Tune in to our latest podcast episode featuring me, Niall Mackay, a stand-up comedian and teacher in Vietnam with Andrew Durning from That Mental Ginger Show.

In this engaging conversation, Niall and host Andrew discuss the challenges of creating a successful podcast course, their experiences in content creation, the importance of finding one's niche, and much more. With insightful advice and inspiring personal stories, this episode offers both practical takeaways and behind-the-scenes glimpses of the podcasting world.

Don't miss Andrew and Niall's reflections on the role of hard work vs. luck in their success and their exciting plans for the future!

Topics Discussed

1. Challenges in creating a successful podcast course

2. Marketing strategies for online courses

3. The importance of finding one's niche

4. Equipment and editing software recommendations

5. Social media and monetization strategies

6. The role of consistency in podcasting

7. Growing a podcast audience

And if you'd like to be featured on a future episode, be sure to follow the link below to leave me a message. So, if you're ready to take your podcast to the next level and give it the perfect name, be sure to tune in to Smarter Podcasting.

Leave a message for me!

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!

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!

“I started with the Blue Yeti microphone, put it between me and the guest, and didn’t realize it was picking up everything—even my dog snoring on the couch.”

When I recorded this episode, I wanted to share the exact journey I’ve been on with podcast equipment—from the mistakes I made when I first started to what I use today in my studio.

Equipment is one of the biggest questions I see from new and experienced podcasters alike, and it can feel overwhelming. My goal in this episode was to show that you don’t need to spend thousands to get great quality. What you do need is the right microphone, a couple of simple accessories, and the right mindset to keep improving step by step.

Key Talking Points

1. Why condenser microphones like the Blue Yeti are not ideal for podcasts.
2. The importance of switching to a dynamic microphone and using proper mic technique.
3. How a mixer or audio interface like the Zoom PodTrak P4 can transform your sound.
4. Why Descript is my favorite editing tool and how Studio Sound can elevate your podcast.
5. Simple tips for video and soundproofing without spending a fortune.

Chapters & Timestamps

• [00:00] Getting started – My first setup with a Blue Yeti and GarageBand.
• [06:00] The problem with condenser microphones – Why they pick up too much noise.
• [10:00] Upgrading to dynamic microphones – Shure SM57, SM7, and the power of pop filters.
• [15:00] Mixers & interfaces – Why the Zoom PodTrak P4 became my workhorse.
• [17:00] Editing software – From GarageBand to Descript and the magic of Studio Sound.
• [21:00] Video, lighting & soundproofing tips – How to get started without overthinking.

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!

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!

“Choose one thing that you want to focus on. Start saying no to everything else politely. Make everything you do about that one thing and I guarantee you’ll be successful.”

That’s the biggest lesson I’ve learned in my journey of turning a hobby podcast into a full-time business. Today, I opened up about the setbacks, surprises, and wins I’ve had along the way—from starting with one microphone in my living room, to working with RMIT Vietnam on an international project, to facing a health scare that changed my perspective on life and business.

I loved recording this because it gave me a chance to reflect on just how far things have come, and to share openly the mistakes, detours, and lessons that shaped Seven Million Bikes Podcasts into what it is today.

Key Talking Points

• How I turned podcasting from a hobby into a business in Vietnam.
• The setbacks of COVID-19, losing my job, and becoming a “yes man.”
• The turning point when I chose to focus on podcast production only.
• Big wins in 2024, including international projects and awards.
• My MS diagnosis, how it affected me, and why it pushed me to finally open a studio.

Chapters and Timestamps

• [04:00] Moving to Vietnam & charity work – Building schools, raising funds, and life before podcasting.
• [08:00] Starting Seven Million Bikes – Why I launched the show, the name story, and early struggles.
• [13:00] Surviving COVID and saying yes to everything – Online shows, too many jobs, and burnout.
• [17:00] Refocusing on one thing – Choosing podcast production, rebranding, and winning awards.
• [23:00] Health scare & new beginnings – MS diagnosis, opening the podcast studio, and lessons learned.

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!

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!