We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Maverick Peters a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Maverick, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Getting that first client is always an exciting milestone. Can you talk to us about how you got your first customer who wasn’t a friend, family, or acquaintance?
The story of how Maverick Podcasting earned its first dollar is one I’ll never forget. It wasn’t just the start of my business—it was the moment I realized the value of doing things the right way, and that pursuing your passion is great, but you’ve also got to make money.
Back in 2019, I was fully immersed in learning everything about podcasting—audio engineering, storytelling, and even graphic design—all to make my own podcast something I’d want to listen to. I didn’t want it to be just another podcast. I wanted it to be meaningful.
One day, a family friend reached out to me. He loved my podcast and the community it built, and he was eager to start his own show. He admitted that he was clueless and even overwhelmed by the technical side. So, we met up at a local coffee shop to brainstorm. I walked him through the process—what makes a podcast work, what makes it great, and how I personally could help bring his vision to life. The whole time, I reminded myself of a lesson I’d learned early on: *If you’re gonna do something, do it right.*
He asked me to produce his podcast, and I jumped in with both feet. But here’s the thing: I didn’t charge him anything at first. Not because I couldnt. But because I didnt know what that even meant. What? Why would I charge him…. Im just helping him.” Is what I told myself. I’d learned podcasting on my own, and I felt like I wasn’t “qualified” to charge for my services. I thought I was just helping.
But then, as his podcast grew, so did the realization that I was helping him build something huge. His show took off, gaining hundreds of listeners, and he started pulling in money from ads. That’s when I had an epiphany. Having fun and pursuing your passion is amazing, but at some point, you’ve got to charge for your work and make money. To quote Heath Ledger’s character Jack Napier (aka Joker), “If you’re good at something, never do it for free.” I raised the issue, and we agreed on a modest fee. When I sent that first invoice, it wasn’t just about the money—it was about recognizing the value of what I was offering.
In just two years, his podcast generated over six figures ($100,000+) in ad revenue—(by the way, thats $99,999 more than most podcasters make, ever). Seeing that success and knowing I played a part in it was incredibly rewarding.
That whole experience taught me a big lesson: the importance of valuing your work and charging for it. Having fun and following your dreams is great, but if you want to build something sustainable, you’ve got to make money too. That first dollar wasn’t just income; it was a sign that doing things right—and valuing yourself—really does pay off. And it set the tone for everything I am professionally and what Maverick Podcasting is today.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hey, I’m Maverick Peters, the founder of Maverick Podcasting. I’ve been in the podcasting world for over six years, starting out with audio production and now expanding into video podcasting. My journey began when I wanted to create my own podcast and quickly fell in love with the entire process—from the technical side like audio engineering to the creative side with graphic design and branding. What started as a passion project soon turned into a business where I help others do the same.
Today, I specialize in full podcast production, both audio and video, with a focus on helping professionals and business owners use podcasts as a powerful marketing tool. Many of my clients come from industries where it can be tough to break into the digital world. They know they need an online presence, but they’re not sure where to start or how to do it right. That’s where I come in.
For these clients, I not only help produce polished audio podcasts but also video podcasts that serve as marketing assets. Video podcasts are a game-changer for professionals and business owners looking to engage their audience, build trust, and create a brand presence online. I take care of all the production—filming, editing, sound design, and even creating custom graphics to make sure their videos stand out on platforms like YouTube or social media. The goal is to create high-quality content that helps them showcase their expertise, grow their audience, and ultimately use their podcasts to build their business.
What sets me apart is my approach to podcasting as a marketing strategy. I don’t just focus on making great content—I focus on making content that drives results. For business owners who may feel overwhelmed by the idea of entering the digital world, I make the process as smooth and accessible as possible. I take care of everything, so they can focus on what they do best.
I’m most proud of seeing how my clients’ shows evolve—from being unsure about entering the digital space to growing a loyal audience and even turning podcasts into key business assets. For potential clients and followers, I want them to know that I’m here to make podcasting easy, effective, and, most importantly, a tool that can help them succeed in the digital world. If you’re a professional or business owner looking to create impactful, high-quality audio and video content, I’m your guy.
Have you ever had to pivot?
There was a turning point in my journey with Maverick Podcasting when I realized I was being nickel-and-dimed by my individual clients. I was doing all the work—editing, engineering, branding—and not being paid what I was worth. That’s when I had an “aha” moment. I saw how podcasting could be a powerful marketing tool for business owners and professionals who were good at what they do but didn’t have the time or know-how to get online.
I pivoted from working with individuals and influencers to targeting businesses and business owners with the budget and need for marketing. These clients understood the value of visibility and were looking for a polished podcast to grow their brand. This shift allowed me to work with clients who appreciated the value of my work, paid fairly, and used podcasts to drive their business forward. It was a game-changer for both my business and my clients.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
I actually built my entire business and brand without spending a dime on ads. My entire business grew through word of mouth, fueled by consistent, strategic activity online. I leveraged my existing social media network to grow my reach. I even researched and tested the best times to post (before those kinds of stats were available), and learned the power of collaboration to cross-promote with others.
For anyone just starting, my advice is to engage genuinely, leverage your connections, and focus on collaboration to expand your audience. It’s all about building relationships and using your network to grow. It’s called “social” media for a reason.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.maverickpodcasting.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maverickvpeters
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maverickvpeters
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maverickvpeters/
- Twitter: https://x.com/maverickvpeters
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUlfn-bG3-23_nOQM1j2WGQ?themeRefresh=1
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/4rU3QPbrbe9HnkoXGRjzFS?si=5d93ea4d31fa4eea&utm_medium=share&utm_source=linktree&nd=1&dlsi=ff7cdda67c264645