375: Andreea Coscai on Podcast Growth Strategies in Europe

Andreea Coscai 00:00:00:

It's really so hard to convert someone from a non listener to a listener and to a podcast lover. I try to. I honestly try to do it with my friends all the time. And whatever conversation we're having, I just tell them, I have a podcast for you. Like, I know exactly what, you know, you could listen to, but they rarely do, or if they do, they're not going to listen to a second one as well and get into the habit of it. So that is really the kind of, you know, philosophy and mindset that leads our approach to marketing. And that's why we focus so much on cross promos and, you know, features in podcasting newsletters. And then when it comes to social media, it's a great tool and my view is kind of changing on it a little bit.

Harry Duran 00:00:42:

Andrea Koskai, thank you so much for joining me on Podcast Junkies.

Andreea Coscai 00:00:46:

Thank you so much for the invitation. I'm really excited to be here and to be talking to you.

Harry Duran 00:00:51:

So we were chatting a little bit about mutual friends like Ariel, who apparently everyone in the podcasting space knows now. Yeah. And I'm just curious how paths cross and I've seen some of the things that you've been posting online and some how busy you've been. So where's home for you?

Andreea Coscai 00:01:08:

Home is in Bucharest, but I have been everywhere a little bit and just kind of. Yeah. Back in the home base for now.

Harry Duran 00:01:17:

That's so funny. I just had a conversation with someone yesterday from Bucharest.

Andreea Coscai 00:01:21:

Oh, how come? Was it also podcasting related?

Harry Duran 00:01:24:

It was podcasting related. His name is Eric Melchor and he hosts a, like a group of folks, like B2B podcasters. And he just, he's in the podcasting space as well. So maybe I'll connect you guys and be surprising. You know, I'm sure it's a small podcast network out there as well.

Andreea Coscai 00:01:44:

Yeah, yeah. Please do connect to us. I mean, we're going to get into it more later for sure, but I feel like that's something that's. That could be worked on a little bit here, at least in Romania, having that community of podcasters getting together and supporting one another. But yeah, I'd love to be connected. It's. Yeah.

Harry Duran 00:02:03:

How'd you end up there in Bucharest?

Andreea Coscai 00:02:06:

Yeah, that's where I'm from.

Harry Duran 00:02:08:

You're born and raised?

Andreea Coscai 00:02:09:

Yes, born and raised here. And then I lived in China for a couple of years and then I lived in the States for five years and then came back here because, I mean, I really enjoyed the States and meeting everyone There, especially the podcasting industry, which is, you know, everyone is looking towards the United States, but at the same time, I was feeling a little bit tired of the hustle culture. Not that in Romania there is no hustle culture, because it. There definitely is, but I just wanted to reconnect with home for a little bit. So, yeah, back here for now, back in Europe, where.

Harry Duran 00:02:45:

What brought you to the States?

Andreea Coscai 00:02:46:

I was doing an academic program, and then I was just getting into podcasting there and, you know, stayed for a while. I was on the east coast and then I came to LA for a year. Two very different experiences, I have to say.

Harry Duran 00:03:00:

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Andreea Coscai 00:03:01:

In terms of podcasting as well. But, yeah, I really enjoyed it. So I was getting into production at first, working with the different clients as a freelancer, doing a little bit of social media work as well, which I have some thoughts on, which we might get to later. And then got into marketing with Tink.

Harry Duran 00:03:23:

Yes. You've been in the podcasting space a lot. So what was your earliest, like, connection to podcasting? Were you coming into it as a fan or how did you become aware of it?

Andreea Coscai 00:03:32:

So I've. I mean, I think, like everyone in podcasting, this is a bit, you know, of a cliche story, but it is what it is. I have always loved the radio. I was. I remember even being, you know, like, when I was little and I used to pretend that I was on the radio. I was in my room and my dad would come barging in and say, I told you not to talk to strangers on the Internet. And I would say, no, you don't get it. I'm on the radio right now.

Harry Duran 00:03:58:

That's so cute.

Andreea Coscai 00:04:00:

Yeah, yeah. So I just. I always loved the radio. And then I started hearing about podcasts. When I was in the States, I had a mentor, Senmper, who is amazing. She is Turkish, but also in the States a lot. And she's more of a sound artist, actually. But she recommended the Heart to me, the Heart from Caitlin Press. And I mean, I just fell in love and I was just wondering, wow, you can do this with audio. And this is a podcast. And then I started listening to another one was believed from npr, which I just love. That's kind of the podcast that I'm still into. More narrative and investigative. Yeah. So that's kind of. And then it just rolled from there.

Harry Duran 00:04:44:

If you can think back to yourself as that small girl, like, fascinated with the radio, can you think about what it was that was, like, attractive to you or what it was that was like really exciting about that.

Andreea Coscai 00:04:56:

Yeah. I think because it wasn't even about being a DJ on the radio necessarily. I mean, that was part of it. Right. Because that's what. I wasn't listening to radios that were playing the news when I was a kid necessarily. I think it was just always fun to play with my voice. Now, thinking about it, I was also doing theater a lot.

Harry Duran 00:05:17:

Okay.

Andreea Coscai 00:05:17:

Okay. Yeah, yeah, yeah. So, you know, acting and using my body, but also my voice and playing with it, and I actually never thought about it before, so it's such a great question. And it makes a lot of sense that those things were intertwined. Yeah.

Harry Duran 00:05:31:

How long did you study acting for?

Andreea Coscai 00:05:33:

6, 7, 8 years even. I was trying. I mean, I really enjoyed it and I wanted to keep going with it, but it's such a hard world. And so, yeah, to make it in. So I just wanted to do something more stable. But actually, I've been doing some voice acting recently in some projects, so, yeah, it was fun to get back to that and reconnect.

