Talk That Pod

007 - James Wolner - Dakota Spotlight

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 08:30:00 -0400

SUMMARY

In this episode, host Sebastian sits down with James Wolner, the creator and host of Dakota Spotlight — an acclaimed true crime podcast with 12 seasons and counting, rooted in stories from North Dakota and the broader Upper Midwest. What began as a bar conversation about a suspicious death in western North Dakota has grown into one of the most respected independent investigative audio journalism projects in the region, earning a place in the Dakota State Archives and spawning an Emmy award-winning documentary.

James opens up about the unexpected origins of his show — born largely out of frustration with the erosion of facts and journalistic trust in 2019 — and how he channeled a career in photojournalism and IT into a passion for rigorous, story-driven research. The conversation spans the full arc of James's journey: working with Forum Communications, going independent again, navigating the ethical tightrope of true crime storytelling, and his deeply held belief in the power of the "slow burn" documentary format in an age of short-form content. James also shares what it was like living in Sweden for 22 years and how that cross-cultural perspective has quietly shaped his work. This is a rich, candid conversation about storytelling, journalism, independence, and why the right 100 listeners matter more than a million casual ones.

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IN THIS EPISODE

[00:07] — Sebastian introduces Talk That Pod and welcomes James Wolner, creator of Dakota Spotlight, a true crime podcast now covering the wider Upper Midwest region with 12 seasons.

[01:03] — James traces the unlikely origin of Dakota Spotlight to a 2019 bar conversation about a suspicious death (Victor Newberry) in western North Dakota and his growing unease about the erosion of facts and journalistic trust in public life.

[04:28] — James reflects on his unconventional career arc: studying photojournalism in college, spending years in web and database development, and how Dakota Spotlight became his long-delayed return to investigative journalism.

[04:57] — Dakota Spotlight became the first podcast ever preserved by the Dakota State Archives. James shares how the timing of the archives' move toward digital preservation played a role — and what that milestone meant to him.

[05:54] — Season 3 of Dakota Spotlight ("The House on Sweet and Seventh") was adapted into an Emmy award-winning documentary alongside filmmaker Derek Fletcher. James breaks down how what started as bonus content evolved into a full film produced in under three months — largely during the pandemic.

[09:37] — James previews his upcoming film Call Me Shelley, based on Season 7 — the unsolved disappearance of Shelley Juleson in Bismarck, North Dakota. He discusses working again with Derek Fletcher and hopes to screen it locally in Fargo and Bismarck.

[10:19] — Ethical storytelling in true crime: how James decides what detail to include or exclude, and why instinct and empathy play a bigger role than any fixed rulebook.

[12:47] — A standout example of sensitive storytelling: Season 9, the Mandan Murders. James describes writing a handwritten letter to the perpetrator's family, ultimately resulting in the mother and two sisters reading an open letter directly on the podcast — a moment he's most proud of.

[15:39] — Why James returned to producing Dakota Spotlight independently after several years employed by Forum Communications in Fargo. He reflects on the constraints of institutional decision-making (even for small expenses like a $100 records request) versus the freedom of calling his own shots.

[18:07] — True crime podcasts typically chase high-profile national stories. James discusses what he thinks draws listeners from outside the region into hyper-local Midwestern stories — including the cultural pull of the Coen Brothers' Fargo.

[20:17] — James makes the case for the slow burn documentary format in an era of infinite scroll. He describes going five days down a research rabbit hole to produce a single line of podcast script — and why that kind of deep focus feels like meditation.

[23:22] — How AI fits (and doesn't fit) into James's research process. He finds it useful for searching large documents and transcripts, but wary of leaning on it for story direction or creative decisions.

[25:33] — Advice for new podcasters entering a saturated true crime market. James talks about geographic niching, the value of starting with zero audience expectations, and why making something you would want to listen to is still the best north star.

[29:54] — The moment Dakota Spotlight had its biggest organic spike in listeners: Season 5 and the story of missing Barbara Cotton from Williston, ND. James pre-produced five episodes and released one per day — by day three, the Williston Police Department was calling him. The season culminated in a public event on the 40th anniversary of her disappearance.

[32:01] — Keeping listeners engaged between seasons. James shares his approach: releasing shorter "case snapshot" episodes and interviews with other true crime podcasters, while acknowledging the tension between feeding the audience and protecting bandwidth for the main season.

[34:15] — The philosophy behind Spotlight Plus and Patreon ($5/month): ad-free listening, full season binge access on day one, and why James sees the subscription tier as a "cozy place where everyone wins a little bit."

[36:31] — What growth actually means to James: not video-first platforms, not millions of followers — but finding the right listeners who appreciate long-form, immersive storytelling and will remember exactly where they were when they heard it.

