Lina La Rue Gomez ~ The Pod Nerd, Listener Advocate, Podcast Strategist

Lina La Rue is a self-proclaimed “pod nerd” and passionate advocate for better listening experiences. As someone who genuinely loves podcasts and the podcast industry as a whole, she’s deeply invested in what makes a show worth coming back to. Lina believes podcasting isn’t just about creating content, but about respecting the listener’s time, attention, and trust. She’s known for sharing thoughtful, honest insights on what works, what doesn’t, and why so many podcasters struggle to improve their shows. Through her perspective as both a dedicated listener and industry insider, Lina encourages podcasters to be more intentional, more curious, and more committed to making shows people actually want to hear.
Most Popular Topics:
I Failed at Podcasting… Twice. Here’s What I Learned
Not every podcast succeeds, and sometimes the most valuable lessons come from the ones that don’t. This candid conversation explores the mistakes that can derail a podcast and what should be done differently from the start. Rather than presenting a polished picture of podcasting success, this is an honest look at what went wrong, what was learned, and how aspiring and current podcasters can avoid making the same mistakes.
The Listener Is the Most Important Person in the Room
Podcasters spend countless hours thinking about their content, guests, growth, and goals… but how often do they stop to think about the person pressing play? This conversation explores what it really means to put the listener first, from respecting their time and attention to recognizing the small things that can make or break their experience. It also examines why creating a podcast shouldn’t be solely about what the host wants to say, but about creating something the audience genuinely wants to spend time listening to.
Should You Start a Podcast? Maybe… Maybe Not
Everyone and their dog seems to have a podcast these days, but that doesn’t mean everyone needs one. The excitement of a great idea can make it tempting to rush straight into recording, without considering whether the concept is sustainable, differentiated, or even worth pursuing. This conversation explores what aspiring podcasters should think about before hitting record, why research and intentional planning matter, and how taking time to evaluate an idea can save considerable time, money, and frustration down the road.
Video Podcasting: Do It Right or Don’t Do It.
Video podcasts can be incredibly engaging, but video isn’t automatically better simply because it’s video. As more podcasters feel pressured to add cameras to their shows, the quality of the viewing experience isn’t always keeping pace. This conversation explores when video genuinely enhances a podcast, when it can actually hurt the experience, and why creators should consider what they can produce well, before jumping on the video podcast bandwagon. Sometimes, a thoughtfully produced audio podcast is a much better experience than a mediocre video one.
Your Guest Needs More Than a Calendar Invite
A great guest interview starts long before anyone hits the record button. Yet guests are often given minimal information, vague expectations, or preparation materials just days (or even hours) before a recording. This conversation explores why thoughtful guest preparation matters, how the guest experience ultimately affects the listener experience, and what hosts can do to create better conversations by setting their guests up for success. When guests feel prepared, comfortable, and confident, everyone (including the listener) benefits.
Suggested Conversation Starters:
- What are some things podcasters do that they probably don’t realize are annoying their listeners?
- What’s the one thing podcasters must do in order to be better at podcasting?
- Why do you believe people should spend 6 months to a year thinking about a podcast before launching one?
- You launched and ultimately ended two podcasts. What went wrong, and what did those experiences teach you?
- What are some of the biggest mistakes you made that you would encourage other podcasters to avoid?
Download a full list of Lina’s Suggested Conversation Starters
Partial List of Previous Podcasts:
The Pondcast: Conversations That Go Nowhere with Jeff Ponder
Unabashed You with Rechelle Conde-Nau
The Morning Formation Podcast with KP Phillips
Rave Reviews:
“I felt an instant rapport and connection with Lina… Not only was she completely comfortable behind the mic and in front of the camera, she was an absolute delight from start to finish. She brought a lively nature to our discussion and she instantly became one of my favorite guests I’ve had on my show so far. If you are on the fence about bringing Lina onto your podcast or into a speaking engagement, don’t hesitate because you will not regret the decision.”
~ Jeff Ponder | Podcast Host (The Pondcast: Conversations That Go Nowhere)
Website:
ThePodNerd.xyz