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 CoveredShared 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

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 InsightsI’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

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 RateWhen 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 FeedbackThis 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 GrowthIf 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 CommunityYou 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 i

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:Why knowing your audience inside and out is key to delivering value.How answering your audience's burning questions (like Thomas does) keeps them tuning in.The importance of overdelivering—smothering your audience in value so they want to share your show.Why direct recommendations from listeners are more powerful than any algorithm.Examples of how Thomas Umstattd Jr. teases upcoming content to keep listeners coming back.How sharing personal stories alongside expertise can connect with your audience.The role of hands-on “boots on the ground” experience versus just listing facts, and how this builds authority.Why saving your audience time or money equals big value.Teasing future episodes and weaving in stories to keep people engaged.The impact of authenticity and showing both sides of a topic.My own experiment comparing human podcasting value to AI research, and why the human touch still wins.A quick review/demonstration of the new Zoom PodTrack P4 Next and my honest thoughts on whether it’s worth upgrading from the original P4.Lessons from a membership site migration disaster—and the importance of always having a backup plan for your content.Websites Mentioned:AuthorMedia.com — Home of the Novel Marketing podcast.SchoolofPodcasting.com — My home base for podcasting education.

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 & TakeawaysYou Don’t Need Huge Download Numbers: Heidi Kay Begay shares how she started pitching to sponsors around episode 30 of her niche show, Flute360, and landed deals despite having a small audience.Mindset Shift: Treating your podcast like a business is crucial. I loved Heidi’s “corn and wheat” metaphor—don’t expect business results if you’re just planting hobby seeds!Pitching Sponsors: Heidi describes reaching out directly to music-branded companies—flute makers, apparel, gadgets—and focusing on how to create a win/win relationship from day one. She didn’t let her lack of experience or nerves stop her!Focus on Value Over Numbers: Rather than falling for CPM (cost per mille) models, Heidi looked at what brands spend for visibility in her industry—conference booths, event program ads, etc.—and built sponsorship packages (bronze, silver, gold) that reflected that value.Partnership, Not Just Ad Reads: Heidi emphasizes listening to a sponsor’s specific goals and showing genuine interest in their needs, often including interview opportunities and co-promotions to make the partnership more meaningful.Negotiation is Key: Most deals aren’t signed after one email. Expect lots of back and forth, and be ready to listen and adjust your offer. Don’t feel you need everything perfect before you start the conversation.Pricing Sponsorships: Heidi recommends considering not only downloads but also your total digital presence—social media, mailing list, engagement rates, speaking appearances, etc. Sponsors look at much more than just podcast stats.Campaign Tracking & Follow-Up: Not all sponsors require detailed post-campaign stats. Some are satisfied knowing their brand was featured; others want custom URLs to tra

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:Be Yourself: Just like Ace was always Ace, when you’re podcasting, lean into what makes you unique. Your “superpower” may be simply being authentic and relatable.You Don’t Have to Be the Best: Ace wasn’t the most technically gifted, but millions saw themselves in him because his style was accessible and inspiring. You don’t have to be the smartest or most polished podcaster to make an impact.Find What Sets You Apart: Ace created the iconic smoking guitar—a visual nobody else had. What can you do to stand out in the podcasting space? (it's a hard question)Continuous Improvement: Ace’s smoking guitar started as a basic smoke bomb and was improved again and again. Tweak, pivot, and keep making your show better.Know Your Role and Play for the Team: Ace knew his part in Kiss and played what was right for the song, not just what made him look good. As a podcaster, sometimes the best thing is to let your guest or co-host shine.Connect with Your Audience: Ace was famous for taking time with fans, speaking their language, and connecting through his style. Make sure you’re speaking your listeners’ language and not talking “above” or “below” them.Protect Your Rights: When it comes to business decisions, maintain ownership of your content whenever possible—like Ace leasing his makeup design to Kiss rather than selling it outright.Have Fun and Know When to Walk Away: Ace left Kiss and walked away from millions because it wasn’t fun anymore. If your podcast isn’t bringing you joy, consider your options.Overcome Setbacks: Ace faced business, creative, and personal struggles but kept moving forward. Don’t let challenges stop your podcast journey.Be Innovative and Audience-Focused: Innovation drew attention to Ace, and keeping your audience in mind helps you deliver a show people remember.

