Time magazine columnist, journalist, and author Joel Stein joins Adam for a spirited discussion that traverses the circuitous pathway between old and new media. Joel talks about why he chose to go with old media when he got out of college in the 90s--even predicting that the big corporations would take over everything on the internet—and why he continues to stick with his choice. However, he does reveal his super-secret podcast project that doesn’t have any listeners yet. Then, Adam asks him abo...
Feb 05, 2015•48 min•Transcript available on Metacast Lex Friedman, Midroll’s EVP of Sales and Development, joins Adam to pull the curtain back on this fun “inside Midroll Media” episode of The Wolf Den. Lex tells the story of how he got started selling podcast ads—despite not having a sales background--and then met Earwolf and Midroll founder Jeff Ullrich who brought Lex and his ad company on board as part of an acquihire. Adam and Lex also talk about how Midroll Media compares to your typical startup and the crazy growth the company has seen in t...
Jan 22, 2015•43 min•Transcript available on Metacast Noah Shanok is Adam's guest for this edition of The Wolf Den. He is the co-founder and former CEO of Stitcher, the popular on-demand podcast and Internet radio service. Stitcher was an early innovator in podcasting, coming on the scene when Blackberrys were the predominant mobile device, and most people still had to sync their iPods in order to listen on the go. Noah lays out the company's history and evolution from an iTunes plug-in, to a web app, and then to a true mobile platform. He shares h...
Jan 08, 2015•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast Adam’s guest for this episode is the world’s best known astrophysicist--and an amazingly talented podcast host--Neil deGrasse Tyson. In this don’t-miss episode Neil discusses how hosting the StarTalk Radio podcast serves his mission to educate the public about science in a way that is accessible, fun, and—most importantly—informative. He explains that part of podcasting’s strength comes from the fact that “the versatility of pure audio is without equal.” Neil answers Adam’s questions about what ...
Dec 18, 2014•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast Nerdist Industries President Adam Rymer is the guest for this episode of The Wolf Den, discussing how the Nerdist brand went from being Chris Hardwick’s website and podcast to becoming an agile and fast-growing digital media company, now part of Legendary Entertainment, the studio behind successful movies like Batman Begins, 300 and Interstellar. Adam talks about how Nerdist is both like a modern cable network and a multi-channel network (MCN), but is also different. That’s because Nerdist works...
Dec 04, 2014•40 min•Transcript available on Metacast Adam’s guest is the multi-talented actress, comedian, and author Aisha Tyler. Many listeners may know her best for the very popular Girl On Guy podcast, which she hosts and produces. In this conversation Aisha shares how she started out just wanting to be a stand up comedian, but then saw her goals expand as she continued to challenge herself. She explains why--even with her success and commitments like co-hosting CBS’s The Talk--she continues to produce Girl On Guy entirely by herself, and why ...
Nov 20, 2014•52 min•Transcript available on Metacast Earwolf and Midroll Media just launched a new podcast network: Wolfpop. Curator Paul Scheer and Podcast Developer Matt Gourley join Adam for this conversation recorded six hours after Wolfpop went live (and an all-nighter for Adam). They talk about how the idea for a pop culture focused network came together, and their strategy for building a slate of shows. Paul and Matt discuss how the focus was first on finding passionate hosts, then helping them develop formats that work best. Then they shar...
Nov 05, 2014•52 min•Transcript available on Metacast Adam’s guest is Chris Erwin, Head of Operations for Big Frame. The company, which was acquired this year by DreamWorks, is often called a multichannel network, or MCN, while Chris describes Big Frame as, "a new-era entertainment company for teens and millennials.” Adam asks Chris to explain more about what MCNs and Big Frame do, especially with regard to developing and managing the careers of digital-first creators, like YouTube stars Ingrid Nilsen, Tyler Oakley and Amanda Steele. Since Ear...
Oct 16, 2014•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast As Tim Ferriss explains on this episode of The Wolf Den, he views himself as a teacher who does a lot of self-experimentation and then shares the results in his books like The 4-Hour Work Week, The 4-Hour Body and The 4-Hour Chef, and on his blog. He and Adam discuss Tim’s approach to lifestyle and career design, as well as some key strategies for building an audience. Tim’s podcast, The Tim Ferriss Show , debuted at the top of the iTunes Charts in April and has stayed there since. So they talk ...
Oct 02, 2014•55 min•Transcript available on Metacast Adam’s guest on this episode is James Altucher , a successful entrepreneur, investor, board member, bestselling author, and blogger. He also recently became a podcaster, hosting the popular twice-a-week James Altucher Show and the daily Ask Altucher. They have a spirited conversation about why it’s important to “choose yourself,” which is the title and topic of James’ recent book . James relates this credo to podcasting, which lets producers sidestep the traditional media gatekeepers to reach au...
