Supercasters

This is our “life is what happens when you’re making plans” episode…On episode #5 of Supercasters, we spoke to Radiolab co-founder Mikel Ellcessor. It was chocked full of goodness for everyone who’s growing a paid membership plan. Well... a few weeks later, Mikel reached out to say he couldn’t stop thinking about Supercast-- and now he’s joined the team as Partnerships Lead! Today, Mikel and Jason Sew Hoy, Co-Founder of Supercast, talk about how it all went down, how to shape the right paid model in 2021, and Mikel's view on the two key things you need to get started with paid memberships.Timestamps1:37 Building the support role for creative people2:57 The sense of mission before publishing a podcast4:00 What Mikel learned about monetization at WNYC Studios and the two key things you need to start paid membershipsSign up to the premium feed (premium.supercast.com) and get access to the rest of the conversation below:6:06 Paid podcasting works for many different industries and creators7:15 What Supercast provides behind the scenes8:38 2021 is the time to get the paid membership program up and running9:58 A Thousand True Fans and how you can get that through podcasting11:00 The internet was full of advertisements in the nineties12:21 Getting memberships going for a diverse range of voices14:11 The open ecosystem and paid podcast communitiesLinksSupercastReach out to MikelReach out to Jason

In this episode, we're talking to Sachit Gupta, who has spent a decade helping creators grow their platforms, from Tim Ferriss to Mixergy's Andrew Warner and Seth Godin.Now he’s the Program Director for the On Deck Podcaster Fellowship: an 8-week remote program for podcasters who want to grow their audience and build lasting relationships. They combine a world-class curriculum, amazing mentors (like Harry Stebbings, Anthony Pompliano, Laura Shin) and an incredible community to help you find traction online.We are proud to announce that Supercast is the founding monetization partner for the first cohort of podcasters going through this program!Apply to the On Deck Podcaster Fellowship (applications close Jan 17th)Main points:How the On Deck Podcaster Fellowship helps you become a more effective podcaster with world-class mentors, a support network and moreHow Sachit grew Andrew Warner’s sponsorship revenue by 4x by ditching CPMsWhy sponsorships are NOT always the best way to monetizeDo you want 1 customer paying $100,000 or 1000 customers paying $100/year? Talk to your audience to understand what they want and the value you can offerUsing paid ads to market your podcast: What should you know?Enjoy!Timestamps1:44 How On Deck started4:53 The power of community: On Deck's Directory5:44 Training the next generation of podcasting talent: The Podcaster Fellowship7:17 How Sachit Gupta got into podcasting with Andrew Warner of Mixergy9:15 Podcast advertising doesn't make sense10:11 Growing revenue by 4x on a value basis12:57 Most podcasters don't know who will sponsor them next week15:18 Sponsorships aren't the best way to monetize16:11 What price point do you want to be at? 20:21 You can choose multiple price points21:45 The creative journey is a slow climb22:28 Talk to a niche audience first before broadening24:45 How to use paid ads to market your podcast28:43 Higher price points mean more handholding for customers30:48 Retaining paid subscribers, and the single-digit growth of Supercast customers33:11 Signing up to a premium feed is fast!34:12 Sachit is excited about the proliferation of audio36:22 What you can expect from the Podcast Fellowship37:35 Who should join the Fellowship?LinksOn Deck Podcaster Fellowship (applications close Jan 17th)Sachit Gupta's TwitterSachit's EmailA lot of people say they have writer's block, but not many people say they have talker's block. - Seth Godin

