90% of Podcasts Are Doing It Wrong — Truth Behind Media Deals & Inside the Joe Budden Podcast Empire

90% of Podcasts Are Doing It Wrong — Truth Behind Media Deals & Inside the Joe Budden Podcast Empire

Author: iHeartPodcasts January 9, 2026 Duration: 1:17:32

On this episode of Earn Your Leisure, we sit down with Ian Schwartzman, business partner and part owner of the Joe Budden Network, for a real behind-the-scenes breakdown of the podcast and media business. Ian opens up about how his partnership with Joe Budden was built, why most podcasts are operating the wrong way, and how content creators often undervalue what they actually own.

 

We dive deep into why streaming numbers alone don’t define your worth, how the Joe Budden Network operates more like a data company than a traditional media brand, and why too many ad reads can actually hurt long-term value. Ian also explains why so many podcasts fail on Patreon, how network breakups can sometimes lead to stronger ownership structures, and why making smart business decisions shouldn’t be taboo in creative industries.

 

The conversation expands into the evolving media landscape, including major industry deals like Netflix partnering with iHeartMedia, the negotiation strategies behind big partnerships, and whether podcasters are giving up their video rights too early. From the podcast bubble popping to why experience matters more than a quick ad check, this episode is a must-watch for anyone building in media, content, or business.

 

EYL University: https://eyluniversity.com

 

#EarnYourLeisure #PodcastBusiness #IanSchwartzman #JoeBuddenNetwork #ContentCreators #MediaDeals #Netflix #iHeartMedia #PodcastIndustry #Ownership #DigitalMedia #Entrepreneurship

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


Hosted by Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings, Earn Your Leisure pulls back the curtain on the financial mechanics that power the worlds of sports and entertainment. This isn't just about headlines; it's a deep dive into the real stories of how money moves and how deals are made. You'll hear candid conversations that dissect business models and unpack the journeys of entrepreneurs, providing a street-smart education you won't find in a standard textbook. Each episode feels like a vital seminar, blending sharp analysis of current financial trends with the relatable context of pop culture. The Earn Your Leisure podcast, from iHeartPodcasts, operates on a simple premise: true financial freedom comes from understanding the game behind the game. It’s for anyone ready to look past the glamour and learn the practical strategies that build lasting wealth. Tune in for straightforward talk that makes complex business concepts accessible, always grounded in real-world examples from the industries that shape our culture.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Earn Your Leisure
Podcast Episodes
The GENIUS Clause in Allen Iverson’s Lifetime Reebok Deal [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:27
Allen Iverson’s lifetime contract with Reebok is one of the smartest business moves in sports history. Find out how his "Deferred Income Annuity" secures his future with a massive $32M payout.See omnystudio.com/listener…
7 Warning Signs the Economy is WEAKENING Right Now [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:02
From skyrocketing credit card debt to a freezing housing market, we dive into the 7 data points showing the true state of the US economy. Is a major correction inevitable?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informati…
How Yo Gotti Almost Lost EVERYTHING to the IRS [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:03
Yo Gotti opens up about the massive financial wake-up call that nearly cost him 15 properties. Learn why he didn't pay taxes for 5 years and how he finally fixed his real estate portfolio.See omnystudio.com/listener for…
Why the Market CRASHES Every February (And How to Profit) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:18
History repeats itself. Discover the seasonal cycle that causes the stock market to dip every February and March, and how smart investors use this "pre-season" to build generational wealth.See omnystudio.com/listener for…
4 Stocks That Are Actually WAR-PROOF [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:03
Market volatility is rising, but these 4 "all-weather" stocks are designed to survive global conflict and economic crashes. We break down the ultimate defensive portfolio for uncertain times.See omnystudio.com/listener f…
How to Buy a House with ZERO Credit or Down Payment [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:53
The NACA program is the best-kept secret in real estate, but most people quit before they finish. We go behind the scenes on the "rigorous" process, the mindset you need to survive the paperwork, and how to finally own p…
Why Netflix Refused a $110B Deal (And Why It Was GENIUS) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:26
In a world of massive media mergers, Netflix just made a shocking power move by walking away from Warner Bros. We dive into the debt, the politics of Larry Ellison, and why "saying no" might be the best investment Netfli…
4 Recession-Proof Stocks That Are Totally AI-PROOF [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:58
Everyone is chasing the AI hype, but what happens if the bubble bursts? We identify 4 "Consumer Staple" powerhouses like Walmart and Caterpillar that dominate their niche and remain safe from AI disruption for the next 2…