Communication, Connection, Community: The Podcasters' Podcast

Carl Richards
  • 5.0 (9)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Welcome To Communication, Connection, Community, The Podcasters' Podcast. We've taken two podcasts and merged them into one! Originally Speaking of Speaking, this podcast takes a deep dive into modern day communication strategies in the podcasting space. We chat with interesting people who make the podcasting (and speaking) space exciting and vibrant. We also dive into the podcasting community, with news, updates, latest trends and topics from the every evolving space. Strap in, it's going to be one amazing ride!

  1. The Productivity Paradox: Why Remote Work Works with Shane Spraggs

    1D AGO

    The Productivity Paradox: Why Remote Work Works with Shane Spraggs

    Send us a text Remote work isn't a pandemic experiment—it's a workplace revolution that's been brewing for decades. Shane Spraggs, CEO of Vertura and author of "The Power of Remote," takes us on a fascinating journey from IBM's 1970s telecommuting programs to today's fully distributed global teams. What makes this conversation especially relevant for podcasters and content creators is how perfectly our industry aligns with remote work principles. As Shane points out, the resistance to remote arrangements often comes from companies lacking proper management training and systems—not from any true productivity disadvantage. The most successful remote-first companies have mastered intentionality in their processes, something creative professionals inherently understand. The benefits extend far beyond convenience. Remote workers save an average of $55 daily on commuting expenses, reclaim hours previously lost to travel time, and enjoy improved work-life balance. Perhaps most compelling is Shane's observation that "the next Google and Microsoft are being created quite literally in someone's garage right now"—not physically, but virtually, as entrepreneurs build global teams without geographic limitations. This shift impacts everything from real estate (homes now needing dedicated office spaces) to management practices (focusing on outcomes rather than hours worked). For content creators specifically, these changes represent massive opportunities to collaborate with global talent and build businesses unbound by traditional constraints. Whether you're a seasoned remote worker or considering the transition, this episode provides valuable insights into building intentional systems for remote success. Shane's practical advice on leadership, management, and culture-building will help you navigate the evolving landscape of work. Ready to embrace the remote revolution? Tune in now and discover how to harness the power of working from anywhere. Support the show Got a question about something you heard today? Have a great suggestion for a topic or know someone who should be a guest? Reach out to us: askcarl@carlspeaks.ca If you're ready to take the plunge and join the over 3 million people who have joined the podcast space, we'd love to hear your idea and help you get started! Book your Podcast Strategy Session today: https://podcastsolutionsmadesimple.com/get-started/ Never miss an episode! Subscribe wherever you get your podcast by clicking here: https://communicationconnectioncommunity.buzzsprout.com Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/podcast-solutions-made-simple Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastsolutionsmadesimple/ Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/podcastlaunchmadesimple Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/carlrichards72

    25 min
  2. Blown Up But Not Broken: A Combat Vet's Speaking Journey with Brian Fleming

