Are podcast "networks" holding creators back? Why does one company refuse the network label? And what is everyone missing about the business of podcast collectives? What if chasing the label of "network" is distracting podcasters from real, sustainable growth?

Amanda McLoughlin began her journey on YouTube before moving into podcasting as the co-creator and co-host of "Spirits," a show blending mythology, folklore, and casual conversation in a unique and engaging format. Amanda founded Multitude in 2018, a podcast collective dedicated to supporting creators and fostering collaboration across innovative, creator-driven shows.

Multitude rejects the traditional network model in favor of creator control, democratic structure, and long-term community building. Made up of podcasts united not just by format or subject matter, but by a shared ethos of curiosity, critical thinking, and genuine enthusiasm. Amanda's insights into collective operations, hands-off IP, and ad sales come from years of leading with relationships over hierarchy. She shares strategies for fostering creator autonomy, the pitfalls of public radio norms, and why prioritizing community over scale is the way forward.

Listen for:

11:13 Early days of video blogging

19:34 Understanding podcast creators' needs

46:14 Podcast creative consultation process

31:31 Building Authentic Industry Relationships

23:40 Creating sustainable podcast episodes

37:34 Finding the right podcast partners

1:06:39 Personalized ad sales strategy

CONNECT WITH GUEST: AMANDA MCLOUGHLIN, CEO | MULTITUDE

Website | LinkedIn

Amanda’s rec: Podcast Consider This for Comfort | Spirits: Mythology, Legends, & Folklore | This Guy Sucked | Tiny Matters Book Pleasure Activism: The Politics of Feeling Good

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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