Stories Behind The Success
"My biggest advice for aspiring podcasters is to start with passion and purpose. Podcasting isn’t just about creating content—it’s about creating connections."
Today Corwin Johnson, the creator of The C.J Moneyway Show shares his story of entrepreneurship podcast.
► Tell us about you and your podcast
Certainly! I’m Corwin Johnson, better known as CJ Moneyway. I’m a dedicated podcaster passionate about uncovering the stories behind success. Through my journey, I’ve always been inspired by the resilience, creativity, and determination of people who’ve made an impact in their fields, and I’ve made it my mission to share those stories with the world.
My podcast, The C.J Moneyway Show, is more than just a platform for conversations; it’s a deep dive into the lives and experiences of remarkable individuals. Each episode explores the triumphs, challenges, and pivotal moments that shaped their journeys. It’s a space where listeners can not only hear about accomplishments but also connect with the heart and humanity behind them. For me, this is about creating a legacy of inspiration and empowerment through authentic storytelling.
My podcast, The C.J Moneyway Show is about exploring the journeys of remarkable individuals who have achieved success in their own unique ways. It’s not just about the accolades or the finished product; it’s about the real, behind-the-scenes stories—the challenges they faced, the pivotal decisions they made, and the lessons they learned along the way.
Each episode is a conversation that uncovers the humanity behind achievement, offering listeners inspiration and practical wisdom. The goal is to highlight not just the successes but the resilience, creativity, and determination that make these individuals who they are. It’s a space for storytelling, connection, and empowerment, designed to leave listeners feeling motivated and ready to pursue their own paths to success.
The listeners of The C.J Moneyway Show are curious, driven individuals who are passionate about personal growth and achievement. They come from all walks of life—entrepreneurs, professionals, students, and lifelong learners—seeking inspiration and practical wisdom to help them on their own journeys.
► Why & how did you start this podcast?
I started The C.J Moneyway Show because I’ve always been fascinated by the untold stories behind achievements. I realized that while we often see the highlight reels of successful people, we rarely get to hear about the struggles, sacrifices, and pivotal moments that shaped their journeys. I wanted to create a space where those stories could be shared, not just to inspire but to remind people that success is a journey, not just a destination.
Podcasting felt like the perfect medium for this. It’s personal, intimate, and allows for authentic, unscripted conversations. I love how podcasts create a sense of connection between the host, the guest, and the listeners. As a fan of podcasts myself, I’ve always appreciated their ability to educate, entertain, and inspire, often all at once. Listening to other podcasts played a big role in shaping my vision—hearing how storytelling could spark change and build community motivated me to create my own platform.
For me, this podcast isn’t just a project; it’s a passion, a way to amplify voices, and a way to create lasting impact through meaningful stories.
My initial goal with The C.J Moneyway Show was simple: to inspire and empower others by sharing the real, unfiltered stories of remarkable individuals. I wanted to create a platform where people could hear not just about success, but about the challenges, failures, and moments of doubt that shaped it. Success often seems unattainable when you only see the final result, but when you understand the journey, it becomes something relatable and achievable.
My motivation came from a deep desire to connect with people on a meaningful level. I’ve always believed that stories have the power to bridge gaps, spark growth, and ignite action. By uncovering the human side of success, I hoped to provide listeners with insights, encouragement, and practical takeaways they could apply to their own lives.
I planned months ahead before releasing my first episode.
► How'd you find the time and funding to do this podcast?
I release episodes twice a week Tuesday and Friday at 6am CST. It can take several days to a week to produce episodes.
Finding time to create The C.J Moneyway Show while balancing a day job is all about passion and intentionality. Podcasting is something I truly love, so I make it a priority. I treat it as a commitment, just like any other important part of my life.
To make it work, I’ve learned to be intentional with my schedule. I set aside dedicated blocks of time for podcasting, often in the evenings or on weekends, when I can fully focus. Planning ahead is key—I map out episodes, coordinate with guests, and prepare my questions well in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
It’s not always easy, but I see podcasting as more than just a hobby. It’s a way to connect with others, share meaningful stories, and leave a positive impact. That passion makes the late nights and busy weekends worth it. For me, the fulfillment of creating something that inspires and empowers others outweighs the challenge of juggling multiple responsibilities.
When it comes to podcasting, I do fund the show myself. It’s an investment I believe in because I’m passionate about sharing these powerful stories and creating meaningful content. The costs can vary, but they generally include hosting fees for the podcast platform, tools for recording and editing, and marketing efforts to reach the right audience.
For editing, I’ve streamlined the process with reliable software, which helps me balance quality and cost. Marketing is where I allocate the most effort, focusing on creating engaging promotional materials and leveraging social media to grow the show. While I manage a lot myself, I occasionally outsource certain tasks like advanced editing or design work, depending on the demands of the episode.