In this episode, we’re having a conversation with the Nicest Guy in Podcasting!Matt Staudt is the President of Jamstreet Media, a premium podcast production company based in LA that creates original podcasts for brands and the entertainment industry. With previous experience as a Morning Show radio host to the Founding Director of Content at Stitcher and launching 300+ podcasts at iHeartRadio, Matty's a true pioneer in the podcasting industry, as well as being a passionate teacher. He created the nation's first university-level podcasting department for the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. Whether it's developing original shows, coaching talent, or planning podcast strategy for hundreds of shows at once, Matty's a wealth of experience. We talked about:Growing a podcast on a scrappy budget: what are the key levers?Podcast mission statements and why you might fail without oneThe Matty Staudt Formula for a successful podcast using the 3 E’sWhy niche podcasts are more powerful than celebrity showsEnjoy!In the premium episode, we do a real life coaching session and get in the hot seat as Matt critiques our own show Supercasters. Don’t miss the teardown! Listen by subscribing to the Supercasters premium feed.Timestamps1:38 Matt's obsession with radio and swearing on air3:29 Joining Stitcher leading content5:57 The genres that were doing well in podcasting during Stitcher's start7:41 "I could do whatever I wanted with podcasts" Matt's role at Stitcher9:02 Speaking radio and podcasting, and the limits of radio10:35 The potential of radio talent in podcasting12:03 Starting up Jamstreet Media14:22 Meeting Joe Pistone, Vanessa Mdee and other amazing hosts17:40 What Matt is looking for in a successful podcast20:20 Always start with a mission statement21:42 The key levers to growing a podcast23:34 How Jamstreet Media taps into communities and community owners25:36 Celebrity podcasts won't last long27:49 The power of local niche podcasts28:45 Covering diverse and local voices32:02 The future of podcast monetization according to Matt StaudtLinksJamstreet Media WebsiteMatt’s TwitterJamstreet Media Facebook PageJamstreet Media Instagram

In this episode we are diving into getting your podcast discovered through audiograms, videos and much more, with Co-Founder of Headliner, Oliver Wellington.Oliver has built this tool to help many podcasters promote their podcasts through video, and grow their listenership. This is an important episode if you are serious about growing your show and want to up your marketing game.Major pointsWhy audiograms are effective for podcasts, and how you can grow your show by 2x-20xThe best places to use audiograms for your podcast3 levels of podcast marketing with a budgetIn the premium episode, Oliver shares what podcasters should do for the first time with video and more. Sign up for FREE here: premium.supercast.comTimestamps (+23s)1:58 Oliver's musician background and diving into entrepreneurship3:53 The birth of Headliner, the prototype and helping customers7:36 Finding the first few Headliner customers9:39 "We didn't charge for the first year"11:26 Podcast signups ever since COVID hit12:54 How Headliner works14:44 The best platforms to use audiograms16:03 The three levels of podcast marketing with a budget20:28 Podcasters growth from 2x-20x22:13 The Future of Headliner23:53 Oliver's thoughts on using video for podcastingLinksHeadliner AppOliver's LinkedIn

In this episode, we have Eric Siu, the Owner of Single Grain, a multimillion-dollar digital marketing agency that he bought for just $2. Eric doesn't just help his agency clients with content marketing, he actually practices what he preaches.As a veteran podcaster with over 2000 episodes recorded, he is the host of the Leveling Up podcast, interviewing entrepreneurs and savvy marketers, as well as co-host of the daily podcast Marketing School: Sharing unconventional marketing wisdom with fellow marketing guru, Neil Patel. Starting off Leveling Up with 9 downloads a day for the first year to 30, and now 100k downloads per month, Eric knows perseverance like no other, going through a harsh podcasting journey to get to where he is now.Major points:Eric's strategies for growth hacking, marketing and repurposing your podcastsWhat Single Grain did to land a $800,000/year deal for the daily show Marketing SchoolHow to leverage relationships from your podcast to become leads for your business and build a community around your brandIn the FREE bonus episode, Eric talks about the power of one-person media companies, building a community through online events and how a podcast benefits from keyword ranking. Just sign up to the premium feed on Supercast by going here!Enjoy!If you enjoy the podcast, we’d be honored if you could leave a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes. Help your fellow podcaster find us!Follow Supercast: @supercastFollow Jason: @jsewhoyTimestamps2:35 Taking control of his career: How Eric Siu started in internet marketing3:53 How Eric Siu saved Single Grain5:31 "If I can save this company, I can do anything"8:50 The Single Grain collection of different businesses10:27 Starting the Leveling Up and Marketing School podcast with Neil Patel12:48 Single Grain gets 15% of its clients from podcasting13:55 How Eric helps his podcast guests and interviewing angles15:23 Eric's podcast audience and the peer group16:48 Alley-Ooping relationships and getting clients from your podcast18:20 Eric Siu's growth hacks for marketing podcasts20:45 Hacks can get you banned in podcasting21:48 How Eric repurposes his podcasts22:53 "SEO and content marketing is 50% of our customers"24:35 $800,000 a year for Marketing School and other podcast income streams26:57 If you want to monetize your show, find out what your audience needs28:22 Gauge their interest level and looking at competitorsLinksSingle Grain WebsiteSingle Grain FacebookEric Siu's YouTubeSingle Grain's TwitterSingle Grain's Instagram