[40:45] — The real-world responsibility that comes with true crime podcasting. James reflects on the tension between putting pressure on law enforcement and protecting families — and shares his admiration for shows like In the Dark that have moved the needle on cold cases through public pressure.

[43:26] — James lived in Sweden for 22 years. He shares how that cross-cultural experience gave him perspective on the subtle differences between how American and European audiences consume and emotionally engage with story.

[46:19] — Are independent audio journalists closing the coverage gap that shrinking local newsrooms left behind? James thinks they are — but worries about the sustainability of doing that work without reliable income.

[48:33] — Listener tips and crowd-sourced investigation: the good, the wild ("The Zodiac killer also did it"), and what it taught James about the overwhelming volume of tips that cold case detectives deal with.

[51:16] — James's vision for Dakota Spotlight's long-term contribution. He's less concerned with legacy statements about crime and justice, and more moved by the idea that a handful of families feel heard — and that a few hundred listeners will carry a fond memory of experiencing one of his seasons.

[52:57] — James turns the tables and asks Sebastian about his podcast discovery newsletter, Find That Pod. Sebastian shares how he saw an editorial gap in podcast discovery and decided to fill it.

[57:33] — James recommends three podcasts: My Only Story Season 1 (Dion Wiggett, South Africa), Valley Heat (for laughs), and Pretend (Harvey Oeur).

[59:43] — Where to find Dakota Spotlight and closing thoughts.

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RESOURCES & LINKS

Dakota Spotlight

Website: dakotaspotlight.com
Available on all major podcast platforms

Support the Show

Spotlight Plus & Patreon: $5/month — ad-free listening and full season binge access on day one

Projects Mentioned

The House on Sweet and Seventh — Season 3 of Dakota Spotlight; adapted into a regional Emmy award-winning documentary
Call Me Shelley — Upcoming documentary film based on Season 7 (the disappearance of Shelley Juleson, Bismarck, ND); produced with filmmaker Derek Fletcher
Forum Communications (Fargo) — James's former employer during his staff podcasting years

Podcasts Recommended by James

🎙️ My Only Story — Season 1 by Dion Wiggett (South Africa) — 4-episode true crime and investigative journalism
🎙️ Valley Heat — Recommended for laughs
🎙️ Pretend — by Harvey Oeur

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006 - Drew Frohmann - Sorry About The Murder

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400

Drew Frohmann of Sorry About the Murder

SUMMARY

Sebastian sits down with Drew Frohmann, the writer and creator behind Sorry About the Murder, a scripted audio drama set in the fictional small Canadian town of BeaverMount, Ontario, where a Quebecois Zamboni driver is compelled to solve a grisly murder while still getting the ice ready for the game. The show has two seasons and a third in development.

Drew grew up in Wawa, Ontario, and spent 20 years working in advertising, specializing in audio and radio. In this wide-ranging conversation, he unpacks how a quirky childhood, a love of audio craft, and an 80s skateboarding movie all collided to produce one of indie audio fiction's most distinctive shows. He also gets refreshingly candid about the grind of writing, promoting, and sustaining a scripted podcast as an indie creator, and shares a piece of advice that every aspiring podcaster needs to hear.

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IN THIS EPISODE

[00:04] Sebastian introduces the show and guest — Drew Frohmann, creator of Sorry About the Murder

[00:44] Growing up in Wawa, Ontario — and how a rich cast of small-town characters became the DNA of Beaver Mount

[03:19] Why Drew didn't want to just write a Trailer Park Boys-style show, and the search for a strong dramatic premise

[04:43] The origin story: how the 1980s film Gleaming the Cube sparked the idea of a Zamboni driver solving a murder

[05:34] The importance of podcast cover artwork — the process of creating the show's distinctive retro-illustrated look using AI tools combined with art direction from Michelle Lang

[08:40] How audience taste for AI-generated imagery has shifted, and why Drew plans to hire a traditional artist for Season 3

[10:36] Diving into the show's premise — why a Quebecois protagonist in an English Ontario small town creates inherent dramatic tension and comedy

[12:29] The "unassuming genius" character archetype — how Columbo influenced the lead character, Frenchie

[13:49] How the title Sorry About the Murder was born — the earlier working title, Two Minutes for Murder, and why the final title perfectly captures the show's mix of politeness and violence

[16:31] How Drew's 20 years in advertising audio shaped the sound design, scene transitions, and production ambition of the show

[18:18] The writing process — from Google Docs full of Canadian motives and small-town stories, to plotting clues, to the brutal slog of a first draft

[22:00] The difference between advertising copywriting (sprinting) and long-form fiction writing (marathon running)

[24:41] Promoting a scripted fiction podcast — why discovery is harder than in true crime or interview formats

[25:06] Joining the Fable and Folly Network, crafting a killer trailer, and how feed swaps became the most effective growth tool

[27:18] Why true crime listeners rarely cross over to audio fiction — and what that means for targeting

