School of Podcasting - Plan, Launch, Grow and Monetize Your Podcast

A listener once told me they hoped I'd quit teaching altogether. Another told me, in the nicest way possible, that the curmudgeon was showing up a little too early these days. Only one of those helped my show. This month's Question of the Month was all about feedback: what's the most constructive feedback you've ever received, and what's the most destructive? A few listeners sent in their answers, I share mine, and to prove how much feedback matters, I dig up some embarrassing basement recordings from a much younger Dave Jackson. Let's get into it. Why Aren't You Getting Feedback? It honestly boggles my mind how many podcasters never ask for feedback and then wonder why their show isn't growing. Think of it like making someone a sandwich. You can ask, "I've got baloney, smoked turkey, or salami. Which do you want?" and make something they'll actually eat. Or you can hand everyone salami and say "tell your friends," while half of them are quietly thinking, "I hate salami." Ralph Estep Jr.: "Go Hire a Speaking Coach" Ralph, the content creator's accountant, says the best feedback he ever got was to hire a speaking coach. People (me included) told him he sounded robotic on his show, nothing like the Ralph you meet on a Zoom call or in person. He found a coach, and it changed the way he does everything. On the other side, he's had people tell him they hope he gets hit by a bus or struck by lightning over his religious views. He's not taking that advice. His point: when you get feedback, consider who it's coming from and whether it makes sense to act on it. York Campbell: The Name Was the Problem York's show used to be called Poetic Earthlings, and people kept assuming it was about poetry. It's actually short sci-fi stories: time travel, alien worlds, hyperdimensional creatures, and a few conspiracy theories. A fellow podcaster suggested Welcome to Earth Stories, and once he made the change, the attention and downloads followed. As York put it, sometimes you fall in love with a clever name because of what it means to you, and never stop to ask whether anyone else will understand it. Timothy Kimo Brien: "You Called My Baby Ugly" Tim submitted his old show, KDOI Podcasting (Kimo's Den of Iniquity), to the Podcast Rodeo Show. I said it sounded like a radio station, and the full name sounded like... something else entirely. Tim was not a happy camper. Later, sitting at a podcast conference and hearing someone talk about making your show's title clear, he asked himself what his show actually does: it's about creating art. Hello, Create Art Podcast. He's gone from roughly 200–300 downloads a month to between 1,000 and 1,500. He says it's not necessarily because of the name change. I say probably. Either way, it helped him focus on what the show is really about. My Best Feedback: The Curmudgeon Is Showing Before Podfest even started, my buddy Steve Stewart asked me to lunch and asked if I was open to notes. I grew up professionally with "constant improvement" on the walls of my first job, so of course I was. He told me the curmudgeon was coming out a little quicker than it used to. That was gold, because it was something I could control and fix. And it came from someone whose opinion I value, someone who'll tell me when something's good and when it isn't. Knowledge is only power when you act on it. My First Bad Review (and What Good Feedback Looks Like) In 2010, five years into podcasting, I got my first negative review: basically "not good, not enough thought, it's a commercial for bad services." It knocked me back on my heels, but there was nothing I could fix, because it never said why. (This is why I now say you're not a real podcaster until you get a one-star review.) Compare that to a 2017 review from a listener who wanted to hear the show but said the mix had a hiss or too much treble. That's great feedback. It's specific, and I could have adjusted it (I was using the Electro-Voice RE320 back then and liked my S's and T's crisp). The only problem is he should have sent it to me directly. A few things to keep in mind: The person might be having a bad day. After decades in customer support, I've seen people apologize later once they calmed down. Ask yourself: do they have a point? If so, can you fix it? Make it easy for feedback to reach you. A review isn't a direct line. Save the nice messages. On days you don't feel like recording, they remind you people are listening. Reviews are social proof, but they don't help you get found. Apple has said so. When Feedback Goes Wrong: The Podcast Rodeo Show In 2017 I launched the Podcast Rodeo Show, where I'd grab a random podcast and give a real first impression. (Half of YouTube is reaction videos now. I'm taking credit for inventing it. I didn't.) One episode, a host opened by sharing a string of genuinely awful personal experiences, all within the first few minutes, and never said what the show was about, who it was for, or even that it was an interview. My feedback was all logic: what's in it for the listener? As Erik K. Johnson says, nobody gets on a bus if they don't know where it's going. Don't bury the lead. People don't care about you until you give them a reason to care. She emailed and attacked me personally, said I was cruel and should never call myself a teacher. It hit me hard enough that I worried the show was hurting my brand, and it's part of why the show eventually ended. Listening back now, I could have been more compassionate. But when I asked my audience whether they wanted a kinder, gentler version, they very loudly said no. So the show evolved (a little less "listen and react," a little more "what do we want them to learn") and got rebranded, first to Podcast Hot Seat (people said that sounded painful) and now to Fix My Podcast. Scott Orr: How to Take Hard Feedback Now compare that to Scott Orr, an award-winning journalist and host of Code 3 – The Firefighters Podcast. Before one review, I reached out and said, respectfully, "Scott, you sound like you're drunk." He replied that he didn't have a drinking problem. He has Parkinson's. Instead of getting angry, Scott took the feedback and now opens every episode by saying he won't let Parkinson's stop him. When Scott later came on the Podcast Review Show, Erik K. Johnson pointed out that addressing it up front is disarming. Listeners stop wondering what's going on and focus on what Scott's saying, not how he's saying it. Honest? Yes. Awkward? Yes. Helpful? Absolutely. You Can't See Your Own Typos My favorite example: I once had a typo in the School of Podcasting's own tagline ("plan, launch, grow, and monetize") and didn't catch it. Sometimes you just don't see it. Young Dave Jackson's Basement Tapes At School of Podcasting we hold listener parties, where members listen to an episode together and give feedback in real time. Some people cringe at the idea. So here's my confession: in my twenties I was basically Ross from Friends, recording angry '80s rock in my basement. Guitar, bass, keys, drum machine, and, unfortunately, all the vocals. I'd hit play and leave the room while friends listened. Their feedback? "Who's playing the piano?" Me. "Who's on bass?" Me. Nobody said a word about the music. Just recently, my brother found that CD and told me the songs and singing weren't that bad, but the mix was horrendous. Thirty years later. A little late. Here's the scary part: you're going to be judged anyway. Wouldn't it make more sense to be judged in a way where you can capture the feedback and make changes before you publish? The Sidewalk Lesson A few years ago on the Fourth of July, I fell on an uneven sidewalk while looking at my phone and still have the scars on my knees. That was feedback too, just the painful kind. If someone had warned me about that raised block of cement ahead of time, I'd have saved myself a lot of trouble. That's what good feedback does. Give me feedback on this show: head to schoolofpodcasting.com/survey and tell me how I can make it better. I'm doing this show for you. Want help growing your show? Go to schoolofpodcasting.com and use the coupon code LISTENER for a monthly, quarterly, or yearly subscription, backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Next week: one thing I did in under five minutes that put me directly in front of my target audience. Follow at schoolofpodcasting.com/follow so you get it the minute it drops. Contributors & Links Ralph Estep Jr., the Content Creator's Accountant: https://ralphestepjr.com Becoming Financially Confident (live weekdays, 11:30 a.m. ET):

Podcast Movement 2026 Reflections + Lessons from Two People Who Run Podcast Events I just got back from Podcast Movement, and a lot of you have been asking whether it was still worth going now that it's under new ownership, in a new location, with a whole new format. Short answer: I'm definitely going back. In this episode I walk through what changed, what I loved, what I'd tweak, and what Tom Webster's data says about where podcasting really stands. Then I sit down with two guys who have actually done it, Marc Ronick of Empowered Podcasting and Dr. Brad Miller of Pod Indy, to get the behind-the-scenes story of running a podcast event. If you've ever had that little voice in your head saying "maybe I should start my own meetup or conference," this one is for you. Podcast Movement 2026: Was It Worth It? I went down the list, old Podcast Movement versus new. The hotel and the cost. It used to be at Gaylord hotels, which run $1,000 a night, where the burgers are $30 apiece and you never leave the building. This year was BYOH: bring your own hotel. I stayed two nights at a Holiday Inn Express for $400 a night. Still pricey, but nowhere near the Gaylord. Tickets were also much cheaper because they weren't paying for that hotel arrangement. Point to the new Podcast Movement. The venue. Picture a small theater (think House of Blues) that had a baby with a cruise ship: three floors, and you can look down at the main stage from the top. The rooms were narrower, so the back row was farther from the stage than I was used to. I also learned I need new glasses, because the giant screen was split in two and I couldn't read the slides. Sessions ran with silent-disco-style headphones: turn the dial to yellow or green and you hear that stage. The strange part is that people talk while someone is presenting a few feet away. It went against everything in my body, but it works, and I could network the whole time. My one suggestion: turn on the house lights during networking breaks. When you have 40 minutes to meet people and can't see who's in the room, it's a problem (unless it's Rob Greenley, who is six foot six inches). Networking and the parties. PodPage hosted a small meetup, and I walked over to the Buzzsprout meetup too. Both were places where you could actually talk, with no blaring music. I've talked to Dan Franks, who helps plan Podcast Movement, and he says they tell every sponsor that people want to talk, not have their ears bleed. Nice to see it work. New York City. I'll miss Dallas and Chicago, but it's supposedly staying in New York to make it easier for international attendees. The food was a win, and I never felt unsafe walking around Hell's Kitchen. I ate at Cubbies and at McGee's, which I didn't realize until halfway through is tied to How I Met Your Mother. A smarter schedule. Monday and Tuesday were geared toward the business and advertising side, and Thursday and Friday were for indie podcasters. That means indie folks can save on the hotel bill. The talks are going online. They're putting the presentations on the Podcast Movement YouTube channel for free. I'm looking forward to catching the ones I missed, including Lou Mangiello and Rob Walch's talk about video. What I Learned from Tom Webster If you only see one talk at a conference, make it Tom Webster's. Here's what stuck with me: Podcasting has gone flat. It used to grow at least 3 to 5% a year, occasionally 7%. This past year it barely moved. It's still growing, but by a very small amount. Where people listen. In a survey of roughly 5,000 podcast consumers, the top three places were YouTube, Spotify, and Netflix. Not Apple, Pocket Casts, or Overcast. Where I disagree. YouTube and Spotify are open to anyone, so I get why people call them podcasts. Netflix isn't open. They have to choose you, and there's no RSS feed. For me, a podcast is an RSS feed with audio or video in it. Tom's Walmart analogy. Look at the CD section: a tiny collection of only the biggest hits (Back in Black, Rumors), nothing like a dedicated record store. His suggestion was that we should promote podcast-specific apps. My favorite is Pocket Casts: it plays audio and video, it has bookmarks (that's how I grab the clips I play on the show), and it has a web version. Podcast Standards Project: PodRoll Is Coming I sat in on my first Podcast Standards Project meeting. PodRoll, from the Podcasting 2.0 spec, is the modern version of a blogroll: a list of shows you personally recommend, living in your feed. Because feeds are public, anyone can see who's recommended most. That's human recommendations, not an algorithm you try to trick. Ask your media host if they support it (if not move ton one that does). The group is also looking at adding location, so you could find podcasts in your area. Video: Do You Have To? Some people insist you have to do video. Others said not only do you not have to, but the shows that added it didn't see much benefit beyond more work, cost, and time. In Apple's video spotlight, the shows featured were already big. I'm looking forward to Rob Walch's full presentation, because that's exactly the kind of "what's working and what's not" you go to a conference to learn. Small Events vs. Big Ones Podcast Movement had probably over 1,000 people. Empowered Podcasting had a little over 100 (about 150 this year), and Pod Indy will land somewhere between 50 and 100. Podfest usually draws a couple thousand. My favorite kind of event is single-track: everyone hears the same content, so when you step into the hallway you all have something to talk about. Interview: Running a Podcast Event with Marc Ronick and Dr. Brad Miller Why they started. Brad spent 43 years as a pastor and was a Christian concert promoter, so he'd seen the power of live events. After connecting with his local podcasting group in Indianapolis, he launched Pod Indy in 2023 (I keynoted the first one), and the fourth is coming up. Mark had been podcasting as long as I have, and didn't step into a conference until about five years ago. He felt a little out of place at the big ones, so he built a place where he'd feel comfortable. Small is a feature. Mark went in wanting Empowered Podcasting to become the next Podcast Movement. After the first one (2024, under 100 people) he noticed magic in a smaller, more intimate room, where people were learning from each other outside the sessions. He'd cap it around 200. Brad goes deep on one track, one day. The biggest surprises: You can't do it alone. Mark thought he could run it almost by himself. He carried the financial and emotional load, burned out after year two, and nearly canceled three times. Jason and Rich stepped in to save it, and he made them business partners. Ticket sales come late. In Mark's second year, only about 20 tickets sold before the final month. Brad says two-thirds of tickets arrive in the last month. This year's sales were smoother for both, and both say credibility builds over time. Bring enough lead time. Brad's first event had only three months, and he bit off more than he could chew. He also lost money using a business center, so he moved it to his church, where he has a studio, and kept it to one day with no hotel block. Hotel blocks. If you don't fill the rooms, you pay anyway. Mark's went fine this year because speakers and a good share of attendees needed rooms. Money, honestly. Brad started by deciding what he could afford to lose (he did lose some the first year, and calls it an investment). Mark admits he wasn't careful with money in the first two years and took on some debt. Both credit their wives, Debbie and Amy, for keeping them grounded and for believing in the vision. Advice if you're thinking about it: Mark: Be okay with however many people show up. Start with a few who believe in your message. If they have a good experience, they come back and become your advocates. Brad: Build transformative relationships one on one, then a few together. Have coffee or lunch with someone, or start online, before deciding whether to do a formal event. Both: Virtual is great, but nothing replaces being around like-minded people in person. Choosing speakers. Mark's pet peeve is speaker submissions that are obviously written entirely by AI: "I love using AI, but that's a lazy move, and I don't know that I want a lazy speaker on one of my stages." (My favorite line on this: if you can't take the time to write it, produce it, or record it, why should I take the time to consume it?) Brad recruits speakers through personal relationships instead of an application process. Themes so far: podcasting as a business, AI, and this year taking your podcast (and your life) to the next level with keynote speaker Cliff Ravenscraft. Pod Indy: November 7, 2026 When and where: November 7, 2026, in Whiteland, Indiana (suburban Indianapolis), 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets: $37 in person, $27 live stream. Discount: use code SOP for $5 off. On the lineup: Cliff Ravenscraft (keynote), John Lee Dumas (video), Craig on AI, and me. My Takeaway If you try to start with 1,000 people, you'll burn...

A few years ago I accidentally hit a guy on the golf course. I'm not proud of it — although it did bank in almost perfectly off his calf on its way toward the hole. But the swing that caused it taught me something I haven't stopped thinking about: my brother told me to quit trying to kill the ball and just make good contact. Looking at podcasting, it turns into the best explanation I've found for why so many podcasts stop growing. If you've ever chased a bigger download number, wondered why nobody signs up for the thing you're selling despite having a decent audience, or just felt like you're doing everything and getting nowhere, keep listening — because the fix isn't a bigger swing. It's Not About a Big Audience. It's About the Right One. I talk to podcasters constantly who are chasing the same fantasy: flip a switch, get 10,000 downloads overnight. I get it — I've wanted that too. But it doesn't exist unless you've got a massive budget, and even then it doesn't always work. Quick, honest question: who won American Idol season six? They had a million people watching. Doesn't mean you remember them, and it doesn't mean they connected. Here's the math that changed how I think about this: if you ran your show as a $30-a-month membership, you'd only need one person willing to pay to break even (assuming you're spending $30/month). But not just any listener does that — it has to be someone connected to you. So the real target was never more downloads. It's finding roughly 500 right-fit people who trust you. Downloads don't join a membership. Connected people do. What a Musician Taught Me About Connection I study podcasters, but I also study musicians, authors, and YouTubers, because we're all in the same business — entertaining people with our art. One of my favorite channels right now is Mary Spender's. She's a musician, not a podcaster, but what she said recently hit me right in the chest: "We've spent years treating streaming numbers as though they measure fandom, but perhaps they often measure familiarity instead. Millions of streams doesn't necessarily become hundreds of people willing to leave the house on a Wednesday evening. Maybe we've become incredibly good at measuring attention, but forgotten how to measure connection." Swap "streams" for "downloads" and "tickets" for "memberships," and she's describing exactly what's happening in podcasting. Mary lost £12,000 on her last tour. Instead of giving up, she changed her approach: "Not to chase the biggest room, to chase the right room. Not to impress the most people, to matter to the people who choose to be there." Knowledge is knowing that. Wisdom is acting on it — and she is, booking her own shows again, more intentionally this time (And enjoying it more). How to Actually Get in Front of the Right People We've been brainstorming growth ideas in the School of Podcasting community, and the point was never to do all of them — it's to pick one, test it, and measure it. A few examples: Guesting on other podcasts that share your audience — less friction, since that audience already knows how to listen to a podcast. Podcast swaps, shout-outs, or a 30-second promo trade. Speaking engagements or workshops. Writing for a publication your audience already reads. Your own blog and SEO — no, it's not dead. Partnerships that go beyond sponsorship, where you actually help each other promote. Word of mouth — which drives roughly 70% of podcast growth, and yet almost nobody deliberately asks for it. Ask your audience, specifically and simply, to share the show with one friend. Local, unglamorous options: I used to slip a business card into a book on the page matching my age, in a genre my audience would read. Free. Slow. It worked, a little at a time. None of these flip a switch. They're singles, not grand slams. You build an audience one person at a time. Would you spend 5 minutes to get 36 people to your site each week? How I Found Out What's Actually Working: Click Trackers Here's the part that surprised me. I started putting a click tracker (I use Switchy) on every link I post — social, LinkedIn, wherever. Takes about 41 seconds per link. What I found: my email list outperformed every social platform by double digits, while everything else stayed in single digits. One email drove 36 clicks in a week — times four weeks, that's potentially 144 people who might actually listen, follow, or tell a friend. And it cost me less than five minutes. Would you spend 5 minutes a week to get 36 people to your site each week? Again, this is not the 10,000 switch. It's one strategy, and leaves you lots of time to try others. The click isn't the whole story, though — a click is still just attention, the same thing Mary warned about. What matters is what happens after it: did that traffic turn into an email subscriber, a membership signup, a real connection? Track that, and you'll quickly find out which platforms are worth your time and which ones you can quietly stop feeding. (If you want a free option instead of a paid one, Short.io does the same basic job.) So the "extra" time you spent using click trackers, you get back by identifying strategies that don't work for you. Two People Who Grew by Showing Up Consistently, Not Loudly In the early days of podcasting, Steve Stewart (Podcast Editors Academy) built recognition for years by simply leaving comments on other people's shows — for free. Eventually every show about podcasting seemed to mention him. Neil Veglio did something similar on Pod News Weekly Review, showing up consistently with sharp, specific insight until listeners started recognizing his name. Neither of them flipped a switch. They just kept showing up in the right rooms. I plan on doing some sort of collab with Neil in the future. Ask Your Audience Who They Actually Are If you're just starting out and don't have an audience yet, go find where your future audience already hangs out — YouTube comments on a similar channel's most-viewed video, or Amazon reviews for books on your topic (skip the 5-star and 1-star reviews; the 4-star ones that explain what would've made it a 5 are where the real feedback lives). And if you already have an audience: ask them directly what they want, more than once, and explain why it helps them to tell you. Track the link to your survey the same way you track everything else — if 12 people click but only 6 finish it, that's useful data too. The Bottom Line Hope is not a strategy. Neither is waiting for the 10,000-download switch — I've been looking for one since 2007, and it doesn't exist. Growth doesn't come from a bigger swing: more effort, more platforms, more reach. It comes from solid contact with the right people, and you won't know what's solid contact until you measure it. If you want help building the kind of connection that actually turns into a membership, that's exactly what I do at School of Podcasting. Head to schoolofpodcasting.com and use coupon code LISTENER for a monthly, quarterly, or yearly subscription — backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Links & Resources Mentioned School of Podcasting — https://schoolofpodcasting.com (coupon code: LISTENER) PodPage — https://podpage.com Switchy — Click tracker with lifetime one time payment. (aff) Short.io — https://short.io (free click-tracker alternative) Steve Stewart / Podcast Editors Academy — stevestewart.me Ask the Podcast Coach - Weekly live show with free podcast consulting. Also mentioned by name on the episode, but no specific link was given on air — worth dropping in your own before publishing: Big Podcast Playbook (David Hooper) Pod Mastery (Neil Veglio) Buzzsprout (ad platform) Pocket Casts (app) Mentioned In This Episode Join the School of Podcasting Community Profit From Your Podcast Book Power of Podcasting Network Dave's YouTube Channel

What I Learned (and Relearned) at Empowered Podcasting Conference I got triggered at a podcasting conference last week, and honestly? I almost jumped out of my chair. Someone in the room said something that stopped me cold, and it's become one of the biggest lessons I'm bringing back to you this week — along with a story about a $230 million quarterback who won't take feedback, why "cheating off the smart kid" with AI is quietly ruining your podcast, and the subscription I found on my own bank statement that I'd been paying for and not even using. This episode is a mashup of my talk at Empowered Podcasting Conference 3 in Charlotte and everything I picked up just from being in the room. Let's get into it. It's Your Show. Own It. This is the one that made me want to stand up. Someone in a session said, "Well, I can't ask my guest to keep their answers short." Yes, you can. It's your show. If you're doing interviews, you're the goalie — it's your job to keep anything that doesn't serve your audience out of the episode. And if a guest rambles, that's usually on the host, not the guest. Give your guest a target before you hit record: who you're talking to, and whether you want short, medium, or long answers. A guest who doesn't get a target from the host should ask for one. Own your show. Set the boundaries. Your audience is who you're protecting. What Actually Makes Content Remarkable My talk was about what makes a podcast good, and I focused on what makes any content remarkable. I walked through a few movies to prove it: Saving Private Ryan — that D-Day opening wasn't new information (we all knew WWII was brutal), it was a new way of presenting it. People talked about it because nobody had seen it shown like that. The Sixth Sense — a tiny budget that beat big blockbusters like The Lone Ranger because of one twist: we don't find out Bruce Willis's character is dead until the end. People walked out of the theater and called a friend to say "you have to see this." That's the goal — content remarkable enough that it spreads on word of mouth alone. Gone with the Wind — a 1939 movie with an actual intermission, and people still talk about the burning of Atlanta (a real fire on the studio backlot, no CGI) and that last line — "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn" — which had audiences clutching their pearls. Again, something people had not seen before. Star Wars — I saw it eleven times as a kid, and even when half the theater had already seen it multiple times, everybody still cheered when the Death Star blew up. That's not just about the special effects. That's about how it made people feel. A podcast episode is content plus delivery — and delivery is you: your attitude, your confidence, your life skills. My rule of thumb for what makes a good episode: laugh, cry, think, groan, educate, or entertain. Save them time or save them money. Try to hit more than one of those in every episode. The Most Underrated Skill in Podcasting: Listening Everyone assumes the top skill is a great voice or being funny. It's not. It's your ability to listen — to your audience, and to feedback. Case in point: The Cleveland Brown's quarterback, the one we paid $230 million despite a stack of off-field allegations. He's not good at his job. When fans booed him, his response was basically "you guys don't like me" — not "I need to get better," not "tell me more." He made it personal instead of taking it as information. I hear the same thing constantly from podcasters. I'll offer to help someone grow their show, ask which episode they want me to listen to, and they'll say "oh, it's not the content." If you're not willing to actually hear feedback, don't be surprised when your show doesn't grow. The AI Shortcut That's Quietly Killing Your Voice This is the one I need you to sit with. There's a real strategy going around called the outlier strategy: if you and a competitor share an audience, and one of their episodes way outperforms their normal numbers, you make your own version of that topic. Legitimate strategy. Here's where it goes sideways — people are grabbing the transcript of that outlier video, feeding it to AI, and saying "rewrite this in my voice." And the whole reason they're doing a podcast in the first place is to be seen as a thought leader — using someone else's thoughts. It might work about 80% of the time (I'm making that number up), and that missing 20% is the part that's actually, uniquely you. Mark Maron said it best: "You're not thinking your own thoughts. You're a hack with an excuse for why you're failing." I'm not anti-AI — I use it to organize my own brain dumps into an outline. But when you let it write the content, you get exactly what everyone else already sounds like. Led Zeppelin became Kingdom Come became Greta Van Fleet. Cinderella became Girl School. The copy is never as good as the original, and eventually the audience notices. Which brings me to a phrase I have to credit to YouTuber Aprillynne Alter, because she said it better than I could: protect your intuition. When you let AI do all your thinking, you never actually process the information — and you lose your gut instinct for what your audience needs. That's exactly why I watched every single Dolly Parton video myself for last week's episode instead of asking AI to summarize them. I wanted that information in my head, not just in the output. Cheating off the smart kid might get you the grade. It won't get you the understanding. Own Your Audience — Don't Rent It From a Platform I had a great conversation with email marketing expert Paul Gowder about this. I moved my main marketing list from Kit (formerly ConvertKit) over to Substack, and while my subscriber count is actually growing there, I can see in my stats that it's not driving nearly as much traffic to my website. Paul's question stopped me: " What do platforms do once they get popular enough? They change the rules." TikTok, Facebook, YouTube — every one of them eventually limits your reach to your own audience unless you pay up. Email doesn't have an algorithm. Those are people who raised their hand and said "I want more." I'd rather have a 40% open rate on my newsletter than a meaningless "view" on YouTube. And I export my list every single month just in case, because platforms can turn on you fast — there was a parenting podcast that got pulled off YouTube with zero warning, appealed to an AI system, got denied by that same AI, and only got reinstated after Podnews' James Cridland made it a public story. You don't want your show's survival to depend on someone shaming a platform into doing the right thing. Audit Your Subscriptions — You're Probably Bleeding Money My buddy Ralph Estep Jr. — "the content creator's accountant" — gave the keynote, and his advice was simple: go look at your podcast's checkbook. So I did. In five minutes I found I'd been paying $57 a month for an SEO mastermind I hadn't attended in ages, plus $10 a month for an email address I don't even use anymore. Close to $100 a month, gone, just from things I forgot to cancel. This is exactly why you want a separate bank account for your podcast — every charge in there is tied to something you're using for the show, and it makes the leaks obvious. If you need a separate account I use both Sofi and Acorns. Don't Copy the Gear. Be You. One more story from my talk. We all think if we buy the same mic or use the same host as someone successful, we'll get their results. It's not the gear. The band Extreme had guitarist Nuno Bettencourt, who idolized Eddie Van Halen his whole career — and finally got to play Eddie's actual rig, in front of Eddie. He was sure he'd finally sound like his hero. Instead, he said it was "so horrible," because he just sounded like himself. Same thing happened in early podcasting — we all bought the same expensive mic because we wanted to sound like a famous podcaster. Lean into being you. You're already very good at it. Bonus: Sometimes "Remarkable" Means Remarkably Bad A tiny, ultra-low-budget Chinese film (reportedly made for around $200 by a mother and son on an iPhone) got pulled from theaters and mocked online as one of the worst movies ever. The memes were brutal. And because everyone was talking about it, curiosity took over — it ended up making an estimated $9.3 million. Remarkable works both ways. Quick Update on Episode 1049 In

