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What makes a podcast truly powerful — and worth your time? In this episode of Leveraging Thought Leadership, Peter Winick sits down with Ryan Estes, co-founder of Wildcast and Kitcaster, to unpack what separates a great podcast guest — and host — from the rest. Ryan's work connects CEOs, founders, and thought leaders to the right audiences through strategic podcast placement. His mission: to turn conversations into meaningful distribution. Ryan explains why founder-led marketing outperforms brand marketing — by as much as 80%. He reveals how showing up authentically on podcasts isn't just about exposure; it's about building credibility, creating demand, and sparking conversations that open doors to your ideal clients. Together, Peter and Ryan explore what makes a podcast worth appearing on. It's not about chasing the biggest show or the biggest name — it's about relevance. For many business leaders, the right niche podcast might be the only place where all their potential buyers are listening. Ryan walks through how to identify the right shows for your goals, the importance of energy and chemistry in a podcast conversation, and how to develop the skills — from delivery to lighting — that make you a guest worth remembering. They also discuss the “guest hygiene” problem: why so many smart leaders fail to prepare properly, neglect to promote their episodes, or treat podcasts like disposable media hits. Ryan argues that building a personal distribution network — your own voice, audience, and presence — is an investment that carries over to every project, every company, and every new venture. If you've been thinking about launching a podcast, or becoming a sought-after guest, this episode is your roadmap to doing it right — and doing it with purpose. Three Key Takeaways: • Founder-led marketing drives results. When leaders speak directly to audiences through podcasts, their message builds far more trust and engagement than traditional brand marketing. • Relevance beats reach. The best podcasts for business growth aren't always the biggest — they're the ones where your ideal buyers actually listen and engage. • Consistency builds credibility. Thought leaders who prepare well, promote their episodes, and keep showing up authentically develop a personal brand that outlasts any single company or project. If this conversation inspired you to think differently about using your voice and platform, take the next step by listening to our episode with Srinivas Rao. He dives deep into how creativity, curiosity, and personal expression fuel powerful thought leadership. Discover how to build an audience that connects with your ideas — not just your brand. Listen here.
The Star's Justin Spears and Michael Lev put a bow on Arizona's double-overtime loss to No. 18 BYU and answer mailbag questions.
The Star's Justin Spears and Michael Lev preview the Arizona-BYU football game at Arizona Stadium, which could be the biggest home game of Brent Brennan's career. Jordan Hamm from Sports360AZ joins later in the pod for Big 12 Bonanza! (Note: the podcast was recorded before UA lost defensive end Tre Smith for the season and Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt was listed as doubtful.)
Following Arizona's dominant victory over Oklahoma State, the Star's Justin Spears and Michael Lev discuss all things UA football and answer your mailbag questions, as the Wildcats turn their attention to No. 18 BYU.
The Star's Justin Spears and Michael Lev are joined by Sports360AZ's Jordan Hamm for a look at the Big 12 football schedule. Plus, an in-depth preview of Arizona's Big 12 home opener against Oklahoma State.
The Star's Justin Spears and Michael Lev discuss all things Arizona football following the Wildcats' 39-14 loss to Iowa State. Plus, the guys answer your mailbag questions.
The Star's Justin Spears and Michael Lev discuss all things Arizona-Iowa State football ahead of the Wildcats' Big 12 opener in Ames. Plus, a look at other games around the conference.
In the latest episode of The Wildcast, the guys discuss the current state of Arizona football and answer mailbag questions. Plus, a look at the Big 12 slate.
The Star's Justin Spears and Michael Lev are joined by Jordan Hamm from Sports360AZ to preview the Arizona-Kansas State matchup in Tucson, along with other notable games in the Big 12.
Ahead of Arizona's second nonconference game against Weber State in Tucson, the Star's Justin Spears and Michael Lev discuss all things UA football and predict notable Big 12 football games this week.
What did we learn from Arizona's 40-6 win over Hawaii? The Star's Justin Spears and Michael Lev recap the UA-Hawaii season opener and answer your mailbag questions!
FOOTBALL SEASON IS BACK! The Star's Justin Spears and Michael Lev analyze Arizona's depth chart and discuss all things UA football heading into the season opener against Hawaii. Plus, Jordan Hamm from Sports360AZ makes his Wildcast debut to preview Arizona-Hawaii and other games in the Big 12 for Big 12 Bonanza!
The Star's Justin Spears and Michael Lev provide updates from Arizona football training camp and look over every position group.
The Star's Justin Spears and Michael Lev break down every position group ahead of Arizona football training camp — and all the important storylines entering the 2025 season.
Arizona's first year in the Big 12 has officially come to an end and there's plenty of people and moments to highlight. The Star's Justin Spears and Michael Lev give out awards for the UA's best athletes, coach, team and moment.
Host Michael Lev is joined by D1Baseball writer Shotgun Spratling to break down the 2025 College World Sereis. The two discuss the revival of West Coast baseball, analyze the Arizona-Coastal Carolina matchup and give their predictions for how it'll all go down in Omaha.