[30:39] Sustaining listener engagement between seasons — newsletters, Patreon, feed swaps, and behind-the-scenes content

[34:08] YouTube as a podcast discovery platform — and how it's changing Drew's plans for Season 3

[35:04] Navigating monetization: Apple Podcast subscriptions, Patreon, and the challenge of balancing free audience growth with paid subscriber value

[39:25] How comedy in podcasting functions as a "court jester" — letting uncomfortable truths land through laughter

[40:35] Audio fiction's unique storytelling demands vs. passive listening formats — why it requires more active attention from listeners

[42:21] Sorry About the Murder as a refuge from political noise — keeping Beaver Mount as an idealized, rose-coloured Canada

[43:56] The "Sorry" maple leaf merch — and whether it still resonates in the current Canadian cultural moment

[45:37] Where does deeply crafted audio fiction fit in a media diet dominated by short-form content? Drew's take on audio fiction as "accompaniment"

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RESOURCES & LINKS

The Show

Sorry About the Murder — search on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pocket Casts, or your favorite podcast app
Instagram: @sorryaboutthemurder
Facebook: Sorry About the Murder

Referenced in the Episode

Gleaming the Cube (1989) — the 80s skateboarding film that sparked the premise for Sorry About the Murder
Fable and Folly Network — the audio fiction network Drew credits as a key early growth channel (120–130 shows)
Trailer Park Boys — referenced as an example of small-town Canadian comedy done well
Stephen Leacock / Stuart McLean's Vinyl Cafe — the "idyllic, homespun" Canadian tone that influenced the show's vibe
Columbo — a key character reference for Frenchie's "unassuming genius" detective archetype
Hindenburg Journalist (Faden) — the audio editing software Drew uses for scripting and production
Tattoo Sound + Music — the world-class studio Drew works with for sound design

Podcasts Recommended by Drew

Harvey in Hell (by the creator of The Milkman of St. Gads) — a noirish audio drama set during the Satanic Panic of the 80s
Sick Man Talking / The Fake Cop Chronicles of Newmarket — raw, honest storytelling from a voiceover artist with chronic illness, featuring deeply weird and funny character work
Hanna-pocalypse — a post-apocalyptic audio fiction following the last zombie, described as deeply character-driven and hangout-worthy

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005 - Jenn Trepeck - Salad With a Side of Fries

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 12:00:00 -0400

Jenn Trepeck of A Salad with a Side of Fries

SUMMARY

In this episode, Sebastian sits down with Jenn Trepeck, host of the award-winning podcast A Salad with a Side of Fries and a seasoned health coach and business consultant. Jenn's podcast, a top 1.5% show with multiple awards to its name, has become a go-to resource for practical, no-nonsense wellness advice under the guiding philosophy of "wellness without the weirdness."

Jenn shares the behind-the-scenes strategy of how she grew her podcast from a passion project launched alongside her health coaching practice into a multi-stream business engine, complete with a membership program, merchandise, book, and coaching practice. Along the way, she and Sebastian dig into the state of the health and wellness podcasting space, the dangers of wellness misinformation, what metrics actually matter, and what the future of independent podcasting might look like. Whether you're a health-conscious listener or an aspiring podcaster, this episode is packed with candid, actionable insights.

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IN THIS EPISODE

00:05 — Sebastian introduces Jenn Trepeck and her podcast, A Salad with a Side of Fries — a top 1.5% podcast with multiple awards.

00:43 — Jenn explains the show's philosophy: "wellness without the weirdness" — real-life health and nutrition advice that doesn't require you to eat only green foods.

01:09 — The origin of the podcast name: Jenn's go-to meal became the show's identity — and a natural filter for who the show is (and isn't) for.

02:39 — The two-format content structure: full-length ~50-minute deep dives vs. short "Nutrition Nuggets." Why both formats were a strategic choice for growing downloads and creating easier entry points for new listeners.

05:35 — "The wellness industry is off the rails": Jenn's guiding principle and how it shapes guest selection, ad partnerships, and content direction.

06:30 — How Jenn uses a pre-podcast discovery call with every guest to ensure alignment, originality, and tangible takeaways for listeners.

08:11 — The "tech bro wellness" problem: why protocols designed for people with unlimited time and money are failing everyday listeners — and how that's starting to shift.

10:19 — Wellness misinformation on podcasts: it's usually not outright lies, it's missing nuance — and the danger of one-size-fits-all health advice.

13:04 — Jenn's audience breakdown: ~85% female, with over 50% of listeners between ages 40–70, and why that's exactly what she expected given her health-first (not aesthetics-first) approach.

14:08 — The hardest nutrition myth to debunk: calories in, calories out — and a clear, simple explanation of why the human body isn't a closed-loop system.

16:54 — The emotional relationship with food: the one question Jenn wishes every listener would ask themselves before starting a new diet or trend.