Dolly Parton died on August 25, 2026, at age 80. While most tributes are focused on the music, this episode looks at something else entirely: Dolly Parton the businesswoman and entertainer. She sang at the Grand Ole Opry at 13 and was still building her empire seven decades later, which is rare in an industry where most acts have a five-to-ten-year run. As we like to say around here, success leaves clues, and Dolly left a lot of them. Below are 12 lessons pulled from her career, each one translated into something a podcaster can actually use. Take Advantage of Opportunities When They Show Up In the late 1960s, a teenage Dolly landed a spot on the syndicated Porter Wagoner Show, earning $60,000 a year — by her own account, more money than she'd ever seen. She could have stayed comfortable as Porter's sidekick. Instead, she used the platform to build her name, and when she'd gotten what she needed from it, she left in 1974 to build something that was actually hers. Wagoner threatened to have her dropped from her label and later sued her; she ended up paying roughly $1 million to settle it, and the relationship took years to repair before the two eventually reconciled (American Songwriter, Cheat Sheet). Why it matters for your podcast: your show builds relationships, those relationships create opportunities, and taking advantage of those opportunities (a guest slot, a speaking gig, a collaboration) is what grows your audience — which creates more relationships. It's a loop, and it only works if you actually act when the opportunity shows up. Build a Podcast Brand People Instantly Recognize You knew Dolly when you saw her. Her wig, the rhinestones, the exaggerated glamour, her boobs, wasn't an accident. She said she based it on the town's "tramp." Dolly's response: I wanted to look like her. I thought she was beautiful. Her best line, "It costs a lot of money to look this cheap" says it all. When Barbara Walters pushed her on it in a 1970s interview, essentially implying she looked like a hillbilly, Dolly shot back that she might "kick her in the shin" and laughed the whole way through it. Why it matters for your podcast: a distinctive brand gets you noticed once. Celebrity, a striking name, a bold visual that earns the first click. What earns the return listener is the talent and substance behind it. Dolly had both, and so should your show. Own Your Audience — Don't Rent It to a Platform Dolly wrote "I Will Always Love You" in 1973 as a farewell to Porter Wagoner. When Elvis wanted to record it in 1974, his manager Colonel Tom Parker demanded the publishing rights as a condition for Elvis to record it. This was a standard (crappy) practice for an Elvis cut at the time. Dolly said no, even though it was Elvis. Nearly two decades later, Whitney Houston's version spent 14 weeks at No. 1 and sold an estimated 20 million copies. Because Dolly still owned 100% of the publishing, that single song brought her roughly $10 million in royalties in the 1990s alone, and an estimated $20 million total from the Houston version according to Forbes (American Songwriter). Why it matters for your podcast: As fellow podcaster Steve Stewart puts it, "Don't sell your audience to your sponsor, sell your sponsor on the value of your audience." The same logic applies to platforms: own your website, your domain, and your email list so no single network or app can take your audience away from you. It happens — YouTube pulled a top parenting podcast off the platform entirely (before reinstating it after public pressure). Dolly held onto her publishing because she knew the long game mattered more than a quick win. Hold onto your feed the same way. This is why an RSS feed is important. You can't be cancelled, and you can easily move to a new host if needed. Don't Take Yourself Too Seriously Long before a critic could land a joke, Dolly had already made it herself. On plastic surgery: "If I see something sagging, bagging, or dragging, I'm going to have it nipped, tucked, or sucked." Even the announcement of her passing carried her sense of humor forward, joking that she was finally ready to trade the rhinestones for something more comfortable. Why it matters for your podcast: self-deprecating humor makes an audience like you more. If you can laugh at yourself — a mistake, dated gear, a rough first episode — listeners relax and warm up to you faster. Have fun with your show. Otherwise, you'll burn out on it. Be Consistent — It Builds Trust Dolly reportedly slept in her makeup in case she had to get up in the middle of the night for an emergency, because she never wanted to be seen without it. More importantly, she was always, unmistakably Dolly be it on stage or off, in an interview or in a duet, across 70 years of performing. People who met her said what you saw on stage is exactly what you got in person. Why it matters for your podcast: consistency isn't just about your publishing schedule (though that matters too) — it's about your output staying recognizably you. A listener who hasn't tuned in for six months should know exactly what they're getting the moment they hit play. Know Your Why Dollywood already existed under a couple of generic names before Dolly bought into it in 1986. She didn't just license her name and collect a check — she built it to bring jobs to her hometown region in Tennessee, rooting the business in something true about her instead of something generic and scalable. Today it generates an estimated $180–580 million a year, with her stake alone valued around $165 million. Why it matters for your podcast: plenty of celebrities slap their name on a generic product — a tequila brand, a theme park, a template — and it doesn't work because the "why" isn't real. If you're just copying someone else's show format and putting your name on it, it's probably not going to land. Know why you're actually doing this. Secondly if you put your name behind it, it better be a positive reflection of you (think about this when it comes to sponsors). If you say a product is great, and your audience buys it and it's not, they won't buy anything else from you as your integrity is shot. Experiment With New Formats Without Losing Your Identity Dolly moved from country into pop in the '70s (9 to 5 and more), then made the bluegrass albums she couldn't make earlier in her career because they were "too niche" — as she put it, "I had to get rich so I could come back and sound poor" (BrainyQuote). She went into TV, movies, and near the end of her life a Broadway musical. It was based on her own story, for which she wrote much of the score (so you could say she liked to stay busy). She initially tried to withdraw her name from Rock and Roll Hall of Fame consideration, saying she hadn't "earned that right," then was inducted anyway and leaned all the way in, dueting with Judas Priest's Rob Halford at the ceremony (Rolling Stone, Fox News). She later recorded "Please Please Please" with Sabrina Carpenter — a genre-crossing pairing where each artist's fans discovered the other (Rolling Stone). Why it matters for your podcast: every new genre, format, or collaboration was still unmistakably Dolly. That's the model — try new things, but stay recognizably yourself. And notice the audience-sharing angle: pairing with an artist (or podcaster) who has an adjacent audience introduces you to people who'd never have found you otherwise. That's exactly what cross-promotion with a show in your niche can do for you. Outsource What You're Not Good At When Dolly wrote and starred in the 1986 TV movie A Smoky Mountain Christmas, she knew the script and the performance were her strengths — but directing wasn't, so she brought in Henry Winkler (yes, the Fonz) to direct (Yahoo News). Why it matters for your podcast: do the parts of your show you're genuinely good at and enjoy, and hand off the rest — editing, show notes, technical setup — to someone who does it better than you. Give Back to Build Loyalty Despite her wealth, Dolly gave away enormous sums, saying she prayed for "enough to share and enough to spare." In 1995 she launched the Imagination Library in...

What is Your Rock Bottom Podcast Downloads Number? Everybody talks about growing their audience. Nobody talks about the number where they'd quietly give up. This month's Question of the Month flips the growth conversation on its head: what's the smallest number of downloads that would keep you making your show — and if you dropped below it, would you quit, or try to fix it? The answers from School of Podcasting listeners are surprisingly close... and my answer might not be a number at all. Also in this episode: a guest-pitch so bad it somehow involves a U-Haul dealership, and a heads-up on a booking-platform trick you'll want to know before you pitch yourself as a guest anywhere. In this episode This month's Question of the Month: what's your download floor? Steve Stewart says he'd think about quitting under 25 downloads an episode — but here's why he probably wouldn't Frank Bravo is already running on "10s" of downloads, and explains why that number doesn't bother him Ralph Estep Jr. went from 20 downloads to over 1,000 — but what actually keeps him going isn't the number Dave's answer: which of his 30+ podcasts he let die, which ones he kept, and why it's rarely about the download count The 6-episode survey test — how to know if it's time to change your show or just accept where it's at Scott Johnson (What Was That Like) shares the worst guest pitch he's ever received A warning about how some guests are gaming booking platforms like PodMatch — and how to vet who you let on your show Links mentioned School of Podcasting — use code LISTENER for a discount on monthly, quarterly, or yearly plans PodPage — this episode's sponsor Steve Stewart — Podcast Editor Academy / Podcast Editors Mastermind Frank Bravo — Your Tech Makeover Ralph Estep Jr. — ralphestepjr.com / new show: Becoming Financially Confident (launching Aug 31) Scott Johnson — What Was That Like York - Welcome to Earth Stories PodMatch PodcastGuest.com Pitch a Podcast Building a Better Dave Marketing Musician Weekly Web Tools New To Cooking This content may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services I trust and believe will provide value to you. Thank you for your support! Mentioned in this episode: Live Appearacves November 7th Podindy.com use the coupon code sop - Whiteland Indiana November 12th at 3PM Daniel J. Lewis will be doing a Demo of Podgagement. Brought to you by Podpage.com Register at schoolofpodcasting.com/where Where Will I Be? Question of the Month: What is a "Newbie Podcaster" Poll Question: What makes someone a “newbie podcaster”? Is it how long they’ve been podcasting or how many episodes they’ve published? Is it something else? How would you define a newbie podcaster? Leave your answer at schoolofpodcasting.com/question by November 27th and don't forget to mention your show and your website address so I can link to it in the show notes. (Please try to keep them under 5 minutes if you can). Question of the Month Podpage Email Alerts Podpage just launched a feature called Episode Alerts. It automatically emails your subscribers the moment a new episode goes live — no third-party email tool needed. When you publish, Podpage sends the email, links listeners straight to the episode, routes replies to your own inbox, and handles unsubscribes automatically. They also run every email address through validation and monitor bounces/spam complaints to protect your sender reputation. It's not meant to replace a full newsletter platform — no drip campaigns or segmentation — just a simple "hey, new episode's up" notification. It's available for Pro and Elite users, with monthly sending caps of 500 emails on Pro and 5,000 on Elite. For more information see https://www.podpage.com/updates/introducing-episode-alerts/ Podpage Join the #1 Podcast Education Site - The School of Podcasting Adam Curry is the co-founder of Podcasting (and the co-host of the No Agenda Show). When asked about learning how to podcast Adam said, "The place to go with the guy who has taught more people how to podcast than anybody I know - Dave Jackson, School of Podcasting.com" School of Podcasting

You Down With YPP? Episode Description: I break down YouTube’s latest changes to its Partner Program, including doubled watch-hour requirements and higher Shorts monetization thresholds ahead of the February 2027 deadline. I also bring in YouTube expert Adam Ivey’s take on why the real story isn’t necessarily the new criteria, and I share my own channel’s numbers so you can set realistic expectations for your own YouTube journey. Then the AI kids stop by for story time as I take a look at Spotify’s decade-long history of making big podcasting promises—and quietly failing to deliver on them. From a scrapped hosting partnership to a Creator Fund that never paid a cent, there’s plenty to unpack. Plus, Ray Ortega drops by with the shortest—and most accurate—definition of “podcast” you’ll ever hear. YouTube Partner Program (YPP) changes, effective February 1, 2027 Watch-hour requirement doubles: 4,000 to 8,000 hours in the past year (new creators only; existing YPP members are grandfathered in) Shorts monetization threshold doubles: 10 million to 20 million qualified views in 90 days to get in, then a rolling 10 million views every 90 days to maintain earnings Full monetization tier: 1,000 subscribers, $100 payment threshold Lower tier (500 subscribers): unlocks YouTube Shopping (affiliate) and channel memberships, requires 3,000 watch hours or 3 million Shorts views The real story behind the changes Adam Ivy's stat: 67% of YouTube creators make less than $10,000/year YouTube's stated pivot: broadening revenue beyond ads, with bonuses for YouTube Shopping, brand-deal incentives, and trend-based earning boosts YouTube says it expects to pay creators more in 2027 than 2026: money is shifting, not shrinking Steve Stewart (Podcast Editor Academy): "Don't just sell your audience to sponsors, sell sponsors on how great your audience is" Is YouTube worth it? The data Sounds Profitable's Podcast Atlas (slide 23): Clips lead viewers to watch a specific episode (30% often/always, 81% at least sometimes) and to become regular listeners (33% often/always, 84% at least sometimes) Dave's real channel numbers: 3,523 subscribers, ~$2.49 per 1,000 views, one video with 115 views earned 25 cents Bottom line: YouTube ad revenue is icing, not cake. Don't budget groceries on it Spotify: a bedtime story for the AI kids May 2015: Spotify launches podcasts through a small group of hosting "partners" (Libsyn, Blubrry), framed as a growth opportunity, not monetization Spotify initially insists on hosting the media files itself rather than letting partners host. Partners build custom engineering to comply, then Spotify reverses course 2019: Spotify buys Anchor for $150 million, turning former hosting partners into competitors overnight, with free hosting Spotify quietly submits shows to Apple Podcasts under its own account, hiding stats from creators and sparking creator frustration (often aimed at consultants, not Spotify) 2020: Megaphone acquired for $235 million. 2021: Whooshkaa acquired and folded into Megaphone, then shut down 2021: Betty Labs acquired, becomes Greenroom (Spotify's Clubhouse competitor) 2021: "New Era of Podcast Monetization": paid subscriptions, Open Access Platform, Spotify Audience Network announced Mid-2021: Greenroom launches with a Creator Fund promised for live audio creators. Payment mechanics never disclosed 2021: Music + Talk announced ("play music in your podcast"), restricted to the Spotify app, paying subscribers only, after listening to the full episode September 2021: Q&A and Polls launch, pitched as "the future of podcasting is interactive" January 2022: In-house production studio "Studio Four" shut down with layoffs April 2022: Greenroom rebrands to Spotify Live; Creator Fund confirmed to have never launched, quietly shelved March 2023: Anchor rebranded to Spotify for Podcasters April 2023: Spotify Live shut down entirely, two years after the original Greenroom launch February 2024: Music + Talk and Anchor's recording tools killed; users redirected to Riverside July 2024: Q&A and Polls shut down, replaced with Comments Spotify's "walled garden" habits: video and transcripts only available on Spotify, resistance to RSS since it sends listeners off-platform 2026: Skip Ahead ad-skipping button testing begins, available only to Premium subscribers, while advertisers still pay for the ad Audiobooks added, bundled with music, resulting in lower royalty payments to musicians What it actually takes to make money on Spotify 1,000 Spotify audience members (last 30 days) 2,000 Spotify hours consumed (last 30 days) At least 3 published episodes Free alternatives exist too: Buzzsprout (90 days free), RSS.com, Red Circle Also in this episode: Ray Ortega's shortest definition of a podcast: "An RSS feed with audio or video content" Dave will be at the Empowered Podcasting Conference. Say hello if you see him Links: Podnews (the definitive investigative piece): https://podnews.net/update/greenroom-creator-fund-mirage Hollywood Reporter (original confirmation): https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/digital/spotify-greenroom-creator-fund-live-audio-1235132234/ TechCrunch (Spotify's official statement): https://techcrunch.com/?p=2302547 Tubefilter (stock price angle): https://www.tubefilter.com/2022/04/19/meta-live-audio-rooms-spotify-green-ro Spotify's own support doc: https://support.spotify.com/al/creators/article/understanding-skip-ahead-button/ Podnews (the deepest industry-side reporting): https://podnews.net/article/spotify-threat-ad-skipping Hollywood Reporter (advertiser reaction): https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/digital/spotify-new-ad-skipping-feature-1236670480/ Forbes (scale/downloads context): https://www.forbes.com/sites/gabrielalinzainescu/2026/08/10/spotify-tests-ad-skip-button-that-could-upend-podcast-advertising/ Variety (original 2024 reclassification): https://variety.com/2024/digital/news/spotify-music-audiobook-bundle-lower-royalty-for-songwriters-1235974942/ Music Tech (MLC lawsuit filed): https://musictech.com/news/industry/spotify-royalties-lawsuit-audiobook-bundling/ Music Business Worldwide ($3.1bn NMPA projection): https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/nmpa-says-spotify-bundling-move-could-cost-music-publishers-3-1bn-through-2032/ Music Business Worldwide (lawsuit dismissed): https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/spotify-wins-audiobook-bundling-lawsuit-as-court-dismisses-legal-action-brought-by-the-mlc/ Variety (ruling coverage w/ judge's quote): https://variety.com/2025/music/news/spotify-wins-lawsuit-bundling-royalties-1236289823/ Time (FTC complaint, $150M NMPA estimate):

How Do You Hit 4000 Episodes Without Losing Your Mind? Today I'm talking with Glenn Hebert and Jamie Jennings from Horses in the Morning, the flagship show of the Horse Radio Network. They just crossed 4000 episodes, and since they're doing this daily, I had a ton of questions for them. Mainly: how do you keep your sanity? Glenn has been on this show more times than any other guest, and I'll drop links to a few of those past conversations below. We also talk about how "Glenn the Geek" became a verb around here. I cut in a few times throughout the episode to riff on some of what we discussed, so stick around for that too. Key Takeaways Segments (not just guests) are what let a daily or frequent show survive without constantly reinventing the wheel. A real community needs a place to talk to each other, not just a place to listen to you. Feedback from your most invested listeners (not just anyone) should shape what you keep and what you cut. You're making the show for the 80% who like it, not the 20% who don't. If you're trying to make money at this, budget 10-12 hours of work for every hour that airs. How Glenn and Jamie Keep Finding Something to Talk About Jamie's husband asked her, before episode one, what she was even going to talk about after two weeks of a horse podcast. Sixteen years and 4000 episodes later, that question still makes her laugh. Glenn books guests only a week or two out, and most of the show's four or five segments per episode get planned the morning of. Being daily is actually their advantage: they can be timely in a way most podcasts can't. Glenn admitted he basically is the show-prep service. Google Alerts and AI help him find stories faster than they used to, but the instinct for what's worth talking about still comes down to two to three hours of prep every single morning. Segments Give You Somewhere to Put Your Energy Jamie is the storyteller. Glenn plays the guy reacting to it. He described their pre-show routine: Jamie says she's got a two-to-five-minute story, and he already knows it's going to stretch to twenty minutes and he'll happily let it. That contrast, he said, is what makes the show work. I've got segments on this show too (if you've got a favorite segment idea, feel free to send it in). One of mine is built entirely out of "this happened because I have a podcast." I used to do a "last five in five" segment where I'd share the last five things I listened to in under five minutes. Segments are useful because they don't all have to show up in every episode. When I don't have a big topic, I create a "podcast stew," a handful of small segments squeezed together. Takes the pressure off having to fill a big block of time. An episode just needs to be as long as it needs to be, and not a minute more. Building a Community That Actually Talks to Each Other Glenn says their community basically built itself once Patreon entered the picture around nine or ten years ago. One of their own listeners asked if she could start a private Facebook group for supporters, and it's grown into 30+ subgroups on everything from dogs to mental health, plus in-person meetups they run themselves. Glenn's take, and I completely agree: the biggest mistake podcasters make when they say they want "community" is giving people no actual place to talk to each other. A community needs a room. You don't have a true community until they can talk to each other. They get supporters directly involved too, birthdays shouted out on air, segment material submitted by listeners themselves. If your audience made the content, you already know they're going to like it. Sponsors Who Become Part of the Family Jamie and Glenn have given away more than $80,000 in prizes over 16 years, largely funded by sponsors who get a bit of airtime in exchange for product. Those relationships often graduate into full paid sponsorships once the brand sees it works. That reminded me of Mark from Beyond Bourbon Street, a past guest of mine (episode 829) who had Two Chicks Walking Tours as a sponsor, then had listeners telling him in his own community that they'd taken the tour and loved it. That's the kind of proof that makes a sponsorship renewal conversation easy. And speaking of sponsors sticking around, I was listening to The New Media Show recently and they mentioned Todd Cochran had GoDaddy as a sponsor for around 21 years. The Focus Group Most Podcasts Never Bother With This one floored me. On top of their broader Patreon community, Glenn and Jamie run a rotating focus group of 12 listeners every six months whose entire job is to comment on every single episode. Every episode gets six to twelve honest responses. That feedback has actually killed segments. They ran an "animal psychics" bit for a while that they personally enjoyed, but the negative response outweighed the positive, so it's gone. If you're going to ask your paying supporters for their opinion, you have to actually be willing to act on it. Handling the People Who Don't Like You Glenn's rule, learned from ten years running an improv theater company: about 80% of any audience likes what you do, and 20% doesn't. That ratio doesn't change. You're not making the show for the 20%. You're making it for the 80%, and Glenn pointed out the harder truth: a chunk of that 20% keeps listening anyway, seemingly just to be annoyed. Let it go. Jamie added that after the true fans and the negative Nellies, there's a middle group whose feedback is the most useful because it's the most honest. The Most Popular Segment Isn't the Guests Right before hitting 4000 episodes, they surveyed listeners on favorite segments. The winner, by a wide margin: pure host banter, just Glenn and Jamie talking about nothing. Their biggest listener complaint over the years has actually been "too many guests." As Glenn put it, people come for the content and stay for the hosts. What It Takes to Actually Make Money Doing This Glenn's advice for a new podcaster wondering when the money shows up: niches make it easier. Horse people, in his words, are some of the most dedicated hobbyists out there, and that's true of plenty of other niches too (cycling, golf, you name it). Small and mid-sized brands without their own ad agencies are the sweet spot, and Glenn's found 80% of his sponsors by showing up in person at trade shows and introducing himself at every booth. He's been to 38 of them. Their own listener survey backs this up: 80% of listeners said they'd bought a product because Glenn and Jamie talked about it on air in the last year. Only 25% said the same about a banner ad. Trust is the entire business model. Doing the Show Sick, and Other Real-Talk Moments When you're sick, you address it up front. Ignoring it doesn't work, because that's all the listener will focus on anyway. Same goes for a loud remote recording location. Be real about it and people roll with it, sometimes they even prefer it. One detail that stuck with me: Jamie trains off-the-track thoroughbreds and has personally placed horses with listeners in 18 different states just by mentioning them on the show. That's community turned into real-world impact. My Takeaways After the Interview A few things I wanted to add once the mic was off: Contact info matters more than you think. Always tell people how to reach you. For me that's schoolofpodcasting.com/contact. Someone recently told me they'd left a comment on my Substack and had no idea if I'd seen it, because I hadn't told them how I check for those. Where to find ideas, beyond hanging out with your audience the way Glenn does: Google Alerts will tell you anytime a topic (or your name) gets mentioned online. Answer the Public shows you what people are actually typing into search around a topic. Or just Google your topic and scroll down to "People Also Ask." On Podcast Movement: I wasn't selected to speak this year, which is the first time that's happened after speaking at every single one. Disappointing, sure, but I'll still be there to say hi, and I'll have more free time than usual. I am speaking at the Empowered Podcasting Conference in Charlotte, NC, and at PodIndy in November. Lesson...