    SEP 24

    Blown Up But Not Broken: A Combat Vet's Speaking Journey with Brian Fleming

    Send us a text How do you turn life-shattering trauma into a powerful speaking career? Combat-wounded veteran Brian Fleming reveals the answer after surviving a suicide bomber attack in Afghanistan that left him with second and third-degree burns requiring 14 months of grueling recovery. The pivotal moment came when Fleming met a Vietnam veteran who showed him how personal pain could transform lives—including his own. Sixteen years later, Fleming has spoken to over half a million people, worked with Fortune 500 companies, and built a thriving career sharing his resilience strategies. What's surprising is Fleming's counterintuitive approach to storytelling. "One of the biggest mistakes new speakers make is that they talk about themselves," he explains. Instead, successful speakers position their experiences as solutions to problems their audiences desperately want solved. This shift in perspective transforms a personal story from self-focused to audience-focused, answering the two questions every listener silently asks: "Why does this person understand me?" and "Why should I listen to them?" Fleming breaks down his profitable speaking framework into three essential components: Problem (identify what pain your audience experiences), Promote (market yourself to the right decision-makers), and Present (deliver value that solves their problem). This approach works whether you have an extreme story like Fleming's or more common life experiences—the key is addressing problems your audience recognizes and hates. Ready to share your own story and get paid for it? Fleming offers a free Share Your Story Roadmap at useyourstory.com that shows how to make your first $500 speaking within 30 days. As he reminds us, "Your story has more power than you could ever possibly imagine, and your story matters." Support the show Got a question about something you heard today? Have a great suggestion for a topic or know someone who should be a guest? Reach out to us: askcarl@carlspeaks.ca If you're ready to take the plunge and join the over 3 million people who have joined the podcast space, we'd love to hear your idea and help you get started! Book your Podcast Strategy Session today: https://podcastsolutionsmadesimple.com/get-started/ Never miss an episode! Subscribe wherever you get your podcast by clicking here: https://communicationconnectioncommunity.buzzsprout.com Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/podcast-solutions-made-simple Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastsolutionsmadesimple/ Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/podcastlaunchmadesimple Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/carlrichards72

    26 min
  3. Dial-Up to Digital: What Actually Works in Modern Marketing with Gee Ranasinha

    SEP 17

    Dial-Up to Digital: What Actually Works in Modern Marketing with Gee Ranasinha

    Send us a text Ever wonder why some marketing cuts through the noise while most fades into oblivion? G Ranasina, CEO of Caxino marketing agency and a veteran marketer since the days of AOL CDs, reveals the uncomfortable truth about what's wrong with modern marketing. "Marketing bros think all you need is to throw data into some AI engine and have it vomit out a thousand clichéd images," Ranasina explains with refreshing candor. "But what's missing is the idea, the concept, the emotional connection." Drawing on decades of experience helping over 400 startups across 20 countries, he articulates why the fundamental principles of marketing remain unchanged despite technological revolution. The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Ranasina distinguishes between efficiency and effectiveness in marketing. While other business units can optimize for efficiency, marketing requires emotional resonance that can't be quantified in dollars. "We've exorcised creativity from the equation," he laments, explaining why $1.6 trillion in marketing spending with increasingly sophisticated targeting tools has resulted in decreasing effectiveness. For podcasters and business owners alike, Ranasina offers a compelling perspective on standing out in a crowded marketplace. "You need to have the balls to be different, to be distinctive in your category," he advises, citing brands like Liquid Death that embrace their uniqueness rather than blending into the background. His insights on why we're "feeling creatures that think" rather than "thinking creatures that feel" provide a psychological framework for creating marketing that works. Whether you're looking to improve your marketing strategy, grow your podcast audience, or simply understand why some messages stick while others don't, this episode delivers actionable wisdom wrapped in entertaining, no-nonsense commentary. Connect with G Ranasina on LinkedIn for more marketing insights delivered with his signature blend of expertise and straight talk. Support the show Got a question about something you heard today? Have a great suggestion for a topic or know someone who should be a guest? Reach out to us: askcarl@carlspeaks.ca If you're ready to take the plunge and join the over 3 million people who have joined the podcast space, we'd love to hear your idea and help you get started! Book your Podcast Strategy Session today: https://podcastsolutionsmadesimple.com/get-started/ Never miss an episode! Subscribe wherever you get your podcast by clicking here: https://communicationconnectioncommunity.buzzsprout.com Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/podcast-solutions-made-simple Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastsolutionsmadesimple/ Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/podcastlaunchmadesimple Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/carlrichards72

    32 min
  4. Emotional Journeys: How Stories Shape Our Understanding with Lucinda Sage-Midgorden

    SEP 10

    Emotional Journeys: How Stories Shape Our Understanding with Lucinda Sage-Midgorden

