Communication, Connection, Community: The Podcasters' Podcast

Carl Richards

Welcome To Communication, Connection, Community, The Podcasters' Podcast. We've taken two podcasts and merged them into one! Originally Speaking of Speaking, this podcast takes a deep dive into modern day communication strategies in the podcasting space. We chat with interesting people who make the podcasting (and speaking) space exciting and vibrant. We also dive into the podcasting community, with news, updates, latest trends and topics from the every evolving space. Strap in, it's going to be one amazing ride!

  1. Please Stop Whisper-Marketing Your Show with Alex Love

    2D AGO

    Please Stop Whisper-Marketing Your Show with Alex Love

    Send a text Attention is earned, not assumed—and that’s the hard truth most podcasters avoid. We sit down with marketer and podcaster Alex Love to unpack why creators publish in silence, how to stop whisper-marketing your show, and what it takes to build real momentum without chasing every new trend. From recording with a newborn strapped in and a dog flying off a walking pad to making a strategic pause for craft and credibility, Alex’s story is both hilarious and instructive. We dig into the mindset shift that turns “I don’t want to annoy people” into a consistent, value-led cadence your audience actually appreciates. Alex breaks down why patience, repetition, and trust beat one-hit virality, and how to translate emotion into marketing that sticks. We explore clear, simple steps any host can use: sharpen your message, guest on the right shows to borrow trust, pick one primary platform where your listeners already live, and let stories carry your insight from long-form conversations into memorable clips. You’ll hear how big brands still advertise for a reason, why executives keep cutting the wrong budgets, and how to structure campaigns that compound rather than fizzle. We also look ahead. As attention windows shrink, shorter, sharper segments will rise alongside flagship interviews. Catalogue health, consistent publishing, and strong chaptering will matter more than ever, while trend-chasing without audience fit will keep draining time. Alex shares where she’s focusing next, why community outperforms novelty, and how relationship-heavy markets like B2G still rely on mixed media—events, talks, and person-to-person trust—backed by smart digital distribution. If you’re ready to market with purpose, not panic, this conversation is your playbook. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs the push, and leave a review telling us which channel you’ll double down on this month. Connect with Alex: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexslove/ https://rivasolutionsinc.com/ Support the show Got a question about something you heard today? Have a great suggestion for a topic or know someone who should be a guest? Reach out to us: askcarl@carlspeaks.ca If you're ready to take the plunge and join the over 3 million people who have joined the podcast space, we'd love to hear your idea and help you get started! Book your Podcast Strategy Session today: https://podcastsolutionsmadesimple.com/get-started/ Never miss an episode! Subscribe wherever you get your podcast by clicking here: https://communicationconnectioncommunity.buzzsprout.com Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/podcast-solutions-made-simple Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastsolutionsmadesimple/ Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/podcastlaunchmadesimple Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/carlrichards72