If you look at movies that you love, and you think about them, and you remember how they made you feel. Today we talk about three things you can have in your tool belt to use in your show to not just have something to listen to, but to have content that moves your audience. We also answer the question what do Sportcasters, Movie Reviewers, and Christians all have in common? Pull Some Emotion Into Your Show Most podcasters focus on information—tips, tactics, and how‑tos. But your audience doesn’t connect to information first; they connect to emotion first. Three Tools To Boost Connection Nostalgia Storytelling Vulnerability As the old saying goes, "with great power comes great responsibility," so how do we use these ingredients in our show without sounding like we starting the sympathy engine just to grab attention? What Do Christians, Movie Reviewer, and Sportscasters all have in common? They are all working with the same source material. The same bible (more or less), the same movies, the same games. In this episode we talk about how to make your show stand out? The Best Book on StoryTelling I've read MANY books on storytelling, but Storyworthy by Matthew Dicks is the best - period. The audiobook is so good you will want to listen with a pad and pencil to take notes (or if you're loving in 2026, take notes on your phone). Ready To Start Your Podcast? Podcasting in Six Weeks Mentioned in this episode: Live Appearacves November 7th Podindy.com use the coupon code sop - Whiteland Indiana November 12th at 3PM Daniel J. Lewis will be doing a Demo of Podgagement. Brought to you by Podpage.com Register at schoolofpodcasting.com/where Where Will I Be? Question of the Month: What is a "Newbie Podcaster" Poll Question: What makes someone a “newbie podcaster”? Is it how long they’ve been podcasting or how many episodes they’ve published? Is it something else? How would you define a newbie podcaster? Leave your answer at schoolofpodcasting.com/question by November 27th and don't forget to mention your show and your website address so I can link to it in the show notes. (Please try to keep them under 5 minutes if you can). Question of the Month Take Live Classes at the School of Podcasting Podcasting in Six Weeks is BACK! (and this time it's free!) We are continuing to experiment with marketing, and we had so much fun helping people launch their show that we are going it again (and dropped the fee). If you don't have a show but want to start one this is THE place to get going in the right direction. Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/sixweeks Growing Your Podcast Live Course For members of the School of Podcasting we are all banding together to go through the steps of growing your show (so sign up now!). This will including feedback and strategies to get your show growing faster. You will write down your typical downloads before you start, and compare it to the final numbers. Use the coupon code listener when singing up to become a member and receive a discount. These live classes start August 19th. Please let me know if you have any questions at schoolofpodcasting.com/contact School of Podcasting

What if one book could change the way you tell stories, connect with your audience, or even see your own podcast? In this episode of the School of Podcasting, I asked a simple question: “If you found out someone was a content creator, what book would you recommend?” — and the responses were pure gold. You’ll hear from working podcasters, educators, business owners, and storytellers sharing the books that sharpened their craft, grew their communities, and kept them going when numbers and algorithms tried to wear them down. Along the way, I share my own must‑reads and pay tribute to a podcasting legend whose work shaped an entire generation of creators. If you’re ready to level up your show — not with more gear, but with better thinking, storytelling, and heart — this is the episode you’ll want to queue up next. Participants Kim Newlove The Pharmacist Voice Podcast The Perrysburg Podcast Ralph Estep Jr. The Content Creators Accountant https://ralphestepjr.com Chris Nessi House of EdTech Mark Lawley Practical Prepping Podcast Nancy May (with co‑host Sylvia France) Family Tree Food Stories Podcast Dave Cohen The Shakespeare Mindset Tom Haley Bluegrass Region Voices and Views Books Mentioned Find Your Red Thread: Make Your Big Ideas - Tamsen Webster The Audience Is Listening: A Little Guide to Building a Big Podcast – Tom Webster How to Win Friends and Influence People - Dale Carnegie Sacred Cows Make the Best Burgers – Robert J. Kriegel, David Brandt 12 and a Half: Leveraging the Emotional Ingredients Necessary for Business Success – Gary Vaynerchuk Acres of Diamonds – Jentezen Franklin Hello, My Name Is Awesome: How to Create Brand Names That Stick – Alexandra Watkins Into the Woods: A Five-Act Journey Into Story – John Yorke Build a Strong Podcast: From Creation to Captivated Audience – Jennifer Longworth Make Noise: A Creator’s Guide to Podcasting and Great Audio Storytelling – Eric Nuzum Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life Through the Power of Storytelling – Matthew Dicks Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World – A Step-by-Step Guide for Anyone with Something to Say or Sell – Michael Hyatt Big Podcast: Grow Your Podcast Audience, Build Listener Loyalty, and Get Everybody Talking About Your Show – David Hooper So You Want to Start a Podcast: Finding Your Voice, Telling Your Story, and Building a Community That Will Listen – Kristen Meinzer Out on the Wire: The Storytelling Secrets of the New Masters of Radio – Jessica Abel Beyond Powerful Radio: A Communicator’s Guide to the Internet Age – Valerie Geller Secrets of Dynamic Communication: Prepare with Focus, Deliver with Clarity, Speak with Power – Ken Davis Sponsor Magnet – Justin Moore Profit from Your Podcast: Turn Your Listeners into a Livelihood – Dave Jackson Looking for more books on podcasting? Check here In Honor of John C. Dvorak The Grief Recovery Handbook: The Action Program for Moving Beyond Death, Divorce, and Other Losses (20th Anniversary Expanded Edition) – John W. James, Russell Friedman John was an amazing broadcaster. More thoughts on John's Impact. Mentioned in this episode: Build the Website You Want with Podpage Podpage is flexible. If you want to promote something you can put it in the sidebar, on the front page, or at the bottom of every episode (not to mention the navigation bar, the footer and more). Podpage is designed specifically for podcasts. Quit trying to squeeze your podcast into a website made for a yoga studio. Start your free trial at podpage.com/preview Podpage Black Friday Podcasting Sepcial Hey, podcast creators! Are you ready to take your podcast to the next level? We have an unbeatable deal just for you! Introducing the Hot Seat Service! For a limited time, get your podcast episode and website professionally audited. Dive deep into our 30-point checklist and uncover opportunities to improve your podcast's reach and engagement! 🔍 What's Included? Podcast Episode Audit: Pinpoint key areas for improvement. Website Audit: A thorough 30-point checklist to optimize your online presence. But wait, there’s more! When you sign up, you'll receive a free month at the School of Podcasting! That's one month of top-notch podcasting training normally at $99, absolutely free! 📚 Exclusive Offer: Your School of Podcasting membership includes 5 hours of personal consulting, a service valued at $1000 alone! All This for Just $99! Normally, you'd pay $1278 for this incredible package. But through December 31st, it's yours for just $99! 🚀 Don’t miss this chance to elevate your podcast without breaking the bank. Secure this offer today and watch your podcast thrive! Act Now! Spots are limited! fixmypodcast.com Podcast Hotseat Question of the Month: What is a "Newbie Podcaster" Poll Question: What makes someone a “newbie podcaster”? Is it how long they’ve been podcasting or how many episodes they’ve published? Is it something else? How would you define a newbie podcaster? Leave your answer at schoolofpodcasting.com/question by November 27th and don't forget to mention your show and your website address so I can link to it in the show notes. (Please try to keep them under 5 minutes if you can). Question of the Month Live Appearacves November 7th Podindy.com use the coupon code sop - Whiteland Indiana November 12th at 3PM Daniel J. Lewis will be doing a Demo of Podgagement. Brought to you by Podpage.com Register at schoolofpodcasting.com/where Where Will I Be?

When your CPMs start shrinking and programmatic ads feel like a losing game, it’s easy to wonder if podcasting is still worth it. In this episode, I want to show you a different path—one that doesn’t depend on ad tech behaving itself. I’m going to walk you through why community beats downloads, how smart feedback (like what Jack Rhysider does) can radically improve your show before it ever launches, and how simple tools like newsletters and Podpage can help you build a deeper relationship with your audience so your podcast is future‑proof, no matter what happens to ad rates. Don't Take My Word For It I heard it from on the Podbiz Show. Hall of Famer Leo Laporte shares a bit of history with ads, and Podfather Adam Curry explains how to future-proof your podcast. Brian Barletta explains how we need to move on from trying to get stats that are not possible, and focus on growing the industry. Get Your Head Straight I also talk about how I was inspired by writer Talyor Sheridan cold care less about the critics. He write the way he wants to write, about what he wants to write about and now his audience has found him and he is making a killing. Get Your Content Straight Geddy Lee has been performing in the band Rush for 50+ years and yet he still takes time to evaluate his playing. When we try to market "Meh" content we are wasting our time. The Podcast Atlas Report Sounds Profitable has released the Podcast Atlas Report which approaches the industry from the creators point of view. Some great insights into clips, newsletters, and more. This content may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services I trust and believe will provide value to you. Thank you for your support! Takeaways: If you're feeling stuck with your podcast due to falling ad revenues, listen up! Forget chasing ad dollars; focus on building a loyal community that supports your podcasting journey. The real gold in podcasting isn’t just downloads; it’s about creating genuine connections with your listeners. Ads might be declining, but trust me, building a community will make your podcast thrive in the long run. The future of podcasting is all about community and trust, not just numbers on a screen. If you want to grow your podcast, start by picking one simple thing to engage with your audience. Also Mentioned: Sponsor Magnet Book Podpage - Podcast Website Builder Ray Arnott Interview - Around the Layout Community Resources Heartbeat (We use this for the School of Podcasting) Circle Skool (affordable, simple community) Newsletter Tools Kit (formerly Convertkit) Mailerlite Beehiiv (and many more) Mentioned in this episode: Question of the Month: What is a "Newbie Podcaster" Poll Question: What makes someone a “newbie podcaster”? Is it how long they’ve been podcasting or how many episodes they’ve published? Is it something else? How would you define a newbie podcaster? Leave your answer at schoolofpodcasting.com/question by November 27th and don't forget to mention your show and your website address so I can link to it in the show notes. (Please try to keep them under 5 minutes if you can). Question of the Month Live Appearacves November 7th Podindy.com use the coupon code sop - Whiteland Indiana November 12th at 3PM Daniel J. Lewis will be doing a Demo of Podgagement. Brought to you by Podpage.com Register at schoolofpodcasting.com/where Where Will I Be? Unlock Exclusive Insights: Subscribe to 'Podcasting Observations' Newsletter! Get a look into the world of podcasting like never before with "Podcasting Observations," your go-to source for trends, tips, and transformative insights tailored just for podcasters. You also get "behind the scenes" info from the School of Podcasting Don't miss out on staying ahead of the game—join the 1700+ people who are already reading Podcasting Observations today! Podcasting Observations Take Live Classes at the School of Podcasting Podcasting in Six Weeks is BACK! (and this time it's free!) We are continuing to experiment with marketing, and we had so much fun helping people launch their show that we are going it again (and dropped the fee). If you don't have a show but want to start one this is THE place to get going in the right direction. Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/sixweeks Growing Your Podcast Live Course For members of the School of Podcasting we are all banding together to go through the steps of growing your show (so sign up now!). This will including feedback and strategies to get your show growing faster. You will write down your typical downloads before you start, and compare it to the final numbers. Use the coupon code listener when singing up to become a member and receive a discount. These live classes start August 19th. Please let me know if you have any questions at schoolofpodcasting.com/contact School of Podcasting

If you’ve ever thought, ‘I want feedback, but I’m terrified of the internet,’ stay tuned—I’ll show you how to get useful criticism without letting trolls live rent-free in your head. Two Types of Feedback I’m sharing how I handle trolls, reviews, and feedback—and how you can turn all of that into fuel to grow your show instead of reasons to quit. I’ll walk you through when to ignore, when to engage, and how to build a trusted focus group that helps you make your podcast better without letting anonymous strangers live rent‑free in your head. Trolls, Critics and Focus Groups I break down the difference between true trolls, genuine critics, and helpful focus groups—and how each one fits (or doesn’t) into your growth as a podcaster. I share real stories about nitpicky typo trolls, cyberbullying from years ago, people who send you two and a half pages of “do a different show,” and how other podcasters are using their audience—and even Snapchat—to get honest, constructive criticism. By the end, you’ll see why I say feedback is the “breakfast of champions,” and why your fear of judgment shouldn’t keep your show stuck on your hard drive. What You’ll Learn Trolls vs. Focus Groups How I define a troll: unsolicited, emotionally charged feedback that’s mostly about getting a reaction. How I define a focus group: people who actually want to help shape and improve your show. Why some “trolls” are really just frustrated fans who want attention. Classic Troll Bait Topics The three topics that almost guarantee you’ll attract trolls: Politics News / current events Religion Why I’m okay with pushback when I brush up against these—and why you should expect it if your show leans into them. My Rules for Dealing with Trolls Rule #1: Don’t feed the trolls. I talk about why I always try to wait before responding. How I “kill them with kindness” when I choose to reply. Why I often simply say, “Thanks for the feedback,” and move on. How I remind myself that sometimes people are just having a bad day, and I happened to be standing in front of them. Turning Feedback into a Tool for Growth The key question I always ask: “Do they have a point?” An example: being told, “You interrupt your guests too much,” and how I go back, listen, and honestly assess if they’re right. How I respond when someone clearly just wants me to do a completely different show than the one I want to make. How I Engage Without Losing My Cool Why I sometimes ask, “How could I have done this better?” to separate useful advice from empty criticism. How I ask for evidence or sources in a non-defensive way: “I’m interested in digging into this—can you share a link?” When I’ll share my sources and politely stand my ground. When I decide it’s time to block, report, and move on, especially on platforms like YouTube. Knowing My Audience (and My Why) How knowing who my show is for makes it easier to ignore the wrong people. Why I consider the nastiest haters as “not my target audience.” The math I look at: out of hundreds of reviews, only a tiny percentage are negative—but they love to hog my attention if I let them. Stories and Examples I Share Mark Maron on Trolls as “Frustrated Love” A clip from Mark Maron talking about trolls who keep coming back. How he describes repeat trolls as people who are weirdly in love with you and just want you to get mad so they feel seen. The Typo Troll The listener who went absolutely ballistic over typos and sent me 5–6 paragraph rants. How I handled it when the comments got personal. How I eventually “trolled the troll” with humor and kindness and watched him disappear (and reappear…and disappear again). Madame Strangeways & Fear of Feedback A conversation with Madame Strangeways who was reluctant to ask for feedback because of a cyberbullying incident 20 years ago. How I encourage her (and you) to start with trusted fans and patrons as a safe focus group. My “too much salt in the bread” analogy: people who love what you’re making will still tell you if something’s off, because they have to consume it. Jr. Sparrow & Building a Focus Group How Jr. Sparrow used Snapchat’s Snap Map to find brutally honest listeners. How he turned “this show is crap” comments into a small group that now: Helps him curate which episodes to release. Shapes themes and content months in advance. Why he says you need “skin like Shrek” (thick skin, many layers) if you want to attach dollar signs to your show. Using Feedback Before You Publish How experienced podcasters (including me) use feedback on topics, guests, and angles before episodes ever hit the feed. Why I’d rather kill an episode early than spend years promoting something that doesn’t resonate with my audience. SnapChat's Snap Map Feature Snapchat’s Snap Maps https://youtu.be/l4R-wu42gZk?si=BVhAiDeB_Tq6anoO Getting Data From Snap Map https://youtu.be/qGxblSXvEbU?si=KoeDP8aI32uKvKjS My Key Takeaways for You You are already being judged—at Home Depot, in the grocery line, everywhere—so a few online comments shouldn’t paralyze you. A tiny slice of reviews will be negative; they don’t outweigh the huge percentage of people who get value from your show. Feedback is how you get better. You can’t fix what you don’t know is broken. Learn to separate: Trolls – don’t feed them, or reply calmly and briefly. Constructive critics – look for the truth in what they’re saying. True fans / focus groups – invite them in and let them help you refine the show. If someone hates your show and clearly isn’t who you’re trying to reach, there’s a simple name for them: not your audience. Mentioned in This Episode School of Podcasting – Where I help you plan, launch, and grow your podcast, including listener parties to get safe, constructive feedback. Ask the Podcast Coach – My live call-in/chat show for free podcast consulting. Podpage – Website platform for podcasters (I’m the Head of Podcasting there). Madame Strangeways – True strange stories at madamestrangeways.com. Jr. Sparrow – WVU Uncommon Place – Society and culture in West Virginia. Call to Action Tell me what you think: Let me know one thing you love and one thing you’d change about this show at schoolofpodcasting.com/contact or schoolofpodcasting.com/voicemail. Need help with your podcast? If you want a safe place to get honest feedback and improve your show, join me at SchoolOfPodcasting.com and use the coupon code LISTENER for a discount. It comes with a 30‑day money‑back guarantee. Mentioned in this episode: Give Your Podcast A Home When you look at our podcasting pieces, your media host is the engine. But your website is the home. It’s where your audience learns who you are, explores your episodes, and decides to subscribe. At Podpage, we build podcast websites that are fast, reliable, and designed to convert visitors into listeners. Every episode is automatically published, SEO-optimized, and structured for growth—so you can focus on creating, not managing your site. If your media host powers your podcast, Podpage gives it a place to live—and a place to grow. Start building your podcast’s home with Podpage by going to www.podpage.com/preview and start your 14 day free trial today.

Nobody shares a video they didn't watch. Nobody shares a podcast they didn't listen to, so how do we get people to listen? This week we follow up form last week's episode about measuring success without downloads and today I talk about completion percentage in Apple, Spotify, as well as Google Analytics. Josh Liston explains how he and his co-host from the SAKÉ THIS show. How Long Should My Podcast Be? The stand ard answer is "as long as it needs to be an not a minute longer." However, another way of looking at this is to ask, "How long can you hold someone's attention?" You Can See How Far People Listen to Your Show The Apple Dashboard: https://podcastsconnect.apple.com The Spotify Dashboard: https://creators.spotify.com Question of the Month Audio Tools Last week I had a ton of replies to the Question of the Month. The issue is some of you have a ton of bass. Some of you are so clear it's almost shrill. Other have lots of background noise. This use to take me FOREVER to deal with until I started using tools from Accentize. I use a tool called DXRevive Pro cleans up the audio. Their Dialogue Enhance helps adjust the tone and remove noise. Then they have a free plugin called DXLevel that adjusts the volume levels (and it's free). Takeaways: How Dave thinks about episode length (and why “as long as it needs to be” actually works in practice) How to use Apple Podcasts Connect and Spotify for Podcasters to measure completion percentage and attention, not just downloads Why video and YouTube completion rates look so much worse than audio—and how not to let that crush your ego How to use Google Analytics or Fathom to see which episodes and pages really resonate A behind-the-scenes look at the audio tools Dave uses (Accentize DX Revive, Dialog Enhance, and the free DX Level plugin) to make listener submissions sound more consistent An update on the “free version” experiment of the School of Podcasting and why future focus is shifting to live cohort-style classes Dave also shares a listener contribution from Josh Liston of the SAKÉ THIS podcast, with two non-download ways he measures success for his Japan-focused comedy show. Mentioned in this episode: Podpage is Now Included with Blubrry Hosting Blubrry Podcasting — one of the longest-running podcast hosting platforms in the industry — has chosen Podpage to replace their built-in website tool entirely. That means every Blubrry hosting customer gets a professional, automatically updated podcast website powered by Podpage, included with their hosting plan. For Podpage, this is more than a partnership announcement. It’s validation that podcast websites deserve dedicated website tools built specifically for podcasters. Podpage Black Friday Podcasting Sepcial Hey, podcast creators! Are you ready to take your podcast to the next level? We have an unbeatable deal just for you! Introducing the Hot Seat Service! For a limited time, get your podcast episode and website professionally audited. Dive deep into our 30-point checklist and uncover opportunities to improve your podcast's reach and engagement! 🔍 What's Included? Podcast Episode Audit: Pinpoint key areas for improvement. Website Audit: A thorough 30-point checklist to optimize your online presence. But wait, there’s more! When you sign up, you'll receive a free month at the School of Podcasting! That's one month of top-notch podcasting training normally at $99, absolutely free! 📚 Exclusive Offer: Your School of Podcasting membership includes 5 hours of personal consulting, a service valued at $1000 alone! All This for Just $99! Normally, you'd pay $1278 for this incredible package. But through December 31st, it's yours for just $99! 🚀 Don’t miss this chance to elevate your podcast without breaking the bank. Secure this offer today and watch your podcast thrive! Act Now! Spots are limited! fixmypodcast.com Podcast Hotseat Check Out Dave's Newsletter With Behind the Scenes Content In each issue of Podcasting Observations, I share my thoughts on what is happening in the podcasting space, my latest content, and things that have caught my eye. I also may ask for your opinion. Join the free community Podcasting Observations Question of the Month: What is a "Newbie Podcaster" Poll Question: What makes someone a “newbie podcaster”? Is it how long they’ve been podcasting or how many episodes they’ve published? Is it something else? How would you define a newbie podcaster? Leave your answer at schoolofpodcasting.com/question by November 27th and don't forget to mention your show and your website address so I can link to it in the show notes. (Please try to keep them under 5 minutes if you can). Question of the Month

How do you measure the success of your podcast that is NOT downloads? You’ll hear from a wide range of podcasters in different niches—storytelling, history, prepping, finance, faith, recovery, TV rewatch shows, local podcasts, health, creativity, and more—sharing how they really gauge success. Their answers include: Direct listener feedback & real‑life impact (behavior change, decisions, staying sober, safer driving, adopting, spending time with Jesus, handling conversations differently) Engagement & community (emails, voicemails, social comments, active groups, email lists, live events, guest offers, collaborations) Actions taken (lead magnet signups, newsletter growth, memberships, classes, affiliate links, donations and financial support) Enjoyment, fun, and personal growth (being excited about the next episode, getting better on the mic, becoming more confident and creative) Alignment with purpose & service (sticking to your “why,” serving a niche community, “who many” vs. “how many,” “one life at a time”) Legacy & memory (building an audio/video archive for family, preserving loved ones’ stories, creating a personal record you can revisit) Along the way, Dave adds commentary on why downloads alone are a poor North Star, how to re‑center on who you serve and why you podcast, and how podcasting can be a tool for service, community, and legacy—not just stats. Participants In This Episode Scott from What Was That Like? Kate from Drafting in the Past Mark from Practical Prepping Nancy from Family Food Stories Buck Ralph From Content Creator's Accountant Steve from Podcast Editor's Mastermind Trip From Home Brewed Christianity Podcast Spencer from The Recovery Show Travis from Bestie Approved Ashriel from Called and Curious Podcast Dave Interviewed Jesus Zo from Back Look Cinema Jen from Women in Podcasting Marc from Solo Talk and Podcast Branding Chris from Cool Cars with Chris Howard from AA Recovery Interviews Ray from Around the Layout York from Welcome to Earth Stories Rob from Softball Central Dan from Based on a True Story Tim from Create Art and My Solo MS Journey Kim from the Pharmacist's Voice and the Perrysburg Podcast Dave from Fix My Podcast Mentioned in this episode: You Have A Message That Needs to Be Heard You have a message that needs to be shared. Discover the art of podcasting at the School of Podcasting. We teach you to shine a light on your stories, inspiring others one episode at a time. Let your voice be your legacy. Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/join School of Podcasting Build the Website You Want with Podpage Podpage is flexible. If you want to promote something you can put it in the sidebar, on the front page, or at the bottom of every episode (not to mention the navigation bar, the footer and more). Podpage is designed specifically for podcasts. Quit trying to squeeze your podcast into a website made for a yoga studio. Start your free trial at podpage.com/preview Podpage Question of the Month: What is a "Newbie Podcaster" Poll Question: What makes someone a “newbie podcaster”? Is it how long they’ve been podcasting or how many episodes they’ve published? Is it something else? How would you define a newbie podcaster? Leave your answer at schoolofpodcasting.com/question by November 27th and don't forget to mention your show and your website address so I can link to it in the show notes. (Please try to keep them under 5 minutes if you can). Question of the Month Live Appearacves November 7th Podindy.com use the coupon code sop - Whiteland Indiana November 12th at 3PM Daniel J. Lewis will be doing a Demo of Podgagement. Brought to you by Podpage.com Register at schoolofpodcasting.com/where Where Will I Be?

