Nobody Should Believe Me – Episode Summary: "Talking Shop with Brittany Ard"

In this engaging bonus episode of "Nobody Should Believe Me," host Andrea Dunlop sits down with fellow podcaster Brittany Ard to delve into the intricacies of independent podcasting. The conversation navigates through the challenges of production, monetization, audience growth, handling feedback, and building sustainable podcast networks. Below is a detailed summary capturing all the key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions from their dialogue.

1. Introduction to the Episode

Andrea Dunlop opens the episode by introducing Brittany Ard, highlighting her show's breakout success and their shared Seattle roots. The focus of their conversation centers on the behind-the-scenes aspects of podcasting and the dynamics of operating as independent podcasters within the industry.

2. Choosing Production Approaches

Brittany Ard shares her initial intention to adopt a DIY approach to podcasting—recording independently and learning essential skills such as sound engineering. However, after evaluating the costs and potential revenue from ad monetization, she opted to collaborate with a production company to ensure professional quality and maintain the show's depth.

Brittany Ard [02:09]: “I had some delusions about how it worked and in probably a good way because I was like, okay, I'm going to do this.”

Andrea resonates with Brittany's experience, recounting her journey from relying on production companies to eventually establishing her own production framework to achieve financial sustainability.

3. Monetization Challenges and Solutions

The discussion shifts to the financial aspects of podcasting. Andrea recounts how her show initially garnered around 60,000 downloads per month, providing a modest but solid foundation. Despite early monetization efforts through ad sales, sustaining production costs remained challenging. Brittany echoes similar struggles, emphasizing the importance of having sufficient funds to cover initial production expenses and the uncertainty of achieving profitability.

Andrea Dunlop [14:23]: “I think it's like the chance that you and I are sitting here with it, like, yeah, a million to one.”

Brittany elaborates on the financial unpredictability, sharing how her show's unexpected spike in downloads led her to confront the unsustainable nature of her initial production model, prompting her to transition to independent production.

4. Audience Growth and Industry Insights

Both podcasters discuss the phenomenon of sudden audience growth, highlighting how being featured on platforms like Apple’s "New and Noteworthy" can exponentially increase download numbers. Brittany recounts her astonishment at her show surpassing well-established names such as Jon Stewart and Joe Rogan, underscoring the unpredictable nature of podcast popularity.

Brittany Ard [16:07]: “Two weeks after that, I hit number one on Apple podcast.”

Andrea shares how such rapid growth necessitated strategic changes, including shifting from limited series formats to a more demanding weekly release schedule, further complicating production logistics.

5. Handling Reviews and Feedback

The conversation delves into the dual nature of podcast reviews, characterized by extreme positive and negative feedback. Both Andrea and Brittany discuss strategies for managing critical reviews, with Brittany choosing to disengage from Apple reviews due to their volatility and focusing instead on more constructive feedback channels like Spotify comments.

Brittany Ard [44:44]: “I just stopped looking at Apple reviews because it's just so wild all over the place.”

Andrea adds that while reviews are a mixed bag, they can offer valuable insights and foster a balanced perspective on audience reception.

6. Building Sustainable Podcast Networks

Andrea introduces the concept of True Story Media, a network she co-founded with Ben Watson, aimed at fostering respectful and sustainable podcasting practices. Brittany discusses her own venture, BDE Unlimited Productions, which she established to regain control over her show's production and financial management.

Andrea Dunlop [34:13]: “I worked with Ben to design a network that I would have said yes to.”

The emphasis is on creating environments where podcasters can thrive without compromising their creative integrity, highlighting the importance of transparent profit-sharing models and flexible contract terms.

7. Emotional Impact and Mental Health

A significant portion of the conversation addresses the emotional toll of hosting a podcast that delves into sensitive and personal topics. Brittany shares how she manages interactions with listeners who share traumatic experiences, emphasizing the necessity of setting boundaries and seeking professional support to maintain her well-being.

Brittany Ard [52:44]: “I talk to my therapist a lot about how I talk to listeners.”

Andrea echoes these sentiments, discussing the balance between connecting with listeners and safeguarding one's mental health, especially when handling distressing content related to child abuse and Munchausen by Proxy.

8. Future Plans and Projects

Looking ahead, both podcasters unveil their upcoming projects. Brittany plans to expand her show to cover a broader range of topics beyond her initial focus, including domestic violence and divorce, and is working on transforming her experiences into a memoir. Andrea shares details about season five of her show, which investigates the case of Sophie Hartman, an evangelical missionary accused of medical child abuse, and announces the release of her co-authored book, The Mother Next Door Medicine: Deception in Munchausen by Proxy.

Andrea Dunlop [58:05]: “Season five, which is the story of Sophie Hartman...”

Both express excitement about their evolving content and the continuous growth of their networks, reinforcing their commitment to impactful storytelling.

9. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Andrea and Brittany reflect on the liberating aspects of podcasting, particularly the ability to authentically share personal narratives without external constraints. They encourage listeners to support their favorite shows through subscriptions, ads, and positive engagement, underscoring the importance of community support in sustaining independent podcast productions.

Brittany Ard [62:04]: “I give less about how people want me to tell my story.”

Andrea adds a heartfelt endorsement of their partnership and the mutual support that propels both shows forward.

Notable Quotes:

• Brittany Ard [02:09]: “I had some delusions about how it worked and in probably a good way because I was like, okay, I'm going to do this.”

• Andrea Dunlop [14:23]: “I think it's like the chance that you and I are sitting here with it, like, yeah, a million to one.”

• Brittany Ard [16:07]: “Two weeks after that, I hit number one on Apple podcast.”

• Brittany Ard [44:44]: “I just stopped looking at Apple reviews because it's just so wild all over the place.”

• Andrea Dunlop [34:13]: “I worked with Ben to design a network that I would have said yes to.”

• Brittany Ard [52:44]: “I talk to my therapist a lot about how I talk to listeners.”

• Andrea Dunlop [58:05]: “Season five, which is the story of Sophie Hartman...”

• Brittany Ard [62:04]: “I give less about how people want me to tell my story.”

This episode offers invaluable insights into the world of independent podcasting, highlighting both the creative and logistical challenges faced by creators. Andrea Dunlop and Brittany Ard provide a candid look into their journeys, offering guidance and solidarity to fellow podcasters navigating similar paths.