Smarter Podcasting: Making Podcasts Better

"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...

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...

“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...

“ 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...

 "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...

“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 ...

“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...

 ”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 ...

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...

"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...

"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 ...

“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...

“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...

“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...

Niall Mackay, The Podcast Guy, shares his journey from starting a podcast about Saigon in 2019 to running a successful, end-to-end podcast production agency.

Niall discusses the evolution of his podcast, including rebranding it to focus on Vietnam as a whole, and how he navigated significant challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. 

He emphasizes the importance of setting specific goals, learning to say no, and focu...

"Podcasting is a window to my world, and through it, I’ve met people I never imagined I’d connect with."

Niall Mackay sits down with Radim Malinic, a creative designer, best-selling author, and the host of Creativity for Sale, now called Mindful Creative. They explore Radim's journey from his initial struggles with podcasting to building a platform that has reached listeners in 85 countries. Radim shares how the mediu...

"Podcast audiences absolutely love consistency." - Charlotte Lewis-West

Niall Mackay sits down with podcast strategist Charlotte Lewis-West to uncover the keys to effective podcast planning and promotion. With years of experience in radio journalism and podcast consultancy, Charlotte shares invaluable insights on developing a solid podcast strategy, understanding your audience, and leveraging various platforms for promotio...

Podcasts have revolutionized how we consume content, providing a platform for storytelling, education, entertainment, and conversations that span the globe. 

Today is International Podcast Day, September 30, is a time to honor the incredible impact podcasting has had on our lives.

As a podcaster myself, I’ve seen firsthand how this unique medium can create connections, foster communities, and amplify voices that might otherwise go un...

I thought I knew content creation, but podcasting taught me so much more." – Michelle O’Brien

Niall Mackay provides a comprehensive audit of Michelle O'Brien’s podcast,”The Upward Spiral Podcast”. Michelle, a marketing professional who transformed her life after giving up alcohol two years ago. She also shares her journey from being a casual drinker to living a sober life, explaining how even a small reduction in alcohol c...