18:23 — Jenn's take on intermittent fasting: why she's more skeptical for women, and how it fails the "wellness without the weirdness" common-sense test.

22:00 — The #1 growth strategy Jenn swears by: guesting on other podcasts — and why she's been doing it consistently since day one.

23:04 — How to pitch yourself as a podcast guest: what makes a pitch stand out (personalization, unique angle, suggested episode title) and why most paid pitching services miss the mark.

25:27 — Expanding your guest targets beyond your own genre: why listeners of dating, personal story, or women's business podcasts can overlap significantly with a health and wellness audience.

27:36 — How A Salad with a Side of Fries became a real business engine: from a side project during a full-time job, to membership programs, merchandise, group and 1-on-1 coaching, supplements, and a book.

30:36 — The listener-to-client funnel: how consistency and trust move people from casual listeners to paying members — and why in-episode membership mentions are more effective than hard sells.

32:08 — The power of owning your email list: why Jenn (a former email marketing skeptic) now sees it as the only audience channel she truly owns — and why social media followers are "rented."

34:56 — SMS/text marketing as a podcast tool: how Jenn uses one-word text CTAs to make sponsor links easy to act on while listening.

35:35 — Podcast awards — which ones matter and which are pay-to-play: why Jenn values accessible, committee-selected awards over big-name submissions that favor large budgets.

38:43 — Metrics that actually matter: why Jenn pays more attention to completion rates and where listeners drop off than raw download numbers.

42:00 — Is the wellness podcasting space too saturated for new voices? Jenn says no — but strategy and niche clarity matter more than ever.

44:52 — Are health and wellness podcasts a net positive for public health literacy? Jenn makes the case that they are — with an important caveat about echo chambers.

46:44 — Balancing speed vs. accuracy: how Jenn handles emerging health trends (like Ozempic, seed oils, raw milk) before the research fully catches up — including how she covered GLP-1 medications years before they went mainstream.

50:32 — The parasocial trust problem: where Jenn draws the line between being a trusted wellness voice and becoming someone's de facto doctor — and why reminding listeners of that line is part of the job.

52:39 — If podcasting disappeared tomorrow: Jenn reflects on what other medium she'd turn to, and shares her candid view on podcasting's precarious future as money concentrates at the top.

56:36 — Jenn's three podcast recommendations and where to find her online.

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RESOURCES & LINKS

Jenn Trepeck & Her Work

A Salad with a Side of Fries — available on all major podcast platforms
Website & Free Gift
Instagram - Salad With a Side of Fries
Instagram - Jenn Trepeck
X/Twitter
YouTube
Facebook
LinkedIn
📚 Book: Uncomplicating Wellness: Ditch the Rules. Quiet the Noise.

Podcast Awards Mentioned

Podcasts Recommended by Jenn

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004 - Rob Kassees - 1001 Album Complaints

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 08:45:00 -0400

Rob Kassees of 1001 Album Complaints

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SUMMARY

Sebastian sits down with Rob Kassees, musician, software professional, and host of the 1001 Album Complaints podcast, to talk about the show that started as a pandemic project between old bandmates and grew into a 1M+ download music history podcast.

At its core, 1001 Album Complaints dissects classic albums from the 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die book, blending sharp storytelling with the kind of affectionate, musician-grade nitpicking you'd hear in the back of a band van. Rob opens up about how the show has evolved, what's actually worked to grow an audience, and why he believes letting music (and commentary) breathe is the antidote to the short-attention-span era we're all living through.

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IN THIS EPISODE

(00:07) — Sebastian introduces Rob and the premise of 1001 Album Complaints

(00:52) — Rob on the show's origin, a pandemic project to reconnect old bandmates through music

(01:19) — Why Rob designed the show for longevity before recording episode one

(02:49) — How Rob's background as a musician and recording artist shapes the way he deconstructs albums

(04:47) — The "complaints" title, balancing affectionate nitpicking with genuine criticism

(07:38) — How the co-hosts' distinct personalities emerged organically from 30 years of friendship

(08:58) — Controversial verdicts — the UK-centric book list vs. an American perspective (including The Prodigy debate)

(11:43) — What makes a better episode: covering an album you love or one you're skeptical about?

(13:56) — Rob's two recommended starter episodes for new listeners: The Doors self-titled debut and Digital Underground's Sex Packets

(17:10) — What separates podcasts that survive from the ones that don't consistency and the willingness to evolve

(19:50) — Key inflection points: delaying promotion to develop the show first, then leaning into Patreon community

(22:15) — The Tom Petty / Linn Drum hand clap anecdote — a fan-submitted music history gem

(23:16) — How episode titles featuring famous artist names drive organic search and discovery

(24:44) — Spotify as the dominant platform for a music podcast — and why Rob optimizes for it over Apple Podcasts

(27:00) — Guest appearances on other podcasts — what converts listeners and how to be a good guest

(29:12) — The companion Spotify playlist strategy — why Rob publishes a playlist of every song referenced in each episode

(32:02) — Using nostalgia and light "rage-baiting" as a community and growth tool

(35:51) — Long-form podcasts vs. the short-attention-span era — why complex ideas need room to breathe

(40:19) — The show's longer-term vision: can 1001 Album Complaints become a lasting piece of music journalism?

