The Podcasters Lab

Kevin Redmond
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The Podcasters Lab is where good podcasts get sharper. Every other episode, a real host joins us for a live strategy session to uncover blind spots and build a show that actually drives results; more leads, more loyalty, more clarity. In between, industry experts share actionable insights on growth, monetization, and listener engagement. If your podcast sounds great but feels stuck, or you’re not sure what it’s really doing for your business - this is where you figure it out. No fluff. No guesswork. Just strategy that sticks.

Episodes

  1. How Reviewers Really Find Podcasts and What Makes Yours Stick

    09/16/2025

    How Reviewers Really Find Podcasts and What Makes Yours Stick

    Managing Editor of Podcast Review (PodcastReview.org) Alice Florence Orr joins me to demystify how shows get discovered and judged. You’ll learn the fastest way to check “medium fit,” why your intro music may be costing you listeners, how to craft a cold open that hooks, where reviewers actually hang out, and the smartest places to focus your limited promo energy. Perfect for podcasters, founders, and experts who want their show to drive pipeline, not just downloads. 3) Show Notes with Timestamps [00:01] Alice’s path from university listener to professional podcast reviewer [02:09] The first filter: does this story belong in audio? (medium fit) [03:30] Using archival audio to add texture, indie shows that stand out [04:20] The “host who loves the format” advantage [05:40] Escaping genre clichés and blending formats to feel fresh [06:30] Why atmosphere and on-location sound still works (and when) [08:44] How Alice evaluates quickly: 20-minute test + community checks [11:04] Good vs. great: rapid thinking, natural articulation, and unique POV [13:25] Standing out in saturated niches without cheap controversy [13:53] Know your strengths: host, interviewer, producer—outsource the gaps [15:34] The fastest improvement most shows can make: get a real mic [17:43] Win the first two minutes: clarity of vision beats long theme songs [18:49] Cold open formula Alice loves: 5-second tease → sting → intro [20:35] How to get on a reviewer’s radar: press releases, LinkedIn, relevance [22:58] Pitch like a pro: “for fans of…” and clear category fit [24:51] Tooling that lowers friction: edit-like-a-doc workflows (e.g., Descript) [26:49] One takeaway: find your audience where they actually are [27:08] Focus your promo: fewer platforms, deeper relationships [29:12] Where to find Alice’s reviews and how to reach out thoughtfully

    32 min
  2. Niche Deep, Warm Sponsors, and Turn Your Podcast Into Pipeline

    09/09/2025

    Niche Deep, Warm Sponsors, and Turn Your Podcast Into Pipeline

    Business sounding board Phil Fraser built and sold a hyper-niche comparison site, then created the Leeds Business Podcast to spotlight real problems local founders face. In this conversation we unpack why “three levels down” is the only real niche, how to audition sponsors on-air before you pitch them, smarter guest outreach that starts with a pain point, and replacing vanity downloads with practical engagement metrics. Perfect for podcasters, coaches, and community-minded leaders who want their show to generate leads, partnerships, and local authority...without feeling salesy. [00:01] Why Phil started the Leeds Business Podcast: profile, proof, and philanthropy. [03:54] Phil’s backstory: from advertising to launching William Hill’s first online casino. [05:05] The niche that won: a bingo comparison site and how it became a business. [05:59] “Niche three levels down”—what real niching looks like for business and podcasts. [06:36] What’s working: word-of-mouth and the “Leeds Business Podcast Fair Deal.” [08:28] Two sticking points: cold guest outreach and landing the right sponsor. [11:16] Sponsorship strategy: run on-air “auditions,” clip them, then pitch with proof. [13:48] Guest outreach that lands: lead with a pain point you can solve live. [18:20] Tools that help: why Riverside streamlines recording and post-production. [18:59] Prep workflow: brief LinkedIn research + a short pre-call to find the gold. [20:37] Segment design: How-To, Local Shout-Out, and My Brilliant Business Idea. [23:31] Success metrics beyond downloads: local PR and engagement over vanity charts. [27:18] Artwork “opinions trap”: keep it simple, legible, and stop chasing consensus. [28:54] Pipeline thinking: designing a clear next step for every listener.

