How Podcasting Builds Powerful Business Relationships With John Corcoran

John Corcoran

John Corcoran is the Co-founder of Rise25, a company that connects B2B businesses with their ideal clients, referral partners, and strategic partners. He helps clients generate ROI through its done-for-you podcast service. Since 2012, John has hosted the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, interviewing hundreds of CEOs, founders, authors, and entrepreneurs, including Peter Diamandis, Adam Grant, Gary Vaynerchuk, and Marie Forleo. He is also a recovering attorney, an author, a former White House writer, and a speechwriter for the Governor of California. During his career, John worked in Hollywood, the heart of Silicon Valley, and ran his boutique law firm in the San Francisco Bay Area, catering to small business owners and entrepreneurs.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

[2:19] John Corcoran recounts his journey from White House writer to podcasting entrepreneur
[4:55] Why starting a podcast before writing a book creates long-term value
[8:57] Why most aspiring podcasters fail and the critical role of accountability and delegation
[15:10] Misconceptions about podcast ROI and how it drives B2B relationships
[25:00] Using podcast interviews to deepen connections through follow-up and live events
[31:23] How podcasting consolidates networking, content creation, and professional development
[34:10] Common excuses podcasters make and how to stop self-sabotaging
[40:06] Doubling down on podcasting in 2024 and the impact of frequent publishing
[46:21] The most valuable advice John would give his younger podcaster self

In this episode…

Launching a podcast might seem overwhelming — especially when you're already running a busy business. But what if the real value of podcasting isn’t in downloads or viral clips but in something far more powerful: building relationships? Could podcasting be the single best networking tool for B2B professionals?

According to John Corcoran, a seasoned podcast host and business relationship strategist, the answer is a resounding yes. He explains that podcasting creates a unique space for meaningful conversations with clients, referral partners, and industry influencers. He highlights that the act of inviting someone to be a guest opens doors that traditional networking simply can’t. This relational approach turns interviews into trust-building moments and helps deepen connections that often lead to new business. By consistently showing up, having thoughtful conversations, and outsourcing the busywork, John argues, podcasting becomes not just a marketing channel but a strategic growth engine.

In this episode of the Pillar6 Podcast, host Roman Polnar sits down with John Corcoran, Co-founder of Rise25, to talk about how podcasting builds powerful business relationships. They explore why authenticity beats perfection, how to use interviews to deepen professional connections, and why consistency is the secret weapon for growth. John also shares advice on overcoming self-doubt and launching your podcast even if you don’t feel ready.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Quotable Moments:

“We didn't start out intending to help other businesses with starting podcasts, but eventually, we developed an expertise in it.”
“People will make all kinds of different excuses, or they will occupy their time twiddling with stuff.”
“Start with imperfect, and then you can always work on making it better.”
“It was not my practice. Law was not my superpower. And I realized that quickly.”
“You got to be okay with imperfection. You got to be okay with just shipping it.”

Action Steps:

Start podcasting with strategic intent: Focusing on relationship-building over downloads ensures your efforts align directly with business growth goals.
Delegate production tasks early: Removing technical and logistical burdens frees you to focus on authentic, high-impact conversations with key relationships.
Prioritize consistency over perfection: Showing up regularly builds trust, improves your skills, and compounds long-term brand visibility and connection.
Use podcasting as a networking tool: Interviews create meaningful interactions with clients, partners, and influencers that traditional outreach can't replicate.
Reconnect with past guests at live events: Hosting meetups deepens relationships and turns one-time interviews into lasting business opportunities and community.

Sponsor for this episode

This episode is brought to you by Pillar6. Pillar6 is a wealth advisory firm for successful individuals and families with active lifestyles.

Our clients appreciate having clarity and control over their finances and the peace of mind in knowing that their financial decisions are aligned with their core values, goals, and priorities. We provide financial planning services and wealth management services.

Schedule your complimentary discovery call to talk to us.

To learn more, go to www.pillar6.com or you can email us at hello@pillar6.com.