Season 8 Episode 37 *** SOME ECHO DURING THE MOCK DRAFT, BUT GETS BETTER AS WE GO*** DRAFT SEASON IS UPON US!! Quick Question...you only get on meal..what would it be?!?! News and Notes from Around from around the Q as the CHL are getting new jerseys with UA as the new sponsor, the Draft is upon us so that means TRADES, & new world with NCAA defections and additions. View From The Other Bench (presented by Alphas Appliance Solutions) had us talking QMJHL DRAFT with Austin Robson of Puck Preps as he and Jeremy go back and forth in our 8th annual QMJHL Round 1 Mock Draft Weekly Rewind (presented by Waterworks Pools & Spas) as the Memorial Cup comes to an end, we look back on the tournament for the Wildcats and look ahead a little bit to the off-season ! ENJOY!! Follow Wildcast Podcast across all social media platforms: Facebook: / wildcastpodcast Instagram: / wildcastpodcast Twitter/X: / monctonwildcast TikTok: / wildcastpodcast Our Podcast is brought to you by our wonderful sponsors: Discount Flooring Services: www.discountflooringcentre.ca Waterworks Pools & Spas: www.waterworkspools.com Alpha's Appliance Solutions: www.appliancesolutions.ca Eric Murray - Greater Moncton Realtor Facebook : www.facebook.com/ericmurrayrealtor Rosemary Lynn's Massage & Spa Facebook Page: / www.facebook.com/RLmassage1/
The Star's Justin Spears and Michael Lev talk all things Arizona baseball as the Wildcats enter the NCAA Tournament. Plus, other UA athletics updates and a look at local sports coverage.
Host Michael Lev is joined by Arizona Daily Star colleague Bruce Pascoe to discuss the latest developments regarding Arizona men's basketball. How does Carter Bryant's expected departure impact the Wildcats for 2025-26? What can be expected of Motiejus Krivas? Is Arizona's schedule too ambitious or just right? Michael and Bruce break it all down.
Host Michael Lev is joined by former Arizona pitcher and current ESPN analyst Kenzie Fowler to talk all things UA softball as the Wildcats prepare for their first Big 12 Championship. Michael and Kenzie discuss Devyn Netz's stellar season, why this is Caitlin Lowe's best team, how the Big 12 compares to the Pac-12, the potential for the AUSL and more.
Batter up, fellow baseball enthusiasts! Host Michael Lev and special guest Jamie Plunkett of Horned Frog Blitz break down the Arizona-TCU series and discuss the state of the sport across the Big 12 Conference. Jamie also explains how he derived a formula for Wins Above Replacement to assess the performance of the league's players.
The Star's Justin Spears and Michael Lev put a bow on Arizona spring football, discuss transfer portal needs and look ahead to the NFL Draft. What is the perfect landing spot for Arizona receiver Tetairoa McMillan?
The Star's Justin Spears and Michael Lev discuss why Brayden Burries committing to Arizona has the Wildcats in the national championship picture, and why UA women's basketball coach Adia Barnes left for SMU. Plus, a look at a few rising prospects for Arizona football this spring. (Video by Justin Spears / Arizona Daily Star)
The Star's Justin Spears and Michael Lev recap the Arizona basketball season and discuss pertinent storylines in the world of UA athletics, including takeaways from the first two weeks of Arizona spring football. (This episode was recorded prior to Henri Veesaar entering the transfer portal)
How far will the Arizona Wildcats go in the NCAA Tournament? How will the vibes be at the WBIT game at McKale Center for UA women's basketball? Plus, a recap of Arizona football's first spring practice — and the new-look offense — and Tetairoa McMillan's NFL Draft stock.
The Arizona men's basketball is playing in its first Big 12 Tournament this week. The Star's Bruce Pascoe is on the scene in Kansas City, Mo., and he joins host Michael Lev to talk about the vibe in K.C. and what to expect from the Wildcats now that "McKale North" is no longer. The two also discuss KJ Lewis, Trey Townsend and Carter Bryant, plus whether Jaden Bradley was snubbed in the annual Big 12 postseason awards.
The Star's Justin Spears and Michael Lev discuss the jam-packed weekend in Arizona Wildcats athletics and Tucson sports. Between the UA, the World Baseball Classic qualifiers and the NFL Scouting Combine, there's plenty of events to keep track of this weekend.
The Arizona men's basketball team ended a two-game skid with a big road victory at Baylor. The Star's Bruce Pascoe was on the scene, and he joined host Michael Lev to break down the game and what it means for the Wildcats moving forward. The pair discuss Arizona's lineup change, the emergence of Henri "Hank" Veesaar, the vibe in Waco, Bruce's trip to Buc-ee's and more.
Host Michael Lev is joined by Brian Pedersen of AZ Desert Swarm to preview the 2025 Arizona Wildcats baseball season, which begins Friday against Ole Miss in the Shriners Children's College Showdown in Arlington, Texas. Michael and Brian break down the UA pitching staff (including the initial weekend rotation), discuss lineup possibilities and assess the job Chip Hale has done so far. Does he need to win an NCAA regional to win over fans and earn a contract extension?