In this episode, we talked with Mikel Ellcessor, an independent producer who has an incredible track record of helping teams form their original podcast strategy.As Co-Founder of the critically acclaimed Radiolab podcast, a two-time Peabody award winner that focuses on the investigation of big ideas told through sounds and stories, he was in charge of monetization and helped raise over $6M direct from listeners.He now helps teams build their content, communication and monetization strategies through his company Limina House. He can be found on Twitter @mikelellcessor.We talked about:The difficulty of attracting advertisers for creatorsThe birth of Radiolab, the critically acclaimed podcastWhy the future is paying for podcasts according to MikelTips to raise money through fundraising, events and more from RadiolabRadiolab's tribe and the power of a podcast communitySubscribe to our FREE premium feed to hear bonus content instantly, including Mikel talking specifics about raising $6 million from listeners, how to figure out what they want and how to create a compelling ask.Enjoy!Timestamps2:00 Into the world of radio from 14 years old: Mikel's background4:45 The slow uptake of radio to podcasting7:10 Creators find it difficult to attract advertising8:41 How Radiolab started post 9/1112:46 Radiolab's slow, organic growth14:21 Finding your true self through podcasting17:17 Being in the lives of incredibly talented people and how to share that excitement20:12 The future is paying for podcasts, Mikel Ellcessor explains why22:57 Be clear and specific about what you're fundraising for27:21 Interrogate your own relationship with money29:38 Don't waste your listener's time31:23 The reason why people give you money36:16 Trying out events to monetize Radiolab38:06 Radiolab's tribe and the power of a podcast communityLinkMikel Ellcessor's TwitterLimina House WebsiteRadiolab

In this episode, we talk with Scott Smith, an entrepreneur, creator, and former top 40 DJ who's an expert in converting free listeners to a paid podcast. He is the Chief Motivating Officer of Motivation to Move, a self-help podcast that provides daily 9-minute coaching on the mindset and habits that create happiness, success, and the life you desire.Launched in 2006 Scott's show Daily Boost has received over 47 million total downloads. His paid product, Daily Boost Premium, provides even more value for his most engaged listeners.We talked about:Converting free listeners to paid members through special offersMarketing funnels to drive listeners into an email listGetting $88,000 in 20 minutesHow Scott grew to 47 million total downloads in his podcastEnjoy!---Subscribe to Supercasters Premium for FREE to get bonus content with every episode: premium.supercast.com (it’s free, takes 2 mins, no special apps to download).For this episode, the AMA in Supercasters Premium focuses on Scott's tips on retaining paid customers, the Skyscraper technique for podcasters, and podcast SEO.---If you enjoy the podcast, we’d be honored if you could leave a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes. Help your fellow podcaster find us!Follow Supercast: @supercastFollow Jason: @jsewhoyTimestamps1:46 How Scott Smith went from freelance to podcasting3:40 Getting listeners in 20055:55 Jumping from broadcast to podcast, and personality8:00 Going deep: Scott's membership site9:28 Launching in 2006, and the terminal diagnosis11:08 The motivation to start again13:34 Podcasts are intimate and about the listener14:52 "If you're gonna overtake the island, burn the ship"17:34 Growing memberships: you don't need a ton of listeners to make money19:31 How to get people to pay you through special offers21:45 The psychology behind a product vs. membership23:23 Cancel rate vs. sales rate for memberships24:32 Learning Scott's marketing funnels for his podcast28:11 Driving 1800 opt ins a month through other parts of the funnel29:44 Advanced segmenting and other techniques32:57 The evolution of Scott Smith's products through themes35:41 Getting $88,000 in 20 minutes38:21 Planning out 10,000 episodes' worth of content41:43 Reacting to audience rotation42:56 Building automations as a solo podcaster45:12 How Supercast helps with Scott Smith's membership program46:54 If Scott were to start overLinksMotivation to MoveThe show was created by Supercast, the easiest way to add a paid membership to your show. Get paid to podcast at supercast.com.

