“If the marketplace is already crowded with podcasts that sound great, you’re going to have to start at that level.” — Mark Hunter
Mark started way back in 2005, long before smartphones, video podcasts, or even basic podcast apps. Speaking to someone who has seen the entire evolution of the industry really opened my eyes to how much has changed… and how much hasn’t.
What I loved most about this conversation is how aligned we are on the fundamentals:
great audio, strong visuals, and a clear point of differentiation are no longer optional. They’re the minimum standard. And both of us have learned—sometimes the hard way—that the way you sound and look directly affects whether sponsors, listeners, and algorithms take you seriously.
Key Talking Points
- How Podcasting Has Evolved Since 2005: Mark explains how podcasting started as a grassroots movement with almost no technology
- Why Standing Out Is More Important Than Ever: With millions of active shows, you must differentiate through sound quality, personality, format, or production.
- The Rise of Solo Episodes: Mark and I both agree: solo episodes are the fastest way to build authority and separate yourself in a crowded market.
- Sound Quality Is Your First Impression: If your audio isn’t clean, warm, and well-recorded, listeners will scroll past you—no matter how good your content is.
- Video Is Now Essential for Growth: Even if your show is audio-first, video is the marketing tool that gets you discovered on TikTok, Reels, Shorts, and LinkedIn.
Chapters & Timestamps
- 00:00 – The OG Era of Podcasting
- 03:00 – The Explosion of Podcasts & Why It’s Not “Too Crowded”
- 08:00 – What Actually Makes a Show Stand Out in 2025
- 12:00 – Solo Episodes: The Hidden Advantage
- 18:00 – The Truth About Audio Quality
- 26:00 – Why Video Is No Longer Optional
Email me (niall@sevenmillionbikes.com) or contact me on Seven Million Bikes Podcasts Facebook or Instagram to book your free Podcast Audit!
Thanks to James Mastroianni from The Wrong Side Of Hollywood for the endorsement!
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