    Send us a text What if the stories we consume shape our emotional intelligence more profoundly than we realize? Lucinda Sage-Midgorden's journey through storytelling reveals exactly that powerful connection. From childhood family movie nights where discussions were mandatory to launching her Story Power podcast in her sixties, Lucinda shares how stories have woven through every aspect of her life. Her father, despite struggling with dyslexia, established a tradition that taught her to analyze characters, themes, and emotional journeys in film and literature – skills that would define her career and worldview. With a refreshing "jump off the cliff and see what happens" attitude, Lucinda describes her path through religious studies, theater, teaching, and finally podcasting. Her insight that "every life is a library" transformed her podcast from merely discussing consumed media to exploring personal narratives from guests worldwide. The conversation takes fascinating turns through Marvel character analysis (Tony Stark and Steve Rogers representing opposite ends of the emotional intelligence spectrum), the visual storytelling in classic cinema, and how narrative understanding enhances our ability to read body language and emotional cues. Particularly valuable for creative professionals, Lucinda addresses the common worry of content creation: "If you've lived on this earth even 20 years, you have stories. As a matter of fact, you have more stories than you think you do." Her upcoming YouTube project with her sister, "Classic Cinema with the Sage Sisters," demonstrates her continuing evolution as a storyteller. Connect with Lucinda through her website sagewomanlife on WordPress, listen to Story Power on all major platforms, or follow her on LinkedIn to discover how stories can heighten your emotional intelligence and deepen your understanding of human nature. Support the show Got a question about something you heard today? Have a great suggestion for a topic or know someone who should be a guest? Reach out to us: askcarl@carlspeaks.ca If you're ready to take the plunge and join the over 3 million people who have joined the podcast space, we'd love to hear your idea and help you get started! Book your Podcast Strategy Session today: https://podcastsolutionsmadesimple.com/get-started/ Never miss an episode! Subscribe wherever you get your podcast by clicking here: https://communicationconnectioncommunity.buzzsprout.com Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/podcast-solutions-made-simple Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastsolutionsmadesimple/ Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/podcastlaunchmadesimple Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/carlrichards72

    33 min
  5. Price Tags and Profit Margins: The Science You're Missing with Per Sjofor

    SEP 3

    Price Tags and Profit Margins: The Science You're Missing with Per Sjofor

    Send us a text Pricing might be the most powerful yet underutilized profit lever in your business toolkit. In this eye-opening conversation with Per Sjöfors, "The Price Whisperer," we uncover why most businesses leave substantial money on the table through ineffective pricing strategies. Per reveals the shocking mathematics behind pricing power: while a 1% increase in sales volume typically yields a 3.5% profit increase, and a 1% cost reduction generates about 5.5% more profit, a mere 1% price increase can boost profitability by a staggering 11.3%. Despite this leverage, most companies rely on guesswork, cost-plus formulas, or competitor matching—approaches that severely limit profit potential. Drawing from his experience running multiple companies and conducting pricing research across approximately 5,000 products and services, Per debunks common pricing myths and introduces a scientific approach anyone can implement. He shares a practical method for solopreneurs and small businesses to determine their optimal price range: interview at least 25 prospects and ask two specific questions about price thresholds. This approach works equally well across B2B and B2C contexts because pricing psychology follows similar patterns regardless of market type. The conversation also explores behavioral economics principles showing why pricing too low can actually decrease sales by creating perceptions of poor quality. Even retail giants like Walmart have shifted away from purely price-focused messaging after seeing declining sales when customers associated low prices with inferior products. Whether you're a podcaster monetizing your platform, a consultant valuing your expertise, or a business owner setting product prices, this episode provides actionable insights to transform your pricing strategy and significantly boost your profitability. As Per reminds us in his parting wisdom: "You can always increase prices. If it doesn't work, you can always revert." Support the show Got a question about something you heard today? Have a great suggestion for a topic or know someone who should be a guest? Reach out to us: askcarl@carlspeaks.ca If you're ready to take the plunge and join the over 3 million people who have joined the podcast space, we'd love to hear your idea and help you get started! Book your Podcast Strategy Session today: https://podcastsolutionsmadesimple.com/get-started/ Never miss an episode! Subscribe wherever you get your podcast by clicking here: https://communicationconnectioncommunity.buzzsprout.com Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/podcast-solutions-made-simple Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastsolutionsmadesimple/ Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/podcastlaunchmadesimple Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/carlrichards72

