Hookergate Co-Creator Guy Kelly on Winning iHeartRadio's Podcast Competition and Creating a True Crime Hit
In this episode, Eric chats with Guy Kelly, co-creator of the hit true crime podcast "Hookergate." They dive deep into Guy's journey from his Kentucky roots to becoming a graphic designer, musician, and successful podcast creator. They reminisce about their shared love of music and discuss Guy's background in bands, his transition to podcasting, and the creative process behind "Hookergate." Guy tells the audience how winning the Next Great Podcast Competition led to the creation of "Hookergate," an acclaimed true crime podcast produced with iHeart. He reveals the challenges and triumphs of producing a true crime podcast, including developing a unique sound design and navigating the intricacies of working with a major network. Sponsor: This episode of Clipped is proudly sponsored by Riverside.fm, the leading platform for recording studio-quality podcasts and video content right from your browser. If you want to try Riverside for the first time, enter promo code CLIPPED to get 20% off. Eric is diving into why you should be prioritizing YouTube as a platform for your podcast. With features like YouTube Music and a dedicated podcast playlist, YouTube is creating new opportunities for growth and discoverability. But it's not just about uploading your episodes; there are specific steps to make sure your podcast shows up in the right places, and Eric is covering all that and more. Episode Highlights: Eric welcomes Guy Kelly to the show and discusses their meeting at Podcast Movement in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. Guy shares his Kentucky roots, love for music, and journey to becoming a musician. The transition from early piano lessons to discovering Nirvana, Green Day, and developing a passion for rock music. Touring with local bands and the evolution from playing small gigs to larger stages. The origins of "Hookergate"—how a chance discovery of old newspaper clippings inspired a new podcast idea. Entering and winning the iHeart Next Great Podcast competition with a 60-second trailer. Behind-the-scenes of creating "Hookergate": from research and concept to producing a compelling true crime podcast. Insights into the remote collaboration process, tools used for production, and the importance of music and sound design. Discussing the role of graphic design in podcast marketing and how Guy's background shaped the show's visual identity. Navigating the business side of podcasting, working with iHeart, managing creative control, and understanding the ownership model. What’s next for Guy Kelly? A sneak peek into future projects and upcoming plans for "Hookergate." Connect with Guy Kelly: Website: https://guykelly.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guy-kelly-30379814b/ Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to CLIPPED and leave a review. Your feedback helps us create the best content for you! About CLIPPED: CLIPPED is a Podcast Haven Original, proudly created and produced by the team at The Podcast Haven. As a flagship show under The Podcast Haven umbrella, CLIPPED embodies our commitment to empowering podcasters and content creators with the tools, strategies, and insights they need to thrive in the ever-evolving world of digital content. At The Podcast Haven, we specialize in turning ideas into powerful podcasts, helping creators like you grow and monetize their shows. With CLIPPED, we’re bringing our passion for podcasting to life, offering a deep dive into the art and science of creating impactful audio content. From practical tips on production and storytelling to innovative strategies for growth and monetization, every episode of CLIPPED is designed to help you succeed.