Episodes

  • 005 - Jenn Trepeck - Salad With a Side of Fries

    005 - Jenn Trepeck - Salad With a Side of Fries
    Apr 14 2026
    Jenn Trepeck of A Salad with a Side of FriesSUMMARYIn this episode, Sebastian sits down with Jenn Trepeck, host of the award-winning podcast A Salad with a Side of Fries and a seasoned health coach and business consultant. Jenn's podcast, a top 1.5% show with multiple awards to its name, has become a go-to resource for practical, no-nonsense wellness advice under the guiding philosophy of "wellness without the weirdness."Jenn shares the behind-the-scenes strategy of how she grew her podcast from a passion project launched alongside her health coaching practice into a multi-stream business engine, complete with a membership program, merchandise, book, and coaching practice. Along the way, she and Sebastian dig into the state of the health and wellness podcasting space, the dangers of wellness misinformation, what metrics actually matter, and what the future of independent podcasting might look like. Whether you're a health-conscious listener or an aspiring podcaster, this episode is packed with candid, actionable insights.---IN THIS EPISODE00:05 — Sebastian introduces Jenn Trepeck and her podcast, A Salad with a Side of Fries — a top 1.5% podcast with multiple awards.00:43 — Jenn explains the show's philosophy: "wellness without the weirdness" — real-life health and nutrition advice that doesn't require you to eat only green foods.01:09 — The origin of the podcast name: Jenn's go-to meal became the show's identity — and a natural filter for who the show is (and isn't) for.02:39 — The two-format content structure: full-length ~50-minute deep dives vs. short "Nutrition Nuggets." Why both formats were a strategic choice for growing downloads and creating easier entry points for new listeners.05:35 — "The wellness industry is off the rails": Jenn's guiding principle and how it shapes guest selection, ad partnerships, and content direction.06:30 — How Jenn uses a pre-podcast discovery call with every guest to ensure alignment, originality, and tangible takeaways for listeners.08:11 — The "tech bro wellness" problem: why protocols designed for people with unlimited time and money are failing everyday listeners — and how that's starting to shift.10:19 — Wellness misinformation on podcasts: it's usually not outright lies, it's missing nuance — and the danger of one-size-fits-all health advice.13:04 — Jenn's audience breakdown: ~85% female, with over 50% of listeners between ages 40–70, and why that's exactly what she expected given her health-first (not aesthetics-first) approach.14:08 — The hardest nutrition myth to debunk: calories in, calories out — and a clear, simple explanation of why the human body isn't a closed-loop system.16:54 — The emotional relationship with food: the one question Jenn wishes every listener would ask themselves before starting a new diet or trend.18:23 — Jenn's take on intermittent fasting: why she's more skeptical for women, and how it fails the "wellness without the weirdness" common-sense test.22:00 — The #1 growth strategy Jenn swears by: guesting on other podcasts — and why she's been doing it consistently since day one.23:04 — How to pitch yourself as a podcast guest: what makes a pitch stand out (personalization, unique angle, suggested episode title) and why most paid pitching services miss the mark.25:27 — Expanding your guest targets beyond your own genre: why listeners of dating, personal story, or women's business podcasts can overlap significantly with a health and wellness audience.27:36 — How A Salad with a Side of Fries became a real business engine: from a side project during a full-time job, to membership programs, merchandise, group and 1-on-1 coaching, supplements, and a book.30:36 — The listener-to-client funnel: how consistency and trust move people from casual listeners to paying members — and why in-episode membership mentions are more effective than hard sells.32:08 — The power of owning your email list: why Jenn (a former email marketing skeptic) now sees it as the only audience channel she truly owns — and why social media followers are "rented."34:56 — SMS/text marketing as a podcast tool: how Jenn uses one-word text CTAs to make sponsor links easy to act on while listening.35:35 — Podcast awards — which ones matter and which are pay-to-play: why Jenn values accessible, committee-selected awards over big-name submissions that favor large budgets.38:43 — Metrics that actually matter: why Jenn pays more attention to completion rates and where listeners drop off than raw download numbers.42:00 — Is the wellness podcasting space too saturated for new voices? Jenn says no — but strategy and niche clarity matter more than ever.44:52 — Are health and wellness podcasts a net positive for public health literacy? Jenn makes the case that they are — with an important caveat about echo chambers.46:44 — Balancing speed vs. accuracy: how Jenn handles emerging health trends (like Ozempic, seed ...
