In this episode of Right About Now with Ryan Alford, Ryan sits down with Jeff Umbro, founder and CEO of Podglomerate, for a deep dive into the fast-evolving podcast industry. From the rise of programmatic advertising to the shift toward video-first podcasting, Jeff breaks down the biggest changes shaping the medium today.

They explore what creators need to know about audience growth, the pitfalls of production, the migration from narrative storytelling to conversational formats, and why understanding your business model is now more crucial than ever. Whether you're a podcaster, marketer, or entrepreneur, this episode delivers valuable insights into where the industry is heading—and how to stay ahead of it.

TAKEAWAYS

• How the podcast industry has evolved and continues to accelerate
• The rise of programmatic advertising and what it means for creators
• The growing impact of video on podcast discovery and engagement
• Future monetization models and what’s replacing traditional ads
• Strategies for attracting new listeners vs. retaining existing audiences
• Common challenges in podcast production and managing client expectations
• The founding story and rapid growth of Podglomerate
• Why narrative podcasts have declined in favor of conversational shows
• How the podcast industry has shifted over the last decade
• The importance of having a sustainable, well-defined business model

TIMESTAMPS

00:00:00 — Introduction & Episode Overview
Jeff Umbro joins to break down major shifts in the podcast industry, monetization trends, and the rise of video-first strategy.
00:00:22 — Audience Development: Attracting vs. Retaining
A look at the difference between gaining new listeners and serving your core audience—plus the role of data and instinct.
00:00:54 — Show Introduction & Host Banter
Ryan opens the episode, previews the discussion, and sets the tone.
00:01:16 — Guest Introduction & Industry Respect
Ryan introduces Jeff, discusses their industry journeys, and highlights Jeff’s influence in podcasting.
00:02:20 — Production Challenges & Realities
Jeff shares the behind-the-scenes challenges of managing clients, timelines, and expectations.
00:04:07 — Balancing Quality and Perfection
Ryan reflects on when content is “good enough” and how to avoid overproducing.
00:05:32 — Defining Show Goals & Listener Value
Why podcast creators must clarify the purpose and value proposition of their show.
00:06:50 — Audience Development Revisited
How intros, outros, and content orientation influence different listener segments.
00:07:31 — Production as a Business
The difference between being a great producer and running a profitable production company.
00:08:08 — Jeff’s Podcasting Journey
Jeff’s path from early podcast fan to founder of Podglomerate.
00:10:12 — Evolution of the Podcast Industry
A look at consolidation, changing formats, and the rise of programmatic ads and video.
00:12:09 — The Shift from Narrative to Conversational Shows
Why the industry moved away from high-cost narrative productions.
00:14:32 — Podcasting’s Identity Crisis
Jeff and Ryan discuss the coexistence of multiple podcast formats in a changing ecosystem.
00:14:53 — Business Models & Future Outlook
How creators can build sustainable businesses in a shifting industry landscape.