Ozeal DeBastos built his vibrant network of over 4,500 podcasters by focusing on authentic connection, both online and in-person. Through consistent events and understanding his audience’s needs, he fostered real relationships beyond the mic. His journey proves that showing up and prioritizing people still drives lasting podcast success.

Learn more about Ozeal here!

Catch Ozeal's workshop "Build Your Podcast Community" at Speke Fest 2025. Buy tickets here!

Subscribe to Your Mic on YouTube, Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Shoot Freddy an email: freddy@spekepodcasting.com.

Key Takeaways

1. Building a strong podcast community is not an overnight process. It starts with understanding your audience, engaging with them both online and offline, and showing up consistently. The true growth comes from genuine connections and real-world events, not just flashy online promotions or a “build it and they will come” mentality.

2. Even in a digital-first era, especially with the rise of AI, in-person interactions and building community offline are invaluable. Real connections happen face-to-face, and offline strategies like meetups and events are essential for deepening engagement and loyalty.

3. Podcasting is evolving, with video becoming more prominent, especially with platforms like YouTube. However, audio remains king in terms of retention and deep listener engagement. The most successful strategy is embracing both formats—meeting your audience where they are and offering content in various consumable ways.

4. While download numbers are often highlighted, retention (how long people actually listen) and engagement (how listeners interact on other platforms) are far better indicators of a podcast’s health and impact. Focusing on creating loyal, engaged listeners is more valuable than chasing high download counts.

5. Ozeal’s BAM method emphasizes the importance of building a clear, genuine brand first, then attracting and nurturing an audience, and only then moving to monetize. Skipping these foundational steps leads to disappointment. Monetization is a marathon, not a sprint, and it only works when the groundwork has been properly laid.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 From MySpace to Real-Life Events

05:27 Consistency Builds Community Engagement

08:08 Podcast Boom Since 2020

12:18 Podcasting's Evolution and Acceptance

14:39 Podcasting Evolution with YouTube Influence

17:22 Audio Book Covers Drive Views

20:50 Power of Niche Podcast Ads

24:16 Content Must Captivate Instantly

27:29 Monetizing as an Indie Creator

 

Ozeal DeBastos built his vibrant network of over 4,500 podcasters by focusing on authentic connection, both online and in-person. Through consistent events and understanding his audience&rsquo;s needs, he fostered real relationships beyond the mic. His journey proves that showing up and prioritizing people still drives lasting podcast success.
Learn more about Ozeal <a href="https://www.creatorfactor.net/">here</a>!
Catch Ozeal's workshop "Build Your Podcast Community" at Speke Fest 2025. Buy tickets <a href="https://www.spekepodcasting.com/spekefest2025">here</a>!
Subscribe to&nbsp;Your Mic on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@SpekePodcasting">YouTube</a>, <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-mic/id1777171203">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1PQNHuqxIVhkLfjGYuWcxl">Spotify</a> or wherever you get your <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/spekepodcasting/playlists/your-mic">podcasts</a>.
Shoot Freddy an email: <a href="mailto:freddy@spekepodcasting.com">freddy@spekepodcasting.com</a>.
Key Takeaways
1. Building a strong podcast community is not an overnight process. It starts with understanding your audience, engaging with them both online and offline, and showing up consistently. The true growth comes from genuine connections and real-world events, not just flashy online promotions or a &ldquo;build it and they will come&rdquo; mentality.
2. Even in a digital-first era, especially with the rise of AI, in-person interactions and building community offline are invaluable. Real connections happen face-to-face, and offline strategies like meetups and events are essential for deepening engagement and loyalty.
3. Podcasting is evolving, with video becoming more prominent, especially with platforms like YouTube. However, audio remains king in terms of retention and deep listener engagement. The most successful strategy is embracing both formats&mdash;meeting your audience where they are and offering content in various consumable ways.
4. While download numbers are often highlighted, retention (how long people actually listen) and engagement (how listeners interact on other platforms) are far better indicators of a podcast&rsquo;s health and impact. Focusing on creating loyal, engaged listeners is more valuable than chasing high download counts.
5. Ozeal&rsquo;s BAM method emphasizes the importance of building a clear, genuine brand first, then attracting and nurturing an audience, and only then moving to monetize. Skipping these foundational steps leads to disappointment. Monetization is a marathon, not a sprint, and it only works when the groundwork has been properly laid.
Timestamped Overview
00:00 From MySpace to Real-Life Events
05:27 Consistency Builds Community Engagement
08:08 Podcast Boom Since 2020
12:18 Podcasting's Evolution and Acceptance
14:39 Podcasting Evolution with YouTube Influence
17:22 Audio Book Covers Drive Views
20:50 Power of Niche Podcast Ads
24:16 Content Must Captivate Instantly
27:29 Monetizing as an Indie Creator
&nbsp;

