The first few versions of anchor were actually a social network. We wen't even using the word podcast. Podcasts were our inspiration. Once we made it easy for people to make audio, it was impossible for those creators to get an audience on our platform. And they said, hey, let us distribute to apple. Let me know if you have any questions or concerns about Anchor and its content. Send them to jennifer.smith@mailonline.com.
Today's show is a CLASSIC TWiST founder interview. Anchor Co-Founder Mike Mignano joins to tell Anchor's founding story (1:40), break down what it's like getting acquired by Spotify (15:32), and talk about how RSS standards might be stunting innovation in the podcasting space. (33:17)
0:00 Jason intros today's guest: Anchor Co-Founder Mike Mignano
1:40 Mike explains why he started Anchor, the original inspiration and first versions, finding PMF, building the nuts and bolts of a great podcast publishing experience
14:23 Helpware - Go to https://helpware.com/TWIST to get $1000 off your first invoice
15:32 Why Anchor sold to Spotify, the Series B term sheet they were considering at the time of acquisition, getting courted by Spotify CEO Daniel Ek, Anchor's first check story
24:44 LinkedIn Jobs - Post your first job for free at https://linkedin.com/twist
25:58 Why Apple hasn't innovated in podcasting, paid podcasts vs. advertising
31:59 Babbel - Save up to 60% off your language learning subscription at https://babbel.com/twist
33:17 Why Mike wrote his recent article: “The Standards Innovation Paradox”, evolving standards to increase innovation, the Substack example
Read Mike's article:
https://mignano.medium.com/the-standards-innovation-paradox-e14cab521391