Creators by TrueFans: A Show And A System For Independent Podcasters

ALSO...Scientista - Women (And Allies!) Reshaping Business, Politics, & Culture

There are times when you discover a podcast and organization that almost completely encapsulates the thematic premise for your activity/passion. That’s the case with Creators by TrueFans. Two pros co-host the show — Claire Waite Brown and Sam Sethi. Since they’re from England, here’s my analogy. That’s like having Mohamed Salah and Cole Palmer on the same EPL team (That’s soccer or football).

At Ear Worthy, one of our prime directives (Star Trek reference!) is to help independent podcasts with discoverability and create more visibility for them, so monetization becomes an easier lift.

Creators by TrueFans is a podcast from TrueFans.fm that spotlights independent podcast creators and music artists, offering them increased visibility and a platform to connect with their fans. Hosted by Sam Sethi and Claire Waite Brown, the weekly show features a new creator, discusses platform updates for monetization and discovery, and explores trends in the podcasting and music industries. Listeners can support the podcast through micropayments called SATs, leave feedback via SuperComments, and engage with hosts on social media.

Each episode highlights a different independent podcast or music artist. (NOTE: We are a major supporter of indie music artists, also) It provides information on new features within TrueFans.fm, focusing on discovery, interactivity, and monetization opportunities for creators. The hosts discuss broader trends in the “podosphere” and the future of creator monetization.

TrueFans.fm aims to solve the discoverability challenge for independent creators, and the podcast serves as a mechanism for this. Episodes are available on the truefans.fm website and potentially other podcast platforms. Listeners use the “SuperComments” feature or leave comments directly on episode pages to suggest creators to feature.

The show, which began in late April, has been a breakthrough for indie podcasters by offering tools to raise visibility, create a community, and adopt strategies for monetization.

On the August 25th episode, Sam and Claire welcomed me, Frank Racioppi, on the show for a discussion about independent podcasting.

On the show, I shared my journey from longtime podcast listener to passionate advocate, explaining why I 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,” I explained on the show, contrasting the formulaic approach of network podcasts with the genre-defying innovation of independent creators.

In the episode, I noted that removing all paywalls from my 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.

More importantly, Sam Sethi explained 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 work.

• Engagement with audiences through listener support and monetization options can positively impact independent creators’ sustainability in the podcasting landscape.

• Networking with other independent creators can lead to innovative collaborations and new ideas that benefit everyone involved in the podcasting community.

• How to start a promotion on TrueFans.

• How TrueFans promotions reporting will work.

• Sam and Claire’s plan for a new carousel on the TrueFans home page.

• Research shows that most podcast listeners only make room for three shows in their weekly routine, emphasizing the importance of consistent publishing.

• Nearly half of listeners are unwilling to give podcasts a second chance after a disappointing first impression.

• What puts Claire and Sam off show.

Claire Waite Brown was recently nominated for an Ear Worthy Award for two of her podcasts, Podcasting 2.0 In Practice and Creativity Found.

I encourage aspirational and experienced indie podcasters to check out Podcasting 2.0 In Practice. Claire has designed easy-to-follow coursework that will be invaluable to an indie podcaster.

Sam Sethi just won an Ear Worthy Award, partnering with James Cridland, to win an Ear Worthy Award for Podnews Weekly Review. Sam is CEO @TrueFansFM, a Radio Presenter, a Podcaster @PodNews Weekly, Krav Maga (Martial Arts) Instructor, Liverpool FC Fan & Dad!

This episode, and the entire show concept, act as a valuable tool for indie podcasters. The headwinds blowing against indie podcasters are strong indeed, but Creators by TrueFans can calm the storms and lay the groundwork for a sustainable show. If the show can be successful even with me as a guest, it is genuinely an ear-worthy podcast.

This is recommended listening /viewing for all independent podcasters.

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Scientista: Women (And Allies!) Reshaping Business, Politics, & Culture

A former co-worker spotted me at my favorite sports bar, P.J. Whelihan’s, and came over to say hello. At times, I’ll take my laptop to the restaurant and write a few podcast reviews while I’m watching a Phillies, Yankees, WNBA, NWSL, or MLS game. After exchanging pleasantries, he asked me what podcast I was currently reviewing, and I replied, “Scientista. The show spotlights women reshaping business, politics, and culture.”

