A hidden threat in this, is that podcasting can look like journalism to many economies. If you "report" on current affairs in any way, you can fall into the trap.<p>Mainstream broadcasters are always super-careful when staff are <i>sent</i> to the USA, to get the right visa. If the staffer just <i>goes</i> to the USA, they have to make damn sure they don't return to work, even if they take that call about some story, there is a risk: If you entered the US on a tourist visa but always intended interviewing somebody, you're working as a journalist.<p>They can, and do, chuck you out of the country. And returns get hard once you have to say YES on the forms about "...have you ever...."<p>I don't think the USA is unique in this regard. Lots of economies, western, democratic, and otherwise do not want people to casually "just do it" -you need to front up about what you do sometimes.