BrandStack Podcast

Ross Brand

Sharing insights from my digital adventures in publishing and podcasting. rossbrand.substack.com

  1. 09/18/2025

    Logic vs. Intuition: Why You Need Both to Make Better Decisions

    Today’s episode features a conversation with author and certified professional coach Nil Demircubuk, whose new book, Down to Earth: Demystify Intuition to Upgrade Your Life, is a must-read for anyone looking to improve their decision-making. Nil’s background sits at the intersection of logic and intuition. With a PhD in Economics, an engineering degree, and experience running a data team in financial technology, she brings a grounded, scientific approach to a topic often considered abstract. In our discussion, Nil shared how intuition is a practical skill we all have, and it can be intentionally accessed to improve your life, from personal relationships to business decisions. Here are some of the key takeaways from our conversation: The Scientific Side of Intuition Nil's journey to embracing intuition began after a severe head injury that forced her to slow down. During this time, she experienced a unique state of stillness where her conscious mind would quiet, and ideas and solutions would unexpectedly emerge. She realized this was a form of intuition—a process cognitive scientists call unconscious work or the incubation period. It’s when your brain sifts through your stored knowledge and experiences to pull out a new solution. How to Tap into Your Intuition Today Nil emphasizes that intuition works best when combined with logic and that you can practice accessing it. She offers two simple, practical exercises you can start with: * The Nighttime Technique: Before going to bed, write a simple question on a piece of paper that you want your intuition to answer. This primes your mind to work on the problem while you sleep. The key is to capture the first thought that comes to you in the morning, before your conscious mind starts to create a story around it. * The Meditation & Imagination Method: Find a quiet, comfortable space and imagine yourself in a "happy place." Immerse yourself in the scene using all your senses. Once you feel calm and your mind is still, drop your question into that state of stillness. Intuition for Business, Health, and Relationships Nil stresses that tapping into your intuition doesn't mean you abandon logic. It means you gain valuable information that you can then combine with data and research. * In Business: The intuitive "gut feeling" of an experienced leader is often their unconscious mind quickly processing years of accumulated knowledge. For big decisions, combine your intuition with data, expert opinions, and an assessment of the risks involved. * In Health Care: While Nil advises trusting science and medical professionals for health decisions, she says intuition can be useful for choosing a doctor or deciding between healthy options. * In Life: When you feel a strong intuitive "pull" or "push," you can check to see if it's truly intuition by "shaking the answer" and asking again in a primed state of stillness. Intuition is persistent, while fear or other impulses can be fleeting. One Story of a Life Changed by Intuition One of the most profound changes Nil has seen is with people in a job search. Many people feel lost and unsure of what they want. By quieting their minds and asking their intuition, they often find a new direction or a new opportunity that they hadn't considered before. Resources and Links Get Your Copy of Down to Earth: Demystify Intuition to Upgrade Your Life * Kindle ebook: https://amzn.to/3VoZX32 * Paperback: https://amzn.to/4pMT9u7 Connect with Nil: * Website: https://nildemircubuk.com/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nil-demircubuk-484119202/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nil_demircubuk Connect with Ross: * Website: https://livestreamuniverse.com * LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/rossbrand * Substack: https://rossbrand.substack.com ➡️ For help with publishing your book, contact Ross at https://livestreamuniverse.com/contact 🎬 StreamYard 🦆 This episode was recorded using StreamYard, an easy-to-use, browser-based studio for creating professional-looking livestreams and podcast recordings. Get StreamYard 👉 https://livestreamuniverse.com/streamyard This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rossbrand.substack.com

