I started working in audio– and on podcasts, specifically– at a time when most people thought that “podcasting” involved maybe, I dunno, fishing? With peas? Or something?

From those quiet early days to our current boom times, I helped produce more than 250 episodes of a weekly culture show that grew into a national radio/podcast behemoth with 750K+ listeners. It earned praise from Entertainment Weekly (a “must-hear” podcast in 2015), InStyle (“need to download now”), the L.A. Times (“could be considered the icebreaker that helped public radio loosen up”), and many other kind outlets. We were a small bicoastal staff, and I got my hands exceptionally dirty: as Senior Producer, I dealt with everything from segment/episode development to active production, from script writing to live event planning, from talent booking to sponsor integration. And in the midst of the weekly frenzy, I passed on what I knew to our junior staffers.

I utilize all those skills– writing, producing, booking, evangelizing–in my freelance work. Most often, I join up with shows as a development producer, booking guests and/or brainstorming story ideas. I’ve had fruitful stints with many of the top podcast makers: Pineapple Street Studios (Back Issue), Audible (Elizabeth Banks’ My Body, My Podcast), APM (The Hilarious World of Depression), First Look / Topic Studios (Not Lost), Luminary (Stoop Talks), Western Sound, and other audio hubs. Additionally, I consult for places as wide-ranging as Youth Radio (now “YR Media”) and a large tech firm that prefers to remain nameless/linkless. I’d happily lend a hand– and an ear– for you, too.

Since I’m steeped in the audio landscape, I also do publicity work for authors, podcasters, and other creatives who are looking to appear on podcasts and public radio shows. In Summer 2020, I booked Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman– co-authors of Big Friendship: How We Keep Each Other Close— on over 50 audio outlets. The book landed on the NYT/LAT/WaPo bestseller lists. Other wonderful clients have included chef and bestselling cookbook author Julia Turshen (Simply Julia), memoirist Marisa Renee Lee (Grief is Love), podcaster and book savant Traci Thomas (The Stacks), and journalist/author Danielle Friedman (the groundbreaking women’s fitness history Let’s Get Physical).

In sum, I can help with most aspects of an audio enterprise: creative, logistical, staffing, booking, PR, etc.. Starting a new show? Super! Looking to book top-notch guests for your podcast… or to get yourself on podcasts? I can hook you up! Struggling to find the key nugget of your story? Did I mention I’VE BEEN GOLDPANNING BEFORE? (But the metaphor still works: I’ll help you dig for your best content and show it off.)

Regardless of your goals or your budget, feel free to get in touch and ask me how I can help. I do my best to tailor each consulting, booking, or publicity stint to your needs and schedule.

BTW, I also advise/edit/cheerlead in writing circles. If you’ve got a manuscript that needs fresh eyes–or an audio drama that needs writing— let me know.

~Jackson

***TESTIMONIALS***

“Jackson was the reason why our launch was flawless. The detailed communication left no room for error and his professionalism made us feel completely at ease as he managed difficult scheduling. Not only did Jackson successfully book incredible guests, he also offered production consulting which helped us shape our season by introducing us to talent that we hadn’t considered.” ~Leila Day, producer/host, The Stoop and Stoop Talks podcasts

“Oh how I wish I could work with Jackson full-time! For two months, he was a consultant and booker who helped me and Aminatou Sow connect with podcasts and radio shows to promote our book. With his deep background in audio booking and producing, Jackson was able to hone in on many great angles in order to pitch us to a surprisingly wide variety of shows. Thanks to his efforts, we were able to reach dozens of outlets, not just literary podcasts. We consistently heard great feedback from producers about Jackson’s emails and ideas—his outreach was that good! He was also exceptional at keeping us organized behind the scenes, working diligently to communicate with producers about logistics so that everything was crystal clear to us, even as we were juggling a lot of media hits. And he was the very definition of a self-starter, requiring no oversight or nudging from us as he ventured forth in service of our project. He was a pleasure to work with at every turn, even in the smallest of interactions. At the end of our time together, he was clear and deliberate in how he transitioned off of our small team. A dream collaborator, truly. I can’t recommend him highly enough.” ~Ann Friedman, co-author of Big Friendship: How We Keep Each Other Close and co-host of the Call Your Girlfriend podcast

“Jackson was a dream to work with. He helped me to create a plan to bring The Stacks to more people. He was incredibly professional and knew the podcast landscape intimately. He had fresh ideas and angles, and sent the most beautiful pitch emails that really captured the spirit of the podcast, and me as the host. I was super nervous to hire a publicist, and wasn’t sure if I needed one. After working with Jackson I realized how valuable of an investment it was as I saw a noticeable growth in listeners and brand awareness.” ~Traci Thomas, host-creator of the acclaimed book podcast The Stacks

“It’s as if Jackson has a sixth sense for knowing how audiences will receive messages, a handy feat for any media creator. His quick wits and quality judgments were essential in the production process of a new podcast I consulted him for. He’s cleverly constructive, collaborative, and was an absolute joy to work with — trusting him wholeheartedly throughout the consulting process was 100% worth it!” ~Angela ‘Merk’ Nguyen, host of Adult ISH podcast from Youth Radio / YR Media and Radiotopia 

“My book is a national bestseller thanks in large part to Jackson’s creativity, hustle, and commitment to normalizing grief and loss. He worked hard for months to ensure my book was a major commercial success and I am beyond grateful. I recommend him to everyone!” ~Marisa Renee Lee, Author of Grief is Love and grief advocate