School of Podcasting: Expert Tips for Launching and Growing Your Podcast

If you want a podcast launch checklist I have one available here. This show is intended for beginners to podcasting. If you already have one, this may be one to skip (or you will hear things you should've thought about but didn't). Here are the steps I covered. PodpageBuzzsproutweb hostingDomain NameNamecheap Here’s a handy list of every website and URL I mentioned in this episode, so you can find the resources and recommendations I talked about: School of Podcasting: https://schoolofpodcasting.com Podpage: https://podpage.com (And check out https://trypodpage.com for a quick start!) Buzzsprout:

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

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

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 Appearances I would love to see you! You can see where I'm going to be using the link below. If you would like me to speak at your offline or online event, contact me at www.schoolofpodcasting.com/contact Where Will I Be? Happy...

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 Podmic USBRodecaster Duo Websites Mentioned School of PodcastingPodcasting ObservationsPodpageAppSumoschoolofpodcasting.com/voicemailBiz Chicks Podcast

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 VoicePerrysburg PodcastSteve’s Podcast Editing Resource:Find an EditorSchool of Podcasting:schoolofpodcasting.comMedia Host Recommendations:CaptivateBuzzsproutLibsynTransistorBlubrry

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...

Hey, it's Dave Jackson from the School of Podcasting! In this episode, I dive into what truly delivers value to your podcast audience—drawing inspiration from an episode of the Novel Marketing podcast hosted by my buddy, Thomas Umstattd Jr.. As I was driving to PodIndy, I caught myself sharing Thomas Umstattd Jr.'s episode with friends, and it hit me: why was this episode good enough for me to recommend? Today, I'm breaking down the answer to that question and sharing snippets of what I like to call "value bombs," even if that phrase is a bit cringey. Here's what I cover: Websites Mentioned: AuthorMedia.comSchoolofPodcasting.comPerplexity AISweetwaterBackblazeVoomlyLoomTella Gumroad My big takeaway? To truly deliver value: know your audience, answer their questions, overdeliver, and don't be afraid to share your own stories and expertise. When you save them time, money, or frustration, you make your podcast not only worth listening to—but worth sharing. Takeaways:

Hey everyone, it’s Dave Jackson from the School of Podcasting! In today’s episode, I sit down with Heidi Kay Begay from Red House Productions (website: redhouseproductions.net) to discuss how you don’t need a massive audience to start monetizing your podcast. She reveals practical and inspiring strategies to pitch your value and land meaningful brand relationships, even when your show is still growing. Key Points & Takeaways You Don’t Need Huge Download Numbers:Mindset Shift:Pitching Sponsors:Focus on Value Over Numbers:Partnership, Not Just Ad Reads:Negotiation is Key:Pricing Sponsorships:Campaign Tracking & Follow-Up:Dealing with Rejection:AI Music Tools:suno.aiHeidi's Course on Monetization Websites Mentioned redhouseproductions.netschoolofpodcasting.comsuno.ai horseradionetwork.com

Hey, it’s Dave Jackson from School of Podcasting, and in this episode, I look into what podcasters can learn from Ace Frehley of Kiss—even though Ace wasn't the most technically brilliant guitarist, his unique approach made him a massive inspiration for millions. I share how Ace’s story relates to how we think about our own podcasting journey. Here are some of the takeaways we can learn from Ace: You Don’t Have to Be the Best:Find What Sets You Apart: Continuous Improvement: Know Your Role and Play for the TeamConnect with Your AudienceProtect Your Rights:Have Fun and Know When to Walk Away:Overcome SetbacksBe Innovative and Audience-Focused: Mashed Potatoes and AI Today I use the analogy comparing AI-generated content to instant mashed potatoes out of a box. While it’s impressive how quickly and easily you can whip something up with AI—just like it’s convenient to make mashed potatoes from a box—the outcome usually isn’t that memorable. Most of the time, I find myself more amazed by the technology itself than by what it produces. Growing up, my mom tried to make instant mashed potatoes edible by mixing in milk and lots of butter, but honestly, they still couldn’t compare to homemade mashed potatoes made from real potatoes, mashed by hand. When you taste those homemade mashed potatoes, it’s something you remember—they’re just better. The point I wanted to make is that shortcuts like AI (or boxed potatoes) may save time, but when I put in the time to create something myself—from scratch—it always turns out more remarkable and worth sharing with my audience. That’s what I strive for in my podcasting: to create something people remember, not just something that’s quick and easy. Josh Liston from Sake This had me thinking how I've never shared something created by AI because of the content (maybe because it was cool). The "End" of Unlimited Consulting at the School of Podcasting Recently, I made a change at the School of Podcasting—I’ve retired the “unlimited...

