Creators from TrueFans: Showcasing Independent Podcasting
by Sam Sethi & Claire Waite Brown
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From 13 epsHosts
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Recent episodes
Collective Clout for Creators
Jun 15, 2026
Unknown duration
Narratives Beyond Borders
Jun 1, 2026
21m 08s
Authors, Art and Analytics
May 14, 2026
42m 38s
Breaking the Silo
May 11, 2026
28m 35s
Deep Connections and Meaningful Metrics
Apr 27, 2026
27m 13s
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| Date | Episode | Topics | Guests | Brands | Places | Keywords | Sponsor | Length | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/15/26 |  Collective Clout for Creators | Celebrating the bedrock of podcasting.Claire chats with Liam Heffernan, the founder of the Mercury Network and the creator of Independent Podcasters Day. They discuss the challenges faced by independent creators who must juggle roles as marketers, accountants, and publicists, and how publisher networks can help level the playing field by providing enterprise-level tools and sales representation.Liam also introduces Independent Podcasters day, a new initiative to celebrate the hard-working 'grafters' of the podcasting world.Sam and Claire explore the Podcasting 2.0 Publisher Tag and how this feature allows creators to aggregate their shows into a single discoverable feed on TrueFans, fostering collective discoverability.We also discuss the future of hyperlocal advertising and how a shift from 'downloads' to 'verified plays' could unlock new revenue streams for indie shows with smaller, highly engaged audiences.Independent Podcasters DayPledge your allegiance to Independent Podcasters DayFollow @TrueFans.fm on Instagram and/or Threads.You can support the show by streaming payments from your TrueFans wallet while you listen.Leave a super comment via the speech bubble icon in the TrueFans app.Learn more about TrueFans features by listening to our sister show, Fanzone.Find TrueFans in the App Store or Play Store, or hereMusic: How It Is from Ketsa MusicFeedback: TrueFans SupportRead: Creators BlogRecommendations: Creators Podroll | — | ||||||
| 6/1/26 |  Narratives Beyond Borders✨ | independent filmmakingpodcasting+4 | Phoebe Cawley | Aesthetica Short Film FestivalTrueFans | — | independent podcastingAesthetica Short Film Festival+5 | — | 21m 08s | |
| 5/14/26 |  Authors, Art and Analytics✨ | independent creatorspodcasting+4 | — | TrueFans walletTrueFans app+6 | — | independent creatorspodcasting+5 | — | 42m 38s | |
| 5/11/26 |  Breaking the Silo✨ | independent podcastingcommunity support+4 | Remi Roy | TrueFans appPodGround+5 | — | indie podcasterscommunity+6 | — | 28m 35s | |
| 4/27/26 |  Deep Connections and Meaningful Metrics✨ | community buildingtrauma and resilience+5 | Shá Sparks | TrueFans walletPatreon+5 | — | communitypodcasting+6 | — | 27m 13s | |
| 1/6/26 |  What do independent podcasters hope for in 2026?✨ | independent podcastingpodcast growth+4 | — | TrueFans | — | independent podcasterslistener statistics+3 | — | 29m 54s | |
| 12/22/25 |  Human Connection and Feeling Heard✨ | human connectionstorytelling+4 | Jennica Sadhwani | MultispectivePodmatch+5 | — | podcastinghuman experience+5 | — | 36m 29s | |
| 12/7/25 |  Pals, Podcasts and Possibilities✨ | friendshippodcasting+4 | Jayne Morgan | The Friendship FileTrueFans+1 | — | friendshippodcasting+5 | — | 30m 04s | |
| 11/24/25 |  Tiny Payments, Big Stories✨ | podcastingbooks+4 | Rebecca Thandi Norman | Audi ProductionsBook Imprint+2 | — | podcastingBook Imprint+5 | — | 35m 10s | |
| 11/9/25 |  Missions, Metrics and Managing Chapters✨ | podcasting metricsdocumentary production+4 | Anna Stoecklein | Orchid ProjectTrueFans+3 | KenyaNairobi+3 | podcastingFGM+6 | — | 44m 50s | |
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| 10/27/25 |  CVs, Audio Authenticity and Value-for-Value Hosting✨ | media industrypodcasting+3 | David Spencer | The Media MentorTrueFans | — | media industrypodcasting+5 | — | 39m 33s | |
| 10/13/25 |  Cats, Culture and the Cost of Connection✨ | catscreator economy+3 | Amanda B | 6 Degrees of Cats | — | catscreator economy+5 | — | 39m 52s | |
| 9/29/25 |  Show Me The Money✨ | podcast monetizationrevenue streams+3 | Norma Jean Belenky | PodBizTrueFans | — | podcastingmonetization+6 | — | 26m 56s | |
| 9/8/25 |  Authenticity Over Auto-Downloads✨ | independent podcastingaudience engagement+3 | David John Clark | TrueFansThe Late Bloomer Actor | — | podcast metricsaudience engagement+5 | — | 40m 11s | |
