Listen to stories and conversations with people from all walks of life and from different areas of the World.
"If you want to do it as a business, invest your money wisely, and look for Sponsors before you even record your first episode."
Today Rich Bennett, the creators of Conversations with Rich Bennett share their story of society & culture podcast.
► Tell us about you and your podcast
I have a degree in radio and launched my podcast in 2015, 3 years after I got out of radio. I’m a Marine Corps Veteran, Professional DJ, and Entrepreneur. I have several different co-hosts because I want them to learn how to podcast and hope that they go on and launch their own podcast,
Listen to stories and conversations with people from all walks of life and from different areas of the World. Rich Bennett speaks with different guests about business, art, addiction, mental health, and so many other interesting things. Rich is also joined at times by different co-hosts that make the conversations even more interesting. Learn about a young lady that survived a cult, or a couple that rode a bicycle built for two from Oregon to Washington DC. Hear emotional stories from people in recovery and how others are battling mental illness.
My listeners are all over the World with a majority of them in my home state of Maryland. I’ve had listeners from Canada, England, Italy, and other states in the U.S. and thank me for something they have learned from episodes, and that’s a huge reward for me.
► Why & how did you start this podcast?
In 2015, I established a podcast in conjunction with Harford County Living, a positive news website I run, with the aim of highlighting local businesses, nonprofits, artists, and other entities in the region. The objective was to increase awareness of the abundant offerings and unique features of Harford County, driven by my personal admiration for the area. With its diverse offerings, ranging from scenic waterways and outdoor recreation to historical landmarks and small local shops, Harford County appeals to a wide range of individuals.
As the podcast evolved, I rebranded it to encompass a broader scope, seeking to both educate myself and offer listeners the opportunity to learn from a diverse array of individuals from around the world. The first episode was recorded in October 2015 and released the following weekend. In the early stages, the first six episodes were recorded at a local radio station and broadcast on Saturday mornings, with subsequent audio uploaded for the podcast by me.
► How’d you find the time and funding to do this podcast?
The podcast and my website are my full-time job, so I manage my time for both throughout the week. I get up between 4:30 and 5:30 and start working as soon as I put on a cup of coffee. I usually finish the day by 5, but there are times when I work until 8 or 9.
I release between 2 to 3 episodes a week, always on a Monday, and if I release 1 more, it’s Friday, 2 more would be Wednesday and Friday. On average, it takes about 2 hours to produce a 1-hour episode.
As for expenses, I spend between $100 to $200 a month total on hosting and marketing. The editing I do myself as well as the booking of guests, follow-up, etc. The podcast is actually supported by my Sponsors, which I have had different ones throughout the years before I recorded the first episode and a majority of them are still with me.
► What do you gain from podcasting?
As a podcast host, I have consistently found that my pursuits in this medium have not only been engaging, but also highly educational. Each guest brings with them a unique perspective, wealth of knowledge, and life experiences that broaden my understanding of various subjects. The positive feedback I receive from listeners, indicating that they too have gained insights and new understandings from the content shared on my podcast, is incredibly rewarding.
It is a privilege to be able to facilitate discussions and share information that resonates with my audience. I am continuously inspired by the diverse range of individuals I have had the opportunity to interview, and the stories and lessons they have imparted. Whether it’s through sharing their personal journeys, offering expert insights, or simply providing a new perspective, my guests have enriched the podcast and broadened my own horizons.
The impact of my podcast extends beyond simply entertainment or casual conversation, as it serves as a platform for education and personal growth for both myself and my listeners. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to learn and grow through this medium, and am honored by the trust that my listeners place in me to provide insightful and informative content.
I do have Sponsors. I actually obtained my first Sponsor before I recorded the first episode, so I didn’t have any downloads yet. As for revenue, let’s just say that it’s my full-time job now and I’m doing fine and enjoying life and love what I do now. Most of my Sponsors come from the local Chamber of Commerce I’m a member of.
As for downloads a month, in all honesty, I don’t pay attention to them. Too many podcasters worry about the number of downloads and believe they have to have a certain number of them before they can even get sponsors. I focus on the content and guests, and ideas from my listeners and sponsors.
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► How does your podcasting process look like?
My process, I think this is why a lot of people that start a podcast don’t continue with it, because of all the work that goes into it. I do everything myself, although my co hosts help me with getting some guests, so instead of boring you with all the details, I’ll just outline what I do briefly:
1. Find guests
2. Schedule recording for in-person or virtual
3. Line up a co host if feasible
4. Set up equipment and test the day of recording
5. Record the episode
6. Download recording to computer
7. Edit each track and combine
8. Record an Intro and outro
9. Edit interview and insert sponsor audio close to the middle
10. Look for a podcast similar to the subject we talked about
11. Download that podcast trailer if possible
12. Edit all pieces together for the final recording and upload
13. Find a 1 to 3 minute piece from the recording of my guest for Social Media
14. Type up show notes and include guests’ links to websites, social media, etc.
15. Create artwork for each episode and blog
16. Create video snippet with the 1 to 3 minute audio of my guest for social media posts
17. Upload show and notes to server
18. Email the guest with the links for the show
19. Promote on several social media pages and groups
I do the editing through Hindenburg Journalist Pro, and use Canva for marketing. I find guests through Podmatch, my cohorts, friends, social media, sponsors and people who contact me. I’ll send them a form to fill out, and if I believe my listeners and myself would be interested in having them on the show, we’ll schedule a date to record either in-person or virtually using SquadCast.
► How do you market your show?
I market my show through social media, other podcasts, clothing, business cards and of course telling people.
The show can be found at conversationswithrichbennett.com, and practically all podcast apps. 57% from Apple, 15% from my website, 8% from Spotify, the other 20% from various apps.
I find that the marketing channels that have been the most successful are social media. I utilize a Facebook Page and Group, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.
► What advice would you share with aspiring (new) podcasters?
For aspiring podcasters, I would say to do your research first. Make sure you know what goes into doing a podcast, the costs, time, and work. Decide if you want to do it as a hobby or business. If you want to do it as a business, invest your money wisely, and look for Sponsors before you even record your first episode. A Sponsor can pay for the equipment, hosting and so much more.
I learned a lot on the journey, such as sound quality is important, but the content is even more important. Take your time, have fun, and if you have guests, make them comfortable. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had a guest on and they were extremely nervous and after we finished, they told me how comfortable I made them and they would love to come back and do it again.
► Where can we learn more about you & your podcasts?
You can find my podcast at
https://conversationswithrichbennett.com/
and
https://harfordcountyliving.buzzsprout.com
Social Media:
https://www.facebook.com/HCLShow
https://twitter.com/Convers94013273
https://www.instagram.com/harfordcountyliving/
https://www.tiktok.com/@conversationsrichbennett
Email:
rbennett@harfordcountyliving.com
Support:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/849097/support
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