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
Where Will Gold & Silver Peak in 2026? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:07
In this Market Mondays clip, join Rashad Bilal, Ian Dunlap, and Troy Millings as they break down the outlook for gold, silver, and other precious metals heading into 2026. The trio dives deep into why gold and silver are…
Investing Beliefs We Changed Our Minds On [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:30
In this candid Market Mondays clip, Rashad Bilal, Troy Millings, and Ian Dunlap dive into how their investing beliefs have evolved, sharing real-life shifts in perspective that can help every investor sharpen their game.…
Who Will Win the AI Race? Apple, Google, Microsoft and More [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:35
In this insightful clip from Market Mondays, Rashad Bilal, Ian Dunlap, and Troy Millings dive deep into the future of software companies in the rapidly evolving AI era. As artificial intelligence transforms every industr…
Why Wealthy Families Demand Prenups [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:16
In this powerful clip from "Black Out with Ian & Rashad," hosts Ian Dunlap and Rashad Bilal sit down and watch a viral moment in this Internet clip about the role of prenups—not just in marriage, but as a cornerstone of…
2026 Stock Market Predictions: AI, Political Risk & Global Conflict [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:58
Dive into bold predictions and candid insights about the 2026 financial landscape in this Market Mondays clip! Troy Millings, Ian Dunlap, and Morgan Debaun break down what investors can expect, covering everything from e…
5 Daily Habits for Success in 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:30
In this Market Mondays clip, Rashad Bilal, Troy Millings, and Ian Dunlap come together to share the five daily habits they’re prioritizing for success, health, and well-being in 2026. Dive in as they discuss practical ro…