Smarter Podcasting: Making Podcasts Better

Smarter Podcasting: Making Podcasts Better

<br>Welcome to Smarter Podcasting, by Niall Mackay, The Podcast Guy, founder of Seven Million Bikes Podcasts.<br/><br>Niall has years of experience in podcasting, producing, editing, and hosting podcasts in various fields. He’s now on a mission to help podcasters create, publish, and build their communities through podcasting by sharing the techniques and lessons he’s learned.<br/><br>The show is designed to provide valuable insights and practical tips for any podcaster, whether they are individuals or businesses. Niall shares his tried and tested techniques for creating, publishing, and building a show, along with success stories of his own and his clients’ podcasts. <br/><br>Whether you’re interested in starting a podcast or improving an existing one, Smarter Podcasting is a great free resource to help you.<br/><br>Join Niall on this podcasting journey by subscribing or following Smarter Podcasting today.<br/>

Episodes

April 28, 2025 20 mins

"The best way to monetize your podcast? Offer something only you can deliver." - Niall Mackay

I’m incredibly proud of this episode because it’s not just talk — it’s action. I put my money where my mouth is and launched two offers directly to my audience: the Podcast Launch Lab and the Podcast Makeover. Rather than waiting for sponsorships or chasing downloads, I showed that you can monetize your podcast by sellin...

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“If your number one goal is to make money from your podcast, then you’ve already made the wrong decision.”

In this episode, I break down one of the biggest myths in podcasting — that it's a quick way to make money.

Too many blogs and YouTube videos will tell you to start a podcast as a “side hustle.” But here’s the truth: podcasting takes time, effort, and love for the medium. If you’re only in it for the money, you’re likely to...

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“You don’t need a camera crew or a studio—just text, an idea, and Descript’s AI can turn it into a video that actually grabs attention.”

Listen to this episode and I’ll tell you about one of the coolest new tools from Descript: its AI text-to-video feature. If you’ve ever struggled with creating video content for your podcast or business—or if you're just short on time—this tool could be a game changer. I walk you thr...

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"Your podcast isn’t just audio—it’s content waiting to be repurposed across multiple platforms. Leverage it wisely!"

In this episode, we talked about how podcasters can maximize their reach using social media. Many creators focus solely on publishing episodes, hoping listeners will find them. But in reality, your podcast's success hinges on strategic promotion. Social media isn’t just about sharing links; it’s about s...

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March 17, 2025 30 mins

"Podcasting changed my life. It opened doors I never imagined—and it can do the same for you."

This episode is actually a re-upload, but it’s one I knew I had to bring back. Consistency is key in podcasting, and while I wasn’t able to record something new this week, I didn’t want to leave you without value. This episode is packed with 25 actionable tips to help you grow your podcast—whether you’re just starting o...

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"Good podcasting is about generously communicating and showing up for your listener and being able to deliver them really good value. " - Mark Steadman

If you’re a podcaster, new or experienced, this podpast episode will change the way you approach your craft. 

This episode with Mark Steadman was an absolute masterclass in podcasting. His insights on putting the listener first have completely reshaped th...

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"48% of podcasts on Apple Podcasts have fewer than 10 episodes. Podfade is real, but it doesn’t have to happen to you."

If you’ve ever worried about running out of content or losing momentum, this episode is a must-listen.

This episode is packed with insights every podcaster needs—especially if you want your show to last beyond the first few episodes. So many podcasts start strong but quickly fade away because of poor plann...

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This conversation with Nick Thomson was an absolute masterclass in why businesses need to start thinking about podcasting as a key marketing tool. Nick brought such a fresh and insightful perspective, particularly around the idea that podcasting isn't just about downloads—it's about brand awareness, networking, and positioning yourself as an authority in your field.

One of the things I loved about this episode was how we t...

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February 17, 2025 38 mins

“Invest a little bit in a good microphone, know what you're doing, how to use it and make the best content and make the best quality content that you can. Trust me, it will make a massive difference.” 

I was absolutely blown away when I discovered A Vietnam Podcast had reached the top 5% of podcasts globally. It’s been a rollercoaster—figuring out what works, what doesn’t, and most importantly, learning to appreciate the proces...

