Podcast Spotlight: Tipsy Exchange

Last updated on October 4th, 2021

The Tipsy Exchange is another in a long line of podcasts in which friends use the facade of scheduling something productive to hang out. Mimicking the ever-popular My Favorite Murder format of one person reading articles to another, Tipsy Exchange features hosts Berly and LA choosing a concept or general topic, one of them researches the topic, then they drink booze and talk about it.

Berly and LA are nice-sounding people. It’s very much a podcast one listens to in the background as a conversation-simulator rather than something with the intent of genuinely learning something any given week. The duo attempts to tackle online gaming with their sole experience being a single session of Among Us and LA overhearing her child being toxic. An article claiming Jimmy Fallon popularized gaming is treated as gospel. If one expects thoroughly-researched and insightful discussion, they’re going to be disappointed. Tipsy Exchange is more about chatting for fun than sharing facts. One must want and embrace the sloppiness to have a good time with moments like LA exclaiming “I bet those are worth a lot of money now” about E.T. for the Atari 2600, a famously bad game that sells for under $10.

We were fortunate to talk with co-host Berly about the podcast, how they differentiate from other podcasts, and their future plans in podcasting. See below for our full Q&A.

Listen: Stitcher | Spotify | Podchaser

DISCOVER PODS: How’d you get into podcasting?

BERLY: Berly and LA have known each other for roughly 20 years and always wanted to do something creative together. We discussed several ideas but never followed through. During the pandemic, we decided to finally move forward with something, and the Tipsy Exchange was born!

DISCOVER PODS: In your own words, why should listeners tune in to Tipsy Exchange?

BERLY: We candidly discuss topics from genres like pop culture, self care, history, mystery, true crime and sci fi. If you like variety (and don’t mind thirst comments from two singles who haven’t gotten back out there post-pandemic), then you will likely enjoy the Tipsy Exchange!

DISCOVER PODS: What kind of feedback have you heard from your listeners?

BERLY: Listeners have told us that we keep the conversation flowing organically, and that we have great chemistry. We are a chat show but we pull listeners into the conversation. We’ve also been told we have great voices and could open a phone sex line if the podcast fails. Always good to have a backup plan!

DISCOVER PODS: Describe your recording set up? What equipment are you using?

BERLY: Since LA has three dogs, we typically meet in person at Berly’s home and setup an HP laptop with a couple of Samson microphones. Since Berly’s home was damaged in the Texas winter storms, the setup has been pretty cozy in her small office, which actually seems to have helped with background noise and reverb so silver lining. We primarily use Hindenburg for recording and editing but have outsourced through Fiverr from time to time. We’ve also used Zoom and Riverside for a couple of interviews.

DISCOVER PODS: What’s the biggest challenge you face as an indie podcaster?

BERLY: We try to focus on quality content and audio, which has certainly been a learning experience (to say the least). With no training, mentors or a significant budget for outsourcing, Google and Buzzsprout support have been our best friends. However, by far, growing and engaging our audience has been the biggest struggle. We did not have a blog or another platform with existing followers prior to our launch. There are several other podcasts out there, which can make it difficult to stand out and grow from scratch. On the plus side, our interactions with other podcasters have been positive, and we look forward to collaborating more often soon.

Read more: Podcast Hosts Compared: Buzzsprout vs. Libsyn vs. Podbean

DISCOVER PODS: Where do you want to take your podcast?

BERLY: At the moment, we are focusing on our audience. We want to grow our listener base and receive feedback. Tell us what you like about the show and how we can make it better!

DISCOVER PODS: What other podcasts are you listening to now?

BERLY: Astonishing Legends, Crime Junkie, Bitch Sesh, Comic Bookkeepers, What We Do in the Meadow, Dear Chelsea, and Smartless… plus the too-many-to-name true crime podcasts LA has on her list

DISCOVER PODS: Anything else you’d like to add?

BERLY: We’re friendly! Please connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Patreon or Tiktok.