Are you getting the most out of your RSS feed? To figure out if you are, you first have to understand how a podcast workflow works, which means you need to understand: what an RSS feed is how you make one where you get the best feed and how you make sure you're getting the most out of it Don't Make These Mistakes In this episode, I'm going to explain some of the mistakes I see people making with RSS feeds, especially when it comes to getting the most out of transcripts. In some cases, people aren't putting their transcripts into their media host, which means their transcripts aren't going into their feed. That is not something the best way to maximize your show. Where Do I Get an RSS Feed? Your RSS feed comes from your media host. For me, the best RSS feeds come from dedicated media hosts. Places like Captivate, Buzzsprout, rss.com, and Blubrry. All of these do one thing: they host your files, they provide an RSS feed, and they provide statistics. Make Sure Your Transcripts are In Your RSS Feed While having transcripts on your website is good, you are missing another opportunity by having them in your feed (which can be used in Podcast apps). When it comes to Podpage, having the transcript in your feed put it into a place where Podpage can grab it and put it on your site. Don't Hire Your Dentist to Work On Your Car Other places like Riverside are trying to be a jack-of-all-trades and a master of none. I don't want someone who's not a master of the RSS feed. The RSS feed is like the blood in your veins; it is your veins, and you don't want your veins to be Scotch-taped together. You want an RSS feed that is fully compatible with all the features available for podcasters. Directing People To Your Site When I recently tested Riverisde, you could not direct people at the episode level to your site. This is a missed opportunity. This means that, when somebody is consuming your content in an app, usually there is a link to go to the website, which takes them to, (if you're doing it correctly) your website. On the episode page, I'm offering the ability to follow the show easily on Spotify, Apple, Pocket Cast, etc. If you don't have that link, you're missing an opportunity to send the audience where you want them to go. I need to email Riverside because this just reeks of a company who doesn't really understand podcasting getting into podcasting. Consequently, I know it's nice to have everything under one login, but how hard is it to login to more than one account (especially if you have 1password). No RSS No Podcast People keep asking what a podcast is. I'm not sure why. It's audio, video delivered via RSS. This means YouTube is not a podcast. It's a show. Radio is not TV. Both are content. When we blur the definition it messes up all of our reports. People have asked, "Well, the audience thinks YouTube is a podcast are we supposed to tell them they are wrong?" The answer is yes. Then we could have separate reports on YouTube vs Podcasts. If someone hears me listening to the band Sum 41, and says, "I love blink 182," I would say, "That's not Sum 41, it's blink 182. You're helping them not look stupid in the future. You would do the same thing if they called a banana an apple. Other Hosts I Don't Recommend Spotify: From their lying to their original partners, to making features that only work inside of Spotify (ignoring the open podcast system), and often eliminating features shrtly after they launch (never worldwide). I could go on for hours. Yes, it's free but so is RSS, Buzzsprout, and Red Circle. Soundcloud: Soundcloud, to the best of my knowledge hasn't implement features that were introduced in 2017. You can buy soundcloud plays (Google it) so consquentially you will never have sponsors while you use Soundcloud. Mailbag: AMP 30 Second Rule Thanks to Mark for pushing back on my math. In the end (as of this date) AMP can't decide what their definition is (As they've already changed it). Also one of their "hidden" companies was YouTube. I'm sorry, if you're not doing anything wrong, why are you doing it in secret? Defined in their original press release as “30 seconds of content played, audio or video, once per user per session”, the corrected text drops any definition of a session length, becoming just “30 seconds of content played, audio or video”. - source Podnews. Mailbag: How Are Your Updating Your Question of the Month? Rob from Softball Central asked how I was having the current question of the month appear in episodes that are years old. For the last two years I've hosted on Captivate. I love their business model (Multiple shows for the same price - and their super flexible dynamic content system). Dynamic content doesn't always have to be ads. Here are examples Question of the month Where will I be (live appearances) A pre-roll that mentioned that I had given out a wrong episode number. They also allow me to tag the current promotional mp3 so later I can easily take all the "questions of the month" and update them with the new, current months question. Click Here to watch me show this off. Mentioned in This Episode The 4 Cs of a Standout Podcast: Clarity, Contrast, Consistency, Character Sponsor Magnet Book by Justin Moore Captivate Media Hosting Buzzsprout Media Hosting RSS.com Media Hosting Practical Prepping Show Softball Central School of Podcasting Podpage - Build the Website your show Deserves Mentioned in this episode: Have You Heard About the Podpage Assistant? Here's what it can do: Identify the best search keyphrase to target — The Assistant analyzes your episode and finds the keyphrase most likely to drive organic traffic. Generate optimized SEO titles and descriptions — Get search-friendly titles and meta descriptions written for each episode automatically. Expand your show notes — Turn brief show notes into detailed, search-friendly content that helps Google understand what your episode is about. Create SEO schema — Automatically generate structured data including FAQs and key takeaways, giving search engines even more context about your content. Generate episode transcriptions — If your podcast host doesn't provide transcripts, the Assistant can create them for you. Create companion blog posts — Each episode can get a dedicated blog post that supports your episode's SEO and gives listeners another way to find you. Automatically categorize episodes — Keep your episode library organized without lifting a finger. Start your 14 day trial at www.podpage.com/preview Podpage Question of the Month: What is a "Newbie Podcaster" Poll Question: What makes someone a “newbie podcaster”? Is it how long they’ve been podcasting or how many episodes they’ve published? Is it something else? How would you define a newbie podcaster? Leave your answer at schoolofpodcasting.com/question by November 27th and don't forget to mention your show and your website address so I can link to it in the show notes. (Please try to keep them under 5...

When I first heard about Flightcast on the Podbiz show, I thought, "I have to have Rox Codes on my show." I had Rox do a Flightcast demo for members of the School of Podcasting. Rox has worked for Mr. Beast, Microsoft, Facebook and many more. In this episode of the School of Podcasting, I sit down with Rox Codes, co-creator of Flight Cast, the video-first hosting platform built in partnership with Steven Bartlett from Diary of a CEO. If you’ve been thinking about getting more serious with video podcasting, YouTube growth, or centralizing your stats from multiple platforms, this one is for you. This content may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services I trust and believe will provide value to you. Thank you for your support! Got Feedback On This Episode? I'd love to hear what you thought about this episode. If you have a minute or two, it's less than five questions and works great on your phone or computer. Share Your Thoughts What We Talk About in This Episode In this conversation, we cover: What Flight Cast actually is (and who it’s for) Why it’s a video-first hosting platform How “one upload, one dashboard” pushes your show to YouTube, Spotify, Apple, RSS, and audio platforms How you can keep it simple or go crazy with customization Simple upload, powerful customization Upload one episode and: Send video to YouTube, Spotify, Apple, RSS Send audio everywhere else Schedule different release times per platform (e.g., 6 AM audio, 8 AM YouTube) Use different titles, descriptions, and even different edits per platform Upload separate versions of the file (say “subscribe” in one, “follow” in another) Use AI to: Generate titles, descriptions, and chapters in your own style Auto-format chapters correctly for each platform All your stats in one place How Flight Cast pulls: YouTube views Spotify streams RSS downloads And rolls them up into a single “plays” metric Additional analytics you get: Day-by-day performance New vs returning followers Cross-platform uniques Breakdown by platform, country, state, city A built-in “giant spreadsheet” you don’t have to build yourself Audience overlap (who listens to episode A and episode B) Using the built-in AI chat to answer questions like: “Rank all my episodes on YouTube in the last 6 months by views in the first 24 hours.” “What’s my 100-day average per episode?” Ads, programmatic, and retention data How Flight Cast handles: Geo-targeting Programmatic ads Dynamic ad slots Why retention graphs matter more than a single download number How to look at: Drop-off moments (what caused the skip?) Chapter jumps (what are people skipping to?) Rox’s “favorite stat” and why views still matter most in his world Clips, test channels, and experimentation Lets you “always be testing” in the background How to ramp up clips: Start with 1 clip/day Slowly increase to 2, 3, then 4 max Why this kind of ongoing experimentation is like treating your show as a recipe, not a statue Moving from audio to video (without losing your mind) Rox’s core idea: Video isn’t a file format, it’s an algorithm On YouTube, TikTok, Reels, Shorts: publishing and discovery are the same thing The big mindset shift: Audio podcasting = small optimization games (SEO, cross-promo, ads) YouTube = “get good” at a few big levers: Thumbnails Titles Ideas Intros Why the first 30 seconds, title, and thumbnail matter so much more than most of us want to admit Talking-head video vs fancy production Why talking heads are NOT bad content: Joe Rogan is talking heads Diary of a CEO is talking heads Why audio quality is still 80% of the experience even on video When 4K matters (and when it doesn’t): 720 → 1080 is a big jump 1080 → 4K is “nice to have,” not mandatory Flight Cast’s support for full 4K, including Apple HLS video, and why they built it to “respect” creators who go the extra mile Who Flight Cast is for and pricing Target user: serious video podcasters / “intermediate plus” Why Rox calls it a “jackhammer”—powerful, but you don’t always need that much power Pricing (at the time of this conversation): Starts around $50/month for everything except clips Higher tiers ($100–$250/month) if you want more clips and higher download limits Basic plan includes: Up to 50,000 downloads/month Full 4K video, Apple HLS, no bandwidth charges Around 3 TB of storage (which almost nobody hits) Learning YouTube: resources Rox recommends April Lynn Alter (YouTube channel) Patty Galloway (YouTube channel) Creator Hooks by Jake Thomas (newsletter) A dose of reality about YouTube and video We talk frankly about: People who spend days or even weeks perfecting a thumbnail The sheer amount of time it can take to get good at YouTube My big point: It’s okay if you don’t have that time Just understand what you’re up against so you don’t get discouraged My biggest fear: People add video to an already full plate Burn out on video Then quit podcasting entirely I want you to set realistic expectations Bonus: For audio-only podcasters who still want better stats PodAnalyst.com – in beta with their pro plan free for now Tracks: Listening completion at 25%, 50%, 75%, etc. How long people are actually listening To me, that’s the real “is my show any good?” metric: If people are only listening to 25% of an episode, that’s a signal You can track up to 10 keywords, share stats with team members, and export data while they’re in beta. My Takeaways Here’s what I want you to remember from this episode: If you go into video, YouTube is an algorithm game, not just a file format. You don’t need cinematic production; you do need: Strong audio A compelling title A curiosity-driven thumbnail A sharp first 30 seconds Tools like FlightCast can: Save you time by distributing everywhere from one upload Help you understand your audience by putting all your stats in one place You don’t have to “go full YouTuber” to benefit from thinking like one. And again, if you’re already overwhelmed with audio, please don’t feel like you “have to” add video. I’d rather you keep podcasting than burn out chasing an unrealistic video workload. Links Mentioned I’ll have links to everything we...

In this episode of the School of Podcasting, Dave Jackson shows you how to stop being “just another podcast” and start becoming someone’s favorite show (I love that line from Jay Acunzo). You’ll learn how to: Clarify what your podcast is actually about in one sentence Choose (or tweak) your name and description so they signal your unique angle Deliver on the promise of your premise so listeners trust you Use your own stories, quirks, and background as an unfair advantage no AI can copy Whether you’re launching a new show or trying to revive an existing one, this episode will help you stand out in a crowded market. The Four C's of Building a Favorite Show 1. You Need a Clear “What Is It?” Line (Clarity) If you can’t describe your show in one sentence, your listeners definitely can’t. Think of it like a movie logline: “A shark terrorizes a beach town.” → Jaws “A lawyer can’t lie for 24 hours.” → Liar Liar If your answer sounds like “me and my buddy talking about stuff and stuff,” you have a clarity problem. 2. Your Name & Description Should Create Contrast If your show is called something generic like “Thinking Outside the Box,” you’re competing with dozens of identical names. Simple test: say your show’s name to someone and ask, “What do you think it’s about?” If their answer doesn’t match your actual content, your name isn’t doing its job. Your description should: Say who the show is for Say how it’s different Promise what they get every episode - and then give it to them Use your listeners’ own words from reviews/emails to sharpen your description. 3. Deliver on the Promise of Your Premise (Consistency) Your title, artwork, and description are a promise. Your content has to deliver. Click‑baity titles and vague descriptions might get a first click, but if the episode doesn’t do what it says, you won’t get a second one. Examples: Joe Rogan: long-form, open-ended conversations where people actually talk through ideas. Podnews and Podnews Weekly Review: global podcast news with strong host chemistry and a predictable format. 4. Your Stories and Style Are Your Uncopyable Advantage (Character) AI can write scripts and headlines—but it doesn’t have your bike ride, your great nephew, or your specific regrets and realizations. You have stories, you just need to write them down. 5. Use “Homework for Life” to Capture Stories From Matthew Dicks’ Storyworthy: at the end of each day, ask: “What happened today that might be a story?” Write down one sentence—just enough to remind you later. Use any note tool (NoteJoy, Apple Notes, Google Keep, voice-to-text, etc.). Over time you build a story library you can draw from to explain concepts and stand out from AI‑generated, story‑less shows. Action Steps From This Episode By the end of this episode, challenge yourself to: Write your one-sentence “What is it?” line. If you can’t say it clearly in one breath, cut it down. Ask 2–3 non-podcaster friends: Show them your title, cover art, and description. Ask, “What do you think this show is about?” If their answer doesn’t match your intention, revise your name/description. Search your show’s name in Google and major podcast apps. Is the name crowded? Already used? Is there a dormant show with the name you want? Consider reaching out and asking to take over/buy the feed. List 5 story moments from the last 30 days. Use “homework for life” style notes. Circle 1–2 you can use in upcoming episodes to explain a lesson. Rewrite your podcast description to: Say who the show is for Say how it’s different Promise what they’ll consistently get each time they listen Resources Mentioned Storyworthy by Matthew Dicks – Book on storytelling and “homework for life.” Notejoy captiring tool Research Links Podcasting Morning Show Save the Cat!: The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need Hot Ones' Guests Impressed by Sean Evans' Questions | Vol. 6 - YouTube Pacino Arrests Everybody (Samuel L. Jackson Cameo) | Sea of Love - YouTube Homework for Life | Matthew Dicks How Stories Happen: Creators and Entrepreneurs Dissect Their Signature Stories — Jay Acunzo - Jay always says, "Don't just be a podcast, be someone's FAVORITE podcast." Podcast Network Insights - A show About Podcasting networks. Podcast Momentum | Build Podcast Momentum – Geared towards businesses Pedal Stomper Podcast. Podcasting Lessons from a Hall of Famer: 20 Years of Wisdom with Dave Jackson - YouTube Work With Dave If you want help: Sharpening your “what is it?” line Choosing or refining a podcast name Rewriting your description so it stands out And building a show that becomes someone’s favorite …then join the School of Podcasting and get step‑by‑step guidance, resources, and a community of podcasters just like you. You can also sign up for a single podcast strategy session. Mentioned in this episode: Have You Heard About the Podpage Assistant? Here's what it can do: Identify the best search keyphrase to target — The Assistant analyzes your episode and finds the keyphrase most likely to drive organic traffic. Generate optimized SEO titles and descriptions — Get search-friendly titles and meta descriptions written for each episode automatically. Expand your show notes — Turn brief show notes into detailed, search-friendly content that helps Google understand what your episode is about. Create SEO schema — Automatically generate structured data including FAQs and key takeaways, giving search engines even more context about your content. Generate episode transcriptions — If your podcast host doesn't provide transcripts, the Assistant can create them for you. Create companion blog posts — Each episode can get a dedicated blog post that supports your episode's SEO and gives listeners another way to find you. Automatically categorize episodes — Keep your episode library organized without lifting a finger. Start your 14 day trial at www.podpage.com/preview Podpage School of Podcasting: Coached Plan You don’t need another list of things you could do with your podcast. You need help figuring out what to do next—and someone in your corner to help you follow through. With School of Podcasting: Coached, you get everything in the School of Podcasting, plus a weekly meeting with me, Dave Jackson, text access between meetings, and clear next steps after every session. Less second-guessing. More moving forward. Join School of Podcasting: Coached today—and let’s get your podcast where you want it to go. School of Podcasting: Coached Question of the Month: What is a "Newbie Podcaster" Poll Question: What makes someone a “newbie podcaster”? Is it how long they’ve been podcasting or how many episodes they’ve published? Is it something else? How would you define a newbie podcaster? Leave your answer at schoolofpodcasting.com/question by November 27th and don't forget to mention your show and your website address so I can link to it in the show notes. (Please try to keep...

Why Joe Rogan Beat Late Night TV When I was a kid, hearing Johnny Carson’s theme music meant it was time for bed. Today, nobody has to stay up for anything. And that one shift explains a huge part of why late night is fading and why your podcast has to work harder to earn attention. Conversation vs Promotional Appearances In the early years of Johnny Carson, the show was 90 minutes and they actually had conversations as apposed to the "tell me about your family vacation, and let's roll the clip" interviews we see on late night shows Appointment Viewing is Dead The days of "must see tv" on Thursday night died with the VCR and DVR. I haven't watched live TV in years. So now the audience that is staying up to watch live is much older (somewhere between age 60-70), and is about HALF of the audience comparing it to the days wheh David Letterman get almost 7 million a night. The Celebrity Mystique is Gone I once stayed up to watch B.B. King on the tonight show. Why? Because I couldn't hear him on the radio. I was too young to go to a concert. If I did that today and wanted to see Joe Bonamassa I wouldn't need to wait to see him on TV. I could see him on his YouTube channel, or multiple interviews on podcasts. #1 in Late Night is a Big Fish in a Much Smaller Pond Keep in mind that Steven Colbert being #1 in late night in 2026 is way different than being #1 in late night in 1993. Late-night TV revenue has reportedly fallen from about $400 million a year to $200 million a year—a 50% decline—while some shows that once drew 7–8 million nightly viewers now struggle to reach 3 million. YouTube Doesn't Pay the Same According to one report, YouTube pays one tenth of what a network ad spot would go for. When you audience is cut in half, you have less advertisers. When the advertisers you have are paying you 90% less and your expenses stay the same that is a problem. Keep Control of Your Content Remember big companies with big payouts WANT CONTROL. Conan focused on owning his content and that resulted in a 150 million dollar payout. Only Amazing Content Will Stand Out If you want podcast growth, you need to make sure you are doing as many of the following as possible. Make them: laugh cry think groan Make Sure The Content Educates Entertains Saves the audience time Saves them money Makes them FEEL something If it's information you can get any place else, even better. A great podcast can be boiled down to content and delivery. So this episode is focused on content. Be Ready to Promote When someone says, "Oh, you do a podcast?" be ready to explain what it is, what its about, and how people benefit from consuming your content (and say your website). We hear how Macaulay Culkin dropped the ball so bad on the Ellen show. Housekeeping: How to Pitch a Podcast I am still preparing to launch this show and I'm accepting stories. I had some things pop up that are taking my attention as they are time sensitive. It's coming... Mentioned in this episode: Live Appearacves November 7th Podindy.com use the coupon code sop - Whiteland Indiana November 12th at 3PM Daniel J. Lewis will be doing a Demo of Podgagement. Brought to you by Podpage.com Register at schoolofpodcasting.com/where Where Will I Be? You Have A Message That Needs to Be Heard You have a message that needs to be shared. Discover the art of podcasting at the School of Podcasting. We teach you to shine a light on your stories, inspiring others one episode at a time. Let your voice be your legacy. Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/join School of Podcasting Question of the Month: What is a "Newbie Podcaster" Poll Question: What makes someone a “newbie podcaster”? Is it how long they’ve been podcasting or how many episodes they’ve published? Is it something else? How would you define a newbie podcaster? Leave your answer at schoolofpodcasting.com/question by November 27th and don't forget to mention your show and your website address so I can link to it in the show notes. (Please try to keep them under 5 minutes if you can). Question of the Month Have You Heard About the Podpage Assistant? Here's what it can do: Identify the best search keyphrase to target — The Assistant analyzes your episode and finds the keyphrase most likely to drive organic traffic. Generate optimized SEO titles and descriptions — Get search-friendly titles and meta descriptions written for each episode automatically. Expand your show notes — Turn brief show notes into detailed, search-friendly content that helps Google understand what your episode is about. Create SEO schema — Automatically generate structured data including FAQs and key takeaways, giving search engines even more context about your content. Generate episode transcriptions — If your podcast host doesn't provide transcripts, the Assistant can create them for you. Create companion blog posts — Each episode can get a dedicated blog post that supports your episode's SEO and gives listeners another way to find you. Automatically categorize episodes — Keep your episode library organized without lifting a finger. Start your 14 day trial at www.podpage.com/preview Podpage

So many people need remote recording for co-hosts and guests. Yet in the 20+ years of podcasting once we get a solid solution, they upgrade the software and we're back to always having a backup "Just in case." So I reached out to my audience to see what they used and they chimed in. The History Blog Talk Radio (now gone) was an EASY choice but sounded like the phone. There was Skype (also gone), but everyone needed an account, and for the technically challenged, it was intimidating. Squadcast came on with a winning strategy with a firm understanding of what podcasters needed. Make it simple. Make it reliable. Then Video Entered the Picture Then tools like Squadcast added video, and while I never had an issue I know people who spoke of "Drift" where the audio didn't line up with the video (making it look like a bad Godzilla movie). There are tools like Evmux (browser based), Ecamm (Mac Only), Descript (browser based), and Streamyard (brwoser based). Text Based Editing When Descript entered the picture with text based editing (you edit the transcript, and it edits the audio) it became impressive after a few years. They purchased Squadcast, but haven't implemented all the tech from Squadcast (like being able to schedule a future episode in their "Rooms."). All in One Solutions This is one of the symptoms of a "All in one" solution. They do most things about 75%, but the details in that last 25 is what makes the difference. Riverisde started as remote recording, added text based editing, clip generation, and recently podcast hosting (the podcast hosting is very basic see video as of May 2026). It May Not Be All Riverside's Fault I wrote a blog post about all the things podcasters could do to be ready to make great recordings with Riverside. If you want Riverside to work, don’t overcomplicate it: Solid internet Updated browser Decent computer Enough disk space Don’t rush the upload That’s it. Do those things, and suddenly Riverside becomes “magically reliable.” What I Use For Live Streaming and Recording Before moving to a Mac computer, I use Streamyard, and loved it. When I got a Mac Mini, I switched to Ecamm. It's amazing and much you have more control over how things look. If you have a Streamdeck, you can do some pretty magical things. Worth that said, I'm considering going back to Streamyard even though it's $5 more a month (I used Ecamm for making recording for the School of Podcasting, but I now do those in Tella). What is The Most Reliable? For me, after talking with the School of Podcasting members and now hearing from the audience I would say Ecamm (mac only) and Streamyard (browser based). That doesn't mean Riverside, Evmux, Squadcast are not reliable, but I feel Ecamm and Streamyard are more reliable. They also are primarily focused on one thing RECORDING (although streamyard just added clip generation). So What If I Don't Want an All In One? Then you record with something like Ecamm or Streamyard, if you need clips, there is Opus Clip. There is free video software like Davinci Resolve, and free audio editing like Audacity. Thanks to The Contributors Frank Bravo From Your Tech Makeover Todd the Gator from Gaurdian Downcast Chris From Cool Cars with Chris Ed from the Days Dumpster Fire Tim from My Solo MS Journey Mentioned In This Episode Streamyard Ecamm Riverside Descript EvMux Cleanfeed Zencastr OBS Project VDO Ninja Podtrack P4Next Zoom H6 Samson Q2U Microphone Opus Clip Boomer Bunker War Room Online Journal Takeaways: Remote recording can be a total pain if you don't have solid internet; trust me, I know. Zoom works great for audio-only shows but struggles with video quality when the internet hiccups. Streamyard's simplicity makes remote recording a breeze; just send a link and boom, done! Clean Feed is solid for high-quality audio, especially for those who want to keep it simple. For video, Riverside sounds fancy but can be hit or miss; make sure it meets your needs first. Discord is free and surprisingly powerful for remote recordings, even if you're not a gamer. Mentioned in this episode: Live Appearacves November 7th Podindy.com use the coupon code sop - Whiteland Indiana November 12th at 3PM Daniel J. Lewis will be doing a Demo of Podgagement. Brought to you by Podpage.com Register at schoolofpodcasting.com/where Where Will I Be? Question of the Month: What is a "Newbie Podcaster" Poll Question: What makes someone a “newbie podcaster”? Is it how long they’ve been podcasting or how many episodes they’ve published? Is it something else? How would you define a newbie podcaster? Leave your answer at schoolofpodcasting.com/question by November 27th and don't forget to mention your show and your website address so I can link to it in the show notes. (Please try to keep them under 5 minutes if you can). Question of the Month You Have A Message That Needs to Be Heard You have a message that needs to be shared. Discover the art of podcasting at the School of Podcasting. We teach you to shine a light on your stories, inspiring others one episode at a time. Let your voice be your legacy. Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/join School of Podcasting Podpage is Now Included with Blubrry Hosting Blubrry Podcasting — one of the longest-running podcast hosting platforms in the industry — has chosen Podpage to replace their built-in website tool entirely. That means every Blubrry hosting customer gets a professional, automatically updated podcast website powered by Podpage, included with their hosting plan. For Podpage, this is more than a partnership announcement. It’s validation that podcast websites deserve dedicated website tools built specifically for podcasters. Podpage

