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► Tell us about you and your podcast

I'd be delighted to share a bit about myself and the podcast!

So, about me first - I've been in the investment field for quite some time, primarily focusing on Venture Capital and Investment Banking. I've gotten heavily involved in technology, retail & supply-chain, and e-commerce sectors along the way. My sweet spots are analytics, strategy, capital raising, product development, startups, and the emerging world of web3.

Now, about the podcast, WGMI (We're Gonna Make It) is my passion project, where I merge my love for technology and innovation with a desire to share knowledge and inspire others. The podcast is a bite-sized, 15-minute deep dive into the most fascinating tech stories emerging around us. We explore everything from cutting-edge software advancements to the latest trends in web3 and beyond.

But the podcast isn't just about sharing information - we take it a step further. With each episode, we create an AI-generated masterpiece inspired by that day's topic, essentially merging art and tech to stir up our listeners' imaginations.

Our listeners, they're a mixed bag! From tech enthusiasts and fellow investors to aspiring entrepreneurs and those curious about the future of technology - we have a broad and diverse audience. The unifying factor is shared optimism and a fascination with how innovations shape and define our future.
 

► Why & how did you start this podcast? 

For me, podcasts have always been a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. I regularly tune into shows like the Joe Rogan Experience, Lex Friedman's podcast, and All-In, to name a few. I find that through podcasts, not only do I get to quench my curiosity and learn new things, but I also get to connect with a community of like-minded people who share the same interests. I wanted to be a part of this wave and contribute my perspectives.

The decision to start WGMI was driven by a desire to learn and grow. We're all students in this vast world of technology, and there's no end to what we can learn. By starting this podcast, I wanted to dive deeper into emerging tech trends and share these learnings with others. And, of course, improve my hosting skills along the way, which I see as a never-ending journey of growth and refinement.

I kicked off WGMI just a couple of months back. As for my very first episode - well, it was pretty spontaneous! I just sat down, recorded it on my phone, and published it out into the world. It was a bit rough around the edges, I'll admit, but it's incredible to look back and see how far the podcast and I have come since then.
 

► How'd you find the time and funding to do this podcast?

Initially, finding time for the podcast was a bit of a hurdle, especially while trying to navigate the ecosystem and tech aspects of it. But as with any new endeavour, it's all about adapting and streamlining. Now, I've got a handle on it and can manage it efficiently.

Regarding funding, the beauty of podcasting is that you don't need a massive budget to get started. Today's tools are incredibly accessible - you can even create a podcast with your phone! In my case, my only real investment has been a $100 mic. I handle all aspects - hosting, editing, and marketing - and use open-source software to keep costs low.

I try to release around five episodes a month. Although our episodes are byte-sized, the research behind each one is comprehensive, making each episode a mini deep-dive into the topic. This thoroughness takes time, and it's about 6 hours per episode from start to finish. 

As for balancing the podcast with a day job, I usually dedicate late-night hours to podcasting. It's a quiet, uninterrupted time that allows me to focus and be creative. It's a commitment, but the joy and learning I gain from podcasting make it worth every minute.
 

► What do you gain from podcasting?        

Regarding financial gain and sponsorships, we're still in the early stages. I'm primarily focused on building an engaged and enthusiastic audience, so I haven't started seeking sponsors or generating revenue yet. Our episodes are garnering around 200-300 downloads each, which I'm very excited about. It's great to see the community growing!

But I have to say, the real gains I get from podcasting can't be quantified. For me, it's more of a hobby and passion project. I've deepened my understanding of various tech topics, improved my communication skills, and connected with a diverse community of tech enthusiasts.

I love the journey and am committed to producing good content and fostering a welcoming and enthusiastic listener base.
 

► How does your podcasting process look like? 

My podcasting process is quite methodical and structured. It starts with choosing a trending topic in the tech world. I like to keep things current and relevant, and what better way than discussing what's hot in the industry?

Once zeroed in on a topic, the next step is research. I dive into articles, interviews, and studies.

After the research phase, I structure the content, outlining the key points and arguments to ensure the episode is cohesive and flows well. Then, it's onto scriptwriting. For this, I use various tools to ensure that the narration is engaging and fits within our byte-sized format.
Regarding technicalities, I use Audacity for audio editing and Spotify for Podcaster for hosting. The microphone I use is the Maono AU-A04TC.

I don't typically interview guests because we're currently a single-host podcast. However, in the future, as we continue to evolve, we may explore guest interviews to bring in fresh perspectives and insights.
 

► How do you market your show?

Marketing for WGMI, at the moment, is primarily through Twitter. After each episode, I share a link to the podcast there, reaching out to my existing network and their extended circles. I plan to expand this to other platforms like YouTube and LinkedIn, but I haven't ventured there yet.

As for how listeners find our show, most of our traffic comes from Apple Podcasts and Spotify. These two of the largest and most popular podcast platforms naturally bring in a significant chunk of our listeners. Other platforms, including Listennotes, Pandora, and Stitcher, account for the remainder of our traffic.

Regarding marketing channels, I haven't fully explored areas like email marketing or more extensive social media campaigns yet. I'm very interested in it, though, and I'm on the lookout for a partner who understands the space well. I believe such methods can significantly boost our reach and engagement. But for now, the focus remains on creating quality content and organically growing our listener base.
 

► What advice would you share with aspiring (new) podcasters?

I love this question, and my foremost advice for aspiring podcasters is just to start! Don't get caught up in the whys and ifs. Once you dip your toes in and begin the journey, everything else, including the motivation to do more, will follow as you see some traction.

I've learned on my journey that podcasting is a more challenging space than it might seem initially, but the potential is massive. People approach it for different reasons - some see it as a business opportunity, some use it as a creative outlet, and some just for fun. And that's the beauty of it - there's room for everyone, and each approach is valid in its own right.

As for resources, I find that listening to other successful podcasts is one of the best ways to improve. They offer a great perspective on where you can aim to reach and how to refine your craft. So, my advice would be to keep learning, experimenting, and, most importantly, enjoy the journey! Podcasting is a marathon, not a sprint. Celebrate the small victories and keep pushing forward.
 

► Where can we learn more about you & your podcasts?

I'd love for you all to learn more about me and the podcast! You can follow me on Twitter; my handle is @hdsingh. I regularly share updates, episode links, and some personal musings there.

And, of course, don't forget to tune in to WGMI on Spotify. You can access all our episodes at WGMI.fm. Join us as we explore the fascinating world of technology, one byte-sized episode at a time.