“The reason I’m putting on a podcast is because I want to listen. I don’t want to read about the hosts - I want you to tell me about you.” — Adrie Mackay

 Today I'm doing something a little bit different. You're about to hear an episode from my other show, Smarter Podcasting, where my wife Adrie joins me to talk about what she looks for in a podcast

So if you ever thought. I could do that, but I don't know how, then this episode's for you.

If you do wanna start your own podcast, then go and subscribe to Smarter Podcasting as well. In this show I share all my tips and tricks and failures along the way to help you make the best podcast possible.

This episode is easily one of my favorites - not because of the guest (though she is my wife), but because I finally got to hear the raw, honest perspective of a real podcast listener. Adrie isn’t in the industry; she doesn’t care about gear or metrics. She just loves great stories, good sound, and shows that respect her time.

Listening to her describe how she chooses podcasts, where she listens, and what makes her switch off reminded me that every podcaster needs to think more like a listener. This conversation changed the way I look at intros, ads, and even how people interact with Spotify. If you want to know how your audience really experiences your show — this is the episode to listen to.

5 Key Talking Points

1. Listeners crave connection. They tune in to people, not just topics.
2. Bad audio kills interest instantly — even more than weak content.
3. The first two minutes decide everything. Get to the point fast.
4. Titles and artwork matter more than show notes. Most people never read them.
5. Podcast habits are personal. Where, when, and how people listen shapes what they love — and what they skip.

Chapters and Timestamps

• 00:00 — Why People Listen
• 03:00 — From Talk Radio to True Crime
• 09:00 — What Makes Listeners Switch Off
• 17:00 — Should You Repeat Your Intro Every Episode?
• 25:00 — How Listeners Discover New Podcasts
• 35:00 — Lessons for Podcasters

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Phuong Nguyen is a Vietnamese expat currently located in Paphos, Cyprus.

She has hosted a Vietnamese podcast since 2016. Occasionally she interviewed Expats living in Vietnam and has some episodes covering expat lives such as being a vegan in Hanoi, Vietnam under the eyes of an artist and expat's life during Tet - Vietnam's traditional New year holiday.

At the age of 30, she decided to shift her career into Fitness and now she is a Pilates instructor.

You can find her interview with Niall and more on her website:

https://theblueexpat.com/

or on wherever you listen to podcasts.

Connect with Phuong on

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theblueexpat/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theblueexpat/

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Theme music composed by Lewis Wright
Logo designed by Niall Mackay and Le Nguyen with support from Devin Gray
Episode Art designed by Niall Mackay

Buy Seven Million Bikes a beer if you enjoy this content.

"Send me a message!"

Make the best podcast possible! Listen to Smarter Podcasting today!

Try Descript for free here!

The full list of winners is here.

Support the show

🎙️ Start Your Podcast Today!

👉 Book a FREE Discovery Call with me and let’s bring your idea to life!

🎥 Edit Videos Like a Pro with Descript!

👉 I use Descript to create my content—try it for FREE here:

🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN!

👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet!

These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.

✅ Subscribe for More!

If you enjoy content about life in Vietnam, food adventures, and great conversations, hit that subscribe button.

📸 Follow Me on Instagram 🌐 Visit My Website 🎉 Join Our Community!

Vote here.

I bring you a quick update as we take a short break.

The podcast has evolved into a thriving business since its inception in 2019, leading to the establishment of the Saigon Podcast Studio.

This year has been challenging due to my health issues, but the business is growing with new clients. We've rebranded to focus on relevant topics and I'm eager for your feedback.

We've been reliving our journey by airing older episodes and have been nominated for the Best Podcast in Vietnam at the People's Picks Awards.

Your support and votes are greatly appreciated. New episodes and exciting guests are on the way!

00:00 Introduction and Apology for the Break

00:15 Building a Podcast Business

00:45 Health Challenges and Business Growth

01:15 Podcast Seasons and Rebranding

02:17 Listener Engagement and Feedback

02:52 Revisiting Old Episodes

04:10 Award Nominations and Voting

04:59 Gratitude and Reflection

05:56 Conclusion and Future Episodes

"Send me a message!"

Make the best podcast possible! Listen to Smarter Podcasting today!

The full list of winners is here.

Support the show

🎙️ Start Your Podcast Today!

👉 Book a FREE Discovery Call with me and let’s bring your idea to life!

🎥 Edit Videos Like a Pro with Descript!

👉 I use Descript to create my content—try it for FREE here:

🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN!

👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet!

These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.

✅ Subscribe for More!

If you enjoy content about life in Vietnam, food adventures, and great conversations, hit that subscribe button.

📸 Follow Me on Instagram 🌐 Visit My Website 🎉 Join Our Community!