Monetizing Without Ads - What Actually Works.
Kevin Redmond and I both help people make money from podcasts.
But we don’t do it through traditional ads. And we don’t do it the same way.
Last week, we went live here on LinkedIn to break it all down: How two people — in the same industry, working with similar creators — are helping podcasters monetize in completely different ways.
No one-size-fits-all advice. Just two paths that are actually working — depending on what kind of creator you are, and what kind of business you’re building.
Kevin’s model: Podcast Clubs
Kevin’s thing is brilliant: he creates podcast clubs — like a book club, but centered around a podcast series.
Each “season” becomes a curriculum. A reason to gather. A space for reflection, facilitation, and peer learning.
For Kevin, the podcast isn’t the product — it’s the starting point. The real value happens after the episode ends.
Whether it’s internal leadership teams or open public groups, his monetization is built around:
Designing meaningful dialogue
Facilitating real transformation
Using content to spark connection — not just consumption
That’s the model. And it works.
Because people don’t just want content. They want context. They want community. And Kevin gets paid to build that.
My model: Podcast Partnerships
I come from a different angle.
I help podcasters land brand partnerships — even before they’ve launched, even without big numbers.
Not sponsorships. Not affiliate codes. Real partnerships with companies who want access to your audience, your voice, and your trust.
In my world, the monetization starts by asking:
“Who already wants to reach this audience — and would pay to do it with you, not just on your platform?”
That means: – Aligning your show with brands that serve the same mission – Packaging your full ecosystem (podcast, IG, newsletter, LinkedIn) – Pitching brands before the metrics are “impressive”
I’ve seen podcasters land $5K, $10K, $20K+ deals this way — without chasing downloads.
It’s not about reach. It’s about readiness.
What we both agree on
Despite our different models, Kevin and I kept saying “yes” to each other the whole way through.
Because underneath it all, we share three core beliefs:
Ads aren’t the answer — especially not for small or mid-size shows
Content should lead to connection — not just consumption
You can monetize early — as long as you know the value you’re offering
What this means for you
If you’re a podcaster, or you’re thinking of launching one, ask yourself:
Do I want my podcast to lead into a product, a group, or a transformation?
Or do I want to get funded by a brand to keep doing what I love?
Or... could I do both?
There’s no one right answer.
But there is a wrong one: Waiting until you’re “big enough” to start.
The TL;DR: Kevin builds podcast clubs. I build brand partnerships. We both skip ads. And we both get results.
Your job? Figure out which path fits what you’re building — and who you want to serve.
If you’re not sure yet, we can help you find out.
Reach out here and we can help you figure out the first step.
Let’s make podcasting profitable on your terms!
