Why Your Chamber Should Start a Podcast with Brandon Burton

As the host of the Chamber Chat Podcast, Brandon Burton has become one of the most recognizable voices in the chamber world. With over 320 episodes under his belt, he's created a library of real-world strategies, leadership wisdom, and success stories—all tailored for chamber professionals. In this conversation, Brandon opens up about the origins of the podcast, the topics chamber leaders care most about, and why podcasting could be your next big move (even with a team of one).

1. Chamber Chat Podcast has been running for a while now, congratulations on producing over 320 episodes. Why have you decided to pursue this niche?
“Thank you! I’ve worked closely with Chambers of Commerce for nearly 20 years through our Chamber publishing business, where we produce maps and directories. Over time, I noticed that while some Chambers had strong reputations and deep support from their members, others struggled to be recognized or appreciated in their communities.

This contrast made me wonder—what resources were available to help these underperforming Chambers improve? I knew about the excellent training offered at state, regional, and national conferences, but many Chambers couldn’t afford to send staff to those events. That’s when the idea struck me: what if there were a free, accessible platform to share best practices and success stories from high-performing Chambers?

When I searched for a podcast specifically serving this audience, nothing existed. So, in February 2019, I launched Chamber Chat Podcast to fill that gap. It’s been over six years now, and I’ve consistently released a new episode every Tuesday, offering practical insights and inspiration for Chamber professionals across the country.”

2. What are the most compelling topics that chamber executives and members consistently respond to? Any surprising insights from your years of hosting the Chamber Chat Podcast?
“In recent years—especially since the pandemic—topics like workforce development, talent retention, affordable housing, and childcare have been front and center for many Chambers. These issues are deeply intertwined and have a major impact on local economies.

That said, some of the most memorable and well-received episodes have featured guests outside of the Chamber world—authors, speakers, and thought leaders offering fresh perspectives on leadership, generational communication, sponsorship strategy, and adapting to change.

One standout episode for me was with Dave Adkisson, author of Horseshoes vs. Chess: A Practical Guide for Chamber of Commerce Leaders. I honestly believe that book should be required reading for every Chamber executive.”

3. Many chambers have less than 500 members, while some have 5,000. We are also seeing a few chambers with over 100,000 members. Should any chamber have a podcast, regardless of their size?
“Great question—and my short answer is yes. Any Chamber can benefit from having a podcast, regardless of size. Of course, it depends on what other platforms you're already using (like YouTube or social media), but even a one-person Chamber staff can pull off a simple, effective podcast.

One of the biggest advantages of podcasting is its accessibility. People can listen while driving, exercising, walking the dog, or doing chores—unlike other media that require their full attention. And since nearly everyone has a smartphone in their pocket, they already have what they need to tune in.

Podcasts also allow Chambers to tell the stories of their local businesses in a way that’s authentic and engaging. It builds authority, trust, and credibility—and it can even become a source of non-dues revenue. If you want to keep it simple, start with an audio-only format, and scale it up as you go.”

4. How can they use podcasting to position themselves as indispensable to local businesses?
“Podcasting creates a unique, personal connection between the host and the listener. When a Chamber creates valuable, relevant content that plays directly in the ears of its audience, it builds trust and authority over time.

Interviewing local business owners about their successes (and challenges) is a great strategy. It gives them the spotlight, which makes the content more shareable, while subtly reinforcing the Chamber’s role in their journey. Through thoughtful questioning, you can naturally highlight how the Chamber has supported their growth—without making it feel like a sales pitch.”

5. With the rise of AI tools, do you think the cost of starting a podcast is decreasing, and the return on time and investment is becoming too good to ignore? How could this be a non-dues revenue stream?
“Absolutely. Podcasting has always had a low barrier to entry—you can get started for under $300—but AI tools are making the process even easier and more efficient than when I started.

Today, I use AI for everything from generating transcripts and episode summaries to drafting guest bios, writing social media posts, scheduling interviews, and notifying guests when their episodes go live. The automation available now saves hours of manual work.

As for non-dues revenue, podcast sponsorships are a great starting point. But the reach of a podcast also gives you a new platform to promote events, programs, or partnerships—especially to audiences who may not be on your email list or social media. Those additional touchpoints can open up new funding opportunities.”

6. I'm a chamber professional and I want to start a podcast. What are the best practices to start one?
“I am glad you asked this question. Early in the pandemic, I created a free Chamber Podcasting Guide to help Chambers get started, and I later developed a more in-depth Chamber Podcasting Course* to walk through the tools and processes in greater detail.

The course originally sold for $400, but I’ve recently reduced the price to $95 to keep it accessible. Some of the software examples have evolved since it was recorded, but the fundamentals still apply.”

*Note: Chamberpad is not affiliated with Brandon Burton’s podcasting course. We share it here as a resource that may be useful for chamber professionals exploring podcasting.

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Until next time! 👋 

Houssem Touil

Founder, Chamberpad