Harry Duran 00:05:56:

Yeah. When I was in New York years ago, I studied acting for about three years as well. So, yeah, had got the headshots, had aspirations for that, but then I just got pulled into other things, like entrepreneurship related. But it's funny, when I was starting the podcast, I was thinking about the ideas and what was inspiring me. And I remember that show Inside the Actor Studio with James Lipton, and he would like, interview these actors for like an hour and then. Oh, you can actually. Yeah, I don't think it's around anymore. I think he might have even passed on, but essentially he would have, like, an actor on and interview him for like an hour. And normally you see an actor on stage and. Or on a screen, you know nothing about them and they're just playing a role, but here they're, like, being their own person and, like, talking. And I was like, oh, that's. I want to do that. But for podcasting, like, tell the stories behind the microphone. So that was like the one connection from acting to podcasting, because I was really a fan of that show.

Andreea Coscai 00:06:47:

Yeah. Yeah, I love that. And I think, well, I mean, actors do their PR tours all the time, but it's so different to have them yaw on a mic with an amazing interviewer than just in a video clearly made to promote whatever they're working on. Yeah.

Harry Duran 00:07:02:

How do you feel about the influence of AI and its effect on people creating podcasts? We're actually testing. We have a show with another company that's doing a small news Recap. That's pure AI and as a voice actor, I think about all the services that I've used in the past where I've used voice actors and some of them, and I'm wondering what you're hearing or how that's affecting the industry.

Andreea Coscai 00:07:24:

I mean, that's a great question. The issue I posted today on Eurowaves was about AI.

Harry Duran 00:07:30:

Okay.

Andreea Coscai 00:07:31:

I mean, yeah, it's such a hot topic, but also it's so important for the European industry because one of our limitations is the language differences and because of that we cannot, you know, work together as much. We cannot do cross promos even in marketing or, you know, co productions are also difficult. So it, I mean, it's definitely an important topic. I am personally torn. I think, you know, of course there are good things about it, there are bad things about it, but honestly, I don't think we can avoid it. I think we, we better get on that train. Right. Yeah. And just make sure that we're using it in a way that is ethical and culturally sensitive. And then also think how we can use the skills that we already have in, you know, kind of working together with it and finding new, new ways that we can use our time, you know. But I think, yeah, for voice acting, I mean, I wouldn't want to lose the human element as well because that's so important. But yeah, so it's really.

Harry Duran 00:08:35:

Yeah, it's interesting and I wonder, it's obviously related to demand and how much people are probably going to miss that as. Because it's like a pendulum. Right. There's going to be such a swing now to the AI and you can sort of hear they are getting better and better. But there's some, you know, hopefully we don't lose that ability to detect that warmth in a real human voice, you know, because we could get so, you know, they could just keep improving the algorithm and they could like, you know, there's a warmth knob or something.

Andreea Coscai 00:09:00:

Yeah.

Harry Duran 00:09:01:

To make it make this sound more warmer. But I think there'll be, you know, it's almost going to be like if it's human, it's going to have like a more valuable, like value for people who are looking for content. Like, it almost looks like we're going to get to a point where it's going to have to have a label on it. Like created with all human.

Andreea Coscai 00:09:18:

Yeah. I mean there's already that on social media, for example. Right. Like created with AI. So why wouldn't that be the case for audio? And you're so right. There are some tools that make it sound so natural, which is so creepy but insane and fascinating.

Harry Duran 00:09:35:

It's crazy because. Do you Remember that movie A.I. with Jude Law? It's.

Andreea Coscai 00:09:40:

No, it was.

Harry Duran 00:09:41:

Steven Spielberg created it. And it's about basically a future where the AIs are sentient and they're rope, you know, they're AI robots but they're living in hum. In the world with humans. Right. Which is where we're getting to. Which is kind of weird. But eventually like they start treat them bad and so they become like a minority and there's like people that against robots and I don't want to spoil it. It's a fantastic movie. You should definitely check it out with Steven Spielberg directed it. It's really good. But it's so like prescient like about where we were headed and you know, you. Or even movies on the other side, movies like the Terminator, you're like, oh, okay. Like yeah, some of that stuff is actually happening.

Andreea Coscai 00:10:18:

Yeah, yeah.

Harry Duran 00:10:19:

But I think like when ChatGPT started really picking up, I had a thought that one of the most important things we can learn as a skill is how to talk to robots, you know, because if we're going to be working with these tools and using them for our benefit. Because I, you know, use ChatGPT like daily @ this point.

Andreea Coscai 00:10:33:

Yeah, me too.

Harry Duran 00:10:34:

Become like my research assistant and it's a matter of just how creative you can be with the prompts.

Andreea Coscai 00:10:38:

Yeah.

Harry Duran 00:10:39:

So like, I mean I agree with you, it's a fine balance, but I don't think, I mean, cat's out of the bag and there's no going back at this point.

Andreea Coscai 00:10:45:

Yeah, it's. I mean it's true and it's definitely what you said. Also knowing how to use it, I think, you know, when Google appeared, people having to learn, how do you Google, how do you use Google? You know, so it's. Yeah, yeah, yeah. It's kind of the same thing. If you use it for the right reasons and you know, with intention and all of that, then it can be really useful. I know another thing that people are really worried about is the effects on the environment, which is, you know, a very.

Harry Duran 00:11:11:

Yeah.

Andreea Coscai 00:11:12:

Valid concern.

Harry Duran 00:11:14:

Yeah, lots to think about. So what was your first podcasting job?

Andreea Coscai 00:11:20:

My first podcasting job. I'm sure it was a production one. I forget which one was the very first, but I know one of the first ones Anyway was for St. Washington University in St. Louis.

Harry Duran 00:11:35:

Oh yeah.

Andreea Coscai 00:11:36:

And they did this podcast that was archival and historical on the architecture in St. Louis.

Harry Duran 00:11:44:

Okay.

Andreea Coscai 00:11:44:

Yeah.

Harry Duran 00:11:44:

And how'd you get that job?

Andreea Coscai 00:11:46:

Through connections. How it always happened. I forget who connected me with them, but. Yeah.