So many people think the only way you can have a successful podcast is to be famous. Today we have a quick Interview with Jordan Blair from the Dreamful podcast and the Buzzsprout podcast Buzzcast. Jordan share all the straggles she is using to monetize her show. Jordan's Been Podcasting For Seven Years This didn't happen overnight, but you will hear where Jordan recommends starting monetization efforts from day one. This way your family and friends who want to support the show can actually chip in, and the audience gets used to hearing you ask for support. If you feel weird asking for value in return for the value you have given to the audience, keep in mind PBS has been doing this for decades. Where Do You Start? Jordan recommends starting off with enabling donations (technically a tip not a donation, unless you're a non-profit). Buzzsprout has this built in or you could use buy me a coffee, and many others. If you start with subscriptions, as you're just starting the show, it may be a little overwhelming and you end up making extra content for an audience that doesn't exist (yet). Just realize if you want people to chip in, you have to ask. You can see Jordan's support page here. Affiliate Links Are a Great Test We talked about tools for using affiliate links in a previous episode. Affiliate links enable you to make a commission on a sale from someone using your special link. This is a great test and practice to get used to doing calls to action, promoting a product, and seeing what products your audience is interested The Pros and Cons of Merch Jordan shares how she created some swag for her audience, setup a store and received absolutely zero sales. This is when she realized she should ask her audience what they want first before making swag. For more on merch sales check out my interview with Jayna Marie. First Person Endorsements Deliver Tons of Value Jordan's show is for kids who are trying to go to sleep. She found some puzzles and bought them and tried them. She knew this would resonate with her audience, and talked about her own experience with the puzzles and the affiliate links came flowing in. You Might Have to Take Partners to School Jordan explains that her first sponsor knocked on her door, and provided an offer. Jordan had to explain to them how partnerships work in podcasting (this isn't radio, and we have a much stronger connection with our audiences). She renogiated and came up with a dela that worked for everyone. She Didn't Plan on Making Money Jordan started the Dreamful stories podcast as a resource for her own children. She launched it, and focused on delivering value and connecting with her audience. She found out what they wanted and delivered the show they wanted. This lead to her show's downloads escalating while she was on a break! Check out Jordan's Shows Dreamful Stories Buzzcast Got Feedback On This Episode? I'd love to hear what you thought about this episode. If you have a minute or two, it's less than five questions and works great on your phone or computer. Share Your Thoughts Other Items Mentioned Podnews Weekly Review How to Turn Your Podcast Into Passive Income (With Tools I Actually Use) Big Lash Energy: One Million Downloads Fueled by Coffee and Compliments Profit From Your Podcast Book (by Dave) This Old Marketing Show Sponsor Magnet Book by Justin Moore Mentioned in this episode: Live Appearacves November 7th Podindy.com use the coupon code sop - Whiteland Indiana November 12th at 3PM Daniel J. Lewis will be doing a Demo of Podgagement. Brought to you by Podpage.com Register at schoolofpodcasting.com/where Where Will I Be? Build the Website You Want with Podpage Podpage is flexible. If you want to promote something you can put it in the sidebar, on the front page, or at the bottom of every episode (not to mention the navigation bar, the footer and more). Podpage is designed specifically for podcasts. Quit trying to squeeze your podcast into a website made for a yoga studio. Start your free trial at podpage.com/preview Podpage Question of the Month: What is a "Newbie Podcaster" Poll Question: What makes someone a “newbie podcaster”? Is it how long they’ve been podcasting or how many episodes they’ve published? Is it something else? How would you define a newbie podcaster? Leave your answer at schoolofpodcasting.com/question by November 27th and don't forget to mention your show and your website address so I can link to it in the show notes. (Please try to keep them under 5 minutes if you can). Question of the Month You Have A Message That Needs to Be Heard You have a message that needs to be shared. Discover the art of podcasting at the School of Podcasting. We teach you to shine a light on your stories, inspiring others one episode at a time. Let your voice be your legacy. Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/join School of Podcasting

A Dialogue with Justin Jackson and Alban Brooke Just in Jackson from Transistor.fm is so enthusiastic about Apple's new way to add video to their platform (called HLS). I have felt "Meh" about it since it was announced (I'm worried about using API's instead of using the RSS feed). So I wanted to see if I was missing something that might lead me to feel more like Justin. Later that same week Alban Brook from Buzzsprout reached out and so I combined the interviews to show multiple points of view about Apple's HLS implementation not that more hosts are being approved to connect to Apple via their API. Justin's View is Based On Younger People While I have no children Justin has a few and he explained how watching them he sees them move from watching video to switching to audio. So the HLS video in Apple supports this (and it's already available on YouTube music, and Spotify. This explains why Justin would have a viewpoint different than mine. Dialogues are amazing, and you just might learn something. Try one today. They are free! Alban's View on The "Give People What They Want" focus of Apple Podcasts When you go to YouTube, they drown you in options as they try to get you to click on anything. With Apple's new video options, when you log into Apple, you primarily see the shows that you've told Apple you want to see. Consequently, it may be a better experience. Kevin Finn on the Buzzcast show compared YouTube and the horrible experience to going to the movies, where everything is overpriced and the floor is sticky. The experience isn't as good. Don't Take on Too Much If you're a video creator already, adding your show to YouTube seems like a no brainer, and Alaban and Just both mentioned that when people signed up to be beta testers, many of the people chomping at the bit were already video creators. Justin mentions that much like coloring, you start with three colors and learn how to keep people engaged. Then start adding more colors. With podcasting it may make more sense to start with audio, and then add video. We are in a Wait and See Period We don't actually know if this is going to take off. While we don't expect Apple to topple YouTube, we are interested to see just how many people jump on board. Both companies mentioned the benefits of being an early adopter. Pricing for HLS Hosting Transistor offers HLS video on any package of of $49 and higher. Buzzsprout offers 6 hours a month for $30 ($25 if you purchase yearly). Captivate is $19/month with an additional $12 for video. Keep in mind Transistor and Captivate operate on a "As many shows and episodes as you want (but you bill goes up depending on downloads/traffic). Buzzsprout's model is a "per show" fee, but you can have as many downloads as you want. For more information on other hosts as they are added see this article on Podnews. The Bridge Podcast on YouTube Justin shared the story of The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge a former Candaian broadcaster who has now moved to YouTube who is having great success without amazing Thumbnails and fancy studios. Acquired Charges Millions for Sponsorship There are always shows that break the mold, and Acquired is one of them. They do limited shows that engage a certain audience (CEOs), and consequently are charging millions for sponsor a season (and are already sold out). They describe their show as, "We (Ben and David) personally invest 100+ hours each to research and produce a ~4 hour "conversational audiobook,” telling a company's complete history and strategy. Spotify's Video Options are Blurry I am always cautious about Spotify. We all know they are not fans of RSS, and they like to make features that only work in Spotify. In a recent article at Podnews, Jame Cridlan explains how uploading a video from your media host into Spotify may lock you into using the media host (where an RSS enables you to redirect the feed). There is talk that Spotify may manually be able to switch your show back to RSS (with consequences). My point is we currently don't know so if you plan on posting video to Spotify, you might setup a free hosting account and uplaod the video there. ( I do that for my "Ask the Podcast Coach" show). Mentioned In the Show School of Podcasting Podcasting in Six Weeks Transistor Media Hosting Buzzsprout Media Hosting Captivate Media Hosting The Video Podcast Show Podcast Marketing Trends Explained The Panel Podcast Buzzcast Podcast Research Links Video podcast host pricing - comparisons from Podnews Beware Spotify's video lock-in from Podnews Mentioned in this episode: Question of the Month: What is a "Newbie Podcaster" Poll Question: What makes someone a “newbie podcaster”? Is it how long they’ve been podcasting or how many episodes they’ve published? Is it something else? How would you define a newbie podcaster? Leave your answer at schoolofpodcasting.com/question by November 27th and don't forget to mention your show and your website address so I can link to it in the show notes. (Please try to keep them under 5 minutes if you can). Question of the Month You Have A Message That Needs to Be Heard You have a message that needs to be shared. Discover the art of podcasting at the School of Podcasting. We teach you to shine a light on your stories, inspiring others one episode at a time. Let your voice be your legacy. Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/join School of Podcasting Podpage is Now Included with Blubrry Hosting Blubrry Podcasting — one of the longest-running podcast hosting platforms in the industry — has chosen Podpage to replace their built-in website tool entirely. That means every Blubrry hosting customer gets a professional, automatically updated podcast website powered by Podpage, included with their hosting plan. For Podpage, this is more than a partnership announcement. It’s validation that podcast websites deserve dedicated website tools built specifically for podcasters. Podpage Live Appearacves November 7th Podindy.com use the coupon code sop - Whiteland Indiana November 12th at 3PM Daniel J. Lewis will be doing a Demo of Podgagement. Brought to you by Podpage.com Register at schoolofpodcasting.com/where Where Will I Be?

Today we are talking about your show that just won't grow. It's time for a podcast experiment. I often say "You podcast is a recipe - not a statue." Well here is the good news. You know how to build a podcast to the current level you are at. The bad news is you've been here for a bit and it's time to try something to break you out of your plateau. You Either Win Or You Learn When you try something new with your podcast we often feel like everyone will leave immediately, and that just doesn't happen. Have you ever gone to a concert of a band you grew up listening to? They say "Here is one from our new album!" and half the theater goes for a beer, but most of them stay because they like the band. What If My Numbers Goes Down? So if you previously had 200 downloads an episode, and now you have 180 you learned something not to do. You've know how to grow a show to 200, so do that and try again. Start With a Survey Speaking of mistakes, I once did a survey that I talked about bear the end of my show. One of the questions was, "Do you think the show is too long?" Well, if you think about it (being near the end of the show) anyone who thought it was too long had already left. Announce the survey, and really push it and explain how the audience will benefit. It could be as simple as: Did you listen to the end of the episode? If not where did you stop and why? How likely are you to share it with a friend on a scale form 1-10? You can use the built in survey with Podpage, or something like Tally forms. Smart Experiments: One Step at a Time When you test new parts of your show, change ONE thing only. If you change three things and one of them works, you won't know which one. I would start with your episode titles, your opening two minutes (have a good hook), and get to the content ASAP. My Current Experiment: Podcasting in Six Weeks I tried this class about six months ago, and only told my email list. That was a dumb idea, but I learned to use ALL of my outlets when promoting a product or service. The course starting June 3rd will be once a week covering the following topics: Week 1: Concept & Planning Define your unique angle and target audience Choose your format and episode structure Create your content calendar for the first 10 episodes Develop your show name and description Week 2: Equipment & Setup Essential equipment recommendations for every budget. Recording space optimization (even in noisy environments). Software setup and configuration Audio quality testing and troubleshooting Week 3: Recording Techniques Professional recording techniques. Interview skills and guest management. Solo episode strategies. Overcoming "mic fright" and speaking naturally. Week 4: Editing & Post-Production Editing basics that save time and sound professional. Intro/outro creation and music selection File management and organization systems Quality control checklists Week 5: Hosting & Distribution Choosing and setting up your podcast host Submitting to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms RSS feeds and technical requirements Show artwork and metadata optimization Week 6: Marketing & Growth Launch strategies that actually get listeners. Social media promotion and repurposing content Building relationships with other podcasters Long-term growth strategies and monetization EXCLUSIVE BONUSES: BONUS #1: "Podcast Equipment Starter Kit Guide" (Value: $97) No more confusion about what to buy. Get our curated equipment list with specific product recommendations for three different budgets – beginner, intermediate, and professional. BONUS #2: "First 10 Episodes Content Planner" (Value: $67) Never stare at a blank screen wondering what to talk about. This detailed planner gives you proven episode templates and topic ideas to keep your content engaging from day one. BONUS #3: "Podcast Launch Checklist" (Value: $47) A step-by-step checklist ensuring you don't miss any crucial steps during your launch. From technical setup to promotional tasks – it's all cover Six hours of consulting with me would be $1200, but as we try this experiment it's only $1. Why not free? Because we wanted people who would at least believe in themselves enough to spend $1 to help improve themselves. In full transparency we hope you join the School of Podcasting when the class is over, but it is a free standing class. The sessions will be recorded. Sign Up For the Class TODAY! Got Feedback On This Episode? I'd love to hear what you thought about this episode. If you have a minute or two, it's less than five questions and works great on your phone or computer. Share Your Thoughts Resources Mentioned in Episode 1034 School of Podcasting Pod SEO use sop10 to save 10% Ausha SEO Pod Analyist Research Links Dave Jackson #661 - New Media Show Insight on Business - Dave Jackson Interview Switchy Link Shortener Stuck at 800 downloads per ep for almost a year. what actually moves the needle : r/podcasting PodAnalyst - Podcast Measurement and Analytics For Growth My Worst Takes & Mistakes Over 500 Episodes - Author Media Podcasting Truth & Myths Learned Over 500 Episodes What are examples that were accidents that turned out to be great? Mentioned in this episode: Live Appearacves November 7th Podindy.com use the coupon code sop - Whiteland Indiana November 12th at 3PM Daniel J. Lewis will be doing a Demo of Podgagement. Brought to you by Podpage.com Register at schoolofpodcasting.com/where Where Will I Be? Question of the Month: What is a "Newbie Podcaster" Poll Question: What makes someone a “newbie podcaster”? Is it how long they’ve been podcasting or how many episodes they’ve published? Is it something else? How would you define a newbie podcaster? Leave your answer at schoolofpodcasting.com/question by November 27th and don't forget to mention your show and your website address so I can link to it in the show notes. (Please try to keep them under 5 minutes if you can). Question of the Month Unlock Exclusive Insights: Subscribe to 'Podcasting Observations' Newsletter! Get a look into the world of podcasting like never before with "Podcasting Observations," your go-to source for trends, tips, and transformative insights tailored just for podcasters. You also get "behind the scenes" info from the School of Podcasting Don't miss out on staying ahead of the game—join the 1700+ people who are already reading Podcasting Observations today! Podcasting Observations Have You Heard About the Podpage Assistant? Here's what it can do: Identify the best search keyphrase to target — The Assistant analyzes your episode and finds the keyphrase most likely to drive organic traffic. Generate optimized SEO titles and descriptions — Get search-friendly titles and meta descriptions written for each episode automatically. Expand your show notes — Turn brief show notes into detailed, search-friendly content that helps Google understand what your episode is about. Create SEO schema — Automatically generate structured data including FAQs and key takeaways, giving search engines even more context about your content. Generate episode transcriptions — If your podcast host doesn't provide transcripts, the Assistant can create them for you. Create companion blog posts — Each episode can get a dedicated blog post that supports your episode's SEO and gives listeners another way to find you. Automatically categorize episodes — Keep your episode library organized without lifting a finger. Start your 14 day trial at www.podpage.com/preview Podpage

In this episode, we answer a question I know has been on the minds of so many podcasters: Where is podcasting headed? What We Covered Spotify, YouTube, and AI Slop: I kicked things off sharing my concerns about immoral creators, content exclusivity, and how blurry the definition of a “podcast” is getting. Optimism vs. Pessimism: We heard from multiple voices on whether the future looks bright or grim, and what keeps each of us going. Video, Discoverability, and Content Overload: How YouTube’s dominance and the rise of video (and AI-generated "slop") is shifting the landscape, sometimes making things more confusing than ever. Monetization Woes and the Hopes for Crowdfunding: Many noted frustration with ads and the current monetization system, with hope for easier, more integrated crowdfunding in the future. Government Regulation and Freedom of Speech: A Canadian listener shared real concerns about government overreach and its chilling effect on creators. Defining Your “Why” and Staying True to Your Mission: Several contributors reminded us to focus on passion, purpose, and connecting with our audience. Staying Resilient: Through all the changes—algorithm shakeups, new platforms, and shifting formats—what matters most is keeping your audience at the heart of what you do. Participants Steve Stewart (Podcast Editors Mastermind, Podcast Editor's Academy, Steve's Site) Kim Newlove (The Pharmacist’s Voice Podcast, Perrysburg Podcast ) Todd the Gator ( Guardian Down Roundtable, 50 Years Experience Required, Lessons in the Rearview Leslie Marting (Greatland Media) Ralph Estep Jr. ( AskRalph.com ) Podcasting Morning Show York Welcome to Earth Stories Cool Cars with Chris Mentioned In This Episode JJJAck Film's Video on youTube Demonetization New Media Show Rob Greenlee and Brendan Monaghan Podcasting 2.0 on the Slop Factory at Spreaker Podnews on More AI than Human Shows Profit From Your Podcast Book Thanks for Sharing This episode became a great sharing of opinions, experiences, and predictions. Some worry about gatekeepers and algorithmic noise, while others find hope in podcasting’s unique intimacy and power to connect. No matter where things go, staying true to your purpose, your “why,” and serving your audience will always be the foundation. Keep your ears open, your content honest, and your passion high. Thanks to everyone who contributed, and as always: if you loved this conversation, hit that share button and keep the School of Podcasting growing! Mentioned in this episode: Give Your Podcast A Home When you look at our podcasting pieces, your media host is the engine. But your website is the home. It’s where your audience learns who you are, explores your episodes, and decides to subscribe. At Podpage, we build podcast websites that are fast, reliable, and designed to convert visitors into listeners. Every episode is automatically published, SEO-optimized, and structured for growth—so you can focus on creating, not managing your site. If your media host powers your podcast, Podpage gives it a place to live—and a place to grow. Start building your podcast’s home with Podpage by going to www.podpage.com/preview and start your 14 day free trial today. Podpage Question of the Month: What is a "Newbie Podcaster" Poll Question: What makes someone a “newbie podcaster”? Is it how long they’ve been podcasting or how many episodes they’ve published? Is it something else? How would you define a newbie podcaster? Leave your answer at schoolofpodcasting.com/question by November 27th and don't forget to mention your show and your website address so I can link to it in the show notes. (Please try to keep them under 5 minutes if you can). Question of the Month You Have A Message That Needs to Be Heard You have a message that needs to be shared. Discover the art of podcasting at the School of Podcasting. We teach you to shine a light on your stories, inspiring others one episode at a time. Let your voice be your legacy. Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/join School of Podcasting Live Appearacves November 7th Podindy.com use the coupon code sop - Whiteland Indiana November 12th at 3PM Daniel J. Lewis will be doing a Demo of Podgagement. Brought to you by Podpage.com Register at schoolofpodcasting.com/where Where Will I Be?

In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of a good old fashioned microphone shootout—this time, it’s all about wireless lavalier mics! I (quickly) run through a lineup of wireless lavalier microphones including the DJI Mic Mini, Hollyland Lark M2, Rode Wireless Micro, Rode Wireless Go, and Shure Move Mic. Not only do I compare how they sound right out of the box, but I also show how a little post production can level the playing field between even budget and premium options. If you’ve ever wondered whether it matters which one you pick, you’ll definitely want to listen. This content may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services I trust and believe will provide value to you. Thank you for your support! The Weight Of Adding Video - The First Look at Apple HLS The second big theme of today’s show is the pressure, and potential pitfalls, of adding video to your podcasting workflow. I break down what’s happening with Apple HLS video, what hosts like Captivate are charging, and why you need to seriously consider the “weight” video adds before taking the plunge. Getting Your Edited Audio To People In Apple - You Can't (If you add video) Can you maintain your audio quality? Should you be editing audio and video together, or keeping them separate? I also share some spot-on advice from Elsie Escobar about only adding video if it makes sense for your goals—not because you feel FOMO or outside pressure. Whether you’re mic shopping, contemplating a shift to video, or just want a sanity check on your podcasting process, this episode is for you. Enjoy! Gear Mentioned In This Episode DJI Mic Mini Shure Movemic Hollyland Lark M2 Rode Wireless Go 3 Rode Wireless Micro DJI Mic 2 Captivate Media Hosting Other Items Ecamm Video Software Streamdeck Accentize Plugins (DeRoom, Revive) USB-C extenders Blue Ocean Strategy Book The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing (specifically, the "Law of Category" chapter) The Audacity to Podcast 1000 True Fans by Kevin Kelley Captivate Webinar on Apple HLS Implementation New Media Show Rob Greenlee with Sharon Taylor Media Roundtable with Dan Granger, Tim Ferriss (Entrepreneur & Host, The Tim Ferriss Show) and Dr. Laurie Santos WordPress Plugins Compromised Monica Rivera on Episode 613 Zoom Handyrecorder App David Draiman | The Magnificent Others with Billy Corgan Transistor Media Hosting Buzzsprout Media Hosting Justin Jackson Apple Podcasts Demo Mentioned in this episode: Live Appearacves November 7th Podindy.com use the coupon code sop - Whiteland Indiana November 12th at 3PM Daniel J. Lewis will be doing a Demo of Podgagement. Brought to you by Podpage.com Register at schoolofpodcasting.com/where Where Will I Be? You Have A Message That Needs to Be Heard You have a message that needs to be shared. Discover the art of podcasting at the School of Podcasting. We teach you to shine a light on your stories, inspiring others one episode at a time. Let your voice be your legacy. Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/join School of Podcasting Question of the Month: What is a "Newbie Podcaster" Poll Question: What makes someone a “newbie podcaster”? Is it how long they’ve been podcasting or how many episodes they’ve published? Is it something else? How would you define a newbie podcaster? Leave your answer at schoolofpodcasting.com/question by November 27th and don't forget to mention your show and your website address so I can link to it in the show notes. (Please try to keep them under 5 minutes if you can). Question of the Month Give Your Podcast A Home When you look at our podcasting pieces, your media host is the engine. But your website is the home. It’s where your audience learns who you are, explores your episodes, and decides to subscribe. At Podpage, we build podcast websites that are fast, reliable, and designed to convert visitors into listeners. Every episode is automatically published, SEO-optimized, and structured for growth—so you can focus on creating, not managing your site. If your media host powers your podcast, Podpage gives it a place to live—and a place to grow. Start building your podcast’s home with Podpage by going to www.podpage.com/preview and start your 14 day free trial today. Podpage

Welcome to this episode of the School of Podcasting! I’m Dave Jackson, and today I’m pulling back the curtain on the precise tools and strategies I personally use for affiliate marketing on my podcast. Whether you’re brand new to monetizing, or just looking to add another income stream, you’ll find this episode packed with actionable advice and real-world numbers. What I Cover in This Episode How affiliate marketing works and why you don’t need a massive audience to benefit Real comparisons between ad revenue and affiliate commissions—including how I made $51 per 1,000 downloads promoting Chronometer Why finding the right product for your specific audience trumps audience size every time How I save time, track, and update my affiliate links with tools like Switchy, Genius Link, and TextExpander The nightmare that is Amazon’s terms of service (and how to avoid getting banned) A quick walkthrough of getting approved for affiliate programs, even with a smaller show How to place and talk about affiliate links for maximum return Tools, Companies & Resources I Mentioned Here’s a list of all companies, tools, and platforms I talked about in this episode, along with URLs where applicable: School of Podcasting schoolofpodcasting.com Chronometer (the calorie tracking app) Switchy – My go-to for creating, tracking, and managing affiliate links (Available on AppSumo as one-time purchase) Genius Link – For multi-storefront affiliate management, especially for Amazon and international sales TextExpander – Saves time by expanding keystrokes into text and links 1Password – My recommended password management tool for affiliate accounts Amazon Associates – Amazon’s Affiliate Program Sweetwater – For gear links; includes an affiliate program Podpage – For website and link management (and affiliate program info), and where I work as Head of Podcasting Ask the Podcast Coach – My live Q&A show Captivate – Podcast hosting (with affiliate program) Blubrry – Podcast hosting (with affiliate program) Buzzsprout – Podcast hosting (with affiliate program) Transistor – Podcast hosting (with affiliate program) RSS.com – Podcast hosting (with affiliate program) Affiliate Marketplaces I Use and Mentioned: Awin (formerly Shareasale): awin.com CJ (Commission Junction): cj.com Rakuten: rakuten.com Partnerstack: partnerstack.com Other Resources Profit From Your Podcast Book – My book on podcast monetization (Amazon and audio options). School of Podcasting Free Resources – Where you can find my full list of affiliate links. Jesse Lakes on Profit From Your Podcast 9 Reasons Affiliates Get Banned from Amazon (How to Avoid) Final Takeaways Affiliate marketing isn’t “get-rich-quick,” but it’s a valuable stream—even if it just covers your hosting bill and some extras! Use tools like Switchy or Genius Link to keep your links organized, tracked, and up-to-date. Always disclose your affiliate relationships up front, per FTC guidelines. If you mention a company on your podcast or in your show notes, tag them on social—sometimes they’ll amplify your reach! If you’ve got an idea for an episode or want to leave feedback, head to schoolofpodcasting.com/voicemail. Thanks for tuning in! If this helped you, please share the episode or link a friend to schoolofpodcasting.com/1031. Mentioned in this episode: Join the #1 Podcast Education Site - The School of Podcasting Adam Curry is the co-founder of Podcasting (and the co-host of the No Agenda Show). When asked about learning how to podcast Adam said, "The place to go with the guy who has taught more people how to podcast than anybody I know - Dave Jackson, School of Podcasting.com" School of Podcasting Question of the Month: What is a "Newbie Podcaster" Poll Question: What makes someone a “newbie podcaster”? Is it how long they’ve been podcasting or how many episodes they’ve published? Is it something else? How would you define a newbie podcaster? Leave your answer at schoolofpodcasting.com/question by November 27th and don't forget to mention your show and your website address so I can link to it in the show notes. (Please try to keep them under 5 minutes if you can). Question of the Month Give Your Podcast A Home When you look at our podcasting pieces, your media host is the engine. But your website is the home. It’s where your audience learns who you are, explores your episodes, and decides to subscribe. At Podpage, we build podcast websites that are fast, reliable, and designed to convert visitors into listeners. Every episode is automatically published, SEO-optimized, and structured for growth—so you can focus on creating, not managing your site. If your media host powers your podcast, Podpage gives it a place to live—and a place to grow. Start building your podcast’s home with Podpage by going to www.podpage.com/preview and start your 14 day free trial today. Podpage Live Appearacves November 7th Podindy.com use the coupon code sop - Whiteland Indiana November 12th at 3PM Daniel J. Lewis will be doing a Demo of Podgagement. Brought to you by Podpage.com Register at schoolofpodcasting.com/where Where Will I Be? Unlock Exclusive Insights: Subscribe to 'Podcasting Observations' Newsletter! Get a look into the world of podcasting like never before with "Podcasting Observations," your go-to source for trends, tips, and transformative insights tailored just for podcasters. You also get "behind the scenes" info from the School of Podcasting Don't miss out on staying ahead of the game—join the 1700+ people who are already reading Podcasting Observations today! Podcasting Observations

