Hacks & Hobbies

What if the secret to building an audio empire is listening, not talking?In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Charlie Birney—co-founder of Podville Media, author of The Tao of Podcasting, and the “Chief Listening Officer”—to uncover the surprising journey from golf courses and property management to the heart of the podcasting revolution. Charlie shares how embracing change, following curiosity, and prioritizing connection over content transformed his career and the industry.Discover the philosophy behind podcasting’s most intimate moments, the power of internal podcasts, and why the best studios are built on empathy and service. This is a masterclass in reinvention, creativity, and the art of truly listening.What You'll Learn:Why “intimacy” is the secret ingredient that makes podcasting so powerful—and how to harness it.The story behind Podville Media’s evolution from “Podcast Village” and the rise of video in audio spaces.How Charlie’s background in real estate and philanthropy shaped his approa