| 8/25/25 |  Creative Energy in Independent Podcasting | Independent podcasting is where the industry's creative energy truly thrives, bringing fresh ideas and unique voices to the forefront.The discussion around this energy takes centre stage in our conversation with Frank Racioppi, founder of Ear Worthy – a publication dedicated to championing indie podcasts in an increasingly corporate landscape. Frank shares his fascinating journey from longtime podcast listener to passionate advocate, explaining why he made the deliberate choice to focus on independent creators rather than network shows.'It's at the independent podcasting level that there's the greatest creative energy within the industry,' Frank explains, contrasting the formulaic approach of network podcasts with the genre-defying innovation of independent creators. He reveals how removing all paywalls from his content led to a 200% increase in readership – a decision that aligned perfectly with his mission to connect listeners with exceptional indie shows they might otherwise never discover.Sam explains more about TrueFans' new promotional features designed specifically for independent creators. With a pay-per-action model, podcasters can purchase visibility on the home page header and in category carousels, and pay only for actual engagement – views, clicks, and plays. We also unveil plans for a creator-to-creator promotion system that will enable podcasters to host promotions on their own show pages, creating revenue opportunities while helping fellow indies gain visibility.Here's some more of what you'll hear in this episode:Discoverability remains a significant challenge for independent podcasters, highlighting the importance of platforms dedicated to showcasing their workEngagement with audiences through listener support and monetization options can positively impact independent creators' sustainability in the podcasting landscapeNetworking with other independent creators can lead to innovative collaborations and new ideas that benefit everyone involved in the podcasting communityHow to start a promotion on TrueFansHow TrueFans promotions reporting will workSam and Claire's plan for a new carousel on the TrueFans home pageResearch shows that most podcast listeners only make room for three shows in their weekly routine, emphasizing the importance of consistent publishingNearly half of listeners are unwilling to give podcasts a second chance after a disappointing first impressionWhat puts Claire and Sam off showsWhether you're a seasoned podcaster or just starting out, this episode offers valuable perspective on navigating the complex landscape of independent podcast creation, promotion, and monetization.Read Ear Worthy hereSend us a textFind TrueFans hereMusic: How It Is from Ketsa MusicFeedback: TrueFans SupportRead: Creators BlogRecommendations: Creators Podroll | — | ||||||
| 8/4/25 |  Crafting Credibility Through Podcasts | How can podcasting help you to establish credibility and craft an authentic personal brand?Our guest podcaster is Christine Gritmon, host of Let's Talk About Brand.After building "a fantastic audience of peers" who weren't hiring her for social media strategy but wanted to develop their own personal brands, Christine pivoted her focus—a decision that transformed her business. With a journalist's curiosity she now delves into the stories behind successful personal brands, particularly fascinated by "the person before the person I see before me today."Christine talks about how podcasting can build your reputation even when nobody's listening. "People do look at the fact that you have a podcast, even if they don't listen to it," she explains. The medium provides proof that you can engage in unscripted, intelligent conversation about your area of expertise—a powerful demonstration of knowledge that written content alone can't provide. For independent creators struggling with the feeling of "shouting into the void," this perspective offers a refreshing reframe.The episode also introduces the concept of "value exchange" as a new framework for understanding creator–audience relationships beyond simple transactions. Through platforms like TrueFans, creators deliver content value while audiences reciprocate with both financial support (micropayments, subscriptions) and engagement (comments, sharing). In the wider world, we touch on the Ear Worthy Awards for independent podcasters, what Spotify do with your show art, Secure RSS and three simple ways to get your podcast featured on the TrueFans home page.Here's some of