Behind the Mic

We are regularly asked at Funnel Media Group how to jump-start a show's reach into new markets, and reach new audiences. This episode covers advertising, sponsors, and the change in best practices over the past two years. Consumer behaviors have changed - how they consume media. This is where our guest, Mary Ann Pruitt shines through her agency, Mosaic Media Agency. You will want to consider all of her insights and advice, as well as some great suggestions you can get started with today. Who are we targeting? How are we targeting? What about the third-party cookie thing? First-party data is available to you - you just don't realize it. It's time to invest in collecting your own first-party data. Listen to this episode: Programmatic media buying has changed everything.

  This episode was inspired by the great guests Interview Valet has been sending us for our hosts, and by a blog post, "Checklist Before You are a Guest on a Podcast". This episode covers expectations for guests hiring a podcast guest management firm, for those being contacted by them to have their clients on your shows, and what should be expected of all for a successful appearance on a show. You can read the post here. Listen to this conversation with my guest, Lasina Jensen, Client Success Team Manager at Interview Valet. Please listen to this episode and share it out to your circles that are podcasts guests and hosts.

In this 13 minute episode we cover our favorite podcast equipment and the reasons we prefer one over another. There are some additional items we suggest to give you a more professional look and sound. Podcast Microphones - Rode USB Condenser mic , Yeti RiversideFM has more ideas: If you’re on a tight budget or just want a mic that doesn’t have a huge learning curve, consider one of these plug-and-play USB microphones: Rode Procaster ($250) Rode NT-USB ($177)  Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB ($80)  Webcams - Logitech BRIO Pop Filters and Mic Muffs Sound Panels Backgrounds vs. greenscreens (no link tells you we are not fans of greenscreens) Lighting kits article Recording Zoom vs. Riverside.fm Mixing boards article Amazon, BHPHOTO Headsets for recording and editing Teleprompters RiversideFM has additional podcast equipment lists you may find helpful. Need help with your set up or editing, let us know. susan@funnelradio.com

This episode covers one of the questions from the recent one with EJ and Nina in Funnel Feud. These are the top 8 answers given by 100 podcast hosts, guests, and team members. Aside from swearing, revealing too much, and other simple editing issues, why would a podcast host ask the guest for a do-over? We'll give you tips on how to work around these 8 common issues in this 13-minute episode. Email me for the recap graphic. If you have additional reasons, please tell us. You can find me on LinkedIn here or email me susan@funnelradio.com.

You know the music, you know how it works. Play along with our version - Funnel Feud to hear the answers to these questions: 1. What is a reason you would want a do-over with a guest? 2. What is the reason your podcast failed? 3. What is your favorite podcast equipment? We asked 100 podcast hosts, producers and teams and the answers in this episode are what they said. You can get the full list from us - just email us. If you want to know our favorite equipment, we'll tell you that, too! It will be part of another upcoming episode on Behind The Mic - Funnel Media Group's favorite equipment and tools for producing podcasts.  

Podcasting editors' tips from EJ Albaugh. EJ reminds us that if we can do a bit of practice we can save time and money with our editing solutions. Don't be afraid of a retake, and beware of Zoom twang when there are bandwidth issues for your host or your guest, or your producer.  If you listen to this and would like the podcaster's checklist magnet from Funnel Media Group, email producer@funnelradio.com with your mailing address and we'll get one to you. While you're at it, send us your podcast URL so we can check it out!  

Taking advantage of search engine goodness, building communities of podcasters and their teams, as well as profiles for creators is what Podchaser's Dave Keine and Susan Finch talked about today on Behind the Mic. Do not miss the list of free tools, tips and ways to build your listenership and expand your audience demographics.

Tune in for this packed episode with free tools podcasters can use to expand their reach. There are two free tools we are going to cover in this episode: Using Playlists to increase your exposure in the podcast venues including Spotify, Apple Podcasts/playlists, Podchaser, and the rest that give you that option.