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Brion O'Brion is the radio in Lansing, Michigan on Power 96.5. A true veteran in urban and hip hop radio, Brion shared his radio story—from growing up in Virginia and spending time overseas, to discovering his love for radio with the legendary “Rap Attack” show on WRAP. We talked about the mentors who shaped his path, the competitive radio scenes in Orlando and St. Louis, and how setbacks taught him resilience and the importance of adaptability. Brion opened up about the changing landscape of radio, the impact of social media, and why connecting with audiences—both on air and online—is the key to radio's future as an influencer medium. (Yes I wrote that).He also gave candid advice to aspiring radio personalities while reflecting on his own family’s legacy of perseverance. Brion’s passion and honesty remind me why I love doing this show, and how much I miss radio events like the Conclave. Did someone say the Last Conclave? THE CONCLAVE 45 is a Radio Industry Conference bringing together broadcasters, owners, and industry leaders from across the U.S..  A conference, featuring seminars with panels discussing current and future issues and technology in radio broadcasting. The event aims to connect radio broadcasters and owners with modern technology and programming ventures. The Conclave has been held annually for nearly 50 years and will take place in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The last one takes place September 15 to 17, 2026!

I am joined by my longtime friend and media personality Nat Lauzon. Nat does weekends on 92.5 The Beat in Montreal and shares her experience launching her new podcast called Feedbag. In an honest and lighthearted conversation, (Lighthearted because we talk about farts) Nat opens up about facing big life changes, including navigating midlife, finding creative freedom, and her recent health challenges with stage zero breast cancer. Nat is successful because she prepares for, and embraces change, balancing personal and professional passions, and turning challenges into opportunities for growth. You will enjoy stories about building a podcast from the ground up, the importance of technical support, and the joy of sharing the mic with loved ones. With moments of humor, vulnerability, and practical advice, this 30 plus minutes with Nat is a solid must-listen for anyone interested in creativity, storytelling, and charting your own path, instead of having other people decide it for you. Here is the trailer for Nat's Feedbag. Oh and look - here is the video for our episode we recorded.

Traci DeForge is the founder of Produce Your Podcast and co‑founder of the Podcast Professionals Association —and unpacks her journey from radio prodigy to podcast entrepreneur. Traci shares how rapid consolidation in radio, a burnout moment in 2004, and a leap into business strategy led her to launch a broadcast‑quality podcast in 2016 that grew into a full‑service production agency. She said so before the recording started but she is audio first. Audio remains powerful (theater of the mind), video is useful for discovery but shouldn’t replace audio, and podcast SEO—especially detailed show descriptions—drives discoverability. Traci also stresses monetization through host‑led promotions, the value of guest appearances for visibility, and the legitimacy of archiving a show when its purpose has run its course. For podcasters seeking practical wins: update your show description, prioritize audio quality, and consider guest booking to amplify reach. Listen to the episode to the end and get all the excellent tips. Twice in this episode we mentioned the late Todd Cochrane. I put together a highlight of some of the great things he said on this show - in an episode I titled One Last Listen. The Video for Those Who Like To Watch And don't forget to Follow Traci's podcast for free audience growth hacks.

Kendall Breitman is the community manager at Riverside.fm, and shares her journey from political journalism at Bloomberg and NBC to spearheading community management at Riverside, revealing how her passion for people and storytelling fuels her work. We got into the hurdles podcasters face—from choosing recording platforms to tackling complex workflows. Kendall highlights Riverside’s innovative approach, introducing tools like the CO Creator AI, which streamlines everything from editing to content repurposing, making professional podcasting more accessible than ever. And we talked about the importance of audience engagement, marketing strategies like video clips, and how AI now assists throughout the production process. Kendall offers valuable advice to budding podcasters: tap into the podcasting community, whether through Riverside’s Facebook group or wider networks, to share experiences and tips. With features like integrated hosting, live streaming, and upcoming webinar solutions, Riverside aims to empower creators of all levels. Whether you're an established host or just getting started, this episode delivers insights and inspiration for making the most out of your podcasting journey. The Podcast Superfriends had Kendall on for International Podcast Day. If you love the conversation about and below - you will love this too! Would you like to Try Riverside? Click Here. Just My Opinion I don't like the hosting offered by Riverside. You can't add a prefix enclosure (yet) and their stats are not IAB certified.... yet. This is frustrating for those looking for ceertified metrics externally in places like Op3 or Podtrac . I'd rather they innovate their recording tools and focus on building better sounding podcasts. I think they are just getting into the hosting game to make it harder for podcasters to leave. If Riverside is controlling the feed, it is one more reason not to go to a place like Descript who do not offer hosting. We need better sounding podcasts. Not more podcast hosts. If you are looking for a podcast host, I recommend you take a serious look at: Captivate Transistor TrueFans Buzzsprout RSS.com Or you can join us on Art19 or Megaphone when you work with the Sound Off Podcast Network.

