Podcast Plan: “Running on Fumes”

A Sarcastic Take on Sleep Deprivation in High-Stakes Operations

1. Executive Summary

Podcast Name: Running on Fumes
Host: Rob Sweetman
Concept: A humorously sarcastic podcast where military and paramilitary personnel recount operations where they were completely sleep-deprived. The show blends raw, real-world experiences with dark humor, offering insight into the insane missions carried out while running on empty.
Format: Virtual interviews with high-quality video production, cinematic angles, and engaging storytelling.

2. Objectives
   •    Establish a unique niche in the military storytelling podcast genre.
   •    Monetize through sponsorships, ads, merchandise, and premium content.
   •    Build a strong listener/viewer community.
   •    Raise awareness about sleep deprivation’s effects while keeping the tone humorous and engaging.

3. Target Audience
   •    Active-duty military, veterans, and first responders.
   •    Paramilitary and private security contractors.
   •    Fans of military history, operations, and tactical discussions.
   •    Sleep scientists, biohackers, and high-performance enthusiasts.
   •    Comedy and storytelling podcast fans.

4. Content & Format

Episode Structure:
   •    Intro (2-5 min):
   •    Sarcastic monologue about sleep deprivation.
   •    Brief introduction of the guest.
   •    Main Segment (30-45 min):
   •    Guest shares their most sleep-deprived mission.
   •    Host provides sarcastic commentary, pushing the humor while highlighting the insanity of sleep-deprived decision-making.
   •    Technical breakdown of what happens physiologically at that level of exhaustion.
   •    Q&A (10-15 min):
   •    Fun, rapid-fire questions.
   •    “On a scale of 1 to hallucinating, how bad was your sleep deprivation?”
   •    Outro (5 min):
   •    Quick summary and humorous takeaways.
   •    Call to action (subscribe, support the show, buy merch, donate to veteran causes).

5. Production Setup

Location: 20-foot podcast trailer with professional lighting and acoustic treatment.
Host Camera Setup:
   •    Sony E10 camera with a 50mm lens (f/1.8) for a cinematic look.
   •    Camera starts with a straight-on view and moves along a track to a 45° angle.

Guest Camera Setup:
   •    Each guest receives a DJI camera kit and instructions to set up their angle at 45°, mimicking an in-person conversation.

Audio:
   •    DJI  microphone for high-quality voice capture.
   •    Audio interface and mixer for fine-tuned sound.

Streaming & Editing Software:
   •    Streamlabs for managing live recording and streaming.
   •    Adobe Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve for post-production.

6. Guest Selection & Outreach
   •    Targeting Special Operations veterans, military pilots, intelligence officers, paramilitary contractors, and first responders with extreme sleep deprivation stories.
   •    Outreach via military networks, LinkedIn, veteran groups, and direct referrals.
   •    Providing a camera kit and easy-to-follow setup guide for professional video quality.

7. Monetization Strategy

1. Sponsorships & Ads
   •    Military, tactical gear, and sleep aide brands.
   •    Sleep optimization and biohacking companies.

2. Membership & Premium Content
   •    Bonus episodes featuring deeper analysis.
   •    Behind-the-scenes content and raw, unfiltered interviews.

3. Merchandise
   •    Running on Fumes branded apparel (T-shirts, hats, mugs).
   •    Satirical sleep-themed items (“I Survived Another Night of No Sleep”).

4. YouTube Monetization & Podcast Platforms
   •    YouTube ad revenue via high-quality, engaging content.
   •    Monetization through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Patreon.

8. Marketing & Growth Strategy

1. Social Media & Content Distribution
   •    Short clips on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube Shorts to drive traffic.
   •    Sarcastic military memes tied to the theme of sleep deprivation.

2. Cross-Promotion & Networking
   •    Appearances on other military, veteran, and tactical podcasts.
   •    Collaboration with military influencers.

3. Community Building
   •    Discord or private Facebook group for veterans and fans to share their own sleep-deprived stories.

9. Launch Plan & Timeline

Phase    Goal    Timeline
Pre-Launch    Secure 10 guest interviews, finalize trailer setup, acquire camera kits, set up social media    Month 1-2
Soft Launch    Release 3 episodes, test audience engagement, tweak production setup    Month 3
Full Launch    Weekly releases, marketing push, partnerships    Month 4+
Monetization    Secure sponsors, launch merch, activate YouTube ads    Month 6+

10. Summary & Next Steps

Running on Fumes will offer a unique, engaging, and visually high-quality podcast experience, combining dark humor, real-world operational stories, and an insightful look at sleep deprivation in extreme situations. With a well-defined guest list, professional production, and a strong marketing plan, the podcast has strong monetization potential while building a loyal audience.

Next Steps:
   •    Finalize guest list & send out camera kits.
   •    Record and edit first 3 episodes.
   •    Launch teaser content on social media.
   •    Secure first round of sponsorships.
   •    Go live and build an audience!

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