In this week's episode of The Podcast Trapper, we’re continuing our “How They Built This” series and welcoming two incredible guests. Chris "C Jay" Williams and Quyana "QB" Barrow are here from Culturalist Theory - a thriving media and entertainment company that delves into the rich tapestry of contemporary culture. On the Culturalist Theory Youtube channel, C Jay and QB provide the highest quality production-quality video rankings for R&B albums on the internet. Their videos are well-resear...
Oct 11, 2023•36 min•Season 1Ep. 40
In this episode of The Podcast Trapper, host Ona Oghogho shares her exciting journey of moving into a new studio space. As a transparent and innovative entrepreneur, Ona discusses the challenges and lessons she learned from her previous studio locations. She dives into the financial aspects, marketing strategies, and the decision to focus solely on podcasting. Ona also shares how her faith played an important role in guiding her through the process and preparing her for the unexpected. This epis...
Sep 20, 2023•22 min•Season 1Ep. 33
In this episode of "The Podcast Trapper," host Ona Oghogho shares her journey leading up to the highly anticipated Blk Pod Festival 2023. She reflects on the challenges of planning the festival in 2022, particularly the stress caused by opening a new studio while organizing the event. Ona opens up about her initial doubts and reveals that she considered canceling the conference. However, she discusses how her passion for podcasting and her commitment to her community pushed her to find a way to ...
Sep 13, 2023•16 min•Season 1Ep. 32
In this week's episode of The Podcast Trapper, I'm talking about how I market my podcast studio. I know a lot of people are interested in opening their own studio, and while finding a space and equipment is important, marketing is equally crucial. I focus on two aspects: ads and content. I don't do social media ads, but instead, I use Hulu and YouTube ads to target specific areas and demographics. I also create high-quality content that showcases the studio and its capabilities. This approach ha...
Sep 13, 2023•14 min•Season 1Ep. 25
In this week's episode of The Podcast Trapper, I'm discussing podcast growth tactics and marketing strategies that I feel are not talked about enough. As a podcast producer I worked with anywhere from 25 to 50 podcasts in a given two to three month period, and I've seen some tactics that work across the board. In this episode, I'll be sharing some of those tactics, including the importance of social media, being a guest on other podcasts, promo swaps, feed drops, and directories and more. So, if...
Aug 09, 2023•15 min•Season 1Ep. 26
In this week's episode of The Podcast Trapper, I am welcoming an incredible guest who I admire very much: Michelle Khouri. Michelle is the Founder & CEO and the Executive Producer of FRQNCY Media . Her first client was Coca-Cola - and since then, FRQNCY has produced podcasts for Apple, Spotify, TurboTax, Vox Creative, Diane Von Furstenburg, iHeartMedia, Olaplex and more. Today she’s also giving us a sneak peek into Recordical , a new business she’s launching--designed specifically for audio ...
Aug 02, 2023•52 min•Season 1Ep. 31
In this week's episode of The Podcast Trapper, I discuss an essential step in podcasting: Providing a seamless guest experience. As a podcast producer, I see the same mistakes made time and time again when people host guests on their shows - don’t let this be you! Don’t allow your guests to show up confused, blindsided or unsatisfied with your professionalism. Instead, make sure they leave happy every time. These tips will help you build real, lasting industry connections! This episode highlight...
Jul 26, 2023•16 min•Season 1Ep. 30
In this week's episode of The Podcast Trapper, I’m addressing a hot topic: The undeniable power of AI tools for podcasting! Our videographer Matthew is joining us in this episode to discuss our favorite AI tools for the four stages of podcast production: Ideation, Audio, Video and Content Creation. We’ll recommend tools you may want to check out in the production of your own show, and share some of the pros and cons of these popular AI tools. Some people are excited about the AI takeover. Others...
Jul 19, 2023•20 min•Season 1Ep. 29
In this week's episode of The Podcast Trapper, I have a hot take for you. Indie creators and fellow community-builders: Nobody owes us anything! More than once, I have seen creators chastising their audience, frustrated that they are not liking, subscribing, commenting, purchasing, following, or listening. Especially as we head into a recession, I’m here to give you a pep talk. Frustration is at an all-time high and while your feelings are valid, they might not be as productive as you think. The...
Jul 12, 2023•16 min•Season 1Ep. 28
In this 2 part episode of The Podcast Trapper with Lloyd George, he dives into the evolving landscape of the podcast industry. They address the recent developments, including financial investments, ad sponsorships, and the overall growth. While acknowledging the changes, they view them as opportunities for creative and smart individuals to thrive. They highlight the increasing integration between platforms, such as podcasting and YouTube, as creators find alternative ways to monetize their conte...
