In Podcast Playbook (Part 2), Kelly Kennedy rips the fluff off podcast tech and gives you the real, unfiltered truth about the gear that actually matters. If you’re serious about launching a podcast that sounds world-class, this episode is your blueprint. From computers and microphones to audio interfaces and headphones, Kelly breaks down what to buy, why it matters, and how to build a pro-level setup without wasting a dollar. No gimmicks. No jargon. Just clarity and confidence to build your studio the right way—whether you’re in a spare bedroom or a full production space.

But this isn’t just about gear—it’s about showing up like a pro from day one. Kelly explains why audio quality is make-or-break, why your computer is the real unsung hero, and how the right setup positions you for long-term podcast success. This episode will cut months off your learning curve and set you up to hit record with power and purpose. If you want to build a podcast that’s built to last, Episode 251 is non-negotiable.

Key Takeaways:

1. Your computer is the most critical piece of podcasting equipment—editing and production demand serious processing power.

2. A gaming laptop or desktop is often the best choice due to its high-end GPU, CPU, RAM, and SSD performance.

3. Sound quality can make or break your show; even great content won’t save you if the audio hurts people’s ears.

4. USB microphones are great for beginners, but XLR microphones paired with an interface deliver far superior sound and control.

5. A quality audio interface like the Rodecaster Pro 2 allows for zero-latency monitoring, clean gain control, and pro-level audio routing.

6. Headphones are non-negotiable—they prevent feedback, help monitor sound live, and allow you to edit with precision.

7. Bluetooth headphones introduce latency—always go wired when producing or editing your show.

8. You don’t need a full studio to sound professional—a home setup with the right gear can match broadcast quality.

9. Start with a setup you can grow into—XLR systems are scalable and used by nearly all professional podcasters.

10. Equipment helps—but consistency, connection, and your message are what truly build a great podcast.

Ready to build something that lasts?

The Catalyst Club isn’t just another business community—it’s your backstage pass to real growth. If you’re a founder, executive, podcaster, or builder chasing clarity, connection, and momentum, this is where you belong. Inside, you'll find exclusive coaching, behind-the-scenes strategy, live events, and a rockstar crew of high-performers pushing the edge just like you.

No fluff. No noise. Just fuel for what you're building.

Join us: www.kellykennedyofficial.com/thecatalystclub

If you know, you're known.

In this milestone 250th episode, host Kelly Kennedy sits down with Janice Baskin, Manager of the Edmonton Regional Innovation Network (ERIN), for a deep dive into how Alberta entrepreneurs can better navigate the complex ecosystem of supports, funding, and opportunities available to them. From breaking down the role of ERIN as a connector organization to sharing personal insights from her own entrepreneurial journey, Janice offers a transparent and practical look at what’s working—and what’s still missing—for founders across Edmonton and beyond.

Together, Kelly and Janice explore the reality of growing a business in Alberta, including the challenges of accessing support, the confusion many founders face when searching for help, and the gaps that still exist in serving women in tech and growth-stage companies. Whether you're launching a startup, scaling an established business, or just trying to figure out what’s available to you, this episode is a must-listen playbook for understanding how to plug into Edmonton’s rapidly evolving innovation ecosystem.

Key Takeaways:

1. Entrepreneurs often don’t know what support exists, and lack of awareness remains one of the biggest barriers to growth in Alberta.

2. You don’t need to go broke to start a business—service-based models can be profitable early with smart planning and clear value.

3. There’s support available for more than just startups; growth-stage companies struggling to scale can also access funding and guidance.

4. The ecosystem is powerful but disconnected, and what’s truly missing is a central connector to guide founders through what’s available.

5. ERIN exists purely to support entrepreneurs, without taking equity or fees, and is funded entirely by Alberta Innovates.

6. Gaps still exist—especially around women in tech and programming that supports underrepresented founders.

7. Balance as an entrepreneur isn’t daily, it’s seasonal; the key is recognizing when to push and when to rest.

8. Ask the “dumb” questions, especially when it comes to finances—avoiding them leads to much bigger problems later.

9. Warm connections and intros can shortcut weeks of confusion and open real doors inside the ecosystem.

10. If a solution isn’t a fit, don’t stop—ERIN’s role is to keep helping you explore options until the right one clicks.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Hypervac Technologies
• Fabled Solutions
• atWork Office Furniture
• Capital Business Development
• BDC Canada
• Alberta Innovates
• Alberta Women Entrepreneurs
• Edmonton Unlimited
• Edmonton Regional Innovation Network

💥 Want to go deeper into conversations like this? Join The Catalyst Club—the official community for listeners of The Business Development Podcast.

