Archives for November 2023

5 Podcasts From Indian Brands That Are Worth Listening To

November 23, 2023 by Geethika Baratam

In recent years, an intriguing phenomenon has taken hold—companies venturing into the space of podcasts. But why this shift to auditory narratives? These podcasts aren’t merely a collection of stories; they represent a strategic move in the ever-evolving landscape of brand communication. They serve as a bridge, transcending traditional marketing avenues by offering an intimate, unfiltered connection with audiences. Through the power of audio storytelling, companies are forging deeper bonds, fostering trust, and positioning themselves as thought leaders within their industries. Join us to explore how podcasts reshape brand identity, resonate with audiences, and redefine brand-customer relationships.

Up, Close & Medical by Manipal Hospitals

Up, Close & Medical by Manipal Hospitals is a collaborative effort between Social Panga and Pickle Jar Media. This podcast boldly traverses a diverse array of themes. It navigates through the landscape of mental health, chronic illnesses, gender-specific health concerns, lesser-known diseases, technological advancements in medicine, and ethical quandaries faced by healthcare providers.

Hosted by Vasanthi Hariprakash, an Award-Winning Anchor and journalist, where she has unfiltered conversations with some of the interesting minds from the Indian Health Space like Dr Tanya Narendra, Dr Yuvaraj Jadeja, Dr Swati Jagadish, Dr Ruby Tandon etc.

Within its episodes lie the heartbeats of real-life tales. ‘Up, Close and Medical’ potentially weaves personal narratives of individuals battling stigmatised conditions, provides a platform for intimate interviews and brings forward discussions on groundbreaking research and medical marvels that impact lives.

‘Up, Close and Medical’ stands as more than a podcast; it’s a movement. Its value lies in its potential to empower listeners, dismantle walls of misunderstanding, and champion an open, informed, and compassionate society regarding sensitive medical issues.

Truth be Told by Whole Truth Foods

Truth be Told by Whole Truth Foods was founded by Shashank Mehta, a founder-CEO of Fitshit Health Solutions Pvt. Ltd, the holding company of The Whole Truth Foods, who found inspiration for ‘Truth be Told’ from his journey. The podcast emerged as an extension of Whole Truth Foods, a brand that Mehta established with a commitment to transparency in food production. Recognizing the power of storytelling, Mehta envisioned a platform where he could share not only the behind-the-scenes of the food industry but also broader societal narratives.

The podcast covers a spectrum of topics, ranging from food sustainability to personal growth, all interwoven with real-life examples that resonate with listeners. These topics and realities are exposed in episodes with Samarth Bansal, Amita Gadre, and Shashank Mehta.

One of the podcast’s highlights is its ability to blend entertainment with education. By weaving together narratives that matter, the podcast transcends its origins in the food industry, becoming a platform that fosters understanding and empathy.

Matrix Moments by Matrix partners

Matrix Moments by Matrix Partners India was started by Avinash Bajaj, the Managing Director of Matrix Partners India He has played a significant role in the firm’s investments and strategic initiatives within India’s startup landscape.

Avinash Bajaj hosts the ‘Matrix Moments’ podcast, where he engages in insightful conversations with entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders, like Byju Raveendran (BYJU’S), Kunal Shah (CRED), Radhika Gupta (Edelweiss Mutual Fund), etc, unravelling the intricacies of the business world. This podcast takes its listeners on a journey through the complexity of entrepreneurship, investments, and the dynamic business ecosystem in India.

The genesis of the podcast can be traced back to Bajaj’s realisation that the wealth of knowledge and stories within the Indian startup ecosystem was not being adequately shared. Witnessing the transformative journeys of entrepreneurs firsthand, he recognized the power of storytelling as a medium to inspire and educate.

The real-life examples are exposed in the episodes of Avinash Bajaj and Rajinder Balaraman, which serve as guiding lights for budding startups, offering not just success stories but a roadmap through the inevitable hurdles.

