In this episode of Founder Talk, I sit down with John Morris, founder of 444 Media and host of Golf with JMO, to break down how podcasting can be used as a business development engine, not just a marketing channel.

Together, John and I unpacked why cold outreach no longer works like it once did, how real conversations build trust faster than any pitch, and how founders can use podcasting to shorten sales cycles, open doors with decision-makers, and create leverage across their entire business. John explains why podcasts work even without massive downloads, what most founders get wrong when they try content, and how designing intentional experiences turns guests into partners, customers, and advocates.

We also dive into John’s personal reinvention, how hitting rock bottom reshaped his leadership style, and why founders can no longer hide behind logos if they want to grow. Today’s audience follows people, not companies.

You’ll learn:

✅ How podcasting can function as a business development engine

✅ Why giving people a platform builds trust faster than pitching them

✅ How to use conversations to shorten sales cycles and open doors

✅ Why brand experiences matter more than messaging

✅ What it takes to reinvent yourself and your business with intention

If you’re a founder, entrepreneur, or business owner looking to replace cold outreach with warm relationships and turn conversations into revenue, this episode gives you a practical, real-world playbook.

Connect with John Morris

Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%E2%98%98%EF%B8%8Fjohn-morris%E2%98%98%EF%B8%8F/

Guest Website: https://444.media/

If you are a B2B company that wants to build your own in-house content team instead of outsourcing your content to a marketing agency, we may be a fit for you! Everything you see in our podcast and content is a result of a scrappy, nimble, internal content team along with an AI-powered content systems and process. Check out pricing and services here: ⁠https://impaxs.com⁠

Head to our website to stream every episode on your favorite platform, join the Founder Talk community, and submit questions for future guests–all in one place: https://foundertalkpodcast.com/

Timecodes

00:00 Introduction to John Morris and 444 Media

00:06 The Root Beer Conversation

00:26 John's Entrepreneurial Journey

02:15 Battling Depression and Anxiety

04:30 The Turning Point: A Near-Death Experience

06:27 Rebuilding Life and Starting Golf with JMO

10:54 Launching 444 Media

17:32 The Power of Podcasting

39:19 The Importance of Depth in Conversations

41:00 The Role of Preparation in Hosting

42:17 Effective Interview Techniques

46:38 Qualities of a Great Podcast Guest

54:36 Starting Your Own Podcast: Key Steps

01:01:20 The Value of Podcast Metrics

01:04:01 Challenges and Rewards of Entrepreneurship

01:07:31 Introducing 'The Multipliers' Podcast

01:16:42 Final Thoughts and Farewell