Why Podcasts Are Public Relations with Jeremy Ryan Slate


Brian Thompson chats with Jeremy Ryan Slate, founder of the Create Your Own Life Podcast, which studies the highest performers in the world. He specializes in using podcasting and new media to create thought leaders, and his podcast was ranked No. 1 on the iTunes business category and No. 78 on the top 100.

On the episode, Jeremy shares his journey from getting a master’s degree in ancient history to becoming a brand expert. The episode is also filled with practical advice for building successful businesses, including how to maximize the link between public relations, marketing, and sales.

Episode Highlights

Mission-driven businesses ask: What is the impact?

Although Jeremy knows businesses must make money, he says mission-driven businesses think more about the impact they can have on their communities and the world. 

“What is the impact we’re trying to make?” Jeremy said. “I look at it as a ripple effect. I can only help so many people, but the more people they help — that’s what impact looks like.” 

Getting what you want takes effort.

One of the biggest lessons that Jeremy learned as an entrepreneur is the amount of effort it takes to reach success. When Jeremy started creating podcasts, that meant learning new skills and getting good at phone calls. It also meant outworking his competition.

“Early on, I realized I may not have the best training; I may not have the most money; I may not have the most opportunities; but I can outwork anybody,” Jeremy said. “So that was the thing I did early on. How can I outwork people until I learn how to build a team?”

Podcasts are not marketing — they’re public relations.

One common misconception that Jeremy has brushed up against in his years of podcasting experience is that podcasts are a marketing tool. Instead, he makes a compelling case that podcasts instead fall under the scope of public relations.

“Going on a podcast … you’re communicating to people,” he said. “You could be getting 500 sales leads, but if they don’t know you, like you, and trust you, they’re never going to convert.”

Jeremy believes so strongly in the value of podcasting as public relations that he and his wife started podcast public relations firm Command Your Brand. Through the company, Jeremy helps entrepreneurs get their message out by appearing as guests on other podcasts.

“The media landscape moves so fast,” Jeremy said. “There’s so much content out there. If you do not tell your own story, you’re going to get drowned out; you’re not going to be found.”

Resources + Links

About Brian and the Mission Driven Business Podcast 

Brian Thompson, JD/CFP, is a tax attorney and certified financial planner who specializes in providing comprehensive financial planning to LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs who run mission-driven businesses. The Mission Driven Business podcast was born out of his passion for helping social entrepreneurs create businesses with purpose and profit.

On the podcast, Brian talks with diverse entrepreneurs and the people who support them. Listeners hear stories of experiences, strength, and hope and get practical advice to help them build businesses that might just change the world, too.