Have you ever wondered if the reason your podcast hasn’t “exploded” is actually the very thing that could help it last—and make it more rewarding? This week, I look into why having a smaller, passionate, and loyal audience often leads to more meaningful wins (personally and professionally) than simply racking up big download numbers. If you want to learn how to create enduring engagement, avoid common pitfalls, and connect with listeners in a way that actually matters, this episode is for you. Here’s what I cover in this week’s “Podcast Stew” styled episode (which includes chapters). 1000 True Fans Why a “thousand true fans” might just be your biggest business advantage (and how focusing on your core audience beats chasing the casual crowd). Lessons from YouTube experts (Rocks Codes, Stephen Bartlett, Mr. Beast, Marques Brownlee) on where to put your energy if you want to succeed, and the role thumbnails, titles, and discovery play in growth My thoughts on competing with “the big guys” - what you should (and shouldn’t) compare against, and why joy matters Independent vs. networked podcasting: Candid stories from the Young and Profiting team, the Midas Touch podcast, and why control is crucial The truth about monetization—when is the right time (and why “3% conversion” is the real number to expect) Behind the curtain of podcast business stats: Lessons from Goal Hanger, ad revenue, and memberships Platform realities: Spotify’s “walled garden,” why I recommend “anybody but Spotify” for hosting, and insights from James Cridland at Podnews The importance of fun and fulfillment: advice from LeBron James and Charlie Puth on why loving the work is the true engine for longevity How to effectively use calls-to-action: Taking lessons from an Audible ad in “Project Hail Mary” and why going “deeper” with your fans matters Links mentioned this week: School of Podcasting Podpage Podnews Report Card How to Pitch a Podcast Show (Coming Soon!). Creators Hub in Spotify Apple Podcasts Hub Whether you’re launching, growing, or just rethinking your show’s direction, this episode is packed with honest stories and actionable advice, plus a dash of inspiration to help you stay true to your voice and audience. As always, if you want to go deeper, join the free School of Podcasting Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to share with a friend who needs a reminder that influence starts with true connection. Mentioned in This Show Oxford Road The Media Roundtable Episode Sound Off Podcast (Matt Cundill interviews Doug Downs) Why MKBHD Told Netflix: "Don't Bother on Jon Youshaei channel What Podcasting Can Learn From YouTube Growth with Rox Codes (Podbiz with Norma Jean Belenky) Lisa Kudrow on Vanity Fair Channel Sounds Profitable The Download James Cridland on Spotify's Features "Coming Soon." Jordan Harbinger Talks YouTube on New Media Show with Rob Greenlee Charlie Puth on Rick Beato Channel Project Hail Mary Trailer Big Lash Energy Interview Audible (aff link) Mentioned in this episode: See Your Show On Podpage If you host a podcast, your website should work as hard as your episodes do. At Podpage, we automatically create a beautiful, professional site for your show — complete with episode pages, transcripts, audio players, SEO optimization, and built-in tools to grow your audience. No design work. No plugins. No ongoing maintenance. In less than a minute, you can see exactly what your podcast would look like on Podpage. Go to podpage.com/preview and generate your free preview site now. (No Credit Card Required) See your show the way it should look. Podpage Question of the Month: What is a "Newbie Podcaster" Poll Question: What makes someone a “newbie podcaster”? Is it how long they’ve been podcasting or how many episodes they’ve published? Is it something else? How would you define a newbie podcaster? Leave your answer at schoolofpodcasting.com/question by November 27th and don't forget to mention your show and your website address so I can link to it in the show notes. (Please try to keep them under 5 minutes if you can). Question of the Month Live Appearacves November 7th Podindy.com use the coupon code sop - Whiteland Indiana November 12th at 3PM Daniel J. Lewis will be doing a Demo of Podgagement. Brought to you by Podpage.com Register at schoolofpodcasting.com/where Where Will I Be? You Have A Message That Needs to Be Heard You have a message that needs to be shared. Discover the art of podcasting at the School of Podcasting. We teach you to shine a light on your stories, inspiring others one episode at a time. Let your voice be your legacy. Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/join School of Podcasting

If listeners are quitting your podcast in the first five minutes, this episode is for you. In this annual ‘podcast pet peeves’ roundup, I asked my audience what makes them bail on a show— and they did not hold back. Participants You’ll hear from Kim Newlove (The Pharmacist’s Voice, Perrysburg Podcast), Steve Stewart (podcast editor extraordinaire), Todd ‘the Gator’ (Guardian Down Roundtable, Lessons in the Rear View), and York (Welcome to Earth Stories) as they unpack the habits that drive them nuts: from bad audio and buried leads to ad overload, lazy interview questions, sloppy terminology, and more. You’ll walk away knowing exactly what turns listeners off - and how to fix it. I’ll also share my own take on ads, monetization, and why a little creativity can still set your show apart in 2026 The Most Popular Pet Peeves Too many/poorly placed ads (especially mid-roll and early heavy ad blocks) Not getting to the point / burying the lead / unclear episode direction Lack of preparation (hosts winging it, talking in circles, not prepping guests) Sloppy language and terminology (“podcast” vs “episode,” “podcasting” vs “podcasts,” RSS vs not) Wasting listener time with meta-chatter, overlong intros, and “Tell me about yourself” questions I do this question every year, and as you might imagine, this list doesn't change much. This year seems like advertisements were the top peeve. Is Everyone Going to use the "YouTube Annoying Your Audience to Death" strategy, and use tools like Supercast and Patreon, and offer an ad-free version? Mentioned In This Episode School of Podcasting Podpage - Podcast Websites The Pharmacist's Voice The Perrysburg Podcast Steve Stewart Podcast Editors Academy Welcome to Earth Stories Guardian Down Roundtable Lessons in the Rear View Ask the Podcast Coach Podcasting Observations (Dave's Newsletter) School of Podcasting Follow Page Patreon Supercast OP3 Open Source Stats Truefans.FM Mentioned in this episode: You Have A Message That Needs to Be Heard You have a message that needs to be shared. Discover the art of podcasting at the School of Podcasting. We teach you to shine a light on your stories, inspiring others one episode at a time. Let your voice be your legacy. Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/join School of Podcasting Live Appearacves November 7th Podindy.com use the coupon code sop - Whiteland Indiana November 12th at 3PM Daniel J. Lewis will be doing a Demo of Podgagement. Brought to you by Podpage.com Register at schoolofpodcasting.com/where Where Will I Be? Question of the Month: What is a "Newbie Podcaster" Poll Question: What makes someone a “newbie podcaster”? Is it how long they’ve been podcasting or how many episodes they’ve published? Is it something else? How would you define a newbie podcaster? Leave your answer at schoolofpodcasting.com/question by November 27th and don't forget to mention your show and your website address so I can link to it in the show notes. (Please try to keep them under 5 minutes if you can). Question of the Month Give Your Podcast A Home When you look at our podcasting pieces, your media host is the engine. But your website is the home. It’s where your audience learns who you are, explores your episodes, and decides to subscribe. At Podpage, we build podcast websites that are fast, reliable, and designed to convert visitors into listeners. Every episode is automatically published, SEO-optimized, and structured for growth—so you can focus on creating, not managing your site. If your media host powers your podcast, Podpage gives it a place to live—and a place to grow. Start building your podcast’s home with Podpage by going to www.podpage.com/preview and start your 14 day free trial today. Podpage

The School of Podcasting has been acquired, and yes, that means changes are coming. But don’t panic! The essence of what we do is staying intact. We’re diving into the nitty-gritty of what this acquisition means for our loyal members and anyone thinking about joining. New Free Tier We’re adding a free tier, more courses, and even a way for you to connect with podcasting experts. This is all about making the podcasting journey smoother and more accessible for everyone. Brenden and I have a vision for the future, and it’s about empowering you to take your podcasting game to the next level. If you’ve ever wanted to launch a podcast, or if you’re already knee-deep in it and looking for ways to monetize, we’ve got you covered. We’re building a community where you can learn, grow, and thrive, and I’m more excited than ever to be a part of your podcasting journey. So, let’s get to work and see what we can do together! My Favorite CRM I'm not making this up. My favorite CRM is call "Less Annoying CRM. Its s a simple, no-frills customer relationship management tool built specifically for small businesses, solopreneurs, and anyone who feels overwhelmed by complex CRMs. It focuses on the essentials: tracking contacts, managing leads, organizing tasks, and keeping a clear sales pipeline (although I don't use the pipleline tool) Takeaways: This week, we celebrated the acquisition of the School of Podcasting by PodPage, which is a huge deal. I went from living in my brother's basement after a divorce to running a successful podcasting business, talk about an upgrade. Relationships are key in podcasting; it's wild how many people you meet that can help you out. We’re excited to expand the School of Podcasting, bringing more courses and experts for everyone to learn from. This merger means more time and resources to create better content for our community, so stay tuned! Don't worry, if you’re already a member, nothing changes except for more value coming your way! Links referenced in this episode: schoolofpodcasting.com podpage.com podnews.net Less Annoying CRM Last week's episode on Podcasting SEO PodSEO Heartbeat - Community and Courses Platform Mentioned in this episode: Unlock Exclusive Insights: Subscribe to 'Podcasting Observations' Newsletter! Get a look into the world of podcasting like never before with "Podcasting Observations," your go-to source for trends, tips, and transformative insights tailored just for podcasters. You also get "behind the scenes" info from the School of Podcasting Don't miss out on staying ahead of the game—join the 1700+ people who are already reading Podcasting Observations today! Podcasting Observations Question of the Month: What is a "Newbie Podcaster" Poll Question: What makes someone a “newbie podcaster”? Is it how long they’ve been podcasting or how many episodes they’ve published? Is it something else? How would you define a newbie podcaster? Leave your answer at schoolofpodcasting.com/question by November 27th and don't forget to mention your show and your website address so I can link to it in the show notes. (Please try to keep them under 5 minutes if you can). Question of the Month Black Friday Podcasting Sepcial Hey, podcast creators! Are you ready to take your podcast to the next level? We have an unbeatable deal just for you! Introducing the Hot Seat Service! For a limited time, get your podcast episode and website professionally audited. Dive deep into our 30-point checklist and uncover opportunities to improve your podcast's reach and engagement! 🔍 What's Included? Podcast Episode Audit: Pinpoint key areas for improvement. Website Audit: A thorough 30-point checklist to optimize your online presence. But wait, there’s more! When you sign up, you'll receive a free month at the School of Podcasting! That's one month of top-notch podcasting training normally at $99, absolutely free! 📚 Exclusive Offer: Your School of Podcasting membership includes 5 hours of personal consulting, a service valued at $1000 alone! All This for Just $99! Normally, you'd pay $1278 for this incredible package. But through December 31st, it's yours for just $99! 🚀 Don’t miss this chance to elevate your podcast without breaking the bank. Secure this offer today and watch your podcast thrive! Act Now! Spots are limited! fixmypodcast.com Podcast Hotseat See Your Show On Podpage If you host a podcast, your website should work as hard as your episodes do. At Podpage, we automatically create a beautiful, professional site for your show — complete with episode pages, transcripts, audio players, SEO optimization, and built-in tools to grow your audience. No design work. No plugins. No ongoing maintenance. In less than a minute, you can see exactly what your podcast would look like on Podpage. Go to podpage.com/preview and generate your free preview site now. (No Credit Card Required) See your show the way it should look. Podpage

When it comes to podcast strategies to grow your podcast, one strategy that often gets overlooked (because it takes time) is Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Now people are starting to market a "New" thing known as PSO (Podcast Search Optimization). Podcast Search Optimization VS Search Engine Optimization So what is the difference? In reality not much. Tools like Podseo and PSO and Ausha show you information on how often keywords are being search in Apple and Spotify (and others). SEO tools show what people are searching for in Google and other places (YouTube, TikTok, and more). So THE question is, do people search differently in a Podcast App vs how they search Google? For me, I don't think so. I might just type a keyword "Podcasting Best Practices" where in Google I would type "Podcasting Best Practices Podcast." Keyword Research Boils Dow To This Find a keyword that has a fair number of people searching for (somewhere between 20-100 searches), and see how much competition it has. Instead of trying to score for a really popular keyword, score multiple times with less popular (but still be sought after) key words with less competition. Mom said "Don't go play in traffic," but that's what you need to do - but no on the free way. What is Your Domain Authority? SEMRush (a great suite of tools) has a domain authority checker. Tools To Boost Your Podcast SEO on the Web Free Keyword Tool (That Sucks IMHO) https://www.wordstream.com/keywords Google Keyword Tool (Inside of Adsense Account) https://ads.google.com Go to Tools > Planning > Keyword Planner (Free and unlimited use) Keywords Everywhere Extension for Chrome and Firefox $7/month. Helps you measure traffic and competition for keywords. https://keywordseverywhere.com/ Also Asked (see what people are asking) 1 Free search a Day or $12/month https://alsoasked.com/ Answer Socrates 3 searches a day $15/month gets you 100 searches a month https://answersocrates.com Ubsersuggest Shows key word competition and more. It's a suite of tools to help find keywords, and write articles.$29/month.$290 Lifetime (credits thanks to AI) https://ubersuggest.com SERanking A full suite of tools that helps you create content, competitor comparisons and more. $129/month https://www.sewranking.com SEMRUSH Consider by many people to be "THE" suite of SEO tools (especially finding tools that your competitor is not using, and you should). $139/month https://www.semrush.com Page Audit Chrome Extension A chrome extension that shows all sorts of information about a page so you can then write a similar page that will rank better. Chrome Extension Two Tools Dedicated For Podcast SEO While I'm not sure there is much difference between SEO and PSO, there two tools dedicated for podcasts. PSO from Ausha This tool has some nice features, but it also left me frustrated. If you give me seven days to test the tool, give me access to ALL OF IT. I mean every marketer knows that you give it to the customer and let them "get hooked" so when their trial is over they will purchase. I couldn't do that as much of the tools spotlighted required me to upgrade. Boo. That being said it does show how much a keyword is searched for (not as specific as some tools for web seo). It also shows you how hard to competition is. Keep in mind that you need to give your dashboard 24 hours to show some statistics in your dashboard. Ausha PSO (affiliate) PodSEO This is from Andrea De Marsi (Co-founder of Spreaker) and Francesco Baschieri (Co-founder of Spreaker) and it has a similar feature set to the ausha tool. You can save 10% using the coupon schoolofpodcasting. (affiliate) I thought it was very cool that Podseo alerted me to the mistake that I had accidentally listed my show twice in Spotify (I moved from Libsyn to Captivate - nuff said). It has some cool episode planners, and is cheaper than Ausha PSO. Their AI tools looks at your episodes and recommend future ideas and then helps you plan them, and has a calendar showing when the episodes were released. They also can send you daily updates on your rankings or your competition. Check it out at podseo.com and use the coupon schoolofpodcasting to save 10% Because of My Podcast: Paul Colligan Paul is a huge theater nerd, and loves the musical Chess. There was a version that was awful, but never got to see it. Then he let a library in NYC know he was a podcaster. Then he got access to videos that the public hasn't seen - because he had a podcast. Check out Paul at https://podcastpartnership.com/ Other Items Mentioned Turn AI Into Your Personal Podcast Analyst! on Buzzcast SEO for People Who Don't Like SEO Podcast Podpage - Websites for Podcasters Captivate - AI Tools Help You Choose Episode Topics Oura Ring - Body Measurement via a Ring Just One Tip Podcast Big Lash Energy Episode 201 Big Lash Interview on Last Week's Episode This content may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services I trust and believe will provide value to you. Thank you for your support! Mentioned in this episode: Question of the Month: What is a "Newbie Podcaster" Poll Question: What makes someone a “newbie podcaster”? Is it how long they’ve been podcasting or how many episodes they’ve published? Is it something else? How would you define a newbie podcaster? Leave your answer at schoolofpodcasting.com/question by November 27th and don't forget to mention your show and your website address so I can link to it in the show notes. (Please try to keep them under 5 minutes if you can). Question of the Month Want to Make Some Money with Your Podcast? Pick up any book on podcast monetization, and you will find 90 percent of it only covers how to launch a podcast. If you already have a podcast, you have that information; you’re ready for the next step. Profit from Your Podcast provides top strategies and real-life examples of podcast monetization. This book is more than what to do. It also tells you how to do it. Go to www.profitfromyourpodcast.com/book Profit From Your Podcast

Welcome to the world of Big Lash Energy, where Jayna Marie takes us on a no-holds-barred journey through the ups and downs of her life and career. As a makeup artist, Jayna decided that her life was too colorful not to share, and she jumped headfirst into podcasting. It's like she hit the ground running, with tons of awards, 200 episodes, and one million downloads you might say she's unstoppable. Do You Need a Video Podcast? The conversation kicks off with Jayna reflecting on the pressure to include video in her podcasting journey, but she confidently asserts that real connection comes from authentic storytelling, not flashy visuals. It’s refreshing to hear someone challenge the norm and embrace the art of audio storytelling. As the episode unfolds, Jayna shares her experiences with vulnerability, especially in her first episode, where she bared her soul and laid it all on the line. She describes it as feeling like she jumped off a cliff, and honestly, who hasn’t felt that way about sharing their truth? This episode dives into the nitty-gritty of her life, tackling topics that range from relationships to personal growth, all while maintaining a sense of humor that makes you feel like you're chatting with a friend over coffee. Always Be Entertaining Jayna emphasizes the importance of being relatable and not shying away from difficult topics, making for a conversation that is both entertaining and enlightening. What really makes Jayna stand out is her approach to audience engagement. She’s built a loyal following by sharing snippets of her life and encouraging conversations around her podcast episodes. Jayna is all about creating that connection with her listeners, which is a breath of fresh air in a sea of cookie-cutter AI content. And let’s not forget her unique marketing tactics; she even uses dating apps to promote her podcast, turning the world of swiping into a strategic move for gaining listeners. It’s hilarious and clever, showing us that sometimes, the best marketing is just being yourself. The Power of Being Authentic This episode isn’t just about podcasting; it’s about authenticity, vulnerability, and the power of storytelling. If you’re looking for inspiration in your own podcasting journey, or just want a good laugh, tune in to hear Jayna Marie's incredible story and the lessons she’s learned along the way. So whether you're a seasoned podcaster or just curious about what it takes to create a meaningful show, Jayna's insights are golden. She proves that podcasting is more than just a hobby; it’s a way to connect, share, and inspire others through your unique voice. Join us as we delve into the world of Big Lash Energy and discover what makes Jayna Marie a standout in the podcasting community. It's a wild ride, and you won't want to miss it. Mentioned In This Episode Big Lash Energy Podcast Under the Makeup: A very Messy Life (Episode 1) Faking the "OH!" Face 8 Super Annoying Things That Men Do I Ran Out Of Time To Say I Love You: It's My Party, I'll Cry If I Want To (her latest episode as of this recording) Jayna's Makeup Site & Instagram Sticker Mule (For Car Decals) Switchy QR Maker, Link Tracker, and "Linktree" type tool Fourth Wall Create Merch Podpage Pretty Websites For Podcasters Who Don't Want To Learn How To Code Tim Wohlberg's Just the Tip Podcast Podcasting Tips From Jayna Marie: Lead with vulnerability and authenticity Sharing your true self and personal stories draws in listeners and forges real connections. Serve your audience with purpose Focus on providing value for others and fill gaps you wish someone had filled for you. Don’t overthink—trust your gut and put your work out there Creativity thrives when you let go of perfectionism and follow your instincts. Make sure every episode has a clear purpose Aim for your episodes to make listeners laugh, cry, or learn—give them a reason to engage. Prioritize storytelling and strong writing Compelling, well-crafted stories are at the heart of a great podcast. Break up solo shows with production elements Use sound effects, music, and character voices to keep solo episodes interesting and dynamic. Collaborate closely with your editor Build a strong partnership for creative sound design and production ideas. Release episodes on a consistent schedule Consistency builds trust and keeps your audience coming back. Build and engage a community Foster relationships with listeners to create fierce loyalty and word-of-mouth promotion. Be intentional about monetization and ads Consider whether monetizing with ads fits your brand and your listeners’ experience. Leverage your podcast to support your main business Use your show to help connect with potential clients in your field. Save and revisit listener feedback Keep encouraging messages for motivation during challenging times. Create desirable merch—only sell what you’d wear Strong branding and personal endorsement make merchandise more appealing. Be creative with your marketing strategies: Utilize unconventional ideas, such as: Sharing your podcast link in dating bios Setting up at relevant trade shows Distributing podcast cards in swag bags with recommended episodes Branding your car with podcast info and QR codes Track your promotional results Use QR codes to measure the effectiveness of your offline marketing efforts. Encourage value-for-value support Make it easy for loyal listeners to give back, whether buying merch or donating. Host in-person events for your audience Create memorable live gatherings to deepen connections and increase social media buzz. Promote episodes long after release with social posts Share throwbacks, listener DMs, and topical connections on your stories to boost ongoing downloads. Show your creative process on social media Build anticipation for new episodes and keep your audience actively engaged. Know your target audience and stay on-brand Be clear about who your podcast is for, and let that clarity reflect in your branding. Prepare thoroughly before launching Study podcasting fundamentals, plan your content, and understand your desired audience. Don’t share every story—wait until you know the lesson Only open up about painful moments when you’re ready to share how you grew from them. Understand podcasting is hard work—stay motivated Celebrate the impact you have, and let your listeners’ appreciation keep you going Always Research Your Guest (from Dave) The question AI gave me to interview Jayna were nothing compared to the questions that came up after I listened to her show. Mentioned in this episode: Have You Heard About the Podpage Assistant? Here's what it can do: Identify the best search keyphrase to target — The Assistant analyzes your episode and finds the keyphrase most likely to drive organic traffic. Generate optimized SEO titles and descriptions — Get search-friendly titles and meta descriptions written for each episode automatically. Expand your show notes — Turn brief show notes into detailed, search-friendly content that helps Google understand what your episode is about. Create SEO schema — Automatically generate structured data including FAQs and key takeaways, giving search engines even more context about your content. Generate episode transcriptions — If your podcast host doesn't provide transcripts, the Assistant can create them for you. Create companion blog posts — Each episode can get a dedicated blog post that supports your episode's SEO and gives listeners another way to find you. Automatically categorize episodes — Keep your...

