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 PodcastersI 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 PodcastingI 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 DangerousI 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 DealsI 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 PodcastingShared 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 SpaceI 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 DiscoveryI 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 CollisionsI 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 YearI 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 MergersI think we'll see podcast-related companies merging or being acquired in the near future.12. The Reality of YouTube for PodcastersI 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 PodcastingI 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 ShowGood Hang with Amy Poehler Things We Learn in a Bar Work for the Wind by Aliyah Langley