"Podcast audiences absolutely love consistency." - Charlotte Lewis-West

Niall Mackay sits down with podcast strategist Charlotte Lewis-West to uncover the keys to effective podcast planning and promotion. With years of experience in radio journalism and podcast consultancy, Charlotte shares invaluable insights on developing a solid podcast strategy, understanding your audience, and leveraging various platforms for promotion.

The conversation delves into the importance of identifying your niche, setting clear objectives, and measuring success beyond just download numbers. Charlotte emphasizes the power of consistency and explains how proper planning can lead to long-term podcast success. Niall and Charlotte also discuss effective promotion techniques, from leveraging guest networks to creating engaging short-form content across different social media platforms.

Key Takeaways:

• Identify your audience and niche to tailor your podcast format and tone (04:58)
• Develop a clear objective and success metrics for your podcast (09:14)
• Consistency is crucial for podcast success and audience retention (34:35)
• Short-form content can significantly boost podcast visibility (27:28)
• Understand regional preferences for podcast consumption (audio vs. video) (29:26)

Chapters and Timestamps:
04:58 - The importance of podcast planning
09:14 - Developing a podcast strategy
14:58 - Understanding your audience and niche
19:00 - Effective podcast promotion techniques
24:23 - Advertising platforms for podcasts
27:28 - The power of short-form content
29:26 - Audio vs. video podcasting
34:35 - Long-term benefits of podcast planning

Send us a text

Email me (niall@sevenmillionbikes.com) or contact me on Seven Million Bikes Podcasts Facebook or Instagram to book your free Podcast Audit!

Thanks to James Mastroianni from The Wrong Side Of Hollywood for the endorsement!

Sign up for Descript now!

Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?
Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.
I’ve been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!

"Podcasting is a window to my world, and through it, I’ve met people I never imagined I’d connect with."

Niall Mackay sits down with Radim Malinic, a creative designer, best-selling author, and the host of Creativity for Sale, now called Mindful Creative. They explore Radim's journey from his initial struggles with podcasting to building a platform that has reached listeners in 85 countries. Radim shares how the medium of podcasting allowed him to extend his message beyond books, making authentic connections and gaining valuable insights from his guests. The conversation also highlights the importance of active listening and how Radim embraced unpredictability in interviews, using it as a tool for deeper storytelling.

Niall and Radim discuss the art of creating engaging podcast content, the power of in-person feedback, and the thrill of shaping a narrative that resonates with listeners worldwide. Radim emphasizes the impact podcasting has had on his professional growth and brand, offering practical advice for anyone looking to launch their own show. Whether you're an aspiring podcaster or a creative professional seeking inspiration, this episode is packed with insights on building a successful podcast and using it as a platform for growth.

Key Takeaways with Timestamps:

• The Power of Active Listening: Radim explains how learning to listen attentively transformed his interview style and deepened his conversations.
• Finding Your Voice in Podcasting: Radim shares his journey of going from self-doubt to confidently using his podcast to connect with a global audience.
• Embracing Imperfection: Niall and Radim discuss the importance of editing, letting go of perfectionism, and focusing on authentic storytelling.
• Building a Personal Brand Through Podcasting: Radim highlights how starting a podcast helped him position himself as an authority in the creative industry.
• Leveraging Podcasting for Business Growth: They explore how Radim’s podcast not only promoted his books but also opened new opportunities in public speaking and networking.

Send us a text

Email me (niall@sevenmillionbikes.com) or contact me on Seven Million Bikes Podcasts Facebook or Instagram to book your free Podcast Audit!

Thanks to James Mastroianni from The Wrong Side Of Hollywood for the endorsement!

Sign up for Descript now!

Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?
Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.
I’ve been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!

“If the marketplace is already crowded with podcasts that sound great, you’re going to have to start at that level.” — Mark Hunter

Mark started way back in 2005, long before smartphones, video podcasts, or even basic podcast apps. Speaking to someone who has seen the entire evolution of the industry really opened my eyes to how much has changed… and how much hasn’t.

What I loved most about this conversation is how aligned we are on the fundamentals:
great audio, strong visuals, and a clear point of differentiation are no longer optional. They’re the minimum standard. And both of us have learned—sometimes the hard way—that the way you sound and look directly affects whether sponsors, listeners, and algorithms take you seriously.

