The Podcasting Morning Chat

With a career spanning 20+ years in podcasting, Marc Ronick is the driving force behind iRonick Media and founder of the Empowered Podcasting Conference. His innovative approach to audio & video content, including the integration of AI-driven tools, has set new industry standards. As a daily social audio host on Clubhouse, Marc engages with fellow podcasters, sharing insights on everything from mindset to the latest news in podcasting. His commitment to empowering others and his passion for creativity make him a sought-after voice in the podcasting community.

Nick Nalbach is a seasoned podcaster, podcast coach, and a leader in leveraging AI technology for content creation. Having hosted the Nine-Five Podcast and worked with numerous podcasters, Nick brings firsthand knowledge of the industry's challenges and opportunities to NextGen Podcaster, a community he co-founded. The mission: helping creators harness the power of AI to streamline their work and unlock new creative potential. As the community grows, so too do the innovative ways in which AI is being integrated into the world of podcasting, setting a new standard for the future of the industry.

DR Fay grew up in the vibrant music scene of the San Francisco Bay Area, the daughter of two jazz musicians. Naturally, her own journey began behind the microphone, performing jazz and the American Songbook across Asia for six years. Seeking a new adventure, she relocated to Nashville with dreams of a songwriting career—only to discover her true calling in podcasting.

That pivot led to the creation of Mouthy Broad Media, a full-service production company supporting podcasters with audio and video editing, show notes, and promotional content. As a certified Podcast Consultant, DR empowers her clients with strategic guidance to grow their downloads, build email lists, increase listener engagement, and explore monetization opportunities.

Now, she’s preparing to launch her own podcast, Podcast Help Desk, a resource for podcasters looking for practical insights, expert support, and real-world solutions to level up their shows.

Phil Better entered podcasting in 2014, inspired by Kevin Smith’s Smodcast network. With no formal training but a strong drive to learn, he launched The Phil Better Show in 2017, gaining over 6,000 downloads. In 2020, he created Invest In Yourself: A Digital Entrepreneur Podcast, which now earns over 100,000 downloads per year and ranks in the top 10% globally. His success led to producing Money Grows on Trees, which hit number one in personal finance in Australia, and other shows like Stock Dirty To Me and Invest In Yourself: The Podcast Series. Known for his sharp interviewing skills and practical insights, Phil has won awards and built a reputation as a podcasting strategist. Now, with The Podcast Mogul’s Playbook, he shares his knowledge to help others grow. His goal: empower 100 million podcasters to succeed.

Ashley Feller is a multi-disciplined content artist who transitioned into podcasting when COVID-19 halted her career as a touring songwriter. Unable to perform live, she took the opportunity to produce her local podcast featuring creatives who had survived and thrived after Hurricane Michael in 2018. After creating numerous episodes, Ashley expanded her expertise to develop content for others needing help. Currently, she hosts the "Sunshine State Showcase" podcast, amplifies local voices, and is the marketing coordinator for Foggy Longbritches LLC, organizing multiple Florida music festivals. Ashley's dedication to storytelling is evident in her work as a professional songwriter, podcast producer, and manager for subscription-based communities. She is driven to assist others in launching and growing their podcasts. Ashley is committed to fostering communities and sharing compelling stories.

Sid Meadows is the host of The Trend Report Podcast, a weekly show that digs into sales strategies, workplace trends, and the future of the contract interiors industry. Through candid conversations with CEOs, founders, and emerging voices, he’s built a platform that resonates across manufacturers, dealers, and reps.

Beyond his podcasting success, Sid brings nearly 30 years of experience in the global office furniture industry—having led growth initiatives for top brands like Haworth, AIS, and other dealerships. As founder of Embark CCT, he now offers business advisory and coaching services to help manufacturers, dealers, and reps scale their operations and win in complex markets.

Jonathan Howard is the founder of Success on Social, where he helps coaches and service providers boost their visibility, build authority, and grow their business by developing a powerful Signature Style rooted in authenticity and storytelling.

With 18 years of experience in business, management, and leadership at Barnes & Noble College Bookstores, Jonathan brings a strong operational foundation to his work. But it was his personal journey that revealed the deeper power of storytelling and individuality—insights that now form the core of his coaching philosophy.

