Three podcast people got together and talked about branded podcasts, the podcast industry in Canada, and what goes into making a great audio story. That may not sound like an exciting discussion until I tell you that it is Jen Moss and Roger Nairn, the innovative minds behind Jar Audio, (which re-branded to JAR Podcast Solutions) who share some great audio hacks of creating compelling branded podcasts with stories that connect with audiences. Gone are the days companies purchase airtime on a local AM radio station and produce cringe-worthy advertorials. JAR Podcast Solutions has embraced branded content by putting audience experience at the forefront of their strategy. Their approach is refreshingly simple: understand the brand's core values, identify the target audience's interests, and craft a story that resonates beyond mere product promotion. As I love to do, I asked both Roger and Jen to share some thoughts from their journey, including a groundbreaking experiment testing AI-generated podcasts against human-created content. Spoiler alert : Authenticity always wins. Their research revealed that listeners crave genuine human connection – something no algorithm can fully replicate. JAR Podcast Solutions are also advocating for Canadian podcast content, asking the current Liberal government to recognize the medium's potential and provide necessary funding for innovative storytelling. You can see and sign the letter here. For radio professionals looking to transition into podcasting, Moss and Nairn offer crucial advice: forget traditional radio formats. Podcasting demands a more nuanced, audience-first approach that prioritizes storytelling over rigid structures. Whether you're a brand considering a podcast, a content creator, or simply a podcast enthusiast, this episode is a masterclass in modern audio storytelling. Want to learn more? Check out Jar Podcast Solutions and don't miss the full episode wherever you get your podcasts.

Norma Jean Belenky is the host of the Podbiz , and we didn't get a chance to finish our conversation we started at the Podcast Show in London - so we did so on a podcast. We also didn't have time to talk about everything in London, given her experience living in seven countries. Ideally all of her pod-merch should have "Where's the Money?" emblazoned on every t-shirt and mug. It is the question everyone asks. We explored her life before PodBiz, from teaching English in South Korea to creating music and working at Podbean, which ultimately led her to launch her own podcast focused on how creators can make money in this evolving medium. We did our best to look beyond simple download numbers, discussing the importance of niche audiences and creating genuine value for listeners. Norma Jean and her co-host John Kiernan are committed to showing us that there are other podcast revenue strategies, including sponsorships, subscriptions, and strategic content creation. We discussed emerging trends like video podcasting and community building, offering listeners a comprehensive look at the exciting potential of the podcasting industry. One of the examples of a podcast that is finding ways to make money is that of Danielle Bezalel . Her show is called Sex Ed With DB and it garners anywhere between 1200 to 1500 downloads per month and has revenue over $140,000. So often in podcasting, it is not about having a mass audience, but having the right audience. And in this case it is sexual health. Follow Norma Jean on LinkedIn - it's where she does a lot of the heavy lifting.

Paul Ferguson, VP of Programming and Operations at Starboard Communications in Belleville, Ontario discusses radio in a very unique market. Belleville is free from corporate ownership. Paul and I talk about how they keep radio relevant by focusing on local content, like the “Good News in Quinte” newsletter and a robust news website that keeps listeners informed and engaged. We discuss the challenges of adapting to new radio regulations, misguided internet laws like Bill C-11, the antidote which is Inquinte.ca and why it’s crucial to own our digital platforms to stay connected with our audience. Paul shares the administrative hurdles of Canadian content rules and how technology could make things easier. We also explore the evolution of radio, balancing live and voice-tracked shows, and the podcast journey with “Babes of Quinte.” This episode is about the importance of localism, innovation, and community-driven content in today's challenging radio space.