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    1 hr
  • 004 - Rob Kassees - 1001 Album Complaints

    004 - Rob Kassees - 1001 Album Complaints
    Apr 8 2026
    Rob Kassees of 1001 Album Complaints---SUMMARYSebastian sits down with Rob Kassees, musician, software professional, and host of the 1001 Album Complaints podcast, to talk about the show that started as a pandemic project between old bandmates and grew into a 1M+ download music history podcast.At its core, 1001 Album Complaints dissects classic albums from the 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die book, blending sharp storytelling with the kind of affectionate, musician-grade nitpicking you'd hear in the back of a band van. Rob opens up about how the show has evolved, what's actually worked to grow an audience, and why he believes letting music (and commentary) breathe is the antidote to the short-attention-span era we're all living through.---IN THIS EPISODE(00:07) — Sebastian introduces Rob and the premise of 1001 Album Complaints(00:52) — Rob on the show's origin, a pandemic project to reconnect old bandmates through music(01:19) — Why Rob designed the show for longevity before recording episode one(02:49) — How Rob's background as a musician and recording artist shapes the way he deconstructs albums(04:47) — The "complaints" title, balancing affectionate nitpicking with genuine criticism(07:38) — How the co-hosts' distinct personalities emerged organically from 30 years of friendship(08:58) — Controversial verdicts — the UK-centric book list vs. an American perspective (including The Prodigy debate)(11:43) — What makes a better episode: covering an album you love or one you're skeptical about?(13:56) — Rob's two recommended starter episodes for new listeners: The Doors self-titled debut and Digital Underground's Sex Packets(17:10) — What separates podcasts that survive from the ones that don't consistency and the willingness to evolve(19:50) — Key inflection points: delaying promotion to develop the show first, then leaning into Patreon community(22:15) — The Tom Petty / Linn Drum hand clap anecdote — a fan-submitted music history gem(23:16) — How episode titles featuring famous artist names drive organic search and discovery(24:44) — Spotify as the dominant platform for a music podcast — and why Rob optimizes for it over Apple Podcasts(27:00) — Guest appearances on other podcasts — what converts listeners and how to be a good guest(29:12) — The companion Spotify playlist strategy — why Rob publishes a playlist of every song referenced in each episode(32:02) — Using nostalgia and light "rage-baiting" as a community and growth tool(35:51) — Long-form podcasts vs. the short-attention-span era — why complex ideas need room to breathe(40:19) — The show's longer-term vision: can 1001 Album Complaints become a lasting piece of music journalism?(42:31) — What happens when Rob's team reaches album #1001 — glaring omissions, new book editions, and the road ahead(44:49) — Rob's three podcast recommendations(47:48) — Where to find Rob and the show online---RESOURCES & LINKSThe Show1001 Album Complaints website PatreonRob's Record LabelChop Unlimited — Rob's label releasing his own music and friends' recordsStarter Episodes Rob RecommendsThe Doors — The Doors (self-titled debut): A rediscovery episode full of genuine surprise and great energyDigital Underground — Sex Packets: A famously funny episode; Rob jokes you're better off listening to their episode than the album itselfBook the Show Is Based On1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die — Originally published in the 1990s; multiple revised editions exist (approaching 1,100 total albums across all editions)Podcasts Rob RecommendsFreakonomics — NPR-style storytelling through an economic lens (based on the book series) - Best episodes of Freakonomics RadioAcquired — Two friends tell deep-dive backstories of iconic companies (Costco, Trader Joe's, etc.); described as "almost an audiobook" - best episodes of Acquired and other podcasts like Acquired.Bad Friends — Stand-up comedians Bobby Lee and Andrew Santino; Rob's pick for best two-person comedy podcast chemistry---TALK THAT PODAre you a podcaster or podcast industry figure and you want to be on this podcast? Fill out this form. Watch or listen to Talk That Pod on YouTube. Follow us:Twitter / XFacebookYouTubeInstagramTikTokThreadsFIND THAT PODDiscover the best podcasts in the world. - A podcast discovery newsletter bringing you 5 great podcasts to discover every week. Subscribe today.
