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Host
This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.
IBM Advertiser
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Coca Cola Advertiser
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Odoo Advertiser
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FedEx Advertiser
And Doug, what a horrible call.
Host
Hey ref.
Sports Fan 1
Open your eyes.
IBM Advertiser
Ref.
Sports Fan 1
You're really not gonna call that? Come on.
Liberty Mutual Advertiser / Ryan Reynolds / Julian Edelman
Hey ref, why don't you customize your car insurance with Liberty Mutual and save money?
Podcast Co-host
I don't think you get what we're doing.
Liberty Mutual Advertiser / Ryan Reynolds / Julian Edelman
Sure I do. We're all just giving him advice. You guys on sports, me on saving money.
Podcast Co-host
Nope, that's not it.
Liberty Mutual Advertiser / Ryan Reynolds / Julian Edelman
Only pay for what you need@libertymutual.com Liberty.
Host
Liberty.
Liberty Mutual Advertiser / Ryan Reynolds / Julian Edelman
Liberty. Liberty.
Sports Fan 1
What do you do when things get tough? You don't give up. You stand your ground. If you've been diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer and have tried hormone therapy and ask your doctor about Lutetium leu177 bipatide tetrexitan. Pluvicto is not chemotherapy. It's a different treatment that targets PSMA positive cells. Pluvicto can be used before chemotherapy for some people. Pluvicto is a prescription treatment used to treat adults with prostate specific membrane antigen positive metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer or PSMA positive MCRPC who have already been treated with hormone therapy and are considered appropriate to delay chemotherapy. Bluvicto involves contact with radioactivity which may increase the risk for cancer and cause fetal harm. Drink plenty of fluids, urinate often, use contraception and talk to your doctor about ways to reduce the risk of exposing others to radiation. During and after treatment, BlueVicto can cause low levels of blood cell counts, kidney problems, and infertility. Tell your doctor if you have weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, bleeding or bruising more easily, an infection, or changes in urination. Side effects include decreased blood cell counts, tiredness, dry mouth, nausea, appetite loss, joint or back pain, and constipation. Ask your doctor about pluv, because every day without cancer progression is a victory. Visit vuvicto.com to learn more.
Podcast Co-host
This episode is brought to you by PNC Bank. A lot of people think podcasts about work are boring. And sure, they definitely can be. But understanding a professional's routine shows us how they achieve their success little by little, day after day. It's like banking with PNC Bank. It might seem boring to save, plan, and make calculated decisions with your bank, but keeping your money boring is what helps you live a more happily fulfilled life. PNC bank, Brilliantly boring since 1865 Brilliantly boring since 1865 is a service mark of the PNC Financial Service Group, Inc. PNC Bank National Association Member, FDIC I know you have this pyramid of the pyramid of intimacy relationships. Yeah, I'm interested because in the pyramid, you start with, obviously at the bottom of the list, social media, Right? Why is that?
Host
Well, I would say that social media is almost like a virtual representation of walking around the streets of New York, right? So anyone that you see on the streets of New York or riding the trains or however you're walking around New York, you actually do have the option of speaking to them, right? Okay, so you could be in Times Square and, you know, 10, 20,000 people in times Square, as long as they're standing there and walking the same street with you, you have the option of speaking with them. Whether they're gonna speak to you is up to them. You have, you. You have the. You have the option, right? Same on the Internet, right? Social media, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, whatever social platform you're on, as long as they're there and they're sharing, you also have the option of reaching out and speaking to them. Whether it's through a direct message, whether it's in a comment, whether it's in a retweet or reply, whatever it is, they obviously have the option of whether they would like to respond. The connectivity is there. So I would say the expected response. And that's why you just. Oh, in New York. Because there's already. It's already built in the expected response time. So once you start on social media and you're Basically. And that's basically a virtual representation of what's happening in the world. If you're just walking around, the expected response time or the expectation for a response is very low. Right. Once you can move up and you actually can get an email address.
Podcast Co-host
Yeah.
Host
That expectation for a response goes up.
Podcast Co-host
A little bit higher.
Host
Yeah.
Podcast Co-host
So you went social media, I think you said dms, and then now we have email.
Host
Right. So you get from DMs to email. The beauty of email as well is the fact that nine times out of ten, when you get someone's email, you've been introduced by someone. So you say like this. How? I say, hey, put me in touch with your guy from. From. From the R and B. And he's doing texting. I'm going to get a warm introduction. So it's not just me reaching out randomly. Yeah, I'm getting a warm introduction on email. Right. That can also happen on text. What I like about text, though, is the fact that text allows you to turn up from texting to a phone conversation very quickly. And when you have that kind of rapport, you're really gonna see who wants to work with you. Yeah. When you can take stock of who actually answers your phone call, especially in 2020, who's actually going to answer the phone call? Right. And then that continues up the pyramid. Okay. Yo, we had a phone call. Hey, look, why don't you pull up at this time? You got that in person. And then you continue moving up the pyramid from there.