Jul 06, 2023•46 min•Season 1Ep. 27
In this episode of "The Podcast Trapper," what was supposed to be Ona discussing with Lloyd George about how he built his platform, quickly turned into Lloyd putting Ona in the hot seat to share more about herself and experiences. This conversation was so good that it went on for two hours hence e, take a moment to tune into part one as Ona and Lloyd discuss the ups and downs of being a content creator and the importance of building relationships, considering what value you can offer in a potent...
Jun 28, 2023•43 min•Season 1Ep. 26
In this week's episode of The Podcast Trapper, I'm asking an important question: Do you still want to attend podcast conferences?! Today we’re facing this question head-on and asking ourselves what value they offer, why they create connections in marginalized communities and how we can reimagine conference hosting if we decide to do so. I discuss the role race plays in podcast conference funding (predominantly white podcast conferences have not been getting canceled, just saying…) and shining a ...
Jun 21, 2023•21 min•Season 1Ep. 25
In this episode of The Podcast Trapper, I discuss my top strategies for pitching to sponsors! Landing incredible sponsors is easier than you think. Grab a notebook and learn from my experience as a podcaster and producer. As independent creators, we often get intimidated by sponsorships - but after this episode, you’ll be ready to get out there and connect with the perfect sponsor for your brand. I’ll discuss how to know when your show is ready, what details to include in your pitch deck, and wh...
Jun 14, 2023•17 min•Season 1Ep. 24
In this episode of The Podcast Trapper, I'm discussing how to avoid and deal with difficult clients. As an entrepreneur and podcast producer, I've had my fair share of client missteps, but I've learned how to protect myself and spot red flags early on! I'll be sharing tips on how to handle clients who are not willing to follow your processes and procedures and why it's important to put your foot down. I'll also be discussing the first red flag to look out for when meeting potential clients. So, ...
Jun 07, 2023•14 min•Season 1Ep. 23
In this episode of The Podcast Trapper, I discuss the difference between partnerships and sponsorships. While sponsorships are transactional and involve exchanging money for metrics and reach, partnerships are mutually advantageous and can involve exchanging resources, networks, and advocacy. As independent creatives, it's easy to focus solely on sponsorships for financial gain, but partnerships can be just as important for building relationships and expanding reach. I share my personal experien...
May 31, 2023•10 min•Season 1Ep. 22
In this episode of the Podcast Trapper, I'm talking about the importance of contracts and legal teams in protecting your business. As I grow as a business owner, I'm realizing the need to have the right tools in my arsenal to protect myself, my team, and my assets. I'll be discussing some key contracts that I have in place, such as client work contracts, and why they're important. If you're an independent creator or looking to turn your passion for podcasting into a business, this episode is for...
May 24, 2023•15 min•Season 1Ep. 21
Today on the show, you get to meet the two most important and influential people in my life: My parents! In this episode, my mom and dad are joining me to discuss family and business. I’ll be asking my parents about their reaction when I decided to leave corporate America, their biggest fears when I started a business of my own, and what advice they would give to parents whose children are strong-willed and creative. Plus - they will try, on air, to describe what it is that I do for a living., g...
May 17, 2023•42 min•Season 1Ep. 20
Events are back in a big way. Today on the show, I want to discuss why you should host a live event for your podcast - and I’ll even share some resources to help you get started! I recently helped a client host a live show. It was a great experience and it reminded me just how invigorating a live show can be for your brand. However, I’ve discovered that many podcasters feel intimidated by the prospect of hosting a live show. It doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. In this episode I’ll disc...
May 10, 2023•12 min•Season 1Ep. 19
Today you get to meet the team behind The Podcast Trapper! In this episode, I put our production team at Adode Media into the hot seat. You’ll hear from Matthew, our Video Producer, and Q, our Photographer, and Graphic Designer as they answer questions such as “What is it like to work for me” and “What do you wish other people understood about podcasting?” We got radically honest this week as we discussed the logistics of podcasting and our favorite parts of working behind the scenes of the show...
May 03, 2023•18 min•Season 1Ep. 18
Let’s talk about hiring. Whether you’ve been hiring for a while, having a hard time hiring people for your company or you’re looking towards the future, I got you. This episode is for everyone who has a big vision for your business and wants to build a great team in the process. Today I’ll discuss why you should NEVER hire your friends, why hiring fans of your brand is actually a bad idea, which website to use when you’re looking for professionals and why it’s actually a *bad move* to hire someo...