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    49 mins
  • 002 - Howard Dorre - Plodding Through The Presidents

    002 - Howard Dorre - Plodding Through The Presidents
    Apr 1 2026
    Howard Dorre of Plodding Through the Presidents---SUMMARYIn this episode, host Sebastian Arciszewski sits down with Howard Dorre, co-founder and co-host of Plodding Through the Presidents — an award-winning history podcast that takes an irreverent dive into the lesser-known stories of the American presidents and the early republic. Howard co-hosts the show with his wife, Jess, in a format where he researches the stories and presents them to her fresh on mic, blending narrative storytelling with genuine, unscripted conversation.Howard shares the full arc of the show's journey — from a personal history blog he launched in 2013, to a podcast that debuted in February 2020 just before COVID hit. He talks candidly about what drew him to early American history, why he chose the lens of myths, mysteries, and human drama over straight political chronology, and how he balances humor with respect when covering serious and sometimes dark historical subjects. The conversation also ventures into the current state of independent podcasting, the challenge of AI-generated historical content, the role indie podcasters play in preserving trust and accuracy, and Howard's honest take on democracy's fragility as seen through the lens of the early republic.Whether you're a history buff, an aspiring podcaster, or someone curious about how to build an authentic, audience-first show, this is a rich and wide-ranging conversation.---IN THIS EPISODE| **00:01** | Sebastian introduces the show and welcomes Howard Dorre || **00:41** | Howard describes *Plodding Through the Presidents* — narrative storytelling meets unscripted co-host conversation || **01:27** | Origin story: how it all began with a personal blog in 2013 and a goal to read a biography of every U.S. president || **02:34** | Making the leap from blogging to podcasting in early 2020 — what the audio format offered that writing didn't || **05:07** | Why myths, mysteries, scandals, and human drama? How Howard landed on his show's unique editorial lens || **06:16** | The wild and crazy early days of American politics — and why they're not so different from today || **07:48** | Standing out in a saturated history podcast market: authenticity, passion, and the "dopamine hit" of great research || **09:29** | The comedy element: Howard's improv background, balancing humor with respect for heavy historical subjects || **11:21** | How the audience responds to the show's humor (including the highest compliment: scaring your cat by laughing out loud) || **12:10** | Season themes — presidential pets, myths, and following the stories that spark genuine curiosity || **13:13** | What makes a great "Plodding story"? The "wait, what — wait till you hear what happens next" test || **14:20** | Best entry-point episodes: *John Quincy Adams vs. the Internet* and *Thomas Jefferson's Killer Ram* || **16:32** | Booking notable historian guests (Joseph Ellis, HW Brands, Lindsay Trubinsky) — publicists, university emails, and letting historians talk || **19:11** | The video question: why *Plodding* is still audio-only, and Howard's honest thoughts on the rise of video podcasting || **21:00** | Early promotion strategies: leveraging a blog following, targeted Facebook ads, and connecting with history communities || **22:29** | The most effective growth strategy over six years: podcast promo swaps and reaching already-listening audiences || **23:47** | Joining the Airwave network — creative control, ad sales support, cross-promotion, and conference connections || **25:12** | Monetization: Patreon, merchandise, and advertising — and what actually moves casual listeners to paying supporters || **27:24** | "If I had to start over tomorrow" — Howard's honest launch strategy advice (including rethinking the show's name) || **29:14** | The indie podcasting landscape: more shows, tougher discoverability, and the long shadow of COVID on commute listening || **32:09** | AI versus the founders: the episode behind the episode, bots taking down the National Archives' Founders Archive, and concerns about AI-generated historical content || **34:48** | How Howard thinks about AI as a research tool — useful but untrustworthy, and still in its "AOL CD-ROM dial-up era" || **35:52** | The role of indie podcasters in preserving trust and historical accuracy in an era of eroding faith in legacy media || **37:29** | Connecting early American history to today's debates about democracy, monuments, and race — how explicitly does Howard think about the current political climate? || **40:41** | Has Howard's optimism about American democracy shifted? A candid historical perspective on the republic's fragility — from the founders onward || **42:28** | Discomforting the audience (and co-host Jess): the Billy Possum, possums, and confronting moral complexity in history || **45:32** | Navigating a polarized audience: how Howard avoids backlash without shying away from difficult stories || **47:40** | ...
