The Flagship Podcast for SA Podcasters Returns

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday, 8 April 2025

Pretoria, South Africa — Baird Media is proud to announce the release of Season 3 of its flagship podcast, Become a Podmaster.

The new season launches Tuesday, 8 April 2025, exclusively on Baird.Media, with new episodes released every two weeks.

Hosted by Hendrik Baird and Ethan Baird, Become a Podmaster offers grounded, experience-based insight for South African podcasters. Now in its third season, the show continues to explore what it takes to start, grow, and sustain a podcast in an increasingly competitive space.

“This season is shaped by the questions real podcasters are asking,” says Ethan Baird, co-founder of Baird Media. “Each episode is practical, local, and based on conversations happening right now in our community.”

What’s Covered in Season 3:

Redefining Podcasting – What is a podcast in 2025? This episode explores how podcasting has changed and whether video shows and YouTube creators should be considered podcasters. It offers perspectives from creators and professionals on the evolution of the medium.

Choosing the Right Niche – Why niching down can help you grow faster, reach the right listeners, and improve your chances of monetizing. This episode challenges common myths and provides strategies for identifying a clear audience.

Securing Sponsorships – A practical discussion on how to approach potential sponsors, build a pitch, and demonstrate value—even if your audience is still small.

Alternative Monetization – Looks beyond advertising to explore other income streams like merchandise, memberships, coaching, and live events. Real examples from local podcasters help illustrate what’s working.

Elevating Your Podcast’s Quality – Focuses on improving your sound without breaking the bank. Includes advice on mic technique, room setup, and post-production.

The Role of Storytelling in Branding – Explores how to build a strong personal brand that connects with listeners, and how storytelling strengthens loyalty and engagement.

Social Media for Podcasters – Offers strategies for using platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube effectively, without losing focus or burning out.

The Value of Community and Professional Support – Highlights the benefits of working with podcast studios like Solid Gold and joining communities like the South African Podcasters Guild (SAPG). The episode shares how both organisations are helping podcasters improve their content, gain access to industry tools, and connect with mentors and peers.

“We created this season to reflect the reality of podcasting in South Africa,” says Hendrik Baird, co-founder of Baird Media.

Each episode includes conversations with working podcasters, clips from the community, and actionable advice.

You can listen to the episodes everywhere you find podcasts, as well as on the Baird.Media website.  

Sponsorship Opportunity

Season 3 includes eight episodes and runs through mid-August 2025. As planning begins for a potential fourth season, Baird Media is seeking sponsorship from companies in the podcasting space—especially equipment suppliers, hosting services, software platforms, and businesses supporting independent creators.

“Our listeners are serious about podcasting,” says Ethan. “We’re looking to work with sponsors who believe in supporting growth in the local podcast industry.”

Interested parties can contact Hendrik at Baird.Media.