In this episode, we have an amazing conversation with Jesse Brown, Publisher and host of Canadaland, an independent news site and podcast network supported mainly by its audience. Focusing on Canadian media, news, current affairs and politics, Canadaland and its six shows get over a hundred thousand downloads every week.Throughout this podcast, we talked about:Crowdfunding and how it grows the Canadaland podcast networkRelationship dynamics between journalists and their audiencesPitching new shows and documentaries through membershipEnjoy!---Subscribe to Supercasters Premium for FREE to get bonus content with every episode: premium.supercast.com (it’s free, takes 2 mins, no special apps to download).For this episode, the AMA in Supercasters Premium focuses on Canadaland’s crowdfunding month, a big annual revenue driver, reducing churn for memberships and tackling controversial stories. ---If you enjoy the podcast, we’d be honored if you could leave a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes. Help your fellow podcaster find us!Follow Supercast: @supercastFollow Jason: @jsewhoyTimestamps 4:58 The birth of Canadaland and addressing media criticism7:04 What was wrong with the Canadian media8:21 Getting the first listeners and guests9:26 The risk for journalists in Canada12:09 Experimenting with video, reporting and storytelling14:03 "The audience was so distant and represented by the most extreme people"15:17 From free to paid: a deal with the audience18:21 How partnering with the audience influences Canadaland's direction20:25 "I don't agree with Jesse Brown, but I support Canadaland anyhow"21:42 The truth is not always something you want to hear22:45 Keeping a dialogue with the audience: how Jesse Brown does it26:10 Thunder Bay: Launching new shows and documentaries27:34 Pitching to the audience for money and support31:05 Using Supercast to provide more for the audience34:26 De-Jessefying Canadaland: Letting others take charge37:51 Accepting investments, and the million-dollar Tiny Foundation investment38:58 "They have no editorial influence or voting shares."Premium Timestamps43:03 How crowdfunding is a big driver of Canadaland's revenue growth45:36 Total listens as a network and how crowdfunding helps that49:08 Reducing churns for podcast memberships50:59 Patreon's flaws and how Supercast helps Canadaland53:05 Testing out more ideas for premium content54:34 What drives Jesse Brown to tackle big and controversial storiesLinksCanadalandSupport CanadalandJesse Brown's TwitterCheck out the bonus AMA at our premium Supercast feed!CreditsSupercasters is a Kelly&Kelly production. The show was created by Supercast, the easiest way to add a paid membership to your show. Get paid to podcast at supercast.com.