We're diving into the oh-so-fun world of podcast listening habits today, folks. Some people think most listeners are "Full." So how many podcasts are we actually cramming into our ears each week? And let me tell you, the answers are as varied as the podcasts themselves. From folks who binge a couple of episodes while commuting to some who claim they listen to 30-plus shows, it’s a wild ride. So grab your headphones and settle in as we break down the absurdity of our listening obsessions and peek behind the curtain of our podcasting lives. Takeaways: Contributors: thepharmacistsvoice.comperrysburgpodcast.combacklookcinema.comaskralph.comschoolofpodcasting.comstevestewart.mepracticalprepping.infotheruckersedge.comwelcometoearthstories.comschoolofpodcasting.com/pocketcastspodcasteditorsacademy.com Ready to Start a Podcast? Starting a new show? Need help growing the show you have? Join the School of Podcasting worry free with a 30-day money-back guarantee. JOIN TODAY 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 Join the School of Podcasting Community Feeling overwhelmed by the world of podcasting? The School of Podcasting is your sanctuary of simplicity and support. We understand that navigating equipment choices, content planning, and audience growth can be daunting. That's why we've designed our courses to break down every aspect into manageable, clear steps, making it easy for you to focus on what truly...

I'm diving deep into the pros and cons of doing a live podcast, inspired by a question from Ralph over at askralph.com. If you’ve ever considered going live with your show—whether with video or audio—you’ll want to hear my honest take after years of experience. I break down what it’s really like to start live streaming, especially if you’re new to podcasting or just thinking about expanding into video. From gear recommendations, background setups, and green screens to my latest waste-of-money purchase (ouch!), I share what works, what doesn’t, and what you should really consider before investing. You’ll hear why consistency in scheduling is key and how I built a loyal live audience for Ask the Podcast Coach, which now feels like the new Saturday morning cartoons for my regulars. I talk candidly about realistic audience expectations—don’t be shocked when only a handful show up at first!—and why you shouldn’t start live if you're overwhelmed by tech. I run through my favorite live streaming platforms, like Restream, eCamm Live, EVMux, and Streamyard, and why I personally steer clear of Riverside despite its flashy features. I talk camera options, from affordable 4K webcams to fancy DSLRs, and stress why you should practice, practice, practice before going live in front of folks. You’ll also get my advice on handling live chat, co-host dynamics, the need for two monitors, and the occasional awkwardness of booting guests off gracefully. I share war stories about live mishaps, from surprise guests to technical gremlins, and why your audience is nearly always rooting for you. If you’re weighing whether the extra expense, learning curve, and time spent prepping for live shows is worth it, I’ll walk you through how it’s brought me closer to my audience and generated great content for my main show. Spoiler: For me, the connection, fun, and instant feedback have made it worthwhile—even if those first few live shows felt like talking to a brick wall! Takeaways: Equipment Mentioned Neewer Keylight Kit Obsbot Meet 4k Camera Yolo 3 4K Camera Logitech MX Brio Ultra HD 4K Sony ZV-E10 II DSLR...

