Smarter Podcasting: How To Use Podcasting For Business Growth

"The best way to monetize your podcast? Offer something only you can deliver." - Niall Mackay I’m incredibly proud of this episode because it’s not just talk — it’s action. I put my money where my mouth is and launched two offers directly to my audience: the Podcast Launch Lab and the Podcast Makeover. Rather than waiting for sponsorships or chasing downloads, I showed that you can monet...

“If your number one goal is to make money from your podcast, then you’ve already made the wrong decision.” In this episode, I break down one of the biggest myths in podcasting — that it's a quick way to make money. Too many blogs and YouTube videos will tell you to start a podcast as a “side hustle.” But here’s the truth: podcasting takes time, effort, and love for the medium. If you’re only...

“You don’t need a camera crew or a studio—just text, an idea, and Descript’s AI can turn it into a video that actually grabs attention.” Listen to this episode and I’ll tell you about one of the coolest new tools from Descript: its AI text-to-video feature. If you’ve ever struggled with creating video content for your podcast or business—or if you're just short on time—this tool could be a ga...

"Your podcast isn’t just audio—it’s content waiting to be repurposed across multiple platforms. Leverage it wisely!" In this episode, we talked about how podcasters can maximize their reach using social media. Many creators focus solely on publishing episodes, hoping listeners will find them. But in reality, your podcast's success hinges on strategic promotion. Social media isn’t ju...

"Podcasting changed my life. It opened doors I never imagined—and it can do the same for you." This episode is actually a re-upload, but it’s one I knew I had to bring back. Consistency is key in podcasting, and while I wasn’t able to record something new this week, I didn’t want to leave you without value. This episode is packed with 25 actionable tips to help you grow your podcast—whet...

"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...

"48% of podcasts on Apple Podcasts have fewer than 10 episodes. Podfade is real, but it doesn’t have to happen to you." If you’ve ever worried about running out of content or losing momentum, this episode is a must-listen. This episode is packed with insights every podcaster needs—especially if you want your show to last beyond the first few episodes. So many podcasts start strong but qu...

This conversation with Nick Thomson was an absolute masterclass in why businesses need to start thinking about podcasting as a key marketing tool. Nick brought such a fresh and insightful perspective, particularly around the idea that podcasting isn't just about downloads—it's about brand awareness, networking, and positioning yourself as an authority in your field. One of the things I l...

“Invest a little bit in a good microphone, know what you're doing, how to use it and make the best content and make the best quality content that you can. Trust me, it will make a massive difference.”  I was absolutely blown away when I discovered A Vietnam Podcast had reached the top 5% of podcasts globally. It’s been a rollercoaster—figuring out what works, what doesn’t, and most importantl...

“ No one's going to say no for an interview because every SME owner needs that awareness.” - Joel Zorrilla LinkedIn was a platform I had overlooked for years, and now I realize the massive potential it has for podcasters. My guest, Joel Zorrilla, gave some incredible insights that not only validated my experiences but also opened my eyes to strategies I hadn't even considered. One of the...

 "This is what podcasting will become - it will become second nature for all businesses to have one."  Podcasting has evolved into an essential tool for businesses, and I firmly believe that it will soon be as indispensable as having a website. Just a few years ago, businesses could get away with not having an online presence, but now? It’s unthinkable. Podcasting is heading in the same...

“One of the biggest barriers to people starting their own podcast is because of the equipment needed to start their own show..” I wanted to inspire anyone considering starting a podcast in 2025 with this episode. Podcasting changed my life—what began as a hobby is now a thriving business that connects me with people across the globe.  The barriers to starting your own show are lower than ever, and...

“If someone came to me and asked for advice on a podcast room, I'd say carpet, no tiles, no windows, make it nice and cozy and tight to stop that sound reverberating around.” This episode really showcases how you don't need a perfect studio setup to create professional-quality podcasts. When I started in 2019 with just a Blue Yeti mic and an old MacBook Pro, I never imagined I'd be...

 ” Once it's animated or once it has a video component, it's no longer cheap. And the reason is because I think cheap television has certain characteristics which a narrative podcast doesn't. ” - Guang Jin Talking to Guang Jin absolutely blew my mind. He didn’t just share his journey—he redefined how we should think about podcasting in the modern age. His insights into transitioning...

Stop killing yourself trying to create content for every platform—repurpose and leverage what you already have. - Lyndsay Phillips Talking to Lyndsay Phillips was a masterclass in transforming the way we think about podcasting. Lyndsay Phillips brought an incredible wealth of knowledge, showing how a single episode can be repurposed into an ecosystem of content that drives visibility, nurtures lea...

"A podcast isn’t just a tool for talking; it’s a platform to share stories that inspire, educate, and connect people." – Niall Mackay Nina’s courage in embracing feedback, her openness to learning, and her unwavering dedication to amplifying women's voices made this episode a standout.  What really impressed me was her willingness to dive into the details, from improving her podcast...

"The people that are going to consume your short form videos are probably a hundred to a thousand times more than the people who actually consume your content." This episode was a real turning point for me. It made me realize just how powerful YouTube can be for podcasters—not just for video, but for reaching entirely new audiences in ways I hadn’t fully appreciated before. I used to thi...

“Don’t underestimate who you can get—leaders in their field want to share their expertise with a dedicated audience.” - Hugh Hiemstra Talking to Hugh Hiemstra was truly a game-changer for me, both as a podcaster and someone who’s constantly looking for ways to improve the creative process. Hugh brought incredible insights into the power of curiosity and authentic questions in creating meaningful c...

“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 minds...

“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, a...

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...

"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...

"Podcast audiences absolutely love consistency." - Charlotte Lewis-West Niall 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 lever...

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 ampl...

I thought I knew content creation, but podcasting taught me so much more." – Michelle O’Brien Niall 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...