90% of Podcasters Are Losing Money (The Media Deal Truth) | Ian Schwartzman

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.

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