The Anycast - with Matt Levine

Full episode launches on January 30

In Case You Missed It… Mike Allton, the mastermind behind four thriving podcasts, takes us on a journey through his decade-long experience in content creation. With a rich background in balancing side hustles and full-time gigs, including his work with Agorapulse, Mike sheds light on how he's continually enhancing his podcasting craft. His passion for AI and marketing shines through as he discusses the intersection of technology and human connection, especially in the realm of podcasting. Mike's insights on maintaining authenticity in a tech-driven world are both thought-provoking and practical, providing listeners with a fresh perspective on the evolving landscape of marketing. As we explore the transformative power of AI, Mike shares his strategies for integrating this technology into marketing workflows while keeping the focus on relationship building. He emphasizes how podcasting remains a unique platform for fostering authentic connections, creating a space where hosts and listeners can engage meaningfully. With AI streamlining his podcasting process, Mike demonstrates how technology can enhance productivity without losing the human touch. Join us for a conversation that is both enlightening and inspiring, offering valuable lessons on leveraging AI to boost marketing efforts and nurture genuine human connections.     Mentioned in This Episode: Mike Allton on LinkedIn Find Your Red Thread: Make Your Big Ideas Irresistible by Tamsen Webster Agorapulse.com theanycast.com/s2e5

Matt Levine sits down with Mike Allton to discuss the seismic shifts AI is creating across industries. They also discuss AI’s role in marketing, productivity, and content creation, including how Mike uses AI to manage four active podcasts without breaking a sweat. If you’re curious about AI’s impact on your life, career, or marketing strategy—and how to stay ahead—this episode delivers actionable insights you can’t afford to miss. Mike Alton is a Strategic Marketing Leader in AI and Data-Driven Solutions. His mission is to provide strategic marketing leadership to businesses, unlocking their full potential in the digital landscape. Mike starts by talking about the ethics and the legality issues surrounding AI. While often valid, Matt feels people use this as an excuse to push back on AI.  Mike lists the type of businesses he believes will be phased out by AI. Instead of being fearful of or fighting AI because it will phase out jobs, Matt feels people should focus on pivoting, adapting, or incorporating AI into their skillset. According to Mike, AI isn’t just a tool—it’s a transformational technology. Like electricity, AI is designed to improve our lives. Mike highlights the difference between AI and automation tools—Automation handles repetitive tasks, but AI is far more advanced. It learns, adapts, and evolves. Matt and Mike agree that we’re in the fourth industrial revolution, and unlike previous revolutions, the pace of AI development is unprecedented. Your ability to keep up and harness AI’s potential will determine your success over the next decade. Mike shares his thoughts on the role of AI in solving complex medical challenges. Matt explains how human innovation will thrive even as more innovators move towards Artificial General Intelligence, AGI. AI-generated content will soon be everywhere—but so will tools to detect it. As AI content floods the internet, algorithms will evolve to ensure that quality, human-driven innovation continues to thrive. Mike talks about AI brain drain targeting specific industries. Don’t fear brain drain—all l industries will benefit as AI handles tedious tasks, allowing human professionals to focus on high-impact innovations. Matt and Mike discuss how podcasting fits perfectly into a modern video-first marketing strategy. Mike explains why every business, from startups to enterprises, should prioritize video marketing. According to Mike, you don’t need millions of views to run a successful video marketing campaign. A podcast or video that reaches a small, highly targeted group can turn viewers into paying customers. Nobody should go into podcasting or even content creation in general with the hope of becoming a Joe Rogan. Mark shares insights on how the demand for quick satisfaction and constant connectedness makes it increasingly difficult for marketers to hold a consumer’s attention. The good news is that most people have patience for great content. If your podcast is relevant, helpful, and engaging, people will binge-listen for hours—just like Netflix. Mike explains why great marketing needs human connection to be effective. Great marketing starts and ends with relationship building, and that's impossible to do when humans are not involved. Mike shares the workload involved in hosting five active podcasts--and how AI makes it all possible. Mike explains the fastest and easiest way to repurpose content to maximize reach and impact. Mike and Matt agree that effective marketing today is about sharing who you are, why you do what you do, and how you’re different. Stop leading with features—tell your story. Mike believes video is non-negotiable for modern marketing success. If you’re not prioritizing video creation, you’re missing out on the most powerful way to connect with your audience. Matt and Mike agree that if today's large language models rely solely on their own outputs to train future versions, the quality of the information will inevitably decline over time, creating a cycle of degradation. Mike talks about the future of marketing. By 2029, brand partnerships and genuine relationships will drive the most successful campaigns. Start building strong, authentic connections now to stay ahead.     Mentioned in This Episode: Mike Allton on LinkedIn Find Your Red Thread: Make Your Big Ideas Irresistible by Tamsen Webster Agorapulse.com theanycast.com/s2e5