HDFC Mutual Fund’s Podcast by HDFC

In finance, the HDFC Mutual Fund Podcast stands out as an informative and engaging resource. The main objective of the HDFC Mutual Fund podcast series is to demystify the intricacies of mutual fund investments exposed in the learning corner of HDFC podcast series. The HDFC Mutual Fund podcast series covers many of topics, including investment strategies, market trends, risk management, and goal-based financial planning.

The inclusion of case studies and success stories adds a practical dimension to the theoretical aspects discussed. Like, The Journey of Zahir Khan, Navigating Market Volatility, Women Empowerment through Financial Independence, Retirement Planning, The Power of Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs). These relatable anecdotes help listeners connect with the content on a personal level, fostering a deeper understanding of financial concepts.

The podcast features financial experts, industry veterans, and seasoned professionals as guests like Anupam Gupta with Ashdin Doctor. Their insights, coupled with HDFC’s commitment to accuracy, ensure that listeners receive credible and up-to-date information. This commitment to quality has contributed to the podcast’s growing popularity.

The Gentleman Show by The Man Company

The Gentleman Show podcast by The Man Company debunks stereotypes, fostering a holistic understanding of men’s lives. This podcast, crafted with precision and empathy, transcends the boundaries of grooming to embrace the diverse facets of modern masculinity.

The creator of this podcast is The Man Company, a grooming brand, that sought to redefine its relationship with its audience by offering value beyond product promotion. The Gentleman Show is hosted by Ankush Bahuguna, an actor, writer and well-established content creator.

Through its conversations, with individuals and experts like Dr Gunjan & Yashant, Ravinder Singh, Eashan Hilal etc, who’ve defied societal stereotypes to discuss navigating challenges, the podcast paints a vivid picture of modern masculinity, the show will promote the notion of self-love and self-care, which are integral to the modern gentleman.

At its heart, The Gentleman Show thrives on sharing real-life examples that inspire. The podcast brings forth tales of resilience, success, and determination.

#LIPSTORIES Podcast by Sephora

#LIPSTORIES by Sephora is a podcast where beauty meets storytelling in a unique blend of empowerment and inspiration. This podcast is hosted by Kristina Zias, a brand consultant and fashion blogger. This podcast is the intersection of personal tales and makeup, celebrating the power of individual stories in shaping confidence, success, and empowerment.

The brainchild behind #LIPSTORIES is rooted in the innovative spirit of Sephora, a global beauty giant. Founded by Dominique Mandonnaud in France in 1970, Sephora has continuously evolved to redefine the beauty retail experience.

The idea to start the #LIPSTORIES podcast stems from the desire to connect with the audience on a deeper level. The concept emerged from the realisation that every lipstick has a story, and behind every story is an inspiring woman. By sharing authentic stories of challenges, triumphs, and personal growth like Sophia Amoruso, Jillian Mercado, Pia Arrobio, etc. Sephora aims to inspire and empower its listeners. This unique approach adds a layer of authenticity to the brand’s engagement with its audience.

#LIPSTORIES dives into the lives of diverse women, exploring their paths to success and the role of lipsticks in their stories. From entrepreneurs and artists to activists and influencers, each episode unveils a unique journey. For instance, an episode might feature a successful businesswoman recounting the lipstick she wore during a crucial pitch, emphasising the personal connection between makeup and confidence.

How you can record a podcast remotely || Podcasting for remote teams

November 23, 2023 by Anirudh Kaushik

Podcasting Without Borders

Podcasts transcend geographical constraints, allowing hosts and guests to connect from anywhere globally. Various tools and specialised podcasting software have empowered creators to conduct virtual recordings seamlessly. Podcasts recorded this way are referred to as Remote-Recorded Podcasts, exemplified by popular shows like My First Million, The Tim Ferriss Show, and The GaryVee Audio Experience.

