Smarter Podcasting: Making Podcasts Better

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Smarter Podcasting: Making Podcasts Better

Welcome to Smarter Podcasting, by Niall Mackay, The Podcast Guy, founder of Seven Million Bikes Podcasts. Niall has years of experience in podcasting, producing, editing, and hosting podcasts in various fields. He’s now on a mission to help podcasters create, publish, and build their communities through podcasting by sharing the techniques and lessons he’s learned. The show is designed to provide valuable insights and practical tips for any podcaster, whether they are individuals or businesses. Niall shares his tried and tested techniques for creating, publishing, and building a show, along with success stories of his own and his clients’ podcasts.  Whether you’re interested in starting a podcast or improving an existing one, Smarter Podcasting is a great free resource to help you. Join Niall on this podcasting journey by subscribing or following Smarter Podcasting today.

  1. How To Get 50 MILLION Downloads with Gary Arndt

    2 DAYS AGO

    How To Get 50 MILLION Downloads with Gary Arndt

    “If you're doing a weekly podcast, the fastest way to double your downloads… is to do two episodes a week.” – Gary Arndt What an incredible episode this was. Gary Arndt isn’t just a successful podcaster — he’s a walking case study in consistency, discipline, and strategy. I've followed Gary for years, and to have him on Smarter Podcasting was not only a privilege, but a personal highlight. Gary’s podcast Everything Everywhere Daily has over 50 million downloads, and unlike many shows, it’s a solo, scripted, short-form, daily podcast. No guests. No fluff. Just educational content delivered with precision. He does it all himself — and he does it every day. As a podcaster and podcast producer, I found this conversation both inspiring and humbling. Gary breaks the rules you think you're supposed to follow — no niche, no guests, no endless chitchat — and instead builds a show he wishes someone else had made. And it works. This is one of those episodes you'll want to listen to more than once. Key Takeaways Your show needs a reason to exist: Most podcasts fail because they’re not actually compelling. Forget interviews (unless you're landing A-listers): Gary chose to do a solo, scripted show because the guest-based format is oversaturated and hard to scale without big names.Frequency + Quality = Growth: A daily show means more discovery opportunities. More reps. More downloads. But it only works if the content is great.Podcast promotion works best… on podcasts: TikTok, Instagram, social media in general? Nice for awareness, but they don’t convert. Podcast listeners hang out on podcast apps — meet them there.Invest in your show like a real business: If you’re not putting in money or time, don’t expect big results. Growth doesn’t happen by accident — it’s intentional, strategic, and yes, expensive.Consistency builds audience trust: Evergreen episodes, a predictable format, and daily drops create listener habits. That’s why thousands have joined Gary’s “Completionist Club.”Chapters and Timestamps 00:00 – Intro: Why Gary Arndt is a podcasting anomaly03:00 – Why most interview podcasts don’t grow07:50 – The secret power of daily, scripted, short-form content13:40 – Gary’s take on investing in your podcast from day one27:10 – Why he quit TikTok (and social media) despite viral views30:30 – The best way to grow: advertise where podcast listeners already areSend us a text Email me (niall@sevenmillionbikes.com) or contact me on Seven Million Bikes Podcasts Facebook or Instagram to book your free Podcast Audit!Thanks to James Mastroianni from The Wrong Side Of Hollywood for the endorsement! Sign up for Descript now! Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.I’ve been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!

    39 min
  2. BONUS: A BIG Announcement for Seven Million Bikes Podcasts

    10 JUN

    BONUS: A BIG Announcement for Seven Million Bikes Podcasts

    After starting my first podcast in 2019 I can't believe this is happening... Send us a text Email me (niall@sevenmillionbikes.com) or contact me on Seven Million Bikes Podcasts Facebook or Instagram to book your free Podcast Audit!Thanks to James Mastroianni from The Wrong Side Of Hollywood for the endorsement! Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.I’ve been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!

