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:

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Produced by Stories & Strategies

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Podcast Project Management with Northflow

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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

Please share your thoughts and record a voice note for me using this link.

What makes a podcast network truly distinctive? In this conversation, the focus shifts to networks that do more than aggregate existing content. Instead, they build new shows from the ground up, taking real creative risks on untested ideas. It’s a hands-on, developmental model, shaped by leaders willing to take part in every stage of show creation. Mike Jensen embodies this approach, blending years of experience in sponsorship and content development with a personal investment in each project.

Mike Jensen draws on decades in media—AOL, the Wall Street Journal, and leadership roles in podcasting—to build Rhapsody Voices, a boutique podcast network with more than 40 shows across diverse genres. His career-long expertise in advertising and partnerships sets the foundation for a style of network leadership that prioritizes development, realism, and deep collaboration.

Listen for:

00:00 Navigating the podcast network world

6:27 Managing a boutique show network

11:02 Building Community Through Podcasts

13:52 Analyzing marketing goals and strategies

15:58 Discussing ad delivery strategies

20:33 Educating creators on ad strategy

23:22 Understanding Audience Size for Sponsorship

26:35 Choosing the right podcast network

37:38 Startup challenges and early focus

50:32 The impact of podcasts on culture

CONNECT WITH GUEST: MIKE JENSEN | CEO

Website | LinkedIn

Mike’s Podcast rec: The Players Box | Today, Explained | Question Everything

Mike's Book rec: The Algebra of Happiness by Scott Galloway

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

Website | LinkedIn | Newsletter

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

Please share your thoughts and record a voice note for me using this link.