    31 min
  2. Leap First: Mindset Over Fear With Ingo Schulmeyer

    4D AGO

    Leap First: Mindset Over Fear With Ingo Schulmeyer

    Send a text What if the life that looks successful on paper is quietly draining you? We sit down with coach and creator Ingo Schulmeyer, who left a high-paying leadership role, sold almost everything, and moved with his family and dogs to Mexico. That leap wasn’t reckless—it was a deliberate choice to trade certainty for alignment and to rebuild work around purpose, not titles. Along the way, Ingo launched The Small Reset across YouTube and podcasting, helping people push past limiting beliefs and design lives they actually want. We dig into the real blockers behind change: the childhood beliefs that harden into adult ceilings, the status quo bias that paints the unknown as riskier than it is, and the instant-gratification trap that makes creators quit too soon. Ingo breaks down why transformational coaching differs from advice-driven playbooks, showing how better questions unlock your own path. We talk success in practical terms—consistency and authenticity—and why your first ten episodes should be rough. Think of podcasting like learning an instrument: early reps feel clumsy, but those quiet sessions build the muscle you’ll need when listeners arrive. You’ll also hear a grounded take on AI, branding, and trust. Tools can optimize thumbnails and titles, but they can’t replace a human voice that shows up, tells the truth, and earns attention over time. Ingo shares how progress metrics—episodes published, guests invited, skills improved—beat chasing viral outcomes. We close with candid insights on fear, failure, and resilience: you can’t keep the mountains without the valleys, and discomfort is part of a life that grows. Connect with Ingo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ingoschulmeyer/ Website: https://www.thesmallreset.org/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theSmallReset Support the show Got a question about something you heard today? Have a great suggestion for a topic or know someone who should be a guest? Reach out to us: askcarl@carlspeaks.ca If you're ready to take the plunge and join the over 3 million people who have joined the podcast space, we'd love to hear your idea and help you get started! Book your Podcast Strategy Session today: https://podcastsolutionsmadesimple.com/get-started/ Never miss an episode! Subscribe wherever you get your podcast by clicking here: https://communicationconnectioncommunity.buzzsprout.com Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/podcast-solutions-made-simple Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastsolutionsmadesimple/ Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/podcastlaunchmadesimple Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/carlrichards72

    29 min
  3. Chasing Big Guests With Simple Asks with Melissa Llarena

    MAR 5

    Chasing Big Guests With Simple Asks with Melissa Llarena

    Send a text What if the only thing between you and your dream guest is a cleaner intention and a simpler ask? That’s the spark that drives our conversation with author, speaker, and host Melissa Llarena, whose hundred-day public campaign turned a casual dare into a live interview with Gary V. We unpack the exact steps she took—from writing daily posts to showing up in person with prepared questions—and why proximity plus preparation can beat a crowded inbox. Melissa shares how to make busy, high-profile guests say yes: clarify your why, strip friction from logistics, and send messages that feel human, not hungry. We dig into the mindset shift that frees creators from corporate-style hierarchy, along with the subtle cues that expose clout chasing in outreach. Her stories with guests like Suzy Batiz and James Altucher reveal a repeatable pattern: be specific, be sincere, and keep the request easy to honour. You’ll hear practical scripts, ways to prepare five sharp questions fast, and how to use public accountability to stay bold when doubt creeps in around day 88. We also talk about the unsexy levers that sustain growth: setting a release cadence you can keep, choosing a handful of KPIs that actually matter, and resisting the urge to check downloads like a stock ticker. Melissa’s free 30-day anti-burnout planner helps you pair outbound effort with inbound energy so you can scale without losing your spark. If networking makes you anxious, her take is refreshingly grounding: uncertainty is normal, silence isn’t a verdict, and conversation skills improve in the arena. Connect with Melissa: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissallarena/ Website: https://bit.ly/imagineaplan https://www.melissallarena.com/fertileideas Podcast: https://www.melissallarena.com/podcast/ Support the show Got a question about something you heard today? Have a great suggestion for a topic or know someone who should be a guest? Reach out to us: askcarl@carlspeaks.ca If you're ready to take the plunge and join the over 3 million people who have joined the podcast space, we'd love to hear your idea and help you get started! Book your Podcast Strategy Session today: https://podcastsolutionsmadesimple.com/get-started/ Never miss an episode! Subscribe wherever you get your podcast by clicking here: https://communicationconnectioncommunity.buzzsprout.com Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/podcast-solutions-made-simple Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastsolutionsmadesimple/ Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/podcastlaunchmadesimple Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/carlrichards72

