Iron Age Marketing

NIcky P
  • 5.0 (3)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Conversations with coaches, creatives and business owners just like you who discovered their secret weapon to garnering visibility and authority.

  1. 6D AGO

    Stop Niching Down and Start Being a Person | Iron Age Marketing 006

    Fair warning: I recorded this episode half-dead with a throat full of lozenges. Luke said it felt like I was about to break into Freddie Mercury. He's not wrong. The show must go on.   Luke Tatum is my business partner, longtime friend, and co-host over at Between the Lies - a financial podcast for people who are tired of every headline being the end of the world. He runs Perfect Spiral Capital, wrote a book called Between the Lies: How to Reclaim Your Future from the Banks and Wall Street (subtitle courtesy of yours truly, he admits), and has been in my orbit long enough that I've watched him struggle through an interview, decide he needed to fix it, and then actually fix it. That's rare.   We've been trying to get this episode on the books for six months. We have weekly meetings. Still couldn't get it scheduled until today. Nobody is immune to the booking problem, folks.   Here's what we get into: The interview show that didn't work. Luke launched The Price of Time - a show about transformative entrepreneurial moments. Great concept, terrible for his workflow. Inconsistent guests, time zones, audio quality issues, and zero predictability killed the momentum. He shut it down. The show we built together. We stripped out all the variables. Same people, same time, same format every week. Luke and his team cover one financial topic - current events filtered through Austrian economics - in 20-30 minutes. Commute-sized, bite-sized, no prep hell required. The parasocial sales funnel. Luke's had clients come to their first phone call having already watched 20-30 hours of his content. They know him. He doesn't know them yet. That's the relationship math podcasting enables that no cold email ever will. The 2008 problem. Every headline is "2008 all over again." Luke's whole mission at Perfect Spiral Capital is cutting through financial noise and handing people a few actual principles they can actually use. That's it. Simple. Hard to find elsewhere. Why I pushed him to be weirder. Luke was so focused on being taken seriously as a financial guy that the gamer, the economics nerd, the kooky dude who makes YouTube videos about whether Valve is a monopoly - that version of him wasn't getting airtime. The podcast gave us a foundation to build on so we could start letting that stuff out. Ready, fire, aim. Luke's best advice for anyone thinking about starting a podcast: just do it. Your first episode is going to be bad. That's fine. The only way to get to episode 30 is to get episode 1 out of the way. The big thing I want you to take from this episode: podcasting is a content machine. One episode becomes highlight clips, emails, social posts, YouTube content. It keeps you top of mind on a schedule instead of whenever you can "get to it." Luke's got 30 episodes up. That's 15 hours of him talking, thinking, and demonstrating expertise before a stranger has ever dialed his number. If you're a financial advisor, a coach, a consultant - anyone in a relationship-driven business - this is the episode to send to your skeptical business partner.   Find Luke at Perfect Spiral Capital and his book Between the Lies on Amazon. If podcasting still feels like a leap you're not ready to take, you know where to find me.

    32 min

  2. FEB 10

    The Dopamine Hit of Deep Conversations: Stephanie Bloom on Podcasting with Purpose | Iron Age Marketing 005