In 2017, Jonathan launched his business to address a major gap in the small business community of Washington, DC: the lack of strategic, story-driven social media. He introduced his SOCIALSTORY Content System, helping business owners align their personal stories with their brand goals in a way that resonates and converts.

Through his work, Jonathan discovered a key truth—social media success isn’t about trends or vanity metrics. It’s about being real. This revelation inspired the creation of the Signature Style Content System, a customizable framework designed to amplify each client’s voice, values, and vision.

Jonathan’s Signature Style approach is the path to standing out, being seen, and getting booked.

Dominic Lawson is a multi-award-winning podcast host, producer and storyteller who creates high-impact audio experiences across business, culture and mental health. He began his podcast journey in 2016 with The Startup Life, interviewing visionaries like Marc Randolph (co-founder of Netflix) and Tom Golisano (founder of Paychex). In 2021 he joined the team at Meadows Behavioral Healthcare, where he produces and hosts series such as Beyond Theory and Recovery Replay, exploring recovery and mental-wellness narratives. He later launched Black Is America in February 2022 to spotlight overlooked African-American stories, and most recently debuted Mental Health Rewritten in May 2025, aiming to reshape the mental-health conversation through narrative, expert insight and lived experience. A U.S. Army veteran based in Memphis, Tennessee, Lawson studied business administration at National American University. He has earned more than two dozen podcasting awards and speaks at major events like SXSW. His strategic storytelling, cultural insight and commitment to social impact make him a trusted voice in both audio and wellness spaces.

​Matthew Bliss is an Australian podcast engineer, producer, and educator living in Ireland. He's dedicated to helping podcasters enhance their podcasting productions, workflows and overall quality. As the founder of MBPod.com, he offers comprehensive production, consultation, and training services to indie and business podcasters.

Matthew hosts "Coffee with a Podcaster", where he talks to podcasters and shares insights about the podcasting world from his perspective. He also co-hosts "Help Before You Sell" and has co-hosted "From My Home To Yours," with his wife about their relocation from Australia to Ireland, in addition to "Teaching Culture Cast" and "Dead Drop Game News".

He is also a digital workplace expert and learning development professional from his experience in schools and government. You can find him and his work at mbpod.com or get in touch via email!

Ralph Estep Jr. is a Delaware-based accountant, author, rancher, and media host with 30+ years of expertise in finance, taxation, and small-business leadership. He is the founder of Saggio Accounting+PLUS and the Ask Ralph Media network, home to four shows: Financially Confident Christian, Grit and Growth Business, Truth Unveiled with Ralph, and The Content Creator’s Accountant.

A graduate of the University of Delaware and Wilmington University (MBA), Ralph has held leadership roles in public accounting, financial institutions, law firms, and technology organizations. His work spans cloud technology innovation, small-business coaching, and faith-based financial education.

Ralph lives in Delaware with his wife Jennifer and their two sons, balancing life as an entrepreneur, mentor, and Black Angus rancher while helping people gain clarity, confidence, and direction in finance, business, and faith.

Alex Balish is the Host of the 'What is FROM’cast & Daddy Daughter BookwormsOwner & Lead Trainer at Care 1st Training Group, LLC. Alex is deeply passionate about providing others with life-saving information. With over 30 years of experience in the field of First Aid CPR and AED certification and training thousands of students, Alex possesses a strong understanding of his customers’ needs and how they most effectively learn these lifesaving techniques. In addition, he has been podcasting for many years on TV shows as well as with his eight-year-old daughter doing book reviews.

Amanda Sharp, the charismatic co-host of 'Song Swap Showdown,' brings her vibrant energy to every episode. Beyond the mic, she's a dynamic entrepreneur leading a boutique business, a savvy real estate expert, and a creative force in content production. As a devoted wife and mother, Amanda balances her personal and professional life with flair, infusing her diverse roles with passion and expertise. Her multifaceted career not only highlights her versatility but also her commitment to excellence across various domains, making her an inspiring figure in the podcasting world and beyond.