“If you're doing a weekly podcast, the fastest way to double your downloads… is to do two episodes a week.” – Gary Arndt

What an incredible episode this was. Gary Arndt isn’t just a successful podcaster — he’s a walking case study in consistency, discipline, and strategy. I've followed Gary for years, and to have him on Smarter Podcasting was not only a privilege, but a personal highlight.

Gary’s podcast Everything Everywhere Daily has over 50 million downloads, and unlike many shows, it’s a solo, scripted, short-form, daily podcast. No guests. No fluff. Just educational content delivered with precision. He does it all himself — and he does it every day.

As a podcaster and podcast producer, I found this conversation both inspiring and humbling. Gary breaks the rules you think you're supposed to follow — no niche, no guests, no endless chitchat — and instead builds a show he wishes someone else had made. And it works.

This is one of those episodes you'll want to listen to more than once.

Key Takeaways

• Your show needs a reason to exist: Most podcasts fail because they’re not actually compelling.
• Forget interviews (unless you're landing A-listers): Gary chose to do a solo, scripted show because the guest-based format is oversaturated and hard to scale without big names.
• Frequency + Quality = Growth: A daily show means more discovery opportunities. More reps. More downloads. But it only works if the content is great.
• Podcast promotion works best… on podcasts: TikTok, Instagram, social media in general? Nice for awareness, but they don’t convert. Podcast listeners hang out on podcast apps — meet them there.
• Invest in your show like a real business: If you’re not putting in money or time, don’t expect big results. Growth doesn’t happen by accident — it’s intentional, strategic, and yes, expensive.
• Consistency builds audience trust: Evergreen episodes, a predictable format, and daily drops create listener habits. That’s why thousands have joined Gary’s “Completionist Club.”

Chapters and Timestamps

• 00:00 – Intro: Why Gary Arndt is a podcasting anomaly
• 03:00 – Why most interview podcasts don’t grow
• 07:50 – The secret power of daily, scripted, short-form content
• 13:40 – Gary’s take on investing in your podcast from day one
• 27:10 – Why he quit TikTok (and social media) despite viral views
• 30:30 – The best way to grow: advertise where podcast listeners already are

Send us a text

Email me (niall@sevenmillionbikes.com) or contact me on Seven Million Bikes Podcasts Facebook or Instagram to book your free Podcast Audit!

Thanks to James Mastroianni from The Wrong Side Of Hollywood for the endorsement!

Sign up for Descript now!

Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?
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After starting my first podcast in 2019 I can't believe this is happening...

Send us a text

Email me (niall@sevenmillionbikes.com) or contact me on Seven Million Bikes Podcasts Facebook or Instagram to book your free Podcast Audit!

Thanks to James Mastroianni from The Wrong Side Of Hollywood for the endorsement!

Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?
Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.
I’ve been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!

You won’t believe how good it still sounds — that’s the power of the right setup. - Niall Mackay

After producing over 70 podcasts — including award-winning shows — I’ve recorded everywhere from tiled bedrooms in Vietnam to purpose-built studios in Europe. And I get asked all the time:

Should I record from home, or use a podcast studio?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but there are key differences you should know. Whether you're a solo creator, business owner, or someone thinking about starting a podcast, this episode breaks down the real pros and cons of each option, not just from theory, but from years of lived experience.


Key Takeaways:
*Sound Quality Isn’t Just About the Room
You can get amazing sound at home with the right gear, but you need to understand mic choice and room treatment.

*Dynamic vs Condenser Mics — and Why Blue Yeti Isn’t It
If you’re recording at home, ditch the condenser mic. I explain why dynamic mics are a game-changer.

*Studio Sound vs Real Sound
A quick demo comparing raw audio with studio sound enabled — so you can hear the difference for yourself.

*The Real Costs: Gear, Time, and Energy
Renting a studio vs building your own setup — and why time might be your most expensive cost.

*Professionalism and First Impressions
How using a studio can elevate your brand and your guest’s experience — especially if you’re recording video too.

*Which Setup is Right for You?
It depends on your goals. I help you figure out what makes sense for your time, budget, and long-term vision.

Chapters and timestamps
01:00 – Home Setup vs Studio: What Makes the Biggest Difference
06:00 – Mic Matters: Why You Should Ditch the Blue Yeti
10:00 – Time, Cost & Convenience
15:00 – Looking and Sounding Professional
20:00 – So… What Should You Choose?
25:00 – Launching Saigon’s First Podcast Studio

Send us a text

Email me (niall@sevenmillionbikes.com) or contact me on Seven Million Bikes Podcasts Facebook or Instagram to book your free Podcast Audit!

Thanks to James Mastroianni from The Wrong Side Of Hollywood for the endorsement!

Sign up for Descript now!

Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?
Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.
I’ve been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!