<h2><strong>Why do so many podcasters focus on monetization before they’ve solved distribution and audience growth?</strong></h2><p><br></p><p>This week on PodBiz, we’re joined by <strong>Greg Wasserman</strong>, Head of Relationships at RSS.com, to break down how podcasters actually build leverage in the industry and why relationships, not just downloads, are at the core of sustainable growth.</p><br><p>Greg challenges the industry’s obsession with ads and sponsorships as the only path to revenue. Instead, he explains why podcasting works best when it’s treated as part of a broader business strategy, whether you’re a creator, agency, or brand. From audience growth to distribution gaps to relationship-driven ROI, Greg offers a clear framework for thinking about podcasting as a long-term asset.</p><br><p>As he puts it:</p><p>“You want more money? Then go focus on how do you grow your audience.”</p><br><p>He also emphasizes that many podcasters limit their growth by staying inside a single ecosystem rather than taking advantage of open distribution through RSS.</p><p>This episode is a practical conversation about where value is actually created in podcasting and how creators can stop leaving opportunity on the table.</p><br><p><br></p><p><br></p><h2><strong>Key Topics Discussed</strong></h2><ul><li>The three questions every podcaster asks: distribution, audience, money</li><li>Why monetization should not be the starting point</li><li>The hidden cost of limiting your show to one ecosystem</li><li>Podcasting as a relationship-driven business tool</li><li>Why most podcasters misunderstand ROI</li><li>How agencies leave money on the table</li><li>Improving as a host to grow audience trust</li><li>Community building as a growth strategy</li><li>Why relationships are a form of currency in podcasting</li><li>What excites Greg most about where the industry is headed</li></ul><h2><br></h2><h2><strong>About Greg Wasserman</strong></h2><p>Greg Wasserman is the Head of Relationships at RSS.com, where he leads creator and partner engagement across the podcast ecosystem. With a background in media sales, platform growth, and community building, Greg is known for connecting people, building long-term relationships, and helping podcasters think strategically about growth, distribution, and monetization.</p><p>Find Greg on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gregwasserman/</p><p><br></p><h2><strong>Episode Chapters</strong></h2><p>(01:18) Introducing Greg Wasserman</p><p>(01:20) Where the money in podcasting really comes from</p><p>(02:45) Podcasting as a business versus a media company</p><p>(03:12) Rethinking monetization beyond ads</p><p>(04:56) Why being a good host matters</p><p>(05:17) Greg’s path into podcasting</p><p>(06:00) Learning podcast distribution from platforms</p><p>(06:56) The three questions podcasters always ask</p><p>(07:38) Distribution as the fastest path to audience growth</p><p>(08:13) Relationships as a career strategy</p><p>(09:18) Where agencies leave money on the table</p><p>(11:00) Improving your craft as a host</p><p>(13:27) Building creator communities at RSS.com</p><p>(15:59) Serving creators through feedback and partnerships</p><p>(16:30) What Greg would do differently starting today</p><p>(19:11) Why this is an exciting moment for podcasting</p><p><br></p><h2><strong>Some Additional PodBiz Buzz</strong></h2><p>“Life is about time and relationships.”</p><p>“If you want more money, make sure you have those other 30 percent of your audience.”</p><p>“Relationships can be currency. The more conversations you have, the more opportunities appear.”</p><p><strong>PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting.</strong> Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: <strong>Where’s the money in podcasting?</strong></p><p>Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.</p><p>Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>