Podcast Guest
So, yeah, I want to talk about superphone, but before that, I wanted to go back to the. You said you made $2 million after off that album when you took it off. So can you detail, like, how did you do that? Was it through your merch? Was it through live shows? A combination of everything.
Host
Live, live, live. Made up the majority live shows. Yeah. So. So when I put my number on Twitter and say, hey, everybody, shoot me a text, there were 35, 000 people that texted in the first response that everyone got. And whether you're texting, you know, you texted me for the first time, or you see any of these other celebs, I mean, they. Now, six, seven years later, everybody finally caught on, you know what I'm saying? The first response is it needs to be automated. Right. For you to be able to manage the scale. And that first response is always, thanks for texting. I would love to know who you are. So please put your information in my phone. Right. Because I'm not going to type everybody's information. So here's a form. You can actually put your information in my phone so I know who's even texting me at that point.
Podcast Co-host
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IBM Advertiser
So let me get this straight. Your company has data here, there and everywhere. But your AI can't use the data because it's here, there and everywhere? Seems like something's missing. Every business has unique data. IBM helps your AI access your data wherever it lives. To change how you do business, let's create smarter business. IBM.
Odoo Advertiser
Running a business is hard enough, so why make it harder? With a dozen different apps that don't talk to each other. One for sales, another for inventory, a separate one for accounting. Before you know it, you are drowning in software. Instead of growing your business, this is where Odoo comes in. Odoo is the only business software you'll ever need. It's an all in one fully integrated platform that handles everything. CRM, accounting, inventory, E commerce, HR and more. No more app overload, no more juggling log. Just one seamless system that makes work easier. And the best part? Odoo replaces multiple expensive platforms for a fraction of the cost. It's built to grow with your business whether you are just starting out or already scaling up. Plus, it's easy to use, customizable and designed to streamline every process so you can focus on what really matters running your business. Thousands of businesses have made the switch, so why not you try Odoo for free@odoo.com that's o d o o.com hey.
Liberty Mutual Advertiser / Ryan Reynolds / Julian Edelman
Ryan Reynolds here For Mint Mobile. You know, one of the perks about having four kids that you know about is actually getting a direct line to the big man up north. And this year he wants you to know the best gift that you can give someone is the gift of Mint Mobile's unlimited wireless for $15 a month. Now you don't even need to wrap it. Give it a try. @mintmobile.com Switch upfront payment of $45 for.
Host
Three month plan equivalent to $15 per month. Required new customer offer for first three months only.
Odoo Advertiser
Speed slow after 35 gigabytes if network's busy. Taxes and fees extra.
Host
See mint mobile.com.
FedEx Advertiser
And Doug, what a horrible call.
Host
Hey ref. Open your eyes, ref.
Sports Fan 1
You're really not gonna call that. Come on.
Liberty Mutual Advertiser / Ryan Reynolds / Julian Edelman
Hey, ref, why didn't you customize your car insurance with Liberty Mutual and save money?
Podcast Co-host
I don't think you get what we're doing.
Liberty Mutual Advertiser / Ryan Reynolds / Julian Edelman
Sure I do. We're all just giving him advice. You guys on sports, me on saving money.
Podcast Co-host
Nope, that's not it.
Liberty Mutual Advertiser / Ryan Reynolds / Julian Edelman
Only pay for what you need@libertymutual.com Liberty.
Host
Liberty.
Liberty Mutual Advertiser / Ryan Reynolds / Julian Edelman
Liberty. Liberty.
Host
Difference, I would say between my 2013 campaign and the campaigns that I'm seeing now is that there was a very specific intent captured at the initiation of the conversation. So I didn't just say, hey, here's my number. Shoot me a text. What's up? I said, look, shoot me a text to get my new album. So they shot me a text. I already know the reason they're texting is to get my new album. What's your information? Once I have the information, here's a link to get the album. Once that intent is captured, then you have an incredibly high conversion rate. So one out of every two, about 17,000 people actually bought that record. They bought it for $10. That's 170,000, right? The difference though is that I now have a Rolodex, a record, a ledger of every single person that's willing to actually spend money with me directly. So now, not only do I have names, not only do I have emails, not only do I have telephone numbers, I have city and state and country information. So now I'm going on tour.
Podcast Co-host
Got the real go.
Host
You're going on tour? People go to concerts because it is a social experience. So yeah, you might go to the concert if none of your friends want to go. You still figure out a way. You go by yourself, but you're still in a room with a bunch of people. You guys are connected by the fact that you appreciate the artist. That's on stage for me in that situation. Even though only 17,000 people in my phone actually bought my record, they all brought a friend or two or three or five to the concerts. When I announced them, we sold 40,000 tickets at €60 a ticket. You could do the math.
