<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>