    Welcome to Episode 005.   Stephanie Bloom runs Walk With Me Conversations - a podcast that's absolutely not about small talk. She's going into season three with about 130 guests under her belt, and she just published a book today. (Literally today, as we're recording this.)   Here's what makes Stephanie's story different: She grew up downwind of a nuclear munitions plant that didn't dispose of waste properly. Streams, creeks, playgrounds, flower beds - all contaminated. Families succumbing to illness. Brain tumors. Sudden death. She lost nearly three dozen people in her life to suicide.   That's not a light origin story for a business podcast.   But here's the thing - people who've actually dealt with and resolved their big stuff come out the other side with wisdom and a wicked sense of humor. That's what Stephanie discovered after 130 conversations.   Her format: First 15 minutes, childhood and family structure. Next 15, the big trauma or theme. Next 15, how they overcame it and what they learned. Last 15, they share whatever they want - their content, their work, their way to connect.   Here's what we dig into:   The unexpected business impact. Stephanie started the podcast and landed a 35-hour-a-week sales role a few months later. Podcasting prepared her for being on video constantly. Now it's second nature.   The dopamine hit of novelty. Her brain is wired so that every new conversation gives her a dopamine reward. That's what keeps her coming back for 130+ episodes.   The worldview expansion. She talks to people worldwide. Struggles vary from culture to culture. It's broadened her perspective in ways she couldn't have predicted.   Single serving friends. If you know Fight Club, you know the reference. One opportunity with each guest. She's not talking about the weather - she wants to know what moved them, what changed them, what they struggled through and overcame.   From podcast to book. Time and time again, different methods worked for different people. Healing isn't linear or one-size-fits-all. The book isn't recycled content - it's a jumping off point, backed by studies and clinical trials, accessible for both laypeople and professionals.   The financial reality. It pays the mortgage. Not retirement money, but better than nothing. And when you're doing work that matters to you, that's enough to keep going.   What stuck with me: Stephanie doesn't get starstruck easily, but she's interviewed doctors, lawyers, paraplegics, people who've been set on fire. What they've overcome amazes her every single time.   She's finally at the point where she feels it's good enough to scale. Three years in, 130 guests, ironclad processes - now she's ready to grow.   Oh, and she owns like 80 URLs but doesn't have one for the book yet. That's the marketing conversation we need to have.   Website Referenced: WalkWithMeConversations.com

    22 min

  3. JAN 26

    Eight Years of Podcasting: What an Architect Learned About Building Authority | Iron Age Marketing 004

    Welcome to Episode 004.   Lance Cayko has been podcasting longer than almost anyone I know in the business space. Almost nine years now with Inside the Firm. That's not a typo.   He's an architect with F9 Productions out in Denver-Boulder, running a vertically integrated empire: architecture company, contracting company, real estate development. His wife's a realtor. It's like everyone in the ecosystem gets paid for every part of the building process.   But here's what makes Lance's story hit different: He grew up in a town of 500 people in Northwest North Dakota. First person in his entire family to graduate with a bachelor's degree. Native American heritage. And when the media started pushing this defeatism narrative that the American Dream is dead, he looked around at what he built and said, "I am the American Dream." That's why he started the podcast.   Here's what we dig into: The seven-year mark. Lance hit year seven in his architecture business - the point where you've officially survived the incubator period. Most businesses fail before that. He looked around and thought, "We gotta tell our story."   The slog that pays. Lance calls it a "beautiful slog" - like a deep hike with a reward at the end. Started with one Friday show, then added Monday Morning Coffee inspired by Bill Burr. Now he's turning away more guests than he accepts. Pod Match changed everything.   Real monetization. Dell sponsored them for two years and bought their entire staff laptops. Corporate sponsors pay their office mortgage. They sell courses like Revit Rocketship and the Architect to Builder course. Now they're considering appearance fees because demand is so high.   The authority effect. When potential clients Google him, there are hours of content showing exactly who they're getting in bed with. In an industry where people move to Colorado and don't know anybody, that transparency wins.   The network leverage play. Bring on local engineers, realtors, people you want to network with. Give them a spotlight. Pick their brain. They feel like celebrities and remember you when referrals come their way.   Competitors as collaborators. Lance met a competitor who beat him for an award, took her to lunch, realized they were complementary not competitive, and got three big jobs from her referrals this year.   What stuck with me: The more positivity, openness, and truth you put out there, the more the universe reciprocates. Call it God, call it the universe, call it whatever noun you need. But it seems to work.   Oh, and Lance has a fishing YouTube channel. Colorado's number one fishing content. Because of course he does.   Websites Referenced: - https://www.insidethefirmpodcast.com/  - https://f9productions.com/  - https://revitrocketship.teachable.com/  - https://www.youtube.com/@fishingwithlance  - https://podmatch.com/

    29 min

  4. JAN 20

    From 5% Acceptance Rate to Waiting List: Dave Gulas on Building Trust Through Podcasting | Iron Age Marketing 003

