Talk That Pod cover art

Talk That Pod

Talk That Pod

By: Sebastian Arciszewski
Listen for free

About this listen

 Podcasters. They're an interesting bunch. On Talk That Pod, I have conversations with the most interesting podcasters in the world – what does it really take to build a podcast people can't stop listening to? Podcasters, storytellers, and the audio entrepreneurs behind the shows dominating your feed spill the secrets and stories about podcast growth, their podcasting journey, podcast marketing, content strategy, promotion tactics, and the cultural impact of podcasting in today's society. If you're passionate about the power of audio, as a creator, a listener, or both... this is your show. Want to be a guest on this podcast? Head to https://talkthatpod.net/be-on-the-show/ This podcast is also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@talkthatpodshow And if you're looking for podcast recommendations head over to Find That Pod - https://findthatpod.comCopyright 2026 Talk That Pod Art Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Social Sciences
Episodes
  • 007 - James Wolner - Dakota Spotlight

    007 - James Wolner - Dakota Spotlight
    Apr 29 2026
    James Wolner of Dakota SpotlightSUMMARYIn this episode, host Sebastian sits down with James Wolner, the creator and host of Dakota Spotlight — an acclaimed true crime podcast with 12 seasons and counting, rooted in stories from North Dakota and the broader Upper Midwest. What began as a bar conversation about a suspicious death in western North Dakota has grown into one of the most respected independent investigative audio journalism projects in the region, earning a place in the Dakota State Archives and spawning an Emmy award-winning documentary.James opens up about the unexpected origins of his show — born largely out of frustration with the erosion of facts and journalistic trust in 2019 — and how he channeled a career in photojournalism and IT into a passion for rigorous, story-driven research. The conversation spans the full arc of James's journey: working with Forum Communications, going independent again, navigating the ethical tightrope of true crime storytelling, and his deeply held belief in the power of the "slow burn" documentary format in an age of short-form content. James also shares what it was like living in Sweden for 22 years and how that cross-cultural perspective has quietly shaped his work. This is a rich, candid conversation about storytelling, journalism, independence, and why the right 100 listeners matter more than a million casual ones.---IN THIS EPISODE[00:07] — Sebastian introduces Talk That Pod and welcomes James Wolner, creator of Dakota Spotlight, a true crime podcast now covering the wider Upper Midwest region with 12 seasons.[01:03] — James traces the unlikely origin of Dakota Spotlight to a 2019 bar conversation about a suspicious death (Victor Newberry) in western North Dakota and his growing unease about the erosion of facts and journalistic trust in public life.[04:28] — James reflects on his unconventional career arc: studying photojournalism in college, spending years in web and database development, and how Dakota Spotlight became his long-delayed return to investigative journalism.[04:57] — Dakota Spotlight became the first podcast ever preserved by the Dakota State Archives. James shares how the timing of the archives' move toward digital preservation played a role — and what that milestone meant to him.[05:54] — Season 3 of Dakota Spotlight ("The House on Sweet and Seventh") was adapted into an Emmy award-winning documentary alongside filmmaker Derek Fletcher. James breaks down how what started as bonus content evolved into a full film produced in under three months — largely during the pandemic.[09:37] — James previews his upcoming film Call Me Shelley, based on Season 7 — the unsolved disappearance of Shelley Juleson in Bismarck, North Dakota. He discusses working again with Derek Fletcher and hopes to screen it locally in Fargo and Bismarck.[10:19] — Ethical storytelling in true crime: how James decides what detail to include or exclude, and why instinct and empathy play a bigger role than any fixed rulebook.[12:47] — A standout example of sensitive storytelling: Season 9, the Mandan Murders. James describes writing a handwritten letter to the perpetrator's family, ultimately resulting in the mother and two sisters reading an open letter directly on the podcast — a moment he's most proud of.[15:39] — Why James returned to producing Dakota Spotlight independently after several years employed by Forum Communications in Fargo. He reflects on the constraints of institutional decision-making (even for small expenses like a $100 records request) versus the freedom of calling his own shots.[18:07] — True crime podcasts typically chase high-profile national stories. James discusses what he thinks draws listeners from outside the region into hyper-local Midwestern stories — including the cultural pull of the Coen Brothers' Fargo.[20:17] — James makes the case for the slow burn documentary format in an era of infinite scroll. He describes going five days down a research rabbit hole to produce a single line of podcast script — and why that kind of deep focus feels like meditation.[23:22] — How AI fits (and doesn't fit) into James's research process. He finds it useful for searching large documents and transcripts, but wary of leaning on it for story direction or creative decisions.[25:33] — Advice for new podcasters entering a saturated true crime market. James talks about geographic niching, the value of starting with zero audience expectations, and why making something you would want to listen to is still the best north star.[29:54] — The moment Dakota Spotlight had its biggest organic spike in listeners: Season 5 and the story of missing Barbara Cotton from Williston, ND. James pre-produced five episodes and released one per day — by day three, the Williston Police Department was calling him. The season culminated in a public event on the 40th anniversary of her disappearance.[32:01] — Keeping listeners engaged ...
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr
  • 006 - Drew Frohmann - Sorry About The Murder