(42:31) — What happens when Rob's team reaches album #1001 — glaring omissions, new book editions, and the road ahead

(44:49) — Rob's three podcast recommendations

(47:48) — Where to find Rob and the show online

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RESOURCES & LINKS

The Show

Rob's Record Label

Chop Unlimited — Rob's label releasing his own music and friends' records

Starter Episodes Rob Recommends

The Doors — The Doors (self-titled debut): A rediscovery episode full of genuine surprise and great energy
Digital Underground — Sex Packets: A famously funny episode; Rob jokes you're better off listening to their episode than the album itself

Book the Show Is Based On

1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die — Originally published in the 1990s; multiple revised editions exist (approaching 1,100 total albums across all editions)

Podcasts Rob Recommends

Freakonomics — NPR-style storytelling through an economic lens (based on the book series) - Best episodes of Freakonomics Radio
Acquired — Two friends tell deep-dive backstories of iconic companies (Costco, Trader Joe's, etc.); described as "almost an audiobook" - best episodes of Acquired and other podcasts like Acquired.
Bad Friends — Stand-up comedians Bobby Lee and Andrew Santino; Rob's pick for best two-person comedy podcast chemistry

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TALK THAT POD

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003 - Jimmy Gownley - Unpacking Peanuts

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 08:30:00 -0400

Unpacking Peanuts with Jimmy Gownley

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SUMMARY

In this episode, host Sebastian Arciszewski sits down with Jimmy Gownley — cartoonist, graphic novelist, and the creator of the beloved Amelia Rules! series — for a wide-ranging conversation about creativity, obsession, and the enduring genius of Charles Schulz.

Jimmy is the host of Unpacking Peanuts, a podcast that spent four years methodically working through all 17,897 strips in the complete 50-year run of Peanuts, one at a time. What started as a deeply personal creative project — Jimmy has read the entire strip three times through — evolved into a rich exploration of craft, biography, and cultural meaning, co-hosted with Michael Cohen and Harold Buchholz.

The conversation covers everything from what it's like to stare closely at one of the greatest artistic achievements in American pop culture, to the surprising punk-rock edge of the earliest Peanuts strips, to why Gen Z has become so drawn to Snoopy. Jimmy also opens up about the personal low point that led him to immerse himself in Peanuts in the first place, and what four years of deep reading has taught him about consistency, failure, and the courage to keep reinventing yourself.

On the podcast side, Jimmy shares how Unpacking Peanuts grew from a scrappy, laptop-mic recording experiment into a charted show with a loyal Patreon community — and what he would do completely differently if he were starting over today.

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IN THIS EPISODE

**[00:07]** — Host Sebastian introduces *Talk That Pod* and welcomes Jimmy Gownley: cartoonist, creator of *Amelia Rules!*, and host of *Unpacking Peanuts*

**[01:26]** — The staggering ambition of the show: was covering 50 years of daily and Sunday strips ever in doubt? Jimmy reveals his co-hosts had secret reservations — and he had no idea

**[02:33]** — How analyzing Schulz so closely has influenced Jimmy's own approach to the blank page — and why studying a master turned out to be freeing rather than daunting

**[04:39]** — Schulz's willingness to fail: Charlotte Braun, the World War I Flying Ace, and the creative courage to throw things at the wall

**[05:01]** — What became clearer about Schulz's process strip by strip: how he combined the discipline of a dentist with the soul of an artist — and seemed to get happier over time

**[07:12]** — The most widely accepted misconception about Peanuts: why the strip is far darker, edgier, and more punk rock than its merchandising suggests

**[09:16]** — Where is the line between critical interpretation and projecting onto someone else's art? Jimmy explains how the co-hosts stay grounded by returning to the cartoonist's perspective

**[10:58]** — Why the podcast shifted from strict chronological coverage to thematic deep dives, starting with *Understanding Snoopy* — and the accidental merchandise typo that came with finishing all 17,897 strips

**[12:26]** — Why Gen Z loves Snoopy: fluid identity, "wholesome" redefined, and the freedom of not having read the actual strips

**[13:53]** — The philosophical depth hiding inside a deceptively simple strip: failure, optimism, postmodernism, and why Schulz himself is a character in *Peanuts*

**[16:11]** — What the deep reread changed for Jimmy personally, including a newfound appreciation for Schulz's "lesser periods" — and the inspiring story of Rerun Van Pelt