► What do you gain from podcasting?
Getting my first sponsorship was a milestone moment for The C.J. Moneyway Show. It happened through Buzzsprout, where I was able to connect with advertisers looking for podcasts that aligned with their target audience. At the time, the show had between 5,000 to 6,000 downloads per month, which was enough to catch the attention of brands interested in reaching a dedicated and engaged listener base.
Later, as the show continued to grow, I transitioned to RedCircle, which opened up even more opportunities with larger sponsors, thanks to an increase in monthly downloads to 15,000–30,000. This growth was fueled by consistent content, active promotion, and being part of the Bleav Podcast Network, which amplified the show’s visibility and credibility.
The key to securing these deals was maintaining a loyal audience and creating content that resonated with both listeners and potential sponsors. I also made sure to present the podcast as a valuable platform, emphasizing its niche and the connection I had with my audience. That combination of steady growth, quality content, and audience engagement made it possible to attract sponsors who saw the potential in partnering with the show.
Through Bleav Network and around 125k per month.
Career: Podcasting has elevated my professional profile, opening doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and partnerships. It’s positioned me as a thought leader in my space and allowed me to connect with influencers, entrepreneurs, and creatives who inspire me. Through these connections, I’ve gained insights that have directly impacted my own growth and the way I approach my work.
Friendship: The relationships I’ve built through The C.J. Moneyway Show are one of the greatest rewards. Each guest brings their unique story and perspective, and many of these connections have turned into genuine friendships. Podcasting has introduced me to a network of like-minded people who share a passion for storytelling and making an impact.
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► How does your podcasting process look like?
For The C.J. Moneyway Show, I rely on a combination of tools and services to ensure high-quality production and a smooth workflow:
Tools/Services:
Recording & Audio: I use StreamYard for recording interviews, both audio and video. It’s user-friendly, reliable, and great for remote conversations.
Audio Editing: I contract out my audio editing to professionals who help refine the sound quality and polish the episodes. Outsourcing this allows me to focus on content and guest engagement while ensuring a professional finish.
Guest Platforms: I use Podmatch, which has been a game-changer for finding guests and being matched as a guest on other shows. It’s an incredible platform that connects podcasters with high-quality guests based on shared interests and expertise. Additionally, I use Podcast Guests, which has also been a valuable resource for finding dynamic, knowledgeable individuals to feature.
Finding Guests:
The majority of my guests come through intentional networking, platforms like Podmatch and Podcast Guests, and referrals. Being part of the Bleav Podcast Network has also helped attract guests who recognize the value of the show’s audience. I look for people who have compelling stories, unique perspectives, and insights that resonate with the theme of the podcast.
By combining these tools and platforms, I’ve been able to consistently deliver engaging episodes while building a network of incredible voices that add value to the show.
I research the guest and try to come up with compelling interview questions to have a nice steady flow.
I use StreamYard.
► How do you market your show?
I find my listeners through iTunes, Spotify and Apple Podcast along with followers on LinkedIn for the most part.
70% Apple Podcast
14% iTunes
12% Spotify
I find TikTok and LinkedIn more useful.
► What advice would you share with aspiring (new) podcasters?
My biggest advice for aspiring podcasters is to start with passion and purpose. Podcasting isn’t just about creating content—it’s about creating connections. Before you hit record, take the time to really understand why you want to podcast and what value you want to bring to your audience. That clarity will keep you focused and motivated, even when the journey gets challenging.
One thing I learned along the way that wasn’t obvious at first is the importance of consistency. It’s not just about releasing episodes regularly, though that’s important; it’s also about consistently delivering quality content and staying engaged with your audience. Building trust takes time, and your listeners will stick around if they know they can rely on you.
Another lesson was realizing the value of relationships. Podcasting is a collaborative space, and connecting with guests, listeners, and other podcasters can open doors you never expected. Don’t be afraid to reach out, ask questions, or even ask for help. This is a community, and the support you’ll receive is invaluable.
Finally, embrace the learning curve. You won’t have everything figured out from the start, and that’s okay. From technical hiccups to finding your voice as a host, every step is part of the process. Keep experimenting, keep improving, and most importantly, keep going. Your unique perspective and passion are what make your podcast special, and the world needs to hear it.
If you’re looking for hands-on tools to find guests or get booked as one, platforms like Podmatch and Podcast Guests are invaluable. They streamline the guest booking process and can help you connect with people who align with your show’s goals.
Investing in these resources can make a huge difference in your podcasting journey. They’ll not only help you overcome challenges but also inspire you to reach new heights with your show.
► Where can we learn more about you & your podcasts?
https://cjmoneyway.com/
https://pod.link/1707761906
https://youtube.com/@themoneywayshow8493?si=VaRCGbiUyOVliScM
thecjmoneywayshow@gmail.com
https://cjmoneyway96f8717611.link/
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