Podcast Co-host
That's like five albums right there, you.
Host
Know, and so it's really just. And like I said, you know, there's obviously ancillary income that happens from that. There's publishing revenue and merchandise, etc. For me, you know, I. I really prefer digital goods because, you know, there's a cost of goods. You know, when you have merchandise and there's a cost of inventory, there's a cost of shipping, and. And so digital goods for me have always been my preference just because they have unlimited scale. And as long as you're delivering value, hopefully your content is going to be evergreen. And so that's why I always remind an artist that even though you may feel like your music is outdated to you, it's actually brand new for the person who's hearing it for the first time. And the reality is that even if you went platinum, there is still a large number of people around the world who have yet to have even heard your record one time. So you have the ability in music, which always why I say, look, just create the best music you possibly can, because great music is evergreen, you know. And so, you know, I'm doing some real estate development and investments in Brooklyn. And so, you know, sometimes you'll walk into some of the, whether it's the mom and pop stores or just the bodegas or wherever, and they'll be playing some great, you know, old school music. I'd never heard the record before. I'm putting my Shazam up because for me, it's still that experience of discovering that music for the first time. It's 30, 40 years old.
Podcast Guest
You know, I love what you said as far as, like, how many people don't know you? Because that happened. I realized that, like, now with the podcast, it's become very popular, especially in our community, and we went to an event, Curl Fest. I don't know if you've heard of it, but yeah, one of our guests on the podcast, a friend of ours, she does it. So we had Curlfest this year, and it's like 20,000 women and not a lot of men. And like, at least probably like 20 people came up to us like, yo, we love your podcast. So at first I'm like, this is dope. Like, we feel like, you know, we made it. But then I'm thinking, all right, 20 people recognized us, which is dope, but there's 20,000 people here. Like, how many people? We still got so much more to penetrate.
Podcast Co-host
I tell them every day, like, my life is so much duality. Like, I go to work, most of my co workers don't even know I do a podcast. I walk down the street. Most people don't even know I'm a teacher. But, like, there are rare occasions, like, we're in Houston, Ian, somebody will say, oh, you know, I love your podcast. It's like, all right, this is cool. But, like, nah, we got so much penetration.
Podcast Guest
You can never get caught thinking that you, like, made it, because there's always a bunch of people that don't know.
Podcast Co-host
Who you are, have no clue.
Host
Yeah. And also, just to be. Just to keep it 100, you still can be ridiculously wealthy just from a niche audience. You know, I would say that, you know that there. There exists a number of gen zers that may not even know who Oprah is. Right?
Podcast Guest
That's a fact.
Host
The audience, though, that she's created, that's her niche audience, and that's. That's a loyal audience. And that audience is not just limited to the viewers. It's also limited to the television executives that love her content and want to syndicate it. Right. And so I think that, you know, the. I would say the conundrum of scale, or the dilemma, if you will, of scale is unless you really have the technological infrastructure to have a direct relationship with each one of your listeners at scale, you're better off having a manageable. A manageable audience in terms of size so that you can actually have a depth of a relationship with those folks. I have folks. You know, you look at my socials, my socials, compared to the. The biggest stars or influencers on Instagram, I'm sitting at 360,000 followers. I know that in my core, though, I have folks that have spent 4, 5, 6, 7, $10,000 with me, and I know every dollar they spent. I know the products they like, et cetera. And so, you know, that depth of relationship on. And that's sort of in any. In any vertical, in any circumstance, the depth of relationship is always going to yield, I would say, just a greater reward in general.
Podcast Co-host
Sometimes less is more, less is more.
Podcast Guest
A lot of times less is more.
Host
And this is.
Podcast Co-host
This is a prime example of it. Earners. What's up? You ever walk into a small business and everything just works like the checkout is fast, the receipts are digital tipping is a breeze and you're out the door before the line even builds. Odds are they're using Square. We love supporting businesses that run on Square because it just feels seamless. Whether it's a local coffee shop, a vendor at a pop up market, or even one of our merch partners, Square makes it easy for them to take payments, manage inventory and run their business with confidence, all from one simple system. One of the things we love most is seeing neighborhood businesses level up. There's this West Indian spot right in our community that started with a small takeout counter. Now with Square, they've been able to expand into a full sit down restaurant and even started catering events across the city. That's the kind of growth that inspires us.
Sports Fan 1
And.