    23 min
  3. STUDIO: Podcast Studio vs Home Setup: 5 Key Differences and What To Choose

    9 JUN

    STUDIO: Podcast Studio vs Home Setup: 5 Key Differences and What To Choose

    You won’t believe how good it still sounds — that’s the power of the right setup. - Niall Mackay After producing over 70 podcasts — including award-winning shows — I’ve recorded everywhere from tiled bedrooms in Vietnam to purpose-built studios in Europe. And I get asked all the time: Should I record from home, or use a podcast studio? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but there are key differences you should know. Whether you're a solo creator, business owner, or someone thinking about starting a podcast, this episode breaks down the real pros and cons of each option, not just from theory, but from years of lived experience. Key Takeaways: *Sound Quality Isn’t Just About the Room  You can get amazing sound at home with the right gear, but you need to understand mic choice and room treatment. *Dynamic vs Condenser Mics — and Why Blue Yeti Isn’t It  If you’re recording at home, ditch the condenser mic. I explain why dynamic mics are a game-changer. *Studio Sound vs Real Sound A quick demo comparing raw audio with studio sound enabled — so you can hear the difference for yourself. *The Real Costs: Gear, Time, and Energy Renting a studio vs building your own setup — and why time might be your most expensive cost. *Professionalism and First Impressions How using a studio can elevate your brand and your guest’s experience — especially if you’re recording video too. *Which Setup is Right for You? It depends on your goals. I help you figure out what makes sense for your time, budget, and long-term vision. Chapters and timestamps 01:00 – Home Setup vs Studio: What Makes the Biggest Difference 06:00 – Mic Matters: Why You Should Ditch the Blue Yeti 10:00 – Time, Cost & Convenience 15:00 – Looking and Sounding Professional 20:00 – So… What Should You Choose? 25:00 – Launching Saigon’s First Podcast Studio Send us a text Email me (niall@sevenmillionbikes.com) or contact me on Seven Million Bikes Podcasts Facebook or Instagram to book your free Podcast Audit!Thanks to James Mastroianni from The Wrong Side Of Hollywood for the endorsement! Sign up for Descript now! Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.I’ve been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!

    31 min
  4. Q&A: Discover the Ultimate Name and Release Strategy

    2 JUN

    Q&A: Discover the Ultimate Name and Release Strategy

    "It’s as important as naming your child—your podcast name really matters." This Q&A episode was such a joy to create because it gave me a chance to engage directly with listeners and answer the most relevant and practical questions people have about podcasting. I loved how organic and personal it felt—like having a coffee with someone who genuinely wants to get better at podcasting. It was less about me teaching and more about sharing experiences and lessons I've picked up over the years. What made this episode really meaningful was the diversity of questions—from branding your show and releasing schedules to getting better at hosting and converting your listeners into leads. I hope people realize that the fundamentals of podcasting—consistency, clarity, value—are what matter most. If you listen closely, you’ll also hear how my own podcasting journey has evolved and how I’ve learned from both mistakes and wins. Key Takeaways: - The Podcast Name Is Crucial  Keep it short, specific, and obvious to your niche. Avoid quirky names that don’t explain the show’s content. - Consistency Is Everything  Weekly releases are ideal. Monthly won’t build an audience. Set a cadence and stick to it. - Master Active Listening  To be a great host, practice active listening and avoid asking multiple questions at once. - Direct Questions, Then Silence   Ask one clear question, then shut up and let your guest fill the silence. Don’t over-explain. - Give Value, Then Leads Will Come  Use a lead magnet (like a free eBook) to collect emails and build trust over time. Chapters and Timestamps 01:00 – About Niall and Seven Million Bikes 02:00 – Q1: How Important Is the Podcast Name? 10:00 – Q2: How Often Should You Release Episodes? 15:00 – Q3: How to Be Aware in Conversations & Ask Better Questions 21:00 – Q4: How Do You Convert Listeners into Leads? 24:00 – Q5: Best Web App Podcast Editor 25:00 – Q6: How to Promote Without Being Spammy Send us a text Email me (niall@sevenmillionbikes.com) or contact me on Seven Million Bikes Podcasts Facebook or Instagram to book your free Podcast Audit!Thanks to James Mastroianni from The Wrong Side Of Hollywood for the endorsement! Sign up for Descript now! Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.I’ve been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!