what you'll hear in this episode:Even when download numbers aren't impressive, having a podcast builds credibility and associates your name with your area of expertisePodcasting demonstrates your ability to have intelligent, unscripted conversations that showcase your knowledgePodcasting offers creative freedom that allows creators to experiment and evolve their content according to their own visionUsing tools like Descript can streamline the editing process while preserving the natural character of conversationsSam introduces the concept of "value exchange" to frame TrueFans as a platform where creators deliver content value and fans reciprocate with both tangible and intangible supportNew industry developments include Spotify's shift to 16:9 cover art and Secure RSS technology for combined premium and freemium podcast contentIndependent podcasters can now purchase featured placements on the TrueFans home pageThe Ear Worthy Awards nominees for indie podcasters have been announcedDiscover how podcasting offers unparalleled creative freedom while building your professional credibility, and learn about new opportunities for independent creators to boost their visibility through TrueFans' featured placements.Listen to Let's Talk About Brand hereSend us a textFind TrueFans hereMusic: How It Is from Ketsa MusicFeedback: TrueFans SupportRead: Creators BlogRecommendations: Creators Podroll | — | ||||||
| 7/14/25 |  Screens, Stereotypes and Standards | Your digital world is uniquely yours – a personalized reality shaped by the mysterious forces of algorithms that decide what you see online. But have you ever wondered why your feed looks nothing like your friend's, despite similar interests?Matt Watts' fascinating podcast Watts On Your Screen explores this digital divergence through conversations with people navigating their own algorithmic experiences. For independent creators like Matt, platforms supporting Podcasting 2.0 features offer exciting possibilities. The discussion explores how features like chapters, transcripts, comments, and the upcoming Alternate Enclosure tag for video create richer listening experiences while keeping content within the open podcasting ecosystem. We also examine publisher feeds within TrueFans that help independent creators with multiple shows increase discoverability without sacrificing their independence.Also discussed in this episode:What is an independent creator? Claire shares her criteria.How podcasters can use the Podroll feature and Publisher Feeds to aid discovery.What is the Alternate Enclosure and how can it be used?What does Podcast Standards Project certification actually mean?Wider support for the Funding tag.What strange rabbit holes has your algorithm sent you down? We'd love to know what unique content appears on your screen that others might never see. Share your experiences in the comments on TrueFans.Listen to Watts on Your Screen hereSend us a textFind TrueFans hereMusic: How It Is from Ketsa MusicFeedback: TrueFans SupportRead: Creators BlogRecommendations: Creators Podroll | — | ||||||
| 7/7/25 |  Time to Plan | Highlighting the ways independent creators can connect with audiences and potentially monetize their work while maintaining creative control, join us this week for inspiration and practical guidance for envisioning – and manifesting – your creative potential over the next decade.In this episode, award-winning podcaster Tricia Duffy reveals how long-term planning can transform your creative life right now.Tricia tells Claire how her podcast, In Ten Years Time: How to Live a Creative Life, grew from personal voice recordings into a research-driven show that's garnered two awards in its first year. She explains her commitment to making creativity accessible to everyone through free planning templates, rejection trackers, and other practical tools that help listeners reimagine their creative futures.We discuss Tricia's meticulous production process – from rigorous research of psychological journals and academic studies to working with a producer who challenges her thinking. Rather than producing weekly content, she focuses on three high-quality seasonal series per year, each exploring different aspects of creative living, such as overcoming challenges, amplifying creativity, and maintaining creative momentum.In this episode Sam and Claire also explore practical aspects of podcast monetization, with Sam highlighting how Podcasting 2.0 features in TrueFans allow for streamlined listener support and event promotion, and discuss Netflix's entry into the podcast space, contemplating what this might mean for independent creators.Listen to In Ten Years Time hereSend us a textFind TrueFans hereMusic: How It Is from Ketsa MusicFeedback: TrueFans SupportRead: Creators BlogRecommendations: Creators Podroll | — | ||||||
