The Circle Sessions

Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy™
The Circle Sessions

In each episode, one of The Circle of Experts talks about critical aspects of growing your podcast. We focus on marketing, social media, monetization, and website design, and the implementation of all of these. The Circle of Experts includes *Yasmine Robles from Rebel Marketing; *Tonnisha English-Amamoo of TJE Communications; *Don The Idea Guy; and *Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy™ from Circle 270 Media™ Podcast Consultants.

  1. 3D AGO

    Newsletters for Podcasters: Tools, Tactics, and Tips to Boost Your Show’s Impact

    Why Email Marketing Still Matters "With social media, which I know we've talked about before, if you make a post, you'd hope that the algorithm favors you enough for people to see it. But with your email newsletter, you can look at the data of your audience and determine what is the best time to send that email to make sure that they will see it. So you don't have to worry about algorithm changes in your inbox." - Tonnisha English-AmamooI have the pleasure of sitting down with Tonnisha English-Amamoo of TJE Communications. We focus on the often overlooked but highly effective strategy of newsletters for podcast growth. Though email marketing might seem “old school,” Tonnisha highlighted its enduring power—especially compared to the fickle nature of social media algorithms. With email, you own your audience and can communicate directly on your terms, building a loyal community around your show. We explore the basics of getting started, including choosing between user-friendly platforms like Mailchimp or Constant Contact for beginners, and more advanced options like ActiveCampaign or ConvertKit for those ready to implement automation and sales funnels. Tonnisha shares that most mainstream email platforms function similarly at the entry level, and suggests starting simple before moving to more complex features. We also talk about creativity when curating newsletter content. Beyond episode notifications, consider sending recaps, behind-the-scenes insights, bonus resources, or even related news articles to add value. If your podcast features guests or sponsored content, use newsletters as an extra spotlight to create incentives for involvement and sponsorship. Tonnisha provides clear guidance on understanding analytics, such as open rates and click-through rates, and explains what soft and hard bounces mean for your email list’s health. She stresses the importance of segmenting your audience to ensure you’re engaging with your most loyal followers and how cleaning out inactive subscribers can improve your results. Finally, we discuss how newsletters are not just a retention tool but a channel for organic growth and referral, with easy sharing options for listeners to bring new fans to your podcast. If you’re ready to build deeper connections and truly “own” your audience, making newsletters part of your podcast strategy is essential. Fun Fact from the Episode: Tonnisha doesn’t just stick the unsubscribe button way down at the bottom—she puts it right at the top! Why? She’d rather have folks leave than risk getting marked as spam. (We love that energy! Keep it real.) Top Takeaways Why Email Still Wins – Newsletters aren’t just for your grandma’s book club. They let you own your subscriber list (no more fighting social algorithms!).Choosing the Right Platform – Wondering if you need to shell out big bucks for fancy software? Tonnisha shares the real differences between Constant Contact, Mailchimp, and more advanced tools.Creative Ways to Connect – Newsletters aren’t just about “here’s my episode!” Learn clever strategies to turn listeners into a true community (think recaps, bonus content, and guest features).The Power of Good Data – Open rates, click rates, bounces—what do all those numbers mean, and which ones should you care about most?How to Grow (and Prune) Your List – You’ll get tips on keeping your list healthy, why it’s good to let folks unsubscribe, and how to focus on your most loyal fans. Key Moments 03:54 Email Marketing: Tools and Strategies 07:00 Newsletter & SMS Features Overview 09:39 "Enhance Podcast with Extra Resources" 14:53 Email Engagement and Bounce Insights 16:32...