Full episode launches on January 9

In Case You Missed It... Former morning radio producer and host Gord Vickman joins us for a captivating journey through the shifting sands of the media landscape. From navigating the turbulent seas of traditional radio at Chorus Entertainment to embracing the burgeoning world of podcasting, Gord offers a firsthand account of the industry's evolution. As job cuts loom and the allure of homegrown talent fades in favor of celebrity hosts, Gord's pivot to podcasting led him to Strategic Coach, where he now curates an 11-podcast network featuring thought leaders like Dan Sullivan. Together, we dissect the challenges and opportunities posed by AI in media, celebrating the irreplaceable value of human wisdom in content creation. In a forward-thinking discussion, we question whether podcasting is destined to plateau, as technological innovations like spatial audio make a splash. Drawing on personal anecdotes from the Podcast Movement Conference, we scrutinize the necessity of such advancements—are they enhancing user experiences or simply tech for tech's sake? Our conversation weaves through these intriguing questions, pondering the future of podcasting while honoring the timeless essence of meaningful, freeform dialogue. Join us for a reflection on where this beloved medium stands today and where it might head tomorrow.     Gord Vickman on LinkedIn theanycast.com/s2e4

Matt Levine sits down with Gord Vickman to discuss the "Relationship Acquisition Model," showing how nurturing audience relationships builds loyalty and drives long-term business growth. Gord shares ways to monetize podcasts without ads, leverage AI for efficiency, and create content that truly resonates. Packed with actionable insights, this conversation will change how you think about audience building and acquiring customers. Gord Vickman is the podcast network manager for Strategic Coach, where he directs all aspects of production, post-production, and distribution for their eleven podcasts. Gord starts by describing why he left radio and made the switch to podcasting. According to Gord, people are so online these days that no one's sitting in their car listening to radio ads anymore. This caused radio revenue to plummet and with that, the ability for radio stations to hire competent talent. What happened to the radio audience? For Gord, many people still listen to the radio. But people are no longer purchasing products from radio ads. The reason radio ads no longer work is that they’ve always been spray and pray. Just push out ads and pray that one person who’s in the market for your product hears your ad and proceeds to buy using your coupon code. Matt and Gord agree that marketers today lack patience. They have the “I want success now” mentality, yet not all marketing channels are about producing instant results. Marketing is not just about a one-off transaction; it’s about building trust, awareness, and relationships. Gord and Matt talk about Perplexity AI--a free AI-powered answer engine that provides accurate, trusted, and real-time answers to any question. Gord explains what a strategic coach is and why it’s not just another business coaching program. Gord breaks down the Relationship Acquisition Model, RAM. For Strategic Coach, they don't sell ads on their shows and that's by design because host Dan Sullivan wants them crisp and clean. What most people don’t understand about the podcast sales funnel is that it needs patience. You can’t put out an ad and expect people to sign up immediately; sometimes it can take years before you get a return. The key lies in stacking as much value as you can upfront. Value builds trust, creates loyalty, and positions you as someone worth paying attention to. Matt compares podcast advertising today versus podcast advertising in 2006. The best compliment to a service is your people never complain. Unfortunately, the only time businesses interact with people is when they’re complaining. Gord explains how podcasts can still make money without ads or direct monetization. Gord breaks down the key elements of cash confidence and why it’s impossible for two entrepreneurs to work together if they don’t have cash confidence. It's kind of misguided in terms of how people think they're going to make money from podcasts. Yes, you can make money from podcasts by selling ads, but nobody will want to talk to you unless you have 25K downloads. How to know the average lifetime value of your customers. Matt and Gord talk about the scary and exciting future of AI. Gord shares his thoughts on permanence of disbelief and why you can’t believe everything you see. Podcasting is in the entertainment business. You’re not competing against other podcasts. You’re competing against all the other things that person could be doing at that time. Matt believes AI will continue evolving but he doesn't see an end state where AI does everything. Gord shares how fatherhood changed his perspective on the world.      Mentioned in This Episode: Gord Vickman on LinkedIn theanycast.com/s2e4