Harry Duran 00:11:52:

And how did you. Because it's, you know, obviously these people, like, are you entering the podcast space? And listen, and there's still people, like, as long as we've been doing it, there's people that are just discovering it now. So how did you feel as that being your first job? Did you. Were you practicing, like, editing on the side or like. Yeah, I'm curious about that.

Andreea Coscai 00:12:11:

I was, I was for sure because for this one, so I was doing production, but that also meant editing, in this case, researching, finding guests, all of that. So, yes, I was trying to multitask. And, you know, given that it was the first project, I think they also had some funding from the university. It was steady. Yeah. We also took our time. It wasn't a rush necessarily. And I'm pretty sure too, it was a limited series, if I remember correctly. So, yeah, there was less pressure in the beginning, but I. Yeah, I'm happy with the product.

Harry Duran 00:12:42:

So then you had some stints as a podcast editor with Moon 31, and then you started working with Yerba Buena center as well?

Andreea Coscai 00:12:48:

Yes. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Harry Duran 00:12:50:

What was your experience there like?

Andreea Coscai 00:12:53:

Yeah, it was great. I mean, I was doing marketing, which, you know, what I enjoyed about it is the, like, the industry, because it was in nonprofits. I also started a nonprofit in 2020 in Romania.

Harry Duran 00:13:07:

Okay.

Andreea Coscai 00:13:07:

It's called Her Time Romania, and so a nonprofit for the arts. Given that I had the theater background and everything, it was a really good match and the people were great. And then I also worked on a tool that they had for artists, which I really enjoyed contributing to. But I also think, and it showed from back then too, when I was working there, that the non profit world is a little bit shaky in terms of, you know, funding, especially now. Yeah, more than ever. So. Yeah.

Harry Duran 00:13:37:

So after that you started doing a lot of freelance work and then eventually founded your own company?

Andreea Coscai 00:13:42:

No, I didn't find my own company just yet.

Harry Duran 00:13:45:

What's the hard time remaining?

Andreea Coscai 00:13:46:

That's a nonprofit.

Harry Duran 00:13:48:

Oh, it's a non profit. Yes, because I saw that you were listed as a founder there.

Andreea Coscai 00:13:51:

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Founder of the nonprofit.

Harry Duran 00:13:54:

Okay, well, what type of work are you doing there?

Andreea Coscai 00:13:57:

So I started in 2020 because I was in the States and I just felt very disconnected from Romania.

Harry Duran 00:14:05:

What a time to be in the states.

Andreea Coscai 00:14:06:

Yeah. Also 2020. Yeah. But I. Yeah, so I felt very disconnected and I really wanted to give back because I was just thinking of all the young people who have so much potential and they are maybe not aware of different opportunities for growth. And that was also a time when I was working for a member of the parliament who passed a law on street harassment. So sexual street harassment, when you know you're being, I don't know, catcalled or harassed in any way. And I was really getting into more of the feminism side of things, so I combined those two. Yeah. And it grew into a beautiful community five years later. We've had so many volunteers that made a mark on it. And our mission is to encourage young women towards leadership through networking. And we do that through events and social media, raise awareness campaigns. Yeah. And it's really important work because we're trying to encourage young women to see themselves as whatever they want to be, whichever context they're in, and also have enough resources to educate themselves and feel safe in their communities and encourage others to, you know, do the same. So that's. Yeah, that's what we do there.

Harry Duran 00:15:23:

Was that a big shift for you when you came to the States in terms of culture? You know, you talk about experiences in Romania and then I don't know, what was the, the eye opening experiences for you when you came to the States, obviously coming especially coming into cities like New York and la.

Andreea Coscai 00:15:37:

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Well, it was definitely a cultural shock, I would say. Yeah, it's very interesting because. And I got this from your conversation with Oscar too, because there's just so much pop culture in from the States in Romania. So we listen to American music, we watch American movies. So you go there and you think, oh, I know everything about the States. I know what this place is like, you know, I'm. Yeah, I know everything. And then you really don't. Yeah, because. Yeah. And honestly, for someone coming in, it's even the little things like how much ice is in a cup versus how much ice we have in Europe. Or.

Harry Duran 00:16:15:

That's funny.

Andreea Coscai 00:16:16:

Yeah, that's definitely a thing. Or the food. Or like when someone asks you how's it going? And it's not necessarily to like continue a conversation is just they say hi.

Harry Duran 00:16:27:

It's their way of saying hi. And they just keep walking.

Andreea Coscai 00:16:29:

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. That was shocking.

Harry Duran 00:16:30:

But other than the ice thing is funny. So like we just go crazy with ice. And the cops.

Andreea Coscai 00:16:34:

Oh, yeah.

Harry Duran 00:16:35:

Is that.

Andreea Coscai 00:16:36:

Yeah, yeah, yeah. And I got so used to that that I had a reverse cultural shock when I moved back to Romania.

Harry Duran 00:16:43:

Yeah. It's crazy because you think about it like mostly, I guess, in fast Foods. I haven't been in a fast food restaurant in a while, but even in Starbucks, like, they'll just like. It's like all of it ice, a little bit watered down coffee is basically what it becomes.

Andreea Coscai 00:16:55:

Yeah, yeah. There's barely any, like, liquid there. Yeah. So things like that. But then also I would just say, well, for Romanians, too, was a lot of this, you know, American dream how it is, or was, at least for so many people. So I was just also very excited for the different opportunities and meeting so many people. And one of the things that I enjoyed the most was the cultural diversity of the States. You know, you could go to Chinatown, you could go to an Ethiopian restaurant, you could go to, you know, a, like a Latin American, like, food fair. So, yeah, that was one of the most fun things for me about being there.

Harry Duran 00:17:38:

Where did this inspiration for you or this motivation for you come? You know, you talked about the work you're doing with the nonprofit with her Time Romania, and advocating for women and advocating for people that don't get a lot of visibility or don't get a lot of exposure. Is that values that you were raised with or. I'm just curious where that comes from.