Gordon Firemark is the Podcast Lawyer. I first had a chance to meet him at Podcast Movement in the late 10's. In 2022 I might have had a few cocktails when I asked him about how to manoeuvre cross-broder conflicts between podcasters. In this episode I ask the rest of the questions I had. We discuss the importance of clear agreements between co-hosts and why you need a guest release forms. We then tackle the complexities of using music in podcasts due to copyright laws. Gordon explains the differences between copyright, trademark, and patent law, and how to protect podcast brand names and segments through trademark registration. But wait! There's more! There's sponsorship agreements, the importance of proper disclosure, and the challenges posed by international regulations, particularly for Canadian podcasters. Gordon also shares a few real-life anecdotes that illustrate the potential pitfalls of not having written agreements or proper permissions, such as costly legal disputes and misunderstandings with sponsors. (This one is jaw dropping) Practical advice : Get everything in writing, understand your rights, and always prioritize clear communication to avoid legal entanglements in podcasting. Guest Release Form Who doesn't want something amazing for free? Gordon offers a guest release form you can use to protect you and your podcast guest from legal nonsense. As per usual - we have a video version of the show. If you can't get to the end of the show, consider downloading the audio and taking it with you.

Rachel Gilbert and I connected over microphones to discuss her perpetual reinvention in the world of audio. We reminisced about her early days at Fanshawe College, her leap into radio, and the magic that made the Dave and Rachel Show such a staple for so many years. Hearing Rachel describe the camaraderie, the hustle, and even the heartbreak of industry layoffs is a tale told all too often. Her honesty about the challenges—like the decline of radio schools and the uncertainty of media jobs—was a little sobering. I love Rachel’s ability to pivot. She hasn't just survived the changes; she thrived, building a successful voiceover business and launching a podcast with her former co-hosts. Their show, “Due to Underwhelming Demans,” is proof that authentic connection and storytelling still matter, no matter the platform. It is also ahead of its time when it comes to geo-local content. Rachel’s insights on AI in voiceover work is something every aspiring voice actor should listen to, and her commitment to ethical practices is something I agree with. Above all, this conversation reminded me that, at its core, our podcast and voiceover industries are about connection. Equal-opportunity offenders who don’t take anything seriously, especially themselves. Dave, Rachel & Forman are the 3 best friends that anyone could have! After the show stopped on Bell Media - it lived on as a podcast. You can also watch the show on YouTube. You can get a voiceover from Rachel here - But first - check out the studio. As a full-time, professional voice artist, Rachel's warm and conversational tone has been used in hundreds of voice projects around the world. ​ From national commercials across Canada and the USA to corporate videos and eLearning, many top brands have trusted Rachel to deliver their message. As per usual - you can watch the video here.

This week I reconnect with Alix Michaels, tracing her journey from Winnipeg’s radio scene in the early 90s to her adventures across the US and back home again. We reminisce about the Winnipeg Radio Reunion, the unique energy of the city’s broadcast community, and the memorable personalities who shaped our careers. Alix shares candid stories about breaking into radio, working overnight shifts in the early 90's at 92 CITI-FM, and the unpredictable calls that came with the job—including a surreal encounter with Dave Mustaine from Megadeth. We discuss her leap into American radio markets, the challenges of TV hosting, and the evolving landscape of voiceover work, especially with the rise of AI. Our conversation also explores Winnipeg’s quirks, from its ever-changing radio dial to its vibrant, sometimes strange local culture. If you like the sound of her voice so far, you can hire Alix for your next VO project (or just check out her portfolio) at shevoiceproductions.com .

