<p>What happens when a podcast network isn't just a loose collection of shows, but an operational system with complete ownership, direct host management, and monetization strategies that begin before a single episode is released? This conversation examines a distinctive “own everything, sell before launch” approach, offering a pragmatic look at why full control might create better sponsor relationships and higher margins.</p><p>Mark LaCour draws on a decade-plus of experience building a podcast network from a single niche show into an international portfolio of 30+ in-house productions, the Oil and Gas Global Network, all within the oil and gas sector. Before starting his first podcast in 2011, he spent years in sales and technology, bringing a practical, industry-rooted perspective to every decision about network structure and growth.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Listen For:</strong></p><p>00:00 Exploring Podcast Networks</p><p>6:15 Finding the right podcast host</p><p>11:34 Starting the first podcast</p><p>20:07 Managing podcast sponsorships</p><p>25:10 Making money from conferences</p><p>29:31 AI and augmented reality threats</p><p>33:15 Blocking AI spiders on content</p><p>40:04 Leveraging loyal listeners for growth</p><p>42:03 Measuring podcast value beyond downloads</p><p>49:47 Future of Video Content Creation</p><p>1:00:52 Hire an editor to improve podcast</p><p>1:04:12 Staying Creative and Engaging Fans</p><p></p><p><strong>CONNECT WITH GUEST: MARK LACOUR, FOUNDER, OIL AND GAS GLOBAL NETWORK (OGGN)</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/oil-and-gas-expert-speaker/">LinkedIn</a> | <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://oggn.com/">Website</a> | <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://oggn.com/ogtw/">Podcast</a> | <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/Mark_LaCour">X</a></p><p><strong>Book rec:</strong> The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People</p><p><strong>Podcast rec: </strong>Marketing Over Coffee - <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://pod.link/251299460">https://pod.link/251299460</a></p><p><strong> </strong></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 noreferrer nofollow" href="https://amzn.to/4tIyOXZ">Return on Courage</a> by Ryan Berman - <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://amzn.to/4tIyOXZ">https://amzn.to/4tIyOXZ</a> </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>