The Sound Off Podcast

Jen Moss and Roger Nairn, co-founders of Jar Audio, a Vancouver-based podcast company specializing in branded content. They discuss their backgrounds in radio and advertising, and how those experiences shaped their approach to podcasting for brands and nonprofits. The conversation explores the challenges of making branded podcasts that are authentic and audience-focused, rather than advertorial. Jen and Roger share insights on building trust, measuring engagement, and the importance of putting the audience first. They address the lack of funding for Canadian podcast content and their efforts to advocate for government support.JAR Audio are also advocating for Canadian podcast content, asking the current Liberal government to recognize the medium's potential and provide necessary funding for innovative storytelling. You can see and sign the letter here. I also ask Jen and Rob to discuss the integration of video in podcasting, the evolving role of AI in production, and the differences between radio and podcast formats. Listeners gain practical tips for improving sound quality and preparation, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at Jar Audio's creative process and industry advocacy.The listener survey can be found here. Complete it and I'll share with you, my Top 10 Podcast Hacks for 2025. Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the things you never knew what you were missing in your life.Both the Sound Off Podcast and The Podcast Superfriends are apart of The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week's episode marks nine years of the Sound Off Podcast, and it's a moment to reflect on how far we've come—and where we're going. From upgrading our sound and socials, bringing on sponsors, to adding video in a world that now scrolls for connection, our show has evolved alongside the media landscape.In this episode, I dig into what's broken in radio: a system that stretches talent like Stretch Armstrong—asking for more with less—and a stubborn over-reliance on music in an era where listeners can get any song, any time. What keeps people tuning in? Spoiler: it's not the music—it's the personalities. So why aren't we hearing more from them?We also talk about recent radio layoffs, a nostalgic Winnipeg radio reunion, and why spoken word content is more valuable than ever. Plus, I share the details on my new Studiobricks booth. Yes Matt Cundill voiceovers is still a thing; even though I don't talk about it a lot on the show.The listener survey can be found here. Complete it and I'll share with you, my Top 10 Podcast Hacks for 2025. Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the things you never knew what you were missing in your life.Take our SURVEY Here!Both the Sound Off Podcast and The Podcast Superfriends are apart of The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I've known Neil Veglio from his ongoing posts on LinkedIn, but I thought it would be fun to just say hello in a line up at the Podcast Show in London last month. Neal is the founder of PodKnows, a podcast production and coaching company out of the UK. He agreed to come on the show to share his journey from radio to podcasting, and why it is important to create value-driven content rather than focusing solely on monetization. We discussed the challenges of podcast marketing, including the pitfalls of buying downloads and gaming platform algorithms.We talked about many of the podcast strategies he covers on his show Podcasting Insights with The Podmaster: growth advice for people and brands, such as the significance of websites, proper SEO, and audience engagement. Neil provides insights into podcast auditing, recommending creators critically listen to their older episodes and focus on improving content quality. Neal pointed out accurately that the current trend of video podcasting is excellent to disuss, but creators need to focus on the basics like the importance of choosing meaningful podcast titles.Don't expect any knock 'em down drag 'em out fighting in this. We both believe success comes from creating authentic content that provides genuine value to listeners, rather than chasing vanity metrics.Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the things you never knew what you were missing in your life.Both the Sound Off Podcast and The Podcast Superfriends are apart of The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What is a podcast in 2025? We called in Rob Greenlee to provide insights into the evolving landscape of podcasting, focusing on the rise of video podcasting. He discusses how platforms like YouTube and Spotify are reshaping the industry, challenging traditional RSS-based distribution. We tried to land on the definition of a podcast, emphasizing content over distribution method.We talked metrics, monetization, and content creation for new podcasters. Rob highlighted the importance of personal branding and adapting to technological changes, including the potential impact of AI on media. The group debates the future of local podcasting and the difficulties creators face in generating revenue. Things are changing. Fast.⁠⁠A full transcription of the episode is available on our website.⁠⁠Check out more from the Superfriends below:Johnny Peterson - ⁠⁠⁠Johnny Podcasts⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.johnnypodcasts.com⁠⁠⁠Catherine O'Brien -⁠⁠⁠ Branch Out Programs ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.branchoutprograms.com/⁠⁠⁠ Jon Gay: Jag in Detroit ⁠⁠⁠https://www.jagindetroit.com⁠⁠⁠David Yas: Pod 617 -⁠⁠⁠ The Boston Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.pod617.com/⁠⁠⁠Matt Cundill - ⁠⁠⁠The Sound Off Media Company⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://soundoff.network⁠⁠⁠ Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the things you never knew what you were missing in your life.Both the Sound Off Podcast and The Podcast Superfriends are apart of The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show:Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data SolutionsMary Anne Ivison at Ivison Voice. - Make her the female voice of your radio station.Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I get back together with Terry Evans, the morning host at Edmonton's K97, to discuss life family and his new podcast Reluctantly. I warn you, we don't spend a ton of time talking about radio; more about radio life and family. Terry shares insights into his family's remarkable achievements: his son Riley, a drummer who has played at major international venues like Lollapalooza and Coachella, and his daughter Katie, who was recently crowned Canada's top bartender and will represent the country in a global competition.The conversation explores Terry's long radio career, his initial hesitation about podcasting, and the vibrant Edmonton music scene that nurtured his son's talent. We reflect on the city's evolution, its diversity, and the supportive community that helped shape his family's success.With humour and warmth, Terry discusses his health, multiple home moves, and the challenges of early morning radio. Terry has launched his new podcast Reluctantly, which my company is more than happy to assist with. His reaction to podcast creation has been much like the 1970's commercial for Life Cereal. A Transcript and video of the show is available on our network page.Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the things you never knew what you were missing in your life.Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show:Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data SolutionsMary Anne Ivison at Ivison Voice. - Make her the female voice of your radio station.Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Steve Jones is the president of Stingray Radio. If you have been following him on Linked In, (and you should) you have been presented with many wild examples of what qualifies as Canadian content on the radio. We all have our favourites. Mine are the collection of songs circa 1991 like Rod Stewart's Rhythm of my Heart and Bonnie Riatt's Something to Talk About qualifying as Cancon, while the entire album of Bryan Adams' Waking Up The Neighbours is not. Over the years the list has grown, and now that our planet is more connected than ever with technology, there is a need for Canada to update how Cancon is determined.Steve recognizes the lack of Canadian content recognition on streaming platforms and calls for a collaborative approach to modernize Canadian content rules.I suggest during this conversation that the regulations for radio should also include spoken word content; the regs are already in place for television. Yes, we do this close to an hour and likely could have gone another hour. A Transcript and video of the show is available on our network page.Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the things you never knew what you were missing in your life.Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show:Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data SolutionsMary Anne Ivison at Ivison Voice. - Make her the female voice of your radio station.Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's been 8 and a half years since Fred has been on the show. He's not being ignored. I see him every year on various trips to Toronto. This year, I missed my spring trip so I thought we'd just record our usual call. We talked about Fred shares his transition from mornings at Edge 102 to afternoons at Q107, discussing the challenges of radio, mental health, and other crazy industry transitions. He reflects on mentors like Darrin Harvey and Dean Blundell who shaped his career, and candidly talks about his experiences with workplace changes and personal growth.Fred has this love of comic books that I will never understand (and rather envy), his family and family life, and radio. We also explore critical industry topics like the impact of AI on creative fields, with Fred expressing strong concerns about intellectual property theft. I pushed back as I always do. (I also once suggested to Art Alexakis from Everclear that Napster was a good thing so you know how that conversation went, right?)A Transcript and video of the show is available on our network page.Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the things you never knew what you were missing in your life.Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show:Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data SolutionsMary Anne Ivison at Ivison Voice. - Make her the female voice of your radio station.Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Michael Osborne is the co-host of the podcast Famous and Gravy - a podcast that explores the lives of deceased celebrities, going beyond typical obituaries to uncover lesser-known aspects of their stories. Co-created with Ahmed Kapoor during the COVID-19 lockdown, the podcast aims to understand celebrities as symbolic representations of societal dreams and fears. As the bio says on their website, they are "close friends and back patio academics who are not what they once thought they were."Michael shares his story from being a PhD student in climate science to becoming a podcast creator. Starting with early inspirations like "This American Life" and Marc Maron, he developed a passion for storytelling through audio.After gaining traction as an independent show, "Famous and Gravy" was picked up by Wondery, a major podcast network. Osborne emphasizes the importance of thorough research, engaging storytelling, and maintaining creative control while providing inspiration for emerging podcast creators.A Transcript and video of the show is available on our network page.Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the things you never knew what you were missing in your life.Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show:Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data SolutionsMary Anne Ivison at Ivison Voice. - Make her the female voice of your radio station.Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Valerie Geller is back with an updated edition of Beyond Powerful Radio, a must-have guide for today's audio communicators navigating podcasting, social media, storytelling, and AI. Six years in the making, the book will continue to act as a companion for any content creator.Staying true to her core principles—tell the truth, never be boring, and make it matter—Valerie urges content creators to focus on authenticity, listener relevance, and compelling storytelling. We dove into th "prism method," a storytelling technique that adds depth by exploring multiple perspectives.We also covered the rise of AI and reaffirm the need for human creativity to be apart of that process. I zeroed in carefully on what has been lacking in broadcasting over the last decade, and that's risk-taking. Valerie's words offer actionable advice for podcasters, including how to craft promos, conduct meaningful interviews through deep listening, and how to build a consistent content strategy. She emphasizes the importance of refining content before promotion and understanding the difference between writing for the eye and the ear.Drawing on her work with over 500 radio and TV stations and 100 podcasts, Beyond Powerful Radio is invigorating and inspiring—ideal for broadcasters, podcasters, and journalists adapting to new platforms and striving to truly connect with their audiences.You can get your copy of the book through the publisher, Routledge or Amazon. If you teach or train? There's a full accompanying Instructor Manual available for download here: If you would like Valerie to work with your performers and creators, please contact her through her website.A Transcript and video of the show is available on our network page.Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the things you never knew what you were missing in your life.Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show:Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data SolutionsMary Anne Ivison at Ivison Voice. - Make her the female voice of your radio station.Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jordan Blair first fell in love with the storytelling in podcasts. Then she started a bedtime story podcast called Dreamful Bedtime Stories. initially for her children, but unexpectedly evolving to attract a diverse audience of adults seeking relaxing content. Her podcasting journey involved extensive research like listener surveya and using Buzzsprout's resources and community. She experimented with monetization strategies like listener support, affiliate marketing, and sponsorships, always prioritizing brand alignment.Jordan became deeply involved with Buzzsprout, first as a community moderator and later as a co-host of the Buzzcast podcast. She is a big fan of the Rodecaster Duo and we spent a litte time at the end of the show geeking out over a few tech toys.Buzzsprout is a great places to host your podcast, especially if you are starting out. There is an excellent Facebook Group (where you can find Jordan moderating), a great Tuesday Newsletter and companion podcast, and now a Reddit group.A Transcript and video of the show is available on our network page.Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the things you never knew what you were missing in your life.Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show:Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data SolutionsMary Anne Ivison at Ivison Voice. - Make her the female voice of your radio station.Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the podcast world, a feed drop is when one podcast publishes an episode from another podcast directly into its own feed. I know, sounds serious. It's not really. It's basically a way to share and promote another show by letting your audience hear an actual episode of it. That's what you're getting today. Now, for a few years, you might have heard this on the Sound Off Podcast: "Transcription of the Sound Off Podcast is powered by the You May Also Like Podcast, the show about people, places and things. Follow the show on your favorite podcast app, or at YouMayAlsoLike.net."Well, what is that show? Originally, it was called the Hot Air Podcast with Matt Cundill, and then it morphed into something different. You May Also Like tells stories about creatives who aren't necessarily in broadcasting. Today's episode, though, does feature someone well known to the broadcast world. David Tyler has appeared on the Sound Off Podcast before- way back in 2016- and recently he appeared on You May Also Like. So do me a favor, give this show a like and a follow, and I hope you like the short format, presentation and style of it.David Tyler, a seasoned broadcast and voiceover talent since the 80s, discusses the importance of communication. He emphasizes that effective communication is more than just words, and shares techniques for concise speech, such as recording and editing one's own words. Tyler's book, "Connect: A Field Guide for Master Communicators," aims to help young professionals improve their communication skills, advocating for brevity and preparation. He also highlights the need for cultural sensitivity in communication and the power of silence to deepen engagement. David's podcast, "The Master Communicator," complements his book by offering bite-sized communication lessons.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I catch up with Jeremy White, who left his position at Montreal's 92.5 The Beat in January 2023. He spoke at length about the challenges and limitations he faced while working at 92.5 The Beat in Montreal. After leaving the station, he transitioned to creating his own independent media platform, focusing on his YouTube channel and podcast that features in-depth interviews with music artists.Jeremy spoke of the restrictive nature of traditional radio, where talent is undervalued and creativity is secondary. He describes his experiences voice tracking for stations, creating a professional video setup, and ultimately breaking free from corporate constraints. His move to fill in on talk radio at 640 Toronto was an unexpected but enlightening experience that showcased his versatility as a broadcaster.We got into it over the music industry's gatekeeping practices, sharing frustrating experiences of booking interviews and promoting artists. He emphasizes the importance of building a personal brand and creating high-quality content that transcends traditional media limitations.Currently, Jeremy can be found running the Mohawk Market with his family and producing great online content. He remains passionate about disrupting radio's traditional models, advocating for more support of talent and innovative approaches to broadcasting. His story is a testament to breaking rules, staying true to one's roots, and creating opportunities outside of conventional media structures.Currently, you can hear Jeremy on great radio stations like 105.5 WJYY in New Hampshire, on his podcast, or or on his YouTube channel. A Transcript and video of the show is available on our network page.Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the things you never knew what you were missing in your life.Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show:Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data SolutionsMary Anne Ivison at Ivison Voice. - Make her the female voice of your radio station.Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This is an easy one. Steve Kowch from CJAD 800AM in Montreal in 1997 when the station announced that all tombstones in the province would need to be changed to French within a year. We had Steve on our show back in 2017 where he told the story in this 4 minute bonus session. But aside from this tale, this episode is one of our best and continues to resonate today with all the cutbacks going on in the radio business these days - especially to newsrooms. Check out the episode here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bob Willette, a radio veteran who recently joined Indie 88 in Toronto after being let go from his program director role in Kingston. Matt and Bob discuss the challenges facing the radio industry, including corporate consolidation, content repurposing, and Canadian content regulations. Bob shares his journey from being a program director to becoming a full-time announcer, emphasizing the importance of creativity and live radio. They explore the changing media landscape, the role of the CRTC, and the need for radio stations to adapt to new technologies and audience preferences. He also highlights the value of local content, community engagement, and the potential of social media in radio, and discusses his podcast "Bob's Basement" and his experiences with improv and voiceover work, offering insights into the evolving world of broadcasting and entertainment.A Transcript and video of the show is available on our network page.Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the things you never knew what you were missing in your life.Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show:Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data SolutionsMary Anne Ivison at Ivison Voice. - Make her the female voice of your radio station.Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Heather Osgood is the owner of True Native Media, and returns to talk about the same thing we talked about last time - podcast monetization strategies. A lot has changed since Heather's last visit on the show, but one thing that has not changed is suggesting podcasters consider their niche audience when seeking advertisers. And podcast monetization methods extend beyond traditional ads; consider Patreon support, affiliate partnerships, and direct brand relationships. Heather emphasizes the importance of understanding different ad types as well: baked-in, dynamic insertion, and host-read ads; each with unique pricing and engagement strategies.One golden suggestion from Heather - know which advertisers to approach. Podcasters should focus on mid-level companies within their industry rather than large, hard-to-reach brands. The key is creating long-term partnerships by understanding an advertiser's expectations and delivering value and added value.Something else we often forget is to highlight podcasting's unique strength: high listener engagement, with audiences typically consuming 80% of an episode compared to seconds on social media platforms. Her podcast brokerage service offers another monetization avenue, helping podcasters sell their shows to interested buyers or networks. Do you know how much of your show listeners are consuming? Apple and Spotify have that data for you, if you know how to access it.You definitely want to follow Heather's show, Podcast Advertising Playbook, and if you feel your show is ready to be represented by True Native Media - reach out to her and her onboarding team. (She explains who would be an ideal partner in the show)A Transcript and video of the show is available on our network page.Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the things you never knew what you were missing in your life.Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show:Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data SolutionsMary Anne Ivison at Ivison Voice. - Make her the female voice of your radio station.Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mike Farwell is a testament to passion and perseverance in broadcasting. He started as a teacherand quickly realized radio was his true calling. His career began in the small market of Salmon Arm, British Columbia, where he learned the multifaceted nature of radio, handling everything from answering phones to writing commercials and reporting news.Farwell's career trajectory took him through various markets, including Thunder Bay and eventually Toronto, where he worked at MOJO Radio, CFBR and the legendary 1050 CHUM. His versatility became his greatest strength, earning him respect from veteran broadcasters like Tom Rivers and Evelyn Macco. A defining moment came during a 24-hour reporting marathon covering a transit strike, showcasing his dedication to journalism.Returning to his hometown of Kitchener, Farwell found his niche at 570 News Radio. He expanded his repertoire by hosting a local Rogers TV show and later transitioning to a talk radio format. His commitment to community engagement and storytelling has been a hallmark of his career.The Sound Off Media Company was home his OHL podcast for a few years, which has grown to over 500 episodes and attracted a global audience. Farwell's ability to adapt, his love for radio, and his deep connection to the Kitchener-Waterloo region have defined a remarkable broadcasting career spanning decades.A Transcript and video of the show is available on our network page.Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the verbal diarrhea you never knew what you were missing in your life.Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show:Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data SolutionsMary Anne Ivison at Ivison Voice. - Make her the female voice of your radio station.Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ashley Greco discusses her career journey from high school to becoming a morning host at Pure Country in Ottawa. She recounts her early experiences, including moving schools, finding purpose in theater, and starting a high school radio station. Ashley details her career progression, from internships at Kiss 92 and Skyward Traffic to co-hosting at Z103 and CHUM. She shares her transition to Ottawa, the challenges of co-hosting with Gord Saint Denis, and her foray into voiceover work. Ashley also reflects on the evolving role of traffic reports and the impact of social media on her show prep.Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the verbal diarrhea you never knew what you were missing in your life.Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show:Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data SolutionsMary Anne Ivison at Ivison Voice. - Make her the female voice of your radio station.Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Graham Richardson, a veteran Canadian journalist, discussed his career, including his time at CBC, ITV (Edmonton) CTV, and his coverage of the 2022 Ottawa trucker convoy protest. He highlighted the challenges of maintaining media trust amidst the proliferation of content and the impact of government subsidies on media organizations. Graham talked about the importance of local news in providing essential services and the need for media to adapt to changing viewer habits. What I really like about Graham, was how he covered the Trucker Convoy from a local and national level. He managed to convey the viewpoints of both the residents who were ticked off with the commotion and the truckers who travelled to deliver their message to Ottawa. It was truly a strange time and Graham's reflection is compelling.He also talked openly about his transition to Edelman Global Advisory, where he now works on media and crisis management for clients, including the Concussion Legacy Foundation.A Transcript and video of the show is available on our network page.Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the verbal diarrhea you never knew what you were missing in your life.Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show:Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data SolutionsMary Anne Ivison at Ivison Voice. - Make her the female voice of your radio station.Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Elsie Escobar is, without question, one of the pioneers of podcasting.All the way back in 2006, she started one of the original yoga podcasts: Elsie's Yoga Class, which garnered 4 million downloads in its lifetime. She stuck with it until 2013, when she joined Libsyn, and she's been co-hosting their official podcast The Feed ever since. She also happens to be the first Latina ever inducted into the Academy of Podcasters' Hall of Fame.That's about as fruitful of a career as any podcaster could hope for, but like most of us, Elsie had another life before embracing the world of online audio. She pivoted from her Hollywood acting career after growing tired of feeling tokenized, thinking podcasting might finally let her stretch her creative legs - and boy, did it ever - but of course, not without a struggle. Getting into podcasting is hard enough today, even with the massive online infrastructure and endless number of tools & resources we have access to. Can you imagine how daunting it must have been in 2006? And yet, Elsie endured, and has an Everest-sized mountain of successes to show for it.As someone who's been around since the dawn of podcasting, and has seen just about every evolution the medium has gone through, Elsie brought an incredible (and very rare) perspective to the show. Between her thoughts on things like monetization, adapting to new platforms, adding a video component, the importance of promos, and the future of the industry, anyone looking to make a living in this business will no doubt find something incredibly valuable in this episode.Elsie is also the co-founder and co-host of She Podcasts, the largest online community for women and non binary podcasters on Facebook with over 20,000 members. She continues to make the podcasting space safer and more connected every day, and even shares her future plans to create a better ecosystem for her audience.A Transcript and video of the show is available on our network page.Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the verbal diarrhea you never knew what you were missing in your life.Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show:Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data SolutionsMary Anne Ivison at Ivison Voice. - Make her the female voice of your radio station.Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Marc Scott knows voiceover, and how to market voiceover. He wrapped up his radio career in 2011 but shared his early fascination with radio and how he got his start in the industry through a high school co-op, and details his early career working at various radio stations across Ontario.Marc pivoted to voiceover in 2011 after being downsized from his final radio job. He emphasizes the importance of marketing and business skills in building a successful voiceover career, and outlines his four-year trajectory from making $15,000 a year to moving to 6 figures by making some smart decisions.The discussion delves into the risks of relying solely on online casting platforms, the importance of establishing fair rates, and the necessity of coaching and training before creating a solid demo. Marc also shares the impact his podcast has had on his coaching business, and provides advice for new voice actors looking to invest in their career.Connect to his podcast here. Throughout the conversation, Marc shares valuable insights and lessons learned from his own experiences transitioning from radio to voiceover.Get Marc's 10 Voiceover Marketing Mistakes to avoid. Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show:Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data SolutionsMary Anne Ivison at Ivison Voice. - Make her the female voice of your radio station.Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Larry MacInnis has had an incredible career in radio, working largely for the legendary CHUM Radio in Toronto. He shares his incredible journey - from growing up listening to CJCB in Cape Breton, to getting his start in radio at CKEC in New Glasgow, to landing his dream job at CHUM in the most unpredictable of ways.MacInnis describes the supportive and collaborative environment at CHUM, where character and talent were valued above all else. He recounts the creative freedom he was given to develop innovative campaigns like "Beat the Bank" and work on iconic morning shows with the likes of Roger Ashby, Rick Hodge and Marilyn Denis.Beyond his work at CHUM, MacInnis also discusses his involvement with the Pro Bono Group, a collective of creatives who produce free public service announcements for worthy causes. He shares insights on the group's origins and impact, as well as his perspective on the role of AI in the future of radio and advertising.If you work in radio or podcast - get on their distribution list and check out their work.MacInnis reflects on the mentorship and opportunities that shaped his storied career, and his enduring passion for the radio industry. This episode offers a captivating look into the golden era of Canadian radio.A Transcript and video of the show is available on our network page.Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the verbal diarrhea you never knew what you were missing in your life.Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show:Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data SolutionsMary Anne Ivison at Ivison Voice. - Make her the female voice of your radio station.Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

