Behind the mic: How the “Redd Man Podcast” attracts and educates Gen Z

A family-owned pest control company that has been in business since 1952 created its podcast to appeal to a younger generation. Redd Pest Solutions’ Chris Mosley, ACE, director of business development, and Kolby Krohn, ACE, director of operations and general manager, co-host the “Redd Man Podcast.” The Gulfport, Miss.-based company launched the audio-only podcast in 2024 and airs new episodes twice a month.

“In the current business climate, more brands are taking advantage of social media platforms to promote products, and I feel podcasts fall into that category as well,” Mosley says. “I read that over 200 million people in this country listen to podcasts, and three-quarters of those people are Gen Z.”

Sharing knowledge

Although Mosley and Krohn have a relaxed on-air rapport, they take their responsibilities as associate certified entomologists seriously. “We provide educational information with good, sound
resources to not only educate the public, but also our technicians at the company,” Krohn says. “It’s an extra training tool and a fun, educational way of learning.”

They receive plenty of input about what to tackle on the episodes they record. Ideas come from vendors, employees and listeners who share what they think would be interesting. “They’re throwing ideas at us all the time, and we try and incorporate them as much as possible,” Krohn adds.

Episodes run about 30 to 35 minutes. “We know attention spans are short, and we try not to fill the podcast with a lot of fluff,” Mosley says. “We know people don’t want to hear Kolby and me ramble, so we try to stay on topic.”

Each “Redd Man Podcast” episode includes segments that are informative, fun or a bit of both. “Insect Profile” examines the biology and behavior of pests that appeal to listeners who are interested in entomology. “Control Corner” gives details about pest control and is geared more for pest management professionals (PMPs).

“Tech Talk” features a random employee working out in the field who picks up the phone when Mosley and Krohn call for a friendly chat. “They do not know they’re being called, which adds to the charm,” Mosley says. “We ask them how their day is going to break the ice and once we get them warmed up, they usually end up sharing a funny story or experience. It’s probably my favorite part of the episodes.”

They also survey company employees with fun questions — such as who would win in a fight between 100 men and a gorilla — and reveal the consensus. The growing company has a total of 65 employees; including them in the podcasts builds a sense of community, says Krohn.

Promoting professionalism

Speaking of community, every “Redd Man Podcast” episode description includes a call-to-action for Mississippi-based PMPs to join the Mississippi Pest Control Association: “You have a voice … make sure you’re heard!” Episodes end with a catchy jingle that Redd Pest Solutions has used in its advertisements from the start. Indeed, the tune sounds like it was recorded 70 years ago. “It is beloved by people who have followed this company for years, and we just couldn’t think of a better way to end each show,” Mosley says.