| 6/30/25 |  Podcasting Payday | What makes a podcast valuable? Is it immediate popularity, or something deeper? "Every podcast you create will exist for many years to come," observes Clayton M. Coke of The Cashflow Show podcast, highlighting the lasting significance of podcasting as a medium that creates permanent records of our conversations and ideas.Clayton reveals how he uses his platform to interview business owners about their successes, failures, and personal interests, but his most compelling point centres on creator compensation – why should podcasters provide their platforms as free promotional vehicles when PR teams are being paid to pitch guests? This conversation challenges the status quo and advocates for proper valuation of podcasters' work.We also look at some of the practical aspects of the TrueFans platform, with Sam explaining how the funding tag works to create sustainable income streams for independent creators. This feature allows listeners to set monthly budgets that automatically distribute micropayments to their favourite podcasters with each new episode – creating a fair exchange of value between creator and audience.In this episode Sam and Claire highlight a number of valuable resources for independent podcasters including newsletters like Eurowaves, Ear Worthy, and Podnews.We also spotlight AMPD Studios in Cape Town, South Africa – a remarkable free podcasting hub founded by Jon Savage that provides recording facilities, equipment, and support to podcasters of all experience levels. This community-focused initiative now faces potential closure after losing a major sponsor, highlighting both the power and fragility of creator support systems.Whether you're a seasoned podcaster or just getting started, this episode offers insights into creating lasting content while building sustainable creator-audience relationships.This episode discusses:Why podcasters should be paid for their work, especially when providing promotional value to guestsThe funding tag and the TrueFans support mechanism that allows podcasters to receive micropayments from listenersHow comments and feedback create meaningful connections between podcasters and listenersThe podcast blogs and newsletters — such as Eurowaves, Ear Worthy, and Podnews – that provide valuable industry resourcesOther useful podcasting resources, including The Future of Podcasting and podcasting2.org, that help creators understand and implement Podcasting 2.0 featuresAMPD Studios in South Africa offers free recording facilities for podcasters but needs financial supportReady to support independent creators? Download the TrueFans app today and start streaming value directly to the podcasts you love.Listen to The Cashflow Show hereSupport AMPD Studios hereSend us a textFind TrueFans hereMusic: How It Is from Ketsa MusicFeedback: TrueFans SupportRead: Creators BlogRecommendations: Creators Podroll | — | ||||||
| 6/23/25 |  Funding Storytelling | The true cost of quality storytelling.In this episode, Claire chats with Fariba Nawa, the award-winning investigative journalist behind the On Spec podcast. Fariba trains journalists worldwide to tell the stories they are personally connected to through sound, ultimately producing documentary journalism that rivals that of major broadcasters.Since launching in 2019 with Kickstarter funding, On Spec has evolved through six seasons, each with a distinct theme, including disinformation, how borders define us, and a two-year investigation into Iran's targeting of dissidents abroad. The On Spec production process involves extensive collaboration with local journalists, providing them professional development while ensuring stories maintain deep personal connections to the communities they portray.Meanwhile, the podcasting landscape continues to evolve toward more direct creator support. TrueFans features make it easy for listeners to financially support creators with one-off or continued payments, and offer creators options to divide those payments among their contributors with payment splits – allowing teams like On Spec's to automatically divide listener contribution among hosts, producers, and contributors.Plus, as the industry debates moving content behind paywalls, what does this mean for accessibility, discovery