Steven Bartlett Chose Creative Control Over $100M

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What would you do if someone offered you $100 million for your podcast?

In this episode, we dive into Steven Bartlett’s recent disclosure that he turned down not one, but two massive podcasting deals — including a $100M offer. Why? Because they came with strings attached: platform exclusivity, ad overload, and a loss of creative control.

We discuss why prioritizing your listeners, values, and long-term vision might be worth more than the biggest paycheck. Plus, we hear the drawbacks of video podcasting through perspectives of reluctant celebrity podcasters.
Mentioned in this episode:

• The Only Men Allowed to Podcast Are Tween Boys
• The Diary of a CEO Turned Down $100M Podcast Deal
• Smartless: Maria Shriver
• Office Ladies: Webisodes: The Podcast & The Office Ladies Podcast Pilot
• The Compassion of Sound

Sound-off question: What is the strangest podcast growth tip that actually works?

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Chapters

1. Podcast Evangelism (00:00:00)

2. Bartlett's $100 Million Deal Rejection (00:05:15)

3. The Loophole (00:14:42)

4. The Compassion of Sound (00:21:12)

5. Sound-Off! (00:26:38)

6. Post Show: New Buzzsprout Transcripts (00:43:09)