    Welcome to Episode 003   Dave Gulas runs a logistics company. Third-party fulfillment, warehousing, transportation - the kind of business you'd never guess could use a podcast.   That's exactly why I wanted to talk to him.   Dave's the president and co-founder of EZDC 3PL. When he started his founder journey, the biggest help came from conversations with other entrepreneurs going through the same thing. So he thought: what if those conversations were public? The audience benefits, the guest gets exposure, and it creates evergreen content.   From idea to first published episode? Less than 30 days. No equipment. No background. Just started. Two years later, his show Beyond Fulfillment is ranked in the top 2% globally with over 200 episodes. He went from a 5% acceptance rate (asking 20 people for every yes) to having a waiting list of 5-10 people weekly asking to be on.   Here's what we dig into:   The logistics puzzle. In an industry with 10,000+ faceless, nameless three PLs, having the founder out there interviewing successful entrepreneurs and providing value changes everything. When your clients are trusting you with their entire inventory - their livelihood - that visibility builds credibility before you ever have a sales conversation.   The digital handshake. People know, like, and trust you before you've done any work. That parasocial relationship puts you three steps ahead in sales because the trust is already built. Broad beats narrow. Dave interviews founders across all industries - pre-launch to multiple exits. The best business lessons often come from industries you'd never expect. You don't have to be in the same space to learn something valuable.   The bond of storytelling. Everyone wants to be heard. When guests share their journey - the dark nights, the failures, the pivots - something happens. Dave's had guests tell stories they've never shared on any other podcast. That creates a friendship that lasts beyond the episode.   Celebrate your own progress. One of the best lessons from 200+ conversations: don't compare yourself to someone 20 steps ahead on social media. Stories of people going to the depths of despair and coming back through perseverance and resilience - those hit different than Instagram highlights.   The messenger matters as much as the message. Clichés are clichés because they're true. But 30 people can tell you the same thing, and only one will make it stick because that's the person you resonate with.   What stuck with me: Dave's the last person you'd expect to start a podcast. No knowledge, no equipment, no background. Just started. Kept doing it.   The world's a mucky place sometimes. Podcasting builds relationships that leave you walking away thinking "that was an awesome person, my life is enriched for knowing them." That positivity compounds.   Want to check out what Dave's doing? Beyond Fulfillment is available everywhere podcasts live.   Website Referenced: Beyond Fulfillment Podcast & EZDC 3PL @ https://davegulas.com/

    17 min

  5. JAN 12

    Why Most Podcasters Quit (And How Susie St. Angelo Made It to Year Two): Iron Age Marketing Season 2 Episode 002

    Welcome to Episode 002 of the reboot.   Last week I had my competitor on. This week? One of my actual clients.   Susie St. Angelo runs SOS for Your Life - a health and wellness podcast that's been going strong for over a year now. She's a recovering banker turned health coach, and six years ago when her daughter-in-law and niece suggested she start a podcast, she was terrified.   Now she's knocking out episodes quarterly, building relationships that matter, and doing it all without ever watching her own content. (Neither do I, for the record. Ain't nobody got time for that.)   Here's what we dig into:   The expectation versus reality problem. Susie thought podcasting would attract hundreds of thousands of listeners and flood her health coaching business with clients. Instead? It became a creative outlet for sharing knowledge and building genuine relationships. The goal shifted from mass appeal to meaningful impact.   The Circle of Life approach. Her podcast covers everything from hypnotherapy to spirituality to finances - all the things that affect health beyond just diet and exercise. That broad approach attracts different people at different times, which is exactly the point.   Why being on camera is scarier than talking to clients. Even as a coach who talks to people for a living, Susie was nervous about recording. The difference? Permanence. But once she committed, she just let it evolve organically.   The generational divide on podcasting. Her traditional family doesn't quite get it. Her younger relatives and friends are all in. But here's the thing - her friends toot her horn better than she does herself. (Note to Susie: toot more.)   The joy factor. This isn't a moneymaker for her. It's fun. It's joyful. She bulk records quarterly, has a system that works, and doesn't overthink it. That's sustainability right there.   Why over-preparation kills conversations. She mentioned the shortest podcast conversation that never made it to air - bored out of her mind because she'd already read everything about the guest. Now she keeps some standard questions but lets things flow organically.   What stuck with me most: She's starting year two and never would've guessed she'd make it this far. That's real growth. Not the "I hit 100K downloads" kind, but the "I built something sustainable that brings me joy and serves people" kind.   The relationships she's built through podcasting - bringing guests back for second and third conversations, making referrals, staying connected - that's the actual ROI nobody talks about when they're selling you on podcasting as a business strategy.   Life's too short to work with clients you don't like. Find your people, build something real, and stop worrying about whether your hair looks perfect on camera.   Want to check out what Susie's doing? SOS for Your Life is available everywhere podcasts live.   Websites Referenced: SOS for Your Life Podcast (available on all major platforms) Susan St. Angelo Coaching LLC (Facebook)