and sustainability?This episode discusses:Funding options for podcasters: from grants and individual donors to listener supportTrueFans will soon launch as a native iOS and Android appHow to use payment splits to automatically divide listener payments among team membersWhat do paywalls mean for advertisers, and does secure RSS offer a more favourable option for independent creators?Spotify now supports transcripts from the Podcasting 2.0 standardWho Claire met and which indie podcasts won at the International Women's Podcast AwardsHow TrueFans showcases independent creators on the app's home pageDiscover how TrueFans can help your independent podcast thrive through improved discovery, direct monetization, and enhanced listener engagement.And if you'd like to chat with us about your independent podcast or music, send a comment or super comment in TrueFans to any Creators episode by clicking on the speech bubble icon or on the comments tab.Listen to On Spec here.Send us a textFind TrueFans hereMusic: How It Is from Ketsa MusicFeedback: TrueFans SupportRead: Creators BlogRecommendations: Creators Podroll | — | ||||||
| 6/16/25 |  Variety and Value within Independent Podcasting | The lived experience of independent podcasters is one of both liberating freedom and unique challenges. How can the TrueFans listening platform address those challenges and help indie creators keep creating?Through an interview with Joana PR Neves, host of Exhibitionistas podcast, and conversations between Sam and Claire, this episode of Creators discusses:The power of podcasting to give voice to independent creators who might otherwise go unheardHow asking for financial support for your podcast can meet listener resistance TrueFans features that help creators earn directly from listeners through streaming paymentsThe challenges of describing visual experiences in an audio formatHow chapters and image attachments can enhance the listener experienceRecent research that shows that audio-first platforms still dominate despite YouTube's growing presenceHow to claim your show and start earning on TrueFansThe independent podcasts shortlisted for the International Women's Podcast AwardsThe incredible diversity of content being shared by independent podcastsAn indie podcast wins at the True Crime AwardsDiscover how TrueFans can help your independent podcast thrive through improved discovery, direct monetization, and enhanced listener engagement.And if you'd like to chat with us about your independent podcast or music, send a comment or super comment in TrueFans to any Creators episode by clicking on the speech bubble icon or on the comments tab.Listen to Exhibitionistas here.Send us a textFind TrueFans hereMusic: How It Is from Ketsa MusicFeedback: TrueFans SupportRead: Creators BlogRecommendations: Creators Podroll | — | ||||||
| 5/19/25 |  Top Picks and Pauses | Claire and Sam announce a brief hiatus until June 16th, sharing podcast recommendations and answering listener questions about the TrueFans platform to tide listeners over during the break.• Claire recommends "Conning the Con" by Sarah Ferris, a true crime podcast about a family turning the tables on a con man• Sam suggests "The Snap," featuring two Nashville artists navigating Bitcoin and value for value to monetize their music• Sam explains how to add TrueFans to your phone's home screen using the browser's "share" function• We reiterate that streaming sats to unclaimed shows is worthwhile as funds are held until creators claim their profiles• We hear what our listeners have been telling us this week• As usual we invite independent podcasters to be featured on the show by sending comments through TrueFans.Want to support the show or get featured? Simply leave a comment or super comment through TrueFans, and join this growing community of forward-thinking creators and their supporters.Send us a textFind TrueFans here Music: How It Is from Ketsa Music Feedback: TrueFans Support Read: Creators Blog Recommendations: Creators Podroll | — | ||||||