    25 min
  2. APR 9

    Podcast Monetization: Tipping, Gifting, and Other Lucrative Options

    We're all about finding creative solutions that take your podcast to the next level. Whether it's tapping into non-traditional revenue streams or leveraging new platforms like Spotify and YouTube, the opportunities are endless! I sit down with Don The Idea Guy to tackle these topics 00:58.360 We kick things off by exploring the article from Oxford Road about podcasting's so-called "identity crisis." We dissect why this is more of an agency challenge than a true problem for podcasters, discussing the nuances of podcast ad buys and agency struggles with the current systems. It's a lively conversation that sheds light on how advertisers and agencies can adapt to better serve the podcasting community. 07:44.058 We then pivot to some exciting news from YouTube. Don and I discuss YouTube's new ad test, which allows podcasters to dynamically insert host-read ads into their content. This development could be a game changer, providing new opportunities for podcasters to monetize their shows effectively while maintaining a genuine connection with their audience. 15:27.110 Next, we scratch the surface about Netflix considering podcasting as a cost-effective alternative to producing expensive films. This potential shift opens the door for unique audio content experiences on a traditionally visual platform, bringing a fresh perspective to what podcasting can offer. 26:22.804 Don and I also highlight Spotify's latest feature—short-form video clips to promote podcasts. This new tool could enhance discoverability and engagement, offering podcast creators a unique way to capture audience interest and drive up listens. 32:55.194 Finally, we break down a chart from eMarketer that highlights how podcasters are significantly benefiting from tipping, merchandise, and subscriptions, among other revenue opportunities. It's an energizing end to our episode, filled with actionable insights for anyone looking to expand their podcast's earning potential beyond traditional advertising. Netflix Considers Adding Podcasts Because They're Cheaper Than Quality FilmsCreators are increasing their income from alternative revenue streamsHow shows are using short-form video clips to drive podcast discovery on SpotifyYouTube ramps up podcasting with new ad test | SemaforPodcasting’s Identity Crisis: Report Warns Lack of Clear Definitions Are Stalling Growth. | News | podcastnewsdaily.com MEET DON THE IDEA GUY!Possessing creative powers beyond those of mere mortals, DON THE IDEA GUY rescues those in need of innovative ideas through his brainstorming sessions, articles, and websites. DTIG (DEE-tigg) has been featured in Small Business News, interviewed by the New York Times, quoted in Fast Company magazine, and served as the first president of the International Idea Trade Association. Don is a proud member of the BzzAgent community, and is featured in BzzAgent.com founder Dave Balter’s book “Grapevine: The New Art of Word-of-Mouth Marketing.” His Innovation Channel on the Duct Tape Marketing Blog has been recognized as a Forbes Favorite. Don is the...

    52 min
  3. APR 2

    AI in Marketing: Game Changer or Overrated?

    I chat with Yasmine Robles and Izzy Dadosky from Rebel Marketing about the fascinating ways AI and human creativity intersect in the world of marketing. We kick things off by pondering where we draw the line between using AI as a groundbreaking tool and merely a shortcut. Izzy weighs in with her thoughts, reminding us that while AI can be revolutionary, relying on it solely for content creation typically results in bland, generic output. It's all about adding that human flair to keep content fresh and engaging. We look at the efficiency AI can bring to certain tasks. Automating repetitive work and generating ideas can really boost productivity when done right. But Izzy also gives us a heads-up about the dangers of leaning too heavily on AI, like spreading misinformation or losing that personal touch in your marketing materials. Yasmine jumps in to share how Rebel Marketing blends AI with strategic human oversight. They mainly use AI for brainstorming and getting those initial gears turning, but real human involvement is needed to make sure everything aligns with the brand's message and company values. Whether you’re into marketing or podcasting, this episode is packed with practical insights on how to balance AI's power while keeping your brand’s unique voice intact. Here's what you'll discover in this episode: AI vs. Human Touch: Where's the balance? Discover the line between leveraging AI as a tool and maintaining that priceless human creativity.Efficient Content Creation: How AI can handle the mundane tasks, saving you time and energy while ensuring your brand's authentic voice shines through.Avoiding the AI Pitfalls: Izzy shares the risks of over-relying on AI and how you can prevent your content from becoming a monotonous echo.Practical AI Applications: Yasmine spills on how Rebel Marketing is using AI for brainstorming, keyword generation, and more!Preparing for the Future: What's next for AI in marketing? Could it ever replicate true creativity? Spoiler: not without a little help from you! Memorable Moments 00:00 AI's Limitations in Business Content 06:10 Website Accessibility and Performance Testing 09:58 AI Requires Human Oversight 11:10 Podcast Planning with AI Creativity 15:34 AI's Impersonal and Misinformation Challenges 18:47 Effective Prompting for AI Use 21:59 Podcast Transcript to Blog Conversion Guide 25:32 "Information Overload: Wikipedia on Steroids" 28:05 Human Insights Essential in Marketing Yasmine works alongside clients to design a website that's driven by strategy, looks amazing, and that you can actually use to grow your podcast, and your business. Her website. Her Instagram. Click here for the checklist! Each week, one of The Circle of Experts talks about critical aspects of growing your podcast. We focus on marketing, social media, monetization, website design, and implementation of all of these to help you make the best podcast possible. Have a question or an idea for one of our episodes? Send us an email at podcasts@circle270media.com. The Circle of Experts are: Yasmine Robles from Rebel Marketing Tonnisha English-Amamoo of TJE Communications a href="https://www.dontheideaguy.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    33 min
  4. MAR 26