In this episode, Co-Founder of Double Up and Supercast Aidan Hornsby interviews David Perell on building an audience through Twitter and the impact of writing online.David Perell is a prolific writer, investor, and founder of Write of Passage, an intensive online writing course to accelerate your career. As host of the North Star Podcast, he interviews successful people such as Neil deGrasse Tyson, Jason Fried, and Ryan Holiday on what drives them.We talked about:The impact of building an audienceHow David’s twitter account is more valuable than his college diplomaThe business school of the futureHow podcasts open David’s mind up to new ideasCreating a Personal MonopolyEnjoy!---Subscribe to Supercasters Premium for FREE to get bonus content with every episode: premium.supercast.com (it’s free, takes 2 mins, no special apps to download).For this episode, our bonus section includes David talking through his flywheel business model, which neatly illustrates how his writing, tweeting, podcasting, teaching, and investing all come together and build on each other for compounding effect.---If you enjoy the podcast, we’d be honored if you could leave a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes. Help your fellow podcaster find us!Follow Supercast: @supercastFollow Jason: @jsewhoyTimestamps2:08 From television anchor to writer: David Perell's story3:42 Writing is the new networking6:07 Playing with and communicating interesting ideas6:54 Starting the North Star Podcast9:37 "My audience is the single most valuable thing in my life"10:58 Download numbers are not the quality and size of your audience12:14 The unlimited competition for somebody's attention online14:47 Starting out on Twitter, and social media feeds16:08 Twitter is a filter for people who resonate with you17:07 Conversations tear down the mazes of our internal psychology19:22 How podcasts open David's mind up to new ideas20:57 Each medium has a bias22:52 Why we should give lots of free stuff away25:51 Personal Monopoly and intersecting ideas through writing29:17 Testing business models and writing with passion30:27 Being the center of attention paralyzes us32:28 The power of writing pseudonymously34:52 Audience building is a game of compounding37:45 How David Perell became successful on Twitter39:24 Focusing on email, podcasting is a black box40:29 Podcasts are an opportunity for trust42:51 Podcasts coincide the most with ordinary life45:15 Building the business school of the future46:46 Building audience-first productsPremium Timestamps0:49 David Perell's Flywheel business model3:22 The difference between open and closed social platforms6:02 YouTube is the second largest search engine in the world8:42 The book as a business card, and a subscription podcast12:50 David Perell's tips on building your audienceLinksDavid Perell's WebsiteDavid's TwitterWrite of PassageCreditsSupercasters is a Kelly&Kelly production. The show was created by Supercast, the easiest way to add a paid membership to your show. Get paid to podcast at supercast.com.

Pat and Matt share their stories on how Smart Passive Income came to be, partnering up as a team to scale the business, and insights on connecting with fans and listeners alike. From finding new listeners, to earning the ability to generate an income, this episode is packed with insights on how to get to scale, monetize and take your podcast to new heights. Enjoy!---Subscribe to Supercasters Premium for FREE to get bonus content with every episode: premium.supercast.com (it’s free, takes 2 mins, no special apps to download).For this episode, our bonus AMA with Pat & Matt covers how to get off the hamster wheel of feeling like you’re beholden to your content business and more.---If you enjoy the podcast, we’d be honored if you could leave a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes. Help your fellow podcaster find us!Follow Supercast: @supercastFollow Jason: @jsewhoyTimestamps3:04 How Pat started Smart Passive Income6:24 Joining forces with Pat: Matt's journey in leadership9:17 Growing your listeners: Pat's approach to podcast growth10:28 "Podcasting is the new blogging"12:21 Where you should really focus to grow your show13:36 Connect with the right people and collaborations14:37 Look for pre-existing communities16:04 The business side of things: Monetizing SPI18:08 Patreon, memberships and choosing how to support you18:55 Niche down to find your community22:25 How to justify putting a price on something23:31 Earn the trust of your listenership24:37 "You've earned the ability to generate an income"26:57 Do ads in podcasting still work?29:39 The podcast is a two-way conversation30:47 Survey your listeners, connect with them31:26 Connect with listeners directly through membership35:00 Pat on how to turn your listeners into paying members35:50 The power of social media and following up directly wiith your fans37:27 Every Friday, Pat Flynn sends out 50 messages to fans39:47 Staying as a solopreneur vs. growing with a team41:24 What are the priorities in your business?42:42 "It starts and ends with vision"44:34 Action without vision is an nightmare46:16 Matt shares the Multi-Generational Plan of SPI48:45 Upgrading your mentors and Pat's reflections51:25 Work on your $1000/hr tasks53:24 What to let go when starting over54:32 The 3 lists of freedom56:31 The challenge of stopping something you love doingLinksInternet Business MasterySmart Passive IncomeSmart Passive Income PodcastAskPat 2.0FuseboxPat Flynn's TwitterMatthew Gartland's LinkedInVirtual Freedom by Chris DruckerRocket Fuel by Gino WickmanAustralian Birth Stories by Sophie WalkerScanner School by Phil LichtenbergerCreditsSupercasters is a Kelly&Kelly production. The show was created by Supercast, the easiest way to add a paid membership to your show. Get paid to podcast at supercast.com.