    27 min
  6. Building India’s Podcasting Ecosystem from Scratch with Gautam Raj Anand

    AUG 27

    Building India’s Podcasting Ecosystem from Scratch with Gautam Raj Anand

    Send us a text Ever wondered how an entire nation discovers a medium that's been thriving elsewhere for decades? Meet Gautam Raj Anand, widely known as "the father of podcasting in India," whose remarkable journey from bored banker to pioneering podcast innovator reveals what happens when necessity meets opportunity. Gautam's story begins with corporate firewalls that blocked traditional entertainment but overlooked podcasts—a serendipitous oversight that led to his 14-hour-a-day listening habit. This personal discovery sparked a data-driven revelation: India possessed the perfect conditions for podcasting to flourish—high commute times, cheap data, numerous languages, and a rich oral tradition—yet remained virtually untouched by the medium. The challenge? Most Indians had never heard the term "podcast," and those who had associated it with expensive Apple products they couldn't afford. What follows is a masterclass in problem-solving as Gautam walks us through building Hubhopper, evolving from a simple content aggregator to a comprehensive ecosystem addressing each barrier to podcast creation and consumption in India. His team had to forge partnerships with music platforms, in-cab entertainment, and news applications to create distribution channels where none existed. The results speak volumes—India has transformed from a podcast desert to the world's third-largest podcast market in less than a decade. Particularly fascinating are the distinct differences between Western and Eastern podcast consumption patterns. While Western listeners embrace hour-long shows focusing on true crime, sports, and comedy, Indian audiences prefer shorter episodes (under 25 minutes) with religious and devotional content leading by a significant margin. These insights reveal how cultural contexts profoundly shape media consumption even within the same medium. Whether you're a podcast creator, media entrepreneur, or simply curious about global digital trends, Gautam's perspective will transform how you think about content creation across cultural boundaries. Subscribe now and discover how sometimes all it takes is "20 seconds of insane courage" to spark a revolution that changes how an entire nation communicates. Support the show Got a question about something you heard today? Have a great suggestion for a topic or know someone who should be a guest? Reach out to us: askcarl@carlspeaks.ca If you're ready to take the plunge and join the over 3 million people who have joined the podcast space, we'd love to hear your idea and help you get started! Book your Podcast Strategy Session today: https://podcastsolutionsmadesimple.com/get-started/ Never miss an episode! Subscribe wherever you get your podcast by clicking here: https://communicationconnectioncommunity.buzzsprout.com Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/podcast-solutions-made-simple Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastsolutionsmadesimple/ Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/podcastlaunchmadesimple Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/carlrichards72

