Freddy Cruz
Your Mic
Playlist by Freddy CruzYour 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 a…35 clip(s) in playlist
What Tommy Hilfiger’s Times Square Billboard Teaches Us About Podcast Success
What happens when one bold move puts an unknown name next to legends? Tommy Hilfiger was just another guy until a single Times Square billboard changed everything. We’ll look at why perception drives success before proof does. We’ll find out how podcasting today lets you bypass the gatekeepers. And…
14:42
Your Guide to Being the BEST Podcast Guest EVER
Think about the last time you tried to get on a podcast. Maybe it was a cold email, or you spent hours crafting a pitch and still ended up with silence. Today, we'll break down what makes a podcast guest pitch stand out and the mistakes that send it straight to the rejection pile. You’ll hear: W…
13:06
Friends, Not Rivals: The Secret Sauce of Houston’s Podcast Scene
What happens when two podcast creators meet years ago, each taking a different path in Houston’s podcast scene? Raul Moreno, once in radio, set out to build a community for independent stories. Freddy Cruz began with military apparel, then turned his journey of recovery into a podcast that grew int…
20:14
Instagram vs. YouTube: Which is Better for Podcasters?
Are you overwhelmed trying to promote your podcast on every social media platform? So many of us wonder if we need to post several times a day, everywhere, just to get noticed. Today, you’ll hear why you can grow your show smarter by: Focusing on just two platforms instead of all of them Analy…
09:22
The Power of Retention Rates in Podcasting
What makes retention rate a crucial metric in podcasting success? Freddy Cruz explains that while reaching the first 1000 downloads is an exciting milestone, it's the retention rate that truly matters. Retention shows how engaging and valuable your content is to listeners. This insight helps podca…
20:53
Speke Fest 2025: Everything You Need to Know About the Ultimate Podcasting Event
Speke Fest 2025, October 10 and 11 at the National Museum of Funeral History, promises an energizing mix of marketing, networking, and personal development. With keynotes from industry leaders and workshops aimed at empowerment, attendees will leave inspired to elevate their shows—or even launch …
05:03
When Should You Scrap an Episode?
What do you do when a podcast guest goes off script, delivers content that clashes with your values, or shows up unprepared? Learn why being the gatekeeper of your podcast matters for your brand and reputation. Hear when and why you might have to shelf an episode—even if the guest spent time re…
11:39
Strategies for Managing Podcast Guests and Batch Recording Like a Pro
What does it take to go from nervous interviewer to skilled podcast host with more than 250 episodes? D.C. Gomez shares what’s changed since her first podcast, how she connects with guests—even those who are shy—and why a little structure goes a long way. We also get into managing a busy creative…
30:46
You Got Your First Thousand Downloads...NOW WHAT???
What does it mean to create a successful podcast? It's not just about the numbers. It's the quality of the listener's experience. Today, we dive into what makes a show truly engaging. Discover why retention is as important as downloads. Learn how shorter episodes might be the key to higher eng…
20:53
How One Woman Prepares for a Show that Serves Houston's Blind and Low Vision Community
This episode is a client spotlight of The Lighthouse of Houston's podcast Sightless Voices: Unleashing Potential. Host Jennifer Parrish went from checking charts and stressing about rankings to connecting with people in ways she never expected. In this conversation, she shares what she’s learned a…
12:41