    006 - Drew Frohmann - Sorry About The Murder
    Apr 22 2026
    Drew Frohmann of Sorry About the MurderSUMMARYSebastian sits down with Drew Frohmann, the writer and creator behind Sorry About the Murder, a scripted audio drama set in the fictional small Canadian town of BeaverMount, Ontario, where a Quebecois Zamboni driver is compelled to solve a grisly murder while still getting the ice ready for the game. The show has two seasons and a third in development.Drew grew up in Wawa, Ontario, and spent 20 years working in advertising, specializing in audio and radio. In this wide-ranging conversation, he unpacks how a quirky childhood, a love of audio craft, and an 80s skateboarding movie all collided to produce one of indie audio fiction's most distinctive shows. He also gets refreshingly candid about the grind of writing, promoting, and sustaining a scripted podcast as an indie creator, and shares a piece of advice that every aspiring podcaster needs to hear.---IN THIS EPISODE[00:04] Sebastian introduces the show and guest — Drew Frohmann, creator of Sorry About the Murder[00:44] Growing up in Wawa, Ontario — and how a rich cast of small-town characters became the DNA of Beaver Mount[03:19] Why Drew didn't want to just write a Trailer Park Boys-style show, and the search for a strong dramatic premise[04:43] The origin story: how the 1980s film Gleaming the Cube sparked the idea of a Zamboni driver solving a murder[05:34] The importance of podcast cover artwork — the process of creating the show's distinctive retro-illustrated look using AI tools combined with art direction from Michelle Lang[08:40] How audience taste for AI-generated imagery has shifted, and why Drew plans to hire a traditional artist for Season 3[10:36] Diving into the show's premise — why a Quebecois protagonist in an English Ontario small town creates inherent dramatic tension and comedy[12:29] The "unassuming genius" character archetype — how Columbo influenced the lead character, Frenchie[13:49] How the title Sorry About the Murder was born — the earlier working title, Two Minutes for Murder, and why the final title perfectly captures the show's mix of politeness and violence[16:31] How Drew's 20 years in advertising audio shaped the sound design, scene transitions, and production ambition of the show[18:18] The writing process — from Google Docs full of Canadian motives and small-town stories, to plotting clues, to the brutal slog of a first draft[22:00] The difference between advertising copywriting (sprinting) and long-form fiction writing (marathon running)[24:41] Promoting a scripted fiction podcast — why discovery is harder than in true crime or interview formats[25:06] Joining the Fable and Folly Network, crafting a killer trailer, and how feed swaps became the most effective growth tool[27:18] Why true crime listeners rarely cross over to audio fiction — and what that means for targeting[30:39] Sustaining listener engagement between seasons — newsletters, Patreon, feed swaps, and behind-the-scenes content[34:08] YouTube as a podcast discovery platform — and how it's changing Drew's plans for Season 3[35:04] Navigating monetization: Apple Podcast subscriptions, Patreon, and the challenge of balancing free audience growth with paid subscriber value[39:25] How comedy in podcasting functions as a "court jester" — letting uncomfortable truths land through laughter[40:35] Audio fiction's unique storytelling demands vs. passive listening formats — why it requires more active attention from listeners[42:21] Sorry About the Murder as a refuge from political noise — keeping Beaver Mount as an idealized, rose-coloured Canada[43:56] The "Sorry" maple leaf merch — and whether it still resonates in the current Canadian cultural moment[45:37] Where does deeply crafted audio fiction fit in a media diet dominated by short-form content? Drew's take on audio fiction as "accompaniment"---RESOURCES & LINKSThe ShowSorry About the Murder — search on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pocket Casts, or your favorite podcast appInstagram: @sorryaboutthemurderFacebook: Sorry About the MurderReferenced in the EpisodeGleaming the Cube (1989) — the 80s skateboarding film that sparked the premise for Sorry About the MurderFable and Folly Network — the audio fiction network Drew credits as a key early growth channel (120–130 shows)Trailer Park Boys — referenced as an example of small-town Canadian comedy done wellStephen Leacock / Stuart McLean's Vinyl Cafe — the "idyllic, homespun" Canadian tone that influenced the show's vibeColumbo — a key character reference for Frenchie's "unassuming genius" detective archetypeHindenburg Journalist (Faden) — the audio editing software Drew uses for scripting and productionTattoo Sound + Music — the world-class studio Drew works with for sound designPodcasts Recommended by DrewHarvey in Hell (by the creator of The Milkman of St. Gads) — a noirish audio drama set during the Satanic Panic of the 80sSick Man Talking / The Fake Cop Chronicles ...
    Show More Show Less
    54 mins
  • 005 - Jenn Trepeck - Salad With a Side of Fries

