Podcast Network Insights explores the evolving world of podcast networks, however they define themselves today. Through candid conversations with founders, operators, and creators, we uncover how podcast networks make money, how they grow shows, and how podcasters can decide whether to join, leave, or even start a podcast network of their own. For podcasters, it’s a resource for understanding what to look for when joining a network and how to find a podcast network that aligns with your goals. For networks and media companies, it’s a space to reflect on how they differentiate, evolve, and deliver value. For the industry as a whole, it’s a front-row seat to the transformation of what “network” and even “podcast” mean in today’s audio landscape. Hosted by Greg Wasserman , a relationship-driven podcast professional who’s worked across media sales, podcast platforms, and creator tools, and now serving as Head of Relationships at RSS.com , the show brings curiosity and connection to the people shaping how creators collaborate and thrive. Available everywhere you listen to podcasts, Podcast Network Insights embraces the openness and accessibility of RSS, because conversations about the podcast industry should live where podcasts themselves do, through open RSS feeds. Whether you’re a network owner, a creator considering joining a network, a production agency thinking about starting a network or partnering with one, control marketing dollars and interested in podcasting, or simply curious about how the industry is evolving, this show is your go-to resource for the business, relationships, and strategies that power podcast networks. ---- Systems, Sponsors, and Partners: Hosted with RSS.com Podcast Hosting Produced by Stories & Strategies Content Repurposed with Castmagic Podcast Project Management with Northflow ---- As someone who believes Life is about Time & Relationships, you never know where one conversation may lead, reach out and connect with Greg to open a conversation: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregwasserman or reach out at greg.wasserman@rss.com.
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Podcast Network Insights: Understanding the Business of Podcast "Networks" is a business podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 0 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.
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Unknown Host hosts Podcast Network Insights: Understanding the Business of Podcast "Networks", a business show with 0 episodes published.
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Episode #24
How a Broadway Culture Reinvented Podcast Network Growth
Aug 20, 20261h 14m
What does it look like to build a podcast network where the technical foundation feels as relational and dynamic as a theater ensemble? This conversation explores how the underlying tech and operational choices shape not only discoverability but also the everyday reality for creators, and why a podcast network’s digital backbone can become its most communal feature. Alan Seales brings a rare perspective, blending his background in computer science, Broadway performance, and Google engineering to build a podcast network that serves nearly 200 shows and rethinks how networks can support podcasters at scale. Alan has led the Broadway Podcast Network since 2019, applying his hands-on technical skills to design everything from custom web platforms to automated systems. With experience both on stage and in major tech roles, he offers practical lessons from years of supporting and growing a sizable collection of podcasts in a distinctly creative industry. This conversation weaves together his personal journey, operational philosophy, and the values that drive the network, highlighting BPN’s unique approach to community, automation, and creative support. Listen for: 00:00 Discussing podcast networks and operations 10:46 SEO focus and network benefits 19:35 Operating smoothly with podcast tools 28:57 Helping Clients Plan Podcasts 32:20 Podcast submission requirements 37:46 Talking about podcast growth and community 48:41 Building a podcast P&L system 54:53 Trying new podcasting strategies 56:08 Challenges with marketing strategies 01:12:15 Criteria for accepting podcast shows CONNECT WITH GUEST: ALAN SEALES, CO-FOUNDER Website | LinkedIn | The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales Alan’s Podcast rec: The Lonely Island Alan’s Book rec: The Aetherion Code by Bellamy Young CONNECT WITH GREG WASSERMAN, HEAD OF RELATIONSHIPS AT RSS.COM Website | LinkedIn Greg’s book rec: Return on Courage by Ryan Berman Systems, Sponsors, and Partners: Hosted with RSS.com Podcast Hosting Produced by Stories & Strategies Content Repurposed with Castmagic Podcast Project Management with Northflow
What happens when a podcast network builds its identity for listeners—much like a TV channel—instead of just providing services to creators behind the scenes? This episode explores why centering a podcast network’s brand can shape everything from show selection to audience community and long-term business value. It challenges the assumption that a podcast network is simply a vehicle for production and sales, and instead considers it as a consumer-facing brand that must earn long-term loyalty. Guest A.J. Feliciano brings a rare perspective—questioning whether “podcast” will even remain the right word, and pushing operators to rethink how networks build lasting value. With a background in cable television—including nearly a decade at NBCUniversal—and experience building networks that emerged from large, fan-driven brands, A.J. Feliciano now leads the creation of a new kind of podcast network with Companion. His operational focus stretches from network structure to direct-to-consumer brand-building. If you’re curious what it looks like to operationalize a consumer-facing network from scratch, the full conversation goes much deeper. Listen for: 00:00 Podcast networks and brand building 06:54 How podcast networks operate 15:04 Fostering community through meaningful content 20:12 Expanding Podcast Network Partnerships 30:18 Considering doing ad sales in-house 37:11 Discussing podcast network operations 43:24 Celebrities and podcast expectations 46:52 Approaching Podcast Networks 50:17 Identifying red flags in sales pitches 57:17 Building Creator Collaborations 01:06:42 Streamers licensing podcasts WITH GUESTS: A.J. FELICIANO, GENERAL MANAGER Website | LinkedIn A.J.’s rec : Podcast Pop Syllabus | Book: Our Iceberg is Melting by John Kotter and Holger Rathgeber CONNECT WITH GREG WASSERMAN, HEAD OF RELATIONSHIPS FOR RSS.COM Website | LinkedIn Greg’s book rec : Return on Courage by Ryan Berman Systems, Sponsors, and Partners: Hosted with RSS.com Podcast Hosting Produced by Stories & Strategies Content Repurposed with Castmagic Podcast Project Management with Northflow
