The Actor's Instrument: Michael Goodfriend on Podcasting and Storytelling

The Actor's Instrument Podcast

• 🎙️ Hassiem Muhammad, host of "The Actor's Instrument," interviews Michael Goodfriend, executive producer at Next Chapter Podcasts.
• 💡 The podcast aims to explore the essential qualities actors need to stand out in the entertainment industry.
• 🎯 This episode focuses on Michael Goodfriend's journey into podcasting and his insights into the medium.

Michael Goodfriend's Journey into Podcasting

• 🎭 Goodfriend, a seasoned theater actor, transitioned to podcasting, becoming head of scripted fiction at Next Chapter Podcasts.
• 🚀 His involvement began with a friend's play intended for podcast adaptation during the pandemic, leading to a broader role.
• 💡 Next Chapter Podcasts, originally Native Creative Podcasts, was renamed to better reflect its expanded focus on scripted fiction and other content.
• 🌐 The company now produces a mix of talk, branded content, services, and scripted entertainment, and actively seeks to own its intellectual property.

Podcasting as a Vehicle for Actors

• 🗣️ Goodfriend champions podcasting as a powerful medium for actors, offering creative self-expression and a way to connect with audiences through the spoken word.
• 🧠 He emphasizes the importance of storytelling and imagination in audio-only formats.
• 🛠️ Podcasting allows for a direct connection between creator and listener, fostering a unique form of engagement.

The Play On Podcasts Initiative

• 📜 Next Chapter Podcasts produces "Play On Podcasts," an audio play series featuring contemporary translations of Shakespeare's works.
• 🎯 The initiative aims to make Shakespeare accessible to modern audiences by using translations by diverse playwrights.
• 📈 The series has achieved significant success, surpassing a million downloads within two years.

Strategies for Podcast Growth

• 🤝 Cross-promotion and feed drops/swaps are identified as the most effective strategies for growing a podcast audience.
• 🌐 Identifying podcasts with audience affinity and collaborating is key.
• 📈 Paid advertising, including Google Ads and programmatic advertising, is also utilized.
• 💡 Tink Tink Media and Swap FM are mentioned as companies that assist with cross-promotional efforts.

Selecting and Developing Content

• 🤔 Content selection is often intuitive, relying on strong writing and authentic, personal stories.
• 🌟 The goal is to find content with