That response elicited a scowl from the man, and he then felt compelled to say, “Joe Rogan’s right. Women are taking over. They get their own podcasts. You never hear of a men’s podcasts.”

That’s when I decided that our reunion was over. I shot him my best WTF look and said, “Men control over 90 percent of all podcasts. There are twice as many male podcast hosts as there are female, and male podcast network execs outnumber female ones ten to one.”

He replied with the quintessential rejoinder after a stupid comment, “Just saying,” and he went back to his bar stool on the other side of the restaurant.

Yes, Scientista is a women’s podcast for women, yet men can get a lot out of the show. Men can understand that these successful women being interviewed didn’t achieve anything seamlessly. Too often, being a woman was a stumbling block, not an asset to the male-dominated society at large.

Indeed, The Scientista Podcast spotlights women (and allies!) reshaping business, politics, and culture.

Here’s their mission statement: “Scientista is our term for a woman scientist or woman leader guided by science. Hosted by behavioral scientist Dr. Sweta Chakraborty and former Assistant Secretary of State Monica Medina, this show brings you candid conversations with changemakers and thought leaders from around the world.”

The co-hosts are skilled at hosting chemistry, connecting with the audience, and conducting effective interviews with guests.

Dr. Sweta Chakraborty is a behavioral scientist, CEO of We Don’t Have Time North America, a science policy advisor, TV contributor, author, and impact investor.

Monica Medina is a former Assistant Secretary of State and served as the first U.S. Special Envoy for Biodiversity, according to Scientista’s website.

The show has a straightforward format. The co-hosts interview successful women who are connected to science in some appreciable way. The episodes aren’t rambling or discursive like some interview shows, but punctuated by the themes of the show. Episodes can run as long as 45 minutes or as short as 25 minutes. The co-hosts wisely allow the guest and the themes to drive the episode length.

Scientista began in March of this year and is already closing in on 30 episodes, as they maintain an aggressive episode release schedule.

Their very first show — Sherri Goodman: The Godmother of Climate and Security — welcomed Sherri Goodman, the expert who coined the term “threat multiplier,” explains how climate-driven disasters are reshaping global defense strategies.

As a former Deputy Undersecretary of Defense, Goodman shared how the military is preparing for climate risks, why global alliances matter more than ever, and what it will take to build a safer, more resilient future.

The March 21st show — What does a bright-red bird have to do with global conservation? — introduces Patricia Zurita, Chief Strategy Officer at Conservation International, who shares how that pivotal moment in Ecuador’s cloud forests led her to a career at the intersection of economics, conservation, and global policy. She explains why biodiversity is critical to human survival, how we can create economic incentives for sustainability, and why protecting nature is ultimately about protecting people.

On the June 8th show — Her Deepness: Sylvia Earle on a Lifetime Underwater and the Fight to Save the Sea — legendary oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle recounts leading the first all-female aquanaut team to founding Mission Blue and advocating for marine protected areas.

The episode was a special World Oceans Day show, and, as such, Earle reflected on how the ocean has changed, why it matters more than ever, and what gives her hope for the future. With warmth, wisdom, and urgency, Earle calls on all of us to protect the blue heart of our planet — before it’s too late.

Perhaps my favorite episode was released on July 24. After four decades at The Washington Post, Ruth Marcus made a decision few journalists ever face: she resigned after her column — critical of Jeff Bezos’s editorial policy — was blocked from publication.

In this episode, Ruth opened up about the events leading to her departure, the editorial shift she saw under Bezos’s ownership, and why she believes dissenting voices are essential to democracy. She also reflected on her accidental entry into journalism, the evolution of the media industry, and the deep connection between writing and critical thinking — even in the age of AI.

This is a conversation about courage, integrity, and the high stakes of telling the truth in an era of corporate-owned newsrooms and fragmented information. The playbook for creeping authoritarianism is to first cripple the freedom of the press, and crush any oppositional messages.

While The Scientista Podcast is a podcast about successful women related to the field of science who serve as models for women just getting into STEM programs, men can listen and learn something. Could there be a Scientistor?

Check out the show.