Understanding Remote-Recorded Podcasts

(Image From the Podcast My First Million)

A remote-recorded podcast is produced when the host and guest(s) are not physically in the same location during the recording. This could involve using various online platforms like Zoom, Teams, or specialised podcasting software that allow for high-quality remote recording such as Riverside, Zencastr etc. The process involves mixing audio and, if available, video feeds to create a cohesive and engaging conversation.

Remote-recorded podcasts can look and feel like ones recorded in a studio setting. The unique backgrounds of the hosts and the guests also add to the podcast aesthetic, creating an immersive audiovisual experience. There are also ways to differentiate the look from that of a standard video conference call. A couple of examples of this are Manipal Hospital’s White Coat World and the podcast Pakistonomy.

Here are the basic requirements for a remote-recorded podcast:

Computer – With a suitable recording software
Camera – Dedicated HD webcam greatly improves video quality
Microphone – Lapel or a dynamic mic, an optional mic stand
Headphones – Reduces echo & external noise

The key is in ensuring a stable internet connection for all participants on call. Another area worth investing in, is the host’s physical space setup. This could include visual props, posters, signage etc. Guest setup customisation is not always feasible or even necessary.

Working with a Remote Podcast Team: Key Considerations

If you’re working with a remote team to produce your podcast, or work with an editor in a different country than yours, ensuring seamless collaboration becomes essential. Here are three crucial factors to consider for remote podcast teams:

1. Advance Recording Preparation
Before the recording session, it’s crucial to check the guest’s audio and video setup. Conducting a pre-interview or tech check helps identify potential issues and ensures a smoother recording experience. Adequate preparation avoids last-minute technical glitches that can disrupt the flow of the conversation.

2. Stringent File Management System
With team members accessing files from multiple regions, having a robust file management system is imperative. Use cloud-based platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox, or specialised project management tools to organise and store podcast files securely. Consistent naming conventions and folder structures streamline access and minimise confusion among team members.

3. Feedback System and Iteration Rounds
Establish a clear feedback mechanism within your remote team. Whether it’s through written notes, shared documents, or dedicated communication channels, having a structured feedback system ensures that everyone’s input is considered. Incorporating multiple rounds of iteration allows for improvements in content quality, editing, and overall production value.

Conclusion

Recording a podcast remotely opens doors to endless possibilities for content creation and collaboration. Embracing the borderless nature of podcasts allows for diverse voices and perspectives to be heard. By embracing these elements, content creators can produce high-quality podcasts that resonate with audiences worldwide. So, grab your microphones, connect across borders, and let the world hear your story!

Why Founders should consider podcasts for their personal branding

November 15, 2023 by Geethika Baratam

The Rise of Founder-led Marketing

On his podcast WTF is with Nikhil Kamath, the co-founder of Zerodha features prominent figures from startups, retail, e-commerce, fintech, and other industries. Nikhil Kamath’s venture into hosting three-hour podcasts stems from his desire to gain insights into industries he is considering investing in. With leaders such as Kishore Biyani, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and others, the podcasts are deep examinations into the workings of the industry in focus.

Shantanu Deshpande, the founder of the grooming brand the Bombay Shaving Company, is also the creative mind behind the popular YouTube channel The Barbershop with Shantanu, Through engaging interviews with startup founders, investors and guest experts, Shantanu’s videos are a must watch for anyone contemplating a founder’s journey for themselves.

These are two note-worthy examples of founders using podcasts as a means of strategic branding and networking. In today’s competitive market, investors and Venture Capital firms (VCs) recognise the pivotal role that founders play. The founder is the face and force behind the brand, influencing not only public perception but also investment decisions.

Why Founders should consider Podcasts

Founders are increasingly recognizing the potential of podcasts as a formidable tool for shaping their personal brands. Here are three compelling reasons why founders should consider harnessing the power of podcasts.