    005 - Jenn Trepeck - Salad With a Side of Fries
    Apr 14 2026
    Jenn Trepeck of A Salad with a Side of FriesSUMMARYIn this episode, Sebastian sits down with Jenn Trepeck, host of the award-winning podcast A Salad with a Side of Fries and a seasoned health coach and business consultant. Jenn's podcast, a top 1.5% show with multiple awards to its name, has become a go-to resource for practical, no-nonsense wellness advice under the guiding philosophy of "wellness without the weirdness."Jenn shares the behind-the-scenes strategy of how she grew her podcast from a passion project launched alongside her health coaching practice into a multi-stream business engine, complete with a membership program, merchandise, book, and coaching practice. Along the way, she and Sebastian dig into the state of the health and wellness podcasting space, the dangers of wellness misinformation, what metrics actually matter, and what the future of independent podcasting might look like. Whether you're a health-conscious listener or an aspiring podcaster, this episode is packed with candid, actionable insights.---IN THIS EPISODE00:05 — Sebastian introduces Jenn Trepeck and her podcast, A Salad with a Side of Fries — a top 1.5% podcast with multiple awards.00:43 — Jenn explains the show's philosophy: "wellness without the weirdness" — real-life health and nutrition advice that doesn't require you to eat only green foods.01:09 — The origin of the podcast name: Jenn's go-to meal became the show's identity — and a natural filter for who the show is (and isn't) for.02:39 — The two-format content structure: full-length ~50-minute deep dives vs. short "Nutrition Nuggets." Why both formats were a strategic choice for growing downloads and creating easier entry points for new listeners.05:35 — "The wellness industry is off the rails": Jenn's guiding principle and how it shapes guest selection, ad partnerships, and content direction.06:30 — How Jenn uses a pre-podcast discovery call with every guest to ensure alignment, originality, and tangible takeaways for listeners.08:11 — The "tech bro wellness" problem: why protocols designed for people with unlimited time and money are failing everyday listeners — and how that's starting to shift.10:19 — Wellness misinformation on podcasts: it's usually not outright lies, it's missing nuance — and the danger of one-size-fits-all health advice.13:04 — Jenn's audience breakdown: ~85% female, with over 50% of listeners between ages 40–70, and why that's exactly what she expected given her health-first (not aesthetics-first) approach.14:08 — The hardest nutrition myth to debunk: calories in, calories out — and a clear, simple explanation of why the human body isn't a closed-loop system.16:54 — The emotional relationship with food: the one question Jenn wishes every listener would ask themselves before starting a new diet or trend.18:23 — Jenn's take on intermittent fasting: why she's more skeptical for women, and how it fails the "wellness without the weirdness" common-sense test.22:00 — The #1 growth strategy Jenn swears by: guesting on other podcasts — and why she's been doing it consistently since day one.23:04 — How to pitch yourself as a podcast guest: what makes a pitch stand out (personalization, unique angle, suggested episode title) and why most paid pitching services miss the mark.25:27 — Expanding your guest targets beyond your own genre: why listeners of dating, personal story, or women's business podcasts can overlap significantly with a health and wellness audience.27:36 — How A Salad with a Side of Fries became a real business engine: from a side project during a full-time job, to membership programs, merchandise, group and 1-on-1 coaching, supplements, and a book.30:36 — The listener-to-client funnel: how consistency and trust move people from casual listeners to paying members — and why in-episode membership mentions are more effective than hard sells.32:08 — The power of owning your email list: why Jenn (a former email marketing skeptic) now sees it as the only audience channel she truly owns — and why social media followers are "rented."34:56 — SMS/text marketing as a podcast tool: how Jenn uses one-word text CTAs to make sponsor links easy to act on while listening.35:35 — Podcast awards — which ones matter and which are pay-to-play: why Jenn values accessible, committee-selected awards over big-name submissions that favor large budgets.38:43 — Metrics that actually matter: why Jenn pays more attention to completion rates and where listeners drop off than raw download numbers.42:00 — Is the wellness podcasting space too saturated for new voices? Jenn says no — but strategy and niche clarity matter more than ever.44:52 — Are health and wellness podcasts a net positive for public health literacy? Jenn makes the case that they are — with an important caveat about echo chambers.46:44 — Balancing speed vs. accuracy: how Jenn handles emerging health trends (like Ozempic, seed ...
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr
No reviews yet