    32 min
  4. Joy Fuels Productivity For Podcasters with Mark Struczewski

    MAR 3

    Joy Fuels Productivity For Podcasters with Mark Struczewski

    Send a text What if the fastest path to a better podcast is more joy and less grind? We sit down with Mark Struczewski—Mr. Productivity—to unpack why energy, clarity, and small consistent actions beat hustle theatre and vanity metrics every time. From his radio roots to 1,300+ podcast episodes, Mark shares how the intimacy of audio still wins attention even as video trends surge, and how a lively, present host can transform a listener’s day. We dig into the art of guest selection and why chemistry matters more than credentials. Mark walks through his pre-interview process, how he protects a fun, conversational tone, and why smiles can be heard through the mic. Then we challenge the industry’s obsession with downloads: a 25-download show serving the right audience can outperform a 25,000-download feed that never converts. Real success is measured in action—conversations booked, lives improved, communities built. On the productivity front, Mark introduces micro breaks—three to five minutes outside, no phone, no talking—to reset focus and finish like a sprinter, not stagger across the line. We explore scheduling joy, questioning every task with a bold “why,” and trimming inherited busywork that bloats production. Finally, we get practical with AI: smarter titles, compelling descriptions, and readable blogs from transcripts, freeing creators to focus on content and connection rather than admin. If you’re a host or guest who wants to last longer, sound brighter, and make a real impact, this conversation offers a toolkit you can use today: vet for energy, define your why, inject joy into your routine, and let AI sweep the edges. Subscribe, share this with a fellow creator who needs a lift, and leave a review telling us your favourite micro break—what’s the one small habit that keeps you coming back to the mic? Connect with Mark: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markstruczewski/ Website: misterproductivity.com Support the show Got a question about something you heard today? Have a great suggestion for a topic or know someone who should be a guest? Reach out to us: askcarl@carlspeaks.ca If you're ready to take the plunge and join the over 3 million people who have joined the podcast space, we'd love to hear your idea and help you get started! Book your Podcast Strategy Session today: https://podcastsolutionsmadesimple.com/get-started/ Never miss an episode! Subscribe wherever you get your podcast by clicking here: https://communicationconnectioncommunity.buzzsprout.com Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/podcast-solutions-made-simple Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastsolutionsmadesimple/ Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/podcastlaunchmadesimple Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/carlrichards72

    30 min
  5. Audio Or Video, Short Or Long: Choose The Format That Serves Your Mission with Scott Maderer

    FEB 26

    Audio Or Video, Short Or Long: Choose The Format That Serves Your Mission with Scott Maderer

    Send a text The spark for a lasting show can be as simple as admitting “I hate writing” and picking up a mic. Carl sits down with Scott Maderer of Inspired Stewardship to unpack how a clear format, thoughtful promotion, and a service-first mindset turned a modest launch into a platform that fuels his business and book. We explore why choosing a medium that fits your strengths matters, how to build a repeatable production system, and what it really takes to grow an audience without chasing vanity metrics. Scott shares the messy truth behind his 2018 start: a delayed first release, tiny download counts, and lots of DIY learning. What changed the game wasn’t a growth hack—it was treating every number as a person, showing up consistently, and going where podcast listeners already are. We dig into practical audience building strategies like guesting on aligned shows, writing narrative social posts that earn attention, and using email as a reliable engine. Along the way, Scott reveals why he remains audio-only, how listener habits guide that choice, and what he’d do differently if launching today, including starting with video to tap natural reach. We also get tactical about content design. Audio and video require different moves—describe visuals, tighten intros, and protect pacing so listeners aren’t left behind. For episode length, the rule is value over minutes: beginners win with focused 10–20 minute shows, while seasoned hosts can lean into longer, deeper conversations that match their audience’s appetite. Scott breaks down interview craft that converts—listening for the next question, pulling on moments of tension, and anchoring each episode around at least one clear point. His book journey ties it together: episodes became chapters, and relationships formed through the podcast opened doors to editors, publishers, and partners. Connect with Scott: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/csmaderer/ Website: https://inspiredstewardship.com/ccc/ https://inspiredstewardship.com/ Support the show Got a question about something you heard today? Have a great suggestion for a topic or know someone who should be a guest? Reach out to us: askcarl@carlspeaks.ca If you're ready to take the plunge and join the over 3 million people who have joined the podcast space, we'd love to hear your idea and help you get started! Book your Podcast Strategy Session today: https://podcastsolutionsmadesimple.com/get-started/ Never miss an episode! Subscribe wherever you get your podcast by clicking here: https://communicationconnectioncommunity.buzzsprout.com Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/podcast-solutions-made-simple Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastsolutionsmadesimple/ Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/podcastlaunchmadesimple Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/carlrichards72

