© IkeFontaine, FutureMedia

Ike Fontaine is a name synonymous with innovation and strategic growth in the podcasting industry. As an award-winning executive producer and the founder of Future Media, Fontaine has mastered the art of creating and growing successful podcast channels. 

His network portfolio boasts over 90 million downloads, and his expertise has helped numerous channels secure top 10 and top 100 rankings across various sectors, including entrepreneurship, health, finance, entertainment, and politics. Millennial sat down in an exclusive interview with Fontaine to uncover his groundbreaking work with industry giants, and his vision for the future of podcasting.

From Music to Media: A Strategic Pivot

Fontaine’s career trajectory is a testament to his ability to recognize and seize opportunities in the ever-evolving digital landscape. His journey began in a small town outside of Boston, where his passion for music first took root. “I started playing music at six years old,” Fontaine recalls. 

This early love for music provided a foundation in storytelling and audience engagement, but it was his pivot to digital media and ultimately podcasting that truly defined his professional path. 

It was 2015 when Fontaine stumbled upon Periscope, a live-streaming app that would become instrumental in his career. “I was amazed at the idea of live-streaming from anywhere in the world,” he recalls. “I started going into nature, setting up a camera, and playing songs live. People thought it was novel—no one else was doing it.”

© Ike Fontaine, Future Media

Fontaine’s innovative use of Periscope gained him recognition within the community, leading to invitations to Periscope summits where he performed in front of other creators. “That experience solidified the power of social media, community, and content,” he says. “It was the beginning of something bigger.”

As his music career progressed, so did his understanding of content creation and audience engagement. This realization prompted Fontaine to explore new avenues beyond music. 

He began working with the growth marketing agency, Leverage, under the direction of CEO Nick Sonnenberg. Leverage became a crucial stepping stone in his transition from music to media. “The agency didn’t care about my background—they cared about my work ethic,” he explains. “I gritted my teeth for six years, working with over 300 businesses, helping them grow online.”

Fontaine’s role at the agency involved creative problem-solving for various clients, many of whom were interested in podcasting. “I was the digital person who knew how to create, so I helped a lot of clients with their podcasts,” he says. 

© Ike Fontaine, Future Media

While working for the agency, Fontaine discovered that the power of podcasting wasn’t just about exposure, “it was and is about creating impactful media assets that drives authority and business growth,” he explains.

As he worked alongside businesses of all sizes, he began to recognize the potential of podcasting as a strategic tool for marketing. “I noticed that every major creator and businessperson was investing in content, especially podcasts,” he explains. “I realized I could combine my storytelling abilities with the needs of businesses to create something unique.”

Innovating Podcasting Strategies with Heavy Hitters

One of his first major successes came from working with Dave Asprey, founder of Bulletproof Coffee. Asprey was looking to expand his brand through content, and Fontaine helped the Bulletproof team develop Bulletproof Radio, a pioneering podcast that set a new standard in health and wellness content.

“Dave loved the idea of long-form content where he could really delve into topics,” Fontaine explains. This innovative approach was a game-changer. At a time when few were leveraging podcasting for deep engagement, Fontaine and Asprey saw a unique opportunity, leading Bulletproof Radio to become a Top 10 and Top 100 podcast.

“No one at the time was really doing this, so we had a clear path,” Fontaine says. The success of Bulletproof Radio, later rebranded as The Human Upgrade, set a precedent for what podcasting could achieve- brand authority, new audience reach, and increased clientele. 

© Ike Fontaine, Future Media

Fontaine also played a pivotal role in the rapid growth of Caroline Strawson’s podcast “Trauma & Narcissism Redefined.” Through strategic development and precise content planning, Fontaine helped position Strawson as a leading voice in the mental health and trauma recovery space. His tailored approach not only amplified her reach but also enabled her podcast to surpass 2.5 million downloads annually.

Following this success, Fontaine collaborated with Jay Abraham, a renowned business strategist, and former boss, Nick Sonnenberg, to transform Abraham’s existing podcast into a powerful tool for client acquisition. “Jay already had a podcast, but they were underutilizing the power of podcasting,” Fontaine notes. “I came in to re-engineer the concept, develop, and launch a new version called “The Optimize Podcast” where we attracted high-value clients to join as guests of the show, and in turn, drive high-ticket mastermind and consulting sales.” Within the first 3 episodes their new podcast system landed $50,000 in new business, and to this day, continues to drive membership and consulting services.

