Is your business podcast an echo chamber of agreeable guests, or is it a platform that actually challenges the status quo?
In the latest episode of Podcasting Momentum, Josh sat down with Tommy Serafinski, host of the Conservation and Science podcast. Tommy’s journey from an angling blogger in Poland to a respected podcaster interviewing world-renowned scientists provides a masterclass in how genuine curiosity drives growth.
Whether you are looking to boost your podcast lead generation or establish true authority in your industry, Tommy shared several game-changing strategies. Here are the top takeaways on how to leverage nuanced conversations and strategic boundaries to grow your show.
1. Source Your Topics from Social Media Debates Are you struggling to figure out what your audience wants to hear? Tommy finds his best episodes by looking directly at social media disagreements. By identifying topics where people are confused or polarized, you can bring on an expert to provide clarity. Answering the exact questions your audience is already asking ensures immediate relevancy and builds incredible value.
2. Ask Hard Questions in a Friendly Manner Most podcasts feature a host simply nodding along with a guest. Tommy takes a different approach: he presents both sides of an argument and plays devil’s advocate. In fact, one listener praised him for making them listen to perspectives they would have otherwise ignored.
For your business podcast, don’t shy away from industry controversies. Asking difficult questions in a friendly, disarming manner establishes you as a trusted "dialogue broker" rather than just another talking head.
3. The Game-Changer: Charge a Guesting Fee If your podcast has gained traction, you are likely receiving pitches from PR agencies asking to get their "clients" on your show. Tommy shared a brilliant piece of advice he learned from Adam Shibley: start charging a standard guesting fee.
If an agency reaches out on behalf of a client, it means there is a marketing budget. Why should you do the heavy lifting of recording, editing, and publishing for free?. Asking for a fee—even just $100—filters out guests who just want to use your microphone and ensures you only work with professionals who value your platform.
Conclusion Building a successful podcast requires a mix of curiosity, bravery, and business sense. If you want to dive deeper into brand building with podcasting, you need to treat your show like the powerful marketing asset it is.