Pods Like Us

International Podcast Month 2025 Special Episode 2 featuring Maniacal Music Musings and Paranormal The New Normal

Marv finds out about a show that Patrick absolutely loves.
Podcasts Mentioned & Highlights - ● Maniacal Music Musings ○ Music discovery podcast, album reviews, guest-driven content, interactive brackets. ● Monsters Among Us ○ Paranormal podcast, listener stories, hosted by Derek Hayes, community engagement. ● Paranormal The New Normal ○ Jeremy’s own paranormal podcast, inspired by Monsters Among Us. ● Film Sac ○ Long-running film podcast, 20 years of movie discussions. ● Punky Radio ○ Punk music podcast, 20-year run, personal friends of Marv. ● Pods Like Us ○ Hosted by Marv, podcast interviews and community features. 
Connect with the Hosts ● Jeremy: ○ YouTube: Maniacal Music Musings, Paranormal The New Normal ○ Facebook: Squat, large foot ○ X/Instagram: @JuggaloBastard ● Marv: ○ Pods Like Us: All streaming platforms ○ Website: https://wwww.themarzone.org/ (links to socials and email) 
Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow podcast lovers! 

International Podcast Month 2025 Special Episode 1 featuring Reena from Better Call Daddy and What's Up

Marv finds out about a show that Reena absolutely loves.
Podcasts Mentioned in This Episode: ● Better Call Daddy (hosted by Reena Friedman Watts) ● Pods Like Us (hosted by Marv) ● Famous & Gravy (hosted by Michael Osborne) ● The Stupid History Minute (hosted by Keb Pound) ● Petals of Support (with Mama D) ● Two Sips (exact name not recalled) ● Deleted Save the Computer Game (hosted by Phil) ● Job Guppy (hosted by Chris Hodges) ● What's Up ● Other film review and interdisciplinary podcasts referenced 
Connect with the Hosts: ● Find Reena on all social platforms: @ReenaFriedmanWatts , and at https://www.bettercalldaddy.com/  ● Find Marv and "Pods Like Us" on any streaming platform or at https://www.themarvzone.org/ 
Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a five-star review! Your support helps more listeners discover the show and makes a podcaster’s day. 
 

What's Up with John and Rena: From Mental Health to Podcasting Success - Episode Show Notes

