Pods Like Us

Inside Blighthouse Studios: Audio Drama, Actual Play, and Podcasting Wisdom with Hem Brewster

Join Marv as he interviews Hem Brewster, the creative force behind Blighthouse Studios, home to acclaimed podcasts like The Lucky Die, The Sprouting, Counterbalance, and Four Top Threes. Discover the secrets of audio drama production, actual play podcasting, and the evolving world of indie podcasting. Hem shares actionable advice for creators, insights on show notes, and the importance of community in podcasting. 
Key Topics & Time Stamps ● 00:00 – Introduction ○ Meet Hem Brewster and Blighthouse Studios ○ Overview of the studio’s shows ● 01:18 – The Blighthouse Studios Podcast Lineup ○ The Lucky Die: Apocalyptic actual play audio drama ○ The Sprouting: Horror roleplay in a plant-based apocalypse ○ Counterbalance: Fantasy audio drama with a custom language ○ Four Top Threes: International chat show ● 06:15 – What is an Actual Play Podcast? ○ Dungeons & Dragons and Call of Cthulhu as storytelling engines ○ Improvised audio drama vs. scripted drama ● 10:56 – The Creative Team & International Collaboration ○ Cast and crew from the UK, Iceland, Germany, and the US ○ The importance of diverse perspectives ● 14:15 – Podcasting Origins ○ Hem’s journey from mechanical design engineering to podcasting ○ Discovering “We’re Alive” and the power of audio storytelling ● 24:00 – Building a Podcasting Empire ○ Starting The Lucky Die and growing a network ○ Lessons learned from failed and successful projects ● 31:00 – Podcast Production & Team Roles ○ The evolution of team responsibilities ○ Social media, marketing, and the realities of indie podcasting ● 38:00 – Podcast Promotion & Community ○ Free and effective ways to promote your show ○ The value of helping other podcasters ● 44:00 – Audio Drama vs. Talk Show Podcasting ○ Differences in structure, audience, and production ○ The impact of BBC and German audio drama traditions ● 54:00 – Show Art, Music, and Branding ○ Why your podcast logo matters ○ Tips for commissioning and using artwork ● 1:00:00 – The Importance of Show Notes ○ What to include for SEO and accessibility ○ Content warnings, cast/crew credits, and linking strategies ● 1:10:00 – Podcasting Advice for Beginners ○ Logistics, scheduling, and the value of a backlog ○ Honest conversations and setting realistic goals ● 1:18:00 – Standout Moments & Community Impact ○ Success stories and the power of fan engagement ○ The joy of cross-promotion and collaboration ● 1:22:00 – How to Connect with Blighthouse Studios ○ Where to find the shows and contact Hem 
Featured Podcasts from B Lighthouse Studios ● The Lucky Die – Fantasy apocalypse actual play ● The Sprouting – Eldritch horror in a post-apocalyptic world ● Counterbalance – Fantasy audio drama with original language and music ● Four Top Threes – International chat and ranking show 
Resources & Links ● Blighthouse Studios: Website ● Contact Hem: contact@blighthouse.studio 
For more podcasting resources, visit themarvzone.org or contact Hem at contact@blighthouse.studio

International Podcasting Month Special 6: Jesse from Undiscovered Entrepreneur

Description: Join Marv from Pods Like Us as he sits down with Jesse, the creative force behind the Undiscovered Entrepreneur podcast. In this International Podcasting Month special, they dive deep into the art of podcast editing, the journey of entrepreneurship, and the power of overcoming self-doubt. Discover actionable tips, inspiring stories, and the podcasts that shaped Jesse’s path. Whether you’re a podcaster, entrepreneur, or fan of authentic conversations, this episode is packed with value!
 
⏱ Time Markers & Topics:
● 00:00 – Introduction: Meet Marv & Jesse, and the story behind their collaboration
● 01:00 – The evolution of podcast editing and video quality
● 03:00 – The importance of visuals and branding in podcasting
● 05:00 – Jesse’s journey: From podcast editor to host of Undiscovered Entrepreneur
● 07:00 – The “Four Hurdles of Stop”: Imposter syndrome, perfectionism, failure, and fear
● 10:00 – Strategies for overcoming self-doubt and taking action
● 13:00 – The difference between perfectionism and striving for excellence
● 16:00 – Jesse’s upcoming projects: 60 days of live content & speaking at PodFest
● 18:00 – Business Conversations with Pi: Using AI for focused podcasting
● 21:00 – Podcast inspirations: Entrepreneurs on Fire & Smart Passive Income
● 24:00 – The power of reaching out to your heroes and building connections
● 27:00 – Jesse’s mantra: “I can, I am, I will. And I’m doing it today.”
● 29:00 – Where to find Jesse and Marv online
 
Key Takeaways:
● How to use podcast editing to enhance your show’s quality and engagement
● The four biggest hurdles new entrepreneurs face—and how to overcome them
● The value of podcast branding and visual assets for discoverability
● Why reaching out to industry leaders can change your journey
● Actionable advice for podcasters and entrepreneurs at any stage
 
Connect with the Hosts:
● Jesse (Undiscovered Entrepreneur): STAN.store/SKOOB
● Marv (Pods Like Us): themarzone.org
 