Full episode launches on December 19

In Case You Missed It... Lou Mongello, the vibrant host of the WDW Radio podcast, takes us on an enchanting journey filled with magic, resilience, and the power of following one's dreams. From his early days as a lawyer in New Jersey to becoming a celebrated Disney content creator, Lou shares how his passion for Disney, sparked by cherished family trips and nostalgic Sunday night movies, propelled him to overcome 47 rejection letters before successfully publishing his Disney trivia book. Tune in to discover how Lou turned setbacks into stepping stones and learn about the ever-evolving landscape of book publishing and podcasting that has empowered enthusiasts everywhere to share their passions. Our conversation doesn't stop there. We explore the latest magical transformations at Disney parks, including the captivating Tiana's Bayou Adventure in Magic Kingdom, a reimagined experience that beckons lovers of princess tales. With highlights like the Frozen attraction in Epcot and the cutting-edge Galaxy's Edge for Star Wars aficionados, Lou explains why staying on Disney property amplifies the storytelling magic of your visit. Whether you're a lifelong Disney devotee or new to its wonders, this episode promises delightful insights into Disney's growing influence and the vibrant world of podcasting.     LouMongello.com WDWradio.com 102 Ways to Save Money For and At Walt Disney World by Lou Mongello theanycast.com/s2e3

Matt Levine talks to Lou Mongello, a former attorney who left the practice of law to follow his passion for Disney. They discuss the business side of running a podcast, ways to consistently create unique experiences for your audience, and lessons from Disney World that you can apply to your business immediately. Lou is a passionate keynote speaker, mentor, and host of WDW Radio, a podcast, live video, site, events, books, and tours dedicated to celebrating the magic of Walt Disney World, the Disney Parks, Disney Cruise Line, Marvel, and Star Wars. Lou starts the conversation by sharing why he switched from practicing law to building a Disney-inspired business. Lou talks about writing and publishing a book today versus twenty years ago. The best part about writing a book today is that there are no more gatekeepers. There are many platforms that will help you get the idea from your mind and onto paper. Lou shares what it was like getting 47 rejections from book publishers and what he did to persevere. According to Lou, the key to overcoming rejection is to never take rejection personally and never question the validity of your concept. Matt and Lou talk about the dos and don'ts of starting a business and whether it’s advisable to go all in or have a safety net for when things don’t go as planned. For Matt, it makes sense to always have a safety net when starting a new business, especially if you have a family to provide for. But once you decide to do something, give it 100%. Matt explains why Being different is better than being better. You should never convince somebody that you're better than your competition. You’re better off explaining why you're different. Lou shares his thoughts on niching down and why even in your own niche, you can’t expect to resonate with everyone. Love and enjoy what you do every day. The day it stops being fun is the day you stop doing it. Lou covers the benefits of doing a live podcast recording versus uploading an edited podcast. For Lou, the most rewarding part of running a coaching business is seeing people learn, do the work, and come out different on the other side. Matt explains why he believes ideas today are worthless--especially if you don’t execute them. Having a plan and talking about what you will do is all great. But nothing beats going out and doing the work. For Matt, inspiration is for amateurs, professionals show up and do the work. Lou is a big fan of creating your best content because you never know who's listening and you never know the type of impact you’ll make in the world. Lou talks about The Dream Team Project--an initiative dedicated to bringing joy to seriously ill children and their families by making their dream of visiting Walt Disney World come true. Lou covers the theme of everything he does--it's not about doing things at scale. It's about connecting with one person and having a positive impact on their lives. Most creators are obsessed with vanity metrics and growing the size of their audience. According to Lou, instead of focusing on getting as many followers as possible, creators should focus on the people who are already part of the community. Take care of them and not only will they be loyal to you, they will also become your most vocal evangelists. Matt and Lou break down the evolution of podcasting--where we are right now, what the future holds, and whether it makes sense to start a podcast today. AI will not put podcasters out of business, but it's going to put podcasters who don't use AI out of business. For Lou, AI is a tool, it's not a replacement. Let it make you more efficient, let it make you more effective, but what you create still has to be authentically you. Matt and Lou close the discussion by talking about all the hot, new attractions in Disneyland and what it takes to create an immersive experience for both kids and adults.      Mentioned in This Episode: LouMongello.com WDWradio.com 102 Ways to Save Money For and At Walt Disney World by Lou Mongello theanycast.com/s2e3