Your Mic is a podcast for new and aspiring podcasters.

Hosted by Freddy Cruz, founder of Speke Podcasting, Your Mic offers insights, tactics, and mindset strategies. Each episode features practical advice to help listeners build and grow a top 1% podcast.

Join Freddy as he shares his experience and knowledge to guide you through the podcasting journey. Tune in and take your podcast to new heights.

Your Mic is a podcast for new and aspiring podcasters.
Hosted by Freddy Cruz, founder of Speke Podcasting, Your Mic offers insights, tactics, and mindset strategies. Each episode features practical advice to help listeners build and grow a top 1% podcast.
Join Freddy as he shares his experience and knowledge to guide you through the podcasting journey. Tune in and take your podcast to new heights.

Your Mic

A podcast for Houstonians who want to engage more with their hometown and learn more about the people driving its growth.

Cruz through HTX spotlights the stories, individuals, businesses, and organizations that make the Houston area GREAT.

A podcast for Houstonians who want to engage more with their hometown and learn more about the people driving its growth.
Cruz through HTX spotlights the stories, individuals, businesses, and organizations that make the Houston area GREAT.

A podcast for Houstonians who want to engage more with their hometown and learn more about the people driving its growth.

Cruz through HTX

Twenty-six year radio veteran Freddy Cruz has gone indie.


From former special forces operators and CEOs to authors and journalists, join
Freddy as he seeks to learn from some of the highest achieving individuals in the
world. These are stories of grit and blasting through the crucible of life. Stories of
standing up to powerful corporations and defying the odds. Not all of his guests
are authors, but they all have epic stories to share.

Freddy Cruz

How to Build and Grow a Thriving Podcast Community

Nestle, despite being a global powerhouse, stumbled hard when they tried to launch coffee in Japan because they didn’t account for local tastes. I walk you through how the campaign flopped and how they finally rebounded by listening to the culture, rolling out Kit Kats tailored for the Japanese market, which became a huge success. 

My takeaway for podcasters is simple: listen to your audience, experiment boldly, and shape your content to fit the people you want to serve.

Key Takeaways

1. The Importance of Cultural Adaptation (The Nestle Story)


Takeaway: Success isn’t about pushing a product (or podcast) onto an audience, but about adapting to that audience’s unique tastes and preferences. Just as Nestle won over Japan by shifting from coffee to KitKat bars tailored to local culture, podcasters should listen to their audience and adjust their content accordingly.

2. The Value of Feedback and Pivoting


Takeaway: If your podcast isn’t gaining traction—downloads are low, retention stinks—don’t just keep doing more of the same. Seek feedback from your listeners through surveys, polls, or direct conversations, and be willing to pivot your format, topics, or approach based on their needs and interests.

3. Focusing and Niching Down


Takeaway: A podcast that tries to cover “everything” or lacks a clear focus struggles to build an audience. The host shares his personal journey from a broad, unfocused podcast to a localized, Houston-centric one, showing that niche focus leads to more sharing, engagement, and listener loyalty.

4. Flexibility in Format and Experimentation


Takeaway: You don’t have to stick to a single format, length, or style for your podcast. Be willing to experiment—mix solo and interview episodes, adjust episode length, or even try live recordings. This adaptability can help you discover what truly resonates with your listeners.

5. Building Relationships Through Authenticated Hosting


Takeaway: Listeners primarily connect with the host, not just the guests. By letting your personality come through, balancing interview and solo content, and being authentic, you foster a deeper relationship with your audience—one that keeps them coming back for more.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 "The Art of Targeted Podcasting"

04:13 "Self-Employment After 455 Rejections"

08:21 Podcast Success Through Adaptation

12:09 Embrace Versatility in Content

14:12 Podcasting Sound and Experimentation

Subscribe to Your Mic on YouTube, Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Shoot me an email: freddy@spekepodcasting.com.

