Using Ads to Monetize Your Podcast

In this special episode swap, Heather Osgood joins Sam Brake Guia on the Mics to Millions podcast for an insightful conversation about what it really takes to monetize a podcast through advertising. As the founder of True Native Media, Heather brings a wealth of experience to the discussion, breaking down the evolving landscape of podcast monetization—from programmatic ads to host-read endorsements and everything in between. Key topics covered in this episode: The pros and cons of programmatic vs. host-read ads Why mid-sized health podcasts are becoming increasingly attractive to advertisers How to build long-term, authentic sponsor relationships Choosing between baked-in and dynamic ad formats What advertisers are truly looking for when they invest in podcasts Smart monetization strategies for shows with fewer than 5,000 downloads per episode Whether you're a seasoned podcaster or just starting to explore ad revenue opportunities, this episode offers clear, practical advice to help you build a sustainable and values-aligned monetization strategy.