Membership Geeks Podcast with Mike Morrison

In this episode, I dive into the ever-evolving world of podcasting with special guest Colin Gray, founder of The Podcast Host and Alitu. Together, we unpack the new rules of the podcasting landscape in 2024, explore how independent creators can still stand out in a space now dominated by big names and AI-generated content, and discuss strategies for using podcasts to grow and deepen your membershi...

In this episode, I dive into my top five priorities that will fuel your membership success in 2026. I share the key actions and mindset shifts that every membership owner, whether just starting out or looking to scale, should be focusing on to ensure lasting growth. From getting a grip on your numbers to embracing a results-driven approach, experimenting more, and building the right support networ...

In this episode, I explore the importance of truly stepping away from your membership business over the holiday season. I share personal stories and practical advice on setting boundaries and embracing rest, debunking the myth that constant hustle is required for success. I also discuss how taking a real break not only protects your wellbeing, but can spark creativity and increase your effectivene...

In this episode, I discuss the most critical mistake that I see far too many membership business owners making—neglecting their new member onboarding process. I emphasize why onboarding isn’t just a nice-to-have, but a fundamental pillar for ensuring member retention and long-term business success. Drawing on over a decade of experience, I break down actionable strategies to set new members up for...

In this episode, I tackle the rise of AI-generated "slop" and what it means for those of us running membership businesses. I share practical strategies for standing out in an era where generic, low-effort content is flooding the internet. I discuss why your real voice, perspective, and personal touch are more valuable than ever—and how to leverage these strengths both in your content marketing and...

In this episode, I dive into the power of feedback loops and how they've been instrumental in driving membership growth for our community. I share exclusive insights from my session at Retain Live 2025, breaking down how to effectively gather, analyze, and act on feedback at every stage of the member lifecycle. You'll learn practical tactics for not only getting useful member input, but also using...

In this from the vault episode, I dive into one of the most important yet often overlooked aspects of running a membership business: managing stress. As memberships grow and evolve, it’s easy to find yourself overwhelmed by unrealistic expectations, perfectionism, and trying to do everything yourself. I share eight actionable tips from the archives on how to ease that pressure and prevent burnout,...

In this from the vault episode, I dive into the essential steps every membership site owner should take after launching their membership. It’s not just about getting started—the real work begins once your site is live, and what you do next can make or break your success. I revisit some timeless strategies for keeping your momentum strong, nurturing your new members, and planning for steady growth....

In this special "From the Vault" episode, I dive deep into the biggest and most frustrating marketing myths that circulate in the world of membership sites. After more than a decade of helping membership owners, I've heard it all—from secret silver bullets to outdated pressure tactics. I unpack the myths, the nonsense, and the misleading advice that could be steering your membership off course. Jo...

In this episode, I dive into the often-overlooked group within membership communities: the "lurkers"—those quiet members who rarely participate publicly but remain subscribed and engaged in their own ways. I break down why silence doesn't mean disengagement, how these silent members may actually be some of your most valuable, and what you as a membership owner can do to serve and retain them. I al...

In this episode, I dive into one of the toughest aspects of running a membership business: spotting the signs that someone is about to leave your membership. I discuss the clear and subtle warning signals you need to watch for and share practical strategies you can use to proactively re-engage at-risk members before it’s too late. From leveraging technology to understanding behavioral patterns and...

In this episode, I give you a transparent, behind-the-scenes look at a major strategic shift at Membership Academy: why I decided to discontinue our lowest-priced membership tier. I dive deep into the challenges, member feedback, and business data that informed this big decision. I share the lessons learned, the impact on our community and sales, and why simplifying our offerings makes more sense...

In this episode, I dive into three crucial things I want every membership owner to know about AI. Drawing on insights from a recent Membership Academy roundtable, I break down some common misconceptions about how AI tools like ChatGPT actually work, the real impact they’re having on memberships, and how to adapt your approach to make the most of these changes. Whether you’re excited about AI or fe...

In this episode, I dive into the five best investments I’ve made for my membership business—investments that made a significant impact and helped the business to grow sustainably. I reflect on where I chose to put my time, money, and attention, and why those decisions moved the needle more than anything else. You’ll hear candid insights drawn from my own experiences, including both the mindset beh...

In this episode, I come clean about a big lie I’ve been telling for years: that there’s no secret formula to membership business success. I reveal that, while there’s no easy button or magic tactic, there actually are two “magic bullets” behind thriving membership sites—but they’re not as flashy as you might hope. Join me as I break down what these real secrets are, why they matter more than any m...

In this episode, I take you behind the scenes as I share how we’ve pivoted and refined Membership Academy in response to major industry shifts and the evolution of our member community. I talk about why we decided to make our flagship Membership Roadmap course completely free, the thought process behind streamlining our membership tiers, and the exciting new resources and live programs we’re launc...

In this episode, I dive into the essential topic of delegating key tasks to a membership community manager. I walk you through the specific responsibilities that have made the biggest impact for us, and why freeing up your time is so crucial as your membership grows. I also share helpful advice for anyone considering hiring their first community manager, plus tips on how to get started if you’re u...

In this episode, I dive into the exciting world where gaming and memberships collide. Joined by gamification expert Kimba Cooper-Martin, we explore what gamification really means for online memberships and how you can use playful techniques to build stronger engagement, improve onboarding, and enhance member retention. We bust myths around gamification being just for fun topics or certain ages, ge...

In this special anniversary episode, I take a deep dive into what the future might hold for the membership industry over the next decade. Drawing from my experience and industry insights, I explore how foundational principles will persist even as we face seismic changes driven by technology, consumer expectations, and a rapidly evolving online landscape. I address the challenges and opportunities...

In this special 10th anniversary episode, I take you behind the scenes for a candid look back at the past year in Membership Academy. I reflect on our biggest wins, tough decisions, reasons for change, and the evolution of our offerings as we hit a major milestone—ten years of helping membership site owners grow and thrive. Plus, I dive into the launch of some exciting new features, share the real...

In this episode, I dive into the huge decision we've just made to give away our signature Membership Roadmap course completely free to everyone. I explain the reasoning and motivation behind this bold move, what it means for our community, and why I believe now is the time to spark a new wave of successful membership launches. I also walk through exactly what the course covers and how it’s been up...

In this special episode, I celebrate 10 years of running Membership Academy by sharing the biggest insights and lessons I’ve learned along the way. I pull back the curtain on both the triumphs and tough moments, going beyond surface-level tactics to discuss what really matters for long-term membership success. From dealing with imposter syndrome to the importance of feedback and embracing imperfec...

In this special episode of the Membership Geeks Podcast, I open up about the toughest moments and biggest challenges I’ve faced over a decade of running a membership business. As we kick off a month of anniversary content, I dive deep into pivotal decisions, unexpected setbacks, and the realities that most membership owners rarely talk about publicly. Whether you’re just starting out or have been...

In this episode, I dive into the fascinating story of Freelancer Magazine’s innovative hybrid membership model with founder and editor Sophie Cross. We explore how an independently published print magazine not only survives but thrives by blending traditional publishing with a thriving online membership and community for creative freelancers. From virtual coworking sessions to exclusive member dir...

In this episode of the Membership Geeks Podcast, I dive deep into the essential traits that set thriving membership owners apart from the rest. Rather than focusing on marketing tactics or retention strategies, I shine a spotlight on the personal development and mindset shifts that make building and running a successful membership sustainable—and enjoyable—for the long haul. If you want to know wh...