Smarter Podcasting: How To Use Podcasting For Business Growth

This Q&A episode was a little different because instead of gathering listener questions, I turned to my best mate — ChatGPT — to ask me five questions about podcasting. Honestly, I had no idea what was coming, but the questions were spot-on and got me thinking deeply about what works and what doesn’t in podcasting. I shared lessons I’ve learned from years of trial, error, and growth, along wit...

"Good podcasting is about generously communicating and showing up for your listener and being able to deliver them really good value. " - Mark Steadman If you’re a podcaster, new or experienced, this podpast episode will change the way you approach your craft.  This episode with Mark Steadman was an absolute masterclass in podcasting. His insights on putting the listener first have compl...

“Should you ever change your podcast name? I’ve just done this for the fourth time…” I open up about one of the biggest decisions I’ve made recently — changing the name of my first and biggest show yet again. From Seven Million Bikes to A Saigon Podcast , then A Vietnam Podcast , and now Discover Vietnam , it’s been a journey of evolution, mistakes, and lessons learned. Naming a podcast isn’t just...

Are you a podcaster looking to grow your audience and measure the success of your show? In this episode, we dive deep into the world of podcast analytics. From basic metrics like downloads and listener retention, to demographic and conversion data, understanding and utilizing podcast analytics is crucial for any successful podcast. I share the importance of tracking retention rates, analyzing your...

“I’ll be honest, when I first started podcasting, I didn’t care what I looked like—because no one could see me. Now? People aren’t just listening anymore. They’re watching.” When I started my first podcast in 2019, it was audio-only. No one cared what I wore, whether my hair was a mess, or if I’d just rolled out of bed. Fast forward to today, and video is unavoidable in podcasting. Like it or not,...

I am joined by audio and video production expert Tomas George.  We dive deep into the essentials of setting up a quality podcast studio, debunking common myths about equipment and emphasizing the importance of affordable yet effective solutions.  We cover the vital role of lenses over cameras, the benefits of dynamic microphones over condensers, and practical advice for lighting and storage. Thoma...

Podcasting has been revolutionized with the integration of AI technologies. Podcasters can now save time and produce better content with the help of AI tools.  In this episode, we discover how AI can be used to enhance audio quality, generate show notes, and provide personalized content recommendations. We also explore Descript , an editing tool that uses AI-powered tools to generate voiceovers an...

“Just because someone knows how to edit a podcast doesn’t mean they should.” Thinking of hiring a podcast editor — or going full DIY? In this episode of Smarter Podcasting, I share the real pros and cons of outsourcing editing vs. doing it yourself. From saving time to avoiding costly mistakes, I’ll walk you through what editing actually involves, what to look out for when hiring, and why quality...

Podcasting has been revolutionized with the integration of AI technologies. Podcasters can now save time and produce better content with the help of AI tools. In this episode, we discover how AI can be used to enhance audio quality, generate show notes, and provide personalized content recommendations. We also explore Descript , an editing tool that uses AI-powered tools to generate voiceovers and...

Starting a podcast? I answer ALL the beginner questions you're too afraid to ask! From understanding the difference between hosts and directories to the REAL time investment (spoiler: it's 8-10 hours per episode), this complete guide covers everything new podcasters need to know. What You'll Learn: ✅ Podcast terminology that confuses everyone ✅ Audio vs Video - which should YOU ch...

As a podcaster, it's important to understand the metrics that can help you measure the success of your show. From the number of downloads and plays to listener retention and engagement, there are a variety of metrics that can provide valuable insights into your audience and help you grow your show. But with so many different metrics available, it can be overwhelming to know which ones to focu...

"I’m completely new to the game… I just watched some YouTube videos, read some articles, and went with it." – Lumi Miron As a podcast coach, these are the conversations I absolutely love having—when someone takes the leap into podcasting with nothing but passion, grit, and curiosity. Lumi is a business coach based in Edinburgh, originally from Romania, and she’s determined to share stori...

Are you considering starting your own podcast but have no idea where to begin? In this episode, we cover everything you need to know to get started on the right foot. From choosing a topic and name to recording equipment and editing software, I've got you covered. I also discuss how to retain listeners, promote your show, and even monetize your podcast. Niall Mackay, a seasoned podcast expert...

"We're not teachers—we're sharing real-life experience. That’s why we wanted to start a podcast." That quote from Nick hit me hard because it perfectly sums up what podcasting does best: it captures real voices, real stories, and builds real connections. This time, my incredible Jenny and Nick Cliff, who flew in from Bali and became my first-ever in-person clients, to record in...

"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 uni...

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...

Discover how to break the mold of podcast monetization with Adam Schaeuble, host of Podcasting Business School, as he joins Niall Mackay for a transformative discussion. In this episode, Adam and Niall challenge traditional podcast monetization strategies and unveil innovative approaches to turning your podcast into a profitable venture. Learn how Adam revolutionized his own podcast’s revenue pote...

“If you're doing a weekly podcast, the fastest way to double your downloads… is to do two episodes a week.” – Gary Arndt What an incredible episode this was. Gary Arndt isn’t just a successful podcaster — he’s a walking case study in consistency, discipline, and strategy. I've followed Gary for years, and to have him on Smarter Podcasting was not only a privilege, but a personal highligh...

After starting my first podcast in 2019 I can't believe this is happening... Send us Fan Mail Book a free call with me here to help you create the best podcast possible! Email me (niall@sevenmillionbikes.com) or contact me on Seven Million Bikes Podcasts Facebook or Instagram to book your free Podcast Audit!

You won’t believe how good it still sounds — that’s the power of the right setup. - Niall Mackay After producing over 70 podcasts — including award-winning shows — I’ve recorded everywhere from tiled bedrooms in Vietnam to purpose-built studios in Europe. And I get asked all the time: Should I record from home, or use a podcast studio? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but there are key differe...

"It’s as important as naming your child—your podcast name really matters." This Q&A episode was such a joy to create because it gave me a chance to engage directly with listeners and answer the most relevant and practical questions people have about podcasting. I loved how organic and personal it felt—like having a coffee with someone who genuinely wants to get better at podcasting....

"There is  more  and more money  going into podcasting advertising every year. Billions and billions now worldwide. So where is it?" Let’s be honest—everywhere you turn, you’re being told podcasting is a goldmine. Billions of dollars in ad revenue! Massive growth! Side hustle magic! But where is that money really going? Because it’s not landing in your inbox—or mine. In this episode of S...

YouTube actually tells you that 50% of views will drop out within the first 30 seconds. That's mental that that YouTube knows for a fact that half of your audience will be gone within 30 seconds.” I got a chance to audit Nicki Sun’s podcast, “Nicki Sun Show”, and I feel like this podcast audit is really a treat, as I could connect with someone who shares a deep passion for storytelling and up...

“It doesn’t feel like work. And it’s only possible because you guys have spent your hours on the edit. That’s why I work with Seven Million Bikes Podcasts.” (THIS EPISODE WAS CREATED IN 3 HOURS!!) I talk to Radim Malinic — creative director, TED speaker, six-time author, and host of the Mindful Creative Podcast — about how launching a podcast changed his business forever. Since January 2024, Radim...

“You don’t know where one conversation is gonna take you. So have it.” — Greg Wasserman I absolutely loved this conversation with Greg Wasserman — it’s one of those episodes where I found myself nodding the entire time. Greg is the Head of Relationships at RSS.com and he gets it. This is a must-listen if you’ve ever wondered why your business needs a podcast, how to use it as a true marketing and...