This week’s episode marks nine years of the Sound Off Podcast , and it’s a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come—and where we’re going. From upgrading our sound and socials, bringing on sponsors, to adding video in a world that now scrolls for connection, our show has evolved alongside the media landscape. In this episode, I dig into what’s broken in radio: a system that stretches talent like Stretch Armstrong—asking for more with less—and a stubborn over-reliance on music in an era where listeners can get any song, any time. What keeps people tuning in? Spoiler: it’s not the music—it’s the personalities. So why aren’t we hearing more from them? We also talk about recent radio layoffs, a nostalgic Winnipeg radio reunion, and why spoken word content is more valuable than ever. Plus, I share the details on my new Studiobricks booth. Yes Matt Cundill voiceovers is still a thing; even though I don't talk about it a lot on the show. The listener survey can be found here. Complete it and I'll share with you, my Top 10 Podcast Hacks for 2025. I made mention of Alan Cross' blog post about the Winnipeg Radio Reunion that took place last week. I attended the event as well and have to say that it's a lot like being in a candy store of memories. However, Winnipeg was just a stop on my radio career that was about being program director. The only person I had a hand in hiring was Randy Renaud but that was at CHOM in 2002, and he worked on air at 92 CITI in the early 80's as Randy Nelson. It was a good opportunity to see people I had shared some time with over my radio career. It was also another chance to say thanks to those people who made my life easier by coming to work and doing a good job everyday. That includes people who competed against our station. Collectively, the better the medium of radio performs, the more ears there are on the dial. That's something I tried to get corporate radio people to understand in 2013. You can imagine how that went over. The Original Stretch Armstrong seen here along with a modern day radio program director. One thing that happened on my way out the door - one longtime personality came up to me and asked about the prospects of getting job with me. I think he thought I was still a local program director because I had to tell him I haven't worked in radio in over a decade and run a podcast network. Then he asked how to get back in the business and I said, "What business?" To my point above - there really is not a viable business for personalities who specialize in radio to be on the radio. You need to be Stretch Armstrong. If you are looking for another broadcast position, I would like to recommend a few episodes at the bottom the page. Also this advice from Christian Hall on what makes a great demo can be very helpful.

I've known Neil Veglio from his ongoing posts on LinkedIn, but I thought it would be fun to just say hello in a line up at the Podcast Show in London last month. Neal is the founder of PodKnows, a podcast production and coaching company out of the UK. Neil is the Podmaster and what he talks about on his podcast is podmastery. He agreed to come on the show to share his journey from radio to podcasting, and why it is important to create value-driven content rather than focusing solely on monetization. We discussed the challenges of podcast marketing, including the pitfalls of buying downloads and gaming platform algorithms. We talked about many of the podcast strategies he covers on his show Podcasting Insights with The Podmaster: growth advice for people and brands , such as the significance of websites, proper SEO, and audience engagement. Neil provides insights into podcast auditing, recommending creators critically listen to their older episodes and focus on improving content quality. Neal pointed out accurately that the current trend of video podcasting is excellent to discuss, but creators need to focus on the basics like the importance of choosing meaningful podcast titles. Don't expect any knock 'em down drag 'em out fighting in this. We both believe success comes from creating authentic content that provides genuine value to listeners, rather than chasing vanity metrics. Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter.  Full of all the things you never knew what you were missing in your life. A number of our podcasts are apart of The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast  prefix analytics service  committed to open data and listener privacy.  You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here. We really don't care if you choose to listen or watch. Actually we do - that's why the video is at the bottom of the post.

I get back together with Terry Evans, the morning host at Edmonton's K97, to discuss life family and his new podcast Reluctantly. I warn you, we don't spend a ton of time talking about radio; more about radio life and family. Terry shares insights into his family's remarkable achievements: his son Riley, a drummer who has played at major international venues like Lollapalooza and Coachella, and his daughter Katie, who was recently crowned Canada's top bartender and will represent the country in a global competition. The conversation explores Terry's long radio career, his initial hesitation about podcasting, and the vibrant Edmonton music scene that nurtured his son's talent. We reflect on the city's evolution, its diversity, and the supportive community that helped shape his family's success. With humour and warmth, Terry discusses his health, multiple home moves, and the challenges of early morning radio. Terry has launched his new podcast Reluctantly, which my company is more than happy to assist with. His reaction to podcast creation has been much like the 1970's commercial for Life Cereal. Check out Terry's Podcast Below:

It's been 8 and a half years since Fred has been on the show. He's not being ignored. I see him every year on various trips to Toronto. This year, I missed my spring trip so I thought we'd just record our usual call. We talked about Fred's transition from mornings at Edge 102 to afternoons at Q107, discussing the challenges of radio, mental health, and other crazy industry transitions. He reflects on mentors like Darrin Harvey and Dean Blundell who shaped his career, and candidly talks about his experiences with workplace changes and personal growth. Fred has this love of comic books that I will never understand (and rather envy), his family and family life, and radio. We also explore critical industry topics like the impact of AI on creative fields, with Fred expressing strong concerns about intellectual property theft. I pushed back as I always do. (I also once suggested to Art Alexakis from Everclear that Napster was a good thing so you know how that conversation went, right?)