► Tell us about you and your podcast
My name is Greg Jones; I am the producer and co-host of the Craft Beer Republic podcast. I started podcasting in 2012, bringing my production background in the television world to the podcasting world. We are centered around Craft Beer and the whole craft beer scene. Every week, we're tapping a fresh keg of content with a variety of topics related to your favorite beverage, craft beer! We're here to raise a pint and keep you entertained and well hydrated with beer reviews, breaking Booze news, Beer Science, and everything that is craft! And every few weeks, we sit down with the head brewer or owner of a local craft brewery to sample their brew and take a deep dive into the nerdier side of the industry.
► Why & how did you start this podcast?
In 2012, we started a sports news podcast. After a few years and a few host changes, we decided we needed to do something that we were more passionate about and connected to. Our initial goals were to educate ourselves, and our listeners on all things craft beer and craft alcohol (spirits, cocktails, etc...). This show was initially launched in July of 2016, but since then, we've had some changes, including a complete rebrand to our current name. From concept to the first release, it took about 2 months.
► How'd you find the time and funding to do this podcast?
We release weekly episodes, we do a lot of prep, and as much as possible, we record "as live" to minimize post-production. We record two episodes at a time to help reduce the impact on our schedules when trying to meet up. It's quite the juggling act to find all the time to work on the podcast while also working full time; I'm sure more could be spent on the show if I had it. I probably spend at least an hour a day on marketing alone. It is entirely funded by myself.
► What do you gain from podcasting?
We do accept sponsorships from companies that align with what we are about. We got our first one thanks to a friend in the beer industry. We're at around 900-1000 downloads a month. It's been fun to get educated on beer and the craft beer industry and a lot of other aspects around it. Most of what we've gained is knowledge and a lot of new friends that love beer. Our listeners are very passionate about drinking the good stuff.
► How does your podcasting process look like?
I save up content and stories between recordings, and day-of, I put everything on to the two rundowns for the show. We record two episodes with a mini-break in between. After I do minor editing and EQ before publishing the show. Shows, or "Batches" as we call them, release every Wednesday. Every few episodes, we have professional brewers on the show to discuss their craft and the industry. The main equipment we use to record:
Studio Microphone: Rode Procaster https://amzn.to/3E2xgy5
Field Microphones: Behringer Ultravoice XM1800S amzn.to/2WXRGnk
Audio Mixer/Recorder: Zoome Livetrak L-8 https://amzn.to/3jqsuCK
► How do you market your show?
Our show can be found on every major podcast app; we even put out a challenge to our listeners to see if there's an app we aren't on. Most of our listeners come from iTunes/Apple Podcasts, roughly 50%. We use Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for most of our marketing. As well as guesting on other podcasts. We find that Instagram gets the most engagement of the social media platforms. Guesting is also a great way to spread the word.
► What advice would you share with aspiring (new) podcasters?
Audio quality is essential, no matter what other people say. Some people get by without good quality sound, but that's only if they already have a following. Don't listen to people that say you can have one microphone for 4 people; it's awful. Also, try to be as engaging as possible, both on the show and on social media.