Andreea Coscai 00:17:59:

You know, not explicitly, I don't think. Raised with those values. I mean, yes, values of, you know, empathy and respect for others, but I don't think there was this social awareness necessarily. Yeah. So I think it was just through experiences a lot. And then also, to be honest, being in the States around so many people that care about these issues and advocate for them, there's a big activist, you know, circle as well, and bubble in Romania, but it's way smaller. So I definitely think that the culture in the States had an impact on me in that sense that, you know, made me realize a lot of things and what could be done better in Romania.

Harry Duran 00:18:41:

Yeah, yeah. It's an interesting time to be in the States as well. And sure, watching from afar, you know, it probably feels like you're watching a movie and being in it as well. It's like crazy. You don't know from one day, from the next. Is. Is what's happening heading in the right direction or are we headed over the cliff? So I'm sure it's always interesting to speak to people from other countries on their perspective, especially people that have lived here.

Andreea Coscai 00:19:05:

Yeah, it definitely. I don't know if it feels surreal anymore. Unfortunately. We might be past that, but.

Harry Duran 00:19:13:

Yeah, that's true.

Andreea Coscai 00:19:14:

Yeah. But I work with, you know, people who are from the States and live in the States, so I get to hear, like, firsthan what it is like on your end as well, and also how it. Not necessarily how it spreads to the rest of the world, but how it's also rising in the rest of the world, including in Romania and in Europe. So it's. Yeah, I think it's a collective feeling of. Okay, and insert whatever after this.

Harry Duran 00:19:42:

Yeah. Have an open mind.

Andreea Coscai 00:19:44:

Yeah.

Harry Duran 00:19:44:

So how did you get connected to the duo of Lauren and Ariel, both of whom have been on the show, and they're fantastic podcasting advocates.

Andreea Coscai 00:19:52:

Yes. So I got connected with them through the Public Radio New York City listserv because I was in between jobs and, you know, I just wanted to find more projects to work on for podcasting. Also, getting into production is very difficult. Very, very difficult, especially if you don't have the NPR credentials or, you know, really like a solid portfolio. There is just a lot of competition for freelance producers. So I sent out an email and I put myself out there for, you know, any kind of work like production marketing. However, I can help you intern, whatever. Yes, just something to get into volunteering. No, because I could have done that at NPR too, but. Yeah, yeah. Talking about the hustle culture. Yeah, yeah. And then Ariel got back to me and she said, oh, we're actually looking for more people at Tinker. So I got on a call with her and with Lauren, and we hit it off from the get go. And then I've been working there since January 2023, so two years and a bit now. Yeah.

Harry Duran 00:20:59:

What's been your experience working with that team?

Andreea Coscai 00:21:01:

Amazing. Amazing. I love everyone there, and I've been learning so much, and I feel like I could also bring in so much of my own experience, having been everywhere. And I also love languages. I'm a big language fan, so I'm trying to use that as well in my work. There's such amazing people, and they're so dedicated to their work and what's really special about it and what I resonate with, why I feel so lucky is because the clients we work with are really passionate podcasters about what they do. Even if they're independent or with a network or, you know, whatever their background is, they just love their work, and that really gives us such a boost to help them. And, you know, you feel like you're making a. A real difference for creators because it. Yeah, it can be tough, but when you have so much love for what you do and there are people who have your back. Yeah, it's really rewarding.

Harry Duran 00:21:58:

Do you see in yourself how you've grown as a podcast producer just from the time you spent there?

Andreea Coscai 00:22:04:

Yes, absolutely. Absolutely now because I'm also starting to look more into production work as well. I've. Because I've just been mainly doing marketing for the past couple of. There is so much that you learn from doing marketing and audience development for a show for when you're a producer or you're developing the content because, you know, you got to do that in mind with how you're going to promote it, how you're going to give it out to people, how you're just going to get your listener base and who your target audience is. And like, all the little things that you take into consideration, I think they go hand in hand. Yeah, yeah. So it's helps immensely.

Harry Duran 00:22:43:

A lot of times, you know, I remember having conversations with some folks who were doing producing years ago, and they're producing these, like, exquisite, beautiful, like, podcast productions, you know, music, storytelling. And then a lot of times, you know, they would just hand it over to the client and be like, okay, now you go market. And so I had conversations with some folks, you know, because they were creating these beautiful shows, but they weren't like, putting the time in. And so, you know, a lot of times podcasters obviously need that aspect. You know, they need something, you know, beautifully produced, which is important. But what did you learn or, you know, how did you start educating your clients in terms of how to think differently about marketing, especially pre launch and then once the show is live?

Andreea Coscai 00:23:27:

Yeah, I think one of the main things, and this is kind of intertwined with social media, is that the best way to market your podcast is to go where podcast lovers already are. It's so. And this is something we talk about a lot. So it might have been something that Lauren tackled too, in her conversation with you.

Harry Duran 00:23:47:

Yeah, well, it's something that this audience can't hear enough. So I'm curious on your perspective, like, how you think about that.

Andreea Coscai 00:23:53:

Yeah, well, I mean, it's really so hard to convert someone from a non listener to a listener and to a podcast lover. I try to. I honestly try to do it with my friends all the time. And whatever conversation we're having, I just tell them, I have a podcast for you. Like, I know exactly what, you know, you could listen to, but they rarely do, or if they do, they're not going to listen to a second one as well and get into the habit of it. So that is really the kind of, you know, philosophy and mindset that leads our approach to marketing. And that's why we Focus so much on cross promos and, you know, features in podcasting, newsletters. And then when it comes to social media, it's a great tool. And my view is kind of changing on it a little bit because I used to think it cannot do much for you. If anything, it's more so for engaging with your audience. But I think if you're starting from scratch, really from nothing, and, you know, you're really putting some effort into it, you can really build your presence there and get some people involved. So I think it can have an impact. But, yeah, definitely going where audio lovers already are. They're looking for the next thing to listen to. Our cues are full already. So full. But, yeah, I'll add it to my queue.

