"One of the most difficult things about podcasts or making podcasts for YouTube is they're generally not that dynamic."

Niall Mackay discusses the age-old debate of podcaster versus YouTuber. As a podcast producer and coach, Niall shares his insights on the pros and cons of both mediums, drawing from his personal experience and industry knowledge.

Niall begins by discussing the unique charm of podcasting as an audio-only medium, highlighting its ease of production and intimate connection with listeners. He then explores the visual appeal and discoverability advantages of YouTube, while also addressing the challenges each platform presents. Throughout the episode, Niall offers valuable tips for content creators looking to maximize their reach and engagement across both podcasting and YouTube.

Key Takeaways:

- Podcasts have higher listener engagement, with 60-80% of listeners typically finishing an episode
- YouTube videos have lower engagement rates, with 20-40% considered good
- Podcasts are easier to produce but face challenges with discoverability
YouTube offers better discoverability and monetization opportunities
Creating content for both platforms can be a winning strategy

Chapters and Timestamps:
01:40 - Niall's podcasting journey
03:00 - The podcast vs. YouTube debate
04:20 - Benefits of being a podcaster
09:00 - Challenges of podcasting
13:00 - Benefits of being a YouTuber
15:10 - YouTube's algorithm and discoverability
19:40 - Monetization opportunities on YouTube
21:00 - Downsides of being a YouTuber
23:10 - How to choose between podcasting and YouTubing

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!

Seasoned podcaster Garry Kelly, Managing Director of GK Media, shares invaluable insights on creating a successful podcast, detailing how he built his professional studio in Galway and offering tips for new podcasters.

Key Takeaways:
- Start with just a good microphone - quality comes first. Acoustics matter more than equipment.
- Editing makes a big difference in polishing episodes. Be willing to trim and refine raw recordings.
- Add video elements to expand reach on social media. Clips on TikTok and YouTube can draw new listeners.
- Seek to constantly improve audio, visuals, equipment. Successful creators build skills over time.
- Focus on providing value for your audience above all else.

"If you’ve lost interest, your audience have also lost interest."

Entities Mentioned:
- GK Media, Galway Races, Jerry Girls, Tommy Tiernan, Gary Talks, Zoom, Taskam, Road microphones, Sennheiser microphones, Shure microphones, Blackmagic cameras, Adobe Audition

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!

Discover how to break the mold of podcast monetization with Adam Schaeuble, host of Podcasting Business School, as he joins Niall Mackay for a transformative discussion.

In this episode, Adam and Niall challenge traditional podcast monetization strategies and unveil innovative approaches to turning your podcast into a profitable venture. Learn how Adam revolutionized his own podcast’s revenue potential and gain fresh insights to maximize your podcast’s profitability.


Key Listening Points:

1. Building a Sellable Asset - Strategies for creating a podcast that becomes a valuable asset.
2. Why Sponsorship Isn’t Always Lucrative - Exploring why conventional sponsorship deals may not be the best revenue source.
3. Most Effective Monetization Techniques - Discover alternative and impactful methods to monetize your podcast.
4. Leveraging Expert Positioning - How positioning yourself as an expert enhances both confidence and sales.
5. Adding Value and Networking - The importance of building relationships and adding value to your audience for successful monetization.

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 you're doing a weekly podcast, the fastest way to double your downloads… is to do two episodes a week.” – Gary Arndt

What an incredible episode this was. Gary Arndt isn’t just a successful podcaster — he’s a walking case study in consistency, discipline, and strategy. I've followed Gary for years, and to have him on Smarter Podcasting was not only a privilege, but a personal highlight.

Gary’s podcast Everything Everywhere Daily has over 50 million downloads, and unlike many shows, it’s a solo, scripted, short-form, daily podcast. No guests. No fluff. Just educational content delivered with precision. He does it all himself — and he does it every day.

As a podcaster and podcast producer, I found this conversation both inspiring and humbling. Gary breaks the rules you think you're supposed to follow — no niche, no guests, no endless chitchat — and instead builds a show he wishes someone else had made. And it works.

This is one of those episodes you'll want to listen to more than once.

Key Takeaways

• Your show needs a reason to exist: Most podcasts fail because they’re not actually compelling.
• Forget interviews (unless you're landing A-listers): Gary chose to do a solo, scripted show because the guest-based format is oversaturated and hard to scale without big names.
• Frequency + Quality = Growth: A daily show means more discovery opportunities. More reps. More downloads. But it only works if the content is great.
• Podcast promotion works best… on podcasts: TikTok, Instagram, social media in general? Nice for awareness, but they don’t convert. Podcast listeners hang out on podcast apps — meet them there.
• Invest in your show like a real business: If you’re not putting in money or time, don’t expect big results. Growth doesn’t happen by accident — it’s intentional, strategic, and yes, expensive.
• Consistency builds audience trust: Evergreen episodes, a predictable format, and daily drops create listener habits. That’s why thousands have joined Gary’s “Completionist Club.”

Chapters and Timestamps

• 00:00 – Intro: Why Gary Arndt is a podcasting anomaly
• 03:00 – Why most interview podcasts don’t grow
• 07:50 – The secret power of daily, scripted, short-form content
• 13:40 – Gary’s take on investing in your podcast from day one
• 27:10 – Why he quit TikTok (and social media) despite viral views
• 30:30 – The best way to grow: advertise where podcast listeners already are

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!

After starting my first podcast in 2019 I can't believe this is happening...

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!

