You MUST MONETIZE Your Podcast

Look. Everyone's interested in money. I'm not saying everybody's greedy, but I am telling you that when it comes to podcasting, there's this dangling little carrot out in front, and very often, it's got dollar signs. Well, you know what? You must monetize your podcast. Or do you? That's what we're gonna talk about inside this episode of the Podcast Gauntlets, where we throw down, discuss, rise, and shine in podcasting The ultimate success for every podcaster – is FEEDBACK! Be sure to take just a few minutes to tell the hosts of this podcast what YOU think over at Apple Podcasts! It takes only a few minutes but helps the hosts of this program pave the way to future greatness! Not an Apple Podcasts user? No problem! Be sure to check out any of the other many growing podcast directories online to find this and many other podcasts via The Podcaster Matrix!       The Podcast Gauntlet Podcast Connection Links:   Connect with The Hosts (and View Direct Contact information Below!)   Subscribe to This Podcast & Listen Now!        Subscribe, Like, and Share Everywhere! Help The Podcast Gauntlet Grow!   The Shownotes for this Episode of The Podcast Gauntlet:   Timestamps for this Episode of The Podcast Gauntlet: 00:00 Securing a giant sponsor in 2007 greatly boosted my podcast network, allowing me to invest in new ideas and experiments. While there is definite value in monetizing podcasts, it also enables people to share valuable knowledge and potentially make sales. Embracing the tools available on the internet is essential. 05:02 Pre-screen conversations online to streamline in-person visits. 09:58 Genuine conversations lead to impactful storytelling in podcasting, revealing relatable humanity and inspiring insight. 11:35 Monetizing a podcast can be rewarding, but don't sacrifice enjoyment and passion. 16:41 Consider podcast monetization, seek trusted opinions, and subscribe for updates. 17:36 Mike Wilkerson invites listeners to discuss on podcast.   Questions Answered Inside this Episode of The Podcast Gauntlet: 1. **Initial Reactions**: What is your initial reaction to the question "Must you monetize your podcast?" Do you agree with the hosts' perspectives? 2. **Historical Context**: How has the perception of monetizing podcasts changed over the years according to Bryan Entzminger? Do you think this change is beneficial for the medium? 3. **Sponsor Influence**: Mike Wilkerson mentioned that he secured Sprint as a sponsor early in his podcasting career. How might having a large sponsor from the outset influence a podcast's content and approach? 4. **Alternative Value**: Mike discussed how podcasts can serve purposes beyond direct monetization, such as promoting a business or personal brand. Can you think of examples where a podcast has successfully achieved this without direct monetization? 5. **Legacy vs. Revenue**: Bryan brings up the idea of creating a podcast that leaves a legacy rather than just generating revenue. Do you think it's possible to balance both objectives successfully, and how? 6. **Content Compromise**: The hosts talk about the risk of compromising content quality or integrity to monetize. Can you think of examples where you've noticed a podcast's content changing negatively due to monetization? 7. **Audience Expectations**: Bryan warns against letting audience demands shape your podcast in a way that damages your original intent. Have you seen this happen in other forms of content creation (e.g., YouTube, blogging)? 8. **Sponsorship Caution**: What strategies can a podcaster employ to ensure they maintain content integrity while seeking sponsorships? 9. **Experimentation and Freedom**: Mike mentioned that monetization can provide freedom and resources for more creative and experimental content. What are some innovative techniques or segments you would add to your podcast if you had additional resources? 10. **Personal Motivation**: The hosts emphasize doing what you love in podcasting. How do you think passion and genuine interest in a subject affect the quality and longevity of a podcast?   Links from Inside this Episode of The Podcast Gauntlet: Be sure to follow Mike & Bryan via social media via the links available at: https://PodcastGauntlet.Com === The Blue Baggers Project - Training the Future of Crisis Negotiation & Law Enforcement Worldwide http://blubaggersproject.com   === Equipment Listing === Purchase the Stuff that Helps Us Provide You Content and Help Us Grow! ==== Webcams: The Lumina AI Webcam: https://amzn.to/3LzqIKy ==== Microphones: -- Mike: The Sure MV7: https://amzn.to/3MyCHcO Heil PR 40: https://amzn.to/3yNsUeI Heil Fin: https://amzn.to/3yPHfr8 -- Bryan: The Lewitt LELCT440P LCT 440 Pure: https://amzn.to/3sNSU5X ==== Headphones: -- Mike: Raycon Everyday Earbuds: https://amzn.to/3MC0h8r Cyber Acoustics AC-5002: https://amzn.to/39CEWNo -- Bryan: ATH-M30x: https://amzn.to/3sNSU5X ==== Interfaces: -- Mike: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) https://amzn.to/3wvbtOB -- Bryan: Rodecaster Pro: https://amzn.to/39zdpN0 === Connect with The Hosts === Our Website Online - http://PodcastGauntlet.Com Connect with Mike Wilkerson - The 2GuysTalking Podcast Network http://2GuysTalking.Com Connect with Bryan Entzminger - - Top Tier Audio http://TopTierAudio.Com -- Interested in Getting the Same Super-Cool Gear that Mike & Bryan are Using? check out the GEAR Now! https://2guystalking.com/gear -- Podcast Editing is Modern-Day Magic: Ready to Have YOUR Podcast Edited? http://EditorCorps.Com REMEMBER: You can listen to the EDITED version of this program right now at: http://PodcastGauntlet.Com     Tell Us What You Think of This Episode of The Podcast Gauntlet: Few things are more valuable than feedback. We talk about a LOT of hot-topic subjects inside The Podcast Gauntlet and now - it's time for YOU to THROW-DOWN! Tell us what you think, give us YOUR perspective and we'll be sure to incorporate your input and perspective into another great All-Fan Input episode!     The Hosts of this Program: Mike Wilkerson: Mike Wilkerson Is the PodFather of St. Louis, and has been hosting, producing, concepting and enhancing podcasts since 2005. As a professional content creator, Mike has been making and documenting every mistake in the Podcasting industry so you won't have to when you're ready to begin. With thousands of of hours of business, marketing and life experience behind and in front of the mic and keyboard, he has created a vibrant and always-growing business tapestry via The 2GuysTalking Podcast Network. As a perpetual student, Mike continues to foster interests in Crisis Negotiator Training, Firearms Instruction and helping people to find the next step in their career with an active interest in hunting light bulb moments. — Mike Wilkerson on Facebook — Mike Wilkerson on LinkedIn — Mike Wilkerson on X — 2GuysTalking on LinkedIn   Bryan Entzminger: Bryan Entzminger is the owner of Top Tier Audio, a podcast production company. He's also the founder of the Hindy Users (Unofficial) group for Hindenburg users on Facebook, and a co-host of Podcast Editors Mastermind — a podcast focused on the business side of podcast editing. He loves sharing the lessons he’s learned from his struggles and others he's met along the way so that you can have a podcast that you’re proud of without letting editing take over your life. — Bryan Entzminger on Facebook — Bryan Entzminger on LinkedIn — Bryan Entzminger Via Top Tier Audio