The Media Download with John Ondo

John Ondo

The Media Download with John Ondo is a podcast packed with tips, tricks, and current media trends with practical ideas to help you improve your media quality. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just getting started with your own social media content, you will find time-saving, quality-increasing ideas here. Drawing on John's decades of Emmy Award-winning experience in broadcasting and digital media, John shares production shortcuts, & creative strategies to help your projects look and sound more polished. From video and audio to storytelling and workflow, The Media Download is your go-to resource for smarter, better media.

  1. JAN 20

    Podcasting Hacks: Elevate Your Storytelling Game

    Send us a text In this episode of 'The Media Download,' Media Consultant, John Ondo talks with veteran radio broadcaster and podcaster Terry Dismore about the enduring power and unique advantages of audio podcasting. They delve into why podcasting remains an effective medium for communication, sharing personal viewpoints, and detailed discussion that isn't feasible on social media platforms like Instagram. The conversation includes practical tips for starting a podcast, the significance of keeping it interesting and focused, and the underestimated potential of local podcasts. They also discuss techniques for engaging interviews, emphasizing authenticity, and emotional storytelling. Terry shares insights from his experience and the benefits of consistency and promotion in maintaining a podcast. Whether for business or personal interests, this episode offers valuable advice for anyone considering venturing into the world of podcasting. #podcasting @buzzsprout @quizthediz #youtube #filmmakers #socialmedia 00:00 Introduction 02:52 Why Podcasts Still Matter 03:52 Audio vs Video Podcasts 04:49 Local Podcasting Opportunities 06:49 Getting Started with Podcasting 07:54 Monetization and Audience 11:35 Podcast Length and Format 11:53 Getting to the Point 15:47 The Art of Interviewing 17:14 Emotion in Storytelling 21:16 Video Podcast Production 23:21 Closing Thoughts Watch all of the video format of this podcast on my YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMqz-XMZ8v2VLfSXSCrEtDmfKum5g5ZEb

    25 min
  2. Biscuits, Branding & Backlash: Should you rebrand your business?

    09/10/2025

    Biscuits, Branding & Backlash: Should you rebrand your business?

    Send us a text Marketing Media and Cupcakes: Cracker Barrel Rebranding and Its Fallout In episode 78 of Marketing Media and Cupcakes, hosts John and Angel Ondo discuss various aspects of marketing and media amidst the seasonal joy of fall. They dive into the controversial rebranding of Cracker Barrel, analyzing its impact, audience reception, and the underlying reasons behind such changes. They critiqued the company's approach, referencing historical examples like Wendy's successful rebranding and hypothesized alternative strategies. The episode concludes with a teaser for the next episode, focusing on the role of AI in social media and its potential implications for the future. Tell us what you think by emailing us at john@ondomedia.com and visit our business websites at ondomedia.com and angelscustomcupcakes.com 00:00 Welcome Back to Marketing Media and Cupcakes 00:14 Introduction to the Hosts and Their Businesses 01:34 The Cracker Barrel Controversy 02:41 Analyzing Cracker Barrel's Marketing Strategy 06:28 Lessons from Other Brands 14:25 Rebranding: When and Why When a big brand stumbles, small businesses can learn a lot. Cracker Barrel’s recent rebrand sparked backlash—not because change is bad, but because of how it was handled. Here are 3 takeaways for small business owners: 1️⃣ Know Your Audience Before You Change Your loyal customers are your foundation. Test new ideas, logos, or messaging with them first. What feels like “fresh” to you may feel like “loss” to them. 2️⃣ Communicate the Why If you don’t explain the reason for a rebrand, customers will fill in the blanks—and not always kindly. Frame your change as part of your growth story, not just a cosmetic update. 3️⃣ Evolve Without Alienating Modernize, yes—but keep the heart of what made people love you. A rebrand should feel like an evolution, not a betrayal. Big brands can take the PR hit and recover. Small businesses? We need to be smarter. Change carefully, change clearly, and always keep your people at the center. Why You Should Rebrand: 1. Your Brand No Longer Reflects Who You Are As businesses grow, their services, audience, and vision often evolve. If your logo, messaging, or look feels outdated—or doesn’t capture what you do today—a rebrand can realign your image with your current mission. 2. You Need to Reach a New Audience If you’re trying to expand into new markets or attract younger (or different) demographics, your current branding may not resonate. A rebrand can modernize your appeal and make you more relevant. 3. You’re Getting Lost in the Competition In crowded markets, looking and sounding like everyone else can hurt you. Rebranding helps you stand out with a fresh identity that communicates your unique value. 4. Your Reputation Needs a Reset If your business has experienced bad press, customer complaints, or just a “stale” reputation, a rebrand can signal a clean slate and rebuild trust. 5. You’ve Outgrown Your Old Look Sometimes the brand you started with—DIY logos, colors, or messaging—just isn’t strong enough anymore. A professional rebrand enhances your online presence and demonstrates to customers that you’ve matured. 17:13 Why you should not Rebrand 1. Your Core Customers Love You As You Are If your current branding is strongly recognized and trusted, a rebrand risks alienating loyal customers who feel connect Watch all of the video format of this podcast on my YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMqz-XMZ8v2VLfSXSCrEtDmfKum5g5ZEb

    27 min
5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

The Media Download with John Ondo is a podcast packed with tips, tricks, and current media trends with practical ideas to help you improve your media quality. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just getting started with your own social media content, you will find time-saving, quality-increasing ideas here. Drawing on John's decades of Emmy Award-winning experience in broadcasting and digital media, John shares production shortcuts, & creative strategies to help your projects look and sound more polished. From video and audio to storytelling and workflow, The Media Download is your go-to resource for smarter, better media.