The Ultimate Guide to Starting & Monetizing a Podcast in 2026
[TMP with RJ Ahmed]
Watch the full conversation here:
Navigate the discussion using the video chapters:
- 0:00 – Introduction & Special Guest
- 1:33 – About RJ Ahmed [Who is he, what’s he doing & the journey!]
- 3:50 – Why you should have a podcast in 2026?
- 9:29 – Why podcast in English?
- 14:30 – How important is the objective of the podcast? The why of the podcast?
- 20:03 – Steps in podcasting [Pre Podcast – During Podcast – Post Podcast] Broad or niche focused?
- 32:35 – How do you define your questions are matching with your theme of the podcast?
- 39:39 – Equipment for a podcast
- 43:07 – How to monetize the podcast? Best ways except YouTube adsense
- 52:29 – The mistakes people make in podcast
- 1:00:30 – Lesson for you
- 1:04:32 – RJ Ahmed and his services
- 1:05:39 – Outro
Introduction: A Masterclass of Podcasting:
So in the 1st episode of The Marketer’s Podcast, Me Imran Nadir sat down with the person who guided me through around eight-month podcasting exploring journey: RJ Ahmed.
As Pakistan’s first English podcaster and the founder of a successful podcast production agency, RJ shared the raw insights, actionable strategies, and hard-earned lessons that can help anyone from complete beginners to business owners, launch and scale a powerful podcast in 2026.
This blog distills that hour-long masterclass into a definitive guide.
Who is RJ Ahmed?
The Journey from Drop Shipping to Podcast Authority
RJ Ahmed’s journey is a testament to entrepreneurial pivoting and perseverance. He started with drop shipping, moved to affiliate marketing for his first breakthrough, and even launched a Chrome extension.
However, his true calling emerged when he started his podcast six years ago.
As a young interviewer hosting international entrepreneurs, people began asking him how he did it. This led to an epiphany: he could turn this skill into a service.
Today, he runs a thriving podcast production agency, helping others navigate the medium he believes is the “new media” a critical platform for authority and influence, especially post the influential role of podcasts in events like the US presidential elections.
Why You MUST Have a Podcast in 2026?
Three Core Reasons
RJ argues that it’s almost a “cr!me” not to start a podcast given the unparalleled benefits. He breaks it down into three compelling reasons:
- Free Mentorship & Learning: A podcast grants you access to experts who might charge thousands for consulting. RJ gives the example of interviewing a CEO who charges $10,000/hour but appears on podcasts for free. You get the same insights at no cost.
- Build an Elite Network: By interviewing successful people, you place yourself in their circle. This proximity builds relatability and often leads to unsolicited, invaluable advice. You’re no longer just an outsider; you’re in the room.
- Instant Authority & Premium Perception: The world operates on perception. If you’re consistently hosting industry leaders, the market perceives you as an expert and a peer. This “borrowed authority” elevates everything you offer, allowing you to command premium prices.
Beyond these, a podcast lets you meet your heroes, create a lasting distribution channel for your voice, and develop critical skills like communication and questioning.
Why RJ Chose English Over Local Markets?
Choosing Your Language:
A key strategic decision was launching in English.
For RJ, this wasn’t a slight on the massive potential in Pakistan or India but a result of his initial exposure. His early entrepreneurial education came from international digital marketing circles, so his role models were global.
He also took direct inspiration from books like Russell Brunson’s DotCom Secrets, which discussed “borrowing authority” through interviews and he dreamt of having Brunson on his show one day.
His advice is rooted in resourcefulness, not resources. He started in a hostel, using a pillow for a laptop stand and a guest’s Zoom account.
The lesson? Start with what you have, in the market where your inspiration lies. The skills and authority you build are transferable.
The Critical First Step Before You Hit Record:
Defining Your “Why”:
You don’t need 100% clarity on your endpoint, but you must have a strong “why.” For most, the initial incentive is enough: to learn from experts and build a network for free. Monetization strategies can be figured out after 10-15 episodes.
The first goal is to test if you even enjoy the process. RJ advocates for an experimental mindset: try it to see if it works for you, so you have no regrets.
The barrier to entry for a virtual podcast is incredibly low, so the focus should be on starting, not having a perfect five-year plan.
