The Audacity to Podcast®

Following up from my previous episode (#420) about using numbering your podcast episode, here are 5 times and places to not use episode numbers. Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/avoidepisodenumbers Introduction: listen to #420 first! [00:00] https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/when-to-use-podcast-episode-numbers/ 1. Don't use episode numbers when they would not matter to your audience [00:46] 2. Avoid episode numbers when they conflict with episode titles, or else reword [02:05] 3. Don't use the episode's number within that episode [05:10] 4. Don't use episode numbers in website, social, or SEO titles [09:02] 5. Don't use episode numbers in the https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/should-you-include-episode-numbers-in-episode-titles/ Follow-up to my previous episode [16:55] Special thanks [19:08] If you value The Audacity to Podcast, please consider giving back whatever it's worth to you! https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/giveback ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email feedback@theaudacitytopodcast.com Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

I've changed my mind since 12 years ago in episode 175, when I proposed that episode numbers were unnecessary for most podcasts. Now, I see more cases when you should consider using episode numbers with your podcast. It comes down to this: use episode numbers when they matter to your audience. Specifically, here's how to determine when that applies. Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/whenepisodenumbers 1. Use episode numbers for serial podcasts [00:53] 2. Use episode numbers if frequently referencing other episodes [02:58] https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/are-podcast-episode-numbers-really-necessary-in-podcasting-show-notes-tap175/ 3. Use episode numbers for file and folder organization [15:16] https://podchapters.com/ 4. Use episode numbers when you can't make better episode URLs [18:15] 5. Use episode numbers correctly and efficiently in episode titles [21:41] https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/should-you-include-episode-numbers-in-episode-titles/ Special thanks [26:42] ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email feedback@theaudacitytopodcast.com Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

No matter where you are in your podcasting journey, it's possible to make one of these podcasting mistakes at any point! Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/5commonmistakes 1. Striving for "perfect" [00:40] https://podcasting.deals/Bs4fihttps://podcasting.deals/QmPnet 2. Doing too much [10:21] 3. Starting without a plan [13:55] 4. Obsessing over the "launch" [16:25] 5. Not launching at all [19:11] Supercharge your audience engagement with Podgagement! [21:34] https://podgagement.com/ ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email feedback@theaudacitytopodcast.com Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

Do you have any unfinished episodes? Maybe you already recorded them but just haven't gotten around to editing them. Or maybe you started writing the outline, but you never finished. Then this challenge is for you! Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/unfinished "If it'll keep, it'll preach" [00:49] Complete the preproduction for draft episodes [05:22] https://podchapters.com/ Finish the editing, or publish with minimal editing [10:53] Discard what no longer "sparks joy" [14:34] Special thanks [20:13] ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email feedback@theaudacitytopodcast.com Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

I'm back from Podfest Multimedia Expo 2026 in Orlando. This is now my favorite podcasting conference, and I'd like to share some thoughts. Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/podfest26 1. Community is still priority [01:54] 2. The Podcast Hall of Fame is a highlight [05:19] https://podcasthall.com 3. Lots of quality teaching [07:18] 4. The location is still expensive [10:40] 5. Great networking [12:57] Feedback reminder: your unexpected upgrades and 3 questions [16:29] https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email feedback@theaudacitytopodcast.com Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

When thinking about upgrading your podcasting workflow, you probably immediately think of actual podcasting tools: microphones, recorder/mixer/interface combos, podcast hosting, podcasting software, cameras, lighting, and such. But that's not what I'm going to share with you! In fact, none of these are explicitly podcasting tools (with one on the fence). And not a single one of these is yet another AI tool! Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/unexpectedupgrades Try PodChapters FREE on your next episode! [00:52] https://podchapters.com/ https://podcasting.deals/8i04aihttps://www.corsair.com/us/en/p/keyboards/CH-912A31I-NA/galleon-100-sd-stream-deck-integrated-mechanical-keyboard-ch-912a31i-na https://www.corsair.com/us/en/p/keyboards/CH-912A31I-NA/galleon-100-sd-stream-deck-integrated-mechanical-keyboard-ch-912a31i-nahttps://podcasting.deals/FaX2Je https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/textexpanderhttps://theaudacitytopodcast.com/keyboardmaestrohttps://theaudacitytopodcast.com/autohotkeyhttps://theaudacitytopodcast.com/raycast Smarthome accessories [18:42] Furniture [23:13] Cable management [28:36] ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email feedback@theaudacitytopodcast.com Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

Post office boxes (maybe called something else in other countries) require an investment (especially increasing the last few years), but they could be worth it for you! Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/pobox Privacy, obviously! [01:05] Use your PO Box for public records [01:51] https://who.is Encourage your audience to send things to your PO Box [03:58] Use your PO Box as a secure delivery address for retailers (may not be available everywhere) [06:12] Boost your reputation with a hint of professionalism [08:52] Please share your thoughts about The Audacity to Podcast! [10:23] https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email feedback@theaudacitytopodcast.com Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

It's Christmas Eve, and instead of talking about podcasting or goals for a new year, I want to share a special Christmas message.

Surveying your audience doesn't have to be a complicated matter. Moving into a new year, here are the three most important questions I recommend you ask your audience. Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/3questions 1. "What would you like more of from me/us or my/our podcast?" [01:20] 2. "What would you like less of from me/us or my/our podcast?" [02:14] 3. "What do you want to tell me/us that's been on your mind?" [04:05] You turn these into to-dos and take action [04:43] I want to hear your thoughts about The Audacity to Podcast! [07:36] https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity Special thanks [10:30] ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email feedback@theaudacitytopodcast.com Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

Is WordPress still the best choice for your podcast website, or should you try something else now? Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/needwordpress Your podcast does need a website! [01:16] Podcast-hosting providers have much better websites now [05:24] https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/go/captivatehttps://theaudacitytopodcast.com/buzzsprouthttps://theaudacitytopodcast.com/transistor WordPress gives ultimate power with costs [07:24] https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/bhosting Website builders have gotten easier and better [10:04] https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/squarespacehttps://theaudacitytopodcast.com/wix Podpage and Beamly provide a new way [11:15] https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/podpagehttps://theaudacitytopodcast.com/beamly What's right for you? [13:35] Important tip #1: update your RSS feed's episode links! [15:01] Important tip #2: copy or redirect all old URLs [16:00] Chapter your podcast with PodChapters! [18:07] https://podchapters.com/ ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email feedback@theaudacitytopodcast.com Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

Running short on time but feel obligated to podcast? Should you "wing it" or just cram like a procrastinating high-schooler the night before a big test? Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/SLUG 1. Respect your audience's time Should Podcast Episodes Have a Consistent Length? 2. Always consider quality over quantity Seth Godin's blog 3. Adapt to prevent recurrences Special thanks Try PodChapters FREE ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email feedback@theaudacitytopodcast.com Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

There are plenty of great podcast-hosting providers, but some of them are committing podcasting sins that could make it harder for you to use them, or impair your podcast's performance. Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/hostingsins (I earn from qualified purchased through my affiliate links in this episode, but I recommend things I truly believe in, regardless of earnings.) Introduction [00:00] Sin 1: not redirecting your podcast RSS feed [01:02] https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/redirects-and-how-to-use-them-in-podcasting-tap280/ Sin 2: using unpredictable media URLs [06:07] Sin 3: changing your GUIDs [14:08] Podcast GUID from Podcasting 2.0 Sin 4: improperly constructing your RSS feed [18:35] Sin 5: stripping important data from your episodes [28:19] Try PodChapters for $0! Sin 6: not optimizing your media [32:53] Sin 7: unnecessarily optimizing your media [39:21] My podcast-hosting performance results Special thanks [45:53] Lyndsay Phillips had me as a guest on Leverage Your Podcast to talk about engaging your podcast audience. Go listen to it!Podfest Multimedia Expo accepted my session proposal, so I will be sharing "What You Need to Know About Podcasting 2.0" at Podfest! Please join me at Podfest, January 15–18, in Orlando, Florida!Please support The Audacity to Podcast if you feel you get any value from it! Try PodChapters on your next episode for $0! https://podchapters.com/ ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email feedback@theaudacitytopodcast.com Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

In a world that can't correctly define a podcast anymore, there's a new obsession over and pressure to publish video. But if you are able to publish both audio and video, which should actually be your priority? Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/higherpriority Introduction [00:00] https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/whats-a-podcast-anymore/ 1. Prioritize audio in production [00:44] 2. Prioritize listeners in your audience [02:25] 3. Prioritize video for sharing [04:07] https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/opuscliphttps://theaudacitytopodcast.com/squadcasthttps://theaudacitytopodcast.com/riverside 4. Feeling overwhelmed? Then prioritize audio! [08:26] Special thanks [10:27] https://podchapters.com/https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email feedback@theaudacitytopodcast.com Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

