Building a Network for the Long Run: Community, Criteria, and Change

Are podcast networks still the place for passionate new voices, or is the door closing unless you can prove your numbers? When does building a podcast network shift from nurturing raw talent to protecting a business, and what do you lose in that transition? This conversation unpacks how download minimums, revenue focus, and talent requirements have changed what it actually means to run a podcast network today. Guest Nick Gelso brings a frank view into this reality, questioning the cost of growth for operators and creators alike. Nick Gelso, operator of CLNS Media CLNS Media—Boston’s leading independent digital sports broadcaster—and North Station Media, a hybrid podcast network and agency representing 100+ shows. and North Station Media, has developed two businesses at scale, overseeing dozens of podcasts and digital shows focused on sports and related fields. Moving from a restaurant background into blogging and podcast hosting, he grew his network from individual experiments in the mid-2000s into a large operation responsible for supporting many creators and families. Listen for: 00:00 Challenges in Podcasting Growth 3:09 Navigating podcast networks 14:24 Starting the sports media network 21:10 Discussing successful TV shows 23:48 Evaluating Podcast Partnerships 29:01 Discussing content strategy and meetings 30:55 Discussing marketing team activities 36:45 Exploring AI-driven content strategies 39:28 Joining a content network 40:51 Onboarding content creators 46:10 Reflecting on starting a business 50:41 AI's Impact on Content Networks 51:38 Challenges of Scaling Media Networks CONNECT WITH GUEST: NICK GELSO, CEO & FOUNDER | CLNS MEDIA | NORTH STATION MEDIA CLNS Media | CLNS Media X | CLNS Instagram | North Station Media | Nick's X | Nick’s Instagram | LinkedIn CONNECT WITH GREG WASSERMAN, HEAD OF RELATIONSHIPS FOR RSS.COM Website - Website -   / about   LinkedIn -   / gregwasserman   IG:   / podcastnetworkinsights   Greg’s book rec: Return on Courage by Ryan Berman - https://amzn.to/4tIyOXZ Systems, Sponsors, and Partners: Hosted with RSS.com Podcast Hosting - https://rss.com/?via=9f060f Produced by Stories & Strategies - https://storiesandstrategies.ca/ Content Repurposed with Castmagic - https://get.castmagic.io/greg Podcast Project Management with Northflow - https://app.northflow.io/sign-up?via=... Chapters: 0:00:00 - Challenges in Podcasting Growth 0:03:09 - Navigating podcast networks 0:14:24 - Starting the sports media network 0:21:10 - Discussing successful TV shows 0:23:48 - Evaluating Podcast Partnerships 0:29:01 - Discussing content strategy and meetings 0:30:55 - Discussing marketing team activities 0:36:45 - Exploring AI-driven content strategies 0:39:28 - Joining a content network 0:40:51 - Onboarding content creators 0:46:11 - Reflecting on starting a business 0:50:41 - AI's Impact on Content Networks 0:51:38 - Challenges of Scaling Media Networks