The Basement Yard
The Basement Yard
February 2, 2026

We Were Nominated | The Basement Yard #540

Quick Read

The Basement Yard podcast celebrates a double nomination for the iHeart Radio Podcast Awards while comically navigating YouTube monetization challenges and fan engagement strategies.
The Basement Yard secured iHeart Radio Podcast Award nominations for Best Comedy and Best Overall Ensemble.
YouTube flagged their 'Simlish' Backstreet Boys cover, redirecting monetization to the band.
The hosts emphasize their independent success against industry giants and plan future Patreon engagement.

Summary

The hosts of The Basement Yard podcast, Joey and Frank, discuss their recent nominations for two iHeart Radio Podcast Awards: Best Comedy Podcast and Best Overall Ensemble. They express genuine surprise and gratitude for the recognition, highlighting their independent status in an industry often dominated by major companies and celebrities. The episode also features their characteristic comedic banter, including a lengthy debate about body shaming, a bizarre drone sighting, and a discussion about losing YouTube monetization to the Backstreet Boys due to singing in 'Simlish.' They also brainstorm future Patreon goals and audience engagement ideas.
This episode highlights the journey of independent content creators achieving significant industry recognition (iHeart Radio Podcast Awards nominations) against established players. It also provides a candid look at the challenges of content monetization on platforms like YouTube due to copyright, even for parodied or 'Simlish' content. For aspiring podcasters, it showcases the blend of authentic humor, audience engagement, and strategic platform use (Patreon) that can lead to unexpected success.

Takeaways

  • The Basement Yard received nominations for Best Comedy Podcast and Best Overall Ensemble at the iHeart Radio Podcast Awards.
  • A video featuring the hosts singing a Backstreet Boys song in 'Simlish' was flagged on YouTube, with monetization redirected to the band.
  • The hosts expressed surprise and pride in their nominations, acknowledging their independent status among major industry players.
  • They discussed future Patreon goals, including an 'Edward 40 Hands' episode if they reach 40,000 patrons.
  • The episode featured extensive comedic banter, including discussions on body shaming, drone sightings, and sleeping habits.

Insights

1Podcast Achieves Major Industry Recognition

The Basement Yard podcast received nominations for two iHeart Radio Podcast Awards: Best Comedy Podcast and Best Overall Ensemble. This recognition is significant for an independent podcast competing against shows from major companies and celebrity hosts.

No, we got nominated for iHeart uh iHeart Radio podcast awards. ... We got best comedy, best comedy podcast, and best overall ensemble, I believe it is, which is wild. I didn't think that we were an ensemble. ( - ) The fact that we even nominated on this and and the winners are decided by like a like their own judges or whatever. So, like the fact that we're even nominated by people like that is like [ __ ] awesome. That means that, you know, we're kind of doing something right. ( - )

2YouTube Monetization Challenges for Parody Content

A video featuring the hosts singing a Backstreet Boys song in 'Simlish' was flagged by YouTube, resulting in the monetization being redirected to the Backstreet Boys. This illustrates the strict and sometimes unexpected nature of content ID systems on platforms like YouTube.

one of the Sagato Studios videos, we lost some monetization. Well, actually, we're giving it to somebody else right now. ... because you guys sung Backstreet Boys so well that it was flagged. ... In the Misheard uh music video when you were singing in Simish. ... So, the Backry Boys flagged you for singing their song in Simish. ... Wait, we sing it in a in a madeup language and then we got flagged and we have to give them the money. ( - )

3Patreon as a Key Engagement and Monetization Platform

The hosts actively promote their Patreon, offering exclusive weekly episodes and using it as a platform for audience-driven content goals, such as the 'Edward 40 Hands' challenge. Patreon serves as a direct monetization channel and a way to build a loyal community by offering additional content and interactive experiences.

patreon.com/thebasemanyard. ... You got these weekly episodes of Weekend Man. ... Second tier weekly episodes every single Friday. ... If I join Patreon today, do I only get to see the episodes that come out after my joining? No, you get access to all of them. ( - ) We're closing in on 40 and uh we'll see what happens here. ... 40,000 patrons. Edward 40 hand Patreon episode. Two 40s. ( - )

Opportunities

Leverage 'Simlish' or Parody Content for Brand Engagement

Create content using 'Simlish' or other non-infringing parodies to engage audiences, potentially leading to viral moments or direct interaction with original artists (e.g., inviting Backstreet Boys to their show). The hosts' experience with Backstreet Boys flagging their 'Simlish' cover, while causing monetization loss, also sparked a humorous discussion about potential collaboration or publicity. This suggests a strategy where 'almost copyright infringement' or highly creative parodies can generate buzz and even lead to unexpected opportunities.

Source: Discussion about Backstreet Boys flagging their 'Simlish' song.

Implement Tiered Patreon Goals for Interactive Content

Design specific, escalating Patreon subscriber goals that unlock unique, challenge-based content (e.g., 'Edward 40 Hands' episode) to incentivize audience growth and engagement. The podcast uses Patreon not just for exclusive content but for interactive 'goals' that involve the hosts performing stunts or specific activities. This gamified approach encourages fans to subscribe and push for milestones.

Source: Discussion about reaching 40,000 patrons for an 'Edward 40 Hands' episode and past challenges like egg pelting and tape suits.

Strategic Use of Industry Award Nominations for Brand Building

Actively promote and discuss industry award nominations, even if not winning, to elevate brand perception, attract new audiences, and open doors for collaborations. The hosts leverage their iHeart Radio Podcast Award nominations to validate their independent success and discuss potential future opportunities, like performing with the Backstreet Boys. This demonstrates how nominations themselves, regardless of a win, can be a powerful marketing tool.

Source: Extensive discussion about their iHeart Radio Podcast Award nominations and the perceived prestige.

Lessons

  • For content creators, explore unique forms of parody or creative expression (like 'Simlish') to engage audiences, but be aware of how content ID systems might still flag and monetize such content for the original rights holders.
  • Utilize platforms like Patreon to build a direct relationship with your audience, offering exclusive content and setting interactive goals to foster community and drive subscriptions.
  • When receiving industry recognition, actively communicate these achievements to your audience and leverage them as a testament to your brand's growth and credibility, even if you are an independent creator.

Notable Moments

Podcast Nomination Announcement

The hosts reveal their nominations for Best Comedy Podcast and Best Overall Ensemble at the iHeart Radio Podcast Awards, expressing genuine surprise and gratitude, marking a significant milestone for their independent show.

Backstreet Boys Copyright Claim

Discussion around losing YouTube monetization for a 'Simlish' cover of a Backstreet Boys song highlights the unexpected and strict nature of content ID systems, even for highly creative or parodic content.

Patreon 'Edward 40 Hands' Goal

The hosts discuss reaching 40,000 Patreon patrons to unlock an 'Edward 40 Hands' drinking challenge episode, showcasing their strategy for interactive audience engagement and tiered content.

Quotes

"

"We got nominated for iHeart uh iHeart Radio podcast awards. ... We got best comedy, best comedy podcast, and best overall ensemble, I believe it is, which is wild. I didn't think that we were an ensemble."

Joey
"

"So, the Backry Boys flagged you for singing their song in Simish. ... Wait, we sing it in a in a madeup language and then we got flagged and we have to give them the money."

Joey
"

"The way that that industry works is when something gets hot enough, everyone wants it. What if we need to be hotter?"

Joey
"

"If I die skydiving, that's so stupid. That's so dumb."

Frank
"

"Kids, they keep your feet on the ground, literally and figuratively."

Frank

Q&A

Recent Questions

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