    33 min
  5. MONETIZATION: The Real Value of Podcasting with Charlotte Lewis-West

    26 MAY

    MONETIZATION: The Real Value of Podcasting with Charlotte Lewis-West

    "There is  more  and more money  going into podcasting advertising every year. Billions and billions now worldwide. So where is it?" Let’s be honest—everywhere you turn, you’re being told podcasting is a goldmine. Billions of dollars in ad revenue! Massive growth! Side hustle magic! But where is that money really going? Because it’s not landing in your inbox—or mine. In this episode of Smarter Podcasting, I’m joined by the brilliant Charlotte Lewis-West, a podcast strategist with a background in broadcast journalism and over a decade working with brands like GSK, Microsoft and Unilever. She’s also one of my favourite people to work with at Seven Million Bikes Podcasts. Together, we dig into the real value of podcasting—and why making money through ads and sponsorships isn’t the only (or smartest) goal. Charlotte and I get honest about what we’ve seen in the industry: the hype, the empty promises, and the reality for both indie creators and big-name brands. Here’s what we cover: Why most podcast ad money goes to massive networks and the same three sponsors (hello, BetterHelp) Why I’ve hit over 100,000 downloads and never once had a sponsor approach meWhy brands keep making the same mistakes when launching a show—and how to avoid themThe real return on investment: brand awareness, authority, networking, and trustWhy engagement rate matters more than total downloadsHow to use your podcast to build relationships, not just numbersHow you should actually handle sponsors if they do come knocking (and how not to sell out your voice)We also get into some hard truths about what makes a podcast successful. Spoiler: it’s not going viral or chasing trends. It’s consistency, knowing your audience, and delivering actual value—week after week. This isn’t about crushing dreams. It’s about saving you from wasting time, money, and energy on the wrong things—and helping you build a podcast that works for you and your business. Timestamps 02:02 – Why I started Smarter Podcasting and what we’ve achieved 03:46 – Charlotte breaks down where the podcast ad money really goes 07:00 – Why most shows (even good ones) don’t get sponsors 09:52 – How many downloads I’ve had—and why that’s not the whole story 13:00 – The real reasons to start a podcast (hint: not for ad money) 17:30 – The biggest mistakes brands make with podcasts 20:10 – “Build it and they will come” is a lie 22:32 – The indie podcaster dilemma: doing too much at once 24:58 – Monetization beyond sponsorship: smarter ways to get ROI 28:10 – What to look for in a sponsor—and how to avoid sounding fake 30:45 – Why authentic ads win and scripts usually suck Send us a text Email me (niall@sevenmillionbikes.com) or contact me on Seven Million Bikes Podcasts Facebook or Instagram to book your free Podcast Audit!Thanks to James Mastroianni from The Wrong Side Of Hollywood for the endorsement! Sign up for Descript now! Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.I’ve been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!

    33 min
  6. AUDIT: How Nicki Sun Can Take Her Show to the Next Level

    19 MAY

    AUDIT: How Nicki Sun Can Take Her Show to the Next Level

    YouTube actually tells you that 50% of views will drop out within the first 30 seconds. That's mental that that YouTube knows for a fact that half of your audience will be gone within 30 seconds.” I got a chance to audit Nicki Sun’s podcast, “Nicki Sun Show”, and I feel like this podcast audit is really a treat, as I could connect with someone who shares a deep passion for storytelling and uplifting marginalized voices. Nicki is a filmmaker, host, and creator whose work is visually stunning, emotionally resonant, and purpose-driven. But even talented creators like Nicki run into challenges when it comes to podcast consistency, audio-first thinking, and strategic growth—and that’s where this audit comes in. We dug deep into her workflow, identity, and production pipeline to figure out what’s working, what’s not, and how she can optimize her show without losing the magic that makes it special. Key talking points: - Why niching down is essential—and how to find your podcast’s true focus. - How to write better show notes that speak directly to your listener. - What makes a powerful intro and why you should stop saying “Welcome back.” - Using AI tools like ChatGPT properly to save time without sounding robotic. - The 30-second hook strategy to boost retention on both YouTube and podcast apps. - Why your outro needs to be sharp, not 90 seconds of music. Chapters and Timestamps 1:35 – Meet Nicki Sun: filmmaker, host, and creative powerhouse 4:20 – Nicki’s mission: Amplifying Asian American and marginalized creators 09:40 – The problem with being too broad: Defining your niche 17:20 – YouTube vs. Podcasting: Which platform are you really serving? 25:45 – Hooks, show notes, and using AI the right way 35:50 – Outro tips, crosstalk editing, and one strong CTA to rule them all Send us a text Email me (niall@sevenmillionbikes.com) or contact me on Seven Million Bikes Podcasts Facebook or Instagram to book your free Podcast Audit!Thanks to James Mastroianni from The Wrong Side Of Hollywood for the endorsement! Sign up for Descript now! Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.I’ve been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!