In this episode, I tackled the question submitted by Emily Kate: What sacrifices and shortcuts did you take in your podcasting journey, and did they work out well? A fantastic lineup of podcasters shared their wisdom, experiences, and favorite tools. Here’s an organized list of all the contributors with their URLs, plus every resource/tool we mentioned to help you on your own podcasting path. Contributors & Their URLs Emily Kate : emilykatecreative.com Kim Newlove ("The Pharmacist’s Voice" & "Perrysburg Podcast") thepharmacistsvoice.com perrysburgpodcast.com Ralph ("Ask Ralph Media Network") askralph.com Includes shows: Financially Confident Christian, Grit and Growth Business, Truth Unveiled with Ralph, Content Creators Accountant Todd the Gator ("Guardian Down Roundtable") guardiandowncast.com Krista Lawley & Mark ("Practical Prepping Podcast") practicalprepping.info Resources & URLs Mentioned Otter.ai – Transcription tool Bitly – Link shortener/tracker/QR Code Creator Switchy – Link shortener/tracker/QR code creator (one time payment) Steve Stewart’s Podcast Editor Finder Form Podcast Editors Academy Auphonic – Audio processing & AI audio editing Audacity – Audio editing software OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) Descript – Audio editing & AI tool Resound.fm – De-um tool & audio editing AppSumo – Deals platform (referenced for AI tools) Castmagic – AI show notes & content creation Podpage – Podcast website builder Music Radio Creative – Jingles, music, and audio branding Suno – AI-generated jingles/music Ecamm Live – Live streaming & recording software (Mac only) Alec Johnson / One Take Productions Ecamm Live Masterclass Magi – AI aggregation tool Voice Regen - AI Audio Clean Up Tool The Audacity to Podcast The Podcasters Roundtable Podcasters Studio Mentioned in this episode: Podpage is Now Included with Blubrry Hosting Blubrry Podcasting — one of the longest-running podcast hosting platforms in the industry — has chosen Podpage to replace their built-in website tool entirely. That means every Blubrry hosting customer gets a professional, automatically updated podcast website powered by Podpage, included with their hosting plan. For Podpage, this is more than a partnership announcement. It’s validation that podcast websites deserve dedicated website tools built specifically for podcasters. Podpage Podcast Hot Seat - Now Private Podcast Audits There are things your podcast is missing that often lead to you losing the audience you are attracting. I help make good podcasts GREAT. End the frustration with your podcast growth. Check out the Podcast Hot Seat Service Today. Podcast Hotseat School of Podcasting: Coached Plan You don’t need another list of things you could do with your podcast. You need help figuring out what to do next—and someone in your corner to help you follow through. With School of Podcasting: Coached, you get everything in the School of Podcasting, plus a weekly meeting with me, Dave Jackson, text access between meetings, and clear next steps after every session. Less second-guessing. More moving forward. Join School of Podcasting: Coached today—and let’s get your podcast where you want it to go. School of Podcasting: Coached Question of the Month: What is a "Newbie Podcaster" Poll Question: What makes someone a “newbie podcaster”? Is it how long they’ve been podcasting or how many episodes they’ve published? Is it something else? How would you define a newbie podcaster? Leave your answer at schoolofpodcasting.com/question by November 27th and don't forget to mention your show and your website address so I can link to it in the show notes. (Please try to keep them under 5 minutes if you can). Question of the Month

Hey, it's Dave Jackson! In this episode, Ishare my talk that I did at the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) about video podcasting. What are the real benefits, the costs, and the drawbacks? I also tackled the recent Apple announcement about HLS video, shared my NRB event experience, and got into some real stats and stories about YouTube and podcasting. This episode uses chapters to enable you to jump to the most important parts for you. Key Topics Covered: The difference between a podcast and a YouTube show Stats on how many podcasters are actually doing "real" video YouTube's change to how Shorts views are counted Pros and cons of YouTube for discovery and monetization Cost breakdowns of starting both audio and video podcasts Completion percentages for audio vs video shows Algorithm reality and how audience recommendations work Major drawbacks of relying on video platforms for income The new Apple HLS video announcement: what it means, who it's for, and whether you should care Real examples of creators' experiences on YouTube My Takeaways: You don't have to do video if you don't want to. Video can help with discovery, but the audio side offers significantly more opportunity—sometimes a 15x larger audience! Also, while YouTube provides community and powerful analytics, the algorithm and monetization risks are real. The new Apple HLS video support is mostly about helping advertisers, not creators, and comes with new costs. Resources & Links Mentioned: School of Podcasting: schoolofpodcasting.com Podcast Host Survey (Dr. Colin Gray): thepodcasthost.com The Truth About ‘Video Podcasts’ on YouTube These 5 Podcasters Added Video – Here’s What Happened PodcastIndex stats: podcastindex.org Hosting Recommendations: Captivate: captivate.fm Buzzsprout: buzzsprout.com RSS.com: rss.com Blubrry: blubrry.com Think Media (YouTube demonetization video): thinkmedia.com Truth Unveiled with Ralph (Ralph Eastep): Sponsor Magnet book by Justin Moore: Profit from Your Podcast (my book): Streamline Solopreneur with Joe Casabona Around the Layout (Ray) Podpage (Podcast Website builder): podpage.com Podnews details on Apple announcement on HLS Jordan Harbinger on the New Media Show Professor of Rock on AI Ruining YouTube. Rob Walch talks about Club Random Other Tools Mentioned: Samson Q2U mic, Rode PodMic USB, Shure MV7 and SM7B, Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Condenser Microphone (mic options) Elgato Facecam Pro, Sony ZV-E10 II (camera options) Descript & Riverside (remote video recorders/editors) Patreon & SuperCast (crowdfunding) Ecamm Live (live streaming tool) Inexpensive Lighting Rig Final Thoughts: If you want to do video, go ahead—but know the realities and risks. Don't let anyone (especially YouTube or Spotify) pressure you into it unless it suits your content and goals. And keep in mind, when Apple rolls out its new features, it’s likely to come with extra charges, so stay informed! If you need help planning, launching, or growing your show, check out schoolofpodcasting.com and use coupon code LISTENER. Please share the episode with a friend if you found it helpful! Send people to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/1024 Mentioned in this episode: School of Podcasting: Coached Plan You don’t need another list of things you could do with your podcast. You need help figuring out what to do next—and someone in your corner to help you follow through. With School of Podcasting: Coached, you get everything in the School of Podcasting, plus a weekly meeting with me, Dave Jackson, text access between meetings, and clear next steps after every session. Less second-guessing. More moving forward. Join

In this episode, I’m walking you through why great podcast editing doesn’t start with software, plugins, or secret shortcuts — it starts with knowing your audience. Once you’re crystal clear on who you’re talking to and what they value, editing becomes a lot easier: you simply remove anything that wastes their time or doesn’t deliver value. Editing For Content I’ll share examples from real interviews (including Amy Poehler’s “Good Hang” and conversations with my friends Daniel J. Lewis and Katie Krimitsos) to show how to tighten up questions, trim rambling answers, and keep the pace moving so your listeners stay engaged from start to finish. If you’ve ever listened back to your show and thought, “It’s fine…but something feels off,” this one’s for you. --- Where To start? Editing starts with your audience, not your software Why the first question is, “Who am I talking to and what do they want?” How knowing your audience’s problems, language, and attention span guides every cut. The “vegetarian at dinner” analogy: if you know who’s coming, you know what not to serve. Did they actually answer the question? Using Amy Poehler’s friend and Jennifer Lawrence as an example of a non-answer answer. How to spot when guests talk *around* a question instead of answering it. When to follow up, when to re-ask more simply, and when to just fix it in the edit. Cut the fluff, keep the value Trimming long-winded questions where the host gives too much backstory. Shortening guest answers that wander, repeat, or add no value to the listener. Why you don’t need to include your guest “thinking out loud” to get to the point. Friends, comfort, and wasted time How being comfortable with guests (friends, colleagues) can lead to bloated conversations. Why “fun to say” isn’t the same as “valuable to hear” for your audience. The discipline of deleting entire questions and answers that just don’t land. Content editing vs. cosmetic editing Why removing bad questions is more powerful than removing ums and uhs. When it makes sense to leave in human imperfections for a natural feel. The mindset shift from “How do I make this cleaner?” to “How do I make this stronger?” Basic audio cleanup that actually matters A practical order of operations: repair first, then shape the sound. What plosives, noise gates, compression, EQ, and de-essers do in plain English. Why “listenable” beats “perfect,” especially for guest recordings. Testing popular cleanup tools on bad audio What happened when I ran intentionally bad audio through different tools. How tools like Voice Regen, Auphonic, Descript Studio Sound, Adobe Enhance, and others compare in real use. Why the cheap, simple option sometimes wins for everyday podcasters. Know your audience, know your cuts How hanging out where your audience hangs out (YouTube, Facebook groups, Reddit, etc.) tells you what to keep. The simple question to ask of every segment: “Does this deliver value to *my* listener?” How better audience understanding leads to faster editing and stronger episodes. Key Takeaway: Editing isn’t about showing off your software skills. It’s about respecting your listener’s time. When you know exactly who they are and what they care about, the decisions of what to cut — and what to keep — almost make themselves. Links Mentioned In This Episode This content may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services I trust and believe will provide value to you. Thank you for your support! School of Podcasting Podpage How to Pitch a Podcast Show (submit your show) Good Hang Jennifer Lawrence Episode Women's Mediation Network Podchapters Podgagement Samson Q2U Microphone Voice Regen from Waves Auphonic Descript Studio Sound Adobe Enhance Accentize Dxrevive Pro Check Your Loudness at https://loudness.app/en YouTube Demonetizing Shows (30K Goodbye!) Big Lash Energy's Jayna Marie is Next Week. Mentioned in this episode: Question of the Month: What is a "Newbie Podcaster" Poll Question: What makes someone a “newbie podcaster”? Is it how long they’ve been podcasting or how many episodes they’ve published? Is it something else? How would you define a newbie podcaster? Leave your answer at schoolofpodcasting.com/question by November 27th and don't forget to mention your show and your website address so I can link to it in the show notes. (Please try to keep them under 5 minutes if you can). Question of the Month Help Us Fight Back Against Spam and Get Some Exposure How to Pitch a Podcast is a show I'm launching that NEEDS your stories of good/bad pitches. Read your bad/good pitch (I'll remove the guilty names) and explain why it's good or bad. Then (if it's bad) explain what your perfect guest would be, tell us about your show and your website. Don't over-think it. I need your stories by 2/28 to launch. Go to pitchapodcast.com/story Pitch a Podcast School of Podcasting: Coached Plan You don’t need another list of things you could do with your podcast. You need help figuring out what to do next—and someone in your corner to help you follow through. With School of Podcasting: Coached, you get everything in the School of Podcasting, plus a weekly meeting with me, Dave Jackson, text access between meetings, and clear next steps after every session. Less second-guessing. More moving forward. Join School of Podcasting: Coached today—and let’s get your podcast where you want it to go. School of Podcasting: Coached

Alright, so if you’re a podcaster looking to snag more listeners and get them hooked on your back catalog, then buckle up, because we’re diving into binge triggers straight outta the Netflix playbook. We’re breaking down three juicy strategies that can keep your audience glued to their headphones, even after they’ve finished your latest episode. Plus, we’ve got a heartwarming “because of my podcast” story from Ray Arnott that’ll make you believe in the magic of podcasting. So, if you're tired of people tuning in and then bouncing faster than a bad date, stick around. We’re gonna make your podcast the one they're bingeing on next! 1. Open Loops (Brain Gaps) What It Is: An open loop is an unresolved element in your content—a question, mystery, or ongoing storyline that the listener subconsciously wants resolved. This is a storytelling technique borrowed from TV and movies: cliffhangers, subplots, or even hints about future developments that drive people to keep watching (or listening) to find out what happens next. Examples from the Episode: uses TV examples like Will Trent and Tracker: "There's a problem at the beginning of the episode… and 50 minutes later, give or take, the problem is solved. … On occasion they'll do a two-parter with a cliffhanger." (01:39) In Will Trent, the ongoing subplot about the main character being disliked and saving a dog (an adaptation of the “save the cat” storytelling trope) gets the audience rooting for him, creating emotional investment through an open loop about his relationships and backstory. "You have this underlying story that's going through the whole thing, and I believe that's why we are binging content." (13:11) In podcasts, an open loop could be as simple as starting a story in one episode and promising to finish it later, or introducing a mystery or a question (“Did James ever fix his solar panels?”) that’s answered in a later episode. How To Use: Tease questions (“Next week, I’ll reveal the results…”) Continue a personal story arc across episodes Dangle small mysteries (“I opened the door and only saw one of the three things I was looking for…”) ( Share journey updates that listeners want closure or progress on 2. Teasers & Episode Structure What It Is: Tease content before and after episodes to contextualize your podcast for new and returning listeners. By referencing what was discussed in previous episodes and previewing what’s coming next, you build a web of episodes that feel interconnected—just like "Next Episode" buttons on streaming platforms encourage more watching. Examples from the Episode: highlights Harry Duran’s approach: "He introduces his show… 'If you missed last week's episode, we talked to so-and-so about such and such…' On today's show, we're talking with so-and-so. … At the end of the show… he knows what the next episode is. … You now have 3 ideas of what this show is about." (08:28) The benefit is, if listeners hear a recap of a past episode or a preview of the next, they’re incentivized to explore your other episodes—bingeing your back catalog. How To Use: At the start: preview what’s happening in the current episode and what listeners missed if they haven’t heard recent content At the end: teaser for the next episode (e.g., “Next week, I’m talking to…”) Mention popular or related episodes (“Check out our past episode on…”) Structure your season thematically, so every episode contributes to a bigger picture (e.g., a season all about podcast hardware invites listeners to hear the whole set) 3. Ongoing Initiatives & Personal Journeys What It Is: Maintain a continuous, real-life thread running through your podcast—such as a personal project, journey, or community initiative—which encourages listeners to check back for updates and stay invested in your progress over time. Examples from the Episode: I talk about his “How to Pitch a Podcast” project: “I've been talking about the How to Pitch a Podcast project… I'm not launching the show until I get 20 stories. … It’s an ongoing initiative that people are like, oh, you know, and you might be kind of involved with like, oh, I really want to see this show take off.” (10:23) He references Joanna Penn’s podcast chronicling her journey to become an independent author—listeners followed along as she learned, failed, and eventually succeeded, creating long-term engagement and rooting interest. Many shows use “journey” approaches where listeners are encouraged to follow a process or transformation over time (fitness challenges, entrepreneurial launches, etc.). How To Use: Start a project or challenge and give periodic updates (“I’m launching X, here’s what happened this week…”) Share personal development arcs—what you’re learning, obstacles, and milestones Invite audience participation (“I need 20 submissions from you before the project goes live!”) In summary: Open loops hook listeners by leaving threads unresolved, making them want to continue and find closure. Teasers and structured episode links make every episode a gateway to others in your catalog, increasing binge potential. Ongoing initiatives or journeys build sustained interest by making listeners part of your process and progress. These strategies ensure listeners don’t just drop in for a single episode—they feel compelled to stick around, binge, and become loyal fans. Becuase of My Podcast: Ray Arnott Ray Arnott from the Around the Layout Show (model trains) has been on the show before, and today Ray shares how a listener from Australia is paying for Ray's tripe to come to a model train meetup in Australia! Links referenced in this episode: schoolofpodcasting.com pitchapodcast.com aroundthelayout.com podcastjunkies.com newmediashow.com Pet Davidson on Jimmy Fallon Joe Rogan with Matt Damon and Ben Affleck

I just got back from the Novel Marketing Conference. This was put on by my friend Thomas Umstattd Jr (who has a great podcast for authors). I love single track events, and this one was AMAZING. It was all about book marketing (which applies to podcasting). Only the original Podfest comes close (but that didn't feed me Schlotzky's deli Sandwiches). I need to give credit, the "Four D's" come from Chase Replogle who does a few podcasts including the Pastor Writer, Let's Talk Bible: Kids, and he's the Pastor at Bent Oak Church. His opening keynote was AMAZING. I have adopted it for podcasters. Main Points: Single Track Conferences: I explained why single-track conferences are my favorite—you don’t miss out on sessions, and the Novel Marketing Conference was one of the best I’ve attended. Opening Keynote – The Four Ds: Chase Replogle’s talk resonated with the “Four Ds”: decisiveness, discipline, discernment, and devotion—applies to both writing and podcasting. My favorite: nobody listens to what you record, they listen to what you edit (editing is magic!). Marketing Parallels: Even though this was a book conference, book marketing is a close cousin to podcast marketing. The basic principles really do translate. Serving Your Audience: I reflected on the courage to create, facing the fear of “what if nobody listens?”, and focusing on service and devotion to your listeners. Is Your Podcast a Painkiller or a Vitamin?: Thanks to Thomas Umstattd Jr.’s talk—a “painkiller” solves a direct need, while a “vitamin” is nice to have but not urgent. Think about what pain your show removes for your audience. Podcast Competition: I highlighted that we’re not just competing with other podcasts, but with all forms of entertainment—TV, games, etc. Know your unique value. Why People Listen: People consume podcasts for entertainment, education, or escape. I asked: Does your show serve one (or more) of these needs? Value of Listener’s Time: All podcasts are “free,” but listeners pay with their time. We need to make it worth it. Improving Your Show: Attending other sessions gave me ideas about making changes that truly improve the show rather than just making it different. AI & Prompts: I shared tips I learned about using AI—give ChatGPT clear instructions about who you are, what you need, and who your audience is. Book Covers = Podcast Artwork: Don’t be cheap with your cover! As much as we say not to judge by appearances, we all do. Your show art matters. Networking: The conference structure ensured everyone met and interacted with new people every day—awesome for making connections. Feedback & Iteration: Get feedback and be willing to edit and improve. Like writing, multiple drafts (and edits) make better episodes. Target Audience: Jonathan’s session hit home: don’t just market for yourself—know your actual audience, and don’t trust social media polls alone. Conferences in General: I appreciated speakers not blatantly selling from stage—a rarity! If You Want to Start a Show: Record everything (planning, editing, writing, etc.) to see how much time it takes, then set a sustainable schedule. Finding Your Listeners: Look for audiences in adjacent markets—not just podcasting-specific spaces. More Takeaways: The importance of networking, getting feedback, and attending events that put you in the room with your ideal audience. Mentioned In This Episode Thomas's Patron Toolbox Novel Marketing Podcast Chase Replogle School of Podcastng Podpage Mentioned in this episode: Check Out Dave's Newsletter With Behind the Scenes Content In each issue of Podcasting Observations, I share my thoughts on what is happening in the podcasting space, my latest content, and things that have caught my eye. I also may ask for your opinion. Join the free community Podcasting Observations School of Podcasting: Coached Plan You don’t need another list of things you could do with your podcast. You need help figuring out what to do next—and someone in your corner to help you follow through. With School of Podcasting: Coached, you get everything in the School of Podcasting, plus a weekly meeting with me, Dave Jackson, text access between meetings, and clear next steps after every session. Less second-guessing. More moving forward. Join School of Podcasting: Coached today—and let’s get your podcast where you want it to go. School of Podcasting: Coached Live Appearacves November 7th Podindy.com use the coupon code sop - Whiteland Indiana November 12th at 3PM Daniel J. Lewis will be doing a Demo of Podgagement. Brought to you by Podpage.com Register at schoolofpodcasting.com/where Where Will I Be? Question of the Month: What is a "Newbie Podcaster" Poll Question: What makes someone a “newbie podcaster”? Is it how long they’ve been podcasting or how many episodes they’ve published? Is it something else? How would you define a newbie podcaster? Leave your answer at schoolofpodcasting.com/question by November 27th and don't forget to mention your show and your website address so I can link to it in the show notes. (Please try to keep them under 5 minutes if you can). Question of the Month

Hey, it’s Dave Jackson from the School of Podcasting, and in this episode, I’m recapping my experience at Podfest 2026, which was a whirlwind of hallway chats, memorable dinners, and some eye-opening lessons. Here’s what I cover: Hallway Conversations & Overheard Myths: I noticed folks were obsessing over tiny details like the exact minute a podcast should release, debating things like whether 8:01am is better than 8:00am. Honestly, I don’t think anyone is waiting by their phone for your show to drop to the minute. Being consistent matters more than timing it down to the second. The Role (and Cost) of AI in Podcasting: I talked to podcasters searching for AI tools that could do everything—generate ideas, write scripts, edit, publish, you name it—ideally for free. The reality is, good AI isn’t free, and companies are raising prices when they add AI features. “AI” stands for “Always Increase” when it comes to your expenses! Reflections on Video: Unlike previous conferences, there wasn’t as much pressure this time to dive into video podcasting. Most folks seemed to realize you don’t want AI or automation to create your whole show. Polishing? Sure, but not producing the meat. A Cool AI Demo: I saw a preview of Episonic AI, which analyzes your past episodes, constructs a target audience profile, and even suggests topics and guests. It was interesting in demo form, but I’d want to play with it myself before really judging. Conference Costs and Why They're So High: I break down just how expensive it is to put on a conference—think $10k to rent an LED screen and $8k just to plug it in. Even coffee for attendees can run $135/gallon! High ticket prices aren’t about gouging attendees; organizers are just trying to cover astronomical hotel fees. Networking Magic: The biggest benefit of these events is always the networking. I had a blast connecting with old friends, like Daniel J. Lewis, Rob Walsh, Rob Greenlee, and James Cridlin, and got to enjoy some great stories and camaraderie. Podcasting Hall of Fame: The Hall of Fame event was a highlight. Seeing so many people who’ve truly served the podcasting community—sharing knowledge, fighting legal battles, innovating—reminded me that serving your audience is the common denominator among podcasting greats. A Word on Programmatic Ads: I discuss my article comparing podcast CPM/programmatic ads to the historic crash of banner ad prices on websites. My worry: as more low-quality, AI-generated shows flood the market and accept pennies, ad rates may sink across the board. "How to Pitch a Podcast" Show Update: I’m experimenting with a new show concept where we share the worst—and best—podcast pitches. So far, the main hurdle is getting folks to submit their stories in audio form. I’ve simplified the process, and hope more people will participate. If not, it may become a segment rather than a full show. Final Thoughts: If you went to Podfest, don’t wait to follow up with those business cards—make the most of your new connections! I share about my next steps, including attending the Novel Marketing Conference in Austin, and remind everyone to check out schoolofpodcasting.com if you want personal help growing your show. Mentioned In This Episode School of Podcasting Community Podnews Rich Graham the Merch Drop Show Jeff Grief and the Sell'n Podcast. Electronic Frontier Foundation Podfest Expo Episonic.ai Capitvate Media Hosting Podcast Hall of Fame Replay Thanks for listening, please share the show if you found it valuable, and I’ll catch you next week! Mentioned in this episode: School of Podcasting: Coached Plan You don’t need another list of things you could do with your podcast. You need help figuring out what to do next—and someone in your corner to help you follow through. With School of Podcasting: Coached, you get everything in the School of Podcasting, plus a weekly meeting with me, Dave Jackson, text access between meetings, and clear next steps after every session. Less second-guessing. More moving forward. Join School of Podcasting: Coached today—and let’s get your podcast where you want it to go. School of Podcasting: Coached Live Appearacves November 7th Podindy.com use the coupon code sop - Whiteland Indiana November 12th at 3PM Daniel J. Lewis will be doing a Demo of Podgagement. Brought to you by Podpage.com Register at schoolofpodcasting.com/where Where Will I Be? Check Out Dave's Newsletter With Behind the Scenes Content In each issue of Podcasting Observations, I share my thoughts on what is happening in the podcasting space, my latest content, and things that have caught my eye. I also may ask for your opinion. Join the free community Podcasting Observations

On today’s episode, I dig into my thought process as I consider launching a new podcast—and I walk through the essential questions I ask anyone who’s thinking about starting one. If you’ve already got a podcast, these questions might help you rethink your approach. Why am I starting this podcast? I share my background as a teacher and my desire to fight back against spammy guest pitches. I want to educate PR agencies and help fellow podcasters feel less alone in the sea of spam. Who is this podcast for? This show is for two groups: PR agencies (so they can do their job better) and podcasters (so they know they’re not alone and can improve how they handle pitches). How will I measure success? Instead of downloads, I’ll measure success by how many people utilize resources I share, like PodMatch and PodcastGuests.com. I’ll also keep tabs on affiliate signups. What are the hurdles? I reflect on a previous project, Dates from Hell, which struggled because it required audience participation but didn’t yet have an audience. For this new podcast, I’ll need a steady supply of good (and bad) pitches from listeners. Is this a passion project, hobby, or business? This is mostly a passion project and a hobby, driven by my desire to make a difference and maybe have some fun. If I can monetize it, that’s a nice bonus. Why will my audience listen? Listeners will tune in to hear entertainingly bad pitches, learn how to make their own pitches better, and find solidarity in their struggles with guest booking spam. Plus, I’ll offer educational insights that no one else seems to be sharing right now. How long will it take to make an episode? I estimate each episode will take around half an hour to produce, keeping things doable alongside my other commitments. You measure your production time and then choose your schedule. Do I have time and resources to make this happen? I’ve already got hosting, gear, and a plan for the website (PitchAPodcast.com). The biggest challenge will be getting enough listener participation to keep the show going. Key Takeaway I’m considering a crowd-generated podcast to tackle the problem of bad guest pitches. If you’d like to participate, send me your stories of bad (or good!) pitches, info about your podcast and website, and details on your ideal guest. I run through all the big questions to ask before launching, sharing my honest answers and experiences. Links Mentioned Pitchapodcast.com schoolofpodcasting.com podcastingobservations.com Captive Media Hosting Buzzsprout Media Hosting PodMatch PodcastGuests.com. Podpage.com --- If you have your own pitch stories or want to get involved, head to PitchAPodcast.com and share your experiences! Mentioned in this episode: Check Out Dave's Newsletter With Behind the Scenes Content In each issue of Podcasting Observations, I share my thoughts on what is happening in the podcasting space, my latest content, and things that have caught my eye. I also may ask for your opinion. Join the free community Podcasting Observations You Have A Message That Needs to Be Heard You have a message that needs to be shared. Discover the art of podcasting at the School of Podcasting. We teach you to shine a light on your stories, inspiring others one episode at a time. Let your voice be your legacy. Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/join School of Podcasting

Hey, it’s Dave Jackson here! In this episode, I’m diving letting you see why patience and persistence matter more than anything else in podcasting (and, honestly, in most creative pursuits). We’ve all been spoiled by the microwave mentality (wanting quick results and instant gratification) but the real success stories are built over years, not weeks. I kick things off with the story of the microwave’s invention as a metaphor for how society craves instant results, then flip the script to talk about why that approach just doesn’t work in podcasting. What Does it Take to Be Known? You’ll hear me break down the journeys of big names like Morgan Freeman, Samuel L. Jackson, Harrison Ford, Bryan Cranston, Lucille Ball, and even musicians like Bonnie Raitt and Andrea Bocelli—all of whom pushed through years (sometimes decades) before their “big break.” Yes, even Adam Sandler and Jerry Seinfeld had plenty of failures, awkward moments, and years of grinding before the world knew their names. I share how their experiences relate directly to podcasting, and why embracing your own style and sticking with what you love can make all the difference. You Need To Be More Than "Good" I also talk about the importance of consistency, cross-promotion, knowing your audience, and making your content “remarkable”—the kind people just have to talk about. I share how Seinfeld didn’t become a household name overnight, and how even my own podcast journey has been about slow, steady growth, not big, sudden leaps. Plus, I get into listener engagement strategies, word-of-mouth tactics, and why you should appreciate the connections and opportunities podcasting brings, from new friendships to dream gigs. And yes, you’ll hear a little power rant about the NFL’s approach to consistency (or lack thereof)! Because of My Podcast Lou Mongello Finally, I wrap up with plenty of listener “because of my podcast” stories, examples of how podcasting opens doors you never imagined, and a reminder that there’s nothing stopping you from growing your show except your own willingness to put in the time and effort. If you want to get inspired and set the right expectations for your own podcast journey—or just need a reminder that you’re not alone in the slow grind—this episode is for you. Thanks for tuning in! Mentioned In This Episode Lou Mongello and his WDW Radio Lou Mongello on SOP 713 Because of My Podcast Post on Reddit Because of my podcast show Mentioned in this episode: Podcast Hot Seat Attention podcasters! Are you ready to take your show to the next level? Introducing Podcast Hot Seat, the ultimate resource for podcasters who want to elevate their game. Just like a friend who tells you you've got spinach in your teeth, we're here to give you the honest feedback you need to shine. At podcasthotseat.com, we specialize in helping good podcasts become great. Hall of Fame podcaster Dave Jackson will identify your strengths and show you how to leverage them to keep your audience hooked. Don't let small oversights hold you back from podcasting stardom. Visit podcasthotseat.com today and put your show in the hot seat. Your listeners will thank you! Order now and get a free month at the School of Podcasting included in your purchase. Podcast Hotseat Live Appearacves November 7th Podindy.com use the coupon code sop - Whiteland Indiana November 12th at 3PM Daniel J. Lewis will be doing a Demo of Podgagement. Brought to you by Podpage.com Register at schoolofpodcasting.com/where Where Will I Be? Unlock Exclusive Insights: Subscribe to 'Podcasting Observations' Newsletter! Get a look into the world of podcasting like never before with "Podcasting Observations," your go-to source for trends, tips, and transformative insights tailored just for podcasters. You also get "behind the scenes" info from the School of Podcasting Don't miss out on staying ahead of the game—join the 1700+ people who are already reading Podcasting Observations today! Podcasting Observations

Hey, I’m Dave Jackson, host of The School of Podcasting. If you want to start a podcast or make the one you already have better, this show is for you. Every week, I share tips, insights, and proven strategies to help you podcast with more confidence and less confusion. I've made it easy to follow the show, just go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/follow to follow the show and never miss an episode.

