Episode Description - Join host Martin "Marv" Bel as he sits down with podcaster John from "What's Up with John and Rena" for an in-depth conversation about the evolution of podcasting, mental health awareness, and the art of authentic audio storytelling. From interviewing people on Skid Row to creating successful podcast partnerships, John shares his journey through the podcasting landscape and offers invaluable advice for aspiring podcasters.
Key Timestamps & Topics -
[00:00:00] - Introduction & Show Origins ● Welcome to Pods Like Us with Martin "Marv" Quibell ● Introduction to John and the "What's Up with John and Reena" show ● The confusing history and evolution of the podcast
[00:01:00] - Mental Health Journey & Podcast Genesis ● John's misdiagnosis story: from bipolar to depression and ADHD ● Living next to Skid Row in Los Angeles (2014) ● The birth of "Bipolar Style" podcast ● Cautionary tale about podcast naming and mental health stigma
[00:02:00] - RSS Feeds & Podcast Evolution ● Understanding RSS feeds as the backbone of podcasting ● Treating first podcast as "practice feed" ● Evolution from "Signal Jams" to "Deviant Lounge" to "What's Up" ● The importance of adaptability in podcasting
[00:03:00] - Partnership with Reena ● Meeting co-host Rena through Twitter/X ● Rena's background: Jerry Springer Show producer ● Creating a "super group" approach to podcasting ● The concept of podcasting as a "lounge for podcasters"
[00:04:00] - Content Strategy & Social Media ● Using X/Twitter for podcast guest discovery ● Topic selection process for episodes ● Recent discussions: cell phone bans in schools and concerts ● Organic conversation development
[00:05:00] - Editing Philosophy & Audience Retention ● Unique editing approach: cutting conversations mid-topic ● Background editing while gaming technique ● Achieving 110% completion rates vs. industry 70% ● The "shave and a haircut" psychological hook
[00:07:00] - "Daily Emotions" Era ● Transition from "Bipolar Style" to "Daily Emotions" ● The challenge of trauma dumping in mental health podcasts ● Learning when to pivot podcast focus ● The consuming nature of mental health content creation
[00:08:00] - Podcasting Influences & Inspirations ● Dean Delray's "Let There Be Talk" as major influence ● The power of reaching high-profile rock and metal guests ● Mark Marin's WTF show impact ● Transitioning from music industry to podcasting
[00:09:00] - Early Broadcasting Background ● High school radio station with actual transmitter ● Public access cable TV experience in San Francisco ● "Wayne's World" style local TV show ● The "simulation" approach to content creation
[00:12:00] - RSS & Download Philosophy ● RSS and downloadability as core podcast elements ● Avoiding "streaming subscription hell" ● 20 years of RSS technology celebration ● Focus on audio vs. video debates
[00:13:00] - Rena's Background & Skills ● Jerry Springer Show production experience ● Natural interviewing and listening abilities ● The maven quality: connecting people and opportunities ● Play-by-play vs. color commentary dynamic
[00:15:00] - Interview Dynamics Analysis ● Rena's therapeutic listening approach ● John's self-awareness about talking too much ● The balance between liberal and conservative perspectives ● Finding common ground through shared topics
[00:17:00] - Jerry Springer Connection ● Jerry Springer's appearance on "Better Call Daddy" ● Recognition of Rena's producer skills ● The importance of information gathering in production
[00:19:00] - Podcast Industry Observations ● Musicians vs. music industry people comparison ● Podcasters vs. podcast industry professionals ● The commodification of creative passion ● Live Nation experience and craft services anecdotes
[00:20:00] - Branding & Visual Identity ● The critical importance of podcast naming ● Etymology and word psychology in naming ● Domain availability considerations ● Logo design: "Does it look cool on a t-shirt?"
[00:21:00] - Music Rights & Audio Strategy ● The sticky nature of music rights in podcasting ● Recommendation for original music performance ● Minimalist intro approach vs. TV-style intros ● The power of simple audio stingers
[00:23:00] - Content Longevity & "Zombie Podcasts" ● Creating evergreen content without rights issues ● The concept of "zombie podcasts" living forever ● Authentic vs. polished AI content predictions ● The value of human authenticity
[00:25:00] - Life Experience as Research ● Being kicked out at 14 and learning independence ● Life experiences as natural podcast material ● The balance of sharing vs. professional discretion ● Using stage names and artistic personas
[00:27:00] - The Power of Memorable Names ●
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
Cardiac Cowboys
The heart was always off-limits to surgeons. Cutting into it spelled instant death for the patient. That is, until a ragtag group of doctors scattered across the Midwest and Texas decided to throw out the rule book. Working in makeshift laboratories and home garages, using medical devices made from scavenged machine parts and beer tubes, these men and women invented the field of open heart surgery. Odds are, someone you know is alive because of them. So why has history left them behind? Presented by Chris Pine, CARDIAC COWBOYS tells the gripping true story behind the birth of heart surgery, and the young, Greatest Generation doctors who made it happen. For years, they competed and feuded, racing to be the first, the best, and the most prolific. Some appeared on the cover of Time Magazine, operated on kings and advised presidents. Others ended up disgraced, penniless, and convicted of felonies. Together, they ignited a revolution in medicine, and changed the world.