Freddy speaks with Rob Greenlee, podcasting OG and Hall of Famer, who launched one of the world’s first podcast radio shows in 2004. Rob reflects on the evolution of podcast tech, the move from legacy to on-demand media, the shifting definitions of podcasting success, and what’s next as AI and video further disrupt the space. He shares hard-won lessons on starting and rebooting shows, the value of niche and hybrid approaches, and the importance of keeping the human touch as technology advances.

5 Key Takeaways:
Podcasting Now Prioritizes Professionalization and Impact
Podcasting has moved from a fringe hobby to a respected media industry—but success increasingly means either big numbers (for ads) or big impact and community (for indies/brands).
AI and Tech Accessibility Have Lowered Barriers—but Not Challenges
Anyone can launch a high-quality show with minimal investment, but standing out, retaining listeners, and building authority remain difficult.
Audio-Only vs. Hybrid/Video Approaches: Both Still Matter
Audio podcasts are more popular than ever, but hybrid creators (audio + video + short clips) can reach larger audiences. Each path has unique demands and rewards.
Reboot, Experiment, and Define Your Own Success
Too many “podfaded” (inactive) shows don’t mean the space is saturated—they’re opportunities for relaunch and reinvention. Every episode must stand out, but building serialized, branded content remains a powerful strategy.
Leverage AI for Efficiency, But Preserve Human Uniqueness
Rob embraces AI for production, summaries, and ideation—but warns that “sloppy” human imperfection will soon be a marker of trust and authenticity. A “Spoken Human” approach—human connection in an AI world—may be the most strategic path forward.

Subscribe to Rob’s shows on YouTube here.

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

Shoot Freddy an email: freddy@spekepodcasting.com.

Buy tickets to Speke Fest: Night of the Living Pod here, and grab 25% off now through 8/31.

Freddy speaks with Rob Greenlee, podcasting OG and Hall of Famer, who launched one of the world&rsquo;s first podcast radio shows in 2004. Rob reflects on the evolution of podcast tech, the move from legacy to on-demand media, the shifting definitions of podcasting success, and what&rsquo;s next as AI and video further disrupt the space. He shares hard-won lessons on starting and rebooting shows, the value of niche and hybrid approaches, and the importance of keeping the human touch as technology advances.
5 Key Takeaways:
<ol>
<li>Podcasting Now Prioritizes Professionalization and Impact Podcasting has moved from a fringe hobby to a respected media industry&mdash;but success increasingly means either big numbers (for ads) or big impact and community (for indies/brands).</li>
<li>AI and Tech Accessibility Have Lowered Barriers&mdash;but Not Challenges Anyone can launch a high-quality show with minimal investment, but standing out, retaining listeners, and building authority remain difficult.</li>
<li>Audio-Only vs. Hybrid/Video Approaches: Both Still Matter Audio podcasts are more popular than ever, but hybrid creators (audio + video + short clips) can reach larger audiences. Each path has unique demands and rewards.</li>
<li>Reboot, Experiment, and Define Your Own Success Too many &ldquo;podfaded&rdquo; (inactive) shows don&rsquo;t mean the space is saturated&mdash;they&rsquo;re opportunities for relaunch and reinvention. Every episode must stand out, but building serialized, branded content remains a powerful strategy.</li>
<li>Leverage AI for Efficiency, But Preserve Human Uniqueness Rob embraces AI for production, summaries, and ideation&mdash;but warns that &ldquo;sloppy&rdquo; human imperfection will soon be a marker of trust and authenticity. A &ldquo;Spoken Human&rdquo; approach&mdash;human connection in an AI world&mdash;may be the most strategic path forward.</li>
</ol>
Subscribe to Rob&rsquo;s shows on YouTube <a href="https://youtube.com/@robgreenlee?si=_U5fZwoZfMzx35lk">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>.
Buy tickets to Speke Fest: Night of the Living Pod <a href="https://spekepodcasting.com/spekefest2025">here</a>, and grab 25% off now through 8/31.

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.

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