    Building Your Personal Brand: A Guide for Podcasters and Entrepreneurs

    Strategies for Building a Personal Brand: Insights for Entrepreneurs and Podcasters I'm hanging out with Yasmine Robles and Izzy Dadosky from Rebel Marketing. We're all about helping you figure out how to build a personal brand that really clicks with your audience, especially if you're running a podcast or your own business. First up, we chat about nailing your unique value proposition (UVP). Yasmine breaks it down, saying your UVP is all about what makes you special and how you’re solving problems for your crowd. We tackle the big question: does your UVP need to be perfect right away, or can it grow and change as you do? Next, Izzy highlights the need for a consistent brand voice across all your platforms. The idea is that anyone checking out your site or meeting you in person should get the same, genuine vibe from you. Yasmine gives us some top tips on keeping your visual identity consistent. It's all about using the same colors and fonts across your website, business cards, and everything in between, so people instantly get your brand's story. We also talk about crafting an elevator pitch that's all about what you do for your clients, not just what you do. It’s a cool way to communicate your true value and spark potential opportunities. We chat about making the most of your content—blogs, podcasts, videos—by repurposing it to reach more folks. Engaging authentically on social media and collecting testimonials are key moves for boosting trust and connection with your audience. Lastly, we stress the importance of optimizing all your online stuff. Make sure everything from social media to your website aligns with your main goals. Whether you're starting fresh or revamping things, this episode serves up some solid advice for building a killer personal brand. Key Moments 00:00 Discover Through Experimentation 03:58 Consistent Branding Across Platforms 07:25 Consistency in Branding Matters 10:39 Crafting Effective Elevator Pitches 12:29 Crafting Adaptable Marketing Pitches 16:03 SEO Strategies for Blogs and Podcasts 22:21 Evaluating Event Impact for Networking 24:18 Embracing Awkwardness at Networking Events 28:44 Set Digital Goals for Success 32:31 Connect on LinkedIn or Website 33:56 Revitalize Your Podcast Strategy 5 Keys You’ll Learn Defining Your Unique Value Proposition (UVP): Discover what makes you stand out in your niche and how to convey it effortlessly.Creating a Consistent Brand Voice: Be authentic, be yourself, and make sure your message doesn’t get lost across different platforms.Crafting a Compelling Elevator Pitch: How to encapsulate what you do in a few words that resonate with your audience and spark interest.Repurposing Content: Learn how to maximize the content you create, so you’re efficient, effective, and everywhere you need to be.Optimizing Your Online Presence: From your website to social media profiles, ensure everything works harmoniously for the best results. Yasmine works alongside clients to design a website that's driven by strategy, looks amazing, and that you can actually use to grow your podcast, and your business. Her website. Her Instagram. Click here for the checklist! Each week, one of The Circle of Experts talks about critical aspects of growing your podcast. We focus on marketing, social media, monetization, website design, and implementation of all of these to help you make the best