    47 min
  7. BUSINESS: 10 Benefits of Podcasting | Why Your Business Must Start a Podcast

    12 MAY

    BUSINESS: 10 Benefits of Podcasting | Why Your Business Must Start a Podcast

    “It doesn’t feel like work. And it’s only possible because you guys have spent your hours on the edit. That’s why I work with Seven Million Bikes Podcasts.” (THIS EPISODE WAS CREATED IN 3 HOURS!!) I talk to Radim Malinic — creative director, TED speaker, six-time author, and host of the Mindful Creative Podcast — about how launching a podcast changed his business forever. Since January 2024, Radim has released over 140 episodes, grown his audience, and turned his podcast into a lead-generation machine — all while working just four hours a day across multiple businesses. We cover: How podcasting helped him land clients across his design, publishing, and coffee companiesThe biggest workflow mistakes people make (and how to avoid them)The tools that save him hours every week — Calendly, Riverside, Claude, Mailchimp, and moreWhy quality audio is a non-negotiable in 2025How he’s using his podcast to write his next book — liveWhy guest booking and editing should never be DIY if you’re running a business10 reasons to start a podcast for your business Build your brand through storytelling – It lets you share your vision, values, and voice authentically.Reach new clients and generate leads – Radim mentions converting guests into clients.Network with high-level professionals – You get to “pull up your chair to the big boys’ table.”Create content at scale – With an efficient system, you can produce multiple episodes quickly.Increase credibility and authority – Being a podcast host positions you as an expert.Support other business efforts – Radim aligns podcast themes with book launches.Turn complex ideas into conversations – Helps share nuanced thoughts in a human way.Boost visibility without paid ads – Leverages word-of-mouth and organic discovery.Easy integration with newsletters and email marketing – Radim connects his show directly to a 7.5k list.Repurpose conversations into products (books, consulting) – Radim is writing a book “live” from episodes.If you’re a business owner still on the fence about starting a podcast — this is your sign. 🎧 Ready to get started with your own show? Book a free discovery call today at sevenmillionbikes.com or email me at niall@sevenmillionbikes.com Send us a text Email me (niall@sevenmillionbikes.com) or contact me on Seven Million Bikes Podcasts Facebook or Instagram to book your free Podcast Audit!Thanks to James Mastroianni from The Wrong Side Of Hollywood for the endorsement! Sign up for Descript now! Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.I’ve been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!

    33 min
  8. BUSINESS: Why EVERY Business Needs a PODCAST to Succeed

    5 MAY

    BUSINESS: Why EVERY Business Needs a PODCAST to Succeed

    “You don’t know where one conversation is gonna take you. So have it.” — Greg Wasserman I absolutely loved this conversation with Greg Wasserman — it’s one of those episodes where I found myself nodding the entire time. Greg is the Head of Relationships at RSS.com and he gets it. This is a must-listen if you’ve ever wondered why your business needs a podcast, how to use it as a true marketing and relationship-building tool, and why chasing downloads is not the goal. Greg and I are 100% aligned: podcasting is about building trust, creating genuine human connection, and showing up consistently. Whether you're a lawyer, real estate agent, or startup founder, this episode will reframe how you think about podcast ROI. Key Talking Points - Your podcast isn’t about going viral; it’s about connecting with your niche and creating value. - A podcast gives you a reason to talk to clients, prospects, and partners — and build trust. - One episode can fuel newsletters, social media, blog posts, and more — for weeks or even years. - Unless you’re a media company, sponsorships are more work than they’re worth. Focus on impact instead. - Just like websites or social media pages, podcasts are becoming a core part of modern business strategy. Chapters and Timestamps 03:00: Why podcasting isn't about becoming a superstar or going viral 06:30: The lawyer story — using a podcast as a business development tool 09:00: Building trust and marketing others through podcasting 13:35: The fishing podcast example — how niche can drive connection 18:00: Real-world ROI from a single podcast episode 21:00: Why sponsorships aren’t the right goal for most podcasters 28:30: Podcasting vs. traditional marketing (like expos and booths) Send us a text Email me (niall@sevenmillionbikes.com) or contact me on Seven Million Bikes Podcasts Facebook or Instagram to book your free Podcast Audit!Thanks to James Mastroianni from The Wrong Side Of Hollywood for the endorsement! Sign up for Descript now! Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.I’ve been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!

    37 min
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About

Welcome to Smarter Podcasting, by Niall Mackay, The Podcast Guy, founder of Seven Million Bikes Podcasts. Niall has years of experience in podcasting, producing, editing, and hosting podcasts in various fields. He’s now on a mission to help podcasters create, publish, and build their communities through podcasting by sharing the techniques and lessons he’s learned. The show is designed to provide valuable insights and practical tips for any podcaster, whether they are individuals or businesses. Niall shares his tried and tested techniques for creating, publishing, and building a show, along with success stories of his own and his clients’ podcasts.  Whether you’re interested in starting a podcast or improving an existing one, Smarter Podcasting is a great free resource to help you. Join Niall on this podcasting journey by subscribing or following Smarter Podcasting today.

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