    36 min

  2. 02/20/2025

    Unlock Your Inner Superstar: The Secret to Achieving Your Dreams

    Have you ever wondered what separates superstars from the rest of us? Is it talent? Luck? Turns out, it might be something far more accessible – our capacity to receive love. Joie Gharrity, author of Being Your Own Superstar: How to Expand Your Love Capacity, joined Dale L. Roberts and me on the BrandStack Podcast to share insights from her extensive career in Hollywood. Her roles with the major studios included launching the first multimedia startup business for the Walt Disney Company. Today, Joie is the founder of the Superstars Entrepreneurs Network, featuring a team of business professionals hosting video podcasts. Takeaways Here's what I discovered from our conversation with Joie: 1. The Superstar Secret: Hollywood's biggest names have an extraordinary ability to accept "Grand Canyon level love" in all forms – from massive paychecks to lavish gifts. This "love capacity" is the key to manifesting their dreams and desires. 2. It's a Muscle, Not Magic: The great news? We all have this capacity within us. Joie explains, "Everyone can have what they want... It just has to do with your capacity." Like any muscle, we can strengthen it through daily habits and practice. 3. Let Go and Let It Flow: Instead of obsessing over goals, write them down and set them aside. Focus on expanding your love capacity, and watch as long-forgotten dreams start materializing. Joie shared her own experience: "Things that I must have been dreaming about years ago will drop in now because the capacity is there." Joie's journey from Hollywood insider to content creator, brand strategist and personal development guide is fascinating. She tested these principles on herself, and within a year, her "personal and professional life completely changed in the best of ways." Step into Your Spotlight Ready to start flexing your love muscle? Joie's book Being Your Own Superstar offers a practical guide to expanding your capacity for success and fulfillment. Listen to the full episode to hear more of Joie's Hollywood insights and practical tips for becoming your own superstar. What forgotten dream would you love to see manifest in your life? Share in the comments! P.S. Remember, as Joie says, "Stop thinking about the dreams and intentions... just build your capacity, your love muscle, and let things fall in place." Your superstar journey starts now! 🎬 StreamYard 🦆 This episode was recorded using StreamYard, an easy-to-use, browser-based studio for creating professional-looking livestreams and podcast recordings. Get StreamYard 👉 https://livestreamuniverse.com/streamyard Resources ➡️ Gear & software recommendations for creators: https://livestreamuniverse.com/resources Ross’ Links: ➡️ Ross Brand on Substack: 📚 100 Livestreaming & Digital Media Predictions, Volume 5 - book by Ross Brand: https://geni.us/100v5 📚 Video Podcasting Made Easy - book by Ross Brand & Kevin Kolbe: https://geni.us/vidpod ➡️ Livestream Universe website: https://livestreamuniverse.com ➡️ Executive BrandCast - podcast strategy & production services: https://executivebrandcast.com ➡️ For help with publishing your book, contact me at https://livestreamuniverse.com/contact Dale L. Roberts 🎬 Main YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@dalelroberts🎙️ Podcast Channel: https://youtube.com/@selfpubwithdale📚 Networking for Authors: https://amzn.to/3C7pxDa📚 Advertising for Books: https://amzn.to/40lK0OI📚 Advanced Self-Publishing for Authors: https://amzn.to/3YpzdAt📚 Self-Publishing for New Authors: https://amzn.to/40sz3eo Disclaimer: Some links above are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rossbrand.substack.com

