Communication, Connection, Community: The Podcasters' Podcast

Carl Richards
  • 5.0 (11)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. Chasing Big Guests With Simple Asks with Melissa Llarena

    19H AGO

    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
  2. Joy Fuels Productivity For Podcasters with Mark Struczewski

    2D AGO

    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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. Your Podcast Isn’t Failing, It’s Just Underpromoted with Vince Quinn

    FEB 12

    Your Podcast Isn’t Failing, It’s Just Underpromoted with Vince Quinn

    Send a text Ready to turn a mic into a real growth engine? We sit down with Vince Quinn, co-founder and creative director of SBX Productions, to map the path from “let’s start a podcast” to a show that builds authority, drives leads, and actually fits your life. Vince brings a decade in radio to the table and shares why that training still matters: clarity of purpose, strong delivery, and deep respect for the listener’s time. We get honest about the industry shift after COVID, why so many hosts burn out, and how to avoid podfading by defining success before you hit record. Vince breaks down his nine-stage development process and the pilot concept—build one fully produced episode, refine the format, then scale—so you don’t waste months on the wrong idea. We compare that with using an Episode 00 to prime your feed and start marketing early, and we align on the essential truth: strategy first, then production. You’ll hear a frank take on promotion and why “I posted once” is a fast track to invisibility. We dig into smart repurposing, how to share without spamming, and where AI can help—drafting, clipping, summarizing—without replacing human judgement. We also explore what’s next for podcasting: shorter formats, the rise of video, premium content experiments, and the growing importance of community through newsletters, groups, and live Q&A that keep the conversation going after the episode ends. If you want a show that earns attention, not just downloads, this conversation gives you the framework.  Connect with Vince: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vince-quinn-sbx-productions-podcast/ Wesbite: SBXproductions.com Instagram: SBXProd 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

    34 min
  8. How A Multi-Show Coach Builds Consistent, Resilient Podcasters with Roy Coughlan

    FEB 10

    How A Multi-Show Coach Builds Consistent, Resilient Podcasters with Roy Coughlan

    Send a text What keeps a podcast alive when the honeymoon fades? We invited coach and multi-show host Roy Coughlan to pull back the curtain on what actually drives growth, why impact beats downloads, and how to stay consistent when the comment section goes sideways. Roy shares the arc from losing everything to building several top-ranked shows, revealing the mindset shifts and systems that turned fear into a repeatable practice. You’ll hear how he split his ideas into distinct podcasts, protected audience trust, and focused on interviews as the core engine rather than flashy promotion. We dig into the surge of podcast coaches and how to separate real operators from playbook sellers. Roy lays out a pragmatic approach to coaching: adapt to the creator, build a format that fits their energy, and pick platform strategies that suit the audience. He explains why hosts should personally engage in comments, how to filter abusive noise while embracing constructive critique, and why a single listener note can spark meaningful improvements. We also talk metrics that matter—counting video plays where full episodes live, tracking what guests actually share, and treating twenty loyal listeners like a weekly stage. Consistency becomes the quiet superpower. Roy shows how to take breaks without losing momentum, repurpose your archive with intention, and run lean with simple tools that elevate rough audio. We look ahead at where podcasting is heading as audiences seek trusted voices and open conversation over polished spin. If you’ve ever wondered whether a small show can make a big dent, this conversation will recalibrate your compass and your calendar. Connect with Roy: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roycoughlan/ Website:  https://roycoughlan.com/ https://bio.link/podcaster 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

    41 min
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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!

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