**[18:10]** — Podcast growth: slow and steady wins, except for two big moments — the Charlie Brown Christmas episode and an Apple "Best of the Year" feature

**[20:36]** — What makes *Unpacking Peanuts* resonate beyond hardcore fans: the "hanging out with friends" philosophy that drives the show's tone

**[21:37]** — The shared re-reading experience as community-building: why fragmented, stay-at-home culture makes these kinds of podcasts more meaningful than ever

**[23:08]** — Social media, platforms, and the unique challenge of running a visual arts podcast with no visuals

**[24:26]** — Monetization and Patreon: why live interactive events have been the most effective bonus content, plus Jimmy's new "Hanging Out and Watching a Cartoon with Jimmy" audio commentary series

**[26:13]** — Inside the production pipeline: what got harder after finishing the chronological reread, and why the show dialed back to twice a month

**[27:50]** — If Jimmy could start *Unpacking Peanuts* over: buy a microphone, batch-record the first season, and flood social media with clips before launch

**[29:20]** — Peanuts reached 350 million readers a day. Can any podcast — even Joe Rogan — approach that kind of monoculture? Jimmy weighs in on the future of shared cultural conversation

**[32:23]** — Is podcasting one of the last places for long-form nuance — or are we just siloing ourselves into echo chambers? Plus: why Jimmy is reluctant to chop his show into social media clips

**[34:47]** — Fan, critic, or expert? Jimmy gets humbled at his own Patreon live event

**[36:07]** — Video podcasting, YouTube, and why *Unpacking Peanuts* has stayed audio-only (hint: it involves not wanting to be sued by Snoopy) — plus a brand-new idea Jimmy shares for the first time

**[38:49]** — Jimmy's three podcast recommendations for any listener

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RESOURCES & LINKS

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PODCASTS MENTIONED

Unpacking Peanuts — Jimmy's own show; also available on Patreon for bonus content
It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown — hosted by William Pepper; covers the broader Peanuts phenomenon including animation and licensing
Bananas for Bonanza — a parody watch-along podcast with Matt Gorley (Conan O'Brien podcast) and comedian Andy Daly; available on Patreon with a free feed on Apple Podcasts
Screw It, We're Just Gonna Talk About Comics — two comedians doing a deep dive into classic comic books
Infinite Cast — a podcast companion to David Foster Wallace's Infinite Jest

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PEOPLE & WORKS REFERENCED

Charles M. Schulz — creator of Peanuts (1950–2000)
Harold Buchholz — co-host of Unpacking Peanuts
Michael Cohen — co-host of Unpacking Peanuts
Patrick McDonnell — cartoonist, creator of the comic strip Mutts
Lynn Johnston — cartoonist, creator of For Better or For Worse
Charlotte Braun — early, short-lived Peanuts character
Rerun Van Pelt — Linus's younger brother; central to Schulz's final creative reinvention in the strip's last years

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002 - Howard Dorre - Plodding Through The Presidents

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 08:30:00 -0400

Howard Dorre of Plodding Through the Presidents

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SUMMARY

In this episode, host Sebastian Arciszewski sits down with Howard Dorre, co-founder and co-host of Plodding Through the Presidents — an award-winning history podcast that takes an irreverent dive into the lesser-known stories of the American presidents and the early republic. Howard co-hosts the show with his wife, Jess, in a format where he researches the stories and presents them to her fresh on mic, blending narrative storytelling with genuine, unscripted conversation.

Howard shares the full arc of the show's journey — from a personal history blog he launched in 2013, to a podcast that debuted in February 2020 just before COVID hit. He talks candidly about what drew him to early American history, why he chose the lens of myths, mysteries, and human drama over straight political chronology, and how he balances humor with respect when covering serious and sometimes dark historical subjects. The conversation also ventures into the current state of independent podcasting, the challenge of AI-generated historical content, the role indie podcasters play in preserving trust and accuracy, and Howard's honest take on democracy's fragility as seen through the lens of the early republic.

Whether you're a history buff, an aspiring podcaster, or someone curious about how to build an authentic, audience-first show, this is a rich and wide-ranging conversation.

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IN THIS EPISODE

| **00:01** | Sebastian introduces the show and welcomes Howard Dorre |

| **00:41** | Howard describes *Plodding Through the Presidents* — narrative storytelling meets unscripted co-host conversation |

| **01:27** | Origin story: how it all began with a personal blog in 2013 and a goal to read a biography of every U.S. president |

| **02:34** | Making the leap from blogging to podcasting in early 2020 — what the audio format offered that writing didn't |

| **05:07** | Why myths, mysteries, scandals, and human drama? How Howard landed on his show's unique editorial lens |

| **06:16** | The wild and crazy early days of American politics — and why they're not so different from today |

| **07:48** | Standing out in a saturated history podcast market: authenticity, passion, and the "dopamine hit" of great research |