Sep 18, 2014•41 min•Transcript available on Metacast Howard Lindzon is the guest for Adam's first episode as host. Howard is a financial analyst, angel investor and hedge fund manager, best known for founding StockTwits, the social network for investors. He’s also a witty guy who created and sold a successful web video series, and has a huge Twitter following. Howard mentored Adam at his last company, so they talk about mentorship. As a media creator, Howard shares why it’s important to focus on who is in your audience, not just how big it is, and...
Sep 04, 2014•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast This is Jeff's last episode. It's also the one where he passes the torch to Adam Sachs, The Wolf Den's new host and the new CEO of Earwolf's parent company, Midroll Media. They talk about why Jeff started the show, and Jeff offers some friendly advice for taking over the host's chair. Adam shares some of his background running a startup, and as a comedy nerd. Then he tells the story of how and why he joined Midroll Media. Finally, Jeff asks Adam what's next for Earwolf and Midroll.
Aug 21, 2014•1 hr•Transcript available on Metacast Scott Aukerman of Comedy Bang! Bang! fame and Earwolf co-founder joins Jeff to discuss a big change: Jeff is moving out of his role as Earwolf and Midroll Media CEO to become Chairman of the company. They talk about the early days of Earwolf, and some of the challenges of being a boss, whether it's running a television show or a podcast network. Of course, they also talk about why Jeff is making this change, and why it's a good thing for the company.
Aug 07, 2014•50 min•Transcript available on Metacast The multitalented Kevin Smith is Jeff’s guest for this episode of The Wolf Den. Kevin says that he’ll always be called “director Kevin Smith,” but the truth is that he’s “done way more podcasts” than films. He tells Jeff why he got started podcasting and decided to build a network, discussing the stories behind Smodcast shows like “Fatman on Batman” and “Hollywood Babbleon.” Then Kevin explains why he thinks TV and movie development people are looking at podcasting for their next deal, and what ...
Jun 12, 2014•59 min•Transcript available on Metacast Chief Nerdist Chris Hardwick returns to The Wolf Den for the first time in four years. He and Jeff get caught up with everything going on in the Nerdist world, and how Chris keeps on top of having a podcast, a Comedy Central TV show, and being the CEO of a growing media company. Chris shares his views on the state of podcasting and where it's going, and how different platforms require different approaches for media making. Don't miss this episode's bonus video at the Midroll blog: http://blog.th...
May 22, 2014•51 min•Transcript available on Metacast Public radio producer Alex Blumberg enters The Wolf Den to discuss the entrepreneurial future of audio journalism. Alex is a long-standing producer for This American Life and the co-founder of the NPR podcast and radio program Planet Money. He tells Jeff about the lessons learned in the Planet Money Kickstarter to make a t-shirt so that they could document its production and distribution across the global supply chain. Alex reveals how this opened a door for him, and that he's building a new ind...
May 08, 2014•38 min•Transcript available on Metacast Ellen Weiss is vice president and bureau chief for E.W. Scripps Company's multimedia news bureau. She joins Jeff from Washington DC to discuss podcasting's new frontiers in journalism. They talk about Ellen's distinguished career in news at NPR and the Center for Public Integrity and how that led to her taking over Scripps' digital newsroom. Then she explains the strategy behind Scripps's acquisition of the DecodeDC podcast--founded and hosted by former NPR correspondent Andrea Seabrook--and rev...
Apr 24, 2014•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast Though he is rarely heard from on his own, Marc Maron says he considers WTF producer Brendan McDonald, “half of the show.” On this episode of The Wolf Den Brendan steps out of the producer’s chair and in front of the microphone. He tells Jeff how his five-year relationship working with Marc at Air America turned into them creating WTF together, and how their successful collaboration relies on a shared vision. Brendan then shares how producing WTF means he had to become a businessman and entrepre...
Apr 10, 2014•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast Editor & Chief of Slate and Political Gabfest host David Plotz joins Jeff to talk about all of the new changes that have occurred in the world of podcasting. They'll discuss the value and downsides regarding live shows for podcasts, David's current investment in podcasting, and if the business of podcasting is growing. Make sure to go to http://blog.themidroll.com/slate-editor-david-plotz-exciting-thing-podcasting-today/ for the exclusive video from this episode.