Harry Duran 00:25:05:

Yeah, it's so. I think it just bears repeating. And I could probably mention on every single episode, like, the best place to find a podcast listener is, like, where people already listen to podcast. So you can, you know, they already have you in their earbuds and listen. If they're listening to a show, clearly they know about podcasting, you know, and they appreciate the medium. And so it's an easy next step to say, oh, I could add one more show. Yeah, I've heard the number. I don't know if you agree, but they've said, you know, typically people can have about five shows as their core shows that they're always listening to because there's just only so much time in the day. And sometimes, like, it's a challenge to, like, get in that circle of shows that you want to be because you want to make it into people's, like, regular rotation. You want to be part of their daily routine.

Andreea Coscai 00:25:46:

Yeah, yeah, I think that's a fair assessment for sure. On my end, I would say, because I'm always trying to look out for new podcasts. I feel like, yeah, I have about five that I listen to, but that are new, and then I have to drop them or after I finish the series, you know, that's. It's what it is. But other times I'm more in the mood of, like, yeah, I just want to listen to my regular podcast that I'm enjoying. Yeah, it's also, I mean, to the question of are there too many podcasts that a lot of people ask, and then, you know, I see the answer. Are there too many books? Are there too many movies? You know, I mean, we're already exactly oversaturated with content from all places. And I think just as long as you know what you're into and yeah, you're Open to discovering new stuff. There's going to be a place for your show.

Harry Duran 00:26:31:

Are you still a 1x listener or do you dabble with like the one.

Andreea Coscai 00:26:35:

And a half at two times speed?

Harry Duran 00:26:37:

Two times. And it's just a function of getting through the content, right?

Andreea Coscai 00:26:41:

Yes, yes, yes. Because especially for a series which I really enjoy and I binge, I mean, I just. Yeah, I want to.

Harry Duran 00:26:48:

Just have to.

Andreea Coscai 00:26:49:

Yeah. And I want to find out what happens and then. But I have to say there's some podcasts that their sound design is so special and there's so much work put into it that it's really a shame and even disrespectful if I listen on two times speed. And it's such a different listening experiences. You don't get the silences, you don't get the tension moments. And. Yeah. So I try to slow down too, sometimes.

Harry Duran 00:27:12:

Yeah. And if you think about the. If you put yourself in the shoes of the podcast producer, like they're taking the time to create this experience and I'm sure they just cringe every time they think about all the people that are going to be listening to their show at 2x, you know, but it is. Yeah. The ones that are produced with like thought and music and a narrative and an arc, you know, you almost have to like, give it that time. But. But there's again, like, I agree there's only so much time in the day. And if it's like, you know, interview based shows or something where I'm just learning something, I feel I always get that vision of like Neo in the Matrix when they're like, do you know how to fly this helicopter? And he. And he's like, no. And then they plug him something in the back of his head. He's like. He's like, okay, now I know. And so it's like. And that's. I feel like that's sometimes a podcast because I'm learning so much and sometimes I feel like I'll remember something I learned a while ago. But it's just a matter of like. I think it's just a curious mind on my part where I'm just like, there's so much fascinating stuff to learn.

Andreea Coscai 00:28:08:

Yeah.

Harry Duran 00:28:08:

And then there's new big podcasts. Like the telepathy tapes were just like blown my mind. And I've been fascinated with that series as well.

Andreea Coscai 00:28:15:

Yeah. Yeah. And I think that's the beauty of podcasting. I mean, personally, I don't know if I would ever, I don't know, watch a video or watch A series or anything on something that is super niche. But if I read it in Lauren's podcast, the newsletter, because she listens to so many different types of podcasts that I'm like, how did someone think to make a podcast about this? But it's so fascinating. So, yeah, you gotta. Yeah, it like, piques your interest.

Harry Duran 00:28:41:

Yeah. So talk to me about the start of Eurowaves.

Andreea Coscai 00:28:44:

Yeah, well, Eurowaves came to be because since I came back to Romania, I've still been in the U. S. Podcasting space, as, you know, with Tink and then also with Earbuds, because I edit the newsletter. But I also really wanted to see what's going on this side of the world and also how we can connect more with each other. I've been looking into the podcasting space in Romania and, you know, trying to make some observations. It's really, I would say celebrity and video based on one end, which is not very different than other industries. Right. But at the same time, there is like a huge circle of independent podcasters in entrepreneurship psychology, all different. They're interesting types of topics, but the. There isn't really a culture of collaboration as much as there is in the States. And so I. Yeah, I just thought to myself, let me see what's going on even outside. Let me zoom out a little bit more than Romania and started learning about different places. And I think there is a need and also definitely a want from the conversations I've been having and from the newsletter community and the listservice started, there is a want for people, European podcasters to connect and even, you know, American podcasters connect with European podcasters. And even further than that. I think that's the beauty of it. If we can learn from each other.

Harry Duran 00:30:11:

What was the experience like or the exposure after having that conversation with James Kridland on Pod News?

Andreea Coscai 00:30:17:

Yeah, with Sam. It was. Oh, yeah, yeah, it was a great conversation. I mean, it was at the. More so at the beginning right. Of the newsletter. So I was still, like, trying to get some conclusions from it and. Yeah, well, if I look back at some of the answers I gave back then and what I would give now, I would say some things still ring true, but there are definitely so many new things that I learned and possibilities and examples I can give on, you know, organizations and podcasters that are really trying to connect as well. Like, Wepod is a great one. And then also Studio Center, Laurie Martinez, Studio center is doing such amazing work. There is also this company in Germany called Color Media, and they have. They produced a Podcast called dig where you stand, which is in English, but about, you know, the history in Germany. So, yeah, there are a lot. I'm always on the hunt for new ones to review in the newsletters. I have to say it's a little hard to locate them sometimes because there are also so many from the Brussels European Union bubble. So I don't want to kind of repeat those. Yeah. But still learning. Yeah.

