Managing Editor of Podcast Review (PodcastReview.org) Alice Florence Orr joins me to demystify how shows get discovered and judged. You’ll learn the fastest way to check “medium fit,” why your intro music may be costing you listeners, how to craft a cold open that hooks, where reviewers actually hang out, and the smartest places to focus your limited promo energy. Perfect for podcasters, founders, and experts who want their show to drive pipeline, not just downloads.

3) Show Notes with Timestamps

[00:01] Alice’s path from university listener to professional podcast reviewer

[02:09] The first filter: does this story belong in audio? (medium fit)

[03:30] Using archival audio to add texture, indie shows that stand out

[04:20] The “host who loves the format” advantage

[05:40] Escaping genre clichés and blending formats to feel fresh

[06:30] Why atmosphere and on-location sound still works (and when)

[08:44] How Alice evaluates quickly: 20-minute test + community checks

[11:04] Good vs. great: rapid thinking, natural articulation, and unique POV

[13:25] Standing out in saturated niches without cheap controversy

[13:53] Know your strengths: host, interviewer, producer—outsource the gaps

[15:34] The fastest improvement most shows can make: get a real mic

[17:43] Win the first two minutes: clarity of vision beats long theme songs

[18:49] Cold open formula Alice loves: 5-second tease → sting → intro

[20:35] How to get on a reviewer’s radar: press releases, LinkedIn, relevance

[22:58] Pitch like a pro: “for fans of…” and clear category fit

[24:51] Tooling that lowers friction: edit-like-a-doc workflows (e.g., Descript)

[26:49] One takeaway: find your audience where they actually are

[27:08] Focus your promo: fewer platforms, deeper relationships

[29:12] Where to find Alice’s reviews and how to reach out thoughtfully

Business sounding board Phil Fraser built and sold a hyper-niche comparison site, then created the Leeds Business Podcast to spotlight real problems local founders face. In this conversation we unpack why “three levels down” is the only real niche, how to audition sponsors on-air before you pitch them, smarter guest outreach that starts with a pain point, and replacing vanity downloads with practical engagement metrics. Perfect for podcasters, coaches, and community-minded leaders who want their show to generate leads, partnerships, and local authority...without feeling salesy.

[00:01] Why Phil started the Leeds Business Podcast: profile, proof, and philanthropy.

[03:54] Phil’s backstory: from advertising to launching William Hill’s first online casino.

[05:05] The niche that won: a bingo comparison site and how it became a business.

[05:59] “Niche three levels down”—what real niching looks like for business and podcasts.

[06:36] What’s working: word-of-mouth and the “Leeds Business Podcast Fair Deal.”

[08:28] Two sticking points: cold guest outreach and landing the right sponsor.

[11:16] Sponsorship strategy: run on-air “auditions,” clip them, then pitch with proof.

[13:48] Guest outreach that lands: lead with a pain point you can solve live.

[18:20] Tools that help: why Riverside streamlines recording and post-production.

[18:59] Prep workflow: brief LinkedIn research + a short pre-call to find the gold.

[20:37] Segment design: How-To, Local Shout-Out, and My Brilliant Business Idea.

[23:31] Success metrics beyond downloads: local PR and engagement over vanity charts.

[27:18] Artwork “opinions trap”: keep it simple, legible, and stop chasing consensus.

[28:54] Pipeline thinking: designing a clear next step for every listener.

Ashley Morris joins Kevin and Lev in this episode of The Podcasters Lab to unpack what most podcasters get wrong about audience value, sponsorships, and monetisation. Together, they explore why downloads aren’t the real metric, how brand partnerships actually work, and what it takes to future-proof a show — not with hype, but with systems and trust.

Whether you’ve landed your first sponsor or you're just figuring out your niche, this episode delivers practical frameworks and honest insights you won’t hear in most “grow your show” advice.

00:00 – Reframing Value

→ Ashley’s take on why most podcasters underestimate the influence they already have.

03:01 – Podcasting Isn’t TikTok

→ The trap of shallow metrics — and why quality of attention wins.

05:04 – The Consistency Cliff

→ Why most podcasts never make it past episode 20 — and what separates the ones that do.

07:56 – Finding a Format You’ll Actually Stick With

→ The one question Ashley asks every would-be podcaster.

10:15 – Authenticity vs. Polish

→ How to balance professional production with staying human (and why listeners know the difference).

13:45 – Building Listener Engagement That Brands Notice

→ Real tactics for turning passive listeners into active community members.

17:56 – When Sponsors Actually Start to Pay Attention

→ The thresholds, signals, and sweet spots that turn heads.

19:04 – Ads vs. Partnerships

→ Why Ashley pushes for host-read integration and how to make sponsors feel like part of the content.

21:04 – The Trust Metric

→ What podcast intimacy means for buying decisions — and how to use that without being pushy.

26:47 – Future-Proofing Your Podcast

→ What brands actually want — and how overdelivering can open long-term doors.