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: Podcasting might feel saturated, but there's always room for new shows and ideas. Listeners subscribe to many shows, but they often only tune into a select few episodes weekly. The average podcast listener seems to juggle multiple shows, depending on their daily activities. Even seasoned podcasters have varied listening habits that shift over time and circumstances. Finding a good podcast is like finding a needle in a haystack, but hey, it's worth the search! People are still engaging with podcasts, despite claims of saturation in the market. Contributors:thepharmacistsvoice.comperrysburgpodcast.combacklookcinema.comaskralph.comschoolofpodcasting.comstevestewart.mepracticalprepping.infotheruckersedge.comwelcometoearthstories.comschoolofpodcasting.com/pocketcasts

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

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 DependsIf your podcast is "just for fun" then maybe you don't need to spend so much t

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?Authors have rough draftsAthletes have pre-seasonActors have dress rehearsalWhen you publish the first thing you record, you are essentially publishing a "rough draft." Anytime you do something for the first time, it's not as good as the second.Why is Defining a Clear Topic or Niche a Podcast Best Practice?It makes it easy to create content. If I'm making dinner for a bunch of vegans, I know what I can make and what I couldn't.This makes it easier to market. Now instead of marketing to Vegans, Carnivore, or those who are Glucose Intolerant, etc.You can also lump this in with the advice of "Know your audience."What appears is a downside may be an upside: a smaller but more loyal audience.Why Is Getting to the Topic ASAP a Podcast Best Practice?Do you have a ton of free time?Look at Netflix, when an episode is over it give you an option to skip the credits and go to the next episode. When you go to the next episode, it prompts you to skip the intro. This leads me to believe it is best to get to the content asap.Why is Knowing Why Your Are Podcasting a Podcast Best Practice?When a podcaster doesn't get the result they had hoped to receive, they quit (often before their 10th episode).If you were hired by a company to earn more money, and then they paid you the same (or less) would you stay?Why is Engaging with Audience and Creating a Community a Podcast Best Practice?The previous best practice was "Get to know your audience." This is how you get to know them.This can be on social, email, anyway

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: Cass's secret weapon for success isn't her tools, but her killer attitude that keeps her going. In podcasting, it's essential to embrace failure as a learning experience, not a setback. Even if nobody listens, keep podcasting for yourself and the joy it brings you. Automations and social media strategies can effectively funnel your audience back to your podcast. Links referenced in this episode:schoolofpodcasting.combibspeak.comInstaclub - learn InstagramStampede SocialManychatMentioned 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 Podc

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: If you don't have a will, your podcast may not end up where you want it to. Dying without instructions for your podcast can lead to chaos for your family. Setting up a will or a plan for your podcast is just plain smart business. Don't wait until it's too late; get your podcast plans in order now. Having a podcast prenup can save your loved ones from a lot of headaches later. Make sure your family knows how to access your podcast info if you suddenly vanish. Mentioned in this EpisodeSchool of PodcastingGordon FiremarkGordon's YouTube Channel1passwordBitwardenArticle by James Cridland from PodnewsLaw DepotMentioned in this episode:What is Your Favorite Podcast and Why? If you could only listen to one show, what would it be, where can we find it, and WHY is it your favorite show? Don't forget to tell us a little bit about your show and where we can find it. I need your answer by December 26th, 2025Question

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 AudienceYou 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 coul

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 ChecklistWho and WhyWhen 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’sRelative 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 presentationWhen you have relative, remarkable content it resonates with your audience (and they tell a friend).Examine Your Showpodcastsconnect.apple.com and creators.spotify.com allow you to check your completion rate.Community, Community, CommunityYou 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 Checklis

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:Hiring help for your podcast can feel like tossing cash into a bonfire, trust me on that.Not every graphic designer is a wizard; sometimes they just wave a magic wand and call it a day.If you think a cheap website designer will give you a Gucci site, you’re dreaming, my friend.Outsourcing editing can be a lifesaver, especially if your vacation plans involve avoiding the editing cave.Remember, folks, you either pay in time or in money, so choose wisely, even if it hurts.Always check the credentials of the person you hire for your podcast; a fancy title doesn’t mean they won’t mess everything up.Links referenced in this episode:schoolofpodcasting.compodcastbranding.co

Coming back from Podcast Movement, I've got a story that really drives home the point that nothing beats face-to-face networking. I mean, sure, we can all hop on Zoom and pretend we're connecting, but when you're actually sharing a meal with someone or just hanging out, that's where the magic happens. It's like the difference between texting your buddy and grabbing a beer – one is okay, but the other is where real connections are made. And let's be honest, who doesn't want to make meaningful connections while stuffing their face with overpriced convention center food?Takeaways: Networking in person is way better than any online stuff, seriously, just trust me. Most podcasters are totally wasting their listeners' time with a simple fix in editing. Chapters are a cool tool to help listeners skip to what they actually want to hear. If you want your podcast to grow, you might need to jump into the Podcast Hot Seat. Cutting out unnecessary parts of interviews can save time and keep listeners happy, who knew? Feeling overwhelmed when starting a podcast is totally normal, like, welcome to the club. Links referenced in this episode:schoolofpodcasting.compodcasthotseat.comtuulie.comSocial Media News Live with Jeff SiehWalt Disney World Radio with Lou MongelloMentioned in this episode:I'd Love T See you!I will be at the following events: November 8, Podindy.com Whiteland Indiana January 15-18 Podfest Multimedia Expo in Orlando, Fl February 17–20, 2026 NRB 2026 International Christian Media Convention, Nashville, TennesseeWhere Will I Be?Join the #1 Podcast Education Site - The School of PodcastingAdam Curry is the co-founder of Po