Harry Duran 00:31:30:

Yeah. Sam and James do such a great job on that show. And again, that's another one that it's hard to keep up because if you're not on top of, like, the content, like, even with POD news and then the Pod News weekly, at one point, I was up to date with all of them, But I think, because where Sam is, and Sam's been on the show as well, he's really a great personality. He's really a great advocate for podcasting as well. And also doing the work of, like, pulling in all these voices, you know, finding the people that are telling stories. And I really, like, applaud what they're doing because they're, like, highlighting, you know, especially people who are interested in podcasting to know that it's not just us centric, you know, and there's so many great things happening, and I think vice versa, you're probably seeing and learning from some of the stuff that, you know from your work at Earbuds and Tink, and now you can sort of take that back to see what's happening and how you can expand people's awareness of podcasting in Europe.

Andreea Coscai 00:32:22:

Yeah, yeah. And to just to go off of what you were talking about, Pod News, but also your work. I mean, POD News and, you know, your podcasts are such important resources for the industry, and the fact that you're so intentional about bringing in international voices and perspectives is crucial. And, yeah, everyone should do that. And the fact that you're, you know, kind of leading that is also really appreciated. So, yeah, I'm really grateful for that.

Harry Duran 00:32:52:

Oh, thank you. Yeah. I mean, I feel like I always have the show because it's, like, my connection to the podcasting space. And when I first started, I didn't know anything about podcasting or didn't know anyone in podcasting, but I said the best way to do that is to interview podcasters.

Andreea Coscai 00:33:07:

Yes.

Harry Duran 00:33:07:

So that's how I get, you know, I sort of forced myself into that world, and I started interviewing, like, the OGs, like the Dave Jacksons and Elsie Escobars and, you know, the people who were, like, paving the way early on. And then that gave me visibility, and it just got me excited to tell their stories because I feel at the end of the day, that's what I was just trying to do, to let other people know who are into podcasting, that there's so many different paths, so many different ways in. You know, there's no one type of podcasting. There's no, like, one type of voice. And it's been just fascinating because I. You know, maybe you think you're. I'll speak to a lot of podcasters in the beginning, and then the show will be over, but now it's just like, I'll never be able to, like, catch up and meet people. So I just. I love the opportunity to help me continue to, like, be better as an interviewer.

Andreea Coscai 00:33:52:

Yeah.

Harry Duran 00:33:52:

And just practice that skill. So it's, like a great tool to have to just. And. And there's always, like, new things going on, and I'll even have people that have been on years ago and say, come back on, like, what's been happening in your world. So it's very inspiring to do that.

Andreea Coscai 00:34:05:

Amazing. And I'm sure. I mean, I know there is so much work put into any podcast, but including yours. So. Yeah, it's amazing that it's also very rewarding and it's something for your. But also for the community. I think that's the best thing about podcasting, honestly, since I joined the industry, that everyone really is about community and helping each other and. Yeah. Connecting. And that's precious.

Harry Duran 00:34:31:

Have you made it to the podcasting conferences as well?

Andreea Coscai 00:34:34:

Well, I'm gonna make it to the one in London this year. Yeah.

Harry Duran 00:34:37:

Podcast show.

Andreea Coscai 00:34:38:

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Harry Duran 00:34:38:

Is that gonna be your first one?

Andreea Coscai 00:34:39:

It's gonna be my first one, yeah.

Harry Duran 00:34:41:

Oh, wow. Okay. That's gonna be good.

Andreea Coscai 00:34:43:

Yeah. Yeah.

Harry Duran 00:34:44:

Well, when you see Sam, tell him I said hi. Cause I. He keeps wanting me to come out there, but he's. He and I connected at Podcast Movement, like, a couple years ago, and he was just in the lobby, and he was just sitting by himself, and we came down and introduced him to a bunch of my podcasting friends there. And, you know, he's. Since, you know, he's doing such good things with, you know, that show, and he's helping the organizers there, and I think just being also what they're doing with the podcasting 2.0 space, you know, just really caring about and what he's doing with POD fans. And so he's just a great advocate. So. Yeah, what I love, I think everyone, when you go to Your first conference, the experience is like, everyone is so, like, nice, and then everyone is so helpful and they want to see you succeed and tell me what your show's about. And, you know, that's been my experience and the ones that I go to on a regular basis here, Podcast movement, podfast. It really is like a community once you start to get to know people.

Andreea Coscai 00:35:33:

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I'm so excited for it. I'll definitely say hi. And now, no pressure at all, because I would love as well to see you there, but no pressure.

Harry Duran 00:35:44:

Yeah. What are the dates again?

Andreea Coscai 00:35:46:

May 21st and 22nd.

Harry Duran 00:35:48:

Okay.

Andreea Coscai 00:35:48:

Yeah, so it's coming up now.

Harry Duran 00:35:51:

Yeah, it's coming up. So what are you thinking about yourself in terms of, like, the work you're doing with Tink and Euro Ways? Like, how do you plan out projects and, you know, what's on your plate and projects and goals you want to work on?

Andreea Coscai 00:36:04:

I think my main goal in whatever I do now that I'm trying to get back into production as well, is really finding those clients and those teams and people that I align with based on values and based on their passion for what they do. That's what really drives me at the end of the day. So that for sure, you know, in marketing and in production, and then, yeah, with all the connections that I'm building in the European space and with all the community, you know, of the newsletter and of the listserv and all of that, finding ways to actually connect the industries in the different countries. And I was talking to Lauren about this the other day, actually, but it's a difficult thing, and it makes you feel a little lost at times because it's something that few people have done before. You know, I was mentioning Wepod and Studio Centa, and. But it's. Yeah, so I'm just, like, thinking of different things to start to initiate and to get people more excited about what can be done. Really. That's where I'm at. And again, there's really. There's a want for it. I think also everyone else is wondering, how do we do that? Because of the limitations that come from the language as well. But talking about the need and the want for it. I mean, the podcast show, for example, they reached out and they said, let's do something together. And I said, yes. I mean, I was coming anyway, but, yes, let's do something together.

Harry Duran 00:37:29:

That's great.