    32 min
  3. 500 Listeners > 500k Views: Why Brands Are Betting Big on Small Podcasts - Ashley Morris

    09/02/2025

    500 Listeners > 500k Views: Why Brands Are Betting Big on Small Podcasts - Ashley Morris

    Ashley Morris joins Kevin and Lev in this episode of The Podcasters Lab to unpack what most podcasters get wrong about audience value, sponsorships, and monetisation. Together, they explore why downloads aren’t the real metric, how brand partnerships actually work, and what it takes to future-proof a show — not with hype, but with systems and trust. Whether you’ve landed your first sponsor or you're just figuring out your niche, this episode delivers practical frameworks and honest insights you won’t hear in most “grow your show” advice. 00:00 – Reframing Value → Ashley’s take on why most podcasters underestimate the influence they already have. 03:01 – Podcasting Isn’t TikTok → The trap of shallow metrics — and why quality of attention wins. 05:04 – The Consistency Cliff → Why most podcasts never make it past episode 20 — and what separates the ones that do. 07:56 – Finding a Format You’ll Actually Stick With → The one question Ashley asks every would-be podcaster. 10:15 – Authenticity vs. Polish → How to balance professional production with staying human (and why listeners know the difference). 13:45 – Building Listener Engagement That Brands Notice → Real tactics for turning passive listeners into active community members. 17:56 – When Sponsors Actually Start to Pay Attention → The thresholds, signals, and sweet spots that turn heads. 19:04 – Ads vs. Partnerships → Why Ashley pushes for host-read integration and how to make sponsors feel like part of the content. 21:04 – The Trust Metric → What podcast intimacy means for buying decisions — and how to use that without being pushy. 26:47 – Future-Proofing Your Podcast → What brands actually want — and how overdelivering can open long-term doors. 30:42 – The Metrics That Matter → Why reach is overrated — and what to track instead. 33:00 – Brands You Already Use → How to approach sponsorships casually, confidently, and with a personal edge. 35:22 – Why Selling Your Own Stuff Wins → The blunt truth: you’ll usually make more selling your product than someone else’s.

    38 min
  4. Design Thinking Beyond Business: Lucy Patterson on Life & Longevity

    08/26/2025

    Design Thinking Beyond Business: Lucy Patterson on Life & Longevity

    Lucy Patterson co-hosts Beginner’s Guide to Design Thinking, a Digital Women award-winning podcast that’s become a lead-generator without ever feeling like a sales funnel. Now, she’s branching into her own solo show on life design and the longevity market. In this episode, Kevin helps Lucy unpack her doubts about running two podcasts, reframes the “problem” she thought she had, and shows how her next step is really just a natural extension of her expertise. Perfect for podcasters and founders wondering how to evolve their show without losing their audience. 00:06 – Lucy’s award-winning podcast and complementary co-host dynamic 01:21 – What design thinking actually is (and why it works) 02:19 – Why Lucy and Tracy started the podcast during lockdown 04:30 – From side project to commercial strategy: accreditation & sponsorships 06:15 – Using the show as an expertise display and client pipeline 07:45 – Lucy’s desire for a solo podcast with a clearer call to action 09:22 – Fear of alienating existing listeners by launching something new 13:27 – The problem Lucy wants to solve in her new show: midlife design & longevity 15:20 – Kevin reframes it: listeners will self-select, not feel alienated 17:23 – Asking the audience directly — Lucy’s upcoming newsletter experiment 18:35 – Building in public as part of the new show’s DNA 19:23 – Coaching vs facilitation: Lucy’s approach with design thinking 20:35 – Applying design thinking to everyday life decisions 24:25 – Lucy’s quirky example: bell ringing as a life experiment 24:45 – Where to find Lucy online

    26 min
  5. How to Monetize Your Podcast Without Selling Out - with Stephanie Thompson

