Podcast Perspectives

From sponsor dollars to listener loyalty, podcast ad reads can make or break your monetization strategy. But what separates an ad that gets renewed from one that gets dropped after a single campaign?In this exclusive – and free – fireside chat, discover the secrets of crafting successful ad reads that advertisers actually want to rebook with Alec Trunley (Brand Partnerships at RedCircle) and Dan Christo (COO at The Podglomerate). Alec helps top-tier advertisers scale host-read ads across hundreds of shows, and Dan has helped unlock over $2 million for The Podglomerate's monetization clients.This deep-dive session reveals the advertiser perspective that most creators never see – giving you the competitive edge to transform your ad reads from one-time deals into recurring revenue streams.Join us to learn:What makes your ad read irresistible to sponsorsHow advertisers evaluate your ad’s performance behind-the-scenesWhich metrics actually matter for securing future campaignsMost common mistakes when delivering sponsored content I’m on all the socials @JeffUmbroThe Podglomerate offers production, distribution, and monetization services for dozens of new and industry-leading podcasts. Whether you’re just beginning or a seasoned podcaster, we offer what you need.To find more about The Podglomerate:– Show Page and Transcript: https://listen.podglomerate.com/show/podcast-perspectives– YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Podglomeratepods– Email: [email protected]– LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/podglomerate– Twitter: @podglomerate– Instagram: @podglomeratepods Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2025 in Podcasting: A Year of Reckoning2025 was a year of big shifts and even bigger headlines. We saw companies close, new ventures launch, and familiar players rebrand or pivot. Video podcasts continued to grow, bringing shows to streaming platforms, theaters, and even the Golden Globes stage. Revenue models evolved, AI loomed large, and creators explored new ways to connect with audiences, from premium content to live events and derivative IP.Despite all the change, the podcasting community remains vibrant, and many companies reported record revenues. Optimism is high, and opportunities for creators are abundant—whether you’re experimenting with video, exploring new formats, or building the next breakout show. Our guests had some thoughts of their own. I’m on all the socials @JeffUmbroThe Podglomerate offers production, distribution, and monetization services for dozens of new and industry-leading podcasts. Whether you’re just beginning or a seasoned podcaster, we offer what you need.To find more about The Podglomerate:– Show Page and Transcript: https://listen.podglomerate.com/show/podcast-perspectives– YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Podglomeratepods– Email: [email protected]– LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/podglomerate– Twitter: @podglomerate– Instagram: @podglomeratepods Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Misener is the co-founder of Bumper, a podcast data and growth company. Dan joins the show to share ways to grow podcasts, including identifying when you have a marketing vs editorial problem, the importance of properly tracking audience engagement, and how the innovative Bumper Dashboard packages and provides show statistics across several platforms. He also explains how we can use download metrics in a future-facing way and how AI is reshaping listener behavior. You can find Dan on LinkedIn and at wearebumper.com. I’m on all the socials @JeffUmbro (00:00) Introduction (00:45) Starting in Radio (02:14) From Production to Podcast Data (05:19) Bumper: A Podcast Data and Growth Company (05:47) Balance of Ads and Content (07:56) What to Ask Podcast Creators Who Want Growth (09:49) The Bumper Dashboard (13:15) Death of the Download Metric (17:56) Downloads as a Currency (21:55) The Ideal World of Ad Buying (26:22) Verified Impressions (31:07) Who Is Using the Bumper Dashboard (36:21) Metrics to Show Podcast Health (39:23) AI in Podcast Data Measurement (42:40) Conclusion and Final Thoughts The Podglomerate offers production, distribution, and monetization services for dozens of new and industry-leading podcasts. Whether you’re just beginning or a seasoned podcaster, we offer what you need. To find more about The Podglomerate:– Show Page and Transcript: https://listen.podglomerate.com/show/podcast-perspectives– YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Podglomeratepods– Email: [email protected]– LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/podglomerate– Twitter: @podglomerate– Instagram: @podglomeratepods Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kristin Nelson is Head of Audio at the Boston Globe. The newspaper has become a leader in the audio space with podcasts like Love Letters, Gladiator, Murder in Boston, and their new Spotlight: Snitch City. Kristin breaks down the Globe’s audio strategy, how they integrate their podcast team and newsroom, monetization strategies that incorporate ads as well as their traditional newspaper subscription model, and continue to produce audio IP for film and television. You can find Kristin on LinkedIn and her work at bostonglobe.com. I’m on all the socials @JeffUmbro The Podglomerate offers production, distribution, and monetization services for dozens of new and industry-leading podcasts. Whether you’re just beginning or a seasoned podcaster, we offer what you need. To find more about The Podglomerate:– Show Page and Transcript: https://listen.podglomerate.com/show/podcast-perspectives– YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Podglomeratepods– Email: [email protected]– LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/podglomerate– Twitter: @podglomerate– Instagram: @podglomeratepods Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Podcast industry veteran Lex Friedman is the founder of Lex Friedman Consulting where he works with creators, advertisers, platforms, and brands as a strategic consultant. Lex joins the show to discuss the challenges and triumphs as a former executive at Midroll, Art19, and Wondery, shares insights into the changing landscape of podcast advertising, and the hilarity of being confused with fellow podcast veteran Lex Fridman. He also provides a cautiously optimistic take on where the industry is headed.You can find Lex on LinkedIn or at lexfriedman.com/consultingI’m on all the socials @JeffUmbroThe Podglomerate offers production, distribution, and monetization services for dozens of new and industry-leading podcasts. Whether you’re just beginning or a seasoned podcaster, we offer what you need.To find more about The Podglomerate:– Show Page and Transcript: https://listen.podglomerate.com/show/podcast-perspectives– YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Podglomeratepods– Email: [email protected]– LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/podglomerate– Twitter: @podglomerate– Instagram: @podglomeratepods Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices