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

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

Greg Wasserman, Podcast Leader & Relationship Generator

Overview
Episodes

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 HostingProduced by Stories & StrategiesContent Repurposed with CastmagicPodcast 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

Protecting Small Podcasts: Networks for Indie Voices, Not Profit | Feminist Podcast Collective
MAY 21, 2026
Protecting Small Podcasts: Networks for Indie Voices, Not Profit | Feminist Podcast Collective
<p>What happens when a podcast network is built around support instead of scale?</p><p>Becky Mollenkamp created the Feminist Podcast Collective in 2024 after growing frustrated with how often podcasting rewards visibility, monetization, and industry status over community, accessibility, and overlooked voices. Instead of waiting for traditional networks to create space for different creators, she built a membership-based network centered on collaboration, shared values, and long-term sustainability.</p><p>From flexible membership dues based on financial circumstances to a values-alignment application process, Becky’s approach challenges many of the assumptions behind how podcast networks traditionally operate. The network has already grown to more than 50 member shows, prioritizing support and equity over aggressive growth or advertising pressure.</p><p>The conversation explores what it takes to build a mission-driven podcast network, the tension between sustainability and monetization, and why Becky believes independent creators deserve communities designed around mutual support rather than competition. For podcasters questioning whether success must always be measured by downloads, ad revenue, or scale, Becky offers a very different vision for what a network can be.</p><p></p><p><strong>Listen For:</strong></p><p>00:00 Membership Pricing and Values</p><p>09:38 Intersectional Feminism Goals</p><p>19:52 Promoting Member Shows</p><p>20:48 A Unique Podcast Model</p><p>30:13 Resource Library Overview</p><p>37:41 Managing a Community</p><p>43:33 Member Retention</p><p>51:20 Celebrity Fatigue in Podcasting</p><p>59:53 Balancing Growth and Sustainability</p><p></p><p><strong>CONNECT WITH GUEST: BECKY MOLLENKAMP, FEMINIST BUSINESS COACH</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://linkedin.com/in/beckymollenkamp">LinkedIn</a> | <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://feministpodcasterscollective.com/">Website</a> | <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://messyliberation.com/%20Messy%20Liberation">Podcast</a> | <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.threads.com/@beckymollenkamp/">Threads</a></p><p><strong>Podcast rec</strong>: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://pod.link/1610399726">Off the Grid </a></p><p><strong>Book rec:</strong> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GMXK8967/">Liberate Your Business</a> by Becky Mollenkamp</p><p></p><p><strong>CONNECT WITH GREG WASSERMAN,</strong> <strong>HEAD OF RELATIONSHIPS FOR </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://RSS.COM"><strong>RSS.COM</strong></a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/podcast-network-insights/about/">Website</a> | <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregwasserman/">LinkedIn</a></p><p><strong>Greg’s book rec</strong>: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://amzn.to/4tIyOXZ">Return on Courage</a> by Ryan Berman</p><p></p><p><strong>Systems, Sponsors, and Partners:</strong></p><p>Hosted with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://RSS.com">RSS.com</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://rss.com/?via=9f060f"> Podcast Hosting</a></p><p>Produced by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://storiesandstrategies.ca/">Stories &amp; Strategies</a></p><p>Content Repurposed with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://get.castmagic.io/greg">Castmagic</a></p><p>Podcast Project Management with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://app.northflow.io/sign-up?via=greg">Northflow</a></p>
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62 MIN
What Makes the C-Suite Network Paid Entry Unique | C Suite Network
MAY 14, 2026
What Makes the C-Suite Network Paid Entry Unique | C Suite Network