Building a Network for the Long Run: Community, Criteria, and Change
Aug 6, 202655 min
Are podcast networks still the place for passionate new voices, or is the door closing unless you can prove your numbers? When does building a podcast network shift from nurturing raw talent to protecting a business, and what do you lose in that transition? This conversation unpacks how download minimums, revenue focus, and talent requirements have changed what it actually means to run a podcast network today. Guest Nick Gelso brings a frank view into this reality, questioning the cost of growth for operators and creators alike. Nick Gelso, operator of CLNS Media CLNS Media—Boston’s leading independent digital sports broadcaster—and North Station Media, a hybrid podcast network and agency representing 100+ shows. and North Station Media, has developed two businesses at scale, overseeing dozens of podcasts and digital shows focused on sports and related fields. Moving from a restaurant background into blogging and podcast hosting, he grew his network from individual experiments in the mid-2000s into a large operation responsible for supporting many creators and families. Listen for: 00:00 Challenges in Podcasting Growth 3:09 Navigating podcast networks 14:24 Starting the sports media network 21:10 Discussing successful TV shows 23:48 Evaluating Podcast Partnerships 29:01 Discussing content strategy and meetings 30:55 Discussing marketing team activities 36:45 Exploring AI-driven content strategies 39:28 Joining a content network 40:51 Onboarding content creators 46:10 Reflecting on starting a business 50:41 AI's Impact on Content Networks 51:38 Challenges of Scaling Media Networks CONNECT WITH GUEST: NICK GELSO, CEO & FOUNDER | CLNS MEDIA | NORTH STATION MEDIA CLNS Media | CLNS Media X | CLNS Instagram | North Station Media | Nick's X | Nick’s Instagram | LinkedIn CONNECT WITH GREG WASSERMAN, HEAD OF RELATIONSHIPS FOR RSS.COM Website | LinkedIn Greg’s book rec : Return on Courage by Ryan Berman Systems, Sponsors, and Partners: Hosted with RSS.com Podcast Hosting Produced by Stories & Strategies Content Repurposed with Castmagic Podcast Project Management with Northflow
Building Networks Around Creators, Not Just Content
Jul 30, 20261h 4m
What does it really look like to build a podcast network where creators are central, not just featured? This episode explores how a creator-first philosophy shapes everything from formats to hiring—and why betting on people instead of just shows might be the overlooked lever for genuine audience connection. Joining are Andrew Kenward (president and COO, formerly an agent at WME) and Paige Hymson (EVP of Podcasts, with a background in traditional audio journalism), each bringing perspectives from both legacy media and new digital models. Andrew draws on his agency experience and perspective as a founder, while Paige offers hands-on insights from years in newsroom-style podcasting. Together, they’re building a network with eight long-form audio/video series across sports and comedy, developed around a tightly defined audience and a collaborative, cross-platform approach. Listen for: 07:40 Origin of Almost Friday Media 14:16 Importance of Visual Elements 21:03 Collaborating with talent and creators 22:30 Organizing YouTube content like TV studios 28:20 Talent investment versus network deals 38:33 Strategic planning for live events 42:55 Value of host read ads in video 53:13 Reviewing audience engagement regularly 01:01:33 Innovative media strategy and format GUESTS: ANDREW KENWARD, PRESIDENT | COO Website | LinkedIn PAIGE HYMSON, EVP TALK CONTENT (SPORTS AND PODCASTS) LinkedIn Andrew’s Podcast rec : Prof G Markets | Book Leonardo da Vinci by Walter Isaacson Paige’s Podcast rec : Wisecrack | Book Captain Cook: Exploring the Wide, Wide Sea CONNECT WITH GREG WASSERMAN, HEAD OF RELATIONSHIPS FOR RSS.COM Website | LinkedIn Greg’s book rec: Return on Courage by Ryan Berman Systems, Sponsors, and Partners: Hosted with RSS.com Podcast Hosting Produced by Stories & Strategies Content Repurposed with Castmagic Podcast Project Management with Northflow
Growing a Podcast Network in Hyper-Specialized Markets
Jul 23, 202650 min
What happens when a podcast network is built with a laser-focused niche rather than sheer volume—and most of its shows are produced or hosted by the same person? In fields as specialized as legal compliance or rural West Texas storytelling, the logic behind network-building flips conventional wisdom. This conversation explores how specificity, not broad appeal, reshapes what a podcast network can do. Tom Fox began his career as a lawyer and consultant before pioneering a compliance-focused podcast network in 2017. He now operates two networks—one with about 60 compliance shows (most hosted by himself), and another dedicated to local stories in Texas Hill Country. His approach is rooted in long experience creating, distributing, and monetizing highly specialized podcasts. Listen for: 6:34 Starting a podcast 7:38 Podcasting motivations and process 10:24 Turning recordings into a podcast 19:54 Promoting shows through social media 22:52 Targeting niche compliance audiences 25:10 Advertising to small town businesses 28:33 Creating autobiography and podcast series 31:40 AI-generated content quality 34:56 Starting a local podcast network 40:28 Running a business without a website 48:10 Reflecting on meaningful conversations CONNECT WITH GUEST: TOM FOX, VOICE OF COMPLIANCE, COMPLIANCE PODCAST NETWORK Website | LinkedIn Podcast rec : The Rest is History | Compliance Tip of the Day Book rec: Deluge Before Dawn: Heartbreak, Survival and Resilience After the Guadalupe River Raged CONNECT WITH GREG WASSERMAN, HEAD OF RELATIONSHIPS FOR RSS.COM Website | LinkedIn Book rec : Return on Courage by Ryan Berman Systems, Sponsors, and Partners: Hosted with RSS.com Podcast Hosting Produced by Stories & Strategies Content Repurposed with Castmagic Podcast Project Management with Northflow
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