Key Talking Points

• How Podcasting Has Evolved Since 2005: Mark explains how podcasting started as a grassroots movement with almost no technology
• Why Standing Out Is More Important Than Ever: With millions of active shows, you must differentiate through sound quality, personality, format, or production.
• The Rise of Solo Episodes: Mark and I both agree: solo episodes are the fastest way to build authority and separate yourself in a crowded market.
• Sound Quality Is Your First Impression: If your audio isn’t clean, warm, and well-recorded, listeners will scroll past you—no matter how good your content is.
• Video Is Now Essential for Growth: Even if your show is audio-first, video is the marketing tool that gets you discovered on TikTok, Reels, Shorts, and LinkedIn.

Chapters & Timestamps

• 00:00 – The OG Era of Podcasting
• 03:00 – The Explosion of Podcasts & Why It’s Not “Too Crowded”
• 08:00 – What Actually Makes a Show Stand Out in 2025
• 12:00 – Solo Episodes: The Hidden Advantage
• 18:00 – The Truth About Audio Quality
• 26:00 – Why Video Is No Longer Optional

Send us a text

Email me (niall@sevenmillionbikes.com) or contact me on Seven Million Bikes Podcasts Facebook or Instagram to book your free Podcast Audit!

Thanks to James Mastroianni from The Wrong Side Of Hollywood for the endorsement!

Sign up for Descript now!

Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?
Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.
I’ve been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!

“Don’t underestimate who you can get—leaders in their field want to share their expertise with a dedicated audience.” - Hugh Hiemstra

Talking to Hugh Hiemstra was truly a game-changer for me, both as a podcaster and someone who’s constantly looking for ways to improve the creative process. Hugh brought incredible insights into the power of curiosity and authentic questions in creating meaningful conversations. He emphasized how going into an interview with genuine interest—not just for the audience but for yourself—can lead to impactful episodes.

It’s a reminder that we don’t always have to position ourselves as experts but can instead approach each discussion as an opportunity to learn alongside our listeners.

Hugh also shared practical strategies for preparation, from leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT to involving his audience in shaping episode topics.

What struck me most was his advice about aiming high when it comes to guests—don’t underestimate who might be willing to join your show. His experiences with securing top-tier experts reminded me that podcasting is not just about content creation; it’s about connection, learning, and continuously improving to deliver value to your audience.

• Niall Mackay

Key Takeaways:

Strategic Guest Selection: Don’t underestimate your ability to secure top-tier guests—they’re often eager to share their expertise.
Listener Engagement: Conduct surveys to understand what your audience craves and plan episodes accordingly.
Efficient Use of AI: Tools like ChatGPT can streamline research and categorization, saving hours of prep time.
Tailored Introductions: Keep bios concise and relevant to the episode's theme to maintain listener interest.
Plan, but Stay Curious: While planning is essential, leaving room for spontaneous curiosity can lead to more authentic conversations.

Chapters and Timestamps

02:30 - The Origins of The Vet Vault
06:00 - Challenges of Planning in Podcasting
10:00 - Hugh’s Planning Process
20:30 - Leveraging AI for Episode Research
31:00 - Listener Engagement Strategies

Send us a text

Email me (niall@sevenmillionbikes.com) or contact me on Seven Million Bikes Podcasts Facebook or Instagram to book your free Podcast Audit!

Thanks to James Mastroianni from The Wrong Side Of Hollywood for the endorsement!

Sign up for Descript now!

Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?
Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.
I’ve been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!

I share my top 10 programs for podcasting and how much they cost.

I discuss the importance of using these programs to create high-quality podcasts and streamline the editing process. I also highlight the benefits of using programs like Descript, Canva, ChatGPT, Adobe Enhance, Notion, Calendly, ActiveCampaign, and hiring a content writer and editor, emphasizing the value of investing in these tools to save time and improve the overall podcasting experience.

Key Takeaways:

• Descript is a game-changer for podcast editing, allowing easy text-based editing and waveform visualization.
• Canva is essential for creating podcast artwork and episode graphics, even for those with no design experience.
• ChatGPT can be used to generate episode titles, show notes, and interview questions, saving time and improving content quality.
• Adobe Enhance is a powerful tool for improving audio quality, especially for poorly recorded or low-quality audio.
• Notion is a versatile organizational tool that helps manage podcast workflows, guest lists, and show notes.
• Calendly simplifies the process of scheduling podcast interviews and appointments with guests.
• ActiveCampaign is an email provider that helps automate email sequences and manage mailing lists for podcast promotion.
• Hiring a content writer and editor can save time and improve the quality of podcast blog posts and show notes.

Send us a text

Email me (niall@sevenmillionbikes.com) or contact me on Seven Million Bikes Podcasts Facebook or Instagram to book your free Podcast Audit!

Thanks to James Mastroianni from The Wrong Side Of Hollywood for the endorsement!

Sign up for Descript now!

Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?
Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.
I’ve been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!

In this episode, I take you through my personal experience of evolving from a podcasting novice in 2019 to a professional editor and producer for over 30 shows globally.

I provide my top five tips for those interested in starting their own podcast on a budget. My recommendations include selecting basic but vital equipment, creating a workable home studio, utilizing efficient recording and editing software, seeking assistance and guidance from friends and the online podcasting community, and the importance of continuous learning and networking.

The episode serves to demystify podcasting for newcomers and emphasizes the possibility of producing top-tier content without breaking the bank.

00:47 Podcasting on a Budget: The Scottish Way
02:16 Essential Equipment for Podcasting
10:35 Setting Up Your Home Studio
16:15 Choosing the Right Recording and Editing Software
18:43 Leveraging Your Network for Podcasting Success
20:52 Learning and Networking in the Podcasting Community

Send us a text

Email me (niall@sevenmillionbikes.com) or contact me on Seven Million Bikes Podcasts Facebook or Instagram to book your free Podcast Audit!

Thanks to James Mastroianni from The Wrong Side Of Hollywood for the endorsement!

Sign up for Descript now!

Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?
Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.
I’ve been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!

“This sponsorship would never have come without TikTok. This brand did not hear my podcast… they saw a short video on TikTok.”

When I recorded this episode, I wanted to share something that genuinely surprised even me: after years of being skeptical about TikTok, a sponsor reached out purely because of our short-form video content. They never listened to the show, never watched the YouTube version—they saw a clip on TikTok and decided Discover Vietnam was a brand they wanted to work with.

It also reinforced the value of understanding my audience deeply and being confident in pricing. What happened here wasn’t luck; it was the result of intention, consistency, and a willingness to experiment.

I hope this story helps you rethink your own distribution strategy and gives you practical inspiration to monetize your show.

Key Talking Points

1. How TikTok unexpectedly brought in a paid sponsor: Despite not being a TikTok user, one short clip led directly to a sponsorship deal.
2. Why repurposing each episode into multiple formats increases value: Audio, video, clips, blog posts—each touchpoint builds your brand equity.
3. How I used AI to understand my audience and set pricing: Combining data from Buzzsprout, Apple, Spotify, and ChatGPT clarified my target demographic.
4. The full negotiation process from first message to deal signed: How I went from “this looks like spam” to landing a 4-episode partnership.
5. Why posting everywhere matters—even if you don’t personally like the platform: Sponsors care about visibility and reach, not whether you scroll TikTok.

Chapters and Timestamps

• 02:00 – Understanding My Audience with AI
• 05:00 – Why Repurposing Content Matters
• 07:00 – Growing on TikTok Without Even Trying
• 09:00 – The Sponsorship Message & My Skepticism
• 10:00 – Negotiation, Pricing, and Closing the Deal

Send us a text

Email me (niall@sevenmillionbikes.com) or contact me on Seven Million Bikes Podcasts Facebook or Instagram to book your free Podcast Audit!

Thanks to James Mastroianni from The Wrong Side Of Hollywood for the endorsement!

Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?
Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.
I’ve been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!

"As soon as you start doing something for money, whether you like it or not. It's gonna change."

Podcasting expert and host of Smarter Podcasting Niall Mackay is interviewed by Samantha an AI Voice powered by ChatGPT.

Niall shares his journey from being an avid podcast listener to becoming a successful podcaster himself. He candidly discusses the challenges of podcasting, strategies for attracting and retaining an audience, and the future of the industry.

Niall's wealth of experience and practical advice make this a must-listen for aspiring and experienced podcasters alike.

Niall delves into the transition from hobby to profession, emphasizing how money changes the dynamics of podcasting. He also explores the importance of consistency, authenticity, and community-building in establishing a dedicated following.

Additionally, Niall shares his thoughts on the impact of video integration and offers monetization strategies for podcasters.

Key Takeaways:
- Appreciate the time commitment required for podcasting, and consider outsourcing tasks like editing to save time.
- Consistency and being true to yourself are crucial for building a dedicated audience.
- Engage with your audience where they are, and provide value beyond just promoting your episodes.
- Sponsorships and Patreon are viable monetization strategies, but don't expect quick riches from podcasting.
- Video integration is the future of podcasting, but audio should remain the primary focus.

Send us a text

Email me (niall@sevenmillionbikes.com) or contact me on Seven Million Bikes Podcasts Facebook or Instagram to book your free Podcast Audit!

Thanks to James Mastroianni from The Wrong Side Of Hollywood for the endorsement!

Sign up for Descript now!

Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?
Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.
I’ve been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!