    37 min
  6. Your Podcast Won’t Grow If Google Can’t Find It with Jessica Gruber

    FEB 24

    Your Podcast Won’t Grow If Google Can’t Find It with Jessica Gruber

    Send a text Growth stalls when great audio stays invisible. We sit down with website and SEO pro Jessica Gruber to map a straightforward path from podcast recording to search discovery, showing exactly how creators can turn episodes into organic traffic, leads, and loyal listeners without drowning in tech. Jessica traces her path from leading creative at boutique agencies to building a focused web studio, then dives into practical SEO for podcasters. We unpack how to find real keywords in your everyday client questions, validate them with SEMrush or Google Ads Keyword Planner, and group them into topic buckets that guide episode planning. You’ll hear why long-tail phrases beat broad terms for niche shows, how to craft titles and descriptions that hook humans while signalling relevance to search engines, and what to include on your episode pages so Google sees depth and listeners find value. We also dig into the details most hosts overlook: naming image files and writing alt text so guest searches surface your show, linking related posts to increase time on site, and creating a clean, reusable template for guest bios and credits. On distribution, we make a case for YouTube as a discovery engine, explain how to embed video on your site to compound engagement, and share a simple repurposing flow that turns each interview into a blog, clips, and social teasers with clear calls to action. By the end, you’ll have a repeatable system: define your audience and buckets, choose intent-rich keywords, publish structured episode pages, and repurpose with purpose. No jargon. No guesswork. Just a practical playbook to make your podcast easier to find and harder to forget. If this conversation helps, follow the show, leave a quick review, and share it with a friend who needs smarter podcast SEO. Got a guest idea or want help launching? Check the show notes for links and let’s talk. Connect with Jessica: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-gruber/ Websites: successchampionnetworking.com (Company) jessicagruber.co (Personal) buzzwks.com  Support the show Got a question about something you heard today? Have a great suggestion for a topic or know someone who should be a guest? Reach out to us: askcarl@carlspeaks.ca If you're ready to take the plunge and join the over 3 million people who have joined the podcast space, we'd love to hear your idea and help you get started! Book your Podcast Strategy Session today: https://podcastsolutionsmadesimple.com/get-started/ Never miss an episode! Subscribe wherever you get your podcast by clicking here: https://communicationconnectioncommunity.buzzsprout.com Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/podcast-solutions-made-simple Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastsolutionsmadesimple/ Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/podcastlaunchmadesimple Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/carlrichards72

