We Empower Creators to Produce Quality Content Through Collaborative Software: Zachariah Moreno, CEO of SquadCast

As podcasting grows in popularity, the need for high-quality content also increases. That’s where SquadCast comes in—a platform that helps content creators collaborate from anywhere in the world. This remote recording tool ensures great audio and video without syncing problems. Thanks to its cloud-based technology, which automatically saves multiple backup files, recordings are never lost—even during power outages or disconnections. With fewer technical issues, creators can focus more on having meaningful conversations and easily editing their content. Launched in 2017, SquadCast is used in over 220 countries by major brands like Microsoft, Spotify, ESPN, NPR, iHeartRadio, Kara Swisher, and Shopify. The company is based in Oakland, CA.

In a recent interview with SME Business Review, Zachariah Moreno, co-founder, CEO, & CTO of SquadCast, discussed the company’s growth, its innovative approach to remote podcast recording, and how SquadCast has empowered creators worldwide to produce high-quality content effortlessly. Here’s what Mr. Moreno had to say.

Interview Excerpts

How did you and Rockwell Felder come up with the idea for SquadCast, and what motivated you to start this venture?

The idea for SquadCast came from a personal frustration we experienced with remote podcast recording. Rockwell and I were both deeply involved in creative fields, and we saw that many podcasters were struggling with poor-quality remote recordings. We realized that there wasn’t a platform that combined high-quality audio with ease of use. Our motivation stemmed from a desire to make remote recording effortless for podcasters, so they could focus on creating content rather than dealing with technical issues. We wanted to create a tool that would allow people to record meaningful conversations, no matter where they were.

SquadCast has grown significantly over the past few years and is now used by podcasters across more than 130 countries. What do you think has contributed to this success?

I believe our success can be attributed to a combination of simplicity, reliability, and a genuine understanding of what podcasters need. From the beginning, we focused on creating a platform that made remote recording easy while still delivering professional-quality audio. We’ve built SquadCast based on feedback from our users, so the platform is always evolving to meet their needs. Our commitment to constantly improving the product and our ability to connect with podcasters on a personal level has helped us grow. Also, being a bootstrapped startup has allowed us to stay closely aligned with our mission without external pressure.

The platform focuses on delivering high-quality audio for remote interviews. Could you tell us more about the technical aspects that set SquadCast apart from other tools in the market?

One of the things that makes SquadCast stand out is our focus on providing studio-quality audio, even in remote settings. We offer multi-track recording, which means each participant's audio is captured separately, ensuring the best possible sound. This is especially important for podcasters who need flexibility during the editing process. Additionally, SquadCast uses high-definition audio and a robust cloud infrastructure that prevents technical issues like dropped calls or poor connectivity from impacting recordings. Our technology is designed to handle the complexities of remote recording while keeping things simple for the user.

In your experience, what do you think are the biggest challenges facing podcasters today, and how is SquadCast helping to address them?

The biggest challenge that podcasters face is ensuring consistent quality, especially when recording remotely. Internet connection issues, poor microphone setups, and background noise can ruin an interview. SquadCast solves this by offering a platform that optimizes audio capture, even in less-than-ideal environments. Our features, like automatic backups and the ability to record locally, help prevent technical failures. Another challenge is the learning curve associated with many podcasting tools. We’ve focused on making SquadCast as intuitive as possible so podcasters can get started quickly without feeling overwhelmed by complicated software.

You have mentioned that SquadCast is built on user feedback and evolves with the needs of its community. Could you share an example of a feature that was added because of user input?

Absolutely. One feature we added was the ability to record in separate tracks for each participant. Originally, SquadCast only recorded audio in a single track, which could make editing a challenge if there was any background noise or technical issues with a guest’s recording. Users asked for this feature, and we listened. By adding separate tracks, podcasters now have greater control during the editing process, which ultimately results in a better final product. That’s just one example of how we’re constantly listening to our users and iterating based on their needs.

SquadCast has been a bootstrapped startup from the beginning. What has that experience been like, and how has it shaped the way you run the company?

Running a bootstrapped company has been a rewarding yet challenging experience. We’ve been able to stay independent and focused on what matters most to us and our users. Without the pressure of external investors, we’ve been able to make decisions based on the long-term needs of the platform, rather than chasing short-term profits. This independence has allowed us to build a product that truly reflects our vision and values, and it’s also created a stronger connection with our users. They know that we’re not answering to any investors; we’re solely focused on delivering the best experience for podcasters.

How do you see the podcasting industry evolving in the next few years, and where does SquadCast fit into that vision?

The podcasting industry is only going to continue growing, with more creators, listeners, and platforms emerging every day. As podcasting becomes more mainstream, the need for high-quality tools will only increase. SquadCast will continue to be a key player by focusing on providing an easy, reliable way to record high-quality content. We’re always thinking about how we can improve our platform and add new features that will benefit creators. Whether it’s better integrations, enhanced audio features, or expanding our capabilities for non-podcasting creators, we’re excited about the future and how SquadCast will help shape it.

SquadCast has empowered thousands of podcast hosts to connect with guests around the world. What has been the most rewarding aspect of building this platform for you personally?

The most rewarding part has definitely been seeing the impact SquadCast has had on the podcasting community. It’s one thing to build a product, but it’s another to know that it’s making a real difference in people’s creative processes. When I hear from users who have been able to produce better content, connect with more guests, and ultimately grow their shows thanks to SquadCast, it’s incredibly fulfilling. Knowing that we’ve helped thousands of podcasters amplify their voices and create content that resonates with their audiences is a huge source of pride for me.

Zachariah Moreno, Co-Founder, CEO, & CTO, SquadCast

“We believe collaboration enhances creativity. Our vision is for creators to connect and collaborate with software to produce high-quality content from anywhere.”