In this episode, I take you through my personal experience of evolving from a podcasting novice in 2019 to a professional editor and producer for over 30 shows globally.

I provide my top five tips for those interested in starting their own podcast on a budget. My recommendations include selecting basic but vital equipment, creating a workable home studio, utilizing efficient recording and editing software, seeking assistance and guidance from friends and the online podcasting community, and the importance of continuous learning and networking.

The episode serves to demystify podcasting for newcomers and emphasizes the possibility of producing top-tier content without breaking the bank.

00:47 Podcasting on a Budget: The Scottish Way
02:16 Essential Equipment for Podcasting
10:35 Setting Up Your Home Studio
16:15 Choosing the Right Recording and Editing Software
18:43 Leveraging Your Network for Podcasting Success
20:52 Learning and Networking in the Podcasting Community

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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“This sponsorship would never have come without TikTok. This brand did not hear my podcast… they saw a short video on TikTok.”

When I recorded this episode, I wanted to share something that genuinely surprised even me: after years of being skeptical about TikTok, a sponsor reached out purely because of our short-form video content. They never listened to the show, never watched the YouTube version—they saw a clip on TikTok and decided Discover Vietnam was a brand they wanted to work with.

It also reinforced the value of understanding my audience deeply and being confident in pricing. What happened here wasn’t luck; it was the result of intention, consistency, and a willingness to experiment.

I hope this story helps you rethink your own distribution strategy and gives you practical inspiration to monetize your show.

Key Talking Points

1. How TikTok unexpectedly brought in a paid sponsor: Despite not being a TikTok user, one short clip led directly to a sponsorship deal.
2. Why repurposing each episode into multiple formats increases value: Audio, video, clips, blog posts—each touchpoint builds your brand equity.
3. How I used AI to understand my audience and set pricing: Combining data from Buzzsprout, Apple, Spotify, and ChatGPT clarified my target demographic.
4. The full negotiation process from first message to deal signed: How I went from “this looks like spam” to landing a 4-episode partnership.
5. Why posting everywhere matters—even if you don’t personally like the platform: Sponsors care about visibility and reach, not whether you scroll TikTok.

Chapters and Timestamps

• 02:00 – Understanding My Audience with AI
• 05:00 – Why Repurposing Content Matters
• 07:00 – Growing on TikTok Without Even Trying
• 09:00 – The Sponsorship Message & My Skepticism
• 10:00 – Negotiation, Pricing, and Closing the Deal

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!

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!

"As soon as you start doing something for money, whether you like it or not. It's gonna change."

Podcasting expert and host of Smarter Podcasting Niall Mackay is interviewed by Samantha an AI Voice powered by ChatGPT.

Niall shares his journey from being an avid podcast listener to becoming a successful podcaster himself. He candidly discusses the challenges of podcasting, strategies for attracting and retaining an audience, and the future of the industry.

Niall's wealth of experience and practical advice make this a must-listen for aspiring and experienced podcasters alike.

Niall delves into the transition from hobby to profession, emphasizing how money changes the dynamics of podcasting. He also explores the importance of consistency, authenticity, and community-building in establishing a dedicated following.

Additionally, Niall shares his thoughts on the impact of video integration and offers monetization strategies for podcasters.

Key Takeaways:
- Appreciate the time commitment required for podcasting, and consider outsourcing tasks like editing to save time.
- Consistency and being true to yourself are crucial for building a dedicated audience.
- Engage with your audience where they are, and provide value beyond just promoting your episodes.
- Sponsorships and Patreon are viable monetization strategies, but don't expect quick riches from podcasting.
- Video integration is the future of podcasting, but audio should remain the primary focus.

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 I’d turned this on, even if I was interested in the topic, I would’ve turned it off immediately.” – Niall Mackay

That’s what I said during this podcast audit, and I meant it. It wasn’t about the content, Arin’s show, Rock and Metal Faith, has a passionate host, a unique niche, and great energy. But the audio quality was so rough that it distracted from everything else.

This episode is a perfect example of why good content isn’t enough if the sound quality turns people away. Arin’s doing so many things right, he’s found a clear niche, he’s consistent, and he’s genuinely having fun, but like most podcasters, he’s also hit some technical and creative hurdles along the way.

This episode is full of practical tips, real examples, and honest conversations that will help you make your own podcast sound and look better.

5 Key Talking Points

Niche Smart – How Arin carved out a unique space in the Christian metal community by blending faith, rock, and SEO strategy.

The Mic Matters – What went wrong with his microphone setup and how to avoid the same mistakes.

Editing Smarter – How Riverside’s transcript editing tools can save hours in post-production.

Artwork & Branding – Why consistency and small design tweaks can make your show look instantly more professional.

AI Show Notes Done Right – How to use AI tools without sounding robotic, and why a great hook line makes all the difference.

