September 26th thru 28th, 2025 will go down in history as a weekend that changed the game.

At least in the podcast world.

Hundreds of podcast enthusiasts, content creators, hosts, strategists, and more convened in Charlotte, North Carolina for Empowered Podcasting Conference 2, an event designed to build community, spark collaboration, and enhance relationships.

What transpired throughout this event is nothing short of phenomenal. From start to finish, EPC2 was the epitome of what the podcasting community stands for - insight, innovation, connection, and camaraderie.

In this bonus episode of Let's Blow This Up, I'm sharing my thoughts on my epic 10-days in Charlotte...all culminating at the Hyatt Centric in Southpark (just outside the Queen City) with a conference I presented at, MC'ed at, and helped put together with an extraordinary group of people.

Throughout this episode, I unpack the value of authentic communities, why showing up in person still matters, and how these experiences fuel can your personal and professional momentum. I also dive into the emotional and strategic ROI of gathering with the right people and how it can lead to better content, stronger networks, and more clarity in your message.

Key Takeaways From This Episode

• Being part of the right community is everything
• Igniting new relationships begins with the courage to reach out and make a new connection
• Empowered Podcasting is more than just a conference - it's a community and a movement that's primed to take the podcast medium to new heights
• There's power in being able to network directly with speakers and experts - not just on the stage, but in the hallways, at dinner, and over beverages as well
• Planning events isn't easy...but seeing them come to life makes the hard times worth it and the good times even better

Join the Empowered Podcasting Community on Facebook

Thank you for listening and becoming an official member of The Bomb Squad!

Now it's time to take action and get the most from your podcasting efforts. Discover how I can help you out at bombtrackmedia.com

MUSIC CREDIT: Aggressive Metal Trailer (Dragon Heart) by Alex Grohl on pixabay.com

It's another bonus episode of Let's Blow This Up and today, Charlie Krebs joins the podcast to talk about the launch and growth of his podcast known as Soft Skills: Strong Results. We dive into the strategy behind the show and how Charlie’s background shaped his approach to podcasting.

Charlie shares how his experience in theater, TEDx speaking, and higher education helped him become a confident host. His ability to carry conversations with purpose makes each episode more engaging for his audience.

Throughout this conversation, Charlie and I explore why soft skills are more than a buzzword. Charlie breaks down the difference between interpersonal and cognitive soft skills and how both are essential in professional and personal life.

We also touch on simple, powerful ways to build connection --- like learning someone’s name and showing genuine interest. It’s not about being flashy; it’s about being human.

Charlie also gives his thoughts on how it's been to work with me to build his podcast!

Key Takeaways:

• A strong podcast starts with a clear strategy, not just a microphone.
• Communication skills from other industries can translate seamlessly into podcasting.
• Theater and public speaking backgrounds build strong conversational flow.
• Interpersonal soft skills create better listener engagement.
• Small gestures, like using someone’s name or asking how their day is going, can have a big impact.
• Soft skills aren’t fluff; they’re foundational to leadership and connection.

Check out Soft Skills Strong Results on:

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio

Thank you for listening and becoming an official member of The Bomb Squad!

Now it's time to take action and get the most from your podcasting efforts. Discover how I can help you out at bombtrackmedia.com

MUSIC CREDIT: Aggressive Metal Trailer (Dragon Heart) by Alex Grohl on pixabay.com

It's another installment of the "Making a Podcast With Bombtrack Media" series and today, I'm joined by the one and only Karin Freeland, host of Rock Your Reinvention for a wide-open discussion of what we've been doing to build and grow her podcast.

Karin and I dive into the importance of podcast SEO and how identifying the right keywords for episode titles can significantly impact discoverability. By focusing on what listeners are actively searching for, we’ve been able to grow her audience in a targeted, organic way.

We also touch on the collaborative process behind producing Rock Your Reinvention, with Karin sharing her insights on what it's like to work with me on a weekly basis. From creative planning to post-production and promotion, every step is designed to strengthen the show's reach and relevance.

Karin generously shares her experience working with yours truly at Bombtrack Media, highlighting the value of having a reliable, communicative partner in her corner. Her testimonial underscores how important trust and consistency are when building a show that stands out in a crowded podcast landscape.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Rock Your Reinvention is focused on helping women reclaim their power and break free from the shackles of corporate life.
• Strategic SEO practices, including keyword-rich titles, directly contribute to increased podcast visibility and engagement.
• Episode planning and structure play a vital role in keeping the content relevant and listener-focused.
• Consistent editing and production quality elevate the professionalism of Karin’s show.
• Marketing efforts go beyond audio, integrating social media and search engine strategies to expand audience reach.

Listen to Rock Your Reinvention

Thank you for listening and becoming an official member of The Bomb Squad!

Now it's time to take action and get the most from your podcasting efforts. Discover how I can help you out at bombtrackmedia.com

MUSIC CREDIT: Aggressive Metal Trailer (Dragon Heart) by Alex Grohl on pixabay.com