| **09:29** | The comedy element: Howard's improv background, balancing humor with respect for heavy historical subjects |

| **11:21** | How the audience responds to the show's humor (including the highest compliment: scaring your cat by laughing out loud) |

| **12:10** | Season themes — presidential pets, myths, and following the stories that spark genuine curiosity |

| **13:13** | What makes a great "Plodding story"? The "wait, what — wait till you hear what happens next" test |

| **14:20** | Best entry-point episodes: *John Quincy Adams vs. the Internet* and *Thomas Jefferson's Killer Ram* |

| **16:32** | Booking notable historian guests (Joseph Ellis, HW Brands, Lindsay Trubinsky) — publicists, university emails, and letting historians talk |

| **19:11** | The video question: why *Plodding* is still audio-only, and Howard's honest thoughts on the rise of video podcasting |

| **21:00** | Early promotion strategies: leveraging a blog following, targeted Facebook ads, and connecting with history communities |

| **22:29** | The most effective growth strategy over six years: podcast promo swaps and reaching already-listening audiences |

| **23:47** | Joining the Airwave network — creative control, ad sales support, cross-promotion, and conference connections |

| **25:12** | Monetization: Patreon, merchandise, and advertising — and what actually moves casual listeners to paying supporters |

| **27:24** | "If I had to start over tomorrow" — Howard's honest launch strategy advice (including rethinking the show's name) |

| **29:14** | The indie podcasting landscape: more shows, tougher discoverability, and the long shadow of COVID on commute listening |

| **32:09** | AI versus the founders: the episode behind the episode, bots taking down the National Archives' Founders Archive, and concerns about AI-generated historical content |

| **34:48** | How Howard thinks about AI as a research tool — useful but untrustworthy, and still in its "AOL CD-ROM dial-up era" |

| **35:52** | The role of indie podcasters in preserving trust and historical accuracy in an era of eroding faith in legacy media |

| **37:29** | Connecting early American history to today's debates about democracy, monuments, and race — how explicitly does Howard think about the current political climate? |

| **40:41** | Has Howard's optimism about American democracy shifted? A candid historical perspective on the republic's fragility — from the founders onward |

| **42:28** | Discomforting the audience (and co-host Jess): the Billy Possum, possums, and confronting moral complexity in history |

| **45:32** | Navigating a polarized audience: how Howard avoids backlash without shying away from difficult stories |

| **47:40** | Final question: three podcast recommendations from Howard |

| **49:27** | Where to find *Plodding Through the Presidents* online |

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RESOURCES & LINKS

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PLODDING THROUGH THE PRESIDENTS EPISODES MENTIONED

John Quincy Adams vs. the Internet — Debunking the five most popular myths about the 6th president, including the mole people legend
Thomas Jefferson's Killer Ram — The true story of a four-horned ram on the White House lawn and the political fallout that followed
AI vs. the Founders — How AI bots took down the National Archives' Founders Archive and what that means for historical research

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Historian Guests Mentioned

Joseph Ellis — Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and author
H.W. Brands — Historian and biographer of American presidents
Lindsay Chervinsky — Historian and author

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PODCASTS RECOMMENDED BY HOWARD

🎙️ Criminal - Best episodes of Criminal
🎙️ Civics and Coffee
🎙️ History Dispatches
🎙️ The Dollop - Best episodes of The Dollop
🎙️ My Favorite Murder - Best episodes of My Favorite Murder

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RESOURCES & NETWORKS MENTIONED

Airwave Media Network — The podcast network Howard's show is part of; known for maintaining creator independence while supporting ad sales and cross-promotion
Tink Media — A resource for podcast promo swaps between independent shows
Founders Archive — A comprehensive archive of letters written and received by the American founders

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TALK THAT POD

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Watch or listen to Talk That Pod on YouTube.

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FIND THAT POD

Discover the best podcasts in the world. - A podcast discovery newsletter bringing you 5 great podcasts to discover every week. Subscribe today.

001 - Arielle Nissenblatt - EarBuds Podcast Collective

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 08:30:00 -0400

Arielle Nissenblatt on Podcast Discovery, Newsletter Strategy, Podcast Marketing & the State of Independent Podcasting

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SUMMARY

In this episode, Sebastian sits down with Arielle Nissenblatt, one of the most well-connected figures in the podcast industry. Arielle is the founder of the Earbuds Podcast Collective, a community-curated podcast recommendation newsletter she has been running for nine years. She also co-produces Podcasts We Text About (with Lauren Passell), writes the Podcast Plunge industry newsletter, and co-hosts two shows: Trailer Park (a podcast trailer review show) and Daily Tips that May or May Not Help (with Ned Donovan). She was recently inducted into the Podcast Hall of Game alongside luminaries like Dan Carlin (Hardcore History) and James Cridland (Podnews)

Arielle shares her unconventional path into podcasting, from studying geography and juggling seven part-time jobs in Los Angeles, to becoming a go-to voice in audience development, content strategy, and podcast marketing. The conversation covers the messy reality of podcast discovery, why newsletters still matter, the video vs. audio debate, AI's growing role in content creation, and what indie podcasters should actually be doing to grow their shows. If you work in or around podcasting, this episode is packed with hard-won, practical insight.