    08/19/2025

    How to Monetize Your Podcast Without Selling Out - with Stephanie Thompson

    In this episode of The Podcasters Lab, Kevin is joined by global partnerships expert Stephanie Thompson for a deep dive into podcast monetisation that actually feels good. Together they unpack what happens when you drop the outdated ad model, stop chasing promo codes, and start thinking like a brand partner. From emotional bank accounts to the true value of email lists, this episode is packed with real talk and tactical advice for podcasters who want to make money without selling out. This one’s about shifting mindsets, unlocking creativity, and getting paid for being genuinely useful to your audience. 00:00 – What Business Are You Really In? → Kevin shares the Tony Robbins question that reframes everything: the marketing company vs. the mission. 03:14 – Purpose, Podcasting, and Playing the Long Game → Why most podcasters don’t know what their show is supposed to do — and how that kills momentum. 06:20 – It’s OK to Want to Get Paid → A story about a friend, a video game, and the reminder that monetisation doesn’t make you a sellout. 08:44 – Killing the Sponsorship Model (and What Comes Next) → The old ad read is dead — here’s how to build something better through audience-first partnerships. 12:38 – From Tutoring Teens to Teaching Thousands → Kevin’s journey from maths tutor to knowledge transfer obsessive — and the link to podcast learning. 15:37 – The Flash of Insight That Changed Everything → The lightbulb moment that turned a podcast into a product — and led to the first Podcast Club. 18:06 – Loneliness, Somebodyness, and the Solo Host Struggle → Why podcasters feel isolated, and how to create real connection in a one-way medium. 21:48 – Talking to One Person, Not Everyone → The mindset shift that transforms how you record — and why “hello everyone” is a missed opportunity. 24:16 – The Mattress Ad That Made Stephanie Unfollow → When bad brand fits break trust — and how to avoid becoming background noise. 28:12 – Audience-First Always → How to pick partners that align with your content, your community, and your conscience. 30:42 – Storytime: Pistachio Croissants and Local Florists → Kevin’s hyperlocal podcast and how tiny partnerships are sometimes the most real (and profitable). 34:49 – How Big Brands Actually Measure ROI → Behind-the-scenes of what brands want: from UTM links to screenshots to webinar conversions. 39:00 – Deadlines Drive Action → Why “this offer is only live for 60 minutes” works — and how Podcast Clubs tap into the same psychology. 42:48 – Go Beyond the Ad Read → The deal-after-the-deal: what happens when a brand asks you to speak, teach, or co-create. 46:22 – The Voice Note Close → Why most podcasters quit too early — and how follow-ups, video, and human connection actually close the deal. 48:40 – One Tiny Hack to Build Your List → The Facebook group trick every early-stage podcaster should know (but most miss). 51:04 – Building in Public (Even When It’s Messy) → What’s coming next for both hosts — and why “falling flat on your face” might be the best way to grow.

    53 min
  6. Trauma, Trust, and the Long Game: Confessions of a Successful Leader with Andrew Tallents

    08/12/2025

    Trauma, Trust, and the Long Game: Confessions of a Successful Leader with Andrew Tallents

    What happens when a podcast built from deep personal insight starts to double as a business development engine, without ever feeling like one? In this episode of The Podcasters Lab, Kevin Redmond sits down with Andrew Tallents, host of Confessions of a Successful Leader, to unpack how a values-led show can still generate real commercial return. Andrew has recorded almost 100 episodes with CEOs and founders, drawing out powerful, trauma-informed leadership stories. But with that depth comes a new challenge: how do you subtly position your offer without breaking trust? If you're a founder or host who wants their podcast to drive leads without becoming a hard sell, this is the episode to listen to. 00:00 – Introduction: Andrew’s podcast origin story and why childhood trauma sparked his interest in founder journeys 01:20 – How trauma influences leadership—and why most founders don’t recognise it straight away 03:41 – Managing trauma as a strength: how unresolved patterns show up in adult life 05:45 – Using podcasting as a dual-purpose tool: personal mission and business development 07:27 – When to think about monetisation—and what Andrew would do differently 08:22 – The emotional moment when podcasters ask: “What’s the point of all this?” 09:10 – Andrew’s plan to turn past guests into a private community (and why it’s smart) 10:03 – His current call to action—and what might work better 11:31 – Kevin on tension and release: the storytelling pattern every podcaster should master 12:16 – The “magic wand” vision: creating a self-selecting path for the right listeners to take action 13:39 – How a simple quiz is helping Andrew sort passive listeners from potential clients 14:54 – The missed-question problem: why it’s hard to stay present and strategic 16:03 – Andrew’s podcast prep routine—and why mindfulness beats bullet points 17:33 – Freestyling vs structure: the challenge of staying agile without losing depth 19:34 – Why Andrew doesn’t listen back to critique—and whether he should 20:10 – Tracking clicks, measuring success, and planning the next 100 episodes 21:26 – Conversion stats: 5 clients from 100 guests—but likely more to come 22:20 – Making it easy to work with you: why Andrew avoids funnels (and what he's missing) 23:14 – Kevin gently challenges the passive funnel strategy and explores what’s really blocking conversions 24:02 – Why Andrew’s show attracts high-profile guests—and how he makes use of that network 26:38 – The reality of successful leaders: coping mechanisms, vulnerability, and growth 28:01 – Being more overt about your expertise—without sounding like a sales pitch 29:20 – Using the content you already have: ideas for re-releases and greatest hits 31:04 – The value of spoon-feeding guests short-form clips and copy they’ll actually share 33:28 – Andrew reflects on the value of intentionality, abundance, and sustainable success 35:16 – Kevin on the business of podcasting: mission and money are the two tracks that keep the train upright 36:14 – Final reflections: when podcasting helps others and helps you, it’s a win worth building on