You won’t believe how good it still sounds — that’s the power of the right setup. - Niall Mackay

After producing over 70 podcasts — including award-winning shows — I’ve recorded everywhere from tiled bedrooms in Vietnam to purpose-built studios in Europe. And I get asked all the time:

Should I record from home, or use a podcast studio?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but there are key differences you should know. Whether you're a solo creator, business owner, or someone thinking about starting a podcast, this episode breaks down the real pros and cons of each option, not just from theory, but from years of lived experience.


Key Takeaways:
*Sound Quality Isn’t Just About the Room
You can get amazing sound at home with the right gear, but you need to understand mic choice and room treatment.

*Dynamic vs Condenser Mics — and Why Blue Yeti Isn’t It
If you’re recording at home, ditch the condenser mic. I explain why dynamic mics are a game-changer.

*Studio Sound vs Real Sound
A quick demo comparing raw audio with studio sound enabled — so you can hear the difference for yourself.

*The Real Costs: Gear, Time, and Energy
Renting a studio vs building your own setup — and why time might be your most expensive cost.

*Professionalism and First Impressions
How using a studio can elevate your brand and your guest’s experience — especially if you’re recording video too.

*Which Setup is Right for You?
It depends on your goals. I help you figure out what makes sense for your time, budget, and long-term vision.

Chapters and timestamps
01:00 – Home Setup vs Studio: What Makes the Biggest Difference
06:00 – Mic Matters: Why You Should Ditch the Blue Yeti
10:00 – Time, Cost & Convenience
15:00 – Looking and Sounding Professional
20:00 – So… What Should You Choose?
25:00 – Launching Saigon’s First Podcast Studio

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!

"It’s as important as naming your child—your podcast name really matters."

This Q&A episode was such a joy to create because it gave me a chance to engage directly with listeners and answer the most relevant and practical questions people have about podcasting. I loved how organic and personal it felt—like having a coffee with someone who genuinely wants to get better at podcasting. It was less about me teaching and more about sharing experiences and lessons I've picked up over the years.

What made this episode really meaningful was the diversity of questions—from branding your show and releasing schedules to getting better at hosting and converting your listeners into leads. I hope people realize that the fundamentals of podcasting—consistency, clarity, value—are what matter most. If you listen closely, you’ll also hear how my own podcasting journey has evolved and how I’ve learned from both mistakes and wins.

Key Takeaways:
- The Podcast Name Is Crucial
Keep it short, specific, and obvious to your niche. Avoid quirky names that don’t explain the show’s content.
- Consistency Is Everything
Weekly releases are ideal. Monthly won’t build an audience. Set a cadence and stick to it.
- Master Active Listening
To be a great host, practice active listening and avoid asking multiple questions at once.
- Direct Questions, Then Silence
Ask one clear question, then shut up and let your guest fill the silence. Don’t over-explain.
- Give Value, Then Leads Will Come
Use a lead magnet (like a free eBook) to collect emails and build trust over time.

Chapters and Timestamps
01:00 – About Niall and Seven Million Bikes
02:00 – Q1: How Important Is the Podcast Name?
10:00 – Q2: How Often Should You Release Episodes?
15:00 – Q3: How to Be Aware in Conversations & Ask Better Questions
21:00 – Q4: How Do You Convert Listeners into Leads?
24:00 – Q5: Best Web App Podcast Editor
25:00 – Q6: How to Promote Without Being Spammy

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!

"There is  more  and more money  going into podcasting advertising every year. Billions and billions now worldwide. So where is it?"

Let’s be honest—everywhere you turn, you’re being told podcasting is a goldmine. Billions of dollars in ad revenue! Massive growth! Side hustle magic! But where is that money really going? Because it’s not landing in your inbox—or mine.

In this episode of Smarter Podcasting, I’m joined by the brilliant Charlotte Lewis-West, a podcast strategist with a background in broadcast journalism and over a decade working with brands like GSK, Microsoft and Unilever. She’s also one of my favourite people to work with at Seven Million Bikes Podcasts.

Together, we dig into the real value of podcasting—and why making money through ads and sponsorships isn’t the only (or smartest) goal. Charlotte and I get honest about what we’ve seen in the industry: the hype, the empty promises, and the reality for both indie creators and big-name brands.

Here’s what we cover:

Why most podcast ad money goes to massive networks and the same three sponsors (hello, BetterHelp)

• Why I’ve hit over 100,000 downloads and never once had a sponsor approach me
• Why brands keep making the same mistakes when launching a show—and how to avoid them
• The real return on investment: brand awareness, authority, networking, and trust
• Why engagement rate matters more than total downloads
• How to use your podcast to build relationships, not just numbers
• How you should actually handle sponsors if they do come knocking (and how not to sell out your voice)

We also get into some hard truths about what makes a podcast successful. Spoiler: it’s not going viral or chasing trends. It’s consistency, knowing your audience, and delivering actual value—week after week.

This isn’t about crushing dreams. It’s about saving you from wasting time, money, and energy on the wrong things—and helping you build a podcast that works for you and your business.

Timestamps

02:02 – Why I started Smarter Podcasting and what we’ve achieved

03:46 – Charlotte breaks down where the podcast ad money really goes

07:00 – Why most shows (even good ones) don’t get sponsors

09:52 – How many downloads I’ve had—and why that’s not the whole story

13:00 – The real reasons to start a podcast (hint: not for ad money)

17:30 – The biggest mistakes brands make with podcasts

20:10 – “Build it and they will come” is a lie

22:32 – The indie podcaster dilemma: doing too much at once

24:58 – Monetization beyond sponsorship: smarter ways to get ROI

28:10 – What to look for in a sponsor—and how to avoid sounding fake

30:45 – Why authentic ads win and scripts usually suck

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!