The Sound Off Podcast is a weekly podcast about podcasting, radio, broadcasting, voiceover, and the people shaping the modern audio industry.
Hosted by veteran broadcaster and voice artist Matt Cundill, The Sound Off Podcast takes listeners behind the scenes of audio with in-depth conversations featuring podcast creators, radio professionals, producers, programmers, voiceover talent, media executives, and industry innovators. Drawing on decades of experience in radio and podcasting, Matt brings context, credibility, and curiosity to every episode.
Each episode explores the craft, business, and culture of audio, covering topics such as podcast growth, audience development, monetization, advertising, sponsorship, dynamic ad insertion, analytics, distribution platforms, audio branding, and emerging trends in on-demand audio. From legacy radio to independent podcasts and branded content, the show examines how audio continues to evolve — creatively, technologically, and commercially.
The Sound Off Podcast is known for thoughtful, candid interviews that go beyond surface-level talking points. Guests include radio legends, podcast pioneers, seasoned producers, voiceover artists, and leaders working across podcast networks, media companies, and technology platforms. Conversations focus on real-world experience: what works, what doesn’t, and what creators and companies need to understand to succeed in today’s audio landscape.
Whether you work in podcasting, radio, voiceover, broadcasting, or digital media — or you’re simply fascinated by how audio storytelling works — The Sound Off Podcast delivers insider perspectives, practical insights, and honest discussions about the future of sound.
With a balance of industry expertise and accessible conversation, The Sound Off Podcast is designed for professionals, creators, and listeners who want a deeper understanding of how audio connects audiences, builds brands, and drives culture.
New episodes are released weekly.
Do you remember last Spring, when the media was all abuzz about AI Ashley, the first-ever artificial intelligence radio DJ? If so, you might remember the name Alpha Media. They're the ones who help bring her to life. (AI Ashley is Ashley “Z” Elzinga)
Phil Becker is the Executive Vice President of Content at Alpha Media, and our guest today. He has a hand in the programming and content efforts of over 200 radio stations across America, and quite honestly, he's been on my list of potential podcast guests for years. Even before AI Ashley, his speaking points at conferences always fascinated me, as did his path through the radio industry.
In this episode, Phil and I chat about his unorthodox career path, the unique decisions that led him to it, and of course, the future and AI's prospective role in it. When AI Ashley was released last year, myself and many others speculated about what it could mean for the future of radio. We're still waiting to see how that turns out in the long run, but for now, Phil provides some excellent ideas of what we might be able to expect.
If you're curious about what Alpha Media is up to now, or want to work with them, you can visit their website here.
A transcription of this episode can be found here.
Thanks to the following organizations for supporting the show:
Blurve: A great way to help you prep your Show.
Megatrax - Licensed Music for your radio station or podcast production company.
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