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    50 mins
  • 001 - Arielle Nissenblatt - EarBuds Podcast Collective

    001 - Arielle Nissenblatt - EarBuds Podcast Collective
    Apr 1 2026
    Arielle Nissenblatt on Podcast Discovery, Newsletter Strategy, Podcast Marketing & the State of Independent Podcasting---SUMMARYIn this episode, Sebastian sits down with Arielle Nissenblatt, one of the most well-connected figures in the podcast industry. Arielle is the founder of the Earbuds Podcast Collective, a community-curated podcast recommendation newsletter she has been running for nine years. She also co-produces Podcasts We Text About (with Lauren Passell), writes the Podcast Plunge industry newsletter, and co-hosts two shows: Trailer Park (a podcast trailer review show) and Daily Tips that May or May Not Help (with Ned Donovan). She was recently inducted into the Podcast Hall of Game alongside luminaries like Dan Carlin (Hardcore History) and James Cridland (Podnews)Arielle shares her unconventional path into podcasting, from studying geography and juggling seven part-time jobs in Los Angeles, to becoming a go-to voice in audience development, content strategy, and podcast marketing. The conversation covers the messy reality of podcast discovery, why newsletters still matter, the video vs. audio debate, AI's growing role in content creation, and what indie podcasters should actually be doing to grow their shows. If you work in or around podcasting, this episode is packed with hard-won, practical insight.---IN THIS EPISODE| **00:00** | Welcome & introducing Arielle Nissenblatt — her newsletters, podcasts, and Podcast Hall of Fame induction || **02:01** | Arielle's "time management secret" — why crunch time and late-night bursts are actually her strategy || **03:28** | Career turning points: from geography grad to podcast professional || **05:57** | Moving to LA, juggling seven part-time jobs, and discovering a passion for podcast discovery || **08:18** | How and why Earbuds Podcast Collective was born in 2017 || **10:28** | The problem Earbuds was designed to solve — and how community curation works || **12:54** | The original SurveyMonkey research, growing pains, and pivoting toward creators || **15:31** | Launching niche spin-off newsletters: sports, kids, comedy, true crime, history, fiction & more || **19:21** | Live brainstorm: can niche newsletters be monetized? The case for segmenting and AI-assisted archiving || **20:27** | The short-lived Parla.FM and the ongoing challenge of programmatic podcast recommendations || **24:57** | "Podcast discovery is broken" — what Arielle actually hears at industry conferences, and why creators are often the problem || **29:43** | How social media targeting changes (especially Facebook) have made finding niche podcast audiences harder || **30:45** | Has Arielle ever considered leaving podcasting? The honest answer || **33:16** | What question Arielle wishes more podcasters would ask — and why generic ChatGPT strategy advice falls flat || **34:39** | Pitching newsletters: what works, what doesn't, and why reciprocity matters || **38:11** | The deluge of boilerplate PR pitches — and how to actually stand out || **40:50** | The state of independent podcasting in 2026: what "indie" even means anymore || **44:32** | Trends Arielle is pushing with clients: differentiating formats, signature questions, and narrative interview structures || **47:43** | The video podcast pressure cooker — why Arielle pushes back on "you MUST go video" advice || **52:37** | Podcasts landing on Netflix and what that signals about where consumption is heading || **53:56** | One structural change Arielle would make to the entire podcast ecosystem || **55:25** | The myth of ratings & reviews boosting algorithms — what actually helps discoverability || **58:36** | AI and podcasting: synthetic voices, mass-produced content, and where Ariel draws the line || **01:01:31** | A historian's viral Facebook moment — and why offloading our brains to AI is a growing problem || **01:04:55** | Marketing mindset shift for podcasters who are allergic to self-promotion || **01:06:26** | Borrowing existing audiences: guesting, feed drops, cross-promos, and tight calls to action || **01:08:35** | Diagnosing a plateaued show: Arielle's checklist for podcasters stuck at a few hundred downloads || **01:11:35** | Growth tactics that are mostly a waste of time (if you're not treating them as experiments) || **01:13:15** | How podcasts are shaping political opinions — and the intimacy factor that makes podcasters so influential || **01:15:40** | Indie podcasters' responsibility when covering controversial or factual topics || **01:16:42** | Arielle's three podcast recommendations for anyone new to listening || **01:18:27** | Where to find Arielle online |---RESOURCES & LINKSEarbuds Podcast Collective — Community-curated podcast recommendation newsletter (9 years running). Anyone can submit a themed list of 5 episodes.Podcasts We Text About — Newsletter co-written with Lauren PeselPodcast Plunge — Industry-focused newsletter featuring repurposed press releases and community ...
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    1 hr and 18 mins