The Star's Justin Spears and Michael Lev analyze the Arizona football schedule in Brent Brennan's second season, along with the 2025 recruiting class. Plus, UA's history at the Super Bowl and a new update with Arizona Daily Star sports!
The Arizona women's basketball team has a three-game winning streak, an above-.500 record in Big 12 play and positive momentum entering Friday's game at Utah. But will it be enough to get off the bubble and into the NCAA Tournament? The Star's Michael Lev and PJ Brown break it all down. Plus: The pair give a sneak preview of the upcoming softball season.
The Star's Justin Spears and Michael Lev break down the Arizona football offseason and how the Wildcats are faring since the season ended, from the transfer portal to coaching staff changes. Plus, the guys answer your mailbag questions discuss other UA-related topics.
The Arizona men's basketball team is back in Tucson after sweeping Cincinnati and West Virginia on the road - and so is our "Winter Soldier," Bruce Pascoe, who joins Michael Lev to break down what's going right for the Wildcats. Bruce and Michael talk about lineup configurations, Caleb Love's enigmatic play, recruiting news and a whole lot more.
The Star's Justin Spears and Michael Lev reflect on a wild year for the Arizona athletic department. Plus, a current look at Arizona football's transfer portal additions and why Seth Doege is the right hire at offensive coordinator. Should Arizona fans root for ASU in the College Football Playoff?
We begin "the second 500" with an episode devoted to Arizona women's basketball. Host Michael Lev is joined by women's hoops beat writer P.J. Brown to break down the Wildcats' season so far. The two look at the big picture, analyze the performance of "the core four" and discuss Adia Barnes' future in Tucson.
WE'RE HALFWAY TO 1,000 EPISODES! Former Arizona Daily Star sports editor Ryan Finley joins the Star's Justin Spears and Michael Lev to reminisce on the Wildcast's journey to 500 episodes and the last seven years in the world of Arizona Wildcats athletics. Plus, does the college football offseason, transfer portal and rules need fixing? What are some realistic solutions?
Michael Lev and Bruce Pascoe discuss all things Arizona men's basketball ahead of the Wildcats' matchup against UCLA in Phoenix on Saturday, Dec. 14. Topics include the season to date, roles and rotations, and Bruce's tales from the road.
The Star's Justin Spears and Michael Lev reflect on Arizona football's first season under Brent Brennan following a 42-point beatdown in the Territorial Cup. Did Arizona make the smart move retaining Brennan? What's next for the Wildcats as they enter the offseason? Plus, a look at the UA's 2025 recruiting class and a prediction for the Big 12 championship battle between Arizona State and Iowa State.
The Star's Justin Spears and Michael Lev preview the Territorial Cup showdown at Arizona Stadium. Can the Arizona Wildcats play spoiler and prevent ASU from the Big 12 title game? What would a win mean for the Wildcats? Plus, a look at some X (Twitter) mailbag questions and a preview of the Big 12 football slate.
The Star's Justin Spears and Michael Lev preview the Arizona-TCU football matchup in Fort Worth and discuss important things to look out for. Plus, a quick preview of the Arizona-Duke basketball game and the Big 12 football slate.
The Star's Justin Spears and Michael Lev look back on Arizona football's 27-3 win over Houston, along with the UA basketball's loss to Wisconsin and other topics.
The Star's Justin Spears and Michael Lev break down the Arizona-Houston football game and the ramifications of the result. Plus, a look at other Big 12 football games happening this week. (Video by Justin Spears / Arizona Daily Star)
The Star's Justin Spears and Michael Lev look over the layers of issues within the Arizona football program during the Wildcats' five-game losing streak. Plus, the guys answer your mailbag questions and predict the Big 12 football slate.
Arizona football hits the road to face UCF in Orlando for the "Space Game." Will the Wildcats snap their four-game losing streak or will the Knights end their five-game losing streak? The Star's Justin Spears, Michael Lev and Brett Fera preview the UA-UCF game, among other battles in the Big 12.
The Star's Justin Spears and Michael Lev look back on Arizona football's 31-26 loss to West Virginia. Did the offense make progress in the fourth quarter or was it fool's gold? Can the Wildcats win three games in the next four attempts? Plus, the guys answer your mailbag questions.
After losing its last three games, can the wounded Arizona Wildcats (3-4) end the drought and beat the West Virginia Mountaineers (3-4) in Tucson? The Star's Justin Spears and Michael Lev preview Saturday's game at Arizona Stadium, along with other games in the Big 12.
The Star's Justin Spears and Michael Lev look back on Arizona's 34-7 loss to the Colorado Buffaloes and the Wildcats' issues on offense. And injuries. So. Many. Injuries. Plus, the guys answer your mailbag questions. (Subscribe to The Wildcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify)
The Star's Justin Spears and Michael Lev break down and preview the Arizona-Colorado matchup for homecoming. Plus, a look at a fully-loaded Big 12 football slate.
The Star's Justin Spears and Michael Lev dissect the current state of Arizona football following the Wildcats' blowout loss to BYU. Plus, answering some of your mailbag questions.
The Star's Justin Spears and Michael Lev preview Arizona's matchup with 14th-ranked BYU in Provo. Plus, a look at the Big 12 football slate this week.