Inside, you’ll get access to exclusive content, live coaching events, and real connection with founders, business developers, and leaders from across Canada and beyond. This is where the real conversations happen.

🎟️ Become a member today and level up your growth:

https://www.kellykennedyofficial.com/

If you know, you're known.🔥

In this milestone 249th episode of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy kicks off the highly requested Podcast Playbook series with brutal honesty and real talk about what it actually takes to start—and sustain—a successful podcast. As one of the few shows to break into the top 1% globally with over 250 episodes, Kelly shares the behind-the-scenes truths that most people won’t tell you. From fighting fear and imposter syndrome to the time, cost, and consistency required, this episode lays bare the emotional and tactical realities of podcasting in 2025. If you’ve ever considered launching your own show, this episode will either light your fire—or save you from a painful false start.

More than just a technical how-to, Part 1 is a mindset check. It answers the real question: Is podcasting right for you and your business? Kelly unpacks the power of podcasting as a long-term trust engine, global growth tool, and thought leadership platform—but only if you’re truly ready to commit. Whether you're a business owner, executive, or aspiring content creator, this is your must-listen starting point. Get ready to decide: Are you in for the long game, or just flirting with the idea?

Key Takeaways:

1. Podcasting is a long game that requires consistent effort before any return shows up. Expect to invest months, not weeks.

2. If you don't genuinely enjoy it, you'll burn out. Passion and energy are what keep you going when it gets tough.

3. The biggest challenge is internal. Fear, self-doubt, and ego will try to stop you more than any technical hurdle.

4. If you're an expert in your field, you owe it to the next generation to share what you know.

5. Chasing trends won't sustain you. Podcasting only works long term if you're doing it for the right reasons.

6. Each episode takes real time. From prep to post-production, it’s hours of effort per release.

7. Podcasting is about trust. Your listeners build a relationship with you, and that connection is your real asset.

8. Small audiences can be incredibly powerful. Fifty loyal listeners can change your business if they’re the right ones.

9. Your podcast should tie into your greater mission. Done well, it becomes a growth engine for visibility, leads, and reputation.

10. There is no easy button. The only way to make podcasting work is to show up, stay committed, and keep improving every step of the way.

Want to go deeper with business development, podcasting, and personal growth?

Join The Catalyst Club — our private community for entrepreneurs, founders, and leaders who are serious about leveling up. Inside, you’ll get access to live workshops, expert Q&As, Coffee with Rockstars, and exclusive support from people who actually get it. It’s not just another group. It’s momentum, connection, and growth—all in one place.

All for just $29/month. Join us today at www.kellykennedyofficial.com

If you know, you're known.

In Episode 248 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly reconnects with community builder and master storyteller Ken Gee to explore how authentic storytelling builds the trust and relationships that make business happen. Ken shares lessons from decades spent connecting people, growing communities, and using stories to showcase what makes businesses special. From his broadcasting roots to horse racing and AK Media, Ken shows how trust and genuine connection always outperform flashy marketing.

Together, Kelly and Ken break down why businesses today need stories that feel real — and why telling them well on social media, video, and in person is more powerful than any cold pitch. They dive into the importance of asking the right questions, listening more than talking, and showing up where your community actually is. If you want your audience to trust you, refer you, and stick with you — this episode is your playbook.

