Welcome to Coworking, a recurring feature in The Download where we highlight some of the folks working in the business of podcasting. If you’d like to toss your hat in the ring and answer some questions, fill out this form!
What’s a moment in your career that shaped how you approach podcasting?
When I started making podcasts around 2008, it felt like nobody cared what we uploaded (internally and externally). The freedom I was given to make wild choices and take big swings helped shape the aesthetic we use in the kids podcasts I help produce.
What’s a tool, tactic, or strategy you swear by that more people should know about?
Listen before you speak. I wish I took my advice more often. Staying quiet is a super-power.
What’s a piece of advice you’d give someone looking to break into the business side of podcasting?
Don’t be afraid to message people whose work you admire. My experience tells me that most people are available to offer advice. Make sure you have a genuine question and be open to suggestions, good and bad.
Where do you see the most untapped growth potential in the industry?
Kids shows! With just an ounce of creativity, there could be a kid’s version of all the top adult podcasts. And guess what advertisers, not only do kids obsessively go through back catalogs, they listen to episodes over and over, many times with their income-earning parents in the car!
If you could change one thing about how the podcast industry operates, what would it be?
Bad audio editing. Please let people breathe, and if you’re going to use AI to make cuts, at least, listen to how it sounds before uploading.
What’s the most important leadership lesson you’ve learned in podcasting?
Listen and be kind to EVERYONE. You never know when your newest hire will become your boss.
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You can get in touch with Marc Sanchez on LinkedIn, and visit American Public Media Studios here. If you’d like to check out some kids’ podcasts Marc worked on, he recommends BrainsOn!
