"Podcast audiences absolutely love consistency." - Charlotte Lewis-West

Niall Mackay sits down with podcast strategist Charlotte Lewis-West to uncover the keys to effective podcast planning and promotion. With years of experience in radio journalism and podcast consultancy, Charlotte shares invaluable insights on developing a solid podcast strategy, understanding your audience, and leveraging various platforms for promotion.

The conversation delves into the importance of identifying your niche, setting clear objectives, and measuring success beyond just download numbers. Charlotte emphasizes the power of consistency and explains how proper planning can lead to long-term podcast success. Niall and Charlotte also discuss effective promotion techniques, from leveraging guest networks to creating engaging short-form content across different social media platforms.

Key Takeaways:

• Identify your audience and niche to tailor your podcast format and tone (04:58)
• Develop a clear objective and success metrics for your podcast (09:14)
• Consistency is crucial for podcast success and audience retention (34:35)
• Short-form content can significantly boost podcast visibility (27:28)
• Understand regional preferences for podcast consumption (audio vs. video) (29:26)

Chapters and Timestamps:
04:58 - The importance of podcast planning
09:14 - Developing a podcast strategy
14:58 - Understanding your audience and niche
19:00 - Effective podcast promotion techniques
24:23 - Advertising platforms for podcasts
27:28 - The power of short-form content
29:26 - Audio vs. video podcasting
34:35 - Long-term benefits of podcast planning

Send us a text

Email me (niall@sevenmillionbikes.com) or contact me on Seven Million Bikes Podcasts Facebook or Instagram to book your free Podcast Audit!

Thanks to James Mastroianni from The Wrong Side Of Hollywood for the endorsement!

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"Podcasting is a window to my world, and through it, I’ve met people I never imagined I’d connect with."

Niall Mackay sits down with Radim Malinic, a creative designer, best-selling author, and the host of Creativity for Sale, now called Mindful Creative. They explore Radim's journey from his initial struggles with podcasting to building a platform that has reached listeners in 85 countries. Radim shares how the medium of podcasting allowed him to extend his message beyond books, making authentic connections and gaining valuable insights from his guests. The conversation also highlights the importance of active listening and how Radim embraced unpredictability in interviews, using it as a tool for deeper storytelling.

Niall and Radim discuss the art of creating engaging podcast content, the power of in-person feedback, and the thrill of shaping a narrative that resonates with listeners worldwide. Radim emphasizes the impact podcasting has had on his professional growth and brand, offering practical advice for anyone looking to launch their own show. Whether you're an aspiring podcaster or a creative professional seeking inspiration, this episode is packed with insights on building a successful podcast and using it as a platform for growth.

Key Takeaways with Timestamps:

• The Power of Active Listening: Radim explains how learning to listen attentively transformed his interview style and deepened his conversations.
• Finding Your Voice in Podcasting: Radim shares his journey of going from self-doubt to confidently using his podcast to connect with a global audience.
• Embracing Imperfection: Niall and Radim discuss the importance of editing, letting go of perfectionism, and focusing on authentic storytelling.
• Building a Personal Brand Through Podcasting: Radim highlights how starting a podcast helped him position himself as an authority in the creative industry.
• Leveraging Podcasting for Business Growth: They explore how Radim’s podcast not only promoted his books but also opened new opportunities in public speaking and networking.

Send us a text

Email me (niall@sevenmillionbikes.com) or contact me on Seven Million Bikes Podcasts Facebook or Instagram to book your free Podcast Audit!

Thanks to James Mastroianni from The Wrong Side Of Hollywood for the endorsement!

Sign up for Descript now!

Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?
Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.
I’ve been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!

“If the marketplace is already crowded with podcasts that sound great, you’re going to have to start at that level.” — Mark Hunter

Mark started way back in 2005, long before smartphones, video podcasts, or even basic podcast apps. Speaking to someone who has seen the entire evolution of the industry really opened my eyes to how much has changed… and how much hasn’t.

What I loved most about this conversation is how aligned we are on the fundamentals:
great audio, strong visuals, and a clear point of differentiation are no longer optional. They’re the minimum standard. And both of us have learned—sometimes the hard way—that the way you sound and look directly affects whether sponsors, listeners, and algorithms take you seriously.

Key Talking Points

• How Podcasting Has Evolved Since 2005: Mark explains how podcasting started as a grassroots movement with almost no technology
• Why Standing Out Is More Important Than Ever: With millions of active shows, you must differentiate through sound quality, personality, format, or production.
• The Rise of Solo Episodes: Mark and I both agree: solo episodes are the fastest way to build authority and separate yourself in a crowded market.
• Sound Quality Is Your First Impression: If your audio isn’t clean, warm, and well-recorded, listeners will scroll past you—no matter how good your content is.
• Video Is Now Essential for Growth: Even if your show is audio-first, video is the marketing tool that gets you discovered on TikTok, Reels, Shorts, and LinkedIn.

Chapters & Timestamps

• 00:00 – The OG Era of Podcasting
• 03:00 – The Explosion of Podcasts & Why It’s Not “Too Crowded”
• 08:00 – What Actually Makes a Show Stand Out in 2025
• 12:00 – Solo Episodes: The Hidden Advantage
• 18:00 – The Truth About Audio Quality
• 26:00 – Why Video Is No Longer Optional

Send us a text

Email me (niall@sevenmillionbikes.com) or contact me on Seven Million Bikes Podcasts Facebook or Instagram to book your free Podcast Audit!

Thanks to James Mastroianni from The Wrong Side Of Hollywood for the endorsement!

Sign up for Descript now!

Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?
Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.
I’ve been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!