You may have heard that certain topics are "taboo" to share in your podcast, but are they really? Or is it okay to share your "controversial" perspectives? I'm not going to tell you what you "should" do on this issue. Instead, I'll give you several things to consider so that you can make the decision you believe is right for your podcast. Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/worldview Faith, politics, and morals are parts of your worldview [00:51] Everyone "leaks" their worldview [01:25] Is it relevant to your podcast? [02:25] You will likely alienate some of your audience [07:13] You might be the voice your audience needs [09:48] Standing for what's right will have a cost [11:25] Don't let labels control you [13:11] Remember kindness [15:02] Special thanks [17:28] https://podchapters.com/https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/giveback ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email feedback@theaudacitytopodcast.com Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

Podcast chapters allow your listening audience to get extra context during your podcast, more easily take action, and jump to spots in your episodes. So are chapters right for your podcast? Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/chapters What are podcast chapters? [01:05] Answering the objection: chapters allow audiences to skip content [03:53] The helpful benefit of chapters: context [07:19] The most convenient benefit of chapters: actionability [10:52] How to chapter your podcast episodes [17:55] First, pick your chaptering style [18:05] Second, add your chapters with the right tools [21:33] https://podchapters.com/ https://podcasting2.org/docs/podcast-namespace/tags/chaptershttps://www.futureofpodcasting.net/lets-look-at-podcast-chapters-with-daniel-j-lewis/ https://www.futureofpodcasting.net/superchapters-in-plain-english/https://podcasting-2-in-practice.captivate.fm/episode/chapters Special thanks [38:20] https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/giveback ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email feedback@theaudacitytopodcast.com Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

During or after a tragedy, podcasting may be the last thing on your mind. Or maybe it's actually something you want or need to get back into, but you're not sure if it's appropriate. Whatever the "tragedy" is to you, there is no single right answer to this. But I would like to share several points for you to consider so that you can make the decision that's right for you. Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/tragedy 1. A Difficult truth: tragedies don't impact everyone equally 2. People need positivity 3. People need community https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2CJ46XkwxA 4. Podcasting can be therapeutic 5. It takes courage to not stay down https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIcGuFnl7ZU Special thanks If you love The Audacity to Podcast and value the podcasting inspiration and education I provide, would you please consider giving back what it's worth to you? https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/giveback ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email feedback@theaudacitytopodcast.com Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

With the death of Todd Cochrane, his funeral, and the assassination and martyrdom of Charlie Kirk, I'm taking a week off of The Audacity to Podcast. But with the return, I want to address several somber and even controversial questions you might have related to podcasting. For example: • How should you prepare your podcast for your own death? • Should you address current issues or tragedies in your podcast? • Should you talk about morality or politics in your podcast? Please send me your own additional questions you would like me to address! Send written or voicemail feedback (optionally anonymously) to: https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity The Audacity to Podcast will return on September 24.

Todd Cochrane, a great podcasting pioneer, an advocate for independent podcasters, and one of my good friends died Monday morning, September 8, 2025. https://podnews.net/update/todd-cochrane-riphttps://podnews.net/article/todd-cochrane-obituaryhttps://podnews.net/press-release/blubrry-mourns-losshttps://blubrry.com/podcast-insider/2025/09/09/blubrry-founder-todd-cochrane-in-memoriam/https://geeknewscentral.com/2024/10/09/todd-cochrane-20-years-of-podcasting-innovations-and-insights/ Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/toddcochrane

Want a bigger audience? Want to make money with your podcast? Want to become a better podcaster? Want to grow your authority and popularity? I believe that whatever it is that you want from your podcast can probably be achieved with two things. But I'll warn you! These two things are not easy. Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/improve2things 1. Know your problems [01:26] 2. Work on your problems [05:47] Thanks to … [11:51] My new product is about to launch! It's called PodChapters™ and you can join the waiting list now! ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email feedback@theaudacitytopodcast.com Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

I'm back from Podcast Movement 2025 in Dallas and I have thoughts, especially after my previous episode about why you should attend live events for your podcast. Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/pm25 Introduction [00:00] Why Attend Live Events for Your Podcast? Podcast Movement + Sounds Profitable + Podnews [01:35] NYC and Austin locations might be long-term [03:37] Conference recordings will be free [06:42] The Podcast Movement conferences are getting smaller [10:47] The expo hall was pleasant again [12:59] Where should podcasters go now? [19:41] Do you value The Audacity to Podcast? [22:44] ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email feedback@theaudacitytopodcast.com Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005