From Narrowboat to Number One
We helped Robbie Cumming make Canal Boat Diaries a #1 Leisure podcast on Apple, with 36.3k listens—bringing fans behind the scenes of his BBC Two series and life on the waterways.
Vision
Robbie Cumming set out to create more than just another boating podcast—he wanted to take listeners deeper into his world on the waterways. His goal? To give fans of Canal Boat Diaries an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at making the show while sharing real-life experiences of life on Britain’s canals.
The challenge was clear: transform this vision into an engaging, high-quality podcast that connects with both boaters and land-dwellers alike.
Brand
In the niche world of canal boating, a distinctive brand was essential. We crafted a warm, inviting identity that reflected Robbie’s unique storytelling style. The artwork stayed true to Canal Boat Diaries, using the same font and visual style to create instant recognition.
For the audio branding, we incorporated Robbie’s signature sound—using the same music he created for the TV show—ensuring a familiar and immersive feel for fans. Every element reinforced the podcast as a natural extension of Canal Boat Diaries, strengthening its connection with Robbie’s audience.
Production
Each episode takes listeners deeper into Robbie’s journey—sharing behind-the-scenes insights, boating challenges, and life on the move.
To ensure a natural, immersive feel, we built a production setup that captured the sounds of the canals while maintaining high audio quality. Thoughtful editing kept the experience engaging and authentic, bringing listeners closer to life aboard a narrowboat.
Marketing
To drive awareness and maximise engagement, we created short-form video content designed for Robbie’s growing social media following. Reels and YouTube Shorts featured highlights from the podcast, coinciding with the launch of his latest TV series to keep fans engaged across platforms.
This seamless integration ensured that podcast episodes complemented his on-screen storytelling, boosting visibility and attracting new listeners.
Result
What started as a companion podcast is now a chart-topping success. Robbie Cumming’s Canal Boat Podcast quickly reached #1 in Leisure on Apple Podcasts, with over 36.3k listens to date.
More than just behind-the-scenes content, it has become a must-listen for boating enthusiasts and newcomers alike—offering an authentic, unfiltered view of life on the waterways.
Listen
New episodes of Robbie Cummings' Canal Boat Podcast are released monthly and can be streamed on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.