The Sound Off Podcast

Kendall Breitman is the Community Manager at Riverside.fm and discusses her transition from political journalism to podcasting, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and storytelling. She highlights Riverside's tools, including the CO-creator (nicknamed Coco) for marketing materials and Magic Audio for audio enhancement. Riverside's new hosting feature integrates recording, editing, and publishing, simplifying workflows. Kendall also mentions the potential for in-person recording and the benefits of live streaming on platforms like YouTube and Twitch. She stresses the importance of community support and ease of use in podcasting, aiming to make content creation more accessible for all. If you would like to try out Riverside.fm - you can do so here and there may be a nice discount in there for you. Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. All the things that went unsaid on the show. Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here. Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show: Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data Solutions Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company. Podderapp: Where podcasters can get access to their advanced data dashboard here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The annual Christmas Chat with my good friend Terry Dimonte. This is the first time we recorded this together. My wife and I recently bought a home in Quebec about 10 minutes away from Terry's place - so now we can record these together. There's no video of us as I still need to rework parts of the studio. I made mention of a couple of articles from Fred Jacobs and Dave Beasing contrasting podcasting and radio... you can read those here. Also the episode regarding tourism was from a podcast called Forward Motion which I produce. The episode is here Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. All the things that went unsaid on the show. Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here. Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show: Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data Solutions Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company. Podderapp: Where podcasters can get access to their advanced data dashboard here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ivar Hamilton discusses the history and impact of CFNY, a Toronto radio station known for its free-form programming and support of new wave and punk music in the late 70's through to 1988. Ivar explains the station's evolution, its early support of artists like U2 and The Cocteau Twins, and its eventual shift to a more commercial format in 1988. We also covered Ivar's career transition to Polygram and later Universal, his role in promoting acts, and the challenges of adapting to digital platforms. Additionally, Matt mentions the upcoming documentary on CFNY, featuring interviews with key figures and artists. Ivar also mentioned his involvement in various radio shows, including a guest spot on "The Edge Time Machine" and hosting alternative Christmas music shows on stations like NYTheSpirit and The Bridge.. The Sound Off Podcast Network has been assisting Ivar and Scot Turner launch their podcast, Music Milestones YYZ, which documents music history in Toronto. The podcast covers significant events, releases, and cultural references, often incorporating personal anecdotes from Ivar's 10 years at CFNY and 35 years at a major record label. Upcoming episodes will feature guests and discussions on notable musicians and events, such as the 45th anniversary of John Lennon's murder and the tours of Canadian classic rock bands in 2026. Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. All the things that went unsaid on the show. Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here. Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show: Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data Solutions Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company. Podderapp: Where podcasters can get access to their advanced data dashboard here. Type Full See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Corey Dylan is in transition again. Back in 2019, we had her on the show to talk about the need to be resilient when looking for work. She was looking for work for two and a half years. The less resilient of us would have given up. This time she returns to talk about her transition from radio to full-time content creation, with a focus on talking to the audience as if they were over 40. Corey shares her experience of being unemployed for 2.5 years and her strategies for staying relevant, including consistent content creation and leveraging LinkedIn. Corey, muuch like Jessica Rhodes a few weeks ago, underlines the importance of positive social media presence and the challenges of adapting to new platforms like YouTube and TikTok. Corey also highlights the role of AI in content creation and the need for high-quality audio and video equipment. Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. All the things that went unsaid on the show. Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here. Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show: Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data Solutions Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company. Podderapp: Where podcasters can get access to their advanced data dashboard here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In a media move that Matt Cundill describes as... "Yeah that makes sense", The Walrus has acquired Lead Podcasting, bringing together two powerhouses of Canadian journalism and podcast production. Led by Jennifer Hollett, The Walrus—a respected long-form journalism publication turned digital media organization—sees podcasting as a critical avenue for storytelling and audience engagement. Amanda Cupido, founder of Lead Podcasting, brings a team of skilled podcast producers with a strong journalistic background. The acquisition represents more than a business transaction; it's a strategic alignment of values centered on fact-based storytelling and community connection. Both organizations share a commitment to high-quality, trustworthy content and see podcasting as an intimate medium for exploring ideas. The partnership will operate under The Walrus Lab, leveraging Lead Podcasting's production expertise to expand their podcast offerings while maintaining their core mission of sparking meaningful conversations about Canadian stories. Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. All the things that went unsaid on the show. Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here. Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show: Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data Solutions Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company. Podderapp: Where podcasters can get access to their advanced data dashboard here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sue Haas is back to share what she know about the evolution of media measurement, focusing on Nlogic's innovations and the launch of their cross-media national data set, VAM (Video Audience Measurement), which covers 95% of Canadian video platforms. Haas highlights the integration of first-party data from global streamers and ad tech companies, aiming to provide comprehensive video viewership insights. They also touch on the challenges of attributing viewership on platforms like TikTok and the importance of Canadian-specific data. We also talked about the integration of TV data into the Audience Project by February 2026 and the relaunch of Echo Intelligence, a radio data service with expanded survey respondents. And because it's topical and current - we got into some of the data surrounding the World Series. Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. All the things that went unsaid on the show. Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here. Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show: Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data Solutions Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company. Podderapp: Where podcasters can get access to their advanced data dashboard here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The 2025 Canadian Radio Awards were hosted by Connie Thiessan (Broadcast Dialogue) and Matt Cundill (The Sound Off Podcast) on Friday November 28, 2025. You can watch the whole show on the Broadcast Dialogue YouTube and Linked In Pages. A full list of winners can be found here. By station, Stingray Radio’s boom 97.3 (CHBM-FM) Toronto won three awards, including Program Director of the Year for Troy McCallum, On-Air (solo) Host of the Year for morning man Stu Jeffries, and Music Director of the Year for Wayne Webster. boom 97.3 was also the runner-up for Station of the Year (Large Market), with Pattison Media’s 102.3 NOW! Radio (CKNO-FM) Edmonton taking the honour for a second year in a row. Other stations picking up multiple wins included Northern Native Broadcasting’s CFNR Terrace, BC. The not-for-profit station earned the Best Campus or Community Station honour, while Matt Fisher was named Program Director of the Year (Small Market). Independent station Moose FM (CKFU-FM) in Fort St. John, BC also earned two awards – Station of the Year (Small Market) and Best Podcast (Small Market). By radio group, Rogers Sports & Media came away with a leading five awards, followed by Vista Radio (4), Bell Media (3), and Stingray Radio (3). Other groups recognized include Evanov Communications, Harvard Media, Pattison Media, Whiteoaks Communications Group, Golden West Broadcasting, Novacast Media, and Newfoundland Broadcasting, in addition to not-for-profit creative collective, the Pro Bono Group. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

JenniferMoroz is the host of the new podcast Fur Ball Confidential. We went back to the early days of her journalism career to discuss her start in from anthropology and segue to journalism, including her time at the Philadelphia Inquirer and the CBC. She highlights her role in rebranding the CBC show "Q" after the departure of Jian Ghomeshi. Jennifer emphasizes the importance of leadership, team support, and professional development. She shares insights on podcasting, including the challenges of producing high-quality audio and video content. Jen also discusses her executive coaching business and the collaborative process behind "Fur Ball Confidential," which explores the relationships between pets and their owners. Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. All the things that went unsaid on the show. Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here. Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show: Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data Solutions Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company. Podderapp: Where podcasters can get access to their advanced data dashboard here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jessica Rhodes is the founder of Interview Connections and joins me to discuss the evolution of the podcast guest industry. The first time I heard about this side of the podcast business in 2016, I didn't even think it was a thing. Jessica emphasizes the importance of being a podcast guest for business owners to reach new audiences and explains the benefits of niche podcasts over large, broad ones. If you are unsure if you should start your own podcast, being a guest is a great way to start getting used to the podcast process. She also highlights the significance of a strong online presence and the need for proper promotion of podcast episodes. We also touched on the good and the bad of AI, and shared insights on leveraging AI for podcast booking. Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. All the things that went unsaid on the show. Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here. Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show: Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data Solutions Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company. Podderapp: Where podcasters can get access to their advanced data dashboard here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Adam McNeil is a senior vice president at Adopter Media, about podcast advertising. Adam went from an e-commerce startup, to becoming a podcast ad expert, revealing insights into the industry's inner workings. We discussed how brands can effectively match with podcasts, using a five-step vetting framework that considers renewal history, demographics, engagement, and ad efficacy. McNeil highlights the challenges in podcast advertising, including the difference between downloads and actual listens, and the variations between Canadian and American podcast markets. And it's not a discussion about podcasting in 2025 without mentioning AI-generated content and offers advice for podcasters seeking advertisers. McNeil recommends targeting smaller, growing brands and building meaningful relationships. The episode provides a comprehensive look at podcast advertising, emphasizing the importance of authentic connections and data-driven strategies in the evolving media landscape. Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. All the things that went unsaid on the show. Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here. Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show: Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data Solutions Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company. Podderapp: Where podcasters can get access to their advanced data dashboard here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I attended Podcast YYC in Calgary back in September—a creator-driven event reminiscent of the early days of Podcast Movement. Supported by Amazon / Art 19 and highlighted by an outstanding keynote from Jesse Lipscomb, the event buzzed with meaningful conversation about podcast discoverability and monetization.The hoser factor was high for this event. It was great meeting Alex Patterson from YouTube Canada, who offered great insights on integrating podcasts into YouTube and stressing sound quality. I was fascinated by Canadian podcast stats, learning that Alberta is the only province with more female listeners, and wondering aloud if Alberta is the podcasting capital of Canada. It was wonderful connecting with industry talents and sharing ideas. If you’d like to connect further, I’d love to meet for coffee! Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show: Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data Solutions Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company. Podderapp: Where podcasters can get access to their advanced data dashboard here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I'm leaving Winnipeg. So it seems only fitting that I interview the man responsible for bringing me here 19 years ago. Garth Buchko was the General Manager at CJOB/Power 97 when we met in July 2006. "Butch" shares his journey from a young radio enthusiast to becoming a successful general manager at Corus Entertainment He discusses the competitive Winnipeg radio market, highlighting the importance of relationships, hard work, and innovative sales strategies. The conversation covers Garth's experiences with notable personalities like Ralph Warrington who programmed CJOB fr many years, and Howard Stern during his stint at Q107 Toronto. After leaving Winnipeg, Buchko took on roles with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and later became a part-owner and general manager of NL Radio in Kamloops. The interview concludes with Buchko reflecting on his career, the changes in the radio industry, and his retirement in Victoria, emphasizing the joy and camaraderie that made radio special during his time in the business. Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show: Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data Solutions Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company. Podderapp: Where podcasters can get access to their advanced data dashboard here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alan Zweig's new podcast is called "Tubby". It's a unique show that explores conversations about weight, body image, and self-esteem, and not a typical self-help podcast. Together with Alan Black, (Left Of Dial Media) the show approaches the topic with authenticity and humour, focusing on storytelling rather than providing solutions. They've intentionally kept the podcast audio-first, while still considering video; for marketing purposes naturally. Their goal is to create something that feels like a documentary, with raw, unpolished conversations that make people feel less alone. We discussed the challenges of podcasting, the importance of originality, and how they want to create a show that resonates with dedicated listeners. They're committed to maintaining the podcast's unique voice and avoiding the generic, overly produced feel of many current podcasts. This is why they are on the show this week. It's something I feel a lot of people are forgetting when making a podcast. Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show: Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data Solutions Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company. Podderapp: Where podcasters can get access to their advanced data dashboard here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There are a few Instagram accounts that operate anonymously. Now comes a podcast that is somewhat anonymous. A 15 year radio pro dubbed "Radio Girl" reveals enough about herself to tell us why she has embarked on this project, and also showing us that while the podcast's artwork is AI, she definitely is a real person. She shares candid insights about the challenges of working in radio, including toxic workplace dynamics, sexual harassment, and the the dysfunctional relationships. She explains her decision to create an anonymous show as a way to process her experiences and provide a platform for honest conversations about radio's behind-the-scenes realities. I asked her about her motivation for creating the podcast as a personal creative outlet, her experiences of sexual harassment in the workplace, the challenges faced by women in radio, and whether this show can this show be a contributor to positive change. Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show: Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data Solutions Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company. Podderapp: Where podcasters can get access to their advanced data dashboard here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Anna Zee has been with Q104 in Halifax for nearly 38 years. Her first radio foray was in 1981 at Queens University's. She transitioned through various stations including Rock 103 (Now C-103) in Moncton before landing at the legendary Q104 in Halifax, where she became a daytime fixture. Throughout her career, she's witnessed significant changes in radio, from physical record deliveries to digital platforms and social media integration. While the technology has changed, her passion for music has not. Q104 has been more than a job for Anna - it's been a family. She's experienced the station's evolution, including some subtle and slight shifts in musical format as the station's audience evolved and grew over the years. Despite opportunities elsewhere, she remained committed to Halifax, loving the city's vibrant music scene and tight-knit radio community. The Electric Lunch, continues to be a staple. Today, it's 90's music take center stage on the show. Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show: Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data Solutions Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company. Podderapp: Where podcasters can get access to their advanced data dashboard here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We welcome Paul Jacobs back on te show to discuss the challenges of selling radio in 2025, which of course requires that we focus on the need to innovate and embrace digital platforms. We circled the bases on declining radio revenue which has been a constant since 2007, the ineffectiveness of Nielsen's measurement, and the importance of local content and newsletters. Paul shares insights on public radio's struggles post-CPB funding cuts and the need for new programming. He also discusses the success of digital revenue initiatives, the importance of mobile apps as engagement tools, and the potential of satellite radio. If you make the mistake of not listening to this episode, at least know that radio to adapt, focusing on local, free, and easy access to content. But we know you'll listen to it. Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. All the things that went unsaid on the show. Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here. Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show: Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data Solutions Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company. Podderapp: Where podcasters can get access to their advanced data dashboard here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Michael Geist knows a lot about the evolving landscape of Canadian media regulation. He discusses the challenges faced by the government and the CRTC in adapting to rapid technological changes, particularly regarding internet regulation, streaming, and news distribution. Geist explains how legislation like Bill C-11 and Bill C-18, intended to modernize broadcasting and make tech giants pay for news, often misses the mark due to a lack of understanding of digital business models and end-user needs. The conversation highlights the decline of traditional news, the influence of lobby groups, and the slow, sometimes outdated regulatory process. They also address the growing role of AI in media, emphasizing the need for greater transparency and disclosure requirements. Geist calls for a more balanced, informed approach to regulation that considers both innovation and public interest, while Matt reflects on the diminishing diversity of voices in Canadian media. Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. All the things that went unsaid on the show. Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here. Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show: Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data Solutions Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company. Podderapp: Where podcasters can get access to their advanced data dashboard here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Damian Rickards is a second generation broadcaster who has spent over 25 years navigating his way across the country through broadcasting. From his early days at Mix 99 to pioneering urban radio at Flow 93.5 in Toronto and Vibe 98.5 in Calgary, Rickards shares insider stories of radio's evolution. He discusses his journey through multiple markets, including Toronto, Calgary, and Ottawa, while highlighting the challenges of syndication and maintaining local relevance. Mr. D Radio also brings us into his current role at 91.5 The Beat, his innovative Tik/Tok and Instagram nostalgia quizzes, and his creative work on the podcast "New Sketches for Radio." With candid insights into radio programming, music trends, and the changing media landscape, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of a passionate broadcaster who has consistently been at the forefront of Canadian radio innovation. Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the verbal diarrhea you never knew what you were missing in your life. Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here. Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show: Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data Solutions Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company. Podderapp: Where podcasters can get access to their advanced data dashboard here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Todd Cochrane passed away September 8, 2025. Here is his obituary as it appeared in Podnews. Yesterday I spent the day listening to our discussions about podcasting from past episodes of this show. Here are the parts I highlighted and re-shared from Todd, in his own words. He also took the time to appear on other programs that I enjoy including the Stuph File with Peter Anthony Holder, and Audio Branding with Jodi Krangle. There are many other tributes and posts that will provide a bigger picture of who Todd Cochrane was as a person, professional and podcaster. I have links and posts to a number of them on the episode page here. His voice will be missed by all. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Greg Wasserman from RSS.com is on the show to talk podcasting. Having made his way through the media ad buying world, Greg spent some time selling for the CBS radio cluster in LA before hooking in to podcasting. We share some similar views when it comes to the importance of show packaging, including artwork and descriptions, to attract and retain listeners. We also talked about the shift from downloads to audience engagement across multiple platforms like YouTube. Then we talked about the new toys in the toy box at RSS.com. Like their new programmatic ad feature, which allows podcasters to monetize with as few as 10 downloads per month. Additionally, he mentions the potential of video podcasting through HLS and the significance of local and location tags for building hyper-local communities. Now before you bail on the show and think things like HLS is geeky and silly, ask yourself. Do you want to let YouTube house all your video or do you want some degree of controk over it? Greg also shares his LinkedIn initiatives, Podcast Monday and Give Back Tuesday, aimed at discovering and supporting podcasts and job seekers. Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. Full of all the verbal diarrhea you never knew what you were missing in your life. Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here. Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show: Nlogic - TV & Radio Audience Data Solutions Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company. Podderapp: Where podcasters can get access to their advanced data dashboard here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.