What started as a passion project interviewing musicians has grown into a global podcast production business serving clients around the world.
The Chronicle caught up with Raglan’s Kane Power of Precision Podcasting to talk about the podcasting boom, building audiences and why Whāingaroa remains the perfect base for a business with a global reach.
How and when did you get involved in podcasting?
I started my own show, Musician’s Map, as a passion project in 2017. With my background in audio engineering I quickly realised my audio quality was a step ahead, and I saw an opportunity to help other creators remove the technical headache. The business grew from there and as of today I’ve helped produce over 4000 episodes and had #1 charting shows in 18 different countries.
Why do you think podcasting is experiencing such massive growth?
It offers an unrivaled connection between the speaker and listener. It’s intimate, immersive and convincing. Podcasting spans everything from entertainment to business, but I think its real power is authenticity. In this increasingly polished media landscape, listeners crave honest opinions from real people, and podcasting does that better than any other medium.
What kinds of results are your clients seeing once they launch a show?
I serve a wide variety of clients and so it varies based on their goals, but the impact is huge. My corporate clients report increased sales, wider reach, and stronger brand authority. Meanwhile, my independent creators are building community hubs, carving out industry influence, and in some cases, even solving real crimes. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch them grow.
What does the process look like when someone approaches you with an idea?
It always starts with a casual chat about their goals, commitment, and budget. From there, clients choose the level of involvement they need. Most people look for guidance through the initial launch phase, followed by ongoing post-production support to ensure their audio always sounds pristine for their audience.
What are the real business or financial benefits of having a podcast?
While some shows do make money directly, the real financial benefits are long-term, cumulative, and come from building trust and reputation. Podcasting offers an ongoing audience connection that no other medium can match. It’s also an incredible content machine, meaning with some repurposing you’ll never have to worry about marketing content again.
What stops people from starting a podcast, and how do you alleviate those concerns?
The biggest barriers are time, tech, and budget. While launching a new show does require effort, once you’re up and running it can take just a couple of hours a week – assuming my team handles the rest! The tech side can be simple with the right gear and basic training. I have recommendations for every budget.
Are there one-off or seasonal options, or does a podcast have to be ongoing?
By far the most effective shows are ongoing, weekly podcasts. However, many clients prefer creating short ‘seasons’ – a handful of standalone episodes, which lets you explore an idea without an ongoing commitment. Because podcasts are evergreen, they remain an effective resource for years to come, as long as you keep them online.
What kind of budget would a business need to add this into their mix?
Budget shouldn’t stop anyone from podcasting, but businesses usually want a more polished, professional product. Fortunately, quality gear doesn’t need to break the bank, and I offer high-quality production options to fit almost any budget. The best thing to do is reach out for a quote.
Are your clients from Raglan or nationwide? Why does running the business from Whaingaroa work so well for you?
I started out working mostly with US shows, but as Kiwi podcasting has boomed, I’ve loved working closer to home. I have some fantastic local clients like Raglan Food Co and Raglan Boat Charters, alongside national names like DairyNZ and Bayleys. I designed this business so I could work from anywhere, but I chose Whaingaroa for the lifestyle, the community, and the nature. It’s the perfect balance when you spend your whole day on a computer.
How do people get in touch to talk some more?
It’s really easy – just email kane@precisionpodcasting.com or fill out the contact form at precisionpodcasting.com. You can also find me around town playing in a few local bands or down at Raglan Community Radio. I’m always happy to meet up with locals for a coffee and a chat.
Image credit: Rodrigo Hill
