August 14, 2026

Podcast Advertising Is About to Change Everything | Jeff Umbro

The podcast industry no longer looks like the creative, audio-first business it was a decade ago. Jeff Umbro, founder and CEO of The Podglomerate and host of Podcast Perspectives, joins Ryan Alford to examine the rise of video podcasting, media consolidation, programmatic advertising and the decline of high-cost narrative shows. Jeff explains how creators can separate audience acquisition from retention, establish clearer goals and determine how much production quality actually serves the business. Drawing on his experience producing more than 700 episodes, Ryan opens up about overproduction, niche audiences and creating a show that generates relationships instead of chasing vanity metrics. Together, Ryan and Jeff offer a practical strategy for sustainable podcast growth: understand what the listener receives, diversify distribution and revenue, and avoid depending on one platform. TOPICS COVERED The evolution of the podcast industry Podcasting’s growing identity crisis Audio podcasts versus video podcasts Audience acquisition and listener retention Podcast production costs and scope creep Direct sponsorships and programmatic advertising Media consolidation and platform dependence The decline of narrative podcasting Subscription, membership and live-event revenue Building a podcast that supports business objectives CONNECT WITH JEFF UMBRO The Podglomerate: https://podglomerate.com/ Work With The Podglomerate: https://podglomerate.com/connect/ Jeff Umbro on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffumbro/ Podcast Perspectives: https://listen.podglomerate.com/show/podcast-perspectives Podcast Perspectives on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/podcast-perspectives/id1699652108 CONNECT WITH RYAN ALFORD Right About Now: https://www.ryanisright.com/ Ryan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/ Ryan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-alford/

Also available on Apple Podcasts ↗