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IN THIS EPISODE

| **00:00** | Welcome & introducing Arielle Nissenblatt — her newsletters, podcasts, and Podcast Hall of Fame induction |

| **02:01** | Arielle's "time management secret" — why crunch time and late-night bursts are actually her strategy |

| **03:28** | Career turning points: from geography grad to podcast professional |

| **05:57** | Moving to LA, juggling seven part-time jobs, and discovering a passion for podcast discovery |

| **08:18** | How and why Earbuds Podcast Collective was born in 2017 |

| **10:28** | The problem Earbuds was designed to solve — and how community curation works |

| **12:54** | The original SurveyMonkey research, growing pains, and pivoting toward creators |

| **15:31** | Launching niche spin-off newsletters: sports, kids, comedy, true crime, history, fiction & more |

| **19:21** | Live brainstorm: can niche newsletters be monetized? The case for segmenting and AI-assisted archiving |

| **20:27** | The short-lived Parla.FM and the ongoing challenge of programmatic podcast recommendations |

| **24:57** | "Podcast discovery is broken" — what Arielle actually hears at industry conferences, and why creators are often the problem |

| **29:43** | How social media targeting changes (especially Facebook) have made finding niche podcast audiences harder |

| **30:45** | Has Arielle ever considered leaving podcasting? The honest answer |

| **33:16** | What question Arielle wishes more podcasters would ask — and why generic ChatGPT strategy advice falls flat |

| **34:39** | Pitching newsletters: what works, what doesn't, and why reciprocity matters |

| **38:11** | The deluge of boilerplate PR pitches — and how to actually stand out |

| **40:50** | The state of independent podcasting in 2026: what "indie" even means anymore |

| **44:32** | Trends Arielle is pushing with clients: differentiating formats, signature questions, and narrative interview structures |

| **47:43** | The video podcast pressure cooker — why Arielle pushes back on "you MUST go video" advice |

| **52:37** | Podcasts landing on Netflix and what that signals about where consumption is heading |

| **53:56** | One structural change Arielle would make to the entire podcast ecosystem |

| **55:25** | The myth of ratings & reviews boosting algorithms — what actually helps discoverability |

| **58:36** | AI and podcasting: synthetic voices, mass-produced content, and where Ariel draws the line |

| **01:01:31** | A historian's viral Facebook moment — and why offloading our brains to AI is a growing problem |

| **01:04:55** | Marketing mindset shift for podcasters who are allergic to self-promotion |

| **01:06:26** | Borrowing existing audiences: guesting, feed drops, cross-promos, and tight calls to action |

| **01:08:35** | Diagnosing a plateaued show: Arielle's checklist for podcasters stuck at a few hundred downloads |

| **01:11:35** | Growth tactics that are mostly a waste of time (if you're not treating them as experiments) |

| **01:13:15** | How podcasts are shaping political opinions — and the intimacy factor that makes podcasters so influential |

| **01:15:40** | Indie podcasters' responsibility when covering controversial or factual topics |

| **01:16:42** | Arielle's three podcast recommendations for anyone new to listening |

| **01:18:27** | Where to find Arielle online |

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RESOURCES & LINKS

Earbuds Podcast Collective — Community-curated podcast recommendation newsletter (9 years running). Anyone can submit a themed list of 5 episodes.
Podcasts We Text About — Newsletter co-written with Lauren Pesel
Podcast Plunge — Industry-focused newsletter featuring repurposed press releases and community comments
Trailer Park — The podcast trailer review podcast
Daily Tips that May or May Not Help — Co-hosted with Ned Donovan
Blog post Arielle mentions: 9 Content Tweaks To Test That Double as Podcast Marketing

Companies & Platforms Mentioned

Castbox — Podcast listening app where Ariel worked early in her career
Squadcast — Remote podcast recording platform (later acquired by Descript)
Descript — Podcast and video editing platform
Tink Media — Podcast marketing agency connected to Ariel's client work
Beehiiv — Newsletter platform discussed in the context of segmenting subscribers
Mowpod, Audiencelift, Disco by Headliner, Introcast — Podcast advertising and promotion platforms mentioned as iterative growth channels

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PODCASTS MENTIONED

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TALK THAT POD

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Watch or listen to Talk That Pod on YouTube.

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FIND THAT POD

Discover the best podcasts in the world. - A podcast discovery newsletter bringing you 5 great podcasts to discover every week. Subscribe today.