Radio Expert, Podcast Pioneer, and Bleeding Edge of Podnews
James Cridland, Founder of Podnews and Podcast pioneer, shares some insights about podcasting with Your Podcast Sidekick.
James compares Podcast Conventions, recalls his pivotal moments in radio, and how the Podnews team put a big spotlight on statistical trickery which revolutionized podcast stats forever.
If you haven’t listened to this Episode 11 of Let’s Start a Podcast, do it now. James is a humble advocate for the Podcast industry.
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Learning from a Podcast Veteran
Elijah had the pleasure of hosting James Cridland, who’s been in the radio biz for a few decades and created some of podcast firsts back in 2005. From his early encounters with radio through a cereal box prize, to breaking news stories that shaped podcasting, James has seen it all (truly). If you’re podcast curious, you’re going to enjoy this one.
Different Countries & Different Conventions
Although many believe that the United States should receive credit for the boom of podcasting, the real truth is that the real pioneers started podcasting in the UK. Now that he’s been to a Podcast Movement in the US West Coast (Podcast Movement in the US, Podcast Movement Evolutions, and the Podcast Show in London), these events have their own distinct flair, adding to the richness and diversity of the industry.
The Cereal Box that Started it All
A passion for audio was ignited early on when he won a radio through a cereal box promotion. Curiosity led him to dismantle the radio and sparked an interest in understanding the magic behind auditory experiences. This early encounter fueled his passion for audio and set him on the path to becoming a prominent figure in the industry.
The Title, Radio Futurologists, is Reserved Only for James
As James progressed in his career, he became known as the "Radio Futurologist." He explained that the term came about after someone suggested it following a conversation. With his vast knowledge of the industry and the ever-changing audio landscape, James embraced the title. By predicting future trends and providing valuable insights, he has become a trusted resource for both established professionals and newcomers alike.
Apparently, this struck a chord with a random fan who also wanted to be like James. So far, only James and one fan have claimed the Radio Futurologist.
The lesson from this is that once you cement yourself as a ‘Godfather’ of your industry, you may print any title on your business card and instantly receive the highest cool factor forever.
Power of Community in Podcasting
One aspect that sets podcasting apart from other mediums is the strong sense of community. James discussed how the podcasting industry is more open and friendly, contrasting it with legacy media. He emphasized the importance of sharing successes and failures, fostering collaboration, and helping each other grow. It is this spirit of cooperation that has propelled podcasting to new heights and continues to drive its evolution.
Learn From Mistakes & Embrace Change
James shared an insightful reflection on his experience at the BBC, where he realized the challenges of working within a large organization. Although he acknowledged that it wasn't a great fit for him, he highlighted how setbacks can be valuable learning experiences. By understanding our strengths and weaknesses, we can navigate the industry more effectively and make better decisions that shape our career trajectories.
Future of Podcasting
Spotify learning the hard way that Podcasting takes effort, YouTube's growing influence, and the importance of maintaining an open podcasting landscape. By embracing openness, creators can forge closer connections with their audience and continue to build upon the foundations that made podcasting what it is today.