Andreea Coscai 00:37:30:

Yeah. Yeah. So I'm really excited about that. And we're working on some spaces for European podcasters to, you know, network and hang out and Meet each other and I'll be speaking as well. So I'm excited to speak. Yeah. There are also other events that are not announced yet, but whenever they're announced, I will send them to you so we can share with the community to. Yeah, just other European events.

Harry Duran 00:37:54:

What are you going to be speaking on?

Andreea Coscai 00:37:55:

I'm not sure yet. I'm waiting to.

Harry Duran 00:37:57:

Okay.

Andreea Coscai 00:37:58:

And I'll be speaking, but I'm waiting to. Yeah, yeah. To see on what.

Harry Duran 00:38:03:

Have you spoken on stage before?

Andreea Coscai 00:38:05:

Not at a podcasting event? No. Again, I wanted to go. I meant to go in the States. I really wanted to go to podcast movement. I was considering going to the one this year too, but it's a far away trip and, you know, I didn't get to yet, so I'm excited.

Harry Duran 00:38:19:

Yeah, they're bringing it back to Texas where it started. It actually, it's so funny because it started as a Kickstarter Years ago in 2014, the first podcast movie. And there was so much interest because I remember I had just started my show, we were all like excited about. About podcasting and said a conference just for podcasting. Whoa, this is crazy.

Andreea Coscai 00:38:37:

Yeah.

Harry Duran 00:38:38:

And then they had to get a bigger hotel because it's so like the Kickstarter, like immediately hit their 10k mark and so they got a bigger hotel and that's. It sort of took off from there. So.

Andreea Coscai 00:38:47:

Yeah, yeah, I'm sure the energy was great. You know, I mean, you were talking.

Harry Duran 00:38:51:

About the energy now.

Andreea Coscai 00:38:52:

I'm sure in the beginning it was even more.

Harry Duran 00:38:55:

Yeah, a lot of like entrepreneurial podcasts there. In the beginning I was like, you know, those are a lot there in the beginning. And now it's like this huge thing. I think they actually, the podcast movement was acquired. So it's like big. It's like these corporate companies come in with these big booths and stuff. And so it's really like matured as an industry. So it's been wild to see.

Andreea Coscai 00:39:14:

Yeah.

Harry Duran 00:39:14:

When you put content together and you think about what you want to write on Eurowaves, like, what's that research process look like and how much time goes into, you know, the publication?

Andreea Coscai 00:39:23:

Yeah, well, practically, logistically, it's two hours, about two hours to draft it up and publish it and post on social media and everything. But the research, I would say it's ongoing. Even from before I started the newsletter, whenever I hear of or discover a new company organization, podcast in Europe, I add it to a database with different countries. And so it's always ongoing and I'm always messaging different podcasters to meet with them, you know, to have a call or to interview them. And I think in terms of the research for the content, I'm really trying to look out for what's important to podcasters. So, for example, you know, the conversation on AI kind of started it last issue with interviewing Lori, since she's doing so many co productions. You know, how does she see it fitting into different languages, which is the biggest thing. And then continued this issue with Sam. So it's always like trying to keep an ear for. Yeah. For what's new and for what people want. And monetization is a huge one that I really want to tackle more because that is very different between the US and Europe. Yeah.

Harry Duran 00:40:36:

So interesting about monetization because obviously from a podcasting perspective, most people are either familiar with the CPM model, which if you're going to make a living off of that, you need to get into like the tens, the fifty thousand, a hundred thousand downloads in order to make the math work there. A lot of the clients we work with do they sponsor basically their own products. You know, they're business owners, so they're. They create their own sponsorship. And so. Or it's working with a niche podcast. Like I have a second show called the Vertical Farming Podcast and I interview CEOs and founders, but we get sponsorship from companies, you know, in the vertical farming industry.

Andreea Coscai 00:41:09:

Yeah. I remember hearing you, I think, being interviewed on another show about that and thinking it is so cool that you thought about it.

Harry Duran 00:41:15:

Yeah, it just. I was given a book called Abundance by Peter Diamandis about the future and technologies, and it mentioned food and vertical farming and that. Which led me to another book called the Future's Vertical Farming by a professor in Columbia University. And then because I used to work in marketing, I was in E trade. I worked with JP Morgan Chase in marketing for like. I was in corporate for like 20 plus years. But I think about marketing teams, they think about their budgets and their fiscal years. Right. And so I said, well, can I create a show that's gonna. I'm gonna be focused on sponsorship from day one. And so I want it to be visible. So I made it the most obvious name possible. Vertical Farming Podcast. You can guess what it's about. The domain was available. And then I said I wanted the guest to be visible too. So I said CEOs and founders. Because when you look at the guest list, you're gonna say, I know that person. If you're in an industry, you can be like, oh yeah, I know that person. And Then I launched it, like just as Covid was coming. And I was asking them how much they were spending at these booths, at these conferences. And they were like, oh, we spend like $20,000 for a booth. And I did some math in my head. I said, well, for 9,000 you could sponsor the first season of my show. And he said, yes. Mind you, Andrea hadn't even released an episode. It was like the light went off. I'm like, oh, okay. And I remembered my marketing days. You know, they have budgets and they're burning a hole in their pockets because the finance people come down and like, if you don't use it this quarter, you're going to have less money next, you know, next budget. So they're just looking for places to spend money. So. And that Show's generated over $100,000 since 2020. And now I've spun it off into another like company called the Ag Tech Media Group because I partnered with a website that's doing agtech news. And so that's led to another opportunity. And my sponsors have flown me to conferences, indoor farming conferences in Dubai, in Germany.

Andreea Coscai 00:43:00:

How cool is that? That is such a success story. And also for what podcasting can do and how you can monetize. I mean, that is so cool.

Harry Duran 00:43:10:

It was so. It's interesting to think like I went from zero visibility in the space in 2020 and now it's like I'll go to conferences and these CEOs will come up to me and they're like, thank you for the opportunity to have me on the show. So, you know, you would think you'd be intimidated in the beginning, but what I always tell people is I'm just curious. And the podcast Junkie show has helped me become more natural with long form conversations. Right. And so when you have a CEO in front of you, it's the same thing as if you're meeting someone at a restaurant or a bar and you just be curious, you know, just keep asking open ended questions and just be genuinely curious about the other person.

