Speaker

Michael Bower

Michael Bower

Broadcasting veteran & podcast innovator helping creators turn craft into impact

West Bloomfield Township, Michigan, United States

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Michael Bower is a 30+ year broadcasting and podcast veteran who has hosted national shows on Sirius Satellite Radio, delivered daily reports as a National Correspondent for NBC News Radio, and produced more than 1,000 podcasts across genres. As a former VP of Programming for Ingstad Minnesota Radio Network, he led talent development, coached on-air hosts, and even tested early AI “on-air personalities” — discovering why authenticity always beats automation.

Today, Michael brings that experience to the stage with talks that blend broadcast discipline, podcast innovation, and humor from his years in stand-up comedy. His signature sessions — Craft Over Clout, Process Over Perfection, and The AI DJ Problem — help creators cut through the noise, build loyal audiences, and reclaim quality in an algorithm-driven era.

Michael’s approach is simple but powerful: respect your listener’s time, earn their trust, and give them something they’ll come back for.

Area of Expertise

  • Business & Management
  • Government, Social Sector & Education
  • Humanities & Social Sciences
  • Information & Communications Technology
  • Media & Information

Topics

  • Podcasting: Craft Over Clout
  • Authentic Storytelling in a Digital Age
  • AI in Broadcasting: Why Voices Still Matter
  • Coaching Talent: From Radio Booths to Podcasts
  • The Business of Podcasting (Process Growth & Monetization)
  • Media Literacy & Misinformation
  • Humor in Storytelling & Public Speaking
  • Building Loyal Audiences in the Algorithm Era
  • From Radio to Podcasts: Lessons from 30+ Years in Broadcasting

Craft Over Clout: Reclaiming Quality in an Algorithmic Era

In a world where algorithms reward clicks over craft, podcasters face a crucial choice: chase clout, or build shows that last. This talk challenges creators to flip the script—prioritizing storytelling, structure, and audience respect over short-term trends. Drawing on 30+ years in broadcasting and podcasting, Michael shows why craft isn’t just a luxury—it’s the difference between being background noise and being binge-worthy.

Target audience: Podcasters, broadcasters, media creators.
Format: 30–60 minute keynote or breakout session.
First delivered: 2024 (adaptable for conferences, webinars, or workshops).

Coaching Your Podcast: Process Over Perfection

Great podcasts don’t happen by accident—they happen by process. Drawing from his experience as both a broadcaster and a Varsity Head Coach, Michael reveals how podcasters can apply the discipline of team sports to their creative process. From scripting your first 30 seconds to cutting the fluff and respecting your listener’s time, this talk offers practical tools to elevate your show without burning out.

Target audience: Podcasters, business leaders, coaches, educators.
Format: Workshop (60–90 min) or interactive session.
First delivered: 2020 (Ingstad Media).

The AI DJ Problem: Why Authentic Voices Still Win

AI is creeping into broadcasting and podcasting—but can a machine ever replace a real human voice? Michael shares his behind-the-scenes experience testing AI “on-air talent” as a VP of Programming, and why the results fell flat compared to even the most inexperienced human hosts. This eye-opening session explores the limits of automation, and why authenticity and relatability will always be a podcaster’s greatest asset.

Target audience: Podcasters, broadcasters, media execs, tech conferences.
Format: 30–45 minute keynote or panel talk.
First delivered: 2020.

Show Prep Like a Pro: Building Content That Connects

Every great podcast or radio show lives and dies on prep. But show prep isn’t about filling pages with topics—it’s about finding, shaping, and delivering content that connects. In this talk, Michael walks through a proven prep system that balances structure with spontaneity, ensuring every host stays sharp, relevant, and ready to deliver. Attendees leave with a toolkit for building stronger daily content that keeps audiences coming back.

Target audience: Podcasters, radio hosts, content creators.
Format: Workshop (60–90 min) or breakout session.
First delivered: 2020 (Ingstad Media training).

Ingstad Comedy Tour Fall 2024

Performed as part of Ingstad’s regional comedy tour, blending humor with storytelling and audience engagement.

October 2024 Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States

Ingstad Comedy Tour Spring 2024

Performed as part of Ingstad’s regional comedy tour, blending humor with storytelling and audience engagement.

April 2024 Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States

Ingstad Comedy Tour Fall 2023

Performed as part of Ingstad’s regional comedy tour, blending humor with storytelling and audience engagement.

October 2023 Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States

Ingstad Comedy Tour Spring 2023

Performed / Hosted as part of Ingstad’s regional comedy tour, blending humor with storytelling and audience engagement.

April 2023 Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States

Ingstad Media Staff Development

Online Coaching: Elevating On-Air Talent — Provided annual live coaching for Ingstad’s airstaff, focused on show structure, pacing, and personality development.

September 2022 Thief River Falls, Minnesota, United States

Podcasts 101: Building Shows That Last

Training Ingstad air staff on podcast strategy, structure, and growth.

September 2020 Thief River Falls, Minnesota, United States

Show Prep Grind: From Idea to Execution

Workshop on efficient and effective daily prep to maximize on-air quality.

September 2020 New Ulm, Minnesota, United States

Michael Bower

Broadcasting veteran & podcast innovator helping creators turn craft into impact

West Bloomfield Township, Michigan, United States

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