Michael tuned into Mueller’s sessions religiously
“They weren’t just Q&A sessions. They were a lifeline mobile database for anyone struggling with a traffic drop, wanting to sound out a new idea, or discussing some sort of change or update.”
With Mueller’s blessing, he worked to create
Similarly supportive atmosphere, but with a collaborative mindset. “Of course, I’m not John Mueller from Google, so I built the show in my own way,” Michael told me. “I invited special guests to bring their perspectives. The first was a good friend of mine, Jo Juliana Turnbull. She was so good that I asked her to come back as a regular host. From there, we evolved into a panel format with me, Jo, and two rotating guests.”
For Michael’s co-hostJo it’s the lack of barriers
the show special. “We welcome first-time speakers, , there is no such thing as a silly question,” she said. “People feel welcome, and we have a regular group of attendees from all over the world.”
The live format plays a big role in the podcast
since it lets the audience run the show. “As a host, I’m constantly watching the audience’s expressions: puzzled looks, nods of agreement, those moments of real engagement,” Michael said. “That dictates whether we dig deeper into a topic, clarify something, or swiftly move on to the next question.”
“Today, SEO Office Hours feels less like a podcast and more like a weekly gathering of some of the smartest, most generous people in the industry,” Michael added. “And honestly, even if I weren’t running it, I’d still be there every Friday.”