Fontaine’s podcasting expertise has driven massive success across diverse sectors. He helped elevate Joe Polish’s Genius Network podcast to drive high-ticket sales and brand growth. He also developed the video-first strategy for The Pomp Podcast, now one of the largest independent financial media platforms, enhancing Anthony Pompliano’s influence in the crypto space. During the 2020 election, Fontaine was approached by The Lincoln Project to build out their podcast, which debuted at #7 globally with over 10 million downloads. And also developed Politicology, spearheaded by Ron Steslow, to garnered tens of millions of downloads, ranking in the Top 10 and Top 100 positions.

Building Future Media: A New Approach to Podcasting

Recognizing the untapped potential in podcasting, Fontaine founded Future Media in 2019, an agency specializing in comprehensive podcasting solutions. The name reflects Fontaine’s forward-thinking approach. “I’ve always tried to predict where things are going and position myself to meet that moment,” he shares. 

This mindset has driven the company’s mission to help small and medium-sized businesses and mid-cap companies develop content strategies that will keep them relevant in the rapidly changing digital landscape.

© Ike Fontaine

Fontaine’s approach to podcasting goes beyond traditional methods. “It’s not just about gaining exposure,” he says. “It’s about integrating podcasts into a larger ecosystem, using them as a tool for client acquisition and business growth.” He adds that podcasting is the only media strategy where you can strategically “trojan horse” other audiences by collaborating with your colleagues, leaders, and ideal prospects.

Future Media emphasizes the importance of content in today’s market. He warns, “If you’re a service-based business and you don’t adopt a content strategy, you’ll become irrelevant in the next five to ten years.” He firmly believes that content is king when it comes to connecting with audiences online. “Podcasting is just one avenue, but it’s incredibly powerful because it can be repurposed into various forms of content,” Fontaine adds.

Driving Growth Through The Perfect Podcast System

As part of Future Media’s business model, Fontaine spearheads The Perfect Podcast System, an exclusive program designed to help aspiring podcasters develop, launch, and scale their own shows. “The Perfect Podcast System is about understanding the entire ecosystem of podcasting,” Fontaine says. 

“It’s a ‘done for you’ initiative that enables participants to plug into a winning solution for business growth.” His program focuses on building a complete marketing system that elevates clients as the “go to” figure in their industry, while driving prospective leads and converting sales.

© Ike Fontaine, Future Media, IG @createwithike

The goal is to develop a content strategy that requires low monthly input from the client while delivering high-impact results. “We’re building client acquisition systems through podcasting,” he says. “We develop, launch, and grow podcasts for our clients, ensuring that they reach the right audience and achieve their business goals.”

He acknowledges the challenges involved in podcast production, particularly the post-production process. Future Media aims to simplify this process for clients, allowing them to focus on content creation while the agency handles the rest. “We invite the right people onto the podcast, have the right conversations, and turn those guests into advocates for your brand, while packaging your post production into one of the most powerful marketing tools a business owner can have,” Fontaine elaborates.

The Future of Podcasting According to Ike Fontaine

Looking ahead, Fontaine is clear about the direction in which he wants to take Future Media and the podcasting industry as a whole. “The future of media is to fuse data-backed creative and technology together that will enable businesses to tell better stories, connect with their customers, and elevate their authority in the world,” he says.

Fontaine’s vision includes expanding Future Media’s reach, continuing to work with high-profile clients, and helping more businesses and thought-leaders establish their own successful podcasts. His approach is holistic, focusing on how podcasts can be integrated into broader marketing strategies to amplify a brand’s message and reach.

He invites others to join him on this path through his latest initiative, “Create with Ike,” an Instagram channel dedicated to sharing his knowledge and experiences in the world of podcasting and content creation, where he says he is dumping all of his secrets. The channel offers an opportunity for aspiring creators and businesses alike to learn from one of the best in the industry.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Fontaine | Podcast Growth (@createwithike)

For those looking to take their digital presence to the next level, Fontaine’s expertise is just a click away. Check out Future Media if you’re interested in leveraging podcasts for your business or booking a one-on-one session directly with Ike Fontaine.

From a small town musician to a leading figure in digital media and podcasting, Fontaine’s journey is a testament to his adaptability, creativity, and strategic foresight. Through producing podcasts, he has helped countless businesses and thought leaders establish a strong presence in their respective fields, proving that the medium is not just for storytelling, but a powerful tool for growth and influence. 

As he continues to innovate and lead in the podcasting industry, Fontaine remains a guiding light for businesses and entrepreneurs looking to harness the full potential of digital content. With initiatives like The Perfect Podcast System and “Create with Ike,” Fontaine is not just shaping the future of podcasting—he’s building it.