Podcast Network Insights: Understanding the Business of Podcast "Networks"

Greg Wasserman, Podcast Leader & Relationship Generator

Details

Podcast Network Insights explores the evolving world of podcast networks, however they define themselves today. Through candid conversations with founders, operators, and creators, we uncover how podcast networks make money, how they grow shows, and how podcasters can decide whether to join, leave, or even start a podcast network of their own. For podcasters, it’s a resource for understanding what to look for when joining a network and how to find a podcast network that aligns with your goals. For networks and media companies, it’s a space to reflect on how they differentiate, evolve, and deliver value. For the industry as a whole, it’s a front-row seat to the transformation of what “network” and even “podcast” mean in today’s audio landscape. Hosted by Greg Wasserman, a relationship-driven podcast professional who’s worked across media sales, podcast platforms, and creator tools, and now serving as Head of Relationships at RSS.com, the show brings curiosity and connection to the people shaping how creators collaborate and thrive. Available everywhere you listen to podcasts, Podcast Network Insights embraces the openness and accessibility of RSS, because conversations about the podcast industry should live where podcasts themselves do, through open RSS feeds. Whether you’re a network owner, a creator considering joining a network, a production agency thinking about starting a network or partnering with one, control marketing dollars and interested in podcasting, or simply curious about how the industry is evolving, this show is your go-to resource for the business, relationships, and strategies that power podcast networks. ---- Systems, Sponsors, and Partners: Hosted with RSS.com Podcast Hosting Produced by Stories & Strategies Content Repurposed with Castmagic Podcast Project Management with Northflow ---- As someone who believes Life is about Time & Relationships, you never know where one conversation may lead, reach out and connect with Greg to open a conversation: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregwasserman or reach out at [email protected].