    9 min

  3. 02/13/2025

    Local Media Mastery: Your Path to National Recognition

    Ever dreamed of seeing your book featured on national TV? Hold that thought. Jason Jones, experienced publicist and founder of public relations firm Jones Literary, reveals why local media is your golden ticket to publicity success. In this eye-opening episode, Jason joins Dale L. Roberts and me to shares insider tips from his book, Landing Local Media: An Actionable Guide to Help Self-Published Authors Book Local Press, that will transform your approach to book marketing. The Local Media Advantage You've poured your heart into writing a book, but now what? If you're like most authors, your mind jumps to big-name shows like the Today Show. But here's a reality check: those shows are exceedingly difficult to land, especially for first-time authors. Jason explains: "Those shows are nearly impossible to land because the competition is just so impossibly fierce. But you're not ready to do those shows if you've never done media before." Instead, Jason advocates for a smarter approach: start local. Here's why: 1. You're always relevant at home 2. Higher chances of becoming a regular guest 3. Opportunity to gain experience and polish your interview skills 4. Create clips to showcase your media presence Think of it like leveling up in a video game. You don't face the final boss right away – you build your skills gradually. Navigating Big Media Markets But what if you live in a major city like New York or Los Angeles? Isn't local media just as competitive there? Jason acknowledges the challenge but maintains his strategy: "It's going to be a little tougher for you to break into Chicago or LA or New York, but still the same strategy." His advice? Get even more granular: • Pursue local podcasts, especially those with video components • Gain on-screen experience in lower-pressure environments • Remember: even big market local producers can be your gateway to national shows Practical Tools for Media Success Jason's book "Landing Local Media" isn't just theory – it's a practical guide filled with actionable steps: • Building an effective press kit • Crafting compelling pitches • Preparing for interviews • Maximizing post-interview opportunities The Most Overlooked Aspect of Media Preparation When asked about common mistakes authors make, Jason highlighted an often-overlooked factor: flexibility. "Can you get off work? What if the local NBC affiliate calls you and wants you on the show tomorrow morning, can you get off work? Who's going to watch the kids and take them to school?" His advice? Be ready at a moment's notice: • Have flexible work arrangements • Prepare childcare backup plans • Keep a media-ready outfit pressed and ready • Have book copies on hand Remember: "Whoever says yes first is going to get the gig." The Press Release Myth Here's a surprising revelation: Jason hasn't sent a traditional press release in years. Why? Because they're outdated for authors. Instead, focus on: • Personalized emails to producers • Positioning yourself as an expert, not just an author with a new book • Explaining why your expertise matters to their audience As Jason puts it: "Your book is not news. Nobody cares that you wrote a book except your mom, you know, your neighbor, your colleagues at work. Nobody cares." Harsh? Maybe. But it's the reality of media today. The key is to focus on the value you bring to their audience. What We Learned About Landing Local Media Jason Jones' insights flip the script on traditional book publicity. By starting local, you're not settling – you're strategically building a foundation for bigger opportunities. Remember: 1. Local relevance is your superpower 2. Experience trumps book sales for media opportunities 3. Flexibility and preparedness are crucial 4. Position yourself as an expert, not just an author 5. Focus on audience value, not your book's novelty Ready to transform your book publicity strategy? Dive deeper into Jason's wisdom by checking out his book Landing Local Media. It's time to stop dreaming about national TV and start dominating your local media scene. Who knows? That local interview might just be your stepping stone to the big leagues. 🎬 StreamYard 🦆 This episode was recorded using StreamYard, an easy-to-use, browser-based studio for creating professional-looking livestreams and podcast recordings. Get StreamYard 👉 https://livestreamuniverse.com/streamyard Resources ➡️ Gear & software recommendations for creators: https://livestreamuniverse.com/resources Ross’ Links: ➡️ Ross Brand on Substack: 📚 100 Livestreaming & Digital Media Predictions, Volume 5 - book by Ross Brand: https://geni.us/100v5 📚 Video Podcasting Made Easy - book by Ross Brand & Kevin Kolbe: https://geni.us/vidpod ➡️ Livestream Universe website: https://livestreamuniverse.com ➡️ Executive BrandCast - podcast strategy & production services: https://executivebrandcast.com ➡️ For help with publishing your book, contact me at https://livestreamuniverse.com/contact Dale L. Roberts 🎬 Main YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@dalelroberts🎙️ Podcast Channel: https://youtube.com/@selfpubwithdale📚 Networking for Authors: https://amzn.to/3C7pxDa📚 Advertising for Books: https://amzn.to/40lK0OI📚 Advanced Self-Publishing for Authors: https://amzn.to/3YpzdAt📚 Self-Publishing for New Authors: https://amzn.to/40sz3eo Disclaimer: Some links in this description are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rossbrand.substack.com