Full episode launches on November 28

In Case You Missed It... Podcasting trailblazer Elsie Escobar, a Hall of Fame inductee and the Director of Community and Content at Libsyn, joins us to share her journey and insights into the world of podcasting. Elsie takes us back to her innovative beginnings in 2006, with a yoga podcast that flipped the script on teaching visual classes through audio. Her passion for fostering understanding and accessibility in podcasting beyond individual shows is contagious, as she emphasizes the medium's potential to open new worlds to its audience. Elsie advocates for a collective effort among podcasters to demystify the art of podcasting and reach out to those who might not yet understand its benefits. Throughout our conversation, Elsie reflects on her experiences as an immigrant from El Salvador and the transformative power of podcasting in amplifying diverse and often underrepresented voices. Her personal journey illustrates the medium's capacity to expand worldviews and build community connections. Elsie challenges misconceptions, urging podcasters to share their enthusiasm for this dynamic medium in a way that highlights its inclusivity and potential to bridge cultural gaps. Join us for an inspiring discussion with one of the most influential voices in the podcasting industry.     Elsie Escobar on Instagram Marketing Over Coffee Podcast Syndicating Web Sites with RSS Feeds For Dummies by Ellen Finkelstein theanycast.com/s2e2

Matt Levine talks to Elsie Escobar, an 18-year-plus podcasting veteran, mentor, strategist, and inductee to the Academy of Podcasters Hall of Fame. They discuss the history of podcasting, what you must do to thrive in the new age of podcasting, and how to stand out in a world where thousands of creators are doing the exact same thing you’re doing. Elsie starts the conversation by describing what a podcasting advocate is and how podcasting has evolved from 2006 to now. She shares what a podcast is not and why there is still a lot of confusion around podcasting. Matt and Elsie discuss how podcasting started, the evolution of the space, and where the industry will be in the next five years. According to Elsie, the competition for podcasting is not radio or other podcasts; it’s anything people can do instead of listening to a podcast--this includes YouTube, movies, video games, etc. Elsie shares how she started her very first podcast, what it was like hosting an audio-only podcast, and the type of people who consumed her content. How podcasting went from being odd and weird to becoming cool and hype. Elsie and Matt agree that the constant demand to be visible, to be creating content, and to be pushing things out is what makes creators miserable. How to stand out in a world where thousands of creators are doing the exact same thing you’re doing. Elsie breaks down ways podcasters can be successful in today’s ultra-competitive market and the difference between building an audience today and building an audience in 2005. Podcasting is super competitive. Elsie’s advice for new podcasters is to focus on serving a small but engaged audience instead of trying to be the next big thing. When we create content online, everybody’s dream scenario is to go viral. According to Elsie, virality is not real because it’s almost impossible to replicate the virality that people crave. Elsie talks about the complexity of managing extremely large audiences. Once you start reaching millions of people, the freedom of saying and doing whatever you want goes away. Matt and Elsie talk about the identity challenge--and why most podcasters cannot separate their creative side from their personal life. Elsie describes what it’s like to be a woman in podcasting and why we need more diversity in podcasting--diversity of thought, language, and voice. Elsie explains what makes a podcast popular and whether there is a formula for becoming famous online. Why podcast metrics are not too different to those of broadcast television. What will podcasting look like 10 years from now? Elsie talks about the future of podcasting and why podcasts need to evolve to meet the expectations of the newer, younger generation. Matt describes how the model for publishing podcasts has changed. Right now it’s less about publishing content and more about making sure people see enough ads. Is it possible to get rid of ads in the content we consume? Matt and Elsie agree that it’s almost impossible because we live in a world where ads pay for everything. Elsie goes through the pros and cons of online ads and why she doesn’t like social media algorithms. According to Matt, the main reason social media sites use algorithms is so that you can keep seeing the stuff that you want to see without paying. For Matt, people love being sold to. They just don’t like being sold stuff they don’t want. Elsie talks about AI, how it will change the podcasting space, ways to use AI in your content creation process, and how to stay relevant in a world full of AI-generated content.      Mentioned in This Episode: Elsie Escobar on Instagram Marketing Over Coffee Podcast Syndicating Web Sites with RSS Feeds For Dummies by Ellen Finkelstein theanycast.com/s2e2