30:42 – The Metrics That Matter

→ Why reach is overrated — and what to track instead.

33:00 – Brands You Already Use

→ How to approach sponsorships casually, confidently, and with a personal edge.

35:22 – Why Selling Your Own Stuff Wins

→ The blunt truth: you’ll usually make more selling your product than someone else’s.

Lucy Patterson co-hosts Beginner’s Guide to Design Thinking, a Digital Women award-winning podcast that’s become a lead-generator without ever feeling like a sales funnel.

Now, she’s branching into her own solo show on life design and the longevity market. In this episode, Kevin helps Lucy unpack her doubts about running two podcasts, reframes the “problem” she thought she had, and shows how her next step is really just a natural extension of her expertise. Perfect for podcasters and founders wondering how to evolve their show without losing their audience.

00:06 – Lucy’s award-winning podcast and complementary co-host dynamic

01:21 – What design thinking actually is (and why it works)

02:19 – Why Lucy and Tracy started the podcast during lockdown

04:30 – From side project to commercial strategy: accreditation & sponsorships

06:15 – Using the show as an expertise display and client pipeline

07:45 – Lucy’s desire for a solo podcast with a clearer call to action

09:22 – Fear of alienating existing listeners by launching something new

13:27 – The problem Lucy wants to solve in her new show: midlife design & longevity

15:20 – Kevin reframes it: listeners will self-select, not feel alienated

17:23 – Asking the audience directly — Lucy’s upcoming newsletter experiment

18:35 – Building in public as part of the new show’s DNA

19:23 – Coaching vs facilitation: Lucy’s approach with design thinking

20:35 – Applying design thinking to everyday life decisions

24:25 – Lucy’s quirky example: bell ringing as a life experiment

24:45 – Where to find Lucy online

In this episode of The Podcasters Lab, Kevin is joined by global partnerships expert Stephanie Thompson for a deep dive into podcast monetisation that actually feels good.

Together they unpack what happens when you drop the outdated ad model, stop chasing promo codes, and start thinking like a brand partner. From emotional bank accounts to the true value of email lists, this episode is packed with real talk and tactical advice for podcasters who want to make money without selling out.

This one’s about shifting mindsets, unlocking creativity, and getting paid for being genuinely useful to your audience.

00:00 – What Business Are You Really In?

→ Kevin shares the Tony Robbins question that reframes everything: the marketing company vs. the mission.

03:14 – Purpose, Podcasting, and Playing the Long Game

→ Why most podcasters don’t know what their show is supposed to do — and how that kills momentum.

06:20 – It’s OK to Want to Get Paid

→ A story about a friend, a video game, and the reminder that monetisation doesn’t make you a sellout.

08:44 – Killing the Sponsorship Model (and What Comes Next)

→ The old ad read is dead — here’s how to build something better through audience-first partnerships.

12:38 – From Tutoring Teens to Teaching Thousands

→ Kevin’s journey from maths tutor to knowledge transfer obsessive — and the link to podcast learning.

15:37 – The Flash of Insight That Changed Everything

→ The lightbulb moment that turned a podcast into a product — and led to the first Podcast Club.

18:06 – Loneliness, Somebodyness, and the Solo Host Struggle

→ Why podcasters feel isolated, and how to create real connection in a one-way medium.

21:48 – Talking to One Person, Not Everyone

→ The mindset shift that transforms how you record — and why “hello everyone” is a missed opportunity.

24:16 – The Mattress Ad That Made Stephanie Unfollow

→ When bad brand fits break trust — and how to avoid becoming background noise.

28:12 – Audience-First Always

→ How to pick partners that align with your content, your community, and your conscience.

30:42 – Storytime: Pistachio Croissants and Local Florists

→ Kevin’s hyperlocal podcast and how tiny partnerships are sometimes the most real (and profitable).

34:49 – How Big Brands Actually Measure ROI

→ Behind-the-scenes of what brands want: from UTM links to screenshots to webinar conversions.

39:00 – Deadlines Drive Action

→ Why “this offer is only live for 60 minutes” works — and how Podcast Clubs tap into the same psychology.

42:48 – Go Beyond the Ad Read

→ The deal-after-the-deal: what happens when a brand asks you to speak, teach, or co-create.

46:22 – The Voice Note Close

→ Why most podcasters quit too early — and how follow-ups, video, and human connection actually close the deal.

48:40 – One Tiny Hack to Build Your List

→ The Facebook group trick every early-stage podcaster should know (but most miss).

51:04 – Building in Public (Even When It’s Messy)

→ What’s coming next for both hosts — and why “falling flat on your face” might be the best way to grow.

What happens when a podcast built from deep personal insight starts to double as a business development engine, without ever feeling like one?

In this episode of The Podcasters Lab, Kevin Redmond sits down with Andrew Tallents, host of Confessions of a Successful Leader, to unpack how a values-led show can still generate real commercial return. Andrew has recorded almost 100 episodes with CEOs and founders, drawing out powerful, trauma-informed leadership stories. But with that depth comes a new challenge: how do you subtly position your offer without breaking trust?