    39 min
  7. How to Attract Sponsors Before You’re ‘Sponsor Ready’ – with Alex Didio

    08/05/2025

    How to Attract Sponsors Before You’re ‘Sponsor Ready’ – with Alex Didio

    Alex Didio didn’t wait for job listings. She created her own role working on Diary of a CEO and went on to lead commercial partnerships for one of the world’s biggest podcasts. In this episode, she shares what small podcasters get wrong about monetisation, and what to do instead. We talk through: How to reach out to sponsors (before you think you’re ready)What makes a guest pitch stand outHow to use content you’re already making to open doorsThe questions that matter most to brand partnersAnd why shorter episodes might be the smartest move of all Whether you’re sitting on 20 episodes or 200, this one is packed with practical strategy, minus the hype. Chapters 01:38 - How Alex landed at Diary of a CEO 05:10 - What podcasters can learn from cold outreach 06:50 - Non-negotiables when pitching a guest 11:10 - What brands are actually buying 14:40 - How to ‘audition’ for sponsorships 20:35 - Packaging your podcast like a pro 25:12 - The 2 mistakes most podcasters make 27:40 - How to sweat the content 29:40 - What lights Alex up right now Get in touch with Alex on LinkedIn

    34 min
  8. Caregiving, Growth, and Getting Found: Jennifer Fink’s Podcasting Mission

    07/29/2025

    Caregiving, Growth, and Getting Found: Jennifer Fink’s Podcasting Mission

    In this episode of The Podcasters Lab, Jennifer Fink joins Kevin to reflect on seven years and 400 episodes of her show Fading Memories, a podcast supporting caregivers of loved ones with dementia. Jennifer opens up about the emotional weight of caregiving, the uphill battle of discoverability, and the frustrating absence of a proper category for aging-focused content. But this conversation isn’t just a retrospective — it’s a strategic pivot. Together, Jennifer and Kevin explore how reframing her guest strategy and plugging into the right networks could unlock the visibility and impact her podcast deserves. 00:00 – A Podcast Born from Personal Need → Jennifer’s origin story, the family legacy of dementia, and why she created the podcast she couldn’t find. 02:52 – Discovery Fatigue and the Category Problem → The frustrating reality of podcast SEO, engagement gaps, and why “aging” still isn’t a category. 05:56 – A Listener Base that Ages Out → The harsh truth about churn in caregiving podcasts — and what sustainable growth could look like. 08:55 – The Guest Strategy That’s Keeping Her Stuck → Why talking only to fellow caregivers may be limiting her reach — and what a more strategic guest mix could unlock. 11:51 – Networks That Open Doors → Why medical guests could be the bridge to discoverability, speaking gigs, and commercial opportunity. 14:33 – SEO vs. Soul → Jennifer’s reflections on her podcast name and what she’s doing (and not doing) to optimise content. 17:45 – A Strategy No One’s Ever Suggested → The idea that caught Jennifer by surprise — and how she plans to implement it next week.

