Listen "EP#348 | DSD | Behind the Mic: Growth, ZIPPIX, & the Future of Deep Shallow Dive"
Episode Synopsis
🎙️ EP#348 | DSD | Behind the Mic: Growth, ZIPPIX, & the Future of Deep Shallow DiveIn this raw and revealing solo episode, Ray D steps behind the mic to give listeners a full breakdown of the Deep Shallow Dive’s evolution—where it’s been, where it’s going, and why everything is about to change. After a streak of guest-packed episodes featuring historian Christine Hill, ER physician Dr. Ter Ahmad, and influencer-turned-critic Matt Kim, Ray dives into the strategic shift towards video, viral clips, and a full-on content upgrade to supercharge growth and visibility.Ray opens up about the realities of podcasting economics—from platform deals and CPM models to direct ad sponsorships and dynamic ad insertion. This isn't just a techy tangent—it’s a full-blown masterclass in monetization and why creators must embrace video to truly thrive. He drops eye-popping numbers on Joe Rogan’s Spotify deal, Tucker Carlson’s ad rates, and the income potential of short-form repurposed content, driving home why DSD is entering its next phase.The episode also unveils a brand-new partnership with Zipix Nicotine Toothpicks, a sponsor Ray was initially skeptical about until he dug into their "step-down" model aimed at reducing nicotine dependency. It's a bold move that reflects Ray’s commitment to realism over idealism—and his ability to call a spade a spade while still offering solutions. If you're a creator, entrepreneur, or just someone chasing a better way to scale an idea, this episode is your roadmap.🔥 Top 5 Key Points:Why DSD is moving from audio-only to video-first episodesThe economic breakdown of podcast monetization, including CPM and sponsorship modelsHow one viral clip can 5X your following overnight (case study: Matt Kim & the Titan Sub)Inside the deal with new sponsor Zipix and its nicotine "step-down" philosophyRay’s vision for studio interviews, content clipping, and long-term brand growth🔑 Keywords & Themes:podcast monetization, video podcasting, viral content strategy, Zipix, nicotine toothpicks, step-down method, Tucker Carlson, Joe Rogan, CPM model, YouTube shorts, dynamic ad insertion, sponsorship deals, Deep Shallow Dive, creator economy, guest interviews, podcast scaling, influencer growth, remote vs. studio interviews, Matt Kim, Christine Hill, Dr. Ter Ahmad, long-form content, social media virality, content repurposing, entrepreneurship, branding, podcasting future, content strategy⏳ Chapters & Timestamps:00:00 – Recap of the last 3 guest episodes06:15 – The DSD journey: 348 episodes and counting08:10 – Why audio-only podcasts don't scale12:00 – The video advantage: virality, clipping & distribution14:40 – Enter Zipix: The nicotine toothpick sponsor23:00 – What is a “step-down” nicotine strategy?26:00 – The money in podcasting: How creators really get paid30:00 – The $50K ad spot: Inside Tucker’s model33:00 – How CPM works & why YouTube is king36:15 – Why repurposing clips is essential39:00 – Final thoughts on brand partnerships & the future of DSD42:00 – A personal confession: Ray’s past as a social smoker45:00 – Zipix ad spot & episode outro📢 Follow & Engage with Deep Shallow Dive:📌 Facebook📌 Instagram📌 TikTok📌 YouTube📌 Twitter📌 Threads🎯 Top 7 Key Points:🎥 Video is the Future of Podcasting💸 How the Big Pods Make Real Money🧪 Zipix: A Step-Down Nicotine Solution📊 Inside the CPM Model📈 The Power of Repurposing Clips🎤 Why Studio Interviews Matter🔥 The Next Phase of Deep Shallow Dive
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