Nestle, despite being a global powerhouse, stumbled hard when they tried to launch coffee in Japan because they didn&rsquo;t account for local tastes. I walk you through how the campaign flopped and how they finally rebounded by listening to the culture, rolling out Kit Kats tailored for the Japanese market, which became a huge success.&nbsp;
My takeaway for podcasters is simple: listen to your audience, experiment boldly, and shape your content to fit the people you want to serve.<a href="https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/attachments/8598465/3748dc59-711c-4ea4-8e2c-03ff14c0a8b9/YM_PM25.txt"></a>
Key Takeaways
1. The Importance of Cultural Adaptation (The Nestle Story)
<ul>
<li>
Takeaway: Success isn&rsquo;t about pushing a product (or podcast) onto an audience, but about adapting to that audience&rsquo;s unique tastes and preferences. Just as Nestle won over Japan by shifting from coffee to KitKat bars tailored to local culture, podcasters should listen to their audience and adjust their content accordingly.
</li>
</ul>
2. The Value of Feedback and Pivoting
<ul>
<li>
Takeaway: If your podcast isn&rsquo;t gaining traction&mdash;downloads are low, retention stinks&mdash;don&rsquo;t just keep doing more of the same. Seek feedback from your listeners through surveys, polls, or direct conversations, and be willing to pivot your format, topics, or approach based on their needs and interests.
</li>
</ul>
3. Focusing and Niching Down
<ul>
<li>
Takeaway: A&nbsp;podcast that tries to cover &ldquo;everything&rdquo; or lacks a clear focus struggles to build an audience. The host shares his personal journey from a broad, unfocused podcast to a localized, Houston-centric one, showing that niche focus leads to more sharing, engagement, and listener loyalty.
</li>
</ul>
4. Flexibility in Format and Experimentation
<ul>
<li>
Takeaway: You don&rsquo;t have to stick to a single format, length, or style for your podcast. Be willing to experiment&mdash;mix solo and interview episodes, adjust episode length, or even try live recordings. This adaptability can help you discover what truly resonates with your listeners.
</li>
</ul>
5. Building Relationships Through Authenticated Hosting
<ul>
<li>
Takeaway: Listeners primarily connect with the&nbsp;host, not just the guests. By letting your personality come through, balancing interview and solo content, and being authentic, you foster a deeper relationship with your audience&mdash;one that keeps them coming back for more.
</li>
</ul>
Timestamped Overview
00:00 "The Art of Targeted Podcasting"
04:13 "Self-Employment After 455 Rejections"
08:21 Podcast Success Through Adaptation
12:09 Embrace Versatility in Content
14:12 Podcasting Sound and Experimentation
Subscribe to Your Mic&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@SpekePodcasting">YouTube</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-mic/id1777171203">Apple</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1PQNHuqxIVhkLfjGYuWcxl">Spotify</a>&nbsp;or wherever you get your&nbsp;<a href="https://omny.fm/shows/spekepodcasting/playlists/your-mic">podcasts</a>.
Shoot me an email: <a href="mailto:freddy@spekepodcasting.com">freddy@spekepodcasting.com</a>.

The Power of Listening to Your Audience: Lessons from...NESTLE

Reena Friedman Watts returns to the show to reveal her inside secrets for killer interviews. She primes every session by scoping out guests on social, hitting up LinkedIn recommendations, and connecting with people in their orbit for the real scoop.

By finding common ground, Reena flips nervous chatter into deep, human stories, then drops curveball prompts that ignite authentic, memorable moments. 

Subscribe to Reena's podcast Better Call Daddyhere!

Catch Reena's workshop "Crafting a Killer Podcast Interview" at Speke Fest 2025. Buy tickets here!

Subscribe to Your Mic on YouTube, Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Shoot Freddy an email: freddy@spekepodcasting.com.

Key Takeaways

1. A standout interview starts with deep research—what Reena playfully calls "stalking in a good way." This includes checking a guest’s social profiles, digging into their LinkedIn recommendations, and even connecting with people who know them better. Going beyond surface-level prep helps generate original, thoughtful questions that lead to more engaging and revealing conversations.