    46 min
  7. Brain Glue: The Secret to Selling Emotionally with James I. Bond

    AUG 20

    Brain Glue: The Secret to Selling Emotionally with James I. Bond

    Send us a text The greatest ideas in the world die every day simply because nobody remembers them. What separates forgettable messages from unforgettable ones? Brain glue - the emotional "stickiness" that makes concepts impossible to forget. James I. Bond, behavioral management specialist and award-winning author, shares the transformative moment that changed his approach to marketing forever. After losing an anti-drug campaign competition to the simple yet powerful "This is your brain on drugs" frying egg visual, Bond embarked on a decade-long journey to understand why emotional selling consistently outperforms logical arguments. Through fascinating case studies, Bond reveals how the right words can turn modest products into empires. Learn how John Gray skyrocketed book sales from 20,000 to 50 million copies by changing his title to "Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus." Discover why Post Cereals' invention of toaster pastries failed while Kellogg's identical product thrived as "Pop-Tarts." Explore how Marilyn Monroe, Cindy Crawford, and even the Squatty Potty leveraged brain triggers to stand out in crowded markets. The most valuable takeaway? You don't need to be a marketing genius to apply these principles. Bond breaks down three immediately actionable brain triggers—metaphors, rhyme, and alliteration—that anyone can use to make their ideas more compelling. As Zig Ziglar wisely noted, "Selling is nothing more than a transference of passion." Brain glue simply ensures your passion sticks with others long after you've stopped speaking. Ready to make your ideas unforgettable? Visit yesbrainglue.com to discover more tools and techniques that will transform how people receive and remember your message. Support the show Got a question about something you heard today? Have a great suggestion for a topic or know someone who should be a guest? Reach out to us: askcarl@carlspeaks.ca If you're ready to take the plunge and join the over 3 million people who have joined the podcast space, we'd love to hear your idea and help you get started! Book your Podcast Strategy Session today: https://podcastsolutionsmadesimple.com/get-started/ Never miss an episode! Subscribe wherever you get your podcast by clicking here: https://communicationconnectioncommunity.buzzsprout.com Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/podcast-solutions-made-simple Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastsolutionsmadesimple/ Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/podcastlaunchmadesimple Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/carlrichards72

    38 min
  8. Building Authentic Community Beyond Platforms with Paul Gowder

    AUG 6

    Building Authentic Community Beyond Platforms with Paul Gowder

    Send us a text What if everything you thought about building community around your podcast was incomplete? Paul Gowder, founder of PowWows.com and host of multiple podcasts, including "OTW with Paul," shatters common misconceptions about community building in this eye-opening conversation. The secret to fostering genuine connection doesn't lie in fancy Facebook groups or Discord servers alone. As Paul reveals, "Community is everybody that feels a part of your group, your movement, and feels some type of connection to you and each other." This broader understanding transforms how creators approach audience relationships across all touchpoints. Drawing from his journey as an "accidental entrepreneur" who has built a thriving community since 1996, Paul shares practical wisdom applicable to podcasters at any stage. At the heart of effective community building lies intentional communication. Whether crafting podcast episodes, emails, or social content, speaking directly to one person creates an intimate experience that resonates deeply. "When you're podcasting, speak like you're speaking to one person... don't start the show with 'Hey everybody.' Talk directly to one person; make them feel like it's just a conversation between the two of you." This approach mirrors radio fundamentals while acknowledging the uniquely personal nature of podcasting. Most creators falter by limiting their vision of community to specific platforms or following formulaic content strategies. Paul challenges us to focus where our audience naturally engages rather than spreading ourselves thin across every platform. His evolution from flashy, impersonal newsletters to conversational emails demonstrates how authentic communication outperforms algorithm-chasing tactics every time. The conversation offers both a strategic framework and tactical advice for transforming your podcast from content delivery into community cultivation. Ready to transform your approach to audience building? Visit paulgetter.com/email-tools to discover how Paul grew his email list to over 100,000 engaged subscribers, and take the first step toward creating genuine connection with your listeners. Support the show Got a question about something you heard today? Have a great suggestion for a topic or know someone who should be a guest? Reach out to us: askcarl@carlspeaks.ca If you're ready to take the plunge and join the over 3 million people who have joined the podcast space, we'd love to hear your idea and help you get started! Book your Podcast Strategy Session today: https://podcastsolutionsmadesimple.com/get-started/ Never miss an episode! Subscribe wherever you get your podcast by clicking here: https://communicationconnectioncommunity.buzzsprout.com Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/podcast-solutions-made-simple Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastsolutionsmadesimple/ Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/podcastlaunchmadesimple Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/carlrichards72

    23 min
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About

Welcome To Communication, Connection, Community, The Podcasters' Podcast. We've taken two podcasts and merged them into one! Originally Speaking of Speaking, this podcast takes a deep dive into modern day communication strategies in the podcasting space. We chat with interesting people who make the podcasting (and speaking) space exciting and vibrant. We also dive into the podcasting community, with news, updates, latest trends and topics from the every evolving space. Strap in, it's going to be one amazing ride!

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