If you're a founder or host who wants their podcast to drive leads without becoming a hard sell, this is the episode to listen to.

00:00 – Introduction: Andrew’s podcast origin story and why childhood trauma sparked his interest in founder journeys

01:20 – How trauma influences leadership—and why most founders don’t recognise it straight away

03:41 – Managing trauma as a strength: how unresolved patterns show up in adult life

05:45 – Using podcasting as a dual-purpose tool: personal mission and business development

07:27 – When to think about monetisation—and what Andrew would do differently

08:22 – The emotional moment when podcasters ask: “What’s the point of all this?”

09:10 – Andrew’s plan to turn past guests into a private community (and why it’s smart)

10:03 – His current call to action—and what might work better

11:31 – Kevin on tension and release: the storytelling pattern every podcaster should master

12:16 – The “magic wand” vision: creating a self-selecting path for the right listeners to take action

13:39 – How a simple quiz is helping Andrew sort passive listeners from potential clients

14:54 – The missed-question problem: why it’s hard to stay present and strategic

16:03 – Andrew’s podcast prep routine—and why mindfulness beats bullet points

17:33 – Freestyling vs structure: the challenge of staying agile without losing depth

19:34 – Why Andrew doesn’t listen back to critique—and whether he should

20:10 – Tracking clicks, measuring success, and planning the next 100 episodes

21:26 – Conversion stats: 5 clients from 100 guests—but likely more to come

22:20 – Making it easy to work with you: why Andrew avoids funnels (and what he's missing)

23:14 – Kevin gently challenges the passive funnel strategy and explores what’s really blocking conversions

24:02 – Why Andrew’s show attracts high-profile guests—and how he makes use of that network

26:38 – The reality of successful leaders: coping mechanisms, vulnerability, and growth

28:01 – Being more overt about your expertise—without sounding like a sales pitch

29:20 – Using the content you already have: ideas for re-releases and greatest hits

31:04 – The value of spoon-feeding guests short-form clips and copy they’ll actually share

33:28 – Andrew reflects on the value of intentionality, abundance, and sustainable success

35:16 – Kevin on the business of podcasting: mission and money are the two tracks that keep the train upright

36:14 – Final reflections: when podcasting helps others and helps you, it’s a win worth building on

Alex Didio didn’t wait for job listings. She created her own role working on Diary of a CEO and went on to lead commercial partnerships for one of the world’s biggest podcasts.

In this episode, she shares what small podcasters get wrong about monetisation, and what to do instead.

We talk through:

• How to reach out to sponsors (before you think you’re ready)
• What makes a guest pitch stand out
• How to use content you’re already making to open doors
• The questions that matter most to brand partners
• And why shorter episodes might be the smartest move of all

Whether you’re sitting on 20 episodes or 200, this one is packed with practical strategy, minus the hype.

Chapters

01:38 - How Alex landed at Diary of a CEO

05:10 - What podcasters can learn from cold outreach

06:50 - Non-negotiables when pitching a guest

11:10 - What brands are actually buying

14:40 - How to ‘audition’ for sponsorships

20:35 - Packaging your podcast like a pro

25:12 - The 2 mistakes most podcasters make

27:40 - How to sweat the content

29:40 - What lights Alex up right now

Get in touch with Alex on LinkedIn

In this episode of The Podcasters Lab, Jennifer Fink joins Kevin to reflect on seven years and 400 episodes of her show Fading Memories, a podcast supporting caregivers of loved ones with dementia.

Jennifer opens up about the emotional weight of caregiving, the uphill battle of discoverability, and the frustrating absence of a proper category for aging-focused content.

But this conversation isn’t just a retrospective — it’s a strategic pivot. Together, Jennifer and Kevin explore how reframing her guest strategy and plugging into the right networks could unlock the visibility and impact her podcast deserves.

00:00 – A Podcast Born from Personal Need

→ Jennifer’s origin story, the family legacy of dementia, and why she created the podcast she couldn’t find.

02:52 – Discovery Fatigue and the Category Problem

→ The frustrating reality of podcast SEO, engagement gaps, and why “aging” still isn’t a category.

05:56 – A Listener Base that Ages Out

→ The harsh truth about churn in caregiving podcasts — and what sustainable growth could look like.

08:55 – The Guest Strategy That’s Keeping Her Stuck

→ Why talking only to fellow caregivers may be limiting her reach — and what a more strategic guest mix could unlock.

11:51 – Networks That Open Doors

→ Why medical guests could be the bridge to discoverability, speaking gigs, and commercial opportunity.

14:33 – SEO vs. Soul

→ Jennifer’s reflections on her podcast name and what she’s doing (and not doing) to optimise content.

17:45 – A Strategy No One’s Ever Suggested

→ The idea that caught Jennifer by surprise — and how she plans to implement it next week.