    32 min
  9. How to Structure a Podcast Episode That People Actually Finish

    07/22/2025

    How to Structure a Podcast Episode That People Actually Finish

    If someone downloads your podcast but doesn’t listen — did it even happen? In this solo episode, Kevin breaks down why the first metric that really matters — and how your episode structure can make or break it. This isn’t about arbitrary formats or overplanning. It’s about intention: → What do you want your listener to think, feel, or do? → And are you structuring your episode to guide them there? By the end, you’ll have a clear, flexible framework to keep people listening — and make your podcast worth listening to. 00:00 – The Stat That Should Shape Every Episode → A surprising number about listener drop-off — and what it means for your podcast 02:58 – The Chutney Lesson → Kevin shares a personal story that reveals why pull-through matters more than shelf space (downloads ≠ success) 05:10 – What a Smart Structure Actually Does → Why episode architecture isn't rigid — it’s a tool for freedom, clarity, and engagement 09:57 – Storytelling Tricks That Hold Attention → Hooks, loops, analogies, and other tools that help listeners stay with you 15:19 – Timing Your CTA (and Why It Matters) → Where and when to make your ask — and why most hosts get this wrong 20:07 – Retention is Strategy, Not Style → How to design episodes that guide thought, emotion, and action — on purpose Takeaways: Listener retention is the most useful metric for podcastersDownloads don’t equal connection — or conversionGreat episodes begin with a hook, not a welcomeStorytelling techniques can be embedded into structureOne clear CTA, placed well, outperforms scattered asksThe best podcasters think like teachers: plan, repeat, reinforceA good framework doesn’t limit — it amplifies

    25 min
  10. The Hidden Gap in Pedro’s Podcast Strategy

    07/15/2025

    The Hidden Gap in Pedro’s Podcast Strategy

    Pedro has published 68 episodes of Rides to Success — a podcast at the intersection of cycling, business, and purpose. But like many solo hosts, he's buried under the workload, chasing perfection, and unsure if it’s moving the needle. This episode is part podcast therapy, part strategy session. It’s for any podcaster who’s deep into the journey… but realises something needs to change. Expect clarity on: → What to double down on → What to ditch → How to reclaim 15+ hours per episode → And why community may be the true north 00:00 – Introducing Rides to Success → Pedro shares how cycling became more than transport — and how that mission shaped his podcast 02:44 – The Spark Behind the Mic → Podcasting as a path to deep conversations and personal connection — and the burnout that comes with doing it all 05:41 – Redefining Success → Pedro's version of “success” isn’t fame or fortune — it’s being able to call up the CEO of Specialized for a meaningful chat. This part hits home for mission-driven creators. 08:47 – The Revenue Debate → When should monetisation start? Pedro shares his long view — and Kevin challenges it with a dose of strategic urgency 11:46 – The Perfection Trap → A powerful section on marginal gains vs paralysis. Pedro’s chasing 1% improvements — but is it costing him 100% of his energy? 14:26 – What Listeners Actually Do After an Episode → Kevin and Pedro dissect Pedro’s CTAs — where they’re placed, how they’re phrased, and why most of them aren’t working 17:25 – Structuring Conversations with Purpose → Pedro reveals his current episode flow and prep — and Kevin shows how a few key adjustments could radically improve retention 19:57 – Rewriting the Growth Plan → Share → Subscribe → Review isn't enough. Kevin introduces the exponential power of asking one listener to share with two people — and why it works 25:07 – Building a Real Community → Pedro talks about moving from podcast to platform — and Kevin pushes him to try low-lift, high-impact experiments like guest-led group rides and mailing list ownership 28:54 – Why the Guest Network is a Goldmine → Pedro admits he rarely asks past guests for referrals. Kevin shows how to turn that missed opportunity into a pipeline with one automated email 30:27 – Slashing Production Time by 75% → Pedro currently spends 15–20 hours per episode. By the end of this section, you’ll understand how to cut that to 4 35:07 – The Video Question → Pedro’s all in on video — but should he be? This segment explores whether it’s adding value… or just adding stress 42:32 – Avoiding Burnout, Finding Joy Again → A candid closing section on how passion can turn to pressure — and why doing less might be the real way forward

    53 min
  11. How to Audit Your Podcast Workflow, Without Burning Out or Starting Over