Andreea Coscai 00:43:45:

Yeah, I mean, it's a really an amazing story and the just your thought process through it and yeah, the way you went about it, it's amazing that you were able to do that. And I think what's just thinking about it in terms of, you know, how that can be done in Europe, what's difficult here, which is, you know, a challenge in the States too, but a little less considering that the industry is ahead or at a different point, let's say, to not compare in that way is really Brands having, you know, trust in the medium at all and in what the medium can do for them. That's what's kind of lacking here. Although there are a lot of great branded podcasts that you know, have done well. There is one from Podium Podcasts in Spain. It was a branded podcast for a bank and it was a fiction show. Okay, A fiction show about AI. Yeah.

Harry Duran 00:44:38:

For a bank.

Andreea Coscai 00:44:38:

Yes. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Harry Duran 00:44:40:

That's interesting. Wow, that's creative.

Andreea Coscai 00:44:41:

Uh huh. Really cool. And the fact that they went for it too and you know, they said let's do it. So there are success stories but I think it's a little more difficult compared to the States. There's just generally less awareness too and less research and less education and yeah, exposure for that side of the business. But hopefully it keeps growing. Yeah, this, this fiction show for a bank was a really cool thing I learned about. It's called Unleashed or Titania in Spanish because they did an English version too. They translated it.

Harry Duran 00:45:14:

They did an English and a Spanish version.

Andreea Coscai 00:45:16:

Yeah, yeah, yeah, Spanish. At first it went really well, it won awards and then they translated to English.

Harry Duran 00:45:21:

Yeah, I'm always trying to improve my Spanish because I was, I'm Salvadorian but I was came here when I was a year old and thankfully it's pretty decent. But I realized like there's room to grow and so I've been on Duolingo like every day just to improve and just take it to like a higher level, you know. And so yeah, there's content in Spanish too. I'd be looking forward to hearing that.

Andreea Coscai 00:45:41:

Podcasts are such a great way to do that. Like I was telling you, I really like languages so I'm trying to learn to more. To listen more in Spanish as well because I learned it for a few years but it's kind of, you know, so and so and then French as well. And yeah, I really recommend wepods co productions in that sense. They have a lot of them in Spanish as well. And yeah, topics are really interesting. Also the process they have for the co production since it's a consortium of organizations so they produce the podcast on the same topic. Sometimes similar, the same subjects, other times similar in different countries. It's just, it's really fascinating. Yeah, their work is really great.

Harry Duran 00:46:23:

That's great. So a couple questions I like to wrap up with. What is something you've changed your mind about recently?

Andreea Coscai 00:46:31:

Oh, I would say AI since which also wraps it up nicely from the beginning of the conversation. But it's really true because yeah, like I mentioned, I'VE been really torn about it, and, you know, I think it can have so many great uses. Where I'm at right now is trying to figure out how to use it best to be considerate. But, yeah, there's so many great tools. I think what might be, you know, turning people away from it for the moment now, too, is that there are many companies that are just releasing AI tools, and, you know, maybe they're not as involved in the podcasting community or the people behind it are not as much. So it just seems like a salesy strategy. And so creators and the people who are really passionate about the medium are not going to be attracted to that. But I think, yeah, there are a lot of possibilities. So that's what I changed my mind about.

Harry Duran 00:47:26:

What is the most misunderstood thing about you?

Andreea Coscai 00:47:29:

Ooh, the most misunderstood thing about me. Good question. Well, then I wonder by who? Misunderstood by who? Yeah, not sure. I'll. I think I'll take that to my next therapy session.

Harry Duran 00:47:45:

That's good. Sometimes it just provokes an answer, an immediate answer. Sometimes it just provokes a thought and then makes you wonder.

Andreea Coscai 00:47:50:

Yeah, but I'm sure after we'll finish the recording, I'll message you or I'll email you and say, oh, my gosh, I just. Yeah, but such a good question. Yeah.

Harry Duran 00:48:00:

Yeah. Well, thanks for making the time. I know you're trying to have scheduling challenges because of where you're at and where I'm at and times of the day, but I appreciate you being flexible. I'm glad you were able to get this on the calendar. And I was just curious, you know, I just kind of been seeing your name in the Potter sphere, as I like to say, and we have a lot of, you know, friends in common. And, you know, if you're in the podcasting space a lot, you know, you're going to start meeting the same people and connecting to the same people. And I had seen your story in POD News, and I'm just glad to have a chat with you and get to know you and see what you're doing in the space. And you're truly, like, an advocate for podcasting, which I love. Passionate about it, and your energy is infectious. So thanks for sharing a little bit of your story here.

Andreea Coscai 00:48:39:

Thank you. Thank you so much for having me. And honestly, for everything that you do for the community and for the industry. And, yeah, it was a really nice chat. And now I have a question to take to therapy next week. Abby, that's how, you know, is you're a great interviewer. Because. Yeah, that really stopped me in my tracks there.

Harry Duran 00:48:58:

Yeah, that's funny. Where's the best place for folks to connect with you and learn more?

Andreea Coscai 00:49:02:

You can connect with me on LinkedIn. It's just my name, Andrea Koskay on Eurowaves, my substack. And of course, you know, get in touch with Tink Media. Check out our work podcast and newsletter. Lauren's podcast and newsletter is so good if you're a podcast lover. So many amazing recommendations. Podcast marketing magic. The best resource.

Harry Duran 00:49:22:

And that's a great one.

Andreea Coscai 00:49:24:

Yeah. And there's really no gatekeeping there. And earbuds, of course, too.

Harry Duran 00:49:28:

Yeah, of course. And yeah, so many great resources. Thanks again for your time, Andre. I really appreciate it.

Andreea Coscai 00:49:34:

Thank you.