    35 min
  5. MAR 19

    Using AI to Organize Your Work Flow Efficiently

    "Balancing Personalization and Privacy with AI: 'But I have given details about my personality, about me, and how I want the information returned to me as I put it in, and I feel like that has helped.'" - Tonnisha English-AmamooI hang out with Tonnisha English-Amamoo, one of our Circle of Experts and a pro at helping small businesses thrive with digital marketing. We're talk about how AI is becoming our new productivity buddy in both podcasting and day-to-day business life. Tonnisha talks about her initial doubts regarding AI, thanks to movies like "iRobot," but she shares some cool ways AI has become her go-to tool for keeping organized. She uses ChatGPT like a super-smart executive assistant to help manage her calendar and tasks, cutting down on the back-and-forth and making sure everything's in tune with her priorities. We also chat about how we interact with AI—Tonnisha likes to treat it almost like a friend. She believes it helps in getting responses that feel more personalized. On the flip side, I tend to keep things more straightforward with AI. This leads to a fun conversation about whether being nice to AI can save us from a robot apocalypse or just help streamline our work even more. When it comes to marketing, Tonnisha finds AI great for brainstorming and refining ideas, even though there's always room for a personal touch. We ponder over AI's future in business—it's exciting but also needs human eyes to ensure things are running smoothly. Get in Touch: If you're eager to leverage AI in your podcasting journey or have insights to share, reach out to Tonnisha at tjecommunications.com or me at mypodcastguy.com. We're open to hearing how you utilize AI and the productive techniques you’ve discovered. Highlights from the Episode AI as the Unpaid Intern: Tonnisha shares how AI can help streamline tasks and organize your calendar. She uses ChatGPT as a virtual executive assistant, which suggests an efficient schedule based on her priorities and calendar openings.Personalized AI Interaction: Tonnisha amusingly advocates for being polite to AI, citing her personalized chat as a tool that learns her communication style and preferences. This was emphasized with a lighter tone as she prepares for potential AI interactions in the far-off future "apocalypse."Marketing and Thematic Creativity: Discover how AI assists in generating themes and ideas foundational to marketing strategies. Tonnisha appreciates the way AI can formulate ideas that one can refine and build upon, assisting in creativity and planning.Efficiency Tools: From summarizing long text to managing email succinctly, the episode explores various practical tools AI offers to keep us on track, especially beneficial for podcasters faced with extensive to-do lists.Human Touch in AI: While AI is a tremendous aid, both Brett and Tonnisha stress the irreplaceable value of human insight in refining and executing ideas generated by AI tools. Key Moments 00:00 Embracing AI for Productivity 06:23 AI Adapting to Communication Style 10:04 Personalizing AI Interactions Safely 11:44 AI in Marketing: Humans Still Essential 15:54 AI Tools for Podcast Planning Subscribe to Tonnisha's Tip of The Month Each week, one of The Circle of Experts talks about critical aspects of growing your podcast. We focus on marketing, social media, monetization, website design, and implementation of all of

