<p><em>What does it look like to build a network around a purpose rather than a revenue model?</em></p><p>Adam Bird started Heroes Media Group in 2012 as a place for veterans and military voices, and has spent the decade since expanding that mission to cover all community heroes: law enforcement, firefighters, first responders, and other "community heroes," anyone who aligns with the cause. The network grew not from a monetization plan, but from a commitment to positive, purpose-driven content at a time when most media was heading in the opposite direction.</p><p>What makes Adam's approach distinct is what he actively refuses to optimize for. He's turned down six-figure investment offers and won't touch content that conflicts with the network's values, no matter the dollar amount attached. The business case comes second, and he'll tell you that's exactly why it works.</p><p>Adam started in terrestrial radio around 2011 and transitioned into podcasting when he realized he wanted to tell stories without editorial constraints. Over the last decade, he has personally worked on more than 28,000 podcast episodes, built a full production and agency arm at HMG, and grown the network to over 50 active shows.</p><p></p><p><strong>Listen For:</strong></p><p>00:00 Finding Purpose Through Podcasting</p><p>06:51 Helping Others, Finding Purpose</p><p>11:22 Building Connections Through Collaboration</p><p>15:58 Business Model Perspectives</p><p>19:07 The Power of Networking</p><p>19:58 Maintaining Network Support Over Time</p><p>23:03 Unpopular Opinions in Business Trends</p><p>28:41 Balancing Podcast Goals and Strategy</p><p>32:01 Podcasting's Future: Big Buyouts</p><p>35:11 Podcasting: Harder Than It Seems</p><p>36:31 Lessons on Starting Small</p><p>45:21 Finding Purpose Through Service</p><p>46:16 Grinding Toward Life’s Purpose</p><p></p><p><strong>CONNECT WITH GUEST: ADAM BIRD</strong></p><p><strong>FOUNDER &amp; OPERATOR, HEROES MEDIA GROUP</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mradambird/">LinkedIn</a> | <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://heroesmediagroup.com/">Website</a></p><p>Adam's Book rec: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://amzn.to/4uI2Zjc">Outwitting the Devil by Napoleon Hill</a></p><p>Adam's Podcast rec: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://pod.link/860793886">The Arms Room</a></p><p></p><p><strong>CONNECT WITH GREG WASSERMAN,</strong> <strong>CHIEF RELATIONSHIP OFFICER 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 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 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>