“It’s not about the beer anymore—it’s about the kind of meaningful conversations you’d have over a beer with a friend.”This episode with Steve Holloway truly left me inspired and motivated. Hearing Steve’s journey from starting Between Two Beers in a Hamilton garage with no expectations to building an award-winning podcast with millions of downloads is the ultimate proof that with the right mindset and strategy, success in podcasting is within reach.Steve’s insights into the behind-the-scenes...

“In podcasting, it’s not about downloads; it’s about creating meaningful engagement.” I talk with Harry Morton, founder of Lower Street Media, to explore the future of brand storytelling through podcasting. With over 7,000 episodes produced and high-profile clients like PepsiCo and Fidelity, Harry shares insider strategies for using podcasting to build brand credibility, boost audience loyalty, and attract high-quality leads.Together, we dive into why podcasting is about more than just d...

Niall Mackay, The Podcast Guy, shares his journey from starting a podcast about Saigon in 2019 to running a successful, end-to-end podcast production agency.Niall discusses the evolution of his podcast, including rebranding it to focus on Vietnam as a whole, and how he navigated significant challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasizes the importance of setting specific goals, learning to say no, and focusing on one's primary objective for achieving success. Niall also shares...

"Podcasting is a window to my world, and through it, I’ve met people I never imagined I’d connect with."Niall Mackay sits down with Radim Malinic, a creative designer, best-selling author, and the host of Creativity for Sale, now called Mindful Creative. They explore Radim's journey from his initial struggles with podcasting to building a platform that has reached listeners in 85 countries. Radim shares how the medium of podcasting allowed him to extend his message beyond books, making authen...

"Podcast audiences absolutely love consistency." - Charlotte Lewis-WestNiall Mackay sits down with podcast strategist Charlotte Lewis-West to uncover the keys to effective podcast planning and promotion. With years of experience in radio journalism and podcast consultancy, Charlotte shares invaluable insights on developing a solid podcast strategy, understanding your audience, and leveraging various platforms for promotion.The conversation delves into the importance of identifying your niche,...

Podcasts have revolutionized how we consume content, providing a platform for storytelling, education, entertainment, and conversations that span the globe. Today is International Podcast Day, September 30, is a time to honor the incredible impact podcasting has had on our lives.As a podcaster myself, I’ve seen firsthand how this unique medium can create connections, foster communities, and amplify voices that might otherwise go unheard. In celebration of International Podcast Day, ...

I thought I knew content creation, but podcasting taught me so much more." – Michelle O’BrienNiall Mackay provides a comprehensive audit of Michelle O'Brien’s podcast,”The Upward Spiral Podcast”. Michelle, a marketing professional who transformed her life after giving up alcohol two years ago. She also shares her journey from being a casual drinker to living a sober life, explaining how even a small reduction in alcohol can have a profound impact on personal growth and mental clarity. Togethe...

Niall Mackay sits down with Marshall Katzan, a seasoned radio veteran and podcaster, to conduct an in-depth audit of Marshall's podcast, "Mr. Radio." With decades of experience in radio, film, and television since the 1970s, Marshall brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation. However, he's seeking advice on how to improve his podcast and reach a wider audience.Niall provides valuable insights on various aspects of podcasting, from equipment and editing techniques to content strategy an...

In this episode I interview one of the biggest names in podcasting, Jordan Harbinger!We delve into the art of preparing for podcast interviews. Jordan, whose podcast has millions of downloads, shares his journey from being a Wall Street lawyer to a renowned podcaster. He discusses the importance of extensive preparation, including reading entire books, taking notes, and adjusting interview flow in real-time. Jordan emphasizes a structured approach to creating engaging content and ad...

"What are the three problems that we primarily have? Discovery, interactivity and monetization. In podcasting 2.0 is we've just added some new features"In this episode of Smarter Podcasting, host Niall Mackay and guest Sam Sethi discuss the concept of Podcasting 2.0, focusing on three primary challenges in podcasting: discovery, interactivity, and monetization. Sam explains various new features introduced in Podcasting 2.0, such as the person tag, chapters, transcripts, and cross-app com...

"It's amazing that you're taking one piece of content, spreading it across so many different ways."Niall Mackay provides a comprehensive audit of Troy Hipolito's podcast "The Troy Show." Niall offers invaluable insights on improving podcast quality, from artwork and SEO to audio production and content consistency.Troy, a LinkedIn influencer with over 27,000 followers, shares his unique approach of repurposing live streams into podcast content. The conversation delves into the intricacies of p...

"Just be yourself because it’s only you that can do that." Niall Mackay conducts an in-depth audit of Linda Vo's podcast "Inspired by Success". Linda, an entrepreneur with an inspiring backstory, shares her podcasting journey and receives valuable feedback on her show's audio quality, content structure, and overall presentation.Niall provides actionable advice on various aspects of podcasting, from equipment choices to content delivery. He emphasizes the importance of audio quality...