2. Finding common ground and making connections on a personal level helps both interviewer and guest feel at ease. Asking about topics that are unique to the guest (such as their academic background or personal experiences) and not being afraid to deviate from the script results in richer, more relatable interviews. It's about making the conversation authentic, not formulaic.

3. Adaptability is key. While social media provides new methods for research and outreach today, Reena’s experience shows that strong communication skills (like being willing to talk to strangers or “run and gun” during her TV days) remain vital in any era. The tools may change, but the core skills of curiosity and initiative endure.

4. Summarizing the main points, restating key insights, and delivering a call to action at the end help the audience anchor what they’ve learned. Synthesis—either by the host or a co-host—helps listeners process the conversation, making the episode more memorable and impactful.

5. Many people find microphones, cameras, and studios intimidating. Acknowledging and humorously disarming these nerves, as well as emphasizing the non-live, editable nature of the podcast, can help guests relax and be themselves. Establishing this atmosphere of reassurance leads to more honest, natural conversation.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Strategic Social Media Networking

04:50 Refreshing Podcast Strategies

06:58 Crafting the Perfect Interview

10:49 Studio-Induced Stage Fright

14:10 Podcaster Reflects on DJ Experience

17:48 Viral Success with Better Call Daddy

Reena Friedman Watts returns to the show to reveal her inside secrets for killer interviews. She primes every session by scoping out guests on social, hitting up LinkedIn recommendations, and connecting with people in their orbit for the real scoop.
By finding common ground, Reena flips nervous chatter into deep, human stories, then drops curveball prompts that ignite authentic, memorable moments.&nbsp;
Subscribe to Reena's podcast Better Call Daddy <a href="https://bettercalldaddy.com/">here</a>!
Catch Reena's workshop "Crafting a Killer Podcast Interview" at Speke Fest 2025. Buy tickets <a href="https://www.spekepodcasting.com/spekefest2025">here</a>!
Subscribe to&nbsp;Your Mic on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@SpekePodcasting">YouTube</a>, <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-mic/id1777171203">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1PQNHuqxIVhkLfjGYuWcxl">Spotify</a> or wherever you get your <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/spekepodcasting/playlists/your-mic">podcasts</a>.
Shoot Freddy an email: <a href="mailto:freddy@spekepodcasting.com">freddy@spekepodcasting.com</a>.
Key Takeaways
1.&nbsp;A standout interview starts with deep research&mdash;what Reena playfully calls "stalking in a good way." This includes checking a guest&rsquo;s social profiles, digging into their LinkedIn recommendations, and even connecting with people who know them better. Going beyond surface-level prep helps generate original, thoughtful questions that lead to more engaging and revealing conversations.
2.&nbsp;Finding common ground and making connections on a personal level helps both interviewer and guest feel at ease. Asking about topics that are unique to the guest (such as their academic background or personal experiences) and not being afraid to deviate from the script results in richer, more relatable interviews. It's about making the conversation authentic, not formulaic.
3.&nbsp;Adaptability is key. While social media provides new methods for research and outreach today, Reena&rsquo;s experience shows that strong communication skills (like being willing to talk to strangers or &ldquo;run and gun&rdquo; during her TV days) remain vital in any era. The tools may change, but the core skills of curiosity and initiative endure.
4.&nbsp;Summarizing the main points, restating key insights, and delivering a call to action at the end help the audience anchor what they&rsquo;ve learned. Synthesis&mdash;either by the host or a co-host&mdash;helps listeners process the conversation, making the episode more memorable and impactful.
5. Many people find microphones, cameras, and studios intimidating. Acknowledging and humorously disarming these nerves, as well as emphasizing the non-live, editable nature of the podcast, can help guests relax and be themselves. Establishing this atmosphere of reassurance leads to more honest, natural conversation.
Timestamped Overview
00:00 Strategic Social Media Networking
04:50 Refreshing Podcast Strategies
06:58 Crafting the Perfect Interview
10:49 Studio-Induced Stage Fright
14:10 Podcaster Reflects on DJ Experience
17:48 Viral Success with Better Call Daddy

Breaking the Ice: Tips for Making Your Podcast Guests Comfortable

During this episode, we talk about a Super Bowl halftime show, a childhood football season, and what that means for podcasters investing in themselves.


