At Spreaker, we’re proud to support independent creators through our Prime program, a space designed for ethical monetization and community-driven growth. As part of our Success Stories series, we sat down with Josh Hallmark, host of True Crime Bullshit, to explore the strategy and soul behind one of the most compelling podcast success stories.
From Small Town Stories to Podcasting Powerhouse
Josh’s podcasting journey started with small town storytelling and naturally evolved into the true crime and comedy space. His pivot wasn’t about chasing trends, it was about finding a voice, connecting with listeners, and staying true to a mission, which resulted in a dedicated fanbase and a sustainably monetized show.
Josh emphasized building genuine community as a key ingredient in his podcast’s success. By forging real friendships with listeners and creators, he created something more than a show, he created a shared space for learning, storytelling, and reflection.
Monetization with Integrity
Josh’s monetization strategy is rooted in radical transparency and consistency. He began building Patreon support before his first episode aired, underpromising but consistently overdelivering to his community. Within six months, he was earning over $2,000/month.
He also recommends diversifying across platforms: Apple Podcasts, Instagram subscriptions, dynamic ad placements and encourages podcasters to experiment and find what resonates best with their audience.
Navigating Social Spaces as an Introvert
Josh discussed the unique challenge of being an introvert in public-facing roles. The host of True Crime Bullsh** shared how he prepares for podcast events: self-care before and after, reminders of his expertise, and connecting over shared passions. His primal advice is “take a “hotel day,” get IV therapy if needed, and give yourself space to decompress. Boundaries matter, especially in creative work.
Scaling with Strategy and Community
One of Josh’s core philosophies is community-first growth. He fostered audience relationships from day one and maintained engagement even during production breaks. His use of Facebook groups, not just pages, helped turn fans into a thriving community.
He’s also forward-looking, interested in data mining and new technology to support future projects, including a mystery series and mentoring new podcasters.
💡 Key Takeaways for Aspiring Podcasters
- Build community before monetization—loyalty comes from trust.
- Be transparent, honest, and consistently show up.
- Focus on quality from the first episode—first impressions count.
- Humanize your subjects and respect your audience’s intelligence.
- Diversify your revenue streams and test what works.
Josh’s story is proof that with integrity, research, and care, independent creators can scale their shows and build something truly impactful.