International Podcast Month 5 - Pods Like Us x Jacked Up Review Show

Welcome to another episode of Pods Like Us! Host Marv sits down with Cam from the Jacked Up Review Show for a lively, insightful conversation about podcasting, pop culture, and the power of positive discussion.
Timestamps & Topics:
● 00:00 – Introduction ○ Marv introduces Cam from the Jacked Up Review Show and sets the stage for the conversation.
● 01:07 – What is the Jacked Up Review Show? ○ Cam explains the origins and mission of his podcast, focusing on pop culture, movies, and community.
● 02:15 – The Power of Validation & Community ○ Discussion about validating different perspectives and the importance of positive podcasting.
● 03:25 – Reminiscing: James Cameron Films ○ Marv and Cam recall their previous chat about James Cameron movies and share laughs about favorite moments.
● 05:00 – Creative Process & Show Format ○ Cam talks about the show’s creative approach, including roasts, deep dives, and the unpredictability of what resonates with listeners.
● 06:40 – Highlight: Best of the Rest Podcast ○ Cam introduces “Best of the Rest,” a show that only says good things about infamous movies and focuses on self-improvement.
● 08:00 – Seeing Films & Music in a New Light ○ The hosts discuss how podcasts can help listeners appreciate lesser-known works by directors like Alfred Hitchcock and Steven Spielberg, and bands like Rage Against the Machine.
● 10:00 – Audience Engagement & Community ○ Marv and Cam encourage listeners to suggest topics and join the conversation.
● 11:30 – Where to Find the Shows ○ Cam shares how to connect with the Jacked Up Review Show on social media, and Marv shares where to find Pods Like Us.
Best of the Rest Key Topics:
● Positive podcasting and community building
● James Cameron film discussions
● The value of looking for the good in movies, music, and pop culture
● Celebrating lesser-known works by famous directors and musicians Connect with the Hosts:
● Find Cam and the Jacked Up Review Show on Instagram, Twitter, and Blue Sky.
● Discover more episodes of Pods Like Us on all major streaming platforms and at marvzone.org.
SEO Keywords: podcast interview, Jacked Up Review Show, Pods Like Us, Best of the Rest podcast, James Cameron films, Alfred Hitchcock, Steven Spielberg, Rage Against the Machine, positive podcasting, movie discussion, pop culture podcast, podcast community, film podcast, music podcast

International Podcast Month – Featuring Ed Chen of When They Was Fab and Toppermost of the Poppermost

As well as Pods Like Us, Marv is a co-host on two music related podcasts in the form of the Beatles centric show When They Was Fab, and the Beatles adjacent show Toppermost of the Poppermost, where they discuss the US and UK charts month by month from sixty years ago.
In this shorter episode, Marv's co-host on both of these shows, Ed Chen, talks about the baseball related podcast Endless Blummer, which excited Marv as a Brit that loves baseball.
 

International Podcast Month – Featuring Deremy Dove of Pop Culture Five

In this special International Podcast Month episode, Marv sits down with Deremy Dove, co-host of the Pop Culture Five podcast. They discuss the unique format of Pop Culture Five, the art of essential picks in pop culture, and dive deep into the impact of the legendary podcast "WTF with Marc Maron." Deremy shares how Marc Maron's show inspired his own podcasting journey, the power of authentic conversation, and the importance of vulnerability in podcasting. The episode wraps up with tips on where to find Pop Culture Five and how to connect with both hosts.
#Podcast #PodcastInterview #PopCulture #MarcMaron #WTFPodcast #PodcastRecommendations #PodcastCommunity #InternationalPodcastMonth #Podcasters #PodcastLife
Connect with the Hosts -
● Pop Culture Five: Listen on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, and all major platforms. Twitter/X & Instagram: @popculturefivepod (spell out “five”)
● Pods Like Us: Listen on all streaming platforms. Visit: themarvzone.org for socials and contact.

Pod Like Us – Featuring Sean Malin, Author of "Podcast Pantheon: 101 Podcasts That Changed How We Listen"

Host: Martin Quibell (Marv)
Guest: Sean Malin – Author, Culture Critic, and Podcast Columnist
Episode Overview:
In this insightful episode, Marv sits down with Sean Malin, acclaimed author of "Podcast Pantheon: 101 Podcasts That Changed How We Listen." Sean shares his journey in curating the most influential podcasts, discusses the evolution of the podcasting industry, and offers advice for writers and podcasters in the age of AI. Whether you're a podcast enthusiast, creator, or industry professional, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways and expert perspectives.
About the Guest:
Sean Malin ● Author of "Podcast Pantheon: 101 Podcasts That Changed How We Listen" ● Culture critic and columnist for New York Magazine, Vulture, and The New York Times ● Former food critic, film critic, and editor-in-chief for various publications ● Early YouTube creator and media industry veteran Connect with Sean: ● Twitter: @SMAs ● Book: Available via Chronicle Books and major retailers
Time-Stamped Highlights:
00:32 – Introduction to Sean Malin and his book
01:54 – The challenge of narrowing down 5 million podcasts to 101
03:04 – Sean’s process for selecting podcasts and the importance of context
07:00 – The impact of corporate ownership on podcast content 
13:40 – Book structure: Organizing by genre and why it matters
16:55 – Sean’s background as a critic and his journey into podcasting
27:58 – Book mentions: "Podcast Pantheon," "1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die," "Great Movies" by Roger Ebert, and more
42:00 – Advice for writers: The power of cold emails and working with editors
49:00 – Advice for podcasters: Authenticity, AI, and connecting with your audience
52:00 – How to connect with Sean and where to buy the book
Book Mentions:
● Podcast Pantheon: 101 Podcasts That Changed How We Listen by Sean Malin (Main subject of the episode; available worldwide)
● 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die (Inspiration for Sean’s book format)
● Great Movies by Roger Ebert (Referenced as a critical influence)
Listen now and discover the stories behind the world’s most influential podcasts!
#PodcastPantheon #PodcastingTips #PodcastCommunity #PodcasterLife #BookRecommendations #PodcastInterview #PodcastDiscovery #PodcastIndustry #AIinPodcasting #PodcastSEO

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.