As podcasting continues to see a mix of large investments and ad spend, it also continues to see layoffs across the industry. Many point to some of these large investments as being a cause, with money being spent on large networks and celebrity podcasts. Is this a sign that the industry needs to take a different approach, with perhaps more indie creator-led networks, or is it an unfortunate realism of an industry growing beyond its small beginnings? Join regular co-host Danny Brown and guest co-host Frank Racioppi as they discuss this interesting topic. Guest co-host this episode: Frank Racioppi After 38 years as a speechwriter and editor for a Fortune 50 company, Frank retired and indulged his love of podcasting, starting and managing a successful podcast review online publication -- Ear Worthy. He started it in 2017 and has enjoyed connecting with indie podcasters and anyone who supports podcasting. Frank and his brother Paul had a podcast four years ago called False Facts, but it was difficult to keep a regular recording schedule. He's loved writing his entire life and wrote for print magazines in the 80s from New Jersey Monthly, The Pet Dealer, American Health, The Sewing Circle, etc. He's also published five novels and four non-fiction books in the last four years. The novels range from a romance about two people bonding over the love of reading called For The Love Of Books to Least Best Employee, a novel about surviving as middle management in Corporate America. His most popular nonfiction book was called The COVID Hotel. Frank's Website @podcastreports on X @earworthy141 on Instagram Links to interesting things from this episode Broadway Podcast Network - The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul Every Single Sci-Fi Film Ever | Science Fiction Movie Podcast Gastropod - Food with a Side of Science & History Filmspotting Movie Podcast Top US Podcast Publishers & Networks - Podtrac Mercury hits 2 million delivered ads Bobbi Althoff joins Studio71's podcast network with The Really Good Podcast How celebrity podcasts are influencing a new era of tabloid media Celebrity Podcasts Roundtable: Challenges and Opportunities | Podcast Movement These Brands SHOULD Sponsor These Independent Podcasts The Marketing Swarm Around Indie Podcasters Independent Podcasting Needs More Networks Like Mercury In & Around Podcasting is a podcast industry podcast started by Mark Asquith and Danny Brown and now hosted by Elsie Escobar and Rob Walch, continuing its mission as an industry show that belongs to the whole community. If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave us a rating or review on your favourite podcast app! You can also drop us a tip at https://www.inandaroundpodcasting.com/support, too! If you're an independent creator who would like to co-host with us, please let us know via Twitter and we'll get you booked! Please tell your friends that the show is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, plus wherever else they may listen to their podcasts. If you'd like your podcast trailer featuring in our "Wave File" segment, submit it via this quick contact form, please. The podcast is also available at In & Around Podcasting. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy