Red House Productions | Episode 14: “From Passion Project to Paid – Why Your Podcast Deserves Sponsorship”

If you’ve ever found yourself putting in hours of work each week for your podcast but feeling like the return just isn’t there, this conversation is for you.

In this episode, Heidi and Eric open up about the critical mindset shift that moved their podcast from passion project to profitable business. You’ll hear how Flute 360 secured its first corporate sponsorships before hitting 50 episodes—proving you don’t need a massive audience to start seeing real revenue.

They discuss what separates hobbyists from podcast CEOs, and why it's time to stop waiting for sponsors to magically show up. Whether you're unsure where to start or feel like you're “begging” when you pitch, this episode reframes everything.

Key Takeaways from Episode 14:

• The exact mindset shift that changed everything for Heidi's podcast journey
• Why passion alone won’t pay your production bills—and what will
• The difference between strategy and hope when it comes to landing corporate sponsors
• How to stop undercharging or waiting for validation—and start owning your worth

This episode is your wake-up call. It's time to stop treating your show like a side hobby and start claiming the financial and creative success it deserves.

Free Webinar Invitation:

Ready to take this conversation even further?

Join Heidi for a free, live webinar:
"How to Get Corporate Sponsorships When You Don’t Know Where to Start or What to Charge"
Date: Saturday, July 12, 2025
Time: 4:00 P.M. CT
Cost: Free

This is your reset button. Learn how to stop hoping and start building a sponsorship strategy that works. Whether you're brand new or already pitching with no results, you'll leave with clarity, confidence, and action steps.

Save your seat now! Click here.

In this episode, we dive into the inspiring story of Jennet Ingle, oboist, entrepreneur, and the current host of the Crushing Classical podcast. Jennet shares her journey of taking over the reins from the podcast’s original creator, Tracy Friedlander, and how she transformed the platform into a reflection of her unique voice and vision. This candid conversation explores the challenges of inheriting a podcast, the evolution of her hosting style, and how Crushing Classical supports her broader mission of empowering musicians to thrive in their creative careers.

• Transitioning a Legacy Podcast: Jennet recounts how she stepped into an established platform, navigating the challenges of maintaining its core mission while making it her own.

• Finding Her Voice: The process of overcoming self-doubt and evolving from trying to "fill Tracy’s shoes" to becoming her authentic self behind the mic.

• Using Podcasting as a Business Tool: How Jennet integrates her podcast into her portfolio career to support her work as a business and creative coach for musicians.

• The Power of a Portfolio Career: Insights into balancing multiple creative pursuits, including her oboe reed business, group programs for adult oboists, and coaching services.

• Lessons for Aspiring Podcasters: Jennet’s advice for those considering podcasting, including leveraging it as a platform to amplify their message and connect with their audience.

• Jennet’s book – The Happiest Musician: How to Thrive in Your Creative Career

• The Crushing Classical podcast

• Thinking about starting your podcast? Schedule a call with Eric and Heidi to discuss how Red House Productions can help bring your vision to life!

• Subscribe to Crushing Classical and explore Jennet’s journey of creativity and empowerment.

• Podcast: Crushing Classical

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In today’s episode, Eric Begay welcomes Joel Dallow, host of The Cello Sherpa Podcast and professional cellist with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra since 1999. Joel shares his journey from a full-time music career to podcasting, detailing his inspiration to create a resource for aspiring musicians and professionals. Joel discusses his passion for storytelling, how learning to edit shaped his podcast, and his commitment to providing valuable content for young musicians and his peers.

The episode also explores Joel’s experience of handing over editing duties to Red House Productions, reclaiming time to focus on creating impactful content. The conversation highlights the importance of consistency, organic growth, and connecting with others to build a successful podcast.

Joel shares advice for new podcasters, emphasizing persistence, the value of professional branding, and the benefits of delegating tasks. He reflects on lessons learned over 100 episodes of The Cello Sherpa Podcast, and even hints at ideas for a second podcast celebrating excellence across diverse fields.

Episode 12 – Resources Mentioned:

• The Cello Sherpa Podcast
• Adobe Audition for podcast editing
• NPR’s Fresh Air with Terry Gross
• Yo-Yo Ma interview on The Cello Sherpa Podcast
• Social media platforms for promotion: Instagram Reels, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, and Blue Sky

Call to Action:

• Are you ready to take your podcast to the next level? Let Red House Productions help you create a show that inspires and resonates with your audience!
• Visit our website to learn more about our editing and production services.

Guest’s Information:

• Joel Dallow
• • Host of The Cello Sherpa Podcast
  • Professional cellist with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
  • Connect with Joel: The Cello Sherpa Podcast Website

Follow Us!

• Follow Us via TikTok
• Follow Us via LinkedIn
• Follow Us via Instagram
• Join Our Private Facebook Group
• Join Our Newsletter
• Visit Our Website
• Join the Red House Productions’ Accelerator Program!