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 approach to building creative businesses.
- The philosophy and inspiration behind “The Tao of Podcasting”—and why every podcaster needs a moment of silence before the sound.
- How music, family, and hobbies fuel creativity and keep the entrepreneurial spirit alive.
Timestamps:
- 00:00 – Meeting at Podfest: The serendipity that sparked a creative partnership
- 04:30 – From Golf Courses to Podcast Studios: Reinventing a career through curiosity
- 10:15 – The Birth of Podville Media: Why video changed everything
- 17:40 – The Tao of Podcasting: Philosophy, art, and the “yin-yang microphone”
- 25:05 – The Power of Internal Podcasts: Connecting companies from the inside out
- 32:20 – Music, Community, and Giving Back: How folk music and charity shape a life
- 39:00 – Lightning Round: Favorite mics, dream guests, and the “boredom boogie” song
Connect with Our Guest:
- Website: https://podvillemedia.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charliebirney/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podvillemedia/
- Book: The Tao of Podcasting (Amazon) – https://www.amazon.com/Tao-Podcasting-Charlie-Birney/dp/B0C5YJ8K9F
Junaid Ahmed is a multi-passionate creator, storyteller, and home studio architect who believes your voice can change your world. As the host of Hacks and Hobbies, he dives deep into the journeys of people turning passion into purpose — from garage inventors to global entrepreneurs.
The podcast began as a simple idea: record honest conversations about side projects, creativity, and the hustle behind the scenes. Years later, it’s become a movement — showcasing the real, raw, and inspiring stories of everyday innovators.
Whether he’s building pro-level studios or geeking out over podcast gear, Junaid’s mission is clear: help people show up with confidence, clarity, and character.
🎧 New episodes weekdays. New perspectives in every story.