Episode Description - Join host Martin "Marv" Bel as he sits down with podcaster John from "What's Up with John and Rena" for an in-depth conversation about the evolution of podcasting, mental health awareness, and the art of authentic audio storytelling. From interviewing people on Skid Row to creating successful podcast partnerships, John shares his journey through the podcasting landscape and offers invaluable advice for aspiring podcasters. 
Key Timestamps & Topics - 
[00:00:00] - Introduction & Show Origins ● Welcome to Pods Like Us with Martin "Marv" Quibell ● Introduction to John and the "What's Up with John and Reena" show ● The confusing history and evolution of the podcast 
[00:01:00] - Mental Health Journey & Podcast Genesis ● John's misdiagnosis story: from bipolar to depression and ADHD ● Living next to Skid Row in Los Angeles (2014) ● The birth of "Bipolar Style" podcast ● Cautionary tale about podcast naming and mental health stigma 
[00:02:00] - RSS Feeds & Podcast Evolution ● Understanding RSS feeds as the backbone of podcasting ● Treating first podcast as "practice feed" ● Evolution from "Signal Jams" to "Deviant Lounge" to "What's Up" ● The importance of adaptability in podcasting 
[00:03:00] - Partnership with Reena ● Meeting co-host Rena through Twitter/X ● Rena's background: Jerry Springer Show producer ● Creating a "super group" approach to podcasting ● The concept of podcasting as a "lounge for podcasters" 
[00:04:00] - Content Strategy & Social Media ● Using X/Twitter for podcast guest discovery ● Topic selection process for episodes ● Recent discussions: cell phone bans in schools and concerts ● Organic conversation development 
[00:05:00] - Editing Philosophy & Audience Retention ● Unique editing approach: cutting conversations mid-topic ● Background editing while gaming technique ● Achieving 110% completion rates vs. industry 70% ● The "shave and a haircut" psychological hook 
[00:07:00] - "Daily Emotions" Era ● Transition from "Bipolar Style" to "Daily Emotions" ● The challenge of trauma dumping in mental health podcasts ● Learning when to pivot podcast focus ● The consuming nature of mental health content creation 
[00:08:00] - Podcasting Influences & Inspirations ● Dean Delray's "Let There Be Talk" as major influence ● The power of reaching high-profile rock and metal guests ● Mark Marin's WTF show impact ● Transitioning from music industry to podcasting 
[00:09:00] - Early Broadcasting Background ● High school radio station with actual transmitter ● Public access cable TV experience in San Francisco ● "Wayne's World" style local TV show ● The "simulation" approach to content creation 
[00:12:00] - RSS & Download Philosophy ● RSS and downloadability as core podcast elements ● Avoiding "streaming subscription hell" ● 20 years of RSS technology celebration ● Focus on audio vs. video debates 
[00:13:00] - Rena's Background & Skills ● Jerry Springer Show production experience ● Natural interviewing and listening abilities ● The maven quality: connecting people and opportunities ● Play-by-play vs. color commentary dynamic 
[00:15:00] - Interview Dynamics Analysis ● Rena's therapeutic listening approach ● John's self-awareness about talking too much ● The balance between liberal and conservative perspectives ● Finding common ground through shared topics 
[00:17:00] - Jerry Springer Connection ● Jerry Springer's appearance on "Better Call Daddy" ● Recognition of Rena's producer skills ● The importance of information gathering in production 
[00:19:00] - Podcast Industry Observations ● Musicians vs. music industry people comparison ● Podcasters vs. podcast industry professionals ● The commodification of creative passion ● Live Nation experience and craft services anecdotes 
[00:20:00] - Branding & Visual Identity ● The critical importance of podcast naming ● Etymology and word psychology in naming ● Domain availability considerations ● Logo design: "Does it look cool on a t-shirt?" 
[00:21:00] - Music Rights & Audio Strategy ● The sticky nature of music rights in podcasting ● Recommendation for original music performance ● Minimalist intro approach vs. TV-style intros ● The power of simple audio stingers 
[00:23:00] - Content Longevity & "Zombie Podcasts" ● Creating evergreen content without rights issues ● The concept of "zombie podcasts" living forever ● Authentic vs. polished AI content predictions ● The value of human authenticity 
[00:25:00] - Life Experience as Research ● Being kicked out at 14 and learning independence ● Life experiences as natural podcast material ● The balance of sharing vs. professional discretion ● Using stage names and artistic personas 
[00:27:00] - The Power of Memorable Names ● Single-syllable name effectiveness ● Comparison to Cher, Norm, and other one-name personalities ● The hook quality of punchy names ● Domain purchasing with special characters 
[00:29:00] - Advice for New Podcasters ● "Make a fucking mess" - authenticity over perfection ● Approach podcasting as an art project ● The mechanical aspects are teachable in a week ● Being yourself is the hardest part 
[00:30:00] - Technical Accessibility ● Free tools and apps like Riverside ● No excuse for technical barriers ● Borrowing equipment to start ● The importance of experimenting before committing 
[00:31:00] - Community & Networking ● Don't be afraid to reach out on social media ● Asking to be guests on shows you enjoy ● Building circular podcast community ● The "jam session" approach to podcasting 
[00:32:00] - Show Recommendations & Contact Info ● Let There Be Talk with Dean Delray ● Mark Marin's WTF show ● Dave Jackson's School of Podcasting ● Contact: lillystudios.com and deviantlounge.com 
[00:34:00] - Music Discussion & Equipment Talk ● Bass guitar preferences and Steinberger memories ● The Police concert memories from age 12-13 ● Fender artist relations and Tony Franklin connection ● The evolution of electronic drums integration 
[00:42:00] - Future Music Projects ● "Bomb Repair" EDM project concept ● Uploading music as podcast episodes ● Exploring synth music and experimental styles ● The cassette culture connection 
Key Takeaways -1. Authenticity Over Polish: Focus on genuine conversation rather than perfect production 2. Community Building: Podcasting success comes from connecting with other podcasters 3. Adaptability: Be willing to evolve your show's name, format, and focus 4. Technical Simplicity: Don't let equipment concerns prevent you from starting 5. Unique Editing: Experiment with non-traditional editing to improve retention 6. Strategic Naming: Choose names that are memorable, shareable, and brandable 7. RSS Independence: Maintain downloadable content to avoid platform dependency 8. Life as Content: Your experiences are your greatest source of material 
Mentioned Resources & Tools -● Riverside (podcast recording app) ● Hindenburg (audio editing software) ● YouTube Sound Library (royalty-free music) ● RSS feeds and podcast hosting platforms ● Social media for guest discovery (X/Twitter) 
Contact Information -John Lilly: Website: lillystudios.com / Podcast: deviantlounge.com Martin "Marv" Quibell: Website: themarvzone.org / Podcast: Pods Like Us (available on all streaming platforms) 
#PodcastingTips #MentalHealthPodcasting #AudioStorytelling #PodcastCommunity #IndependentPodcasting #ContentCreation #PodcastInterview #DigitalMedia #PodcastStrategy #AudioProduction 
This episode of Pods Like Us showcases the authentic journey of podcasting evolution, from mental health advocacy to community building, offering practical insights for both new and experienced podcasters looking to create meaningful audio content. 