For ten years now, I have saved the Christmas morning episode for my good friend Terry Dimonte. The 10th anniversary of gathering around the mic to talk about life, radio, and the small pleasures that keep us sane. Terry and I wandered through the evolution of podcasting—how it’s gone from niche experiment to a wonderully busy and democratic landscape where sound quality and human connection still cut through the noise. We talked about YouTube being the go-to discovery engine, reflected on back-catalog gems (that four‑year-old Christmas episode keeps finding new ears), and reminded listeners that episodes keep giving long after they’re released. (Did you know that a lot of podcasters get half their downloads from their back catalogue) We also talked about why we moved out of the city to the Laurentians: Quieter mornings, slow drives, and the kind of view that makes you actually stop. Along the way we compared radio’s old guard to today’s podcast reality, mourned the loss of in-person customer service, and celebrated the people—servers, doormen, producers—who make experiences memorable. Terry has plans for 2026. A beach break and Tuscany are penciled in. Merry Christmas and thanks for listening—here’s to another decade of stories. Here are a few links to the things we talked about: I made mention of a couple of articles from Fred Jacobs and Dave Beasing contrasting podcasting and radio...  you can read those here.  Also the episode regarding tourism was from a podcast called Forward Motion which I produce. The episode is here

Ivar Hamilton discusses the history and impact of CFNY, a Toronto radio station known for its free-form programming and support of new wave and punk music in the late 70's through to 1988. Ivar explains the station's evolution, its early support of artists like U2 and The Cocteau Twins, and its eventual shift to a more commercial format in 1988. We also covered Ivar's career transition to Polygram and later Universal, his role in promoting acts, and the challenges of adapting to digital platforms. Additionally, Matt mentions the upcoming documentary on CFNY, featuring interviews with key figures and artists. Ivar also mentioned his involvement in various radio shows, including a guest spot on "The Edge Time Machine" and hosting alternative Christmas music shows on stations like NYTheSpirit and The Bridge . The Sound Off Podcast Network has been assisting Ivar and Scot Turner launch their podcast, Music Milestones YYZ , which documents music history in Toronto. The podcast covers significant events, releases, and cultural references, often incorporating personal anecdotes from Ivar's 10 years at CFNY and 35 years at a major record label. Upcoming episodes will feature guests and discussions on notable musicians and events, such as the 45th anniversary of John Lennon's murder and the tours of Canadian classic rock bands in 2026. Oh and here is the full video of my conversation with Ivar:

Corey Dylan sheds light on the challenges and opportunities facing professionals over 40 looking to reinvent themselves. As Corey prepares to wrap up her radio career at Z90 in San Diego by the end of 2025, she's diving headfirst into full-time content creation. Her journey is a testament to resilience – having weathered multiple periods of unemployment, including a challenging two-and-a-half-year stretch between 2016 and 2019. What struck me most was her approach to staying relevant. Corey's not just creating content; she's building a brand focused on helping people over 40 navigate social media's complex landscape. Her YouTube channel, "Social Media Smart," is designed to demystify platform algorithms and provide practical advice for content creators. We dove deep into the creator economy, discussing everything from platform strategies to the importance of consistent, positive messaging. Corey's philosophy is simple: focus on one platform, create value-driven content, and stay enthusiastic. Her advice resonates in a world where attention is currency and negativity is a career killer. Of note - Corey has started a five part series called "Off Mic" that is running on Barrett Media detailing life off mic. Here is a sample of some of the great tips Corey is giving about social media on her social media. Follow her and learn: As a fellow Gen X content creator, I found her insights refreshing. She's proof that with the right mindset, equipment, and determination, anyone can adapt to the digital age's rapid changes. Stay tuned to Corey's journey – she's just getting started.

