Sober Powered Media
About the Company
Sober Powered Media was founded by Gillian Tietz to support and expand the reach of mental health podcasts. The company’s main offering is a podcast network that includes five leading mental health podcasts. Tietz’s responsibilities include negotiating sponsorships, running ad campaigns, organizing cross-promotions, and aiding podcasters with marketing and public relations. Additionally, SPM provides podcast and Instagram coaching and operates a membership community for those in recovery.
Idea Behind Company
Before starting SPM, Tietz worked as a biochemist but found her true passion after becoming sober in 2019. She utilized her scientific background to explore addiction and launched her podcast, Sober Powered, in 2020. The idea to create a podcast network emerged from a chance meeting at a podcasting conference where she received encouragement to align podcasts in the sobriety space. Despite initial hesitation, she decided to pursue the idea after receiving further support from another industry contact.
Creating the Company
Before starting SPM, Tietz worked as a biochemist but found her true passion after becoming sober in 2019. She utilized her scientific background to explore addiction and launched her podcast, Sober Powered, in 2020. The idea to create a podcast network emerged from a chance meeting at a podcasting conference where she received encouragement to align podcasts in the sobriety space. Despite initial hesitation, she decided to pursue the idea after receiving further support from another industry contact.
Launching the Business
SPM officially launched 10 weeks after its inception. The launch involved setting up a website, recruiting podcasters, and integrating podcasts into the Megaphone platform. One of the most time-consuming tasks was placing midroll markers for ads. Tietz manually placed 856 midroll markers, a process she has since streamlined. The launch was considered successful, with the focus shifting to maintaining momentum and creating buzz through free content and collaborative efforts rather than relying on the launch itself.
Earnings
SPM has achieved profitability with a diverse revenue stream. Monthly operating costs are approximately $1,400-1,500, covering podcast hosting, an intern, membership platform fees, and other expenses. Revenue is derived from various sources: 30% from the podcast network, 30% from monetizing Tietz’s podcast, 20% from the membership community, and 20% from podcast coaching and writing. Tietz’s future plans include enhancing her email list, improving SEO, growing her YouTube channel, and focusing on PR and guest appearances to drive further growth.