Podcast Co-host
And it's powered by Square. Square is built for all types of businesses, from the corner bagel shop that turned into a local chain to the specialty market with thousands of unique items. To the stylist who's been holding you down for years. If you're a business owner or even just thinking about launching something soon, Square is hands down one of the best tools out there to help you start, run and grow. It's not just about payments, it's about giving you time back so you can focus on what matters most. Ready to see how Square can transform your business? Visit square.comgoeyl to learn more. That's square.comgoeyl. don't wait, don't hesitate. Let Square handle the back end so you can keep pushing your vision forward.
Sports Commentators
What a matchup we got y'.
Odoo Advertiser
All.
Sports Commentators
This is that classic HBCU vibe. Non stop action. The band is rocking and the crowd lit. Chance echo drum beat everybody. Showing that school pride. Game like this. Yeah, it calls for an ice cold Coca Cola. Ah, crisp and refreshing. That's a game changer right there. Yeah, that taste always hits the right note. Just like the band at halftime. And just like that, we're back at it. Passionate fans, school colors, everyone. Crab and an ice cold Coca Cola. That's a winning combo no matter the sport, no matter the yard. Everybody knows fan work is thirsty work. So grab a Coca Cola and keep that HBCU pride going.
FedEx Advertiser
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Coca Cola Advertiser
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Liberty Mutual Advertiser / Ryan Reynolds / Julian Edelman
This is Julian Edelman from Dudes on Dudes with Gronk and Jewels. Sunday mornings I've got my game day ritual, coffee, lucky socks, and now new morning uncrustable sandwiches.
FedEx Advertiser
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Liberty Mutual Advertiser / Ryan Reynolds / Julian Edelman
Bright Eye Berries got a feisty receiver.
FedEx Advertiser
Energy up an apple. Your classic do it all tight end.
Liberty Mutual Advertiser / Ryan Reynolds / Julian Edelman
Soft, pillowy, packed with protein and easy enough for Gronk to grab from the freezer.
FedEx Advertiser
Whether you're on the couch, driving to the tailgate or heading to the locker room, new morning Uncrustable sandwiches are the MVP of snacks.
Liberty Mutual Advertiser / Ryan Reynolds / Julian Edelman
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Sports Commentators
Janice Torres here and I'm Austin Hankwitz.
Host
We host the podcast Mind the Business, Small Business Business Success Stories produced by Ruby Studio in partnership with Intuit QuickBooks. We're back for season four to talk to some incredible small business owners. The big thing about working at tech is that it's ever evolving, ever changing.
Podcast Co-host
Everyone's a rookie. That's how fast the industry is changing.
Odoo Advertiser
So what I'm really excited about is.
Host
To be part of that change. So listen on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Coca Cola Advertiser
This is an iHeart podcast, Guaranteed Human.
Release Date: December 16, 2025
Hosts: Rashad Bilal & Troy Millings
Guest: Ryan Leslie
Platform: iHeartPodcasts
This episode dives deep into the innovative business strategy of Ryan Leslie, who famously generated $2 million from an album that sold only 17,000 copies. Hosts Rashad and Troy explore how Leslie leveraged direct-to-fan relationships, technological tools, and a clear understanding of audience engagement to turn a niche following into significant revenue. The conversation sheds light on the intersection of music, technology, and entrepreneurship while offering practical insights for artists and creators aiming for financial independence.
[03:22–06:58]
[06:58–08:04, 11:36–13:24]
[13:24–16:31]
[15:06–16:10]
[16:10–17:56]
"Social media is almost like a virtual representation of walking around the streets of New York...The expectation for a response is very low."
— Host, [04:17]
"Text allows you to turn up from texting to a phone conversation very quickly. And when you have that kind of rapport, you're really gonna see who wants to work with you."
— Host, [05:55]
“The first response is always, 'Thanks for texting. I would love to know who you are. So please put your information in my phone.'”
— Ryan Leslie, [07:15]
“The difference… [in 2013] was a very specific intent captured at the initiation of the conversation… Once that intent is captured, then you have an incredibly high conversion rate.”
— Ryan Leslie, [11:36]
“Even though only 17,000 people in my phone actually bought my record, they all brought a friend or two or three or five to the concerts... We sold 40,000 tickets at €60 a ticket.”
— Ryan Leslie, [12:43]
“Even if you went platinum, there is still a large number of people around the world who have yet to have even heard your record one time.”
— Ryan Leslie, [13:24]
“You can never get caught thinking that you, like, made it, because there’s always a bunch of people that don’t know.”
— Podcast Guest, [16:04]
“You still can be ridiculously wealthy just from a niche audience.”
— Ryan Leslie, [16:10]
“That depth of relationship... is always going to yield... a greater reward in general.”
— Ryan Leslie, [17:56]
This episode offers a masterclass in leveraging technology and personal connection for entrepreneurial success in entertainment—a compelling listen for creators, business owners, and anyone interested in the modern economy of attention and intimacy.