In today’s sea of AI-generated noise, real authority comes from genuine conversations 👉 Podcast guesting isn’t just a marketing tool, it’s how credibility and trust are earned, sustainable, over time.

This week’s featured track is FROM THE TRENCHES — in-depth conversations with experienced operators working at the sharp end of PR, media and communications.

Hosted by Trevor Young, this series explores how recognition is earned, how credibility compounds, and how influence is built in today’s reputation economy.

__________________

In This Episode:

Podcast guesting is more than a visibility game - done right, it’s one of the most powerful ways for experts and leaders to earn authority, transfer trust, and cut through a noisy AI-saturated world.

Tom Schwab, founder of Interview Valet and a trailblazer in podcast interview marketing, joins Trevor Young to break down how intentional podcast guesting can transform your business and reputation.

Key Takeaways:

• Conversations over funnels: Tom debunks the myth that sales start with automation, arguing that “you’re just one conversation away” from your next big client, partner, or team member.
• Podcasting in 2026: Discover how the podcast medium has evolved - blurring lines with video, on-demand content, and new distribution platforms.
• Strategy first: Why throwing yourself at every podcast is pointless - Tom shares the smart way to pick shows, pitch yourself, and show up with value.
• Be a magnet, not a megaphone: Attract your perfect clients and repel the wrong ones. Learn how a focused guesting strategy works better than chasing fame or big-name shows.
• Master the pitch: No copy-paste emails! How to introduce yourself as a human, offer a killer topic, and make it easy for hosts to say yes.
• Collaboration wins: The best podcast experiences come from guests who treat appearances as relationships, not transactions.
• Leverage your appearance: Don’t “set and forget” - promote your interviews, repurpose content, and use each appearance as an authority-building asset.
• The ultimate authority transfer: Why third-party endorsement from trusted hosts builds trust faster than any self-promotion ever could.

Action Steps:

• Get intentional: Decide who you want to reach and why.
• Do your homework: Research, engage, and pitch with care.
• Be professional: Show up, add value, and always promote the show afterwards.
• Build your digital footprint: Hosts (and AI) are watching!

Useful Links:

• Interview Valet Welcome Page for EARN THE RIGHT: Templates, free resources, and more from Tom Schwab.

Don’t forget: The best opportunities come from showing up, offering value, and earning the right to be heard.

Subscribe, share, and leave a review - and start earning your authority today!

—-----

Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn

Subscribe to Earn the Right Substack

P.S. Don’t forget to subscribe and share if you found this valuable ~ thanks!

This episode's featured track is IN THE ARENA - Trevor Young’s unfiltered take on earning authority in real time — sharp, strategic riffs on content, credibility, connection, and the courage to keep showing up.

__________________

Welcome to Earn the Right, your go-to audio platform for building reputation-based authority, mastering PR, and transforming credibility into career-defining opportunities.

In today’s “In the Arena” episode, Trevor Young takes a deep dive into authority branding - what it is, who it’s for, and how you can leverage it to become not just respected, but recognised and sought out in your field.

In a noisy world crowded with influencers, growth hackers, and short-lived tactics, seasoned professionals often find their hard-won expertise overshadowed.

This episode unpacks why being the best isn’t enough - today, you have to be known, trusted, and top of mind. We’ll break down the essential components of authority branding, explore who should invest in it, share hypothetical examples, and highlight the pitfalls to avoid.

Whether you’re a consultant, coach, founder, or seasoned expert ready to step out of obscurity and lead the conversation in your industry, this episode will give you practical tools and ideas to ensure your personal brand truly reflects your expertise.

Let’s get into it, because the market doesn’t reward the best; it rewards the best known.

—-----

Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn

Subscribe to Earn the Right newsletter

P.S. Don’t forget to subscribe and share if you found this valuable ~ thanks!

If AI doesn’t mention you, you don’t exist. 👉 Generative AI is changing the game: from search rankings to synthesised answers, your reputation matters more than ever.

This week’s featured track is FROM THE TRENCHES — in-depth conversations with experienced operators working at the sharp end of PR, media and communications.

Hosted by Trevor Young, this series explores how recognition is earned, how credibility compounds, and how influence is built in today’s reputation economy.

__________________

This episode dives straight into the revolution happening in search and reputation - where discovery, validation, and authority-building are being transformed by GenAI.

Host Trevor Young - along with expert guests Darryl Sparey and Simon Murphy - take listeners into the trenches of PR, communications, and AI, unpacking how leaders, experts and brands can earn their presence in the generative AI landscape.

What’s covered:

• Why traditional SEO strategies aren’t enough, and what “Generative Engine Optimisation” really means.
• The rise of GenAI as the go-to for deep questions, synthesised answers, and (personal) brand credibility.
• Why B2B decision-makers and consumers are moving to GenAI - and what it means for your visibility, reputation, and commercial impact.
• How AI platforms like ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, Copilot, and Claude have different rules and partnerships that influence what gets surfaced.
• The critical role of earned media, owned media, and structured content - plus, why regularly updating your 'About' page is now mission-critical.
• Actionable advice for leaders, founders, and experts: how to proactively audit, create, and position content that gets recognized and cited by AI.
• The new “authority stack” – structured web content, consistent entity presence (LinkedIn, Wikipedia, directories), and meaningful earned media mentions in both small and big outlets.

Key takeaways:

• Does your brand really exist if GenAI doesn’t recognise it - proactivity is key!
• The right kind of content and citations matter more than ever - depth beats breadth.
• Freshness and consistency trump old-school “set-and-forget” SEO techniques.
• Smaller, niche players can leverage agility to outpace bigger brands in GenAI-driven discovery.

Who should listen?

PR pros, marketers, founders, thought leaders, and anyone serious about reputation and authority in the age of AI.

Connect with the experts:

• Darryl Sparey: hardnumbers.co.uk, LinkedIn
• Simon Murphy: LinkedIn, indigomurphy.com

Ready to earn your right to be discovered? Tune in and set your strategy for the AI-powered future of reputation!

—-----

Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn

Subscribe to Earn the Right Substack

P.S. Don’t forget to subscribe and share if you found this valuable ~ thanks!