    17 min
  6. MAR 5

    Web Podcasting Strategy | Pt 1

    Podcasting is more than a marketing tool—it's a platform for networking, showcasing expertise, and building an intimate connection with your audience. Whether you're solo or interviewing industry leaders, it's about delivering value. In this episode of The Circle Sessions, I am part of a LinkedIn Live with Yasmine Robles and Izzy Dodosky of Rebel Marketing. We explore the strategy behind creating a successful podcast for your business. We kick things off by considering why businesses should incorporate podcasting into their marketing efforts. Yasmine and Izzy discuss the value of podcasting as a tool not just for marketing, but also for networking and connecting with potential clients on a more intimate level. We then tackle the different podcast formats and how to choose the one that best suits your business goals. Whether it's a solo show, guest interviews, or a combination, we discuss the variables you should consider to tailor your podcast to your audience's needs and expectations. Izzy offers her insights on defining and understanding your target audience, as well as how the tone and content of your podcast can reflect and enhance your brand's voice. We also talk about the crucial step of aligning your podcast content with your broader business objectives to ensure you're not just adding noise, but value. An equally important topic we cover is content repurposing. Izzy highlights various ways you can extend the life of a single podcast episode by transforming it into blog content, social media snippets, and more, increasing your reach and reinforcing your message across platforms. We wrap up by discussing how to effectively measure the success of your podcast. We emphasize the importance of looking beyond traditional podcast metrics to include website traffic, social media engagement, and other business-focused KPIs. We unpack these elements with actionable insights that will help you leverage podcasting to boost your business growth and achieve your marketing goals. Key Moments 00:00 Podcasting: Intimate Business Marketing Tool 04:57 Podcast Format and Networking Strategies 08:59 Consistent Branding for Target Audience 15:15 "AI Revolutionizes Content Creation" 17:22 Repurposing Content for Maximum Impact 20:44 Pre-Interview Conversations and Follow-Up 25:25 Optimizing Podcast Content for ROI 28:11 "Starting 'Market Like It's Hot'" 29:50 Conversational Marketing Insights Podcast 35:11 Podcast Consulting for Longevity Each week, one of The Circle of Experts talks about critical aspects of growing your podcast. We focus on marketing, social media, monetization, website design, and implementation of all of these to help you make the best podcast possible. Have a question or an idea for one of our episodes? Send us an email at podcasts@circle270media.com. The Circle of Experts are: Yasmine Robles from Rebel Marketing Tonnisha English-Amamoo of TJE Communications Don The Idea Guy Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy®, from Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/ Copyright 2025 Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy™

    37 min
  7. FEB 26

    Creative Marketing Tactics for a Shoestring Budget

    This episode is packed with actionable tips and important insights into maximizing your marketing efforts on a limited budget. Whether it’s leveraging free social media tools, optimizing your SEO practices, effective email marketing, repurposing content, or tapping into community resources, there’s something in this episode for everybody. I’m joined by Yasmine and Izzy from Rebel Marketing. We cover practical and impactful ideas, starting with leveraging free social media tools. Izzy emphasizes the importance of using platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to reach new audiences without spending much, while ensuring that your content genuinely reflects your brand. Yasmine shares a real-world example of social media successfully drawing in customers to a local business. Next, we talk about optimizing your website for SEO. Izzy provides insights on using keywords and location-based searches to improve your online visibility. She also mentions the significance of backlinks and keeping track of your Google Analytics. Yasmine highlights the need for proper website building to complement SEO efforts and gives a handy tip about Google My Business, especially for businesses looking to draw local traffic. We touch on the topic of email marketing, noting its enduring effectiveness. Despite some thinking it's outdated, Izzy and I discuss its value due to the direct connection it offers with an audience that has opted in to hear from you. Izzy also stresses the importance of not overloading subscribers with too many emails and using tools like Flodesk or Mailchimp to keep everything branded and professional. Repurposing existing content is another key strategy we explore. By reusing blog articles and social media posts, you can save time and resources while reaching broader audiences. We also highlight the importance of cleaning up your email list to save costs and targeting the right subscribers. Lastly, we talk about the value of local resources and community networking groups. Yasmine shares her experience of a “networking blitz” to identify the groups that provided the best ROI and alignment with her goals. We emphasize giving it time – possibly a year – to really gauge the value of these groups. We’ll continue this conversation in part two of our series on shoestring budget marketing tips. Here are 5 keys you'll learn from this episode: Leverage Free Social Media Tools - Izzy shares how you can utilize platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn effectively, even hinting at the potential of Canva for creating eye-catching content. Optimize for SEO with Minimal Resources - Learn fundamental SEO practices from Izzy, including the importance of keywords, location targeting, and maintaining good backlinks. The Untapped Power of Google My Business - Brett and the team delve into why Google My Business is an overlooked gem, especially for location-based and event-driven businesses. Email Marketing Best Practices - Izzy debunks myths around email marketing, stressing its importance and sharing tips on how to get the most out of it using tools like Flodesk and Mailchimp. Repurpose Existing Content - Yasmine emphasizes the time-saving magic of repurposing your existing content for social media, blogs, and newsletters. Key Moments 00:00 Aligning Content with Brand Identity 06:09 Effective Web Design and SEO Alignment 08:39 Email Engagement Best Practices 10:53 Repurposing Content and Email Strategy 14:12 "Networking Strategy and ROI" 17:38 SEO Consultation and Comprehensive Audits Yasmine works alongside clients to design a website that's driven by strategy, looks amazing, and that you can actually use to grow your podcast, and your business. a...

