Frank Racioppi is a Southern New Jersey-based author who lives with his partner, Linda, and their two cats, Moogie and Tinker Bell. Frank has published his daily podcast review e-publication, Ear Worthy, since 2007. He is also a contributing writer to Forbes magazine, specializing in the podcasting industry. He is also the author of five non-fiction books, seven novels, and two short-story collections.
You can connect with Frank on LinkedIn here.
What’s your podcasting origin story?
I began writing Ear Worthy in 2007 after I was asked to help a neighbor start her sewing podcast called Sew What? Then, I was hooked. The publication has gone through several iterations and titles, including Podcast Reviews, Podcast Reports, and The Listening Post.
What motivated you to focus your work on supporting independent podcasters?
After a few years of writing about network-supported podcasts, I realized two things. First, they don’t need my marketing assistance. These podcasts are supported by big-budget marketing firms. Second, I so enjoyed interacting with indie podcasters. They are so courageous, and their dreams are infectious.
Among other things, you are also a contributing writer for Forbes. What are some of the articles you wrote whose message you are most passionate about?
There is a War on Independents in Podcasting is an article I am especially proud of. When I took the job at Forbes, I made a commitment to feature independent podcasters when I could. I wanted to continue my work on Ear Worthy to a larger audience at Forbes.
Tell us about the Ear Worthy Awards! How did they start, and how can podcasters get involved?
I started it because award organizations seemed to be ignoring independent podcasts. Last year, we had the most organized setup with judges voting in genres. I was in favor of only considering the 247 podcasts we reviewed last year. We don’t charge an entry fee, because the published review is the entry fee. That’s the spirit of the award.
Given all your insights into the industry, what is your outlook on European podcasting and where it’s headed?
I’m so enthusiastic about European podcasting because there are so many stories to tell, so many cultures to explore, so much history to cover, and so much culture to explore!
Share some of your European podcast recommendations with us.
Spanish Sundown - Spain. Samuel Mattern is brilliant.
Book Imprint - Denmark. Rebecca Thandi Norman is an expat who understands the power of books.
Rigour & Flow - UK. Aiwan Obinyan and Dr. Tamanda Walker. Courageous and controversial.
Promenade - Ireland. Andy Gaffney. Superb storytelling.
The Bad Articles - Ireland. It has it all! Horror, improv comedy, audio fiction, a paranormal investigation, and nostalgia
Thank you, Frank!
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