Horse Radio Network’s Glenn Hebert Talks Podcast Segments, Sponsorship, and Community

If you’ve ever wondered why super-specific podcasts succeed or how a daily Show builds such a loyal, lasting community, this episode of podcastingtech is tailored for you.

Today, Mathew Passy chats with Glenn Hebert, aka Glenn the Geek—founder of the Horse Radio Network and host of Horses in the Morning. Glenn Hebert is a legend in the niche podcasting world. He’s launched over 20 shows covering every corner of the equestrian universe and pioneered the art of segment-driven, community-based content that keeps listeners coming back for thousands of episodes. His story is a playbook for anyone longing to turn a passion into a sustainable, profitable podcasting network.

We dive deep into why ultra-niche shows (even with tiny audiences!) can outpace bigger counterparts in profitability, how segmenting your podcast creates addictive “can’t miss” listening, and the simple but powerful ways anyone can build a vibrant podcast community. Glenn also shares what it’s really like to sell your network to a major media company and why host-listener relationships are the secret power of podcasting.

Whether you’re just launching or scaling up a podcast, this episode will change how you think about audience, content, and community. Connect with Mathew and Glenn on social or let us know what segment you’d add to your podcast after hearing today’s insights!

IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVER:

• How Glenn started in podcasting, discovering the power of niches—and why “people come for the content, but stay for the host.” (00:02) 
• The story behind Horses in the Morning and the segment-driven show format that’s kept listeners engaged for thousands of episodes. (03:54)
• The accident (and brilliance) behind “Really Bad Ads”—and why keeping that viral segment at the end keeps listeners until the last second. (09:00) 
• Glenn’s method for launching new shows: why finding the right host, a sponsor, and a media partner before starting is always a winning formula. (10:30) 
• Why ultra-niche shows with small but passionate audiences are easier to monetize, attract loyal sponsors, and outperform generalist content. (15:10) 
• The real-world process—and the realities—of selling a podcast network to a major media company. (18:00) 
• Effective podcast marketing strategies: from targeting existing communities to using word-of-mouth and media partnerships. (19:36) 
• Glenn’s #1 wish for podcast tech: create an “archive vs active” split to make discovery easier for real listeners. (23:29) 
• The tech gear that changed Glenn’s show production (from the RODECaster Pro to the Zoom P4), plus why gear isn’t the most important thing. (26:31) 
• Glenn’s must-listen podcasts—and what community-led shows he never misses. (28:12) 

Links and resources mentioned in this episode:

• Horse Radio Network: https://www.horseradionetwork.com/
• Horses in the Morning podcast: https://www.horseradionetwork.com/shows/horses-in-the-morning/ 
• Follow Glenn on Social Media: @GlennHebert