The podcast industry no longer looks like the creative, audio-first business it was a decade ago.
Jeff Umbro, founder and CEO of The Podglomerate and host of Podcast Perspectives, joins Ryan Alford to examine the rise of video podcasting, media consolidation, programmatic advertising and the decline of high-cost narrative shows. Jeff explains how creators can separate audience acquisition from retention, establish clearer goals and determine how much production quality actually serves the business.
Drawing on his experience producing more than 700 episodes, Ryan opens up about overproduction, niche audiences and creating a show that generates relationships instead of chasing vanity metrics. Together, Ryan and Jeff offer a practical strategy for sustainable podcast growth: understand what the listener receives, diversify distribution and revenue, and avoid depending on one platform.
TOPICS COVERED
The evolution of the podcast industry
Podcasting’s growing identity crisis
Audio podcasts versus video podcasts
Audience acquisition and listener retention
Podcast production costs and scope creep
Direct sponsorships and programmatic advertising
Media consolidation and platform dependence
The decline of narrative podcasting
Subscription, membership and live-event revenue
Building a podcast that supports business objectives
CONNECT WITH JEFF UMBRO
The Podglomerate: https://podglomerate.com/
Work With The Podglomerate: https://podglomerate.com/connect/
Jeff Umbro on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffumbro/
Podcast Perspectives: https://listen.podglomerate.com/show/podcast-perspectives
Podcast Perspectives on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/podcast-perspectives/id1699652108
CONNECT WITH RYAN ALFORD
Right About Now: https://www.ryanisright.com/
Ryan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/
Ryan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-alford/