What makes a podcast someone's favorite? I ask this every year, and here are the shows that were mentioned: Here is a list of the "Favorite" shows, as well as those who submitted them. Thanks so all who were involved. 1. Nudge 2. No Agenda 3.Treat Addiction Podcast 4. Daily Devotions for Busy Lives 5. Harry Shearer’s Show "Le Show" 6. School of Podcasting 7. Time Suck 8. Too Many Tabs 9. What Was That Like? 10. Daily Sports History 11. Walking is Fitness 12. Welcome to Earth Stories 13. The Pharmacist’s Voice Podcast 14. The Perrysburg Podcast 15. Content Creators Accountant 16. Back Look Cinema 17. POD News Weekly Review 18. Grow The Show 19. Podcast411 20. Your Podcast Consultant Common Thread of Great Content The common thread is distinctive, hard-to-find content delivered by engaging hosts with real chemistry, in a well-thought-out format, that solves a listener problem and leaves them feeling something (hopeful, grounded, entertained, or relieved). Did You Get Value From The Show? If you'd like to give back some of the value you received, you can do a one-time gift, or become an awesome supporter. Gear Used On This Episode Accentize Dialogue Enhance Plugin Rode Podmic USB Rodecaster Duo Schepps Omni Channel Plugin Captivate Media Hosting Mentioned in this episode: Don't Wait to Level Up Your Show Thinking about starting a podcast—or already 300 episodes in? Skip the rookie mistakes, save money, and level up your show with the School of Podcasting with Dave Jackson, where you get hands-on feedback, one-on-one support, and practical advice that actually improves your podcast. Not sure? Just ask Krista and Mark from practicalprepping.info Then join the School of Podcasting at www.schoolofpodcasting.com/join (or use the link below) School of Podcasting Live Appearacves November 7th Podindy.com use the coupon code sop - Whiteland Indiana November 12th at 3PM Daniel J. Lewis will be doing a Demo of Podgagement. Brought to you by Podpage.com Register at schoolofpodcasting.com/where Where Will I Be?

Hey, it's Dave! In this episode (which uses chapters FYI), I take you through a year-end wrap-up, sharing stories, rants, insights, and predictions about the world of podcasting. Here are the main points I covered: 1. A Christmas Story with a Lesson for Podcasters I kicked things off with a humorous Christmas tale about the Cridland Boys Choir, and what happens when you keep loosening your standards just to hit a target—a not-so-subtle lesson for the podcasting world. 2. Pushing Back on Changing Definitions in Podcasting I strongly disagreed with Steve Goldstein and Jay Nachlis' take that YouTube should be considered podcasts. (also TikTok, and Newsletters). I emphasized that a podcast, by definition, is audio, video, or PDF delivered via RSS—without that, it's not a podcast. 3. Why "Everything Is a Podcast" is Dangerous I called out the industry for letting YouTube (and now TikTok) hijack the term "podcast," muddling data and damaging clarity around the medium. 4. The Hazards of Exclusive Distribution Deals I discussed how exclusive distribution (like those seen with Netflix and Spotify) leads to loss of control and audiences for podcasters. 5. Warning Signs of Big Companies Manipulating Podcasting Shared concerns about major corporations and what happens when their decisions are driven mainly by shareholder profits and not creators or audiences. 6. AI Content Flooding the Podcast Space I highlighted the dangers of companies like Inception Point AI mass-producing low-value podcasts, cluttering directories, harming discoverability, and devaluing advertising rates. 7.Common Missteps Hurting Podcast Discovery I warned about creating duplicate listings in Apple Podcasts and elsewhere, usually when moving hosts, and the importance of understanding how to migrate your show correctly. 8. Show Name Collisions I noted the confusion caused by multiple shows using the same title (like "Thinking Outside the Box") and urged creators to do their research before naming their show. 9. Monetization Predictions for the Coming Year I predicted a shift toward premium/patron-supported models as podcasters get frustrated with low ad rates. 10. The Fight Against "AI Slop" I advocated for collectively pushing back against low-quality, AI-generated spam content in our medium. 11. Upcoming Industry Mergers I think we'll see podcast-related companies merging or being acquired in the near future. 12. The Reality of YouTube for Podcasters I expect many podcasters to try YouTube, realize it's not for them, and return to audio-first approaches—while some will succeed by mastering the video platform. 13. A Desire for More Creativity in Podcasting I called for a resurgence of risk-taking and creative experimentation, rather than everyone following the same tired formats. Podcasts/Shows Noted: Pod News Weekly Review No Agenda Show Good Hang with Amy Poehler Things We Learn in a Bar Work for the Wind by Aliyah Langley Steve's Blog That Drives Me Nuts Captivate Transistor Buzzsprout Supercast For more details, behind-the-scenes commentary, and my thoughts on where the industry is headed, give this episode a listen. And as always, if you need help planning, launching, growing, or monetizing your podcast, check out schoolofpodcasting.com (coupon code: listener). Mentioned in this episode: Question of the Month: What is a "Newbie Podcaster" Poll Question: What makes someone a “newbie podcaster”? Is it how long they’ve been podcasting or how many episodes they’ve published? Is it something else? How would you define a newbie podcaster? Leave your answer at schoolofpodcasting.com/question by November 27th and don't forget to mention your show and your website address so I can link to it in the show notes. (Please try to keep them under 5 minutes if you can). Question of the Month Check Out Dave's Newsletter With Behind the Scenes Content In each issue of Podcasting Observations, I share my thoughts on what is happening in the podcasting space, my latest content, and things that have caught my eye. I also may ask for your opinion. Join the free community Podcasting Observations Live Appearacves November 7th Podindy.com use the coupon code sop - Whiteland Indiana November 12th at 3PM Daniel J. Lewis will be doing a Demo of Podgagement. Brought to you by Podpage.com Register at schoolofpodcasting.com/where Where Will I Be? School of Podcasting: Coached Plan You don’t need another list of things you could do with your podcast. You need help figuring out what to do next—and someone in your corner to help you follow through. With School of Podcasting: Coached, you get everything in the School of Podcasting, plus a weekly meeting with me, Dave Jackson, text access between meetings, and clear next steps after every session. Less second-guessing. More moving forward. Join School of Podcasting: Coached today—and let’s get your podcast where you want it to go. School of Podcasting: Coached

Hey, it's Dave Jackson, and I'm thrilled to bring you episode 1014 of the School of Podcasting. You’ve heard me say it before: "Podcasts lead to relationships, and those relationships lead to opportunities." Today, I brought proof! I sat down with Kim Newlove and Jan Almasey, who shared amazing stories about how starting a podcast opened doors they never anticipated. Kim Newlove’s Story: Kim hosts The Pharmacist Voice, where she shares insights on using your voice in the medical field, as well as the Perrysburg Podcast in Ohio. It’s been incredible watching Kim become a mini local celebrity—people in her town now recognize her as "the podcast woman." Whether it’s meeting city council members or audience listeners who discovered the area through her podcast, Kim sees firsthand how her show for Perrysburg builds authentic relationships. She even reached out to her local library to run seminars on "how to listen to podcasts," growing her audience one person at a time. You can check out Kim’s work at the Pharmacist Voice. Jan Almasey’s Journey: Jan started the Apex Podcast after seeing how storytelling could bring hope to his local community in Stark County, Ohio. Over three years, the show picked up momentum, leading to speaking engagements at high schools, partnerships with the local chamber of commerce, and even a sponsorship from the city that helped him set up a podcast studio in downtown Canton. Jan’s strategy? Build real relationships—sending thank-you cards or making personal follow-up calls to guests fueled organic growth. Later, those relationships directly translated to business opportunities like agency work, consulting gigs, and even a grant through Jumpstart Inc. to support the local economy. Jan’s story proves that podcasting is about more than downloads—it’s about building a network that keeps on growing. Learn more at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-almasy/ My Takeaway: Reflecting on their experiences—and my own—I can't stress enough how starting a podcast can transform your network. Whether you’re meeting listeners at local events, helping someone discover how to use a podcast app, or forming business partnerships outside your traditional circles, these relationships turn into possibilities you never would’ve imagined. Your podcast can be the starting point for new jobs, collaborations, consulting work, or simply making a bigger impact in your community. If you’re thinking about starting a podcast or you’re on the verge of giving up—let these stories convince you to stick with it. The relationships you build now might lead to the next big opportunity. Ready to plan, launch, or grow your show? Visit schoolofpodcasting.com and use coupon code LISTENER to save on your membership (with a 30-day money-back guarantee)! As always, thanks for listening—and if you’ve got a "Because of My Podcast" story, I’d love to hear it! Mentioned in this episode: Live Appearacves November 7th Podindy.com use the coupon code sop - Whiteland Indiana November 12th at 3PM Daniel J. Lewis will be doing a Demo of Podgagement. Brought to you by Podpage.com Register at schoolofpodcasting.com/where Where Will I Be? Check Out Dave's Newsletter With Behind the Scenes Content In each issue of Podcasting Observations, I share my thoughts on what is happening in the podcasting space, my latest content, and things that have caught my eye. I also may ask for your opinion. Join the free community Podcasting Observations Profit From Your Podcast Ready to make some money with your podcast? Check out the book Profit From Your Podcast: Proven Strategies to Turn Listeners into a Livelihood. I interviewed 70 different podcasters and share all of their insights into the seven different ways you can make money with your podcast. Available as a paperback, kindle, and audiobook. Go to www.profitfromyourpodcast.com/book Profit From Your Podcast Question of the Month: What is a "Newbie Podcaster" Poll Question: What makes someone a “newbie podcaster”? Is it how long they’ve been podcasting or how many episodes they’ve published? Is it something else? How would you define a newbie podcaster? Leave your answer at schoolofpodcasting.com/question by November 27th and don't forget to mention your show and your website address so I can link to it in the show notes. (Please try to keep them under 5 minutes if you can). Question of the Month

Welcome to the show! In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing the feedback you’ve given me over the past year. From the things you love—like honest opinions and those behind-the-scenes bloopers—to areas where you think I could improve, I’m breaking it all down. I’ll share how I process both praise and criticism, respond to some thought-provoking and even challenging listener comments, and talk openly about staying authentic on the microphone, no matter what. If you’ve ever wondered how to handle feedback for your own podcast—or you’re just curious about what really goes on behind the scenes—this episode is for you. Let’s jump in and talk about what it really means to grow through feedback! Main Points Covered Shared survey results about my audience (how you found the show, preferences on episode length, etc.) The value of opinions and why I’m not afraid to voice mine—people appreciate authenticity! Blooper reel gets love for keeping the show relatable and real. Several listeners said the show’s focus has improved—thanks for noticing! Some prefer solo episodes to interviews, and I talk about why I sometimes do interviews anyway. The “same old” show approach: people tune in for consistency, just like reruns of Hallmark movies. Trust is crucial; I work hard to give value and answers you can’t find elsewhere. You can tell when I’m tired or distracted! I agree—your energy transfers to listeners. Being award-winning isn’t about ego—my goal is always helping people. Repetition helps beginners, but seasoned podcasters would like more advanced content. Technical details: I use a Rode Podmic USB microphone into a Rodecaster Duo, recording in Hindenburg. Notes on ideas and feedback: people want more “behind-the-scenes” and technical information. Reading vs. riffing: I admit sometimes I slip into “reading mode” and work to stay spontaneous. Length controversy: some want shorter shows, some longer, but the majority like the current format. Hobbyists vs. business podcasters: I explain why my content has sometimes shifted toward podcasters wanting to grow. Ads feedback: some want fewer ads, especially repeating the School of Podcasting ad too often. Religion and “blue” humor: I discuss my Christian identity, my sense of humor, and respect differing tastes—even when jokes cross lines. You can’t please everyone—sometimes what “crosses the line” for one person is just casual for another. Suggestions for more advanced content and deeper listener Q&A segments. Advanced podcasting wisdom: find out what your audience wants, deliver with value, and keep improving. On making money: it’s possible, but requires loving the journey and standing out from the crowd. I’m always open to detailed questions—consider sending in your own for future deep dives! Websites Mentioned School of Podcasting Podcasting Observations (my email list) Podpage AppSumo Voicemail: schoolofpodcasting.com/voicemail Biz Chicks Podcast AI Goes to College Live Well and Flourish Rode Podmic USB Rodecaster Duo Mixer Recorder Feeding My Faith Show Mentioned in this episode: School of Podcasting: Coached Plan You don’t need another list of things you could do with your podcast. You need help figuring out what to do next—and someone in your corner to help you follow through. With School of Podcasting: Coached, you get everything in the School of Podcasting, plus a weekly meeting with me, Dave Jackson, text access between meetings, and clear next steps after every session. Less second-guessing. More moving forward. Join School of Podcasting: Coached today—and let’s get your podcast where you want it to go. School of Podcasting: Coached Question of the Month: What is a "Newbie Podcaster" Poll Question: What makes someone a “newbie podcaster”? Is it how long they’ve been podcasting or how many episodes they’ve published? Is it something else? How would you define a newbie podcaster? Leave your answer at schoolofpodcasting.com/question by November 27th and don't forget to mention your show and your website address so I can link to it in the show notes. (Please try to keep them under 5 minutes if you can). Question of the Month Check Out Dave's Newsletter With Behind the Scenes Content In each issue of Podcasting Observations, I share my thoughts on what is happening in the podcasting space, my latest content, and things that have caught my eye. I also may ask for your opinion. Join the free community Podcasting Observations Live Appearacves November 7th Podindy.com use the coupon code sop - Whiteland Indiana November 12th at 3PM Daniel J. Lewis will be doing a Demo of Podgagement. Brought to you by Podpage.com Register at schoolofpodcasting.com/where Where Will I Be?

In this episode, I circle back to a classic question: What do you wish you’d known when you started your podcast that you know now? This is a question I’ve asked in the past (shout-out to episode 768 back in 2021!), and while I received close to 20 answers then, participation was a bit lighter this time around. But don’t worry—the quality makes up for the quantity! Featured Guests & Their Insights I’m joined by two long-time contributors—Kim Newlove and Steve Stewart—who share powerfully honest responses about their podcasting journeys. Kim Newlove: Kim shares 12 things she wishes she’d known when starting her podcasts, The Pharmacist’s Voice and the Perrysburg Podcast. She talks about everything from being able to change your podcast’s “why” as its mission evolves, to discovering the right gear (hello, Shure SM7B!), figuring out realistic production schedules, mastering research and writing demands, making effective use of Canva for episode artwork, choosing media hosts wisely, the importance of newsletters, the value of trailers, and more. She emphasizes learning as you go and assures new podcasters that it’s totally okay to fill in gaps as you build your parachute on the way down! Steve Stewart: Steve reflects on how much he wishes he’d known how to edit for content when he first began his show in 2010. His early episodes would benefit from a bit more polish, and he shares how improving his editing skills made a huge difference not just for his own podcast, but eventually for others through his work at the Podcast Editors Academy. Steve also offers an excellent resource for anyone looking for a podcast editor. My Takeaways & Thoughts: I share my own lessons learned—including the importance of setting aside regular time for learning new skills, asking for direct feedback from listeners, and being willing to adapt and evolve your show as needed. I also discuss the value of constructive criticism and how it helps me grow as a podcaster. Resources & Mentions: Kim’s Podcasts: The Pharmacist’s Voice and Perrysburg Podcast Steve’s Podcast Editing Resource: Find an Editor School of Podcasting: schoolofpodcasting.com (use coupon code “listenr” for a discount!) Media Host Recommendations: Captivate, Buzzsprout, Libsyn (coupon sopfree), Transistor, Blubrry, and now RSS.com Podcast Editors Academy: Steve Stewart and Mark Deal’s community for podcast editors. Newsletter Tools: ConvertKit (for marketing now Kit) and Substack (for sharing thoughts/content) As always, I encourage you to ask your audience for feedback, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to tweak your show or try something new. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been podcasting for years, there’s always something to learn. If you want more podcasting content, check out my other shows at powerofpodcasting.com. Thanks so much for listening! If you enjoyed the episode, I’d truly appreciate it if you shared it with a friend Mentioned in this episode: Question of the Month: What is a "Newbie Podcaster" Poll Question: What makes someone a “newbie podcaster”? Is it how long they’ve been podcasting or how many episodes they’ve published? Is it something else? How would you define a newbie podcaster? Leave your answer at schoolofpodcasting.com/question by November 27th and don't forget to mention your show and your website address so I can link to it in the show notes. (Please try to keep them under 5 minutes if you can). Question of the Month Ready to Get Your Podcast Moving? Tiger Woods, Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey all had coaches. We can help you avoid mistakes, give you constructive feedback and ensure you sound professional and make content that resonates with your audience. Join the School of Podcasting and in addition to the tutorials and community you get five hours of one-on-one coaching with me each month. School of Podcasting Check Out Dave's Newsletter With Behind the Scenes Content In each issue of Podcasting Observations, I share my thoughts on what is happening in the podcasting space, my latest content, and things that have caught my eye. I also may ask for your opinion. Join the free community Podcasting Observations Live Appearacves November 7th Podindy.com use the coupon code sop - Whiteland Indiana November 12th at 3PM Daniel J. Lewis will be doing a Demo of Podgagement. Brought to you by Podpage.com Register at schoolofpodcasting.com/where Where Will I Be?

In this episode, I look into the many ways you can measure the success of your podcast beyond just download numbers. Too often, new podcasters get fixated on stats that might not actually reflect their true goals, whether that’s growing their business, building a community, or simply having fun. I share 12 alternative metrics—including email list growth, audience engagement, speaking opportunities, and more—so you can assess your progress and celebrate wins that go way beyond downloads. I also mention some valuable tools, companies, and podcasts to help you along the way. This episode (as all of my recent episodes) uses chapters. Apple and Spotify Completion Rate When you go into the dashboards of Apple and Spotify, you can see how far people listened to your show. I'm an old teach so for me 70% is a C. 80% is a B, and anything above 90% is an A. The beauty of both these platforms is you can click and listen at any point that shows a drop of so you can see if it was something you said that cause the dropoff. Listeners: The number of unique devices that have played more than 0 seconds of an episode. Engaged Listeners: The number of unique devices that played at least 20 minutes or 40% of an episode within a single session. Pausing or stopping an episode does not count as starting a new session. Spotify shows People You reached (people who have seen your show), People who Showed Interest (they interacted with your show, which may be an indicator of episode titles o artwork), People who consumed (so they listened to your show). Unprovoked Audience Feedback This is my favorite. You put out an episode, and 24 ours later you've got emails in your inbox, DMs on social giving you feedback. For me, this is a great indication that your episode resonated with your audience. Email List Growth If the goal of your show is to monetize, this metric is KEY. I know for me, I focused on lead magnets and growing my list, and those efforts resulted in me growing my list by 39% Growth in Community You can look at your community growth, this could be Facebook, Discord, Heartbeat (my favorite), Circle, etc. School of Podcasting member Mark Lawley who does the Practical Prepping show with his wife Krista. They have 155 thousands people in their community. I do not recommend using Facebook (or any free service) for your community. Paul G shared in his interview how he lost a five figure community. I've been kicked out of my own Facebook group, and moved to Heartbeat (which now has a great AI tool that makes setting up a community a breeze). Business Metrics If the goal of your show is to grow your business, then looking at the number of customers, the revenue generated should be something to look at. I hear people all the time mentioned how they will measure the goals in downloads and later say they want to make some income. Then I believe you may want to measure your success in income. Attribution Stats If you ask people who interact with you and the answer to the question, "How did you find me?" If the answer is, "I heard your podcast" that is something you can measure and let's you know your SEO and word mouth is working. Being Asked to Speak We had unprovoked audience feedback, this is unprovoked opportunities to appear on other podcasts, speaking gigs, or other media appearances. Are You Being Seen as The Authority Have you heard yourself being quoted? You can see what websites are linking to yours (which may be someone you collaborate with). This article from SemRush explains how to see who is linking to your website?. Consistency in Schedule Consistency in schedule enables your audience to add you to their routine (which is huge). So are you better at coming up with remarkable content on a consistent basis. Quality of Audience So you're attracting people, but are you attracting the right people? Are they doing what you want them to do? Your List of Friends is Growing Every time you do an interview, you have an opportunity to make a new friend. As the saying goes, "It's not who you know, but who knows you." Do you have more friends than you did a year ago? The Fun and Fulfillment Factor Are you a better communicator/interviewer than when you started? Do you feel more confident explaining your topic? Do you enjoy the conversations you’re having? For a lot of podcasters, that is the real win. ----- Apple Chapters: What You Need to Do Apple Podcasts has added automated chapters to your show. In most cases you don't have to do anything to adjust your settings. Mentioned In This Episode School of Podcasting Family Tree Food Stories Practical Prepping Content Creators Accountant Podcast Best Practices Handout Heartbeat Community Platfrom Circle Community Platform Skool Community Platform Around the Layout Podcast Ray Arnott Interview on Partnerships Podmatch find Guests, Be a Guest Dave's Email List Kit Email List Buzzsprout Media Hosting Captivate Media Hosting Percent Change Calculator who is linking to your website? article Like the show? Buy Dave a Coffee Apple Dashboard Spotify Dashboard Mentioned in this episode: Check Out Dave's Newsletter With Behind the Scenes Content In each issue of Podcasting Observations, I share my thoughts on what is happening in the podcasting space, my latest content, and things that have caught my eye. I also may ask for your opinion. Join the free community Podcasting Observations Live Appearacves November 7th Podindy.com use the coupon code sop - Whiteland Indiana November 12th at 3PM Daniel J. Lewis will be doing a Demo of Podgagement. Brought to you by Podpage.com Register at schoolofpodcasting.com/where Where Will I Be? To Shy To Podcast? You're Perfect Introverts often notice things that others don't see (giving you a unique point of view). They also are good listeners (great for interviews), and you probably have an attention for detail. All of these skills are great for podcasters. Plus, you can meet lots of people without meeting lots of people. Join now with a 30 day money-back guarantee at schoolofpodcasting.com/join School of Podcasting Question of the Month: What is a "Newbie Podcaster" Poll Question: What makes someone a “newbie podcaster”? Is it how long they’ve been podcasting or how many episodes they’ve published? Is it something else? How would you define a newbie podcaster? Leave your answer at schoolofpodcasting.com/question by November 27th and don't forget to mention your show and your website address so I can link to it in the show notes. (Please try to keep them under 5 minutes if you can). Question of the Month