Apr 04, 2014•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast All the way from Portland, Paul Riismandel of RadioSurvivor.com joins Jeff to discuss many important things in the world of podcasting. They’ll talk about the sustainability of podcasting, the discoverability of podcasts, and the difficulty of building an audience. Happy New Year!
Dec 30, 2013•53 min•Transcript available on Metacast Deputy Editor of Fast Company and podcast enthusiast David Lidsky joins Jeff all the way from New York for a special episode of the Wolf Den that we hope will get some press! David gives us a quick history of business media, tells us how Fast Company’s audience has evolved through digital consumption, and explains how important press is for new small businesses. David then offers Jeff some free advice on press strategies for Earwolf & The Mid Roll and finds out how he played a major role in ...
Nov 13, 2013•1 hr 20 min•Transcript available on Metacast It’s the triumphant return of Peter Moses who once again interviews Jeff about all the things that have changed with Earwolf since they talked almost 2 years ago. They’ll discuss the early days of recording in a roach infested studio, some of the surprises from Earwolf’s growth, how the podcasts themselves have expanded over the years, Earwolf branching out into TV, and how The Mid Roll connects the best podcasters with the best advertisers. It’s all very exciting!
Sep 16, 2013•54 min•Transcript available on Metacast General manager of Nerdist Industries and all around good guy Chris Fealy is here to squash any thoughts of there being any sort of Nerdist vs. Earwolf rivalry. He joins Jeff to discuss expanding a podcast network into different mediums which include television, a YouTube channel, a live performance space behind a comic book shop, and possibly airplanes. Chris also shares the importance of curating shows that maintain a nerdy sensibility, gives his thoughts on the The Mid Roll , and offers Jeff ...
May 20, 2013•47 min•Transcript available on Metacast It’s been 16 months since the last episode but The Wolf Den is back with Slate.com’s Andy Bowers. He’s here to discuss the mood of podcasting, how radio will survive with the increasing amount of audio on demand choices, and finding a balance between having fun & running a business. Happy podcasting!
May 01, 2013•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week's The Wolf Den is short but sweet! Get an update on the status of this podcast, a look back at Earwolf 2011, an announcement of a cool future episode, and several other business announcements that might be of interest. We'll see you in a few weeks!
Jan 12, 2012•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast Drew Droege treated us to Glitter in the Garbage for a year here on Earwolf. Now he joins Jeff in The Wolf Den to discuss his life in the south, the mistakes he made as a young artist, the relationship between comedian and businessman, and the fallacy of the "breakout star." Drew is smart, funny, and his Chloe videos are to die for so enjoy! Thank you to everyone who supported Earwolf and listened to The Wolf Den in 2011. See you next year!
Dec 29, 2011•58 min•Transcript available on Metacast One of the most successful podcasting networks is Kevin Smith's SModcast. After we had so much fun and learned so much with Bagged and Boarded's Matt Cohen, it was a no brainer to invite David Kahn to The Wolf Den. He is in charge of advertising and finances for the network and he joins us this week to discuss how to build a network and how to keep it financially secure. Don't forget to use the Earwolf Amazon link to do any last minute holiday shopping, and we'll see you next week!
Dec 22, 2011•42 min•Transcript available on Metacast Greg Behrendt and Dave Anthony have a podcast called Walking the Room that is considered by many "a podcaster's podcast." They leave their closet to join us in The Wolf Den to talk to us about the way the podcast has changed their careers, how listening to podcasts will change your life, and how a primarily guest-less podcast can find an audience. Plus, we get into the "fight" that didn't really happen between Dave and Jeff. Thanks to everyone who has used our Amazon Affiliat...
Dec 08, 2011•2 hr 43 min•Transcript available on Metacast There seems to be a connection between podcasting and graphic design. There are so many amazing artists out there who make podcast art. Joel Watson from HijiNKS ENSUE has given us two popular show logos and he is here on The Wolf Den to tell us about his history in the graphic design/web comic history, share his advice for merchandising, and explain how you can work in the web comic industry and sustain your life. Inspiring message, nerdy or niche industry, economic advice, this it must be The W...
Dec 02, 2011•1 hr 6 min•Transcript available on Metacast Since we're so thankful for all you wonderful listeners, we decided to put together a last minute The Wolf Den with everyone in the office. You'll hear both our wonderful engineers, Cyrus and Dustin, our tech wizard Shahruz, our financial guru Dave, our special guest visitor Caleb Bacon, Jeff of course, and me, Caroline! We talk about our Thanksgiving plans, share our Earwolf nightmares and tell you all what we're thankful for. We hope you have a great Thanksgiving and we'll be back with a much ...
Nov 25, 2011•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
