Jennifer-Lee Gunson is the founder of J Pod Creations, a Vancouver-based podcast production company serving clients across Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
With more than 15 years of broadcasting and podcasting experience, she helps brands, nonprofits, and higher education institutions create powerful audio content that builds loyal, engaged audiences.
Jennifer-Lee began her career as a radio DJ on several stations before moving into live traffic reporting from a helicopter for Global and various radio stations. She later transitioned into podcast production, bringing her broadcast expertise into long-form audio storytelling.
She co-hosts a higher education podcast called Continuing Studies alongside Neil McPhedran, leading thoughtful conversations with respected experts in communication and higher education. Guests have included Matt Abrahams, whose podcast has surpassed 21 million downloads worldwide.
She spearheaded the growth of Measure Twice Cut Once for the Homebuilders Association of Vancouver, where she interviewed government leaders and welcomed Bryan Baeumler multiple times to the show. Jennifer Lee has produced podcasts for organizations including CDI College, University Canada West, and All Purpose Creative, and is passionate about helping organizations use podcasting as a strategic tool for storytelling, visibility, and community building.
THE BUSINESS.
J Pod Creations is a full-service podcast production company helping brands, nonprofits, and creators launch, produce, and grow professional podcasts that build real audience loyalty.
Based in Canada and serving clients across North America, the company brings more than 15 years of broadcast and podcasting experience to every project.
The team manages everything from concept development and show strategy to recording, editing, sound design, and distribution. Whether clients are starting from scratch or looking to elevate an existing show, the team ensures every podcast sounds polished, engaging, and fully aligned with the brand.
At J Pod Creations, the belief is that podcasts are more than content. They are powerful tools for connection, storytelling, and community building.
The company works closely with clients to clarify their message, define their audience, and create episodes that deliver consistent value.
The mission is simple: make podcasting easy, professional, and impactful. From launch to long-term growth, J Pod Creations serves as a trusted production partner.
IN HER WORDS.
“Entrepreneurship was always around me. My dad owned construction companies, and my mom and brother worked with him, so I grew up watching what it meant to build something of your own. I chose a different path in broadcasting, but even then, I knew I wanted ownership. The challenge was that traditional media did not feel like a space I could own. I realized that if I wanted to build something myself, I would have to think differently.
After many years working in traditional media, I began noticing a major shift in the industry. Over the past seven years especially, I saw jobs being cut, and the landscape changing quickly. I loved broadcasting and storytelling, but I knew I would need to adapt if I wanted to stay in the industry long term. During the early days of the pandemic, while reflecting on my next career move, I launched a podcast called Coping 19 interviewing entrepreneurs about how they were navigating uncertainty and pivoting. That experience reminded me how powerful podcasting could be for connection, credibility, and community building. From there, organizations began reaching out. The Homebuilders Association of Vancouver asked for support launching their podcast, and soon other B2B companies followed. What started as a personal project quickly became a business.
When I think about memorable early business experiences, one stands out clearly. After leaving traditional broadcasting, I tried everything, including political volunteering, production assistant work, and anything to avoid going back to school while figuring out my next step.
When I landed that first podcast client, they asked for my rates. I did not even have any. I went home and created them that night. Later, I told mentors I was still job hunting, and they said, ‘You are getting paid. You have a business.’ That was the moment it clicked, and soon after, more clients followed.
My entrepreneurial journey has evolved significantly over time. Looking back, it started long before my company.
Every broadcasting job, every networking event, and every business development effort built relationships I did not realize I would need later.
Years after meeting some people, they became clients. Not everything worked along the way, and even in broadcasting I did not always reach the level I wanted. But I developed resilience. I allow myself a day to feel the setback, then I pivot. That mindset of fail, adjust, and continue has shaped everything I have accomplished.”
“Before launching my podcast company, I experimented constantly with different ventures.
None of those were long-term ventures. They were stepping stones and each experience helped me understand what I did not want, which ultimately clarified what I did want. Once I found podcasting, everything aligned.
The sacrifices required to pursue this dream have been substantial. Entrepreneurship required financial uncertainty and personal discipline. There is no steady paycheck, especially at the beginning.
I had to limit spending, say no to social plans, and sometimes work long hours doing everything myself.
There were moments of volunteering or doing favours to build trust before getting paid. Time and stability were sacrifices. Balance came from choosing supportive people who understood the vision and filled my cup when I needed it most.
With podcasting, it did. I was passionate about it, and people wanted it. That alignment was the turning point.
Once I accepted I had a real business, my first focus was growth, more clients and strategic collaboration. I brought in experienced broadcasters as contractors because I deeply believe in their storytelling skills. Their expertise elevated our work.
I also leaned into my own credibility, still filling in on television and radio, which set us apart. We understand sound, story, and presence on the mic.
Now in year five, we have expanded into live podcasting at events, podcast pitching, and broader strategic partnerships.
Mentorship has been critical throughout my journey. Early on, when I questioned how being on the mic could pay the bills, someone encouraged me to follow that passion, especially during the pandemic, when I had time to create. They were right. Since then, several mentors have helped me refine profitability, leadership, and strategy.
There is not just one person; there is a handful who have guided me at different stages. I would not be where I am without them.”
“At J Pod Creations, we help businesses, nonprofits, and organizations tell their stories through strategic podcasting. We do not just produce shows; we integrate podcasts into existing marketing strategies to amplify reach and attract aligned audiences.
We understand how to craft compelling audio because we come from broadcasting. Our mission is simple: help organizations sound professional, authentic, and trustworthy while building deeper connections with their communities.
In a fast-moving industry like podcasting, staying current is essential. Conferences and constant learning have shaped our evolution.
As a leader, I have learned I do not have to do everything alone.
Building a team I trust means I can step back when needed. Culture matters, including mutual respect, approachability, and shared values. I have also become clearer about the clients we want to work with and how we expect to be treated. Alignment drives sustainable growth.
For advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, if you are deeply passionate about an idea, pursue it, but understand the financial realities.
Entrepreneurship requires resilience and a level of blind trust. Not every month will be strong. Also, do not compare yourself to social media portrayals of overnight success.
Define success on your terms. For me, it evolved from chasing titles to building something meaningful, sustainable, and aligned with who I am.
By the end of 2026, I see J Pod expanding further into live podcasting at conferences and events while continuing to grow our client base.
More importantly, I want to amplify authentic voices, business owners who may not have thousands of followers but have powerful stories. We do business with people we know, like, and trust. My legacy is creating space for real people to share who they are and build meaningful connections through their voice.”
JENNIFER-LEE GUNSON, FOUNDER
Author Profile
- This story is created in collaboration between Helen Siwak and the featured subject. As the founder and publisher of Portfolio.YVR Business & Entrepreneurs Magazine, Helen works closely with entrepreneurs to share their paths of innovation, resilience, and growth. Each story in this series is co-developed through interviews and first-person insights, blending authentic voices with Helen’s editorial expertise to highlight the remarkable individuals shaping British Columbia’s business landscape.
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