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February 10, 2025 37 mins

“ No one's going to say no for an interview because every SME owner needs that awareness.” - Joel Zorrilla

LinkedIn was a platform I had overlooked for years, and now I realize the massive potential it has for podcasters. My guest, Joel Zorrilla, gave some incredible insights that not only validated my experiences but also opened my eyes to strategies I hadn't even considered.

One of the biggest takeaways for me w...

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 "This is what podcasting will become - it will become second nature for all businesses to have one." 


Podcasting has evolved into an essential tool for businesses, and I firmly believe that it will soon be as indispensable as having a website. Just a few years ago, businesses could get away with not having an online presence, but now? It’s unthinkable. Podcasting is heading in the same direction. If you're not a...

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January 27, 2025 22 mins

“One of the biggest barriers to people starting their own podcast is because of the equipment needed to start their own show..”

I wanted to inspire anyone considering starting a podcast in 2025 with this episode. Podcasting changed my life—what began as a hobby is now a thriving business that connects me with people across the globe. 

The barriers to starting your own show are lower than ever, and the opportunities are endless. From ...

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January 20, 2025 19 mins

“If someone came to me and asked for advice on a podcast room, I'd say carpet, no tiles, no windows, make it nice and cozy and tight to stop that sound reverberating around.”

This episode really showcases how you don't need a perfect studio setup to create professional-quality podcasts. When I started in 2019 with just a Blue Yeti mic and an old MacBook Pro, I never imagined I'd be helping produce over 700 episodes an...

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 ”Once it's animated or once it has a video component, it's no longer cheap. And the reason is because I think cheap television has certain characteristics which a narrative podcast doesn't.” - Guang Jin

Talking to Guang Jin absolutely blew my mind. He didn’t just share his journey—he redefined how we should think about podcasting in the modern age. His insights into transitioning from audio-only to video were like a ...

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Stop killing yourself trying to create content for every platform—repurpose and leverage what you already have. - Lyndsay Phillips

Talking to Lyndsay Phillips was a masterclass in transforming the way we think about podcasting. Lyndsay Phillips brought an incredible wealth of knowledge, showing how a single episode can be repurposed into an ecosystem of content that drives visibility, nurtures leads, and builds authority. 

I was blow...

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"A podcast isn’t just a tool for talking; it’s a platform to share stories that inspire, educate, and connect people." – Niall Mackay

Nina’s courage in embracing feedback, her openness to learning, and her unwavering dedication to amplifying women's voices made this episode a standout.

 What really impressed me was her willingness to dive into the details, from improving her podcast's structure to sharpening her s...

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"The people that are going to consume your short form videos are probably a hundred to a thousand times more than the people who actually consume your content."

This episode was a real turning point for me. It made me realize just how powerful YouTube can be for podcasters—not just for video, but for reaching entirely new audiences in ways I hadn’t fully appreciated before. I used to think podcasts were strictly ...

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“Don’t underestimate who you can get—leaders in their field want to share their expertise with a dedicated audience.” - Hugh Hiemstra

Talking to Hugh Hiemstra was truly a game-changer for me, both as a podcaster and someone who’s constantly looking for ways to improve the creative process. Hugh brought incredible insights into the power of curiosity and authentic questions in creating meaningful conversations. He emphasized how goin...

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“It’s not about the beer anymore—it’s about the kind of meaningful conversations you’d have over a beer with a friend.”

This episode with Steve Holloway truly left me inspired and motivated. Hearing Steve’s journey from starting Between Two Beers in a Hamilton garage with no expectations to building an award-winning podcast with millions of downloads is the ultimate proof that with the right mindset and strategy, success i...

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“In podcasting, it’s not about downloads; it’s about creating meaningful engagement.” 

I talk with Harry Morton, founder of Lower Street Media, to explore the future of brand storytelling through podcasting. With over 7,000 episodes produced and high-profile clients like PepsiCo and Fidelity, Harry shares insider strategies for using podcasting to build brand credibility, boost audience loyalty, and attract high-quality leads.

Togeth...

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