What’s up, everyone!
A few weeks ago, I sat in a meeting where someone confidently declared, "Podcasting hasn’t changed that much." I nearly laughed. If you’ve spent even five minutes in this industry lately, you know everything is shifting — fast.
One platform changes its algorithm, a new ad marketplace launches, video surges again, and suddenly the playbook everyone swore by is outdated.
That’s why this week’s episode with Jeff Umbro, CEO of Podglomerate, feels so timely. Jeff isn’t just watching the changes — he’s helping shape them. And our conversation cuts through the noise to get to the truth of what actually works in podcasting right now
Jeff Umbro
🔥 Here’s What We Hit
1. The Real Rules of Audience Growth Have Changed
Jeff’s Take: Attracting new listeners and keeping existing ones require two completely different strategies — and most podcasters mix them up.
Your Move: Audit your last three episodes. Identify one moment designed for new listeners and one designed for loyal ones. Adjust intentionally.
2. Retention Isn’t About Perfection — It’s About Energy
Jeff’s Take: Highly produced intros matter only if your audience needs them. Sometimes “good enough” is exactly right.
Your Move: Before your next episode, choose one: improve energy or improve polish. Don’t do both. Focus wins.
3. Video Is Reshaping Podcasting — Whether We Like It or Not
Jeff’s Take: Consumers didn’t necessarily ask for video…but advertisers did. And that shift is redefining what a successful show looks like.
Your Move: Pick one clip from your next episode and publish it on YouTube Shorts. See how it performs compared to audio.
4. Programmatic Advertising Is Here — And It’s Not Going Away
Jeff’s Take: Programmatic is turning podcasting into a scale game. Premium CPMs still exist, but only for shows that understand how to balance quality with reach.
Your Move: Review your hosting platform’s ad tools. Identify whether you’re set up for dynamic insertion — and if not, fix it.
5. Narrative Podcasts Aren’t Dead… But the Business Model Is Different
Jeff’s Take: Serial-style storytelling still has an audience, but the budgets behind them are shrinking. Chat and hybrid formats are rising.
Your Move: If you’re producing a narrative show, list three ways to repurpose each episode into clips or companion content.
🤝 Connect with Jeff Umbro
Want more insights from one of the sharpest operators in podcasting?
Follow Jeff on LinkedIn, visit Podglomerate.com, or check out his show Podcast Perspectives for weekly breakdowns of where the industry is headed.
So, What’s Next?
🎧 Listen to the full episode: Podcasting’s Next Era: Chat Shows, Video Expansion & The New Advertising Landscape | Jeff Umbro
🚀 Want help growing your show? Explore sponsorship or consulting at RyanIsRight.com 📲 Follow Right About Now for more insights, clips, and episodes.
Stay adaptable, stay sharp, and keep building.
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Stay sharp, stay hungry, and let's reach that next level.
Cheers,
Ryan Alford
Host | Right About Now
CEO | The Radcast Network