"There's no perfect portion of the podcast that you need to get clipped, try something else if it doesn't hit the right demographic."Niall Mackay sits down with Arielle Nissinblatt, Community Marketing Manager at Descript, to discuss the evolution of podcast editing and the growing importance of video content in podcasting. Arielle shares her journey in the podcasting industry, from starting a podcast recommendation newsletter to her current role at Descript.The conversation delves into the t...

"One of the most difficult things about podcasts or making podcasts for YouTube is they're generally not that dynamic." Niall Mackay discusses the age-old debate of podcaster versus YouTuber. As a podcast producer and coach, Niall shares his insights on the pros and cons of both mediums, drawing from his personal experience and industry knowledge.Niall begins by discussing the unique charm of podcasting as an audio-only medium, highlighting its ease of production and intimate connection ...

Niall Mackay shares his top 10 tips for optimizing your editing workflow with Descript. Having built a business around the powerful software, Niall is a true Descript master. His advice covers everything from using AI tools like Studio Sound and filler word removal, to leveraging templates and editing video. Niall emphasizes the importance of quality audio, stating "It hurts my soul when I hear a podcast with terrible audio. Good quality audio is more important than good content."While praisi...

"As soon as you start doing something for money, whether you like it or not. It's gonna change." Podcasting expert and host of Smarter Podcasting Niall Mackay is interviewed by Samantha an AI Voice powered by ChatGPT. Niall shares his journey from being an avid podcast listener to becoming a successful podcaster himself. He candidly discusses the challenges of podcasting, strategies for attracting and retaining an audience, and the future of the industry.  Niall's wealth of experience and...

In this episode of Smarter Podcasting, host Niall Mackay talks with Erin and John, a husband-and-wife duo behind the Connect-Empower Podcast. They discuss the challenges of starting a podcast, the importance of quality equipment and editing, and the commitment required to produce a consistent show. Erin and John share their journey from initially thinking podcasting would be as easy as hitting record on a phone to realizing the complexities involved, such as editing, hosting, distribution,...

In this episode, I take you through my personal experience of evolving from a podcasting novice in 2019 to a professional editor and producer for over 30 shows globally.  I provide my top five tips for those interested in starting their own podcast on a budget. My recommendations include selecting basic but vital equipment, creating a workable home studio, utilizing efficient recording and editing software, seeking assistance and guidance from friends and the online podcasting community, and...

Niall Mackay shares his podcast audit of Debra Chantry-Taylor's show Better Business, Better Life.  They discuss equipment and editing processes, defining a clear niche and audience, crafting compelling introductions, improving audio quality, editing techniques, balancing video and audio elements, optimizing calls-to-action, and more.  Niall provides constructive feedback and tangible tips to elevate Debra's podcast. Key Takeaways: Clearly explain in the introduction who you are, what the...

Seasoned podcaster Garry Kelly,  Managing Director of GK Media, shares invaluable insights on creating a successful podcast, detailing how he built his professional studio in Galway and offering tips for new podcasters. Key Takeaways: - Start with just a good microphone - quality comes first. Acoustics matter more than equipment. - Editing makes a big difference in polishing episodes. Be willing to trim and refine raw recordings.  - Add video elements to expand reach on social media. Clips...

I'm joined by a podcaster who I first met when we did a coaching call on how to use Descript. Then she heard about my podcast audits I've been doing and she was like, "yes, please give me an audit!" My guest today has a background in customer service, and she just wants to serve people and help people. So started a podcast with her dad, which means they actually have a good rapport together, which she says that like it's obvious, but that's not obvious that you have a good rapport with your...

I share my top 10 programs for podcasting and how much they cost.  I discuss the importance of using these programs to create high-quality podcasts and streamline the editing process. I also highlight the benefits of using programs like Descript, Canva, ChatGPT, Adobe Enhance, Notion, Calendly, ActiveCampaign, and hiring a content writer and editor, emphasizing the value of investing in these tools to save time and improve the overall podcasting experience. Key Takeaways: Descript is a...

I'm not here to tell you how to make your first million dollars. I'm not here to tell you how to get a million followers. I can help you create a podcast that is of high quality content. My expertise, is in podcast audio and podcast quality.  In my second podcast audit I talk to Care Messer from the Birth Education Center and give some simple advice that instantly improves her audio. Email me ([email protected]) or contact me on Seven Million Bikes Podcasts Facebook or Instagram to...

The first Smarter Podcasting, Podcast Audit.  My expertise, is in podcast audio and podcast quality.  I'm not here to tell you how to make your first million dollars. I'm not here to tell you how to get a million followers. I can help you create a podcast that is of high quality content. And that is the number one rule. Podcasting and the rest comes after that.  I'm talking to a good friend of mine, Damien Cole, the host of the XLT, the Expat Locals and Travelers podcast. He's originally...