<p>What happens when the lines between television, radio, and digital content start to blur? And what does that mean for today’s podcast networks?</p><p>Jeffrey Hayzlett shares a perspective shaped by decades at the intersection of traditional media and the modern, distributed podcast ecosystem. From how networks think about distribution and format to the business goals that drive long-term success, this discussion explores the real operational challenges and opportunities facing media companies today.</p><p>Jeffrey’s career spans from corporate marketing leadership, including serving as CMO of Kodak, to launching early podcast initiatives at CBS, producing business television, and now leading C-Suite Network, a podcast network and company with hundreds of shows, with the goal of being in the thousands. His approach blends hands-on production experience with a sharp understanding of how platforms, sponsorships, and communities come together to build scalable, lasting networks.</p><p></p><p><strong>Listen For:</strong></p><p>5:36 Starting C-Suite TV Online</p><p>7:44 Network for Business Leaders</p><p>9:53 Using Podcasts to Grow Business</p><p>14:51 Changes in Audio and Video Tech</p><p>16:37 Content Timing for Streaming and Broadcast</p><p>25:48 Importance of Context in Content</p><p>28:04 Diversifying Content Distribution</p><p>32:37 Building a Content Creator Community</p><p>35:05 Serving the Elite Business Community</p><p>37:45 Monetization in TV Network Deals</p><p>41:29 Turning Interviews Into Content</p><p>44:24 Joining the C-Suite Network</p><p>53:28 The Future of New Media</p><p></p><p><strong>CONNECT WITH GUEST: JEFFREY HAYZLETT, CHAIRMAN AND FOUNDER OF C-SUITE NETWORK</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://c-suitenetwork.com/">Website</a> |<strong> </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/hayzlett/%20">LinkedIn</a></p><p><strong>Book rec:</strong> <em>How to Win Friends and Influence People</em> by Dale Carnegie - <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://amzn.to/4vZWx81">https://amzn.to/4vZWx81</a></p><p><strong>Book rec:</strong> <em>The Greatest Salesman in the World</em> by Og Mandino - <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://amzn.to/4cYh6bU">https://amzn.to/4cYh6bU</a></p><p><strong>Podcast rec: This Week in Startups</strong> — Host: Jason Calacanis - <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://pod.link/315114957">https://pod.link/315114957</a></p><p></p><p><strong>CONNECT WITH GREG WASSERMAN,</strong> <strong> HEAD OF RELATIONSHIPS FOR </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://RSS.COM"><strong>RSS.COM</strong></a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/podcast-network-insights/about/">Website</a> | <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregwasserman/">LinkedIn</a></p><p>Greg’s book rec: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://amzn.to/4tIyOXZ">Return on Courage</a> by Ryan Berman</p><p></p><p><strong>Systems, Sponsors, and Partners:</strong></p><p>Hosted with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://RSS.com">RSS.com</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://rss.com/?via=9f060f"> Podcast Hosting</a></p><p>Produced by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://storiesandstrategies.ca/">Stories &amp; Strategies</a></p><p>Content Repurposed with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://get.castmagic.io/greg">Castmagic</a></p><p>Podcast Project Management with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://app.northflow.io/sign-up?via=greg">Northflow</a></p>
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59 MIN
Localizing Podcast Monetization Across LATAM | Genuína Media
MAY 7, 2026
Localizing Podcast Monetization Across LATAM | Genuína Media
<p>What happens when the definition of “podcast network” changes depending on geography, and the rules of the game are nothing like what you expect from US podcasting? That’s the world David Roemer operates in, where running a podcast network in Latin America means being both an aggregator and an ad agency, adapting to a landscape with fewer advertisers, distinct cultural expectations, and major platform differences. This episode examines what it really takes to build, sustain, and grow a podcast network in an emerging market where ad dollars remain scarce, and creators still face an uphill path to monetization.</p><p>As co-founder of Genuína Media, David Roemer has been at the forefront of Latin America’s podcast network scene for over five years. His background as a corporate lawyer fueled the pivot into podcasting, first with a homegrown show that broke through in Mexico, then evolving into managing a network of over 230 podcasts stretching from Mexico to Brazil and Spain. With deep ties to creators, platforms, and advertisers, David brings a clear-eyed, hands-on perspective to building a podcast network with limited resources and plenty of unknowns.