    07/08/2025

    How to Audit Your Podcast Workflow, Without Burning Out or Starting Over

    So many podcasters burn out — not because they’re bad at it, but because their systems can’t keep up. In this episode, Kevin and Lev walk through how to audit your podcast like a business: → Where time is leaking → What to automate → What to ditch → And how to know when you’re doing “busy work” instead of the work that matters The result is a leaner, lighter process that’s easier to sustain — and easier to grow from. 00:00 – Start with the Mental Audit → The first thing most podcasters skip — but shouldn’t. This quick mindset shift sets the tone for your whole production process. 03:00 – Align Daily Actions to Long-Term Strategy → Why setting aside structured time is more powerful than hustling in bursts. A system you can actually stick to. 05:40 – Balance vs Burnout → How to enjoy podcasting and protect your energy. Includes permission to step back, and a smarter way to think about your production rhythm. 08:31 – Common Myths (That Still Trip People Up) → “Just hit record and they will come.” → “Social media = growth.” → “Downloads = success.” Nope. This section re-centres the podcaster on what actually moves the needle. 11:46 – Use AI Where It Saves You Time → The test: does it save time, make money, or improve quality? If not, it’s a shiny toy. 14:29 – How to Repurpose Without the Overwhelm → Shortform clips that actually work → Patreon and paid extras that require almost no extra effort → Guesting as a form of free content creation 17:45 – Audio Quality Fixes You Can Do Today (For Free) → Lev drops pro tips on improving sound with Audacity and raw WAV files → No expensive gear required 20:29 – Why Niche + Consistency = Sustainability → Not every listener needs to stay — just the right ones → Building your voice for a high-attention audience

    29 min
  12. 56 Episodes In, Time to Rethink the CTA

    06/27/2025

    56 Episodes In, Time to Rethink the CTA

    This isn’t a beginner podcaster story. It’s for those who already have traction — but want alignment. Zanna brings 56 episodes of momentum into The Podcasters Lab to refine the mechanics behind her trusted podcast on customer experience (CX). We focus on structure, clarity, and conversion — without losing heart. 00:00 – Intro to Customer Experience Transformation → Zanna explains why CX isn’t just a niche — it’s a movement. A strong opening for listeners who care about making business more human. 03:03 – The Journey to Podcasting → Zanna shares how podcasting became her most effective channel for trust-building. Relatable for founders juggling content formats. 06:03 – Engagement and Listener Feedback → How she knows the podcast is working — and what feedback actually matters. This section quietly debunks the myth that you need a flood of comments to know you're resonating. 08:46 – Structuring Effective Calls to Action → We break down her current CTA strategy and why it’s almost doing the job — plus what to shift. A must-listen for anyone unsure whether their call to action is too passive or too busy. 11:59 – Target Audience and Format Shifts → Where deep expertise can risk alienating new listeners — and how Zanna’s tweaking her intro to keep both ends of the spectrum. This is tactical, smart positioning. 14:57 – Defining Success and Future Growth → We talk about metrics that aren’t downloads — and what Zanna uses instead. Great reframe for mission-driven podcasters who want more meaningful data. 17:30 – Promoting the Podcast Authentically → What’s working for Zanna in terms of marketing — and where she feels the most friction. This is all about aligned growth, not hustle. 18:33 – Newsletter Strategy Fixes → We spot a subtle point of friction: her newsletter’s structure. You’ll hear how we flipped it to invite curiosity and engagement. 22:22 – CTA Placement and Episode Flow → A mini teardown of her episode format — and where a small shift in pacing could change listener behaviour. 26:08 – Outreach and Relationship-Based Growth → Zanna explains how genuine outreach (not just promotion) has helped grow the show. For podcasters tired of chasing metrics. 30:13 – Wrapping with Strategic Clarity → Final reflections on alignment, community, and sustainable momentum.

    36 min
  • 12 Episodes

About

The Podcasters Lab is where good podcasts get sharper. Every other episode, a real host joins us for a live strategy session to uncover blind spots and build a show that actually drives results; more leads, more loyalty, more clarity. In between, industry experts share actionable insights on growth, monetization, and listener engagement. If your podcast sounds great but feels stuck, or you’re not sure what it’s really doing for your business - this is where you figure it out. No fluff. No guesswork. Just strategy that sticks.

Information

  • Creator
    Kevin Redmond
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Kevin Redmond
  • Show Website
    The Podcasters Lab