Exploring European Podcasting with Andreea Coscai of Eurowaves on Pods Like Us

In this episode of Pods Like Us, host Martin 'Marv' Quibell welcomes Andreea Coscai, founder of Eurowaves, a nonprofit biweekly newsletter on Substack. Founded in December 2024, Euro Waves connects podcasters and audio enthusiasts across Europe, highlighting the diversity of European podcasting through recommendations, interviews, industry insights, and event promotions. Andreea also shares her experiences working for Tink Media and editing the Earbuds Podcast Collective Newsletter. The discussion touches on cultural differences in podcasting, the importance of local and international content, marketing strategies, and the immersive power of music and sound in podcasts. Andrea advocates for cross-border collaborations and explores how different European countries approach podcasting, offering advice for new podcasters on sustainability, marketing, and creativity. 

The Revival of Cassette Culture: A Conversation with Martin Franklin

In this episode of Pods Like Us, host Martin 'Marv' Quibell is joined by Martin Franklin from Australia to discuss the resurgence of cassette culture. Martin Franklin shares his journey from the indie music scene of the late '80s, including running a small cassette label and engaging in international tape exchanges, to reconnecting with old collaborators for a reissue project in 2023. The episode dives into DIY music production, the importance of networking and fanzines, and the evolution of podcasting. Explore the unique stories and the lasting impact of cassette culture on independent music.

Exploring Podcasting Evolution with Mark Francis of Caloroga Shark Media

In this episode of Pods Like Us, host Martin, also known as Marv, interviews Mark Francis from Caloroga Shark Media. They discuss the genesis of Caloroga Shark Media, the path from traditional radio to modern podcasting, and the influential role AI technology plays in their content production. Mark shares insights into their popular shows, including Palace Intrigue, and the use of AI voices and other tools to enhance their offerings. They also touch on the importance of having a clear strategy, whether podcasting as a hobby or a business. Tune in to hear about the transformation of the podcast landscape and how Caloroga Shark Media adapts to these changes.

From Movie Buff to Podcast Pro: An In-Depth Chat with Wyatt from Cinema Trip Reviews

In this episode of Pod Like Us, host Martin 'Marv' speaks with Wyatt from Cinema Trip Reviews about his journey into the world of podcasting. They discuss Wyatt's early experiences with podcasts like Hack the Movies and The Joe Rogan Experience, which fueled his desire to create his own content. Wyatt outlines the evolution of his show, starting during the pandemic, and the challenges he faced with content creation and audience engagement. The conversation also delves into their shared nostalgia for classic cinema, the importance of maintaining authenticity, collaborative efforts with other podcasters, and the significance of Podcasting 2.0. Whether it's reminiscing about childhood trips to the theater or navigating the complexities of podcast algorithms, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the passion and dedication behind Cinema Trip Reviews.

Unlocking Podcast Discoverability with AI: A Conversation with Lucas Dickey of DeepCast

In this episode of Pods Like Us, host 'Marv' interviews Lucas Dickey, CEO and founder of DeepCast. They discuss the inspiration and evolution of DeepCast FM and DeepCast Pro, focusing on how AI and large language models are transforming podcast discovery and accessibility. Lucas highlights the challenges in the current podcasting ecosystem, the importance of metadata, and how Deep Cast aims to improve discoverability for both consumers and creators. They also touch on the future of AI in podcasting and the significance of industry-wide standards like Podcast 2.0.

Inside 'Caped Complainers' with Greg: Marvel, DC, and Podcasting Insights

Join Martin Quibell (Marv) on 'Pods Like Us' as he chats with Greg, one of the hosts of 'Caped Complainers.' They discuss the dynamics of hosting a podcast with friends, handling multiple hosts' schedules, and the art of letting conversations flow naturally. Delve into their thoughts on various superhero films, including 'The Flash' and Marvel's MCU projects, and hear about Greg's journey from podcast editing to being behind the mic. Plus, enjoy insights into what makes the perfect podcast setup, their favorite superheroes, and some amusing behind-the-scenes anecdotes. Whether you're into podcasting or superhero lore, this episode offers a fun and insightful conversation! 

Podcasting Insights with Damian from the Podcast Advice Show: From Radio to Podcast Success | Pods Like Us

Join Marv, as he chats with Damian from the Podcast Advice Show in this episode of Pods Like Us. They delve into the evolution of podcasting from traditional radio, the significance of niche content, and the transition from listening to creating podcasts. Learn about the inception of Damian’s projects, including successful comedy podcasts, and discover key advice for indie podcasters on refining ideas, staying motivated, and navigating the podcasting landscape. Don't miss out on valuable insights and strategies for taking your podcast to the next level!