</p><p></p><p><strong>Listen For:</strong></p><p>02:47 What "podcast network" means in Latin America</p><p>04:25 From lawyer to podcaster to network founder</p><p>17:47 The honest case for joining or not joining</p><p>23:17 Why brands are the client, not podcasters</p><p>32:57 Why video is now non-negotiable</p><p>35:21 Spotify premium and the baked-in ad shift</p><p>42:39 How attribution and conversion actually work in LATAM</p><p></p><p><strong>CONNECT WITH GUEST: DAVID ROEMER GONZALEZ, CO-FOUNDER AND CEO OF GENUINA MEDIA</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-roemer-gonzalez/">LinkedIn</a> | <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.genuinamedia.com/">Website</a></p><p>David's Podcast rec: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://pod.link/1633509166"><strong>Relatos Nieros</strong></a></p><p>David's Book recs: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.amazon.ca/Palace-Dreams-Ismail-Kadare/dp/0099518279"><strong>The Palace of Dreams</strong></a> - Ismail Kadare</p><p></p><p><strong>CONNECT WITH GREG WASSERMAN,</strong> <strong>HEAD OF RELATIONSHIPS FOR </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://RSS.COM"><strong>RSS.COM</strong></a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://rss.com/">Website</a> | <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregwasserman/">LinkedIn</a></p><p>Greg’s book rec: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://amzn.to/4tIyOXZ">Return on Courage</a> by Ryan Berman</p><p></p><p><strong>Systems, Sponsors, and Partners:</strong></p><p>Hosted with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://RSS.com">RSS.com</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://rss.com/?via=9f060f"> Podcast Hosting</a></p><p>Produced by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://storiesandstrategies.ca/">Stories &amp; Strategies</a></p><p>Content Repurposed with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://get.castmagic.io/greg">Castmagic</a></p><p>Podcast Project Management with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://app.northflow.io/sign-up?via=greg">Northflow</a></p>
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52 MIN
When Matchmaking Fuels a Podcast Network’s Growth | Hospitality.FM/ Skift
APR 30, 2026
When Matchmaking Fuels a Podcast Network’s Growth | Hospitality.FM/ Skift
<p>What happens when your definition of “podcast network” evolves from a simple matchmaking idea to an intricate ecosystem connecting dozens of creators and advertisers? This episode explores how the real work of building a network often differs from the original vision, especially when operational complexity and changing industry conditions reshape your approach. Hospitality media entrepreneur Wil Slickers reflects candidly on the lessons, pivots, and persistent challenges behind growing and ultimately selling a podcast network.</p><p>Wil Slickers brings a unique perspective from moving through hotel management into hospitality podcasting, eventually building and selling <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://Hospitality.fm">Hospitality.fm</a>, a podcast network that scaled to nearly 50 shows across hotels, food, beverages, and travel. Today, he leads network operations for Skift, where he applies hands-on experience in niche content strategy, monetization, and long-term growth in the B2B audio space. His hands-on perspective covers everything from bootstrapped beginnings and production challenges to acquisitions and strategy within a larger media company.</p><p></p><p><strong>Listen For:</strong></p><p>03:58 From hotel manager to podcast host</p><p>09:40 The matchmaking idea takes shape</p><p>11:30 Cross-collaboration as the early network seed</p><p>15:12 Audience fit before everything else</p><p>18:37 On charging $200+ effective CPMs</p><p>23:02 Starting over: niche, quality, one lane</p><p>32:30 The missed opportunity in subscription revenue</p><p>36:07 What changed after the Skift acquisition</p><p>43:07 Who acquires a niche network — and why</p><p>46:48 The three-sided negotiation no one talks about</p><p>52:45 Where things are heading: Substack and long-form</p><p>01:00:51 The case for just running a good business</p><p></p><p><strong>CONNECT WITH GUEST: WIL SLICKERS,</strong></p><p><strong>DIRECTOR OF VIDEO/AUDIO STRATEGY | SKIFT</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/wil-slickers/">LinkedIn</a> | <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://skift.com/">Website</a> | <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://skift.com/skift-travel-podcasts/">Podcast</a> |</p><p></p><p><strong>Wil’s Podcast rec:</strong> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://pod.link/acquired"><strong>Acquired</strong></a></p><p><strong>Wil’s Book rec:</strong> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://amzn.to/3NtPweh"><strong>Superfans</strong></a><strong><em> </em>by Pat Flynn</strong></p><p></p><p><strong>CONNECT WITH GREG WASSERMAN,</strong> <strong>HEAD OF RELATIONSHIPS FOR </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://RSS.COM"><strong>RSS.COM</strong></a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/podcast-network-insights/about/">Website</a> | <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregwasserman/">LinkedIn</a></p><p>Greg’s book rec: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://amzn.to/4tIyOXZ">Return on Courage</a> by Ryan Berman</p><p></p><p>Systems, Sponsors, and Partners:</p><p>Hosted with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://RSS.com">RSS.com</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://rss.com/?via=9f060f"> Podcast Hosting</a></p><p>Produced by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://storiesandstrategies.ca/">Stories &amp; Strategies</a></p><p>Content Repurposed with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://get.castmagic.io/greg">Castmagic</a></p><p>Podcast Project Management with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://app.northflow.io/sign-up?via=greg">Northflow</a></p>
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66 MIN
Building a Network by Removing the Roadblocks | RAGE Works Podcast Network
APR 23, 2026
Building a Network by Removing the Roadblocks | RAGE Works Podcast Network
<p><strong>What does it look like to build a network around removing every obstacle that kills podcasts before they ever find an audience?</strong></p><p>Rich Butler started RAGE Works Podcast Network in 2014 after his own long-running podcast wound down and the people around him caught the bug. Rather than pointing them elsewhere, he handed them a blueprint and stayed in the room. What followed wasn't a revenue-first strategy. It was a production-and-distribution model built around making it easier for motivated people to create. His reasoning is simple and consistent: content is what grows a network, and the best way to get more content is to get out of the way.</p><p>What makes Rich's approach distinct is what he refuses to optimize for. He won't take a cut of ad deals he didn't facilitate. He won't chase podcasters for their episodes. He won't guarantee listeners or money in the first conversation. The network exists to water plants and watch the garden grow…and he'll tell you that's exactly why it works.</p><p></p><p><strong>Listen For:</strong></p><p>03:08 Network as a Discovery Platform</p><p>04:37 How My Take Radio Became a Network</p><p>07:41 Why the Dual-Feed Model Still Works</p><p>10:01 Revenue Without the Revenue-First Model</p><p>13:04 On Downloads, Die-Hards, and Real Numbers</p><p>16:25 What to Ask Before You Join a Network</p><p>18:47 Removing the Roadblocks That Kill Podcasts</p><p>23:53 Audio First, Video Second</p><p>27:48 What the Onboarding Process Actually Looks Like</p><p>31:04 The Jockey Runs the Horse</p><p>36:54 Gary Vee Called His Bluff</p><p>39:51 The Case for 10 Downloads</p><p>44:02 Be of Service, Not a Gatekeeper</p><p></p><p><strong>CONNECT WITH GUEST: RICHARD BUTLER</strong></p><p><strong>FOUNDER OF THE RAGE WORKS PODCAST NETWORK</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/richbutler6/">LinkedIn</a> | <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.rageworksnetwork.com">Website</a> | <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.pressrecordstudios.com">Website 2</a> | <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://instagram.com/rageworksrich">Instagram</a></p><p>Rich's Podcast Rec: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://pod.link/853941025">The Jay Ferruggia Show</a></p><p>Rich's Book Rec: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://amzn.to/488eJly">Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook </a>by Gary Vaynerchuk </p><p></p><p><strong>CONNECT WITH GREG WASSERMAN,</strong> <strong>HEAD OF RELATIONSHIPS FOR </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://RSS.COM"><strong>RSS.COM</strong></a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/podcast-network-insights/about/">Website</a> | <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregwasserman/">LinkedIn</a> </p><p>Greg’s book rec: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://amzn.to/4tIyOXZ">Return on Courage</a> by Ryan Berman</p><p></p><p><strong>Systems, Sponsors, and Partners:</strong></p><p>Hosted with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://RSS.com">RSS.com</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://rss.com/?via=9f060f"> Podcast Hosting</a></p><p>Produced by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://storiesandstrategies.ca/">Stories &amp; Strategies</a></p><p>Content Repurposed with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://get.castmagic.io/greg">Castmagic</a></p><p>Podcast Project Management with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://app.northflow.io/sign-up?via=greg">Northflow</a></p>
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51 MIN