    18 min
  8. FEB 19

    How to Adapt When Your Social Media Marketing Platform Changes

    "Diversifying Your Social Media Presence": "We can't rely on just one platform. I love TikTok just as much as the next person, but YouTube has recently well, recently, maybe in the last couple of years, launched YouTube Shorts, which gives that same feel with the, you know, the short form video." - Tonnisha English-AmamooI sit down with Tonnisha English-Amamoo, founder of TJE Communications, to explore what you should do when your go-to social media platform suddenly disappears. With TikTok's uncertain future in the United States, Tonnisha discusses the potential impact on businesses and influencers who rely heavily on the app for marketing and branding. She stresses the importance of not depending solely on one social media platform to sustain your business, as digital landscapes can change overnight. Together, we consider various alternative platforms such as YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, Blue Sky, Fanbase, and Rednote, examining their potential to fill the gap left by TikTok. Tonnisha encourages you to "get in there and try" these new platforms while paying attention to their audience's preferences and behaviors. She remarks on the need for marketers to diversify their strategies and points out that building communities on platforms you own, like through emails or digital forums, can offer stability in uncertain times. We also touch on the unique resilience of LinkedIn as a professional social media platform, pondering why it remains largely unchallenged in its niche. Tonnisha highlights LinkedIn's focus on business as a strength and suggests that staying in one's lane can be an effective strategy. Key Takeaways Diversify Your Social Media Presence: Tonnisha emphasizes the importance of not putting all your digital eggs in one basket. Whether you're an individual or a business, relying solely on one platform like TikTok can be risky. Now might be the perfect time to explore platforms such as YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, or emerging spaces like Blue Sky, Fanbase, and Rednote.Stay Informed and Adaptive: With TikTok's future uncertain, staying informed about new platforms and getting hands-on with their features is crucial. Reading their guides, exploring early adopter content, and understanding their unique offerings can give you a head start.Build Direct Connections: The episode also underscores the importance of building direct connections with your audience through platforms you own, like an email newsletter or a personalized website. Social media should complement these efforts, not replace them.Exploring New Platforms: We explore the nuances of emerging platforms. Blue Sky aims for a community-first approach, while Fanbase, a black-owned platform, and Rednote, similar to TikTok but with language hurdles, offer new arenas to engage audiences. Key Moments 00:00 Diversify Beyond Social Media 03:43 TikTok Sale or Ban Decision 07:06 "Blue Sky's Community-Centric Approach" 11:52 Seeking Positivity in Social Media 16:54 Build Community Beyond Social Media 18:31 Podcast Marketing Strategy Tips Subscribe to Tonnisha's Tip of The Month Each week, one of The Circle of Experts talks about critical aspects of growing your podcast. We focus on marketing, social media, monetization, website design, and implementation of all of these to help you make the best podcast possible. Have a question or an idea for one of our episodes? Send us an email at podcasts@circle270media.com. The Circle of Experts are: Yasmine Robles from Rebel...

    19 min

About

In each episode, one of The Circle of Experts talks about critical aspects of growing your podcast. We focus on marketing, social media, monetization, and website design, and the implementation of all of these. The Circle of Experts includes *Yasmine Robles from Rebel Marketing; *Tonnisha English-Amamoo of TJE Communications; *Don The Idea Guy; and *Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy™ from Circle 270 Media™ Podcast Consultants.

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