PodBiz | Where"s The Money In Podcasting?

How can podcast creators build lasting impact in a fast-moving industry?In this episode of PodBiz, Norma Jean Belenky speaks with Bryan Barletta, partner at Sounds Profitable, about sustainable podcast growth, industry transparency, and the future of audio as a media platform. Bryan shares how creators and companies alike can think beyond short-term ad models and lean into strategic momentum, consulting, and collaboration to thrive in podcasting today.As he puts it:“Everything we’re doing is

How do you grow a podcast with long-term visibility instead of short-term spikes?In this episode of PodBiz, Norma Jean Belenky speaks with Molly DeMellier, COO of Sundaze PR, about how creators can use earned media, slow-burn PR, and community building to increase visibility and diversify podcast revenue. Molly shares how understanding the difference between PR and marketing- and leaning into the long game- can help creators build sustainable brand value. We also dig into her career journey from

How are today’s creators rethinking monetization and what role does trust play in podcast growth?In this episode of PodBiz, NJ sits down with James Cridland, Editor of Podnews and radio futurologist, for a high-level look at current state of podcast monetization. James shares how creators are expanding beyond traditional advertising into value-for-value models, subscriptions, and newsletters that build real trust with their audiences. With clarity and candor, James discusses how the medium is

What actually makes a podcast ad perform, and how do brands decide who gets the spend?In this premiere episode of PodBiz, NJ speaks with Adam McNeil, SVP of Client Services at ADOPTER Media, about what makes podcast advertising effective- and what still holds it back. From host-read ads to media buying strategy, Adam shares what he’s learned placing over $100M in podcast sponsorships for direct-to-consumer brands, and in his words,“host-read ads don’t scale- relationships do.”We dive into how

How are leading platforms evolving podcast monetization in 2025 and beyond?In the premiere episode of PodBiz, NJ speaks with Milly Botes, VP of Product at Acast, about building scalable advertising tools, empowering creators, and rethinking what podcast success actually looks like. Milly shares how her team is building scalable infrastructure for audio and video sponsorships, and why, in her words,“authenticity is key for creators in monetization.”We dive into the shift from downloads to engagement,

How do you turn 1,200 downloads a month into a six-figure podcast business?In this episode of PodBiz, NJ speaks with Danielle Bezalel, MPH, creator and host of Sex Ed with DB, about building a profitable show in a niche many advertisers won’t touch. Danielle shares how she earns up to $140,000 a year from her single podcast feed, not through massive reach, but by building strong sponsor relationships and packaging her podcast alongside other media assets.As she puts it:“The money in podcasting is in

Welcome to PodBiz: The Podcast About the Business of PodcastingIn this trailer episode, meet your hosts Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, two podcast industry veterans with years of experience across production, marketing, monetization, and audience strategy.PodBiz is a show for creators, networks, and media professionals who want to understand how podcasting works as a business. Every episode centers around one essential question:Where’s the money in podcasting?Through candid conversations with