Today we talk with Christopher Brian Jones of trek.fm about what its like to run a podcast network. We learn about some of the struggles he has had along the way, how he builds a relationship with the hosts on the network, abd creates a shared vision and brand. You will be amazed at how focused some of his shows are. If you are a fan of Star Trek, you definitely want to check out trek.fm or if you are an iTunes user check out http://www.itunes.com/trek.fm. Want to comment on the show call in your comments at 888-563-3228
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Insights into the Trek.fm Podcast Network [
Today we talk with Christopher Jones of the trek.fm network. Christopher has a background in media (magazines), media (he was a media buyer), design (he built his own website) and more. He shares his insights on how he started out wanting to do video podcasts, but took his one video show and turned it into 16+ audio shows including:
Media Issues
At first Christopher used his website host as a media host. When he got popular, that host told him he had four days to move over 700 episodes. He later moved to Amazon S3 (which always sounds inexpensive, but as you get billed for every single download – and you have a lot of episodes – it adds up to three (possible four) figure hosting bills).
Christopher recommend Libsyn.com as he now pays one price for his hosting – no matter how many downloads he gets. You can get a free month at Libsyn.com using the coupon code sopfree.
Choosing Hosts
Christopher goes through a detailed planning process when launching a new show. He makes sure there is enough content to support an ongoing show (if not it may just be a segment on another show). He uses his “round table” podcast to get to know potential hosts. Getting the right people is a large part of being a successful network.
Leave Your Ego At the Door
Chris treats all of the shows at trek.fm as equal. They all get the same exposure by being in the “all inclusive” feed. When he chooses a host, he is looking for someone who is all about:
1. Representing Star Trek in a professional manner
2. Boosting the network – not their specific downloads (not all about them)
3. Is open to other opinions, and can discuss different opinions in an open and honest discussion (without getting personal).
Connect With Christopher
@cbryanjones
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Great interview! I love the network model that Trek.fm has built – and how it has found so many micro-niches inside that one, single brand. On those occasions where I have listened to their shows, I’ve always appreciated their high production values and unique content.
Thanks, Dave, for asking the questions I had: About the origins of the network, how they find so many “Trek” things to talk about, and how they are allowed to use the “Trek” name. It was also helpful when you would pause the interview to highlight certain points.