Recent Episodes

OCT 15, 2026
The Legal Structure Behind Different Network Models
What does a podcast network actually include when its purpose can range from ad sales to collaboration or distribution? The answer affects ownership, contracts, revenue, and how the relationship ends. Gordon Firemark has practiced entertainment law since 1992. He has hosted Entertainment Law Update since 2009 and has written The Podcast Blog and New Media Producer’s Legal Survival Guide. His work focuses on helping podcasters and entertainment businesses understand the legal structure behind their work. He shares practical legal advice for podcast networks and hosts considering joining a network. Listen for: 03:50 – Why define the network’s purpose? 06:57 – What rights does a network acquire? 08:10 – What happens when relationships end? 08:58 – Who owns the RSS feed? 12:36 – Why formalize a collective? 14:33 – Why treat legal work as investment? 18:20 – How should ad payments work? 24:59 – What due diligence protects networks? 31:33 – How should talent be classified? 35:25 – What red flags affect hosts? 40:54 – What belongs in exit terms? CONNECT WITH GUEST: GORDON FIREMARK, ENTERTAINMENT ATTORNEY | CEO FIREMARK ENTERPRISES Website | LinkedIn Gordon’s podcast rec: Entertainment Law Update Gordon’s podcast rec: Legit Podcast Pro Gordon’s podcast rec: Expert Edge Podcast Gordon’s book rec: The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks CONNECT WITH GREG WASSERMAN, HEAD OF RELATIONSHIPS AT RSS.COM Website | LinkedIn | Newsletter Greg’s book rec: Return on Courage by Ryan Berman Systems, Sponsors, and Partners: Hosted with RSS.com Podcast Hosting Produced by Stories & Strategies Content Repurposed with Castmagic Podcast Project Management with Northflow Please share your thoughts and record a voice note for me using this link.
64 MIN
OCT 8, 2026
How Listener-Supported Monetization Works for a Podcast Network
What happens when a podcast network operator builds the entire tech stack themselves? Not as a seasoned developer, but because none of the available platforms align with their vision, values, or the needs of their creators? And how does this choice ripple through onboarding, data ownership, and creator monetization, especially when the builder’s background is media, not tech? Most networks rely on off-the-shelf platforms or outsource the heavy lifting, but building from scratch to enable real-time revenue splits and direct creator access to subscriber data is a rare, hands-on approach. Angel Livas brings a unique perspective, with roots in terrestrial radio, public broadcasting, and major television networks. As founder of ALIVE Podcast Network focused on amplifying Black voices, she’s combined her media leadership with an operator’s mindset, now curating a network of over 100 shows and personally guiding each creator’s onboarding journey. Listen for: 09:07 Starting a Faith-Inspired Network 12:28 Creating the Alive Podcast Network 18:49 Launching Alive Tech Platform 28:37 Promoting the Alive Podcast Network 34:39 Consulting and support for creatives 49:51 Licensing technology to other countries CONNECT WITH GUEST: ANGEL LIVAS, FOUNDER & CEO, ALIVE PODCAST NETWORK Website | LinkedIn Angel’s podcast rec: The Exit Interview Angel’s podcast rec:ALIVE & WELL CONNECT WITH GREG WASSERMAN, HEAD OF RELATIONSHIPS FOR RSS.COM Website | LinkedIn | Newsletter Greg’s book rec: Return on Courage by Ryan Berman Systems, Sponsors, and Partners: Hosted with RSS.com Podcast Hosting Produced by Stories & Strategies Content Repurposed with Castmagic Podcast Project Management with Northflow Please share your thoughts and record a voice note for me using this link.
61 MIN
OCT 1, 2026
The Anti-Loneliness Podcast Network Blueprint
What if the primary answer to podcaster loneliness isn’t more listeners or revenue, but structured, everyday “host love”? This episode unpacks how combating the solitary nature of podcasting lies at the heart of what truly helps a podcast network thrive. William Tincup describes the intentional structures—monthly “Hot Mic” calls, resource-sharing, and peer support—that move a network beyond transaction to genuine connection, making it the antidote to creative isolation. William Tincup, co-founder of WRKdefined with long-time collaborator Ryan Leary, brings a nuanced perspective: after decades in HR and content, and years podcasting, he and Ryan built a network approaching 100 shows in the world of work. Their partnership, a decade in the making before launching the network, offers a window into the operational and relational decisions that make support for hosts a lived priority, not just an aspiration Listen for: 00:14 Why prioritize community early? 21:59 Why avoid membership fees? 28:29 How can networks build community? 34:29 How does WRKdefined define success? 38:40 What should podcasters seek? 01:02:12 What makes partnerships work? CONNECT WITH GUEST: WILLIAM TINCUP, EDITOR | ANALYST | ADVISOR | HOST Website | LinkedIn | Instagram William's Podcast recs: Recruiting Future with Matt Alder | What's in a Name? William's Book rec: Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand CONNECT WITH GREG WASSERMAN, HEAD OF RELATIONSHIPS AT RSS.COM Website | LinkedIn Greg’s book rec: Return on Courage by Ryan Berman Systems, Sponsors, and Partners: Hosted with RSS.com Podcast Hosting Produced by Stories & Strategies Content Repurposed with Castmagic Podcast Project Management with Northflow Please share your thoughts and record a voice note for me using this link.
78 MIN
SEP 24, 2026
17 Years of Lessons From Building a Network
What role does a website play in a podcast network beyond listing shows and linking to listening platforms? Steve Phillips argues for building an owned hub where a network can organize its content, connect with its audience, and depend less on decisions made by outside platforms. Steve Phillips, co-founder of the GeekCast Radio Network, explains how a single Transformers show grew into a 38-show pop culture network and why culture fit, audience ownership, legal foundations, and practical technology matter more than simply adding another show. After 20 years in podcasting, Steve brings an unusually hands-on perspective. He has managed RSS feeds, websites, editing, graphics, contributor relationships, syndication, copyright issues, and a major rebrand. His view is clear: a network earns its value through collaboration and shared identity, not by serving as another hosting directory. He shares lessons from managing dozens of shows, building custom website technology, protecting audience ownership, and selecting contributors based on cultural fit. Listen for: 3:06 Founding the GeekCast Radio Network 11:15 Creating top 100 countdowns 19:48 Evaluating Collaboration Opportunities 27:01 Waiting for Tech to Catch Up 37:14 Deciding Network Website Structure 40:25 Shifting to video and rebranding 47:56 Managing Podcast Payments and Autonomy CONNECT WITH GUEST: STEVE PHILLIPS, Co-Creator of GeekCast Radio Network Website | LinkedIn | Instagram Steve's Podcast rec: All Things Transformers | Cinema Geeks | Altered Geek® Steve's Book rec: The Introvert’s Edge to Networking by Matthew Pollard CONNECT WITH GREG WASSERMAN, HEAD OF RELATIONSHIPS AT RSS.COM Website | LinkedIn | Newsletter Greg’s book rec: Return on Courage by Ryan Berman Systems, Sponsors, & Partners: Hosted with RSS.com Podcast Hosting Produced by Stories & Strategies Content Repurposed with Castmagic Podcast Project Management with Northflow Please share your thoughts and record a voice note for me using this link.
69 MIN
SEP 17, 2026
Growing an Intentional Podcast Network: People, Values, and Adaptation
What happens when a podcast network isn’t just a distribution tool, but the core engine of a larger business built around trust and long-term value? This conversation with Hank Fuerst unpacks how intentional (and sometimes accidental) decisions about structure, strategy, and monetization can ripple through the whole organization. It’s a grounded look at the evolving definition of “podcast network”—and why that definition keeps shifting. Hank Fuerst has spent over a decade steering and scaling one of the country’s largest independent podcast networks, Ramsey Network, operating at a national level with a team of 75 supporting fewer than 10 active shows. With roots in radio, a mission steeped in financial education and advice, his network has thrived through strategic adaptation and a clear focus on fit, consistency, and audience trust. Listen for: 11:18 Starting as an independent radio network 27:24 Team structure and media challenges 31:20 Tech insights from an independent creator 37:35 Developing fan engagement tools 44:46 Early adoption in digital media 54:36 Future of podcasting and media 01:08:00 Finding purpose in content creation CONNECT WITH GUEST: HANK FUERST, VICE PRESIDENT | RAMSEY NETWORK Website | LinkedIn | Instagram Hank’s rec: Podcasts: The Dr. John Delony Show | Dear Hank & John Book: Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann CONNECT WITH GREG WASSERMAN, HEAD OF RELATIONSHIPS FOR RSS.COM Website | LinkedIn Greg’s book rec: Return on Courage by Ryan Berman Systems, Sponsors, and Partners: Hosted with RSS.com Podcast Hosting Produced by Stories & Strategies Content Repurposed with Castmagic Podcast Project Management with Northflow Please share your thoughts and record a voice note for me using this link.
74 MIN