We caught up with Matt Allen, Managing Director at Digital Bulls, to find out more…

Can you tell us a bit about who you are and what you do?

Matt: I founded The Famous Company, a music services agency in 2010. Over the last 12 years we have worked with artists across the globe, helping them find their sound, reach new audiences and launch their music careers. As a result of various lockdowns the music industry has been hit quite hard so I wanted to future proof the business by diversifying our service offering. We did some research into podcast production and felt it was an obvious next step for us to take.

We launched Digital Bulls a podcast production & promotion agency at the start of this year. My role within the business is as Managing Director.

The Digital Bulls team has a background in the music industry. It’s easy to see how you could step into working in other audio, but what do you like best about podcasts?

Matt: Our team are obsessed with podcasts. Our favourites range from keeping up with the news for me, The Blindboy Podcast for Harry, comedy and food podcast Off Menu for Rachael and wrestling podcast Something To Wrestle for Zaid. I spoke to the team before this interview and this is what some of them said they liked the most about podcasts:

Sol: Podcasts are a great way of learning, they provide lessons on the topics I’m really interested in.

Cameron: I come away from podcasts feeling inspired, creative and motivated. They are a great way to learn more about topics I’m interested in.

Matty: I find podcasts are a great way for me to wind down and distract my mind from life’s daily challenges.

Has there been anything that surprised you about stepping into podcasting?

Matt: I love music, I’ve worked in and around it for most of my adult life, but there’s something about podcasts that I find fascinating and so amazing. Podcasts are a really personally experience. Unlike a show or a lecture where the performer or speaker can react to the audience, whatever you hear in a podcast, it’s the original raw conversation, no changing of opinion based on audience reaction. And despite how many millions of people might listen to the podcast, it’s just you and the podcast when you listen to it. That’s really special – it’s what makes podcasts so personal, raw and most importantly real.

What is something you haven’t managed to do yet, but you would really like to work on?

I can’t really say too much as we have a number of Digital Bulls original podcasts in development but we want to be synonymous with creating socially responsible original podcast content. We’re based in Bristol but work with podcasters across the UK and also in the US. Bristol is famed for it’s wildlife and natural history media content, as is known as the green film capital of the UK, we would love nothing more than to become the podcast city of the UK too – an ambitious plan but we’re going to throw everything we’ve got at it!

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned since moving into podcasting?

That everyone has a story to tell. No matter what their background or who they are, they have something to say. As species we are curious beings, we love learning, and we love interacting with each other. Podcasts became so popular during lockdown as it brought us together in a way that we couldn’t do in person. I think you would be hard pressed to find someone now who hasn’t listened to a podcast – that’s a really great thing.

And where can Pod Bible readers find out more about you?

You can find out more about our services and meet our team at GoTeamPod.com. We can’t wait to hear from you!

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We asked our columnist and Content is Queen Founder, Imriel Morgan, to tell us more.

Hi Imriel! Pod Bible readers will know you from your Overheard in the Studio series, but can you tell us a little bit more about yourself and Content is Queen?

Sure, I’m Imriel Morgan, a podcast marketing expert, and the Founder of Content is Queen, a podcast agency that supports ambitious podcasters reach their goals through production, studios and promotions. Our goal is to help creators of all backgrounds share their humanity and grow their value in the world using audio.

The micro-grant scheme seems like a great way of opening up access to resources for new podcasters. How did you realise it was needed?

I’ve worked with many podcasters over the years, and I’ve heard tons of pitches, and I’ve been involved and even facilitated programmes to support podcasters get their foot in the door. However, while all of that work has been great and well-received, nothing beats cold, hard, cash in your pocket, a training workshop, a webinar or programme will help you gain skills and knowledge, but cash is what makes the podcast materialise.

I wanted to give out micro-grants because I believe that lots of people have great ideas that they’re burning to make but just can’t afford to do it in the way they’d like. This is ultimately about trusting creatives to do creative work in a way that makes the most sense to them. The pitches so far are a reflection of that. I was lucky that last year, the Audible team had heard about my work (on building affordable studios) and asked if I needed any support and I knew micro-grants would be vital to fulfilling our mission.

Thinking back to when you first started your podcast, what would you have used this grant for if you had that opportunity?

That was so long ago, but I’m fairly consistent with what I spend money on. I’ll invest in professional artwork, studio time, and editing. If I had any money left, it would go on social media advertising. Six years into being a podcaster and I haven’t changed where my money goes.

Content is Queen is also offering up to 6 hours of production support to grantees. Are there any areas where you often see knowledge gaps or where the industry is failing to provide support for entry level?

It’s a great question. The additional support we’re offering is to be that trusted voice and mentor on this journey for podcasters. It’ll be a knowledge or skill support for others, or it might mean getting access to the studio for a day. We’re keen to flex and adapt based on what people need.

Everything you want to know about podcasting is available on Google and Youtube. So I don’t think a lack of information is the problem. I believe many podcasters know what kit they’d like to try or what software they’ll spend time on. It’s the business of podcasting that seems to confuse folx. Part of our broader support effort is building trust and authority for these audiences in an easy-to-understand language that’s relevant and relatable.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with readers?

Yes! Apply if you’re new or an existing podcaster no idea is too small, silly, or weird. You’ve got to be in it to win it as they say. Apply now at contentisqueen.org/micro-grants applications close at 23:59 GMT 21st February 2021.

Imriel Morgan is Founder and CEO of Podcast Agency Content is Queen. Imriel is a Marketing Maven and cultural innovator in the podcasting industry. Her mission is to make podcasts inclusive, affordable and accessible. Read Imriel’s column, Overheard in the Studio and listen to Imriel’s podcast, Wanna Be, on Acast, Spotify and your favourite podcast app.

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