1. Increased Visibility

Podcasts serve as a powerful conduit for founders to broadcast their insights, experiences, and vision to a broad audience. Going beyond the limitations of traditional marketing channels, founders can engage in meaningful conversations on industry trends and share authentic anecdotes and establish themselves as thought leaders. This not only enhances visibility among the general public but also elevates their standing among peers within the industry, creating a ripple effect of influence that extends beyond the immediate business sphere. Nikhil Kamath has used this to great effect, with his conversations on the podcast constantly being featured on news articles.

2. Potential Partnerships and Investment Opportunities

One powerful strategy within this landscape is podcast cross-collaboration or cross-promotion. This involves a strategic alliance between podcast creators, leveraging various tactics like shoutouts, bonus content, and collaborative giveaways. The ultimate goal is to broaden the reach of each podcast by tapping into the established audiences of collaborators. The benefits are manifold, from reaching new listeners to building credibility through trusted recommendations.

Sharan Hedge’s podcast, the 1% Club Show is an extension of his immensely successful YouTube channel. The name comes from the 1% Club, the exclusive community that he and Raghav Gupta founded, helping the middle class achieve financial independence. Nikhil Kamath recently announced that he is investing the 1% Club, showing again the great potential for collaborations and partnerships that founder-cum-content creators can obtain.

3. Ideas Harvesting

Exploring the dynamic marketing strategy of “Razorpreneur,” an innovative concept born from Shantanu’s podcast, reveals a sharp, business-oriented approach ingrained in the entrepreneurial mindset discussed on the show. This podcast serves as a breeding ground for groundbreaking ideas, such as innovative business models and creative marketing techniques, nurturing a community of innovators embracing this razor-sharp ethos. The launch of the Razorpreneur initiative by Bombay Shaving Company draws inspiration from the podcast, challenging individuals to embark on a razor-selling journey to sharpen their entrepreneurial skills.

There are plenty of other examples. Take Tim Ferriss, a renowned entrepreneur, author, and host of The Tim Ferriss Show, Like Shantanu, Tim Ferriss leverages his podcast to intricately curate a diverse tapestry of insights. This includes in-depth interviews with successful entrepreneurs, practical life hacks, and profound discussions that catalyse a powerful mindset shift among aspiring entrepreneurs.

How Founders can cash in

Founders should view podcasts as a brand identity and strive to make their shows unique, setting them apart from others in the podcasting space. Uniqueness entails digging deep to explore niche issues, being true, and offering exceptional thoughts and ideas. Distinction from others is attention-catching and an identifying feature in the digital sound world.

Creating a podcast as a founder requires a strategic approach:

1. Differentiated Content Offering

Distinguish your podcast by addressing unique topics, sharing personal anecdotes, and providing valuable insights that your target audience can’t find elsewhere. Your authenticity and distinct perspective will make your podcast stand out.

Consider Naval Ravikant, the founder of The Naval Podcast who is an entrepreneur, author, and angel investor known for his insights on topics such as happiness, wealth creation, and mindfulness. His show delves deep into philosophical and thought-provoking discussions, providing a unique perspective on life and success.

2. Professional Production

Ensure your content reflects high production standards. Invest in quality equipment, skilled editors, and engaging visuals. Consider case studies or success stories to showcase professionalism. In the context of a tech startup, professionally produced webinars with industry experts discussing cutting-edge trends can set your content apart.

Take a cue from Hrishikesh Hirway, founder of the Song Exploder, is a musician, composer, and podcast host known. He started the podcast in 2014 with the goal of allowing musicians to dissect and explain the creative process behind their songs. The format involves artists breaking down their tracks, sharing insights, and providing listeners with a unique perspective on the art of music creation. This podcast dissects songs with artists, showcasing a meticulous approach to production, combining storytelling and quality sound design.

3. Thoughtful Promotion

Promote your podcast across various platforms and social media channels. Engage with your audience, respond to their feedback, and build a community around your podcast. Collaborate with other influencers and founders to expand your reach.

Jenna Kutcher, founder of ‘The Goal Digger Podcast’ is an entrepreneur, photographer, and business educator. She started her podcast, The Goal Digger Podcast, as a platform to share business insights, marketing strategies, and inspirational stories with a focus on empowering female entrepreneurs. Jenna initially gained recognition through her photography business and then expanded her brand to encompass education and mentorship in the entrepreneurial space.

