As the podcasting landscape evolves, creators are navigating an ever-growing list of listening platforms — each with its own tools, quirks, and agendas. From Apple’s reliable open ecosystem to Spotify’s algorithm-driven discovery and YouTube’s growing push into podcasts, there’s plenty to celebrate… and plenty to question. In this episode, Mike Dell and Dave Clements break down what these platforms are doing right, what they’re getting wrong, and how independent podcasters can stay in control no matter where their audience listens. Apple, Spotify & YouTube: A Quick Breakdown Apple Podcasts – The Classic Choice ✅ Open RSS support (you stay in control) ✅ Trusted directory and wide listener base ⚠️ Analytics limited to Apple users only ⚠️ Subscription model benefits Apple, not every podcaster Spotify – Great for Discovery, But Closed ✅ Personalized recommendations and listener tools ✅ Expanding features like polls and Q&A ⚠️ Limited transparency in data and downloads ⚠️ Some episodes locked behind Spotify-only access YouTube – The New Contender ✅ Massive reach, great for visual storytelling – video is really in it’s own moment ✅ YouTube Music’s podcast section improving discoverability ⚠️ No native RSS integration (yet) ⚠️ Audio-only podcasters face upload barriers 💡 Blubrry helps: Our hosting integrates seamlessly with all platforms. Your feed stays open and flexible — so you never lose ownership or audience control. What They’re Doing Right Pushing podcasting into new audiences Adding video options and interactive tools Making listening easier across devices What’s Still Wrong Confusing or inconsistent analytics Walled gardens that limit true distribution Monetizati