Key Takeaways:

1. Building trust beats any sales pitch — people buy from who they trust and who others trust.

2. Storytelling isn’t about hype; it’s about revealing what’s genuinely unique about your business.

3. Great stories come from asking better questions and really listening to people’s answers.

4. Community is the backbone of referrals — invest in people and they’ll invest in you.

5. Social media should be intentional; posting just to post doesn’t build real connection.

6. Video shows personality, trustworthiness, and relatability better than any static post.

7. You can’t replace showing up in person — real connections still close deals faster than cold calls.

8. It’s not about who you know but who they introduce you to — warm leads matter more than volume.

9. If you want opportunity, open your mouth and talk about what you’re building — people will help.

10. Success doesn’t come from shortcuts; it comes from consistently doing the unglamorous work.

Learn more about Kelly Kennedy, The Catalyst Club, and all our coaching programs at KellyKennedyOfficial.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• KellyKennedyOfficial.com
• Capital Business Development
• AK Media
• Jasper Place Wellness Center

In episode 247 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy gets real about something every high performer faces but rarely talks about: overwhelm. Sharing his own packed calendar and the pressure to juggle it all, Kelly walks listeners through why we end up so overloaded, the habits that make it worse, and how to take back control without burning out. He reminds us that saying no, protecting our time, and focusing on what truly moves the needle can turn chaos into progress and help us show up as better leaders, partners, and people.

This episode is both a reality check and a permission slip to slow down and breathe. Kelly lays out seven practical ways to break the cycle of overwhelm, from building a simple weekly Move the Needle list to creating breathing room in your calendar and learning to say “not right now” instead of always saying yes. He closes by inviting listeners to find support and community inside The Catalyst Club, where like-minded leaders lift each other up. If your to-do list feels impossible, this episode is the reset you didn’t know you needed.

Key Takeaways:

1. Overwhelm is often self-created by high performers who say yes too often and overestimate their capacity.

2. Action in the right direction matters more than doing everything perfectly or all at once.

3. Building structure and planning tasks in a calendar helps prevent chaos and burnout.

4. A simple weekly Move the Needle list keeps you focused on true priorities, not just busy work.

5. Adding realistic buffers to your schedule protects you from unexpected curveballs.

6. Saying “not right now” is a powerful skill to protect your energy without burning bridges.

7. Focused, uninterrupted work blocks outperform scattered multitasking every time.

8. Protecting rest time—your evenings, weekends, and sleep—makes you more effective in the long run.

9. Asking for help and delegating isn’t weakness; it lightens the load and builds community.

10. Regularly reviewing what works and what doesn’t keeps you from repeating the same overwhelm cycle.

✨ Join The Catalyst Club – You Belong Here

If this episode hit home, you're exactly who The Catalyst Club was built for. This is more than a community — it's your support system, your strategy hub, and your space to grow without burning out.

Inside, you'll find:

1. Weekly live workshops, coaching, and Q&A
2. A network of high-performance founders, business developers, and leaders who get it
3. Tools, templates, and systems to build real momentum
4. Encouragement, community, accountability, and clarity when you need it most

You don’t have to do business development alone — and you don’t have to keep pretending everything’s fine when it isn’t.

You belong here.

Let’s build something sustainable, powerful, and built to last.

🔗 Join us inside The Catalyst Club:

www.kellykennedyofficial.com/TheCatalystClub

In Episode 246 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly sits down with renowned sales educator Josh Braun to dismantle outdated selling tactics and replace them with something far more human — sorting, not selling. Josh shares how the best salespeople detach from the outcome, ask smarter questions, and guide prospects to discover the truth for themselves, building trust every step of the way. From his early days as a teacher to shaping sales teams at top tech firms, Josh’s approach proves you don’t need pressure or pushiness to win real business.

If you’re tired of forced pitches and awkward closing lines, this conversation will challenge everything you thought you knew about selling. Learn how to poke the bear, uncover genuine problems, and decide who’s truly worth your time — all while staying true to yourself and your customer. This episode is a masterclass in authentic, outcome-free selling you’ll want to revisit again and again.

In Episode 245 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy dismantles the toxic belief that suffering is required for success. If you’ve been grinding endlessly, sacrificing your peace for performance, this episode is your wake-up call. Kelly reveals how the real wins in business development come not from burnout, but from clarity, calm, and consistent execution. Through personal stories, industry truths, and sharp insights, he shows you how to break free from the hustle trap and still hit your biggest revenue goals.

This is not just motivation — it’s a new blueprint for high-performance business development without self-destruction. Kelly walks you through sustainable habits, powerful mindset shifts, and the exact math behind building a stress-free, scalable strategy. If you’re a founder, executive, or business developer ready to stop burning out and start building smarter, Episode 245 will change how you show up, sell, and succeed.