    11 min

  4. 02/11/2025

    Unleashing the Power of Self-Promotion

    Ever felt like promoting your book is a necessary evil? You're not alone. Many authors struggle with the idea of self-promotion, viewing it as bragging or inauthentic. But what if I told you that effective self-promotion could be the key to connecting with your ideal readers and making a real impact with your work? In this eye-opening episode, Dale L. Roberts and I had the pleasure of chatting with Julie Broad, founder of Book Launchers and author of Self-Promote & Succeed: The No Boring Books Way to Build Your Brand and Attract Your Audience. Julie's insights challenge the notion that self-promotion is a dirty word and offer a fresh perspective on how authors can authentically market their work. From YouTube Novice to Marketing Maven Julie's journey into the world of book marketing is as inspiring as it is unexpected. After her own book hit #1 on Amazon in Canada, she found herself inundated with requests for advice. Her solution? A handful of YouTube videos explaining her process. Little did she know, this would be the catalyst for a whole new career path. "YouTube's my fun place," Julie shared. "There's a part of me that thinks I'd just like to be full-time only doing YouTube." This seemingly small decision to create content and share her knowledge freely became the foundation for her success in the publishing world. It's a powerful reminder that sometimes, the best marketing strategy is simply to be helpful and share what you know. The No-Nonsense Approach to Book Marketing One of the most refreshing aspects of Julie's approach is her commitment to honesty. In an industry often clouded by sugar-coating and false promises, Julie's straightforward feedback is a breath of fresh air. "I'm always honest," Julie emphasized. "If I think your book is great, and I tell you that you can rest assured that I do think it's great. If I think your book needs a lot of work, I'm going to tell you that too." This level of candor might seem harsh at first, but it's exactly what authors need to hear if they want to succeed. After all, wouldn't you rather know the truth about your book's potential before investing time and money into marketing a subpar product? Breaking Down the Walls of Self-Promotion For many authors, the idea of self-promotion feels uncomfortable or even sleazy. But Julie's approach turns this notion on its head. Instead of viewing self-promotion as a necessary evil, she encourages authors to see it as an opportunity to connect with their ideal readers and share valuable insights. Consider this: If you truly believe in the message of your book and its potential to help others, isn't it almost selfish not to promote it? By reframing self-promotion as a service to your audience, you can overcome the mental barriers that might be holding you back. The Multi-Channel Marketing Approach One of the most valuable takeaways from our conversation was Julie's emphasis on using multiple marketing channels. She explained: "There isn't one thing that works to get book sales to grow your brand. It's all the things that work in harmony together. And that's really why you have to do more than one thing." This multi-pronged approach might seem daunting at first, but it's actually liberating. Instead of putting all your eggs in one basket, you can experiment with different platforms and strategies to find what works best for you and your audience. Practical Steps for Effective Self-Promotion Based on Julie's insights, here are some actionable steps you can take to boost your author brand: 1. Create valuable content: Start a YouTube channel, blog, or podcast where you share insights related to your book's topic. 2. Be authentic: Don't try to be someone you're not. Your unique voice and perspective are what will attract your ideal readers. 3. Embrace honesty: Be willing to receive honest feedback about your work. 4. Diversify your efforts: Don't rely on just one marketing channel. Experiment with different platforms to reach a wider audience. 5. Reframe your mindset: View self-promotion as a way to serve your audience, not as a selfish act. What We Learned About Effective Self-Promotion Julie Broad's approach to self-promotion is a game-changer for authors who want to make a real impact with their work. By embracing honesty, leveraging multiple marketing channels, and reframing self-promotion as a service to your audience, you can build a strong author brand that resonates with readers. Remember, your book has the potential to change lives – but only if people know about it. Don't let fear or discomfort hold you back from sharing your message with the world. Take a page from Julie's book and start promoting your work with confidence and authenticity. Ready to dive deeper into Julie's no-nonsense approach to book marketing? Check out her book Self-Promote & Succeed and visit her YouTube channel for more invaluable insights. Your readers are out there waiting – it's time to help them find you. 🎬 StreamYard 🦆 This episode was recorded using StreamYard, an easy-to-use, browser-based studio for creating professional-looking livestreams and podcast recordings. Get StreamYard 👉 https://livestreamuniverse.com/streamyard Resources ➡️ Gear & software recommendations for creators: https://livestreamuniverse.com/resources Ross’ Links: ➡️ Ross Brand on Substack: 📚 100 Livestreaming & Digital Media Predictions, Volume 5 - book by Ross Brand: https://geni.us/100v5 📚 Video Podcasting Made Easy - book by Ross Brand & Kevin Kolbe: https://geni.us/vidpod ➡️ Livestream Universe website: https://livestreamuniverse.com ➡️ Executive BrandCast - podcast strategy & production services: https://executivebrandcast.com ➡️ For help with publishing your book, contact me at https://livestreamuniverse.com/contact Dale L. Roberts 🎬 Main YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@dalelroberts🎙️ Podcast Channel: https://youtube.com/@selfpubwithdale📚 Networking for Authors: https://amzn.to/3C7pxDa📚 Advertising for Books: https://amzn.to/40lK0OI📚 Advanced Self-Publishing for Authors: https://amzn.to/3YpzdAt📚 Self-Publishing for New Authors: https://amzn.to/40sz3eo Disclaimer: Some links in this description are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rossbrand.substack.com