    26 min

  6. JAN 2

    The Death of Surface-Level Marketing: Iron Age Marketing Season 2 Episode 001

    Welcome to the reboot.   After two years talking to authors, I'm shifting Iron Age Marketing toward the people I actually want to work with: coaches, creatives, and business owners using podcasting to build authority and generate real leads.   And what better way to kick off Season 2 than by bringing on the competition?   Vince Quinn runs SBX Productions. He does exactly what I do - podcast production for small businesses. Sports talk radio background, national shows, the whole nine yards.   Meanwhile, I come from music, Dungeons & Dragons, and Magic: The Gathering. We could not be more different. And that's exactly the point.   The word gets overused, but there's no escaping it right now: authenticity. It's the only thing that matters when you can't compete with Pepsi's billion-dollar advertising budget.   When Vince talks sports radio, my eyes glaze over. When I mention Magic: The Gathering, he's probably thinking "what kind of weird person does the exact same job I do?"   But that's why we both have businesses. My people aren't his people. His background attracts a completely different client than mine does. Here's what we dig into: The signal to noise ratio. The best thing podcasting gives you is the ability to put out an honest signal. Not the polished corporate BS. Not the Walmart version of your personality. The real you, with all the nuances and failures and things that make you human.   Why pop music is designed to make you like it. Heavy rotation triggers familiarity in your brain. Familiarity breeds fondness. That's the Pepsi model - play it until people accept it. But when you're a small business? You can't afford that. You need the 10,000 true fans who find you authentic and stick around forever.   The depth problem. Most people aren't pushed to examine why they think what they think. Vince's example: you need to explain what the letter A is in detail when you're a true expert. The most basic thing to you is mind-blowing for someone else.   Marketing has flipped. The old model was surface-level - smile, wave, sell, move on. That only works when you have a war chest. Now? You need to be everywhere organically. TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify. The only way to cut through is genuine voice.   Both of us came from dying industries. Radio was hemorrhaging jobs when we got into it. We both saw the writing on the wall and jumped into something we barely understood - running an actual business.   Five years later? The podcast production space is getting crowded because more people see the value. But there's room for all of us because we're all attracting different clients based on who we actually are.   If you have any personality and willingness to market yourself, saying no to podcasting is nuts.   Want to check out what Vince is doing? FreePodcastHelp.com - best URL I've ever seen.   Otherwise, welcome to Season 2. Let's build something real.   Website Referenced: FreePodcastHelp.com

    24 min

  7. 03/24/2025

    Melissa J Cave: Iron Age Marketing Podcast Episode 051

    In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, I talk to Melissa J Cave, author of the fantasy novel Traitor's Son.   Let's Meet Iron Age Creator Melissa J Cave   Melissa J Cave is a project manager and a veteran who has spent most of her life traveling, first as a military brat and then in the Air Force and Department of Defense. She has always been fascinated by new places, cultures, languages, and history, and there is no better place to indulge that interest than in fantasy writing. She currently lives in Virginia, where she is failing to grow strawberries for the third year running.   Exploring Fantasy Writing with Military Veteran Melissa J Cave   In this first of three segments of episode 51 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, host Nicky P talks with guest Melissa J Cave, a military veteran and debut author, to discuss her new fantasy series 'Traitor Son: First Book of the Empire of the Stars.' Melissa shares her background as a 'military brat' and soldier, and how these experiences have informed her writing. They delve into the misconception that military discipline stifles creativity and discuss the importance of diverse life experiences in storytelling. Melissa also talks about the themes in her series, such as post-war promises and hope, in contrast to the grimdark genre. With six books written before publishing the first, Melissa explains the advantages of completing an entire series ahead of time for tighter storytelling.   The Intersection of Romance, Family, and Marketing: An Author's Journey   In this second of three segments of episode 51 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, host Nicky P & author Melissa J Cave dive into the writing and marketing journey of an experienced author who has been crafting stories since childhood. Beginning with a simple romance idea in 2019, the story expanded into a multi-book family saga, including elements of action and politics. The author discusses the importance of romance in storytelling, particularly in appealing to male readers. She shares insights on marketing strategies, using platforms like Net Galley and Book Sirens to gather feedback and generate buzz. The episode also covers building an audience through email lists and maintaining an online presence, focusing on marketing primarily to romance readers.   Navigating Self-Publishing and Gender Dynamics in Historical Fantasy Literature with Melissa J Cave   In this third and final segment of episode 51 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, host Nicky P discusses with guest Melissa J Cave., who discusses her unique approach to writing fantasy literature, focusing on realistic character development and gender roles in historical contexts. The conversation explores Melissa's decision to self-publish her books, driven by a desire to maintain creative control and effectively target different audiences on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Melissa further delves into how she handles negative reviews, the limitations of traditional publishing, and the importance of showcasing the complementary roles of men and women in her medieval city-building narrative.   Hopefully, today's episode with Melissa J Cave serves as both inspiration and education in your own journey to bring your creation to the world.     Melissa J Cave Resources & Extra Media https://melissajcave.com/ https://geni.us/traitorson-global (Amazon link) Shill Need help connecting with or growing your audience for your book, comic, TTRPG, or other creative endeavor? Check out Nicky P @ ironagemarketing.com

