What happens when a podcast network is built not from traditional media roots, but from a software platform focused on indie creators? This episode explores the practical implications of bringing technology and community features together, redefining how a podcast network can operate and who it serves. Guest Alex Sanfilippo shares how listening to users shaped the structure and philosophy of his network.

Alex Sanfilippo is the founder of PodMatch, a software company started in 2020, something like a dating app for hosts and guests for podcast interviews. At the end of 2024 he created the PodMatch Podcast Network, operating as a community-driven collective with a strong backbone of software-enabled discoverability and collaboration. It functions as a “growth and support network” for independent interview-based podcasters, helping them get organized, improve, and “graduate” to their next stage. Technology multiplies the value of connection, but the heart remains member-to-member support and skill-building. Monetization is a secondary benefit. With over 500 podcasts now part of the network, listen to how Alex's built and scaled this unique network.

Listen for:

:00 Exploring Podcast Network Dynamics

9:04 Building small community meetups

11:56 Community-driven podcast collaboration

19:17 Identifying a gap in the market

31:10 Finding the why in goals

39:09 Building collaboration network tools

44:39 Podcaster cost support initiative

52:43 Building a Podcast Network

1:01:27 Focus on individual connections

CONNECT WITH GUEST: ALEX SANFILIPPO, PODCASTER AND FOUNDER OF PODMATCH

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Podcasting Made Simple Podcast

Alex’s Book rec: The Mom Test by Rob Fitzpatrick

CONNECT WITH GREG WASSERMAN, HEAD OF RELATIONSHIPS FOR RSS.COM

Website | LinkedIn

Greg’s book rec: Return on Courage by Ryan Berman

Systems, Sponsors, and Partners:

Hosted with RSS.com Podcast Hosting

Produced by Stories & Strategies

Content Repurposed with Castmagic

Podcast Project Management with Northflow

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