Full episode launches on November 7

In Case You Missed It... Ever wondered how podcasting has evolved from its early days to the era of AI? Join us as we sit down with industry veteran Paul Colligan, who has seen it all from the days of Audible's groundbreaking audio vision to co-founding the Podcast Partnership. Paul's journey is a testament to the seismic shifts and growing pains in the podcasting landscape, where the influx of money and new participants has created both opportunities and confusion. We'll take you through the highs and lows of this dynamic medium, reflecting on how technology and timing have shaped its course. What happens when AI meets podcasting? In our second segment, we tackle the ethical and creative dilemmas that editors, writers, and creators face in this brave new world. While the rise of AI brings anxiety about the loss of artistic control, it also offers remarkable tools to enhance quality by automating mundane tasks. We critically examine whether disclaimers for AI usage are necessary, drawing interesting parallels to other forms of digital art. Can AI make podcasting more authentic and meaningful? Paul shares his unique insights into this ongoing debate that is set to redefine creativity itself. Finally, we strip away the myths surrounding podcast success. Discover why timing and luck often trump merit, and why great content alone isn't a guarantee for a massive audience. Through vivid anecdotes and industry secrets, we highlight the importance of understanding your specific audience and setting realistic expectations. Whether you’re an aspiring podcaster or a seasoned pro, you’ll find valuable lessons on audience engagement and growth strategies. Tune in to learn why persistence is key and how to navigate the uncertain middle phases of podcast development, ensuring your journey in this competitive field is both fulfilling and effective.     Mentioned in This Episode: Paul Colligan on X How To Podcast Volume 4.0 by Paul Colligan Podcast Strategies: How to Podcast - 21 Questions Answered by Paul Colligan theanycast.com/s2e1

Matt Levine talks to Paul Colligan, author of the #1 Top Selling "How To Podcast" and CEO of The Podcast Partnership – where he helps people monetize their audience through podcasting. They discuss the evolution of podcasting, ways to make a living from your podcast, and how to give your audience value in exchange for their attention. Guest Paul Colligan shares his podcasting journey from the year 2000--and how his company, Podcast Partnership, partners with people to help get their podcast out the door. Paul starts the conversation by describing where we’re at in the podcasting lifecycle and whether it’s too late to start a podcast.   He believes that although there's a bit of confusion about what podcasting really is, there's still a lot more money in it.  Paul and Matt cover how AI is changing the podcasting landscape. According to Paul, AI is here to stay, and although podcasts will not be replaced with AI podcasts, they will be replaced with podcasts that use AI. For Paul, a podcast is a transaction--you trade value for attention. You give somebody value in exchange for their attention. Paul explains how different types of podcasts make money--and the numerous ways you can make money from your podcast.    Paul and Matt break down the attention war and how other podcasters, Netflix, political parties, media outlets, social media sites, companies, and individuals want a share of your audiences’ attention. To be successful in podcasting, all you have to do is to be better than drive time radio. When solving a problem, people want the most convenient solution in the market. It doesn’t matter if you’re better, cheaper, or just average. You will get customers if you’re convenient. Paul explains why discoverability is crucial for podcasting success. Your podcast needs to be discoverable so that you can be found by the people who are actually looking for you. Paul and Matt talk about the main objective of podcasting and why the primary goal of all podcasts should be getting customers, not getting crazy numbers like Joe Rogan. Paul explains the difference between downloads and consumption. According to Matt, it’s unfortunate that most marketing spend in the world today is on stuff that can't be tracked. Paul shares his thoughts on podcast trackability and the only metrics that matter for podcasting success. Paul talks about where the podcast landscape is right now, where it will be in the next seven years, and how to win in the future of podcasting. Matt shares what the audience can expect from season two of the podcast--and the type of guests he’s looking for.     Mentioned in This Episode: Paul Colligan on X How To Podcast Volume 4.0 by Paul Colligan Podcast Strategies: How to Podcast - 21 Questions Answered by Paul Colligan theanycast.com/s2e1

