Chapter 1: The Rise of Podcasting

The ongoing success and expansion of podcasting can be attributed to various factors, notably its talent for reaching audience segments often overlooked by traditional media like television, film, and radio. This is where the indie podcast Nerdpreneur shines.

Nerdpreneur describes its mission succinctly: "We engage in entertaining discussions with individuals who are transforming their quirky interests into thriving businesses! We interview entrepreneurs globally to uncover the strategies, tools, and mindsets that convert nerdy passions into full-time careers."

The podcast proudly claims to have showcased a diverse array of niche professionals, from board game creators and dice sellers to D&D content makers, tarantula breeders, and even a German zombie magician!

I’m pleased to say that Nerdpreneur not only meets but surpasses its own lofty ambitions. It has successfully established a unique niche that intertwines business entrepreneurship with nerd culture.

Let’s talk about the podcast’s theme music. In a word, it's exceptional. The original score is crafted by an individual known as Professor Epic, who is reportedly the alter ego of co-host Chris Saunders. The opening tune features a syncopated rhythm with lyrics that softly start with "Keep it nerdy," culminating in "Life's a game, so I'm gonna take my turn." It’s refreshing and instantly signals that this is not your typical business podcast from the likes of the Wall Street Journal.

Before each episode, the podcast includes snippets from its standout interviews, such as that of the tarantula breeder. Launched in March 2022 without a trailer, Nerdpreneur has already published over 30 episodes. The episodes fall into two categories: interviews with entrepreneurs passionate about their nerdy pursuits, including one of my favorites—Anthony, who designs and crafts artisanal dice. Yes, this is a legitimate business venture.

This particular episode exemplifies the interview format, revealing that these nerdpreneurs are not merely indulging in eccentric hobbies that lack profitability. Instead, we find that these business owners are intelligent, financially savvy, and willing to embrace failure in pursuit of success while crafting viable business strategies.

Through Anthony's insights, we learn that dice can be made from various materials, including resin, wood, and even carbon fiber. These dice are intricately designed and available in sizes reaching as large as a baseball.

The guest list reads like a who's who of the nerd community, featuring a music composer for tabletop RPGs, a haunted house operator from Vancouver, a writer of guides for Nintendo and Super Nintendo games, and a board game designer.

The podcast also includes "Talking Nerdy" episodes, where the co-hosts delve into "nerd-centric" themes. This demonstrates that Chris and Frank, the co-hosts, can sustain an engaging conversation without the need for a guest.

Chris and Frank, who are both in their thirties, bring a wealth of media experience that ranges from video production to online gaming. As co-hosts, they excel, both as a duo and individually. Their media background allows them to let guests speak freely while guiding the discussion with questions that enhance the interview. They work diligently to present their guests in the best light and effectively promote the products discussed.

It would have been easy to make light of Aram, the tarantula breeder, but Chris and Frank instead portray him as a savvy entrepreneur who has successfully monetized his passion. This is commendable.

In November 2022, Chris and Frank appeared as guests on Acast’s The Guiding Voice podcast (ep. #276), which is definitely worth a listen.

Interestingly, in July of this year, the Nerdpreneur team released a trailer after completing over 35 episodes. While it's unclear what motivated this decision, it’s undoubtedly a smart move. A trailer can introduce a new season to current listeners and attract newcomers, generating buzz and increasing listener numbers as the podcast continues to grow its audience.

Additionally, a trailer provides clickable content for the increasing number of podcast newsletters and review sites.

Given their name, one would hope that the Nerdpreneur podcast exemplifies its teachings, and Chris and Frank do an admirable job of monetizing their efforts through Patreon sponsorships. The podcast offers premium membership options that include a "Loot Bag" newsletter, unedited interviews, and what they describe as cool nerd products.

Furthermore, their social media presence is robust across Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

However, I have two concerns. The first is the podcast's website, which appears to have limited functionality. This may be intentional to drive listeners toward Patreon subscriptions, but I believe indie podcasters should prioritize having a well-developed website. A strong online presence can enhance audience loyalty and stimulate organic growth.

Secondly, there seems to be inconsistency in the sound quality and volume levels of Chris and Frank’s microphones, with remote guests sometimes coming through at significantly higher volumes than the co-hosts.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Nerdpreneur podcast to nerds, non-nerds, business builders, entrepreneurs, and strategists alike. The podcast features capable, insightful, and playful co-hosts alongside fascinating guests who have successfully transformed their passions into businesses. Give it a listen—you may even discover that your own private passion could evolve into a profitable venture. Perhaps you find a few shells at the beach that resemble Lionel Messi, the soccer legend. And just like that, a business is born!

Chapter 2: Insights from Experts

In this bonus episode, Chris and Frank discuss their experiences and insights on the podcasting journey, sharing tips and strategies for aspiring nerdpreneurs.

Chapter 3: The Reinvention of Passion Projects

This interview with Satine Phoenix dives into the world of transforming nerdy interests into sustainable businesses, showcasing her journey and insights.