The Read

Episode Summary: Podcasting has entered its fast-food era. AI-driven companies like Inception Point are mass-producing thousands of “good-enough” shows for pennies—episodes made to fill space, not inspire. For brands, the result is risky: associating with disposable content dilutes trust, weakens ROI, and makes you indistinguishable in a sea of filler. In this episode, Corey unpacks the parallels...

📝 Show Notes: In this reflective solo episode, I explore the tension between embracing artificial intelligence and preserving the creative integrity that defines our work. As AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini become embedded in our workflows, the big question isn’t if we’ll use them—it’s how . From automating administrative tasks to untangling the clutter of RFPs, AI is helping us get uns...

In this episode, I reflect on the evolution of the branded podcasting industry—from the early days of minimal competition to today’s crowded field dominated by marketing-first approaches. As one of the original companies focused on narrative podcast production for brands, I’ve seen firsthand how client conversations have shifted—from valuing creative storytelling to fixating on spreadsheets and sl...

Episode Description: - Written by ChatGPT 40 In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of our recent website redesign—a journey that started with procrastination and ended in creative triumph. After realizing our online presence didn’t reflect who we are as a company, I decided to roll up my sleeves and tackle the project myself. With guidance from experts like Steve Pratt and Tara Kelley, I r...

Podfly takes a minimalist approach to podcast production, founded on First Principles Thinking. We question established practices and focus on creating a work environment where people want to be their best. We believe in zero-basing everything and approaching each project with a beginner's mind. Podfly aims to create high-quality podcasts while maximizing resources and keeping costs down. We use s...

As co-founder of Podfly, this is my experience with authentic leadership and rejecting corporate hierarchies. I discuss the evolution of my job titles, from Chief Expectations Manager to Creative Director to CEO, and the realization that I was becoming a faux tech bro media executive d-bag. Ultimately, I decided to step down as CEO and make radical changes to the company, focusing on great collabo...

Podcast production company Podfly implemented a cap of 50 active clients, inspired by a conversation with Lex Friedman. This allowed them to focus on attracting higher-paying, quality clients and maintain a right-sized team. The company underwent significant leadership changes and established a new accounts mandate, shedding unprofitable clients and retaining staff on the remaining accounts. They...

A story of taking on the challenge of starting a podcast for a company, navigating the initial uncertainty, and ultimately achieving success through collaboration and dedication. Takeaways * Starting a podcast for a company involves navigating uncertainty and taking on new challenges. * Collaboration and effective communication are essential for the success of a podcast project. * Achieving succes...

Today, we explore the concept of intrapreneurship and how entrepreneurs can thrive within an organization. The conversation discusses the challenges faced by self-funded podcasters and the importance of organizational support. It also touches on self-care and finding a balance between personal goals and career aspirations. I emphasize the importance of win-win relationships and how they apply to t...

I love to talk about work. Moreover, I like to challenge the status quo and find different ways to do almost everything. I skip the line, zero-base projects, read the last chapter first, and strive to be the contrarian at the meeting. All without being a dick. I think we should talk about that, and this is where we will. Today, I discuss: * Why this, now? * Is this for you? * A little about me, a...