Full episode launches on October 17

Tech entrepreneur and boat aficionado Kris Beevers joins us for a compelling conversation on Anycast! From his unique lifestyle living on a boat in Singapore to pioneering influential tech startups like NS1 and NetBox Labs, Kris offers an inside look at his extraordinary journey. We unpack the evolution of NetBox, an invaluable open-source network management tool, and its pivotal role in network documentation and automation. Kris delves into the transformative impact of open-source technology on the networking industry, advocating for an ecosystem that fosters innovation and breaks down the barriers of traditional vendor silos. The camaraderie between Kris and Matt shines through in a heartfelt discussion about their enduring friendship and professional adventures. They share memorable moments and the meaningful insights they've gathered over the years. Kris expresses his deep gratitude for joining the conversation and looks ahead to future interactions, whether online or face-to-face. This episode is brimming with connection, appreciation, and excitement for the future of digital networking—tune in for an inspiring and informative dialogue!   Kristopher Beevers on LinkedIn NetBoxlabs.com

Welcome to an engaging episode featuring Tom Daly, the renowned New Hampshire tech guru, who shares his exhilarating journey in the tech landscape. From his humble beginnings with a fascination for dial-up ISPs during high school to his significant role at Metro2000 Internet Services, Tom’s story is one of passion and persistence. Hear firsthand how he transitioned from tech support to Chief Technology Officer at Dyn DNS, where he championed the development of the DynECT Managed DNS platform. Tom also reflects on his impactful tenure at Fastly, where he transformed their global network infrastructure, and his latest endeavor, Big Network, aimed at fortifying connectivity for tier two and tier three ISPs. In this episode, we explore the themes of resilience and reinvention through the evolution of the Dyn platform and its enduring software component, Tutor. Despite Dyn no longer being a public authoritative DNS provider, its innovative technology continues to thrive within Oracle's OCI cloud business, showcasing a testament to Tom’s enduring impact. Join us as we celebrate the legacy of Tom’s work and the continuous advancements in the tech industry, painting a vivid picture of triumph and technological evolution. Whether you’re a tech aficionado or captivated by stories of success, this conversation promises to inform and inspire.   Tom Daly on LinkedIn

Get ready for an extraordinary conversation with Avi Freedman, a trailblazer in the realm of internet infrastructure. Avi recounts his remarkable journey from tinkering with computers in 1978 to launching Philadelphia's first ISP, and his current leadership role at Kentik. With an insider’s view on the transition of Kentik towards enterprise solutions, Avi also shares his profound insights into the contrasting cultures of web companies and traditional enterprises. Managing a growing business, fostering diverse perspectives, and the intricate art of people management are just a few of the rich topics we unpack. And, of course, we couldn't resist delving into how his poker prowess plays a pivotal role in his strategic business decisions. In another enlightening segment, we scrutinize the delicate art of recognition in the workplace. It's a fine line between sincere appreciation and praise that feels forced or patronizing. We explore the evolution of cultural norms around recognition over the past decades and stress the importance of thoughtful and intentional acknowledgment. Striking the perfect balance where recognition feels genuine and motivating, without tipping into the realm of insincerity, forms the crux of our discussion. Tune in for actionable insights that promise to transform your approach to giving and receiving recognition in your professional life.   Avi Freedman on LinkedIn

Dive deep into the world of cloud infrastructure and innovative technology sales with our special guest, Greg Moss. From his roots in the Bronx to founding Hook Safe, Greg’s journey is an inspiring tale of perseverance and success. Learn about his transition into technology recruiting and his influential roles at Upstack and CloudAdvise. Greg demystifies the complex landscape of cloud infrastructure, discussing its definitions and real-world applications. He also sheds light on the rising trend of de-clouding, providing essential questions to consider when evaluating cloud solutions. In another insightful segment, Greg offers practical advice for those aspiring to excel in infrastructure sales. Discover the importance of selecting relevant and urgent technologies to enhance the efficiency and profitability of your sales efforts. Greg shares invaluable tips and strategies to help you thrive in the dynamic world of infrastructure sales and cloud solutions. Don't miss this opportunity to gain wisdom from Greg Moss's remarkable journey and actionable insights. Tune in to elevate your career and business acumen with this enriching episode!   Greg Moss on LinkedIn