{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Echo Podcast Summit","title":"How Mike Bubbins Built a Hit Podcast by Being Unmistakably Himself","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/3425d7aa\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":1718,"description":"What happens when you build a podcast around being completely yourself — even if that means calling 95% of your listeners “freeloading dickheads”?\n\nIn this Echo Podcast Summit 2026 session, Mike Bubbins (Socially Distant Sports Bar, BBC’s Mammoth) joins host Rhys Waters to break down how authenticity, long-form nonsense, and unapologetic Patreon “bullying” turned a niche sports podcast into a multi-award-winning show with a fiercely loyal paying community.\nRecorded live at the Echo Podcast Summit at the Halifax Convention Centre on June 18, 2026, this talk dives into:\nHow Socially Distant Sports Bar accidentally became a 2.5–3 hour cult hit\nWhy only ~5% of listeners on Patreon can still pay everyone’s mortgage\nThe “unique” Patreon call-to-action that doubled signups overnight\nTurning a podcast audience into a real-life community: live tours, arenas, merch, and even sponsoring 25+ sports teams\nWhy being openly woke, kind, and willing to change matters (even for “three straight white blokes”)\nHow personal stories (like “Tops Off Vic”) create deep emotional bonds with listeners\nPractical advice for podcasters on building community by being unmistakably yourself\nIf you’re a podcaster, creator, or just love hearing how weird, human, and heartfelt podcast communities can be, this one’s for you.\n00:00 – Welcome to Echo Podcast Summit 2026\nRhys sets the stage, theme of “community,” and introduces the Echo Podcast Summit context.\n00:40 – Introducing Mike Bubbins & Socially Distant Sports Bar\nMike’s background, relationship with Rhys, and his podcast/sitcom work.\n02:45 – How the Podcast Started (and Survived Lockdown)\nOrigins with Ellis and Steff, shift to old clips and documentaries, episodes growing to 2.5–3 hours.\n04:40 – From Free Listeners to Paying Community\nIntroducing Patreon, early skepticism, structuring free vs paid episodes.\n06:20 – The “Abusive” Patreon Pitch That Tripled Signups\nMike’s unique marketing tactic, berating freeloaders, and how it unexpectedly...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/3R59KYE1OD4piXaYzox9EC_6FWdq6n_Gj2LouCdY-dQ/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS8zOTUw/ZjI0MzYzMzM0MzNk/MzNkOWQ3ZDQ4ZWNl/MmNlNy5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}