| 5/5/25 |  Independent Voices: Why TrueFans Matters for Creators | Introducing "Creators" - a podcast built specifically for independent content makers looking to break through the noise. Hosted by independent podcaster Claire Waite Brown and TrueFans CEO Sam Sethi, this podcast tackles the three essential challenges every creator faces: discovery, interactivity, and monetisation.The launch episode establishes the show's format by featuring Claire's own podcast "Creativity Found" as the inaugural "Podcast of the Week." With nearly five years and over 120 episodes under her belt, Claire shares candid insights about her podcasting journey. Her refreshingly honest advice to "don't listen to other people's advice" cuts through the noise of podcasting conventional wisdom, emphasizing that creators should find their own sustainable rhythm rather than following rigid formulas about consistency or metrics.Beyond showcasing independent podcasts, "Creators" also introduces a "Music of the Week" segment featuring Joe Martin's track "Can't Promise You the World." This highlights TrueFans' commitment to supporting independent musicians alongside podcasters, providing exposure through both the show and the platform's carousel features.What truly sets this podcast apart is its focus on direct creator monetisation through value-for-value payments. The hosts explain "programmable money" – an innovative approach allowing automatic splitting of micropayments between hosts, guests, and featured creators. This wallet-to-wallet system eliminates the need for traditional advertising models or third-party sponsors, putting power back in the hands of both creators and audiences.Whether you're a podcaster, musician, or any type of independent creator looking to build meaningful connections with your audience, "Creators" offers both practical advice and potential pathways to discovery and sustainable monetisation. Subscribe now and join a community that believes in the power of direct creator-to-audience relationships.Listen to Creativity Found here Send us a textFind TrueFans here Music: How It Is from Ketsa Music Feedback: TrueFans Support Read: Creators Blog Recommendations: Creators Podroll | — | ||||||
| 4/28/25 |  From Wallets to Withdrawals: The Creator Economy Breakthrough | Clare Waite Brown and Sam Sethi kick off their brand-new podcast "Creators" with a deep dive into the evolving landscape of creator monetization. The groundbreaking news? TrueFans has just launched a much-requested feature allowing creators to withdraw micropayments directly to their bank accounts through Stripe integration. Gone are the days when fan appreciation was merely symbolic – now creators can convert those tiny payments into real, spendable currency.The hosts explore the fascinating mechanics behind Creator Wallets, revealing multiple withdrawal options including transfers to other Lightning wallets (like Fountain or Podverse) or direct conversion to traditional currencies. Perhaps most intriguing is the strategic option to recirculate these funds as marketing investments, enabling podcasters to incentivize listeners to engage with specific content. This creates a virtuous cycle where value flows continuously between creators and audiences.Meanwhile, the wider digital economy appears to be catching up, with X (formerly Twitter) announcing its own micropayment partnership with Visa. Sam highlights how this mainstream adoption could educate hundreds of millions of users about digital microtransactions, potentially transforming how we think about rewarding creators across platforms. The episode also spotlights independent creators, featuring UK indie rock band Two Weeks in Nashville, and extends an invitation to independent podcasters seeking greater visibility to submit their shows for potential featuring in the future. Ready to join the creator economy revolution? Support this show with micropayments directly from your TrueFans wallet, leave feedback through SuperComments, or connect with the hosts on social media. The future of creator monetization is here – and it's powered by passionate fans making tiny payments that add up to sustainable creative careers.Send us a textFind TrueFans here Music: How It Is from Ketsa Music Feedback: TrueFans Support Read: Creators Blog Recommendations: Creators Podroll | — | ||||||
| 4/24/25 |  Welcome to Creators | Creators is a new weekly podcast from TrueFans. Each week, we will showcase an independent podcast creator and an independent music artist.We will also discuss a new TrueFans feature as well as look at what's going on more widely in the podcast world aka the podosphere.We are keen to hear from independent creators who would like to be featured on the show. You can get in touch with us by leaving a comment or super comment in TrueFans and we will review and choose shows to feature on the live episodes.Send us a textFind TrueFans hereMusic: How It Is from Ketsa MusicFeedback: TrueFans SupportRead: Creators BlogRecommendations: Creators Podroll | — | ||||||
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