Apr 26, 2023•21 min•Season 1Ep. 17
This is a hot take episode because I feel like it needs to be said: Not everyone with a podcast is a podcast coach. No, I am not gatekeeping! I know many exceptional podcast coaches and strategists who are ultra-qualified. But for each of them, I have heard literally dozens of horror stories about expensive coaches that overpromised and underdelivered, leaving podcasters’ dreams shattered. Today, I am sharing more about who not to hire - and some important questions to ask when you are in the ma...
Apr 19, 2023•18 min•Season 1Ep. 16
I wasn’t excited to do this episode…but I am so glad I did. In today’s episode, I discussed my 5 failures in business thus far (trust me I'm sure there will be more). I’m sharing my mistakes so that you can learn from them! Launching three brands has been a journey, and I have made so many discoveries about myself and the industry along the way. Listen in to learn why you shouldn’t take on too much, tips for hiring more effectively, and how to gain back clients you lost…because trust me, you can...
Apr 12, 2023•22 min•Season 1Ep. 15
Today’s podcast guest changed the trajectory of her entire career from healthcare to media with a single leap of faith. This week I'm joined by Akilah Ffriend , Media Executive and On-air Host for Revolt Original Podcast Monuments to Me . Akilah has a rich background in marketing and content acquisition at top media companies including Apple TV, HBO Max, NBCU and more; but before this, she thought she'd be in healthcare. Akilah joins me to discuss how she used her content from her independent po...
Apr 05, 2023•33 min•Season 1Ep. 14
The entire podcast industry is going through a major shake-up! You may have seen the news about big companies doing layoffs, canceling shows and decreasing their ad budgets. In today’s episode, I’m discussing the big shift that’s happening right now - and some reasons to have hope for the bright future of podcasting. Let’s dive right in! Subscribe to Podnews Subscribe to The Squeeze with Skye Pillsbury Tune in, leave a review, and email me at support@adodemedia.com to share what you'd like me to...
Mar 29, 2023•12 min•Season 1Ep. 12
I launched The Podcast Trapper on YouTube and lets just say people were not too happy. From people calling me a racist for launching Blk Pod Collective to people telling me I was fat, it all got quite interesting on this here platform. So this is my response to what people had to say. I did get a little passionate so please don't be offended. Tune in, leave a review, and email me at support@adodemedia.com to share what you'd like me to cover on the next episode of The Podcast Trapper. Purchase T...
Mar 22, 2023•14 min
I get asked all the time: “How do you make money in podcasting?” In today’s episode, I’ll be discussing the six most popular ways to make money as a podcaster. Most of y’all know about sponsorships. But there are so many different ways to generate an income through your show! We’ll be discussing making money from your listeners, affiliate marketing, live events, paid ads, selling merch and creating digital products. Ready to strategize? Let’s talk revenue streams… Tune in, leave a review, and em...
Mar 15, 2023•18 min•Season 1Ep. 11
In today’s episode of The Podcast Trapper, I discuss why you should consider niching your podcast, how to choose your niche and some observations I have about niched podcasts from my own experience. When you niche your podcast, you give your audience what they want and none of what they don’t. A niche helps you set expectations. It’s an amazing tool to help you create content, stay relevant and avoid boring your listeners! I’ll be sharing some of my favorite questions to ask yourself as a podcas...
Mar 08, 2023•13 min•Ep. 10
In this week’s episode of The Podcast Trapper, I discuss something that I hope you’re super familiar with… Podcast listener reports. If you don’t know about these yet, welcome to the wonderful world of podcast listener data. These stats have great power to us podcast creators. The problem is, these stats are usually…pretty vague. They discuss “podcast listeners” or even “women listeners,” but there is not much detail into which women are tuning in! I know many of us would love to know whether bl...
Mar 01, 2023•16 min•Ep. 9
We have our first guest on The Podcast Trapper. Are you ready to learn from somebody who boosted their income by 60%, built their TikTok to 22k+ followers and increased her Instagram by over 3k organically in less than a year all because of her podcast? Let’s get into it! Today’s Guest is River Bonds , publicly known as River the Realtor is a top producing multimillion dollar Real Estate Agent here in Atlanta Georgia and a Host of Real Talk Atlanta . She is also a client here at Adode Media, whe...
Feb 22, 2023•24 min•Ep. 8
This week’s episode of The Podcast Trapper was a little different. I decided to jump into a topic that is absolutely essential….not just for podcasters, but for every entrepreneur ever. Let’s talk about boundaries! My question for you is this. Are you burnt out? Exhausted? Stressed? Are you doing too much of what you don’t enjoy, and not enough of what you do? Are you constantly toggling between eleven different apps and programs trying to stay on top of everything? Today I’m sharing my vulnerab...
Feb 15, 2023•13 min•Ep. 7
