Topic: Subscribers

The host expresses gratitude to long-term listeners and confirms that while interviews will continue, the focus will shift toward unique content that is harder for other shows to replicate. This pivot will be evaluated over the next year using subscriber data and Plus ratings to determine if the new format is successful. The announcement concludes with a commitment to maintaining creative control and a preview of two upcoming special presentations already in production.

The host emphasizes the importance of a subscriber-supported model to maintain independence from corporate ad agencies and self-censorship. Listeners are encouraged to join the Plus membership at thehiresideschats.com for two-hour interviews, a community forum, and custom RSS feeds. Options for subscribing via Patreon to access content on Spotify are also detailed.

The host promotes the Higher Side Chats Plus membership and celebrates reaching 100,000 subscribers on YouTube despite receiving two strikes. He clarifies that the show is primarily a podcast distributed via RSS and expresses indifference toward alternative video platforms like Rumble or Odyssey. Recent episodes featuring Dr. Roger McFillin and Matt Roski are highlighted.

The host analyzes the challenges of running an independent podcast, noting that while thousands of free listeners enjoy the content, only a tiny fraction (approximately 1%) choose to support the show through a Plus membership. Recent statistics show that a free release of a Plus episode resulted in only 24 new sign-ups despite 45,000 "impactful plays." The segment serves as a call for a reciprocal rather than consumer-based relationship with media creators.

A technical update is provided regarding the Higher Side Chats Plus feed, which had been temporarily limited to the last year of episodes due to server resource issues. The host announces that a fix has been implemented, restoring the full archive of 725 two-hour episodes to the subscriber feed. He expresses gratitude for the recent surge in sign-ups at the start of 2024.

The show concludes with a thematic cover song and a final pitch for the THC Plus membership. Greg Carlwood explains that subscriber support allows the show to remain ad-free and independent from mainstream "architects of consensus reality." He provides technical details on app compatibility and mentions alternative signup methods via Patreon for those requiring PayPal.

Michael Wan discusses his updated services, including "Sky Mansey" sessions and personal readings available through his website, Susquehanna Alchemy. He mentions his Subscribe Star for monthly ceremonies and high-quality video content. Additionally, he highlights his new merchandise shop featuring stickers and t-shirts with designs like the "Johnny Wan Time Traveler" logo created by listener James Turrick.

Carlwood emphasizes the importance of supporting niche independent researchers like Michael Wan, Ross Ben, and Chris Knowles. He expresses frustration with shows that do not credit guests properly and discusses the increasing risks of internet censorship. Carlwood asks his audience to trust in the network of listeners to support creators so they do not "slip through the cracks" of the modern digital landscape.

The host reports a "YouTube timeout" and temporary ban resulting from a three-year-old episode featuring David Seaman. Despite the censorship, the channel has reached 80,000 subscribers, prompting a goal to reach 100,000 and secure a platinum play button award before potentially leaving the platform. The incident highlights the ongoing tension between alternative content and mainstream hosting platforms.

Michael Wan promotes his work through Susquehanna Alchemy, including his YouTube channel and book about the Susquehanna River. He introduces a new service called "Bio-Mancy," a personal consultation that combines connectivity analysis with astrology to identify trends in an individual's life. He also mentions his Subscribe Star page for those wishing to support his research financially.

Michael Wan promotes his "Starboard Sessions" and "Starboard Plus" services, which combine astrology with personal narrative analysis. He directs listeners to his website and Subscribe Star page, mentioning a giveaway for handcrafted walking sticks aligned with the upcoming spring equinox.

Greg Carlwood concludes the episode by thanking Michael Wan and encouraging listeners to engage with the world to find their true paths. He warns against the traps of the debt-based system and signs off with a final call to action for the "ritual workers" and "esoteric crash-causers."

The host introduces the Higher Side Chats Plus membership program, which offers a second hour of content for each episode at a cost of five dollars per month. Subscribers receive a custom RSS feed for uninterrupted files and the ability to suggest future guests and topics. This listener-supported model is presented as the future of independent media and entertainment.