    36 min

  8. 03/17/2025

    C S Johnson: Iron Age Marketing Podcast Episode 050

    In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, I talk to C S Johnson, genre-defying novelist of multiple young adult series'.   Let's Meet Iron Age Creator C S Johnson   C. S. Johnson is the award-winning, genre-hopping author of several novels, including young adult sci-fi and fantasy adventures such as the Starlight Chronicles series, the Once Upon a Princess saga, and the Divine Space Pirates trilogy. With a gift for sarcasm and an apologetic heart, she currently lives in Atlanta with her family.   Navigating Indie Publishing with Author C. S. Johnson   In this first of three segments of episode 50 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, host Nicky P talks with guest C. S. Johnson as she shares her extensive experience in writing, discussing her journey from vanity press beginnings in 2007 to crafting a vast collection of 40 books and multiple audiobooks. She delves into her strategies for maintaining creative control, her perspectives on traditional versus indie publishing, and the importance of genres in making money as a writer. The conversation also touches on balancing being a homeschool mom with writing, the challenges of staying disciplined, and the need for hopeful characters in fiction. Don't miss insights into her favorite genres, particularly romance, and her views on the evolving landscape of modern storytelling.   The Power of Independent Writing & Crowdfunding: A Conversation on Creativity   In this second of three segments of episode 50 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, host Nicky P & author C S Johnson discuss the significance of the "Iron Age" ethos coined by RazörFist and how it benefits all writers, regardless of political leanings. The dialogue touches upon the downsides of the 'story by committee' approach and why individual creativity matters. The conversation highlights Brandon Sanderson's remarkable Kickstarter success, underscoring the potential of self-publishing. They delve into the importance of character connection in storytelling and the emerging popularity of graphic novels among younger readers. The discussion wraps up with insights on the critical role of family support and the value of investing in one's creative vision, despite the associated financial risks.   Navigating Your First Book Release: Insights for Aspiring Authors   In this third and final segment of episode 50 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, host Nicky P discusses with guest C S Johnson her advice for authors who are gearing up to release their first book. They discuss common pitfalls to avoid, such as lack of passion and poor character development, emphasizing the importance of writing what you believe in. The conversation touches on the challenges faced by new authors, comparisons with established names like Stephen King, and the significance of creating relatable protagonists. The speaker also reflects on their own journey, including lessons learned from their initial publication and the influence of cultural phenomena like Marvel and Harry Potter on their writing. The discussion concludes with thoughts on staying true to oneself and engaging with social media in the post-COVID era.   Hopefully, today's episode with C S Johnson serves as both inspiration and education in your own journey to bring your creation to the world.     C S Johnson Resources & Extra Media https://www.csjohnson.me https://www.substack.com/@writercsjohnson https://www.x.com/writercsjohnson https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/writercsjohnson/slumbering-the-starlight-chronicles-1-the-graphic-novel Shill Need help connecting with or growing your audience for your book, comic, TTRPG, or other creative endeavor? Check out Nicky P @ ironagemarketing.com

    33 min
See All (57)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Conversations with coaches, creatives and business owners just like you who discovered their secret weapon to garnering visibility and authority.

Information

  • Creator
    NIcky P
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    57
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    Iron Age Marketing