprehensive support.
Michael emphasizes an audience-first mentality, prioritizing listener feedback to foster loyalty and enhance organic growth in their network.
Deep dives
Origin of Dear Media
The establishment of Dear Media stemmed from a desire to create a comprehensive platform beyond just podcasting. Initially started in 2017 by Michael Bostic and his wife, the focus was to utilize their podcast as a means to drive traffic to an existing blog. However, after joining another podcast network that offered limited support, they found a gap in the market for a more holistic approach that incorporated not only audio but also video and other digital mediums. This realization led them to self-produce content and ultimately launch Dear Media as a versatile media company aimed at empowering creators.
Brand Incubation Success
Dear Media operates as a brand incubator, helping creators extend their reach across various platforms and establishing their own businesses. Notable success stories include 'The Skinny Confidential' that evolved into a full-scale commerce brand with published books, as well as 'The Toast,' which launched a product called Spritz Society. Michael highlights the importance of recognizing and nurturing brands that can thrive beyond their initial formats, as evidenced by how they have helped hosts transform their shows into standalone brands. This comprehensive support system positions Dear Media as more than just a podcast network, enabling their clients to succeed in diverse markets.
Collaboration in Marriage and Business
Michael and Lauren's collaborative efforts showcase the effective blending of personal and professional lives. Having known each other since childhood, their relationship provides a strong foundation for their work dynamic. They maintain separate domains within Dear Media, allowing them to collaborate productively while retaining their independence. This balance has contributed to a successful marriage and business partnership, which they believe enriched their relationship rather than creating additional strain.
Audience-Centric Focus
A key element to Dear Media’s success resides in their audience-first mentality. Michael emphasizes the necessity of listening deeply to their audience to understand what content resonates, which allows them to tailor their offerings effectively. Unlike many companies that chase trends, Dear Media prioritizes serving their dedicated listeners and adjusting their strategies based on audience feedback. This attentive approach not only fosters loyalty but also promotes organic growth through word-of-mouth recommendations from satisfied listeners.
Personal Well-Being as a Foundation for Success
Michael stresses the significance of health and well-being, highlighting that personal fitness and mental health are crucial to his effectiveness as a leader and partner. He emphasizes a routine that prioritizes physical health and mental clarity, maintaining that being healthy allows him to operate more efficiently in business. By restructuring priorities to focus on health first, followed by his marriage and children, he believes one can foster better overall performance in personal and professional realms. This philosophy has transformed not only his lifestyle but has positively impacted his business operations as well.
On today's episode of The Casey Adams Show, I sit down with Michael Bosstick, CEO and Co-Founder of the Dear Media podcast network. Michael, along with his wife Lauryn, launched The Skinny Confidential Him & Her podcast in 2016, which has now surpassed 150 million downloads and become one of the world’s top podcasts. We dive into how Michael transitioned from building digital brands and direct-to-consumer businesses to pioneering a new era in podcasting. Michael shares the journey of bootstrapping, self-producing, and monetizing their podcast, which inspired the creation of Dear Media—a network focused on empowering female voices in the podcasting world. Tune in to hear how Michael and Lauryn identified a gap in the industry, took it into their own hands, and built a business model that’s revolutionizing how podcasts and digital channels intersect.
Learn more about Dear Media: https://dearmedia.com/
Follow Michael Bosstick on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelbosstick/
Follow Casey Adams on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/casey
Learn more about Listener: https://www.listener.com
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