Welcome back! In this episode, I tackle this month’s big question: "How long did it take you to bring your podcast from an idea in your head to execution—and how long to find your audience?" I share stories from guest contributors and reflect on my own process after launching nearly 40 different shows over the years. Todd the Gator kicks things off describing how his gaming show “Guardian Downcast” was born, with community members pulling him into hosting after another podcast called it quits. He recalls the whirlwind of learning what a podcast actually is, how to publish it, and how long it took their show to fully find its identity—hint: half their existence! Steve Stewart joins in, sharing that his first podcast took a full year to go from idea to launch. Facing the usual fears and uncertainty, Steve found accountability and guidance with a coach, which made all the difference. He also talks about the slow climb to finding an audience and how connecting with similar podcasts really helped boost those early numbers. Chris shares a personal journey that traces 20 years of tinkering before launching his current show “Cool Cars with Chris.” After plenty of experimenting and previous podcasts, he finally returned to his passion for cars and found a format that felt true to himself. I reflect on my own timelines, explaining that those first launches tend to take much longer thanks to the steep learning curve. Once I got the hang of things, I could launch new shows in a day or even a weekend. That said, good planning is key. I break down a suggested six-week timeline for new podcasters—everything from concept and audience research to equipment, recording, editing, feedback, and hosting. Trust me, the more time you spend planning in the beginning, the less time you’ll be spending fixing things later. We also dig into the importance of feedback. Whether you’re getting listeners’ reactions or setting up listening parties to watch how your core audience responds, feedback is what helps you refine and grow your show. I wrap up with tips for making your podcast stand out, advice for building a website and collecting email addresses, and a reminder that your launch strategy matters as much as your content. Plus, a quick book recommendation for anyone working on their visuals—and a little movie review, just for fun! As Always - It Depends If your podcast is "just for fun" then maybe you don't need to spend so much time thinking about how your show will be different. You do need to check and make sure someone else is not using your name. Check out the Podcast Launch Checklist When It Comes to Podcast Marketing At it's basic form, podcast marketing strategies start with knowing who your audience is (specifically) and going to where they are. Then make friends with them, and finally tell them about your show. Thanks To The Contributors! Steve Stewart - Podcast Editors Academy Chris Smith - Cool Cars With Chris Todd the Gator - Guardian Downcast / Fifty Years Experience Required Links referenced in this episode: schoolofpodcasting.comguardiandowncast.com

In today's episode, we're going to pull back that curtain on podcasting best practices. And some of these conventions are grounded in logic and proven results, and others might just be myths that we're just blindly following. I explain why I think these are legit, and explain why some of these are not accurate. As always your audience may be different than mine, but based on 20 years in podcasting, these are the just some of the best practices I teach at the School of Podcasting. Why is Recording a Test Episode before launch a Podcast Best Practice? Why is Defining a Clear Topic or Niche a Podcast Best Practice? Why Is Getting to the Topic ASAP a Podcast Best Practice? Why is Knowing Why Your Are Podcasting a Podcast Best Practice? Why is Engaging with Audience and Creating a Community a Podcast Best Practice? anyway Why is Prioritizing Sound Quality a Podcast Best Practice? Samson Q2URode Wireless Micro Why is Knowing What You're Going to Say Before Your Press Record a Best Practice?

Podcasting is a wild ride, and who better to ride along with us than Cassian Bellino? She's got this killer attitude that turns failures into stepping stones. Seriously, if you think you need a perfect setup to start podcasting, think again! Cassian talks about how she built her Instagram following to over 113,000 by just being herself and sharing her journey. It's not about how many people listen or follow; it’s about the fact that you’re doing what you love. We dive into the nitty-gritty of social media strategies, like how she engages her audience and drives them from Instagram to her podcast. And let’s be real, if you’re not experimenting and embracing the cringe, are you even trying? So, whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up your podcast game, this episode is packed with gems that remind us it’s all about attitude, authenticity, and that sweet, sweet journey of learning. Takeaways: Links referenced in this episode: schoolofpodcasting.combibspeak.comInstaclub - learn InstagramStampede SocialManychat 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 Help Dave Shape the Show I want to make this show your favorite podcast about podcasting. I can't do this without you. This will be a live virtual meeting where you can help me shape the content of this show. You can let me know what I'm doing right, and what needs some polish. I look forward to meeting with you and others and hearing your feedback. Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/kitchen (or click the link below) Podcast Kitchen Live Appearances I will be at the Empower Podcasting Conference in Charlotte NC September 26-28 This is going to be a great conference. I'll be speaking and I can't wait to see you there. Where Will I Be? Question of the Month This month's question comes from Todd the Gator of the Gaurdian Downcast (guardiandowncast.com). He wants to know: How long did it take to go from idea to podcast? Also how long did it take to find your community? I need your answers by September 26th Question of the Month