Key Takeaways:

1. Burnout is not a badge of honor — it’s a warning sign that your business development process needs a serious shift.

2. You don’t need more hours; you need better systems. Success comes from clarity, not chaos.

3. Rest is not a reward — it’s a requirement for long-term performance, creativity, and consistency in BD.

4. Meetings are the metric that matter most. Revenue is built by reverse-engineering how many qualified meetings you need each month.

5. Stress is not proof of progress. Chronic stress kills decision-making, momentum, and client relationships.

6. Business development is a long game, and calm confidence outperforms frantic hustle every time.

7. Track weekly wins, not just closed deals. Progress momentum builds consistency and fuels confidence.

8. Daily mindset resets and weekly planning are your secret weapons. Use tools like the “Move the Needle” list to stay aligned and focused.

9. Boundaries protect your value. You’re worth more when you’re focused, not constantly reactive.

10. The best business developers work from vision, not fear. When you understand your metrics, the pressure turns into a plan — and peace follows.

✨ Join The Catalyst Club – You Belong Here

If this episode hit home, you're exactly who The Catalyst Club was built for. This is more than a community — it's your support system, your strategy hub, and your space to grow without burning out.

Inside, you'll find:

• Weekly live workshops, coaching, and Q&A
• A network of high-performance founders, business developers, and leaders who get it
• Tools, templates, and systems to build real momentum
• Encouragement, community, accountability, and clarity when you need it most

You don’t have to do business development alone — and you don’t have to keep pretending everything’s fine when it isn’t.

You belong here.

Let’s build something sustainable, powerful, and built to last.

🔗 Join us inside The Catalyst Club:

www.kellykennedyofficial.com/TheCatalystClub

In Episode 244, Kelly Kennedy welcomes back powerhouse entrepreneur and Built to Lead podcast host Jory Evans for a bold conversation that challenges conventional business thinking. Jory shares how he scaled Evans Trucking from a single unit into a diversified empire with over 100 trucks, a heavy-duty mechanic shop, and a construction company — all rooted in disciplined leadership and a values-driven approach. But the real gold? Jory reveals why buying a business can be a smarter, faster path to success than starting from scratch — and how he’s leveraging acquisitions to scale even further.

This episode dives deep into the mindset, discipline, and execution required to grow during downturns, navigate economic pressure, and turn chaos into momentum. Jory breaks down the realities of vendor financing, why most self-help never gets applied, and the critical difference between learning and doing. If you’ve ever considered acquiring a business or want to understand what real growth looks like in 2025, this is a must-listen conversation packed with actionable insight.

Key Takeaways:

1. Buying a business can be less risky and more strategic than starting one from scratch, especially in a buyer’s market with aging business owners looking to exit.

2. Execution matters more than information — most people consume self-help and business content but never apply it. Discipline and follow-through are what create real growth.

3. Vendor financing is a powerful acquisition tool, allowing buyers to structure win-win deals while keeping sellers invested in the business's success post-sale.

4. Writing things down is the first step to execution — it turns ideas into actions and creates lasting momentum.

5. Your business will never outgrow you as a leader — personal development and intentional growth are essential if you want your company to scale.

6. Downturns are the best time to grow — while others pull back, leaning in with momentum and clarity can position you to dominate when the market rebounds.

7. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel — acquiring a business with proven systems, clients, and revenue is often a smarter path than starting from zero.

8. Carbon tax and government policy have a direct and devastating impact on logistics and food costs, and leaders must understand how these forces affect their industry.

9. The fastest growth happens when you combine operational experience with strategic insight — knowing your numbers, your levers, and your people is non-negotiable.

10. You must evaluate every acquisition based on synergy, upside, and culture — if it doesn’t align with your values or offer true value-add, walk away.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Evans Trucking
• Built to Lead
• Capital Business Development

To explore upcoming business development courses, one-on-one coaching opportunities, and to join our private community of entrepreneurs, business developers, and growth-focused leaders — visit kellykennedyofficial.com. Inside, you'll find access to The Catalyst Club, our exclusive members-only private network where we connect, collaborate, and grow together through live events, coaching, and powerful peer support. Whether you're looking to sharpen your skills or scale your business, this is where serious builders come to win.