Chapters & Timestamps

• 02:00 – Meet Arin Hickman: How he started Rock and Metal Faith and found his podcasting niche.
• 06:00 – Tech Talk: His mic setup, computer upgrade, and the pros and cons of using Riverside.
• 13:00 – SEO, Titles & Artwork: How Arin improved discoverability and what I’d tweak in his design.
• 23:00 – Show Notes, Consistency & Audio Quality: My honest feedback on AI-written notes and audio issues.

35:00 – Final Thoughts & Advice: Tips for engagement, intros/outros, and improving listener experience.

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!

Thank you to Anii Hoang from The Aspiring CMO podcast for letting me share this episode with you!

In my journey with Seven Million Bikes Podcasts, a pivotal moment emerged when a talented marketing graduate posted on Facebook, expressing her eagerness to contribute blogs for her portfolio.

Our initial conversation left me astounded by her vigor, expertise, and most significantly, her knowledge, particularly in domains like SEO, domain authority, and content crafting.

As the world gradually reopened after the lockdown, a face-to-face meeting over coffee deepened her advice to focus my efforts onto a singular endeavor for bolstered domain authority and SEO impact.

Despite this counsel, I found myself clinging to Seven Million Bikes' multi-dimensional identity, encompassing podcasts, comedy, and events.

The alliance sparked by the aforementioned graduate not only endured but blossomed into an inspiring narrative of growth.

Anii, the graduate, has since carved her own path of accomplishment, establishing her podcast and YouTube channel, aptly named The Aspiring CMO (Chief Marketing Officer).

This platform serves as a repository for insights drawn from genuine experiences, narratives, and individuals within the realms of marketing and entrepreneurship. My admiration for Anii's content is palpable, culminating in a symbiotic exchange.

She graciously invited me to her show as a guest, symbolizing the intersection of our journeys and the transformation of our individual pursuits into shared triumphs.

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!

“It was silly then, and it’s become sillier now, the idea that if you build it, they will come.” – Joni Deutsch

When Joni said that, it really hit home. So many podcasters (including me, in the early days) believe that great content alone will attract an audience. But as Joni explains, in today’s crowded world of podcasting, you have to market your show just as smartly as you produce it.

This episode honestly blew me away. Joni is the Senior Vice President of Marketing & Audience Development at The Podglomerate, one of the top podcast agencies in the world, working with brands like NPR, Netflix, and Harvard. She shared everything from the truth about fake “organic promotion” offers, to how pixels actually track podcast ads, to the smartest ways to grow your audience — even on a small budget.

Key Talking Points

1. Marketing is essential, not optional.
2. Avoid fake “growth hacks.”
3. Know your audience inside out.
4. Podcast pixels are game-changing.
5. Growth takes time and relationships

Chapters & Timestamps

• 04:30 — Can You Succeed Without Marketing?
• 09:00 — The “If You Build It” Myth
• 17:00 — Fake Downloads and Vanity Metrics
• 28:00 — What the Hell is a Pixel?
• 45:00 — Real Growth Strategies

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!

Niall Mackay, The Podcast Guy, shares his journey from starting a podcast about Saigon in 2019 to running a successful, end-to-end podcast production agency.

Niall discusses the evolution of his podcast, including rebranding it to focus on Vietnam as a whole, and how he navigated significant challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic.

He emphasizes the importance of setting specific goals, learning to say no, and focusing on one's primary objective for achieving success.

Niall also shares insights on the most effective social media platforms and strategies for monetizing a podcast production business.

00:00 Introduction and Beginnings in Saigon
00:00 Rebranding and Expanding Beyond Saigon
00:00 Challenges and Pivotal Decisions During COVID
00:00 Refocusing and Setting Goals
00:00 Achievements and Recognition
00:00 Q&A: Social Media and Monetization
00:00 Q&A: Income and Final Thoughts

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!

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!

“The reason I’m putting on a podcast is because I want to listen. I don’t want to read about the hosts - I want you to tell me about you.” — Adrie Mackay

This episode is easily one of my favorites — not because of the guest (though she is my wife), but because I finally got to hear the raw, honest perspective of a real podcast listener. Adrie isn’t in the industry; she doesn’t care about gear or metrics. She just loves great stories, good sound, and shows that respect her time.

Listening to her describe how she chooses podcasts, where she listens, and what makes her switch off reminded me that every podcaster needs to think more like a listener. This conversation changed the way I look at intros, ads, and even how people interact with Spotify. If you want to know how your audience really experiences your show — this is the episode to listen to.

5 Key Talking Points

1. Listeners crave connection. They tune in to people, not just topics.
2. Bad audio kills interest instantly — even more than weak content.
3. The first two minutes decide everything. Get to the point fast.
4. Titles and artwork matter more than show notes. Most people never read them.
5. Podcast habits are personal. Where, when, and how people listen shapes what they love — and what they skip.

Chapters and Timestamps

• 00:00 — Why People Listen
• 03:00 — From Talk Radio to True Crime
• 09:00 — What Makes Listeners Switch Off
• 17:00 — Should You Repeat Your Intro Every Episode?
• 25:00 — How Listeners Discover New Podcasts
• 35:00 — Lessons for Podcasters

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!