The Podcasting Framework:
Pre, During, and Post-Show
RJ provides a clear roadmap for each stage of the podcasting process.
Pre-Podcast: Strategy & Preparation
- Niche Down, Don’t Broadly Generalize: This is the most critical advice. Do not model Joe Rogan or Lex Fridman. They started in a different era with less competition.
A niche podcast (e.g., fitness for entrepreneurs) is easier to grow, defines your identity, and attracts a dedicated audience. Every guest’s conversation should tie back to your core theme. - Deep-Dive Guest Research: Never ask repetitive, Google-able questions. Listen to your guest’s earliest and most recent interviews. This allows you to ask unique, insightful questions that show you’ve done your homework and respect their time.
For instance, RJ started an interview by referencing a guest’s appearance on Shark Tank a decade ago, immediately creating a deeper connection.
During the Podcast: Execution
- Be a Listener, Not a Script Reader: Have bullet points, not a rigid script. Engage actively with the guest’s answers. The best questions often arise organically from the conversation.
- Respect Time Constraints: Always confirm the allocated time beforehand. Having a guest need to leave mid-interview is deeply unprofessional and disrespectful.
- Quality Questions Are Everything: Your ability to ask smart, non-repetitive questions is what separates you from every other podcast host. It creates a great experience for the guest, making them likely to refer other amazing people to you.
Post-Podcast: Leverage & Growth
- The Perfect Ask: After thanking them, ask: “Who could be as awesome as you and be the best fit for our show?” This turns your guest into a lead generator, creating a perpetual stream of high-quality referrals via three-way introductions.
- Pitching with Value, Not Words: Instead of a salesy pitch, show them what you can do. If you’re a funnel expert, redesign a page of their website.
If you’re a copywriter, rewrite a few of their emails. This demonstration of value, aimed at solving a problem you genuinely observed, is far more powerful than any cold outreach.
How to Monetize Your Podcast?
(Forget YouTube Adsense)
RJ ranks monetization strategies from least to most effective:
- YouTube/AdSense Revenue: Treat this as a bonus, not a goal. It takes too long and pays too little, especially for niche podcasts.
- Sponsorships: These become viable with a niche, engaged audience. Smaller creators and brands will pay for targeted access to your listeners.
- Charging Guests: Once you have a credible platform and high production quality, you can charge guests to appear. You are providing them a valuable asset (quality content) and access to your audience. This is a standard practice in media.
- Selling to Your Audience: Promote your own digital products, services, or affiliate products from your guests (with transparency). This is a direct and scalable model.
- Selling to Your Guest (The Fastest Path): This is the most effective strategy for service providers. By interviewing an expert, you identify their needs.
By then demonstrating your skills (e.g., editing a trailer for free), you can convert them into a high-value client. You’re selling convenience and expertise to a warm, qualified lead who already knows and trusts you.
Common Mistakes Every New Podcaster Must Avoid:
Learn from RJ’s early errors:
- Don’t Fanboy:
Over-excitement makes you look like a fan, not a peer. Stay calm and grounded. - Avoid Dumb, Repetitive Questions:
Do your research. Ask about their journey in a novel way. - Be a Great Listener:
If you’re not listening, you can’t ask meaningful follow-ups. - Speak Slowly & Clearly:
This is crucial for non-native English speakers. Slower speech adds emphasis and authority. - Understand Humor & Jargon:
Consume content from your guest’s culture to understand their references and humor. This builds massive rapport.
RJ’s Final Lesson:
Optimism and Self-Investment
Beyond tactics, RJ’s key life lesson is optimism. Things won’t always go your way, and that’s okay.
For entrepreneurs, the journey is long, and self-love is foundational. “You cannot pour from an empty cup,” he says.
Invest in your happiness and well-being first; only then can you effectively serve others, build a business, and enjoy the journey.
About RJ Ahmed & His Services
RJ Ahmed runs Shopogen Studios, a podcast post-production agency. If you want to start a podcast but don’t have the time, energy, or expertise to handle editing, publishing, and content creation, his team handles everything. You just need to hit record.
You can learn more about his work at shopogenstudios.com
Watch the full, insightful conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Mlj8xE1RzsA
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