    10 min

  5. 02/06/2025

    Master Business Writing with AI

    In today’s fast-paced business world, effective communication is non-negotiable. Yet, far too often, our writing is bogged down by unnecessary detail, unclear phrasing, or outdated approaches. Enter Nancy Ancowitz, NYU career director, business writing expert, and author of the book Business Writing: Say More with Less. Nancy recently joined Ross Brand and Dale L. Roberts on the BrandStack Podcast to discuss how to sharpen your writing skills by embracing clarity, conciseness, and even AI tools like ChatGPT. Whether you're an introvert or extrovert, her insights are perfect for anyone looking to elevate their communication game while staying ethical. Let’s dive into her expert advice! Why Now Is the Right Time to Rethink Business Writing Nancy’s latest book comes at a pivotal moment when AI tools are becoming integral to how we communicate. She explains, “How to write clearly and concisely is one of the things we’re missing the most in our business world.” With emails, texts, and AI-assisted writing taking center stage, brevity and clarity are more important than ever. Nancy’s approach? Less is more. Her book provides actionable strategies to cut the fluff, master clarity, and ensure every word counts. Nancy’s previous book, Self-Promotion for Introverts®, pioneered popular introvert literature. “If you’re an introvert, you probably spend a lot of time at your keyboard. If you’re an extrovert, you probably need to spend time at your keyboard for a little bit of editing. Either way, this book is for you.” The Art of Editing: Chop, Chop, Chop Nancy’s enthusiasm for editing is contagious. “I write way too much,” she admits, but her process involves separating the writer and editor roles. “Send the editor out for coffee when the writer is writing,” she suggests. Once the draft is complete, the editor comes in with a critical eye: “Chop, chop, chop!” Editing isn’t about being harsh—it’s about refining your message and respecting your audience’s time. Dale L. Roberts sees the red lines on his edited manuscripts as a sign of progress. So, the next time you’re revising your work, embrace the editing phase as a way to distill your ideas into their most impactful form. Embracing AI as a Writing Partner One of the standout moments in the discussion was Nancy’s pragmatic embrace of AI tools like ChatGPT. While some writers dismiss AI as “cheating” or unethical, Nancy sees it as a collaborative partner: “I use it as an active thought partner, an unpaid assistant… but I will always override it.” Her advice for AI skeptics? Use tools like ChatGPT ethically and intelligently. “It’s smarter than us, and it’s dumber than us,” she notes. The goal isn’t to rely on AI blindly but to use it as a resource to enhance your writing while staying true to your unique voice. Why You Should Read “Business Writing: Say More with Less” In today’s competitive landscape, strong written communication can give you an edge. Nancy’s book isn’t just about writing shorter emails or texts—it’s about writing with purpose and impact. Whether you’re job hunting, pitching to clients, or striving for career advancement, her book provides the tools to represent yourself authentically and effectively. Nancy says, “What’s in it for you is if you’re looking for a job, if you’re looking for clients, if you want advancement in your career, you need to sound good in writing. And to do that, less is more.” Actionable Takeaways for Better Writing * Edit ruthlessly: Write freely in the drafting phase, but be prepared to cut irrelevant words during editing. * Use AI ethically: Treat tools like ChatGPT as collaborators, not replacements for your skill and judgment. * Focus on clarity: Ensure every word has a purpose and aligns with your audience’s needs. * Embrace simplicity: A concise, well-edited piece of writing is always more impactful than a verbose one. Conclusion: Write Smarter, Not Harder In a world where attention spans are short, and communication channels are evolving rapidly, mastering concise and clear writing is a superpower. Nancy Ankowitz’s advice is a wake-up call for all of us to rethink how we write, edit, and even collaborate with AI. As she says, “Less is more.” What’s one step you can take today to make your communication more impactful? Share your thoughts in the comments and check out Nancy’s book, Business Writing: Say More with Less, for a deeper dive into these transformative strategies. 🎬 StreamYard 🦆 This episode was recorded using StreamYard, an easy-to-use, browser-based studio for creating professional-looking livestreams and podcast recordings. Get StreamYard 👉 https://livestreamuniverse.com/streamyard Resources ➡️ Gear & software recommendations for creators: https://livestreamuniverse.com/resources Links from this episode: 📚 Business Writing: Say More with Less — book by Nancy Ancowitz ➡️ Self-Promotion for Introverts® — book by Nancy Ancowitz Ross’ Links: ➡️ Ross Brand on Substack: 📚 100 Livestreaming & Digital Media Predictions, Volume 5 - book by Ross Brand: https://geni.us/100v5 📚 Video Podcasting Made Easy - book by Ross Brand & Kevin Kolbe: https://geni.us/vidpod ➡️ Livestream Universe website: https://livestreamuniverse.com ➡️ Executive BrandCast - podcast strategy & production services: https://executivebrandcast.com ➡️ For help with publishing your book, contact me at https://livestreamuniverse.com/contact Dale L. Roberts 🎬 Main YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@dalelroberts🎙️ Podcast Channel: https://youtube.com/@selfpubwithdale📚 Networking for Authors: https://amzn.to/3C7pxDa📚 Advertising for Books: https://amzn.to/40lK0OI📚 Advanced Self-Publishing for Authors: https://amzn.to/3YpzdAt📚 Self-Publishing for New Authors: https://amzn.to/40sz3eo Disclaimer: Some links in this description are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rossbrand.substack.com