    25 min
  7. Own Your Voice: From Fear To Flow with Carly Pepin

    FEB 19

    Own Your Voice: From Fear To Flow with Carly Pepin

    Send a text The mic isn’t the scary part. The scary part is the story that someone else is more qualified, more seasoned, more “real” than you—and the moment you buy that story, your voice tightens, your curiosity dims, and your best insights never make it into the episode. Human behaviour specialist and international speaker Carly Pepin joins us to show how to stop handing your authority to others and start speaking from the centre of your own expertise. We start by cutting through pay-to-play noise with a candid look at stages, ROI, and the questions that separate smart investments from costly ego boosts. Carly’s personal pivot—from refusing a pay-to-play offer to reaching 200,000 listeners by serving first—sets the tone for a practical, values-led approach to visibility. From there, we unpack why imposter syndrome spikes before big interviews or live talks, and how to neutralise it fast. The core move: identify the one person you’ve put on a pedestal, name the exact traits you think you lack, and find where those traits already live in your life, in your own form. That mental levelling turns anxiety into clarity and lets you interview as a peer, not a performer. If your prep is full of should, need to, have to, you’re likely subordinating to someone else’s blueprint. We show you how to flip those cues into aligned choices that fit your values and serve your listener. Expect concrete tactics for podcasters and speakers: smarter guesting strategies, a parity exercise you can run in two minutes, and language tweaks that immediately calm your nervous system. We also track the ripple effects beyond the studio—how owning your authority reshapes your network, clients, and creative momentum. Connect with Carly: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlypepin/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WestCoastGrowthAdvisors Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carly.pepin.consulting Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlympepin Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@carlypepin Support the show Got a question about something you heard today? Have a great suggestion for a topic or know someone who should be a guest? Reach out to us: askcarl@carlspeaks.ca If you're ready to take the plunge and join the over 3 million people who have joined the podcast space, we'd love to hear your idea and help you get started! Book your Podcast Strategy Session today: https://podcastsolutionsmadesimple.com/get-started/ Never miss an episode! Subscribe wherever you get your podcast by clicking here: https://communicationconnectioncommunity.buzzsprout.com Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/podcast-solutions-made-simple Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastsolutionsmadesimple/ Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/podcastlaunchmadesimple Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/carlrichards72

    27 min
  8. Small Voices, Big Reach: Owning Your Media Stack with Ann Carden

    FEB 17

    Small Voices, Big Reach: Owning Your Media Stack with Ann Carden

    Send a text Ready to turn your podcast from “content” into a client engine? We sit down with business growth strategist Ann Carden to map a clear path from microphone to monetization. Ann’s built and sold multiple businesses, lived through the era of pricey print and radio ads, and now shows why podcasts, when paired with smart positioning, can outpace old-school spend while building brand authority that lasts. We dig into the shift from one-and-done ads to evergreen media you own and repurpose. Anne breaks down practical lead-gen plays—interviewing buyers, guesting on targeted shows, and crafting calls to action that move listeners to your list, calendar, or offer. If you’re stuck on “hope marketing,” her step-by-step framing will help you define the end game first, pick a format you can sustain, and build a pipeline that turns episodes into real sales conversations. You’ll also hear how she stacks platforms—podcast, digital/print magazine, and a forthcoming TV show—to multiply reach, win stages, and package visibility for partners and sponsors. For creators and consultants chasing sponsorships too soon, Anne sets expectations on timelines and trade-offs, then shows faster paths to premium clients through relevance and trust. For beginners, she offers a simpler on-ramp: start with a tight avatar, consistent episodes, and ruthless repurposing into blogs, clips, and newsletters that boost SEO and discovery. The takeaway is bold yet practical: raise your own bar, build influence with your voice, and use today’s tools to play a bigger game than your budget suggests. Connect with Ann: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anncarden-business-consultant-coach/ Websites: annlcarden.com expertinyou.biz YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/anncarden Support the show Got a question about something you heard today? Have a great suggestion for a topic or know someone who should be a guest? Reach out to us: askcarl@carlspeaks.ca If you're ready to take the plunge and join the over 3 million people who have joined the podcast space, we'd love to hear your idea and help you get started! Book your Podcast Strategy Session today: https://podcastsolutionsmadesimple.com/get-started/ Never miss an episode! Subscribe wherever you get your podcast by clicking here: https://communicationconnectioncommunity.buzzsprout.com Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/podcast-solutions-made-simple Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastsolutionsmadesimple/ Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/podcastlaunchmadesimple Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/carlrichards72

    27 min
5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Welcome To Communication, Connection, Community, The Podcasters' Podcast. We've taken two podcasts and merged them into one! Originally Speaking of Speaking, this podcast takes a deep dive into modern day communication strategies in the podcasting space. We chat with interesting people who make the podcasting (and speaking) space exciting and vibrant. We also dive into the podcasting community, with news, updates, latest trends and topics from the every evolving space. Strap in, it's going to be one amazing ride!