The Indie Podcast Shark Tank Show Concept Catches Fire -- Or Just Smoldering

In a recent Ear Worthy article, I pitched a financial investing opportunity for successful entrepreneurs to participate in a Shark Tank-style show for indie podcast investors.

For review's sake, here's the premise. We'd start with four indie podcasting entrepreneurs, such as Liam Heffernan of the Mercury Podcast Network, Donald Albright from Tenderfoot TV (if that network ever decides to collaborate with indie podcasters), Arielle Nissenblatt of EarBuds Podcast Collective, and someone from Next Chapter Podcasts, if they were to seriously consider incorporating existing indie podcasts.

Just like in Shark Tank, these four indie podcasting entrepreneurs would hear pitches from indie podcasters, who would play them a two-minute trailer. Then, after interviewing the indie podcasters, the Podcast Sharks would then make bids on the shows. If the indie podcast has a video version, then the video trailer could be played. At the same time, the audio-only version could supply images during the trailer playback or show a video of the audio-only version. 

I now have names that we will pitch to be part of this concept. They include Sir James Ratcliffe, Reed Hastings, Reid Hoffman, Melinda French Gates, Mark Cuban, and Sheryl Sandberg. 

 We have also received an enthusiastic response from indie podcasters, who have been waiting impatiently for venture capitalists to make a wise investment in them. 

By far, the most enthusiastic and full-throated response was from one of my favorite indie podcasters, Forrest Kelly of The Best 5 Minute Wine Podcast. 

If you're into wine, check out The Best 5 Minute Wine Podcast. Forrest Kelly is a seasoned pro who can fascinate with his visits to wineries around the world. I love the five-minute increments. Kelly has multiple episodes on one winery or topic due to the runtime, which makes editing a chore for him and his team, but it is a seamless process for listeners. 

On Forrest's blog, he wrote about the idea. Here is his blog post:

"In his recent article, We Need a Shark Tank Show for Independent Podcasters, podcast advocate and storyteller Frank Racioppi pitched an idea that deserves real attention: a Shark Tank-style platform where indie podcasters pitch their shows to a panel of experienced creators, investors, and audio insiders.

I was thrilled (and flattered) to see my name included as a potential panelist. Frank’s been a big proponent of this concept—and of indie podcasters like myself who blend insight, heart, and a little humor.

As the host of The Best 5 Minute Wine Podcast, I’ve built a fast-paced, globally ranked show by mixing storytelling with personality (and the occasional grumpy winemaker character named Sour Grapes). If I were on this panel, I’d bring sharp feedback, real-world strategy, and the kind of levity that reminds us why we started podcasting in the first place."

Well said, Forrest. 

I will be contacting these billionaires to request their financial input on Indie podcast investment support. After all, if Jeff Bezos can spend $50 million on his wedding to Lauren Sanchez, then clearly these billionaires can spare a little extra cash to assist some of the most creatively innovative people in media — independent podcasters. 

Come to think of it, Oprah was at Bezos's wedding. "Hey, Oprah, why can't you help independent podcasters?"

It'd be like on your old show.

Oprah: "I LOVE INDIE PODCASTERS!"

Oprah, handing out piles of cash to indie podcasters on her show: "The Life Shift gets a million! 6 Degrees Of Cats gets a million. Floating Space gets a million. Walk And Roll Live gets a million!"

How about Trump's big, beautiful bill? If you're going to bankrupt the nation with $3 trillion of debt in the next decade, can't you spare a few cents for independent podcasters? 

Anyway, suppose the Shark Tank doesn't gain traction. In that case, we will propose a new show, America's Got Indie Podcaster Talent, featuring Howie, Sophia, Simon, and Mel B. Competing for the one-million-dollar prize, indie podcasters perform their two-minute trailer on the show. I'd love to see Tania Mohammad perform Karachi Nights on the show!