    9 min
  6. Two Ways to Stand Out (and Cash In) on LinkedIn in 2025

    01/22/2025

    Two Ways to Stand Out (and Cash In) on LinkedIn in 2025

    In this episode of the BrandStack Podcast, I share insights from the LinkedIn panel at Podfest, where I discussed two powerful, lesser-known tools for creators looking to grow their presence and monetize their efforts on LinkedIn. Here are these two standout opportunities for 2025: 1️⃣ LinkedIn Newsletters: Bypass the algorithm and deliver your content directly to LinkedIn newsletter subscribers’ inboxes. If you’re already creating newsletters on Substack or other platforms, repurpose some of that content to extend your reach. Plus, as 🦊 Judi Fox suggested in 100 Livestreaming & Digital Media Predictions, Volume 5, LinkedIn might roll out newsletter monetization soon—stay tuned! 2️⃣ LinkedIn Event Pages: Don’t let your LinkedIn event pages gather dust—turn them into vibrant hubs of engagement! When you schedule a livestream, use the event page to build excitement, invite guests, and get everyone involved. Encourage your speakers to send out invitations to their networks (up to 1,000 per speaker!) to amplify visibility. With the right promotion, these pages can transform your livestream into a high-energy event that draws hundreds—or even thousands—of viewers, sparking conversations, boosting engagement, and attracting potential sponsors. 🎧 Tune in to the full episode for actionable tips to make these opportunities work for you in 2025. 👉 Listen now using the player at the top of the page. P.S. Have you tried LinkedIn newsletters or event pages yet? Let me know in the comments or reply to this email—I’d love to hear your thoughts! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rossbrand.substack.com

