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

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

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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

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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

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What does it look like to build a podcast network where the technical foundation feels as relational and dynamic as a theater ensemble? This conversation explores how the underlying tech and operational choices shape not only discoverability but also the everyday reality for creators, and why a podcast network’s digital backbone can become its most communal feature. Alan Seales brings a rare perspective, blending his background in computer science, Broadway performance, and Google engineering to build a podcast network that serves nearly 200 shows and rethinks how networks can support podcasters at scale.

Alan has led the Broadway Podcast Network since 2019, applying his hands-on technical skills to design everything from custom web platforms to automated systems. With experience both on stage and in major tech roles, he offers practical lessons from years of supporting and growing a sizable collection of podcasts in a distinctly creative industry. This conversation weaves together his personal journey, operational philosophy, and the values that drive the network, highlighting BPN’s unique approach to community, automation, and creative support.

Listen for:

00:00 Discussing podcast networks and operations

10:46 SEO focus and network benefits

19:35 Operating smoothly with podcast tools

28:57 Helping Clients Plan Podcasts

32:20 Podcast submission requirements

37:46 Talking about podcast growth and community

48:41 Building a podcast P&L system

54:53 Trying new podcasting strategies

56:08 Challenges with marketing strategies

01:12:15 Criteria for accepting podcast shows

CONNECT WITH GUEST: ALAN SEALES, CO-FOUNDER

Website | LinkedIn | The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales

Alan’s Podcast rec: The Lonely Island

Alan’s Book rec: The Aetherion Code by Bellamy Young

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

Website | LinkedIn

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

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Podcast Project Management with Northflow

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What happens when a podcast network builds its identity for listeners—much like a TV channel—instead of just providing services to creators behind the scenes? This episode explores why centering a podcast network’s brand can shape everything from show selection to audience community and long-term business value. It challenges the assumption that a podcast network is simply a vehicle for production and sales, and instead considers it as a consumer-facing brand that must earn long-term loyalty. Guest A.J. Feliciano brings a rare perspective—questioning whether “podcast” will even remain the right word, and pushing operators to rethink how networks build lasting value.

With a background in cable television—including nearly a decade at NBCUniversal—and experience building networks that emerged from large, fan-driven brands, A.J. Feliciano now leads the creation of a new kind of podcast network with Companion. His operational focus stretches from network structure to direct-to-consumer brand-building. If you’re curious what it looks like to operationalize a consumer-facing network from scratch, the full conversation goes much deeper.

Listen for:

00:00 Podcast networks and brand building

06:54 How podcast networks operate

15:04 Fostering community through meaningful content

20:12 Expanding Podcast Network Partnerships

30:18 Considering doing ad sales in-house

37:11 Discussing podcast network operations

43:24 Celebrities and podcast expectations

46:52 Approaching Podcast Networks

50:17 Identifying red flags in sales pitches

57:17 Building Creator Collaborations

01:06:42 Streamers licensing podcasts

WITH GUESTS: A.J. FELICIANO, GENERAL MANAGER

Website | LinkedIn

A.J.’s rec: Podcast Pop Syllabus | Book: Our Iceberg is Melting by John Kotter and Holger Rathgeber

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

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

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What does it really look like to build a podcast network where creators are central, not just featured? This episode explores how a creator-first philosophy shapes everything from formats to hiring—and why betting on people instead of just shows might be the overlooked lever for genuine audience connection. Joining are Andrew Kenward (president and COO, formerly an agent at WME) and Paige Hymson (EVP of Podcasts, with a background in traditional audio journalism), each bringing perspectives from both legacy media and new digital models.

Andrew draws on his agency experience and perspective as a founder, while Paige offers hands-on insights from years in newsroom-style podcasting. Together, they’re building a network with eight long-form audio/video series across sports and comedy, developed around a tightly defined audience and a collaborative, cross-platform approach.

Listen for:

07:40 Origin of Almost Friday Media

14:16 Importance of Visual Elements

21:03 Collaborating with talent and creators

22:30 Organizing YouTube content like TV studios

28:20 Talent investment versus network deals

38:33 Strategic planning for live events

42:55 Value of host read ads in video

53:13 Reviewing audience engagement regularly

01:01:33 Innovative media strategy and format

GUESTS: ANDREW KENWARD, PRESIDENT | COO

Website | LinkedIn

PAIGE HYMSON, EVP TALK CONTENT (SPORTS AND PODCASTS)

LinkedIn

Andrew’s Podcast rec: Prof G Markets | Book Leonardo da Vinci by Walter Isaacson

Paige’s Podcast rec: Wisecrack | Book Captain Cook: Exploring the Wide, Wide Sea

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

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

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Podcast Project Management with Northflow

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What happens when a podcast network is built with a laser-focused niche rather than sheer volume—and most of its shows are produced or hosted by the same person? In fields as specialized as legal compliance or rural West Texas storytelling, the logic behind network-building flips conventional wisdom. This conversation explores how specificity, not broad appeal, reshapes what a podcast network can do.

Tom Fox began his career as a lawyer and consultant before pioneering a compliance-focused podcast network in 2017. He now operates two networks—one with about 60 compliance shows (most hosted by himself), and another dedicated to local stories in Texas Hill Country. His approach is rooted in long experience creating, distributing, and monetizing highly specialized podcasts.

Listen for:

6:34 Starting a podcast

7:38 Podcasting motivations and process

10:24 Turning recordings into a podcast

19:54 Promoting shows through social media

22:52 Targeting niche compliance audiences

25:10 Advertising to small town businesses

28:33 Creating autobiography and podcast series

31:40 AI-generated content quality

34:56 Starting a local podcast network

40:28 Running a business without a website

48:10 Reflecting on meaningful conversations

CONNECT WITH GUEST: TOM FOX, VOICE OF COMPLIANCE, COMPLIANCE PODCAST NETWORK

Website | LinkedIn

Podcast rec: The Rest is History | Compliance Tip of the Day

Book rec: Deluge Before Dawn: Heartbreak, Survival and Resilience After the Guadalupe River Raged

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

Website | LinkedIn

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.