The past year we've lost some great people in the podcasting family. Neil Guilarte and Todd Cochrane both died suddenly with no warning. If you're not prepared, you leave your family in a lurch adding to the stress of your passing. I bring on The Podcast Lawyer Gordon Firemark to explain some of the ins and outs (Gordon doesn't do wills and such, but can explain the process). As law change based on location you may want to hire someone locally, or use an online tool that adjusts to your location. Takeaways: Mentioned in this Episode School of PodcastingGordon FiremarkGordon's YouTube Channel1passwordBitwardenArticle by James Cridland from PodnewsLaw Depot Mentioned in this episode: Question of the Month This month's question comes from Todd the Gator of the Gaurdian Downcast (guardiandowncast.com). He wants to know: How long did it take to go from idea to podcast? Also how long did it take to find your community? I need your answers by September 26th Question of the Month Live Appearances I will be at the Empower Podcasting Conference in Charlotte NC September 26-28 This is going to be a great conference. I'll be speaking and I can't wait to see you there. Where Will I Be? Help Dave Shape the Show I want to make this show your favorite podcast about podcasting. I can't do this without you. This will be a live virtual meeting where you can help me shape the content of this show. You can let me know what I'm doing right, and what needs some polish. I look forward to meeting with you and others and hearing your feedback. Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/kitchen (or click the link below) Podcast Kitchen

Growing a podcast isn’t just about hitting record and hoping for the best. If you’ve been tuning in, you know we’re all about making remarkable content that actually resonates with listeners. Last week, we dug deep into what successful shows are doing differently, and trust me, it’s not rocket science. It’s about conversation, not just broadcasting. Today, I’m sharing free tools and insights to help connect with your audience better and some juicy news from Spotify that might just change the way you think about your podcast. Spoiler alert: it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. I looked at some of the big names in the biz and guess what? Most of them have one thing in common — they interact with their listeners. They don’t just talk at you; they want to talk with you. We’re talking newsletters, voicemails, and even knowing the eye color of your audience. Because if you can relate to your listeners on that level, you’re doing something right. I even had a hilarious blunder with my email list that turned into a goldmine of feedback — the kind of feedback that makes or breaks your show. So, if you’re still wondering why your podcast isn’t growing, it might be time to roll up those sleeves and get face-to-face with your audience, even if it’s over Zoom. The best way to find out what your audience wants is to ask them. I’m inviting you into my podcast kitchen to help shape future episodes. Because at the end of the day, your podcast should feel like a recipe that everyone can enjoy together. Join me for a live chat on October 16th where we’ll dive into what you want to hear, and let’s make this show the best it can be. Remember, if you want to grow, you have to listen first. Now, go out there and start those conversations! Tools To Get In Touch With Your Audience You could do this via

I am still in shock about the loss of Todd Cochrane. I just saw him a few weeks ago 30 lbs lighter and looking great. I've known Todd for 20+ years. The man who wrote the very first book on podcasting. In looking for pictures, I only have this one in a group. Why? Because you always think a person will be there to do it next time. Todd was a character. Unique. There will never be another one. At every event I would end up at a table with Todd, "The Robs" (Greenlee and Walch) and other OGs. Always great to catch up and share insights with the goal of making sure the podcast space was doing OK. I will remember Todd as the courageous advocate of the independent podcaster. At one point he would get deals by grouping shows together. This was a HUGE nightmare of paperwork, but he wanted to see the "indies" make some money. I was one of those indies, and it was one of the first times I made money with a podcast. That wouldn't have happened without Todd. On a recent show he talked about he wouldn't do a deal where the podcaster made less than 70%. Other companies are taking deals of 50%. Not Todd. The podcaster must be paid. I loved that he had a wider view of the podcast space as the CEO of Blubrry and was always sharing what he saw. My favorite phrase to hear Todd say was, "I probably shouldn't say this but..." because you knew what was coming was a doozy. When you hear the stat, "Most podcasters don't make it past episode seven" that was first delivered by Todd Cochran. He was always open to share so if there was a problem so we could all solve it together. Todd was the man behind the People's Choice Podcast Awards. When some shows didn't win, he received death threats. Did it stop him from holding the awards next year? No. Todd earned next to nothing for doing those awards, but did it for the indies (noticing a pattern yet?). Lots of work for next to no pay as long as the indie would benefit. One of my favorite memories of Todd was way back at the New Media Expo. There was an off site party at a bar. I was running the podcast track, and got there late. The bar was at the top of a slope, so I was walking up this slight hill as Todd exited the bar. I believe the ol' sailor had consumed some spirits. Todd had not made it down the two or three steps to the parking lot, so there I was gazing up at Todd who looked 10 feet tall. They had been talking about bigger companies getting into podcasting. Before I could even say hello, Todd raised his fist in the air and shouted, "There is a fox in hen house boys! VIVA LA REVOLUTION!" So there he was, larger than life, fist in the air, up against the dark Vegas sky fighting for the indies. There will never be another Todd Cochrane. RIP My Friend. Todd's Presentation from the New Media Expo 2015 - Reflections on 10 Years of Podcasting Key Topics: Audience Relationship Podcasting Journey Monetization Podcasting Challenges