James Cridland is Editor of Podnews, the daily podcast newsletter. He is also radio futurologist - a writer, consultant and public speaker on radio's future.In this episode you will hear him highlight the complexity of measuring podcast success with metrics like downloads and streams, noting inconsistencies across platforms. James also emphasizes the importance of community and human connection in podcasting, cautioning the shift towards video which dilutes audio's unique benefits. He also discusses the challenges of podcasting 2.0, the lack of a clear cheerleader, and the potential of live podcasting and comments to improve engagement. Additionally, he touches on the future of radio, advocating for real and relevant content over live and local.A Transcript and video of the show is available on our network page.You get a lot of junk email everyday, but this will not be one of them Subscribe to Podnews and get the latest on everything happening in the world of podcast. There's also a companion podcast available everywhere... I listen to it daily in a flash briefing via an Alexa Skill.Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the verbal diarrhea you never knew what you were missing in your life.Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show:Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data SolutionsMary Anne Ivison at Ivison Voice. - Make her the female voice of your radio station.Matt Fogarty Voiceovers - It's great to have Matt back for 2024 supporting our show. Make him the imaging voice for your radio station by contacting him through his website.Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sarah Spain was a three-sport athlete at Cornell before going on to her epic broadcasting career, highlighting her experiences in sports and media. She explains the challenges and myths surrounding women's sports, citing Title IX and the different forms of perceived equality and opportunities that come with it. Spain shares her work at ESPN, including her time on "Around the Horn" and her podcast, "That's What She Said", which wrapped up in 2023. She also talks about her involvement with the Chicago Red Stars and iHeart's Women's Sports Audio Network. Spain emphasizes the need for better representation and investment in women's sports, noting the economic potential and growing interest in women's leagues.Sarah's new podcast "Good Game" is apart of the Women's Sports Audio Network founded by iHeartMedia and Deep Blue Sports + Entertainment, and reveals new programming from top athletes and personalities including Madison Packer and Anya Packer, Tisha Alyn, Sheryl Swoopes, Rennae Stubbs, Khristina Williams and of course, Sarah Spain.A Transcript and video of the show is available on our network page.Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the verbal diarrhea you never knew what you were missing in your life.Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show:Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data SolutionsMary Anne Ivison at Ivison Voice. - Make her the female voice of your radio station.Matt Fogarty Voiceovers - It's great to have Matt back for 2024 supporting our show. Make him the imaging voice for your radio station by contacting him through his website.Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Jay Stone, station manager and program director of 102.3 NOW! Radio and 99.3 Up in Edmonton, shares his journey from the Air Force to radio. Jay highlighted the NOW!'s various successes, including winning Major Market Station of the Year and Best Community Service Initiative for the Alberta Day of Caring for Jasper, which raised over $3 million. Jay himself also took home the award for Major Market Program Director of the Year. You can see all the station's awards, as well as a full list of winners, at the Canadian Radio Awards website.Jay emphasized the importance of emotional connection and unique content, such as the Swiftie-oke contest, which drew 2,000 participants to the River Cree Resort & Casino to sing Taylor Swift songs (in front of a live band) for the chance to win tickets to her next show in Vancouver. He also discussed the station's focus on live, local programming and the community's support, exemplified by a listener donating $5,000 for the Pay It Forward initiative. This year, the station was able to donate $1000 each to 12 deserving nominees from the NOW! Radio community, telling their stories live on air from December 9th to 24th.Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the verbal diarrhea you never knew what you were missing in your life.Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show:Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data SolutionsMary Anne Ivison at Ivison Voice. - Make her the female voice of your radio station.Matt Fogarty Voiceovers - It's great to have Matt back for 2024 supporting our show. Make him the imaging voice for your radio station by contacting him through his website.Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dani Stover is back on the show for a 3rd time and she discussed her experience with AM 640's "Let's Talk with Dani Stover," a non-live, pre-recorded radio show that curated content from across The Corus Radio Network. The show, which involved creating six to seven new segments daily, was well-received but faced challenges, including a shift in station direction and a negative climate during the pandemic. Sadly, Corus decided to end the show and part ways with Dani last month. Merry Christmas I guess. In this episode you will hear Dani express her mental shift from live radio to assembling a fully recorded show, and express her disdain for radio's reliance on text lines for audience engagement. (Can we stop this now?) She also criticized the use of AI and the negative impact of social media. Dani plans to continue writing on Substack and is considering a future podcast.Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the verbal diarrhea you never knew what you were missing in your life.Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show:Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data SolutionsMary Anne Ivison at Ivison Voice. - Make her the female voice of your radio station.Matt Fogarty Voiceovers - It's great to have Matt back for 2024 supporting our show. Make him the imaging voice for your radio station by contacting him through his website.Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Our fearless leader, Matt Cundill discusses the challenges and outlook for radio and podcasting in 2025. He criticizes the current state of radio, noting its lack of innovation and the disinterest of station owners. He advocates for a CRTC-led consultation to enhance radio for listeners, not record companies. Matt warns podcasters against adopting every new trend, particularly the shift to video, which can dilute the audio experience and complicate monetization. He highlights the stringent requirements for Spotify's video monetization and emphasizes the importance of maintaining audio quality. Cundill encourages podcasters to strategically use platforms without compromising their core content.Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the verbal diarrhea you never knew what you were missing in your life.Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show:Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data SolutionsMary Anne Ivison at Ivison Voice. - Make her the female voice of your radio station.Matt Fogarty Voiceovers - It's great to have Matt back for 2024 supporting our show. Make him the imaging voice for your radio station by contacting him through his website.Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Way back in my 1990's radio days, I got to work alongside Terry Evans. He is the same Terry Evans that wakes Edmontonians up on K97. Terry had a 5 year stint where in worked at the Bear together, we later worked against one another on competing radio stations. He loves music and has been a champion of the Edmonton music scene since he arrived there from British Columbia in the 1980's. One of the things I like about Terry is that he is unwavering. One of the things I dislike about Terry is that he is unwavering. He was unwavering about starting a podcast - until his position shifted "Reluctantly". Earlier this year, Terry launched his new show Reluctantly, and what follows is one of our famous "Feed Drops" where we feature an episode from another show we know you will enjoy. Terry recorded an episode a few months back with comedian Craig Gass, who has appeared on TV shows like King of Queens, and Sex in the City. Craig tells a few stories from his time writing jokes on the Howard Stern show which I know you will find interesting. If you like this episode, you will find value in Terry's other interviews with former Edmonton Oiler Kevin Lowe, Musicians Darby Mills from the Headpins, and Tom Cochrane from Red Rider. We featured Terry on this podcast way back in 2016... you can check that out here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Matt Cundill and Terry Dimonte get together for their annual Christmas podcast tradition, which began in 2016. Terry explains the difficulty in scheduling a meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau due to his busy schedule and Terry's travel plans to England. They reminisce about their radio days, including Terry's time at CITI FM, CHOM-FM and his experiences with new wave music. Both of them watched the Yacht Rock Dock and loved it. They also discuss the decline of traditional radio, the rise of podcasts, and the importance of local community connections. Terry highlights the success of his local podcast, "The Standing By Podcast," and its growing audience. They conclude with reflections on their upcoming trip to England and their love for Christmas traditions.Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the verbal diarrhea you never knew what you were missing in your life.Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show:Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data SolutionsMary Anne Ivison at Ivison Voice. - Make her the female voice of your radio station.Matt Fogarty Voiceovers - It's great to have Matt back for 2024 supporting our show. Make him the imaging voice for your radio station by contacting him through his website.Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Podcast Pioneer Rob Greenlee is a podcast Hall of Famer (Class 2017), host of the New Media Show (along with Todd Cochrane), Podcast Tips, Trust Factor, Spoken Life Show and Behind the EV Wheel. That's a lot of shows. Over the course of his career Rob has worked on the Zune Marketplace, where he helped develop and grow podcasting on the Zune platform. The first time I met him, he was at Spreaker and Voxnest where served as VP of Content and Partnerships, contributing to the development of tools and services for podcasters. (Spreaker was all about going Live back in the day) He also had a stint at PodcastOne as a VP, focusing on podcast content and monetization.Rob continues to be an advocate for podcasters, frequently speaking at industry events, hosting panels, and educating others on podcasting trends, best practices, and technology.As mentioned above, he co-hosts this popular podcast with Todd Cochrane. He was kind enough to ask me to guest-host the program while Todd was on assignment. Rob Greenlee's long-standing presence and contributions have made him a respected voice in the podcasting community, particularly for his focus on innovation and advocacy.Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the verbal diarrhea you never knew what you were missing in your life.Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show:Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data SolutionsMary Anne Ivison at Ivison Voice. - Make her the female voice of your radio station.Matt Fogarty Voiceovers - It's great to have Matt back for 2024 supporting our show. Make him the imaging voice for your radio station by contacting him through his website.Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Annalise Nielsen is the head of podcast strategy and development at Lower Street. We talked about the college years at Queen's University and how her professor was an early podfader in an attempt to create lecture podcasts. We also spent some time discussing her work at a Television station and later, Rogers and Pacific Content. She emphasized the importance of newsletters and targeted social media for podcast promotion. Nielsen also discussed the shift from video-heavy podcasts to clips and the potential for independent creators to thrive in the future.Lower Street is a leading podcast production company and makes award winning branded podcasts.Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the verbal diarrhea you never knew what you were missing in your life.Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show:Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data SolutionsMary Anne Ivison at Ivison Voice. - Make her the female voice of your radio station.Matt Fogarty Voiceovers - It's great to have Matt back for 2024 supporting our show. Make him the imaging voice for your radio station by contacting him through his website.Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thanks to our group sponsors: Rogers, Pattison Media, Corus Entertainment, iHeartRadio, Stingray, Vista Broadcasting, Harvard Media. The Following summary of winners is from Broadcast Dialogue. Pattison Media's 102.3 NOW! Radio (CKNO-FM) Edmonton is among the multiple winners at the 2024 Canadian Radio Awards.NOW! won Major Market Station of the Year, and Best On-Air Promotion (Major Market) for its “Swiftie-oke” contest, while Program Director Jay Stone captured Program Director of the Year (Major Market). The station was also the catalyst behind Best Community Service Initiative winner Alberta Day of Caring for Jasper, which saw the province's radio stations come together to raise more than $1.5M to support those impacted by this summer's wildfire.Evanov Communications' stations in Winnipeg won in multiple categories. Evanov Winnipeg's Adam West captured Program Director of the Year (Medium Market), while the Energy 106 (CHWE-FM) morning show, Wheeler in the Morning, won Best On-Air Team (Music) (Medium Market). Energy 106 and Z103.5 (CIDC-FM) Toronto also won Best Imaging Production (Large Market), while their joint entry for HOT 100.5 (CFJL-FM) Winnipeg and LITE 92.1 (CKPC-FM) Brantford won in the Medium Market category.Rogers Sports & Media's CHEZ 106 Ottawa also captured two awards, including Station of the Year (Medium Market) and Best Community Service Initiative (Medium Market) for its DEEDS promotion.In the small market categories, Fort St. John, BC independent station 100.1 Moose FM (CKFU-FM) picked up two awards. Program Director Chris Walker won Program Director of the Year (Small Market), while the station also won Best Podcast (Small Market) for Before the Peace, focused on telling the stories of the Indigenous and Métis peoples of B.C.'s Peace Region.Kahnawake, Que. community station K1037 The Monster (CKRK-FM) also claimed two awards. Paul Graiff won Best Anchor/Reporter (Small Market), while Mitch Craig captured Best Imaging Voice (Small Market).By network, Rogers Sports & Media led wins with 14, followed by Pattison Media with eight, while Evanov picked up a total of five wins. Bell Media won in four categories, with Corus Radio and Harvard Media each earning three awards. Vista Radio won two.Find a full list of this year's winners below. To listen to their award-winning audio and view this year's runners-up, head to CanadianRadioAwards.com.Best Anchor or Reporter – Sponsored by Burli Major MarketRichard Southern, 680 NewsRadio, (CFTR), Rogers Sports & Media, TorontoMedium MarketRichard Duggan, VOCM-AM, (VOCM), Stingray, St. John's, Newfoundland and LabradorSmall MarketPaul Graif, K103.7 The Monster, (CKRK), Mohawk Radio, KahnawakeBest Canadian Multi-Market Network ProgramMajor MarketFearless Fred, Q107 / Power 97 / Edge / Big 101, (CILQ / CFQC / CJKR / CIQB ), CorusMedium MarketSam McDaid – Country Nights, (CKQC / CJOK / CKXC / CKBY / CIKZ / CJQM / CKAT / CJDL), Rogers Sports & MediaSmall MarketNick Liard – Regional Midday Show, (CJRQ / CJQQ / CKFX ), Rogers Sports & MediaBest On-Air Team or Host (News/Talk/Sports)Major MarketAndrea Montgomery / Kelly Turner / Logan Stein / Tanya Blakeney / Phil Wood / Lauryn Heintz – Calgary Morning Show, 660 NewsRadio (CFFR), Rogers Sports & Media, Calgary, AlbertaMedium MarketBrett Megarry / Greg Mackling – The Start, 680 CJOB (CJOB), Corus, Winnipeg, ManitobaBest On-Air Team or Host (Music)Major MarketThe Roz & Mocha Show, KiSS 92.5 (CKIS), Rogers Sports & Media, Toronto, OntarioMedium MarketWheeler in the Morning, Energy 106 (CHWE), Evanov Communications, Winnipeg, ManitobaSmall MarketJason McCoy / Carey Moran, Pure Country 106 (CICX), Bell Media, Orillia, OntarioBest On-Air Solo Host (Music)Major MarketLauren Hunter, Sonic 102.9 (CHDI), Rogers Sports & Media, Edmonton, AlbertaMedium MarketKatherine Dines, MOVE 100 (CJMJ), Bell Media, Ottawa, OntarioSmall MarketRobyn Thomson, KiSS 99.3 (CKGB), Rogers Sports & Media, TimminsMusic Director of the YearMajor MarketKatie Stanners, KiSS 91.7 (CHBN), Rogers Sports & Media, Edmonton, AlbertaMedium MarketIan Sharek, Rogers Rock Radio, Rogers Sports & Media, Multiple MarketsSmall MarketCourtney Rae, 106.1 The Goat (CKLM), Vista Radio, Lloydminster, Alberta Program Director of the Year – Sponsored by Momentum Media Major MarketJay Stone, 102.3 NOW! Radio (CKNO), UP! 99.3 (CIUP), Pattison Media, Edmonton, AlbertaMedium MarketAdam West, Energy 106 (CHWE), HOT 100.5 (CFJL), Evanov Communications, Winnipeg, ManitobaSmall MarketChris Walker, 100.1 Moose FM (CKFU), Moose Media, Fort St John, British ColumbiaStation of The Year – Sponsored by David Kaye / Kayeman Productions Major Market102.3 NOW! Radio (CKNO), Pattison Media, Edmonton, AlbertaMedium MarketCHEZ 106 (CHEZ), Rogers Sports & Media, Ottawa, OntarioSmall Market100.5 Cruz FM (CHFT), Harvard Media, Fort McMurray, AlbertaSound of Success – Sponsored by Validate Audio AttributionMajor MarketWhat's In A Name / Booster Juice, Rogers Sports & Media, National Campaign, Canada-wideSmall MarketGo Rock Campaign (CFLB), Novacast Media, Lunenburg, Nova Scotia Best Achievement in Engineering – Sponsored by leanStream All MarketsDaryll Donais, Hot Country 103, (CKHZ), Acadia Broadcasting, Halifax, Nova ScotiaBest Community or Campus Station – Sponsored by Community Radio Fund of Canada Major MarketVIBE 105 (CHRY), Canadian Centre for Civic Media and Arts Development Inc., Toronto, OntarioSmall Market100.1 BayFM (CKVB), Bay of Islands Radio Inc. , Corner Brook, Newfoundland and LabradorBest Community Service Initiative – Sponsored By Broadcast Dialogue Major MarketAlberta Day Of Caring For Jasper, 102.3 NOW! (CKNO), UP! 99.3 (CIUP), Pattison Media, Edmonton, AlbertaMedium MarketDEEDS, 106.1 CHEZ (CHEZ), Rogers Sports & Media, Ottawa, OntarioSmall MarketSpirit Day, 101.3 the River (CKKN), 99.3 REWIND Radio (CKDV), Pattison Media, Prince George, British ColumbiaBest Imaging Production – Sponsored by Benztown Major MarketZ103.5, (CIDC), Energy 106, (CHWE), Evanov Communications, Toronto, Ontario / Winnipeg, ManitobaMedium MarketLITE 92.1, (CKPC), HOT 100.5, (CFJL), Evanov Communications, Brantford, Ontario / Winnipeg, ManitobaSmall MarketPure Country 105, (CKQM), Bell Media, Peterborough, OntarioBest Imaging VoiceMajor MarketCorri English / Allan Peck / Jeff McKnight, STAR 95.9, (CHFM), Rogers Sports & Media, Calgary, AlbertaMedium MarketDavid Kaye, 104.9 The Wolf, (CFWF), Harvard Media, Regina, SaskatchewanSmall MarketMitch Craig, K1037, The Monster, (CKRK), Mohawk Radio, KahnawakeBest Performance in a CommercialMajor MarketBob Johnstone, Amore Pasta – Love Pasta Again, The Eagle, (CKLR), Pattison Media, Courtenay, British ColumbiaMedium MarketDave Hiltz, FoCheezy, 107.5 Dave Rocks. (CJDV), Corus, Kitchener, OntarioSmall MarketBrian Viggiani, Georgian Bay Storage, LITE 99.3, (CJGB), Evanov Communications, Meaford, Ontario Best CommercialMajor MarketOodle / Noodle – Improve Your Noodle, Play 107, (CKPW), Harvard Media, Edmonton, AlbertaMedium MarketHealthy Smiles / The Tooth Is Out There, BIG105 FM, (CHUB), Pattison Media, Red Deer, AlbertaSmall MarketFouillard Carpets, POWER99, (CFMM), Pattison Media, Prince Albert, SaskatchewanBest On-Air Promotion – Sponsored by vcreative Major Market102.3 NOW! Radio, (CKNO), Pattison Media, Edmonton, Alberta Medium Market103.7 Virgin Radio, (CHBE), Bell Media, Victoria, British ColumbiaSmall Market94.1 CJOC, (CJOC), Vista Radio, Lethbridge, AlbertaBest PodcastMajor MarketSweethearts: Island Crime, Season 6, Rogers Frequency NetworkMedium MarketRadio des Petits Hiboux, U Multicultural, U RadioSmall MarketBefore The Peace, 100.1 Moose FM, (CKFU), Fort St. John, British ColumbiaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We love having Fred Jacobs from Jacobs Media on the show to discuss things like Tech Survey and the AQ Study. What do listeners come to radio for? Well since 2018 it has been for personalities first, then music. I'm not sure what you are being told from your program director, but depending on the market or format, they could be working off some old thinking. We also spoke about the lack of women in various radio roles including on air and the need for more female program directors. We also discussed the disconnect between AI and innovation, and some of the perceptions that "podcasting is taking over" when in fact, most radio P1 listeners are not that interested in the medium. One of the more successful formats is Christian Radio when has all the things commercial radio strives for... an emotional connection with listeners. We also discussed the financial struggles of public radio.If your radio station is interested in participating in the Tech Survey Study for 2025, click here. Deadline is December 19.Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the verbal diarrhea you never knew what you were missing in your life.Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show:Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data SolutionsMary Anne Ivison at Ivison Voice. - Make her the female voice of your radio station.Matt Fogarty Voiceovers - It's great to have Matt back for 2024 supporting our show. Make him the imaging voice for your radio station by contacting him through his website.Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ian March, Program Director of Indy 88 in Toronto, discussed his 25-year radio career. He started at Sports Radio 1200 in Ottawa, then moved to Kingston for K Rock 1057. Ian became APD for Magic 100 and Bob FM in Ottawa, and later PD for New Country 94. He highlighted the impact of Gord Downie's death on K Rock, leading to a week of Tragically Hip music. Ian joined Indy 88, focusing on digital integration and targeting a broader audience. He noted the recent ownership change to Local Radio Lab and the challenges posed by CRTC approval delays. Ian emphasized the importance of consistency in ratings and the evolving nature of radio programming.Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show:Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data SolutionsMary Anne Ivison at Ivison Voice. - Make her the female voice of your radio station.Matt Fogarty Voiceovers - It's great to have Matt back for 2024 supporting our show. Make him the imaging voice for your radio station by contacting him through his website.Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lisa Brandt's career in radio and voiceover is a testament to the power of versatility, resilience, and a willingness to embrace change. From her early days in small-town radio to her time at some of Toronto's most iconic stations, Brandt's story is one of navigating the evolving landscape of the industry with determination.One of the most striking aspects of Lisa's journey is her ability to keep it young. Whether it was cueing records and producing commercials in the analog era, or pivoting to voice work when her radio career took an unexpected turn, Brandt has consistently demonstrated a knack for reinventing herself. Her openness to trying new things, from blogging to painting, has allowed her to maintain a creative spark and avoid the stagnation that can sometimes plague long-term media professionals.Lisa's emphasis on the importance of community and support is also noteworthy. Her experiences working with talented programmers and personalities like Marty Forbes, Pat Holiday, and Erin Davis have underscored the value of surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals who can provide guidance, encouragement, and a sounding board. Perhaps most significantly, her approach to managing the constant influx of news and information is a lesson in self-care of her mental health. She is selective in her news consumption and to prioritize her own well-being over obsessing over current events is a refreshing perspective in an era where anxiety and burnout are all too common.Lisa has an excellent podcast with Erin Davis (who was on our show earlier this year), called Gracefully and Frankly. Follow that show if you know what is good for you. By the way, if you want to know why we titled the episode the way we did - checkout the video of this episode.Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the verbal diarrhea you never knew what you were missing in your life.Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show:Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data SolutionsMary Anne Ivison at Ivison Voice. - Make her the female voice of your radio station.Matt Fogarty Voiceovers - It's great to have Matt back for 2024 supporting our show. Make him the imaging voice for your radio station by contacting him through his website.Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Legendary radio broadcaster John Leslie, shared his journey from building a three-watt transmitter in his bedroom to becoming a program director at WEIR in Weirton, West Virginia. He discussed his service in the Marine Corps, his early radio roles, and his transition to television. Leslie highlighted his significant achievements, including a 38 share in Binghamton, a 27 share in Des Moines, and a 22 share in Albany. He recounted his historic trip to the Soviet Union to broadcast uncensored, marking a pivotal moment in media history. Leslie also detailed his transition to podcasting and the success of his hypnotherapy seminars with John Morgan.Connect with John's podcast Talking About Radio here. There are a lot of great episodes in here! Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the verbal diarrhea you never knew what you were missing in your life.Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show:Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data SolutionsMary Anne Ivison at Ivison Voice. - Make her the female voice of your radio station.Matt Fogarty Voiceovers - It's great to have Matt back for 2024 supporting our show. Make him the imaging voice for your radio station by contacting him through his website.Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We dive deep into the importance of audio promos for podcasts. Steve Goldstein, returns to make a compelling case for why every podcast needs a well-crafted audio promo.Steve told us that as the podcast landscape becomes increasingly crowded, using owned media to promote your show is essential. However, he notes that promos are often overlooked, sitting low on the priority list for many podcasters. This is a missed opportunity, as an effective promo can hook listeners and drive them to tune in.The key, Steve says, is to take a "right-brain" approach focused on storytelling and emotion, rather than just listing facts about the show. He advises against the common pitfall of creating a promo that is dry and overly logical. Instead, the goal should be to craft a short, attention-grabbing piece that piques the listener's curiosity.Steve also emphasizes the importance of frequency, encouraging podcasters to "burn in" their promos rather than worrying about overexposure. He cites research showing the value of repetition in audio marketing. By investing the time to create compelling, story-driven promos, podcasters can better distinguish their shows and drive meaningful engagement with their audience.If you are going to listen to one thing in the show - check out the his critique of our podcast promo. All to say, we will need a new one.Check out the full blog with the 7 things you need to think about when making a promo. Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the verbal diarrhea you never knew what you were missing in your life.Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show:Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data SolutionsMary Anne Ivison at Ivison Voice. - Make her the female voice of your radio station.Matt Fogarty Voiceovers - It's great to have Matt back for 2024 supporting our show. Make him the imaging voice for your radio station by contacting him through his website.Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Our Quarterly Feed Drop. This is where we play an episode from another awesome podcast. You might remember a few week's back we had Jeff Umbro on the show. His show is called Podcast Perspectives and you should give it follow.The podcast world is growing rapidly, and podcasters can fall behind without a glimpse of the future. Predictive analytics have become vital for podcasts to survive and thrive.In this episode of Podcast Perspectives, Jeff Umbro, host and The Podglomerate's CEO and Founder, talks with Sean Howard, the founder and CEO of Flightpath, a predictive analytics platform for podcasting. Sean is also the founder of Fable and Folly, which is a network of fiction podcasts.Sean and Jeff chat about his predictive dashboard, the data that goes into Flightpath, stories from Sean's past, and hints about the podcast industry's future.You can listen to other Podcast Perspectives episodes hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mary Anne Ivison was laid off in 2021. Ivison discusses the difficult transition and mental health challenges she faced after losing her job, but how she eventually found success in voiceover work and launching her own podcast "Let's Take This Outside".We covered the ups and downs of building a voiceover business, including the challenges of working with agents and the impact of AI on the industry. Ivison shares her perspective that while AI may take over some lower-end voiceover work, the level of direction and variation required for many commercial projects still requires human talent. We also touched on the state of the podcast industry, acknowledging the difficulties of monetization and the shift towards more VC-backed companies. However, they emphasize the importance of finding a niche and building a loyal audience, rather than chasing download numbers.Mary Anne is candid about the mental toll of the freelance lifestyle and the need to manage expectations, and that entering these creative fields requires a realistic understanding of the hard work and persistence required for long-term success.Another honest episode providing an insightful look at the realities of navigating a career transition and building a sustainable creative business in the modern media landscape.A video and transcript of the episode can be found on the network website.Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the verbal diarrhea you never knew what you were missing in your life.Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show:Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data SolutionsMary Anne Ivison at Ivison Voice. - Make her the female voice of your radio station.Matt Fogarty Voiceovers - It's great to have Matt back for 2024 supporting our show. Make him the imaging voice for your radio station by contacting him through his website.Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Donna Reed, a former radio host, podcast creator, and voiceover talent discusses her dcareer in radio, including her times at WQDR and WRDU in Raleigh, NC; then to KLOL and KODA in Houston, Texas and WCXR in Washington, DC. where she enjoyed the freedom of night shifts. She transitioned to voice acting after a car commercial opportunity and has since worked on audiobooks, commercials, and transit announcements. Reed also curated the "Leopard Print Lounge Chair" channel for AccuRadio during COVID-19, blending eclectic music for a relaxed atmosphere. She reflects on the challenges and joys of podcasting, emphasizing the need for consistency and creativity. Reed looks forward to more interviews and episodes in 2025. Give her show a follow here. A video and transcript of the episode can be found on the network website.Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the verbal diarrhea you never knew what you were missing in your life.Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show:Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data SolutionsMary Anne Ivison at Ivison Voice. - Make her the female voice of your radio station.Matt Fogarty Voiceovers - It's great to have Matt back for 2024 supporting our show. Make him the imaging voice for your radio station by contacting him through his website.Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tony Garcia's journey through the radio industry over the past four decades provides a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of syndicated content and the changing landscape of the medium. From his early days as an intern at the iconic WNBC in New York during the 1980s, Tony's enthusiasm for radio was palpable, as he recounted the excitement of being part of the station's shift from album rock to the burgeoning new wave scene.This passion led Tony to create his own syndicated show, "Wave Breaker," while at WNYU. Through sheer determination and a willingness to learn on the job, he navigated the complexities of distribution, leveraging techniques like bulk-erasing tapes to get the show into the hands of eager college radio stations across the country, and in Europe. This laid the foundation for Tony's deep understanding of the syndication business, which he would go on to apply in roles at companies like Progressive Radio Network and the Wall Street Journal Report.Tony's insights into the strategies employed by media giants like Dow Jones, who adeptly repurposed content across their various platforms, underscores the importance of adaptability in an ever-changing industry. The transition from vinyl to CDs, and eventually digital distribution, further highlights Tony's ability to evolve with the times, always seeking to provide the most efficient and cost-effective solutions for his clients.The story of Tony's involvement with the Bob & Sheri show, from the initial challenges to the eventual triumph, exemplifies his knack for identifying and nurturing talent. By enabling ownership of their IP and digital presence, Tony demonstrated a keen understanding of the value of intellectual property in an increasingly fragmented media landscape.As Tony looks ahead to the future, his enthusiasm for the potential of hyper-local podcasts and the continued expansion of Bob & Sheri, and publishing ventures reflects a visionary mindset.A video and transcript of the episode can be found on the network website.Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the verbal diarrhea you never knew what you were missing in your life.Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show:Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data SolutionsMary Anne Ivison at Ivison Voice. - Make her the female voice of your radio station.Matt Fogarty Voiceovers - It's great to have Matt back for 2024 supporting our show. Make him the imaging voice for your radio station by contacting him through his website.Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You likely know Steve Pratt's name from his days as founder of Pacific Content. The company that created stories about brands set the bar for branded podcasts in the late 2010's. The company was later sold to Rogers in 2019 and just recently sold to Lower Street in the UK. Unlike our interview with (former Pacific Content Director of Audience developement) Dan Misener, we are going to ask Steve about his thoughts when it was announced Rogers would be mothballing the company he started. In this episode, we discussed Steve's career evolution from television to podcasting. He highlighted his work at YTV where he was in charge of "The Zone", CBC Radio 3, and later Pacific Content, emphasizing the importance of creating unique, audience-focused content. Steve shared insights on the challenges and successes of branded podcasts, such as Slack's "Customer Success Podcast", Charles Schwab's "Choiceology" and Red Hat's "Open Source," which avoided direct brand promotion. He also discussed the impact of AI on content creation and the need for high-quality, differentiated content. Steve's new book, "Earn It: Unconventional Strategies for Brave Marketers" offers strategies for earning audience engagement through creative storytelling.A video and transcript of the episode can be found on the network website.Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the verbal diarrhea you never knew what you were missing in your life.Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show:Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data SolutionsMary Anne Ivison at Ivison Voice. - Make her the female voice of your radio station.Matt Fogarty Voiceovers - It's great to have Matt back for 2024 supporting our show. Make him the imaging voice for your radio station by contacting him through his website.Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After 7 and a half years, the longest gap between appearances in Sound Off Podcast history, Leslie Scott finally returns. And to say things have changed is a massive understatement.Back in 2016, Leslie was the PD for 107.7 The End in Seattle, driving the station to huge success in the millennial market. Since then, she's taken on a few more stations, been elevated to overseeing programming of Audacy's exclusive streaming-only channels... And like so many people in radio, been restructured out of a job. Their loss. We discuss where Leslie's currently at both life and career wise, but mainly this is a time for us to catch up and learn how Leslie's thoughts and predictions from 2016 have aged.For the most part, Leslie's values remain the same: Radio and digital should be friends, not enemies; Radio stations need to focus on curating personalities above all else; and the youngest generation is a giant well of untapped potential listeners who should be catered to. However, interestingly, Leslie is no longer a part of that youngest generation. She once was a sort of "Millennial Whisperer" in the radio industry, but Gen Z is a whole different beast, which we discuss at length. 7 years doesn't sound like a long time, but it really is, especially in an industry that's been scrambling so hard to keep up with the youth, and Leslie has a lot of thoughts about the way things have changed.We also discuss women's progress in the radio industry, or rather, its stagnation in recent years. Fred Jacobs of Jacobs Media published his AQ6 survey earlier this year, which you can read about here. It showed that women's representation in radio hasn't really improved since 2019. Being both a woman herself and serving on the board of directors for mentoring and inspiring women in radio, Leslie shares some interesting insights into why that might be.If you haven't heard our original interview with Leslie, and you'd like to compare for yourself, you can listen to it here. If nothing else, it's an interesting time capsule to a world before TikTok.A Transcript and video version of the episode is available on the network page.Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the verbal diarrhea you never knew what you were missing in your life.Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show:Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data SolutionsMary Anne Ivison at Ivison Voice. - Make her the female voice of your radio station.Matt Fogarty Voiceovers - It's great to have Matt back for 2024 supporting our show. Make him the imaging voice for your radio station by contacting him through his website.Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jordan Heath Rawlings, host of the Big Story Podcast, returns to discuss the evolution of daily news podcasts over the past five years. We first had Jordan on the show in 2019 after year one on the show. Since then, he noted the increased competition and the shift to virtual interviews post-pandemic. There's simply more choice with outlets having rushed into the space after the success of the The Daily and The Big Story.The Big Story has evolved into video, releasing episodes on two YouTube channels, reaching 100,000 views, despite minimal video content. Some of the original challenges of balancing geographic and subject matter diversity, aiming for a balanced news diet. The Big Story remains majority Apple-listened, with Spotify growing. Notable guests over the last year include Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Peter Mansbridge.A Transcript and video version of the episode is available on the network page.Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the verbal diarrhea you never knew what you were missing in your life.Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show:Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data SolutionsMary Anne Ivison at Ivison Voice. - Make her the female voice of your radio station.Matt Fogarty Voiceovers - It's great to have Matt back for 2024 supporting our show. Make him the imaging voice for your radio station by contacting him through his website.Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Over a year after Matt recorded a Summer of Discontent - he looks back on a second summer of discontent which feature more radio stations closures on AM, small FM size stations and one FM station in Canada's #4 market. Also layoffs in Kingston and London, and across iHeart in the USA. Matt also wonders why no one in radio seems to talk much about the audience... Matt reaffirms that the Sound Off Podcast is about audience building and teases a few episodes in the works with Steve Pratt, Valerie Geller, and others. Sign up for Matt's Newsletter called Sounding Off Books mentioned: Tom Webster's Book - The Audience is Listening. Steve Pratt's Earn It. Valerie Geller's new book is coming soon. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jeff Umbro, is the founder of The Podglomerate, an award-winning podcast services firm specialized in production, marketing, and monetization of outstanding content.In this episode, we discussed his transition from book publicist to podcasting, highlighting the company's evolution since 2017. He emphasized the importance of podcast promotion, noting that cross-promos are effective but should not be the sole strategy. Jeff also shared his insights on video's role in podcasting, noting its potential for discovery and engagement. He also addressed the complexities of monetizing podcasts, including the challenges of dynamic ad insertion and the need for fair CPMs. Our conversation concludes with Jeff's plans to develop a dashboard for better data tracking and his ongoing client projects, including "Master Plan" and "A Fine Mess."Rather unintentional, but we discussed a promo swap we did back in 2019 between the Podglomerate's Storybound and Sound Off's Writing Class Radio, and what the ROI was.A Transcript and video version of the episode is available on the network page.Jeff also has a podcast called "Podcasting Perspectives" which goes even deeper into podcasting than this one does. And yes - he does video on Spotify and YouTube. Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the verbal diarrhea you never knew what you were missing in your life.Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show:Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data SolutionsMary Anne Ivison at Ivison Voice. - Make her the female voice of your radio station.Matt Fogarty Voiceovers - It's great to have Matt back for 2024 supporting our show. Make him the imaging voice for your radio station by contacting him through his website.Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sharon Taylor, Senior Vice President of Podcast Strategy and Product Operations at Triton, discusses her career journey from hospitality management to podcasting. She joined Omny Studio in 2016, initially on a contract basis, and later becoming CEO. Sharon highlights the evolution of Omny Studio from a radio tool to a comprehensive podcast platform, and its acquisition by Triton. She emphasizes the importance of brand safety and suitability in podcast advertising, and introduces Sounder, a tool developed by Triton to enhance contextual analysis and ad targeting. Sharon also touches on the challenges and opportunities for Canadian podcasters, noting the need for a unified approach and diverse revenue streams.We also spent some time discussing the power of mobility; she has moved on multiple occasions across numerous time zones. She's currently living in my hometown of Montreal where the food is the best in Canada. Her favourite restaurant? Nyk's Bistro on Bleury. (Not to be confused with the landmark Chez Nick's on Greene Avenue in Westmount) Take a date to Nyk's, take your mother to Nick's) Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show:Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data SolutionsMary Anne Ivison at Ivison Voice. - Make her the female voice of your radio station.Matt Fogarty Voiceovers - It's great to have Matt back for 2024 supporting our show. Make him the imaging voice for your radio station by contacting him through his website.Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company.Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Blubrry's CEO Todd Cochrane is back once again this week, and this time he's got a new toy he's eager to share: The Thrive bundle, Blubrry's first major foray into AI integration for podcasters. We begin by going over what exactly the Thrive bundle offers its users, including various AI-powered tools to help podcasters with tasks like episode planning, production, social media clips, and email.For those who fear AI will run the world someday, worry not. Anyone who's used the current suite of online AI tools certainly knows they're not a replacement for human input by any means, and the Thrive bundle isn't trying to be. Todd explains that the AI tools are simply designed to streamline the podcast production workflow, giving users a jumping-off point to help create show notes, descriptions, and other metadata quickly. We do, however, touch on the valid concern that people may attempt to create fully AI-generated podcasts using voice data, or replace sections of their podcasts with AI voiceover and pretend they didn't. The Thrive bundle doesn't provide these tools to begin with, but Todd also emphasizes the importance of full disclosure to the audience whenever AI tools are integrated in any form, a sentiment we at The Sound Off Media Company fully agree with.We also discuss Blubrry's competition in the AI field, and what makes the Thrive bundle stand apart in a sea of rushed-to-market AI tools, from its price to its comprehensive toolkit. If you, like me, are growing tired of paying for 6 different AI assistants and using maybe 20% of each one, the Thrive bundle may be the option for you.We take a slightly different direction in the latter half of the episode, moving to the topic of podcast discovery. Google's AI integration for its search engine is already making it trickier to find correct information quickly (see the "put glue on your pizza" incident), and Todd believes having a rich suite of metadata and SEO skills will continue to grow ever more important as time goes on.PROTIP: One of the podcasts Todd listens to on a regular basis to stay on top of AI is The Artificial Intelligence Show. A Transcript and video version of the episode is available on the network page.Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the verbal diarrhea you never knew what you were missing in your life.Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show:Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data SolutionsMary Anne Ivison at Ivison Voice. - Make her the female voice of your radio station.Matt Fogarty Voiceovers - It's great to have Matt back for 2024 supporting our show. Make him the imaging voice for your radio station by contacting him through his website.Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company.Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You likely know Dan Misener for his work in Podcasting - but I managed to trace his roots back to radio. Specifically, to CBC and shows like DNTO (Definitely Not the Opera) and Spark with Nora Young. His radio days actually stretch back a little further than that to campus radio at Dalhousie's CKDU in Halifax. But it was his time at Pacific Content where Dan began to explore audience development in the podcast space. Yes, he could have continued on making great sounding shows at places like the CBC, but what's the point if you aren't getting everyone to listen, right?In this episode we will discuss those early radio days and the natural transition to podcasting, the experimenting at the CBC with Spark, and the creation of a feedback loop for the show. We also spoke about the importance of the packaging of your podcast and how it appears in podcast catalogues and on a dashboard display in a vehicle. We also talked about some of the cool blogs that Dan has written, the very helpful Podcast XRay that was released earlier this year which helps you find out things about show's like release days, enclosure tags and the brand new analytics Dashboard from Bumper presents another look at podcast metrics focusing in consumption and verified listens to a show. Yes downloads are cool but have you ever appreciated the Time Spent Listening (TSL) to your show?Dan has given us a look into new Bumper Dashboard for their clients and we make a few observations about the Sound Off Podcast. Some we knew; some we did not.We also touched on some other lingering podcast questions like, does it matter what day of the week you release an episode, and what's the role in video for your show. The answer to both is... YES!I did not ask Dan about his feelings about Rogers (mis)handling the attempted shuttling of Pacific Content, nor the ensuing sale to Lower Street... there were podcast marketing strategies to pursue after all.A Transcript and video version of the episode is available on the network page. Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show:Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data SolutionsMary Anne Ivison at Ivison Voice. - Make her the female voice of your radio station.Matt Fogarty Voiceovers - It's great to have Matt back for 2024 supporting our show. Make him the imaging voice for your radio station by contacting him through his website.Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company.Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Carlota G is the midday host at 107.5 XTreme Radio in Vegas. We discussed her early career path in radio, starting as a vinyl collector in high school and later transitioning from a medical billing job and then into broadcasting. She was inspired by DJs like Dusty Street and Doug "Sluggo" Roberts of KROQ fame. Carlota shared stories of her early days in radio, including moving from Southern California to smaller markets like Porterville and Fresno to get her start. She quickly moved up to doing overnight shifts at age 22. We discussed the music scene in the 1990s, including the diversity of alternative radio and the impact of Napster. Carlota honed her interviewing and programming skills over the years, including a long tenure at KCRW.Carlota opened up about the challenges she faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, including losing her job and suffering long-term health effects. She praised her current boss, Cat Thomas, for his forward-thinking leadership.We also talked about the potential for revitalizing rock radio by blending alternative and rock music, and Carlota shared her experience of turning around the struggling X107.5 station in Las Vegas. She believes radio can make a comeback by focusing on community engagement, personality, and great music.A video and transcription of this episode can be found on our network page. Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show:Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data SolutionsMary Anne Ivison at Ivison Voice. - Make her the female voice of your radio station.Matt Fogarty Voiceovers - It's great to have Matt back for 2024 supporting our show. Make him the imaging voice for your radio station by contacting him through his website.Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company.Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

At least once a year I get the urge to do an episode about career management and what to do when there are mass layoffs from the impactful culprits like Bell, Audacy, iHeart, Corus, Rogers, or Cumulus. Yes these aren't the only companies that lay off staff but it feels worse when public companies do it. Over the last few months, Corus and Audacy have faced restructuring and rumours abound of being de-listed from their local stock exchange. If you are thinking a career change is inevitable, I have an episode 8 years in the making.I met Mac Prichard back in 2016 at Podcast Movement in Chicago. He had just started his podcast "Find Your Dream Job". Although the podcast is Portland, OR based, all the strategies and tactics to finding your dream job apply universally. In this episode, we will flashback to 2016 when I had no idea WTF I was going to do for work, and I appeared on Mac's show and they helped point me in the right direction. You'll also pick up some strategies on networking, applying for jobs, and managing your online presence. Yes, you need a LinkedIn Page. With that said, please connect to mine right now. Please subscribe to Mac's Podcast "Find Your Dream Job". PLEASE - share this episode with a friends who can benefit from all this amazing career advice. Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show:Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data SolutionsMary Anne Ivison at Ivison Voice. - Make her the female voice of your radio station.Matt Fogarty Voiceovers - It's great to have Matt back for 2024 supporting our show. Make him the imaging voice for your radio station by contacting him through his website.Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company.Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, I speak with Rob Grant from 101.5 Today Radio in Calgary. Back in 2022 I went to Spain and landed in Seville for the Copa Del Rey final between Real Betis and Valencia. On my Instagram I wondered why there were so many firecrackers going off. It was Rob who explained that it is the Valencian way of saying hello - it football terms. Over the years we have had football chats, and some radio ones as well. This conversation features some of the many things I love including radio, politics, history, and football. In fact - these could be my top 4 things to talk about.In this episode, Rob explains what hospital radio is, and how he wanted to do radio since the age of 9. We spend a little time discussing radio in Nelson, Kelowna, Edmonton and Calgary. He also made some prognostications for football and future elections.Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show:Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data SolutionsMary Anne Ivison at Ivison Voice. - Make her the female voice of your radio station.Matt Fogarty Voiceovers - It's great to have Matt back for 2024 supporting our show. Make him the imaging voice for your radio station by contacting him through his website.Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company.Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.