In an age of fragmented media consumption, tracking how Canadians watch content has become increasingly complex. Our latest episode reveals the fascinating world of media attribution through the eyes of Sue Haas from Nlogic. (And yes... attribution is fascinating... don't @me) Sue is currently holding the position of Chief Growth Officer at Numeris and explains the relationship between the two entities and why the relationship is going to solid for broadcasters. The launch of Nlogic's Video Audience Measurement (VAM) marks a significant milestone in understanding Canadian media habits. This innovative data set captures content across 95% of Canadian platforms, from traditional broadcasters to streaming giants like Netflix, YouTube, and TikTok. The goal? To provide a comprehensive picture of video consumption that goes beyond outdated measurement techniques. Particularly fascinating is the challenge of Canadian media measurement. Unlike the U.S., Canada has unique viewing patterns, especially in regions like Quebec, where linear TV remains dominant. Global platforms often overlook these nuanced differences, making Canadian-specific data crucial. The future of media measurement is about integration – bringing together first-party data, cross-platform insights, and a holistic view of audience engagement. As streaming continues to evolve, tools like VAM are becoming essential for content creators, advertisers, and media strategists navigating the complex digital landscape. And because we talked a lot about video - it only makes sense that we present the show in video, right?

Jennifer Moroz is the host of the new podcast Furball Confidential . We went back to the early days of her journalism career to discuss her start in from anthropology and segue to journalism, including her time at the Philadelphia Inquirer and the CBC. She highlights her role in rebranding the CBC show "Q" after the departure of Jian Ghomeshi. Jennifer emphasizes the importance of leadership, team support, and professional development. She shares insights on podcasting, including the challenges of producing high-quality audio and video content. Jen also discusses her executive coaching business and the collaborative process behind "Fur Ball Confidential," which explores the relationships between pets and their owners. As promised - here is the trailer to Furball Confidential. Fun story : I think I applied to work for Jennifer back in 2017. I wanted to work in podcasting and there is no bigger place in Canada to do that than the CBC. I did not get a job but I did get the attention of Lindsay Michaels from Podcast Playlist and that was cool. (Lindsay is now at Amazon Music Canada) Making a Podcast is easy. Making a Successful podcast Is HARD: I say this often because I think you need to hear the truth. The good news is that with someone like Jennifer in your corner, she can help in building, fixing and running a podcast. (You think you have time to do it yourself - you don't.) Her consulting and facilitation services often go hand-in-hand. She can help you and your team conceptualize a podcast or other program; develop a show mandate and/or culture statement to govern how you want to treat each other; and conduct individual interviews with team members to gauge cultural issues and offer solutions. And if you listen to the episode to the end - you'll know that she knows podcast and program launches, and can help with everything from timelines to staffing and leadership. A Few Thoughts about Q, Circa 2015 onward: Do we need to re-hash Jian Gomeshi from October 2014. No we do not. We can wait for the Netflix Docu-series that is not in the works. I do think Jennifer's story of how Q went on to bigger and better after Jian is a great story. I had forgotten about 2015 and how Shad carried the show so well. No one would have guessed that pivoted off Jian, but the resilience of Canadians to keep a great show and cast off the disgraced host. One story I love telling is how his podcast was going to be here ... and called the Ideation Project - which is a pompous way of trying to make people forget what you were accused of and think - wow that's sounds smart. The domain is now for sale. Also one notable podcast hosting company terminated their services within 24 hours once they were clued in to what came with hosting his show... so he got to be on Soundcloud - where many podcasts go to die.

Jessica Rhodes is the founder of Interview Connections and joins me to discuss the evolution of the podcast guest industry. The first time I heard about this side of the podcast business in 2016, I didn't even think it was a thing. Jessica emphasizes the importance of being a podcast guest for business owners to reach new audiences and explains the benefits of niche podcasts over large, broad ones. If you are unsure if you should start your own podcast, being a guest is a great way to start getting used to the podcast process. She also highlights the significance of a strong online presence and the need for proper promotion of podcast episodes. We also touched on the good and the bad of AI, and shared insights on leveraging AI for podcast booking. Jessica and Margy are co-owners. The Interview Connections Podcast is the go-to show for entrepreneurs, business owners, and experts who want to scale their influence, grow their businesses, and generate high-quality leads through the power of podcast guesting. Twelve years ago, in 2013, I started booking my dad (a business coach) as a guest on podcasts because I wanted to be a stay-at-home mom. Fast-forward to today and Interview Connections is a multi-seven-figure podcast booking agency. We’ve booked over 30,000 podcast interviews for more than 800 clients. This podcast distills all of our top lessons from the last 12+ years of booking entrepreneurs as guests on podcasts and scaling our business to more than $13M revenue career to date into bite-sized 20-30 minute episodes to help you learn from us! I co-host this show with Margy, the company's first employee and now the CEO and equal co-owner! Interview Connections on Instagram: Book a call – If you want to be a guest on podcasts, we can help! The consult is free. We just put the video on the page for SEO purposes. But this is the first recording in my new studio after the move. No more covering up the disaster that was in back of me in the old home. I have a Green Screen for sale if you would like.