Over the 20 years there are certain questions that get asked over and over, and today I share my thoughts on How Do I Grow My Podcast Audience? The part that will get me in hot water, is I'm pointing my finger at your content (and delivery). Get the Remarkable Episode Checklist Who and Why When it comes to growing your podcast, there are two things that drive the content and the first one is who is your audience. It can’t be “everybody” and it can’t be “men 25 to 50” as there is a big difference between those two men. There is one situation that I’ll talk about in a minute that is an exception. The Three R’s Relative Content: Shows the audience, ““I understand where you are, and here’s something useful for you today.” Remarkable Content: Create episodes worth talking about or sharing. A good podcast reliably informs or entertains with quality, while a remarkable podcast emotionally connects, inspires, and leaves a lasting impression through exceptional storytelling, unique content, or innovative presentation When you have relative, remarkable content it resonates with your audience (and they tell a friend). Examine Your Show podcastsconnect.apple.com and creators.spotify.com allow you to check your completion rate. Community, Community, Community You can use tools like Heartbeat, Systeme, and Circle (Systeme has a free version) to build a community. How many checks does your episode check on the Remarkable Content Checklist? Create a survey for your audience (to find out what they want, and how you're doing delivering value). Podpage has a built in survey based on the book The Audience is Listening by Tom Webster ( a must read). More Ways to Grow Than Downloads Your podcast leads to relationship which lead to opportunity. Your network grows. You can become THE person in your niche - if you don't quit. Feel Like Giving Value Back? Say thanks by giving back (it makes you feel wonderful) Mentioned In This Episode Growthinreverse.comschoolofpodcasting.com

Outsourcing for your podcast is a bit like dating—you have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince (or princess). This episode gets into the nitty-gritty of hiring help for your podcast, featuring stories from our listeners who’ve been there, done that, and got the t-shirt (or the horror story). Kim Newlove shares her success with hiring a coach and how that investment paid off in spades. On the flip side, York's experience is a cautionary tale about the perils of hiring without doing proper research. It’s a mixed bag of outcomes, and we’re here for all of it. We also explore the broader theme of investing in your podcast and the balance between saving money and getting quality help. After all, sometimes you gotta spend a little to save a lot—like time, sanity, and the integrity of your podcast. Tune in for laughs, lessons learned, and a whole lot of real talk on the do’s and don’ts of podcast hiring. Need Help Finding an Editor? If you need help finding an editor use THIS LINK which will go to Steve Stewart who co-runs the Podcast Editor Academy and he will send your information to people in that group. Takeaways: Links referenced in this episode: schoolofpodcasting.compodcastbranding.cothepharmacistsvoice.comperrysburgpodcast.comwelcometoearthstories.comaskralph.commediavoiceovers.comsounddogs.comtunereel.compodpage.comschoolofpodcasting.compodcasthotseat.comempoweredpodcasting.commarriedandloveit.com Mentioned in this episode: Question of the Month This month's question comes from Todd the Gator of the Gaurdian Downcast (guardiandowncast.com). He wants to know: How long did it take...