The All-In Podcast by Chamath Palihapitiya, a venture capitalist and entrepreneur. He started his podcast with fellow tech industry veterans to share unfiltered perspectives on current events and business trends. The podcast covers a range of topics, from investing and technology to politics and societal issues. The hosts provide candid opinions and insights into the rapidly evolving landscape.

Conclusion

A founder can unlock the power of the podcast not just by making a show of their own, but also by appearing on other podcasts as well. This only adds to their public exposure & facetime and opens them up to new audiences.

In a world saturated with information, podcasts offer a unique platform for founders to amplify their personal brand. Unlike traditional mediums, podcasts provide an intimate and authentic connection with the audience, allowing founders to share their journey, insights, and expertise in a conversational format. This not only establishes credibility but also humanises the founder, fostering a deeper connection with the audience. Additionally, podcasts offer an accessible and convenient way for busy entrepreneurs to showcase their thought leadership, reach a global audience, and distinguish themselves in a competitive landscape.

“Your brand is your public identity, what you’re trusted for. And for your brand to endure, it has to be tested, redefined, managed and expanded as markets evolve. Brands either learn or disappear.”

-Lisa Gansky, founder of Ofoto, Co-founder of GNN, Dos Margaritas

Cover Image by Freepik

5 Tips to Increase Podcast Reviews

November 15, 2023 by Nidhi Bhavsar

“To review, or not to review”

Reviews are one of many elements that help you grow your podcast. They may seem unimportant, but reviews function as a certificate of commitment. Listeners want to know if a podcast will cater to their preferences, and will be worth following in the long run – reviews tell them if it will.

Here are 5 unique strategies to increase your reviews:

1. Ask family and friends to start off – Ah yes, the go-to, guaranteed-to-work strategy. As is everything on the internet, podcasts take time to build the listenership required to have reviews pouring in. Ask family and friends to give quality reviews, something beyond 5 stars and a “Good Podcast!” comment. For all you know, a few quality reviews may prompt new listeners to commit.
2. Incentives, Giveaways, Perks – Sometimes, incentives go a long way. Start off a giveaway – ask listeners to leave reviews and 5 random reviewers, or the 5 best reviewers get exclusive merchandise, a signed t-shirt of their favourite podcast, or an exclusive meet-and-greet. Or you can create content exclusive to reviewers. It could be a pdf doc with advice, or anything particularly special, made with some nice graphics. Or you could create some content – a special episode, a special guest or some behind-the-scenes footage blocked off to all listeners and use that as an incentive to get people to review.
3. Review swaps – Take advantage of competition! After all, keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Or to put it lightly, ‘quid pro quo’ the situation – podcast reviews can be mutually beneficial. Contact some podcasters in the same topical area as you are and propose a quality review by you for another quality review for you. Or do this with podcasters who you don’t have anything similar with, guests who have their own audience base and content, or other types of content creators like Instagrammers, YouTubers etc.
4. Make the process easy – Platforms like Spotify have few and simple steps to review, ask listeners for a quality review and add a line or two telling your listeners how to do it at the end of an episode. Consider diversifying your platform to YouTube as commenting on YouTube is easy and straightforward. If you have a review page, link it in your show notes (show notes being the description that comes with every episode of your podcast). The goal is to make it as easy as possible for people to give reviews.
5. Record a video, read reviews – People like knowing they are seen and heard. Having your review read, or at least the anticipation of the chance that your review may be read is sometimes incentive enough to drop in a nice quality review. Pick out specific reviews – the kind you want more people to leave – and record a video reading the comments, feedback or incorporate it as a Q&A.

Reviews are an excellent side strategy, but remember, good reviews come with good content. Focus on creating great content and the best possible podcast episode.

Cover Image by DilokaStudio on Freepik

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