Discover why putting in the work before a win makes a difference


Hear about the lessons learned from losses, not just the victories


Find out what it really means to make a bold bet on your own show

Key Takeaways

1. Self-Investment and Betting on Yourself


Takeaway: True growth and progress come from investing in your own work long before any external validation arrives. Freddy compares this to The Weeknd spending $7 million of his own money to create a memorable Super Bowl halftime show, emphasizing that you need to take bold risks and believe in your vision even when outcomes are uncertain.

2. The Journey Over the Trophy


Takeaway: Results and recognition aren’t guaranteed, even if you work harder than everyone else. It's the process, effort, and learning that matter most—failure shapes you more than easy wins ever do.

3. Endurance and Consistency in Content Creation


Takeaway: Showing up regularly, putting in the hours, and staying committed are the true markers of eventual success. Every episode, bit of research, and ounce of effort compounds, regardless of audience size in the beginning.

4. Learning from Loss and Adversity


Takeaway: Facing setbacks, whether in sports or podcasting, is invaluable. You grow as a creator—and as a person—by learning from flops and challenges, not just from the highlights.

5. The Value of Being in the Arena


Takeaway: Borrowing from Teddy Roosevelt’s “Man in the Arena” speech, true respect goes to those who participate, risk failure, and keep trying. Real glory is in the courage to try and persist, not in passive criticism from the sidelines.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 "Podcasting's True Value"

05:22 "Spectators vs. Participants: NFL Insight"

07:53 "Your Bold Bet"

Subscribe to Your Mic on YouTube, Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Shoot Freddy an email: freddy@spekepodcasting.com.

During this episode, we talk about a Super Bowl halftime show, a childhood football season, and what that means for podcasters investing in themselves.
<ul>
<li>
Discover why putting in the work before a win makes a difference
</li>
<li>
Hear about the lessons learned from losses, not just the victories
</li>
<li>
Find out what it really means to make a bold bet on your own show
</li>
</ul>
Key Takeaways
1. Self-Investment and Betting on Yourself
<ul>
<li>
Takeaway: True growth and progress come from investing in your own work long before any external validation arrives. Freddy compares this to The Weeknd spending $7 million of his own money to create a memorable Super Bowl halftime show, emphasizing that you need to take bold risks and believe in your vision even when outcomes are uncertain.
</li>
</ul>
2. The Journey Over the Trophy
<ul>
<li>
Takeaway: Results and recognition aren&rsquo;t guaranteed, even if you work harder than everyone else. It's the process, effort, and learning that matter most&mdash;failure shapes you more than easy wins ever do.
</li>
</ul>
3. Endurance and Consistency in Content Creation
<ul>
<li>
Takeaway: Showing up regularly, putting in the hours, and staying committed are the true markers of eventual success. Every episode, bit of research, and ounce of effort compounds, regardless of audience size in the beginning.
</li>
</ul>
4. Learning from Loss and Adversity
<ul>
<li>
Takeaway: Facing setbacks, whether in sports or podcasting, is invaluable. You grow as a creator&mdash;and as a person&mdash;by learning from flops and challenges, not just from the highlights.
</li>
</ul>
5. The Value of Being in the Arena
<ul>
<li>
Takeaway: Borrowing from Teddy Roosevelt&rsquo;s &ldquo;Man in the Arena&rdquo; speech, true respect goes to those who participate, risk failure, and keep trying. Real glory is in the courage to try and persist, not in passive criticism from the sidelines.
</li>
</ul>
Timestamped Overview
00:00 "Podcasting's True Value"
05:22 "Spectators vs. Participants: NFL Insight"
07:53 "Your Bold Bet"
Subscribe to&nbsp;Your Mic on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@SpekePodcasting">YouTube</a>, <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-mic/id1777171203">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1PQNHuqxIVhkLfjGYuWcxl">Spotify</a> or wherever you get your <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/spekepodcasting/playlists/your-mic">podcasts</a>.
Shoot Freddy an email: <a href="mailto:freddy@spekepodcasting.com">freddy@spekepodcasting.com</a>.

How to Build and Grow a Thriving Podcast Community

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