    7 min

  7. 01/20/2025

    Why Substack is a Game-Changer for Podcasters

    When Podfest founder Chris Krimitsos suggested I do a talk on my recent deep dive into Substack, I had two concerns: * Most podcasters wouldn’t have much experience with Substack. * That lack of knowledge might lead to a poorly attended session with low interest. Chris, of course, is a master at creating positive experiences for event audiences. His transformation of Podfest from a small meetup into one of the world’s premier conferences for independent creators earned him induction into the Podcast Hall of Fame. So, I trusted his instincts and followed his advice. Chris saw Substack as a cutting-edge topic that Podfest needed to address. After hearing about the features and benefits I discovered through my own use of the platform, he encouraged me to share what I’d learned about podcasting on Substack and introduce attendees to how it works. I was right about one thing—most of the podcasters who attended my session were new to Substack. But a lack of interest? Not even close. The room was nearly filled to capacity, and the Q&A session had no shortage of eager questions. Over the following days, attendees shared that they planned to explore hosting their podcasts on Substack. A Unique Opportunity for Podcasters Let me be clear: I haven’t been on Substack long enough to guarantee that your audience will grow simply by creating a publication. However, I can say with confidence that Substack’s features and culture provide a unique opportunity to grow and monetize your podcast in ways that compare favorably to other platforms. Here are five key reasons I shared during my talk (which I’ll dive deeper into in future newsletters): * Discovery: Substack’s recommendations, video feed, and sharing features help new listeners and viewers find your podcast. * Notifications: Every time you post a new episode, an email is automatically sent to your list. * Community: With features like Notes (think Twitter), Comments, and Chat, Substack fosters engagement. * Multimedia: A single post can host video, audio, and text—all on one platform. * Monetization: Built-in tools make adding paid subscriptions straightforward. The Biggest Takeaways While those points summarize why I believe Substack is a great fit for podcasters, here are the three biggest takeaways from my talk and the audience’s response: * Email notifications are a game-changer. Most podcasters aren’t emailing their list when a new episode drops. By hosting or posting on Substack, an email is automatically sent to your subscribers. It’s an effective way to get more eyes and ears on your content. * You own your audience. When someone subscribes to your podcast on Substack, they’re added to your email list, and you get their email address. Neither Apple Podcasts, Spotify, nor YouTube offers that. * Livestreaming is a powerful tool. Real-time engagement with your audience is enhanced by automatic email notifications when you go live. And one more bonus: It’s free to host audio and video on Substack. Your Turn Now it’s your turn: If you’re not yet hosting or posting your podcast episodes and videos on Substack, what’s holding you back? Leave a comment or reply to this email—I’d love to hear your thoughts. Stay tuned for more from Podfest, including highlights from our LinkedIn panel and other key takeaways from the conference. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rossbrand.substack.com

    13 min

  8. 01/15/2025

    Substack Opens Access to Livestreaming

    While preparing for my Podfest talk — “Substack for Video Podcasting: The Fastest Platform to Grow and Monetize Your Content” — a notification popped up on my phone that immediately caught my attention. Substack had just announced that its livestreaming feature is now available to any publisher with at least 10 subscribers (free or paid). Until recently, this feature was reserved for select, high-profile creators. This change levels the playing field, giving independent creators, authors, and journalists the same tools as major publishers to engage their audiences in real-time. In this episode of the BrandStack Podcast, recorded live on Substack using their new livestreaming feature, I share: * How easy it is to set up and join a livestream using the Substack mobile app. * The unique benefits livestreaming on Substack offers to content creators. * Why livestreaming is a game changer for building stronger connections with your audience. What Makes Substack Livestreams Stand Out? One standout feature of going live on Substack is the instant email notification sent to your entire subscriber list when a livestream begins. This ensures your audience knows about your broadcast in real-time, increasing the chances they’ll tune in. Substack also recommends scheduling livestreams to alert your community ahead of time. While I haven’t tested the scheduling feature yet, it’s on my to-do list as I explore the platform further. A big thanks to Angela Yuriko Smith of Authortunities for joining me on camera during the livestream to test out the feature. Her insights and presence added so much to the discussion. Quick Tip for Creators For this livestream, I used my iPhone’s built-in microphone because I wasn’t sure how well external mics or mobile interfaces would integrate with the app, especially when hosting a guest. It worked well enough, but I plan to experiment with external audio gear in future streams. Watch, Listen, and Learn Catch the full replay of the livestream or listen to the audio version, both are located at the top of the page. Whether you're an experienced podcaster or exploring video for the first time, Substack’s new livestreaming tool is worth checking out. Let me know your thoughts in the comments or reply to this email. Do you plan to livestream on Substack? Best,Ross P.S. If you are attending Podfest, I will be exploring audio and video on Substack during my talk on Thursday at 2:30pm in Peninsula 5. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rossbrand.substack.com

    36 min
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About

Sharing insights from my digital adventures in publishing and podcasting. rossbrand.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Ross Brand
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ross Brand
  • Show Website
    BrandStack Podcast