I've known Dave Hooper (host of Build a Big Podcast and Author of Big Podcast) since he put on the radio for the first time on Music Business Radio. When I heard that Dave had scored a job at Sirius I wanted the inside scoop on what it's like to work there, and what the heck is a "Producer."Dave explains that he got the job while being in "a funk" and he used that situation to introduce more "real" topics to channel 146 at 7 AM and Road Dog Trucking. I also share one sentence that jumped out at me from the Taylor Swift appearance on the new heights show. Takeaways: Ever wondered what it’s like at Sirius Satellite Radio? Well, buckle up, buddy, because David Hooper is here to spill the tea on some wild stories, including a hilarious instance of dead air that’ll make you cringe. Seriously, it’s gold. So, David’s job is basically a mix of five different roles. I mean, booking guests, prepping shows, running the board, cutting promos—what's next, making coffee? It’s a circus behind the scenes, folks! We all know live radio can be a hot mess, right? David shares how he’s had to dust off some old skills and navigate the chaos of live broadcasting. Spoiler: mistakes happen, and dead air is just part of the fun! Turns out, podcasting and satellite radio aren’t that different after all. Both have their own unique challenges, but the real magic lies in connecting with the audience and building that sweet community vibe. David’s new gig at Sirius has taught him some serious life skills, like staying calm and collected under pressure. Who knew being a radio producer would be like a masterclass in Zen? At the end of the day, it's all about community and connection. David’s show is like a virtual truck stop, bringing people together to chat about everything from addiction to marriage on the road. Seriously, where else can you get that kind of therapy? Links MentionedBuild a Big PodcastBig Podcast Book

Justin Moore is here to tell us how to snag sponsors like a pro. We chat about his book, Sponsor Magnet. Seriously, if you’re trying to get sponsors for your podcast, this is the book you need—like, yesterday. He dives into the absurdities of podcast monetization and how it’s not just about your download numbers but about your influence. Justin shares some gold nuggets on pitching strategies and why sending out a basic media kit is basically waving a white flag in the sponsorship battle. So, grab a snack, sit back, and let’s unravel the crazy world of podcast sponsorships together!This show is brought to you buy the School of PodcastingTakeaways: In the world of podcasting, having a solid media kit is apparently as useful as a chocolate teapot, so maybe just don’t bother with it. Justin Moore's book 'Sponsor Magnet' is the secret sauce for podcasters looking to snag sponsors without losing their minds. Podcasters are taught to monetize their audience, not just their podcast, which is a revelation that could make us all rich - or at least less broke. When pitching to sponsors, forget the cookie-cutter approach; make your pitch relevant to their current campaigns and watch the magic happen! Video content has a distinct edge over audio when it comes to attracting sponsorships, because brands love to reuse content like it’s a favorite pair of jeans. If you get feedback from your audience about a sponsored product, don’t just sweep it under the rug; share it with the brand to improve future campaigns. Learn the A.R.C.H. and R.O.P.E. strategies to get more money coming your way.Links referenced in this episode:schoolofpodcasting.comsponsormagnet.comcreatorwizard.com

Filler words. We all know them, we all use them, and let’s be real, they’re annoying. You might think it’s just you fumbling through a sentence with a bunch of ‘uhs’ and ‘ums’, but guess what? We’re all in the same boat, paddling away from clarity and straight into the sea of confusion.In this episode, I dig into the strategies to kick those pesky crutch words to the curb. We chat about how you can sound smarter (yes, you heard that right) by practicing your communication skills and being more aware of what’s coming out of your mouth. With tips ranging from joining a Toastmasters club to simply taking a pause instead of filling the space with ‘you knows,’ we’re here to help you become the smooth-talking superstar you were meant to be. So let’s ditch the filler words together and find out how to express ourselves without sounding like we’re stuck in a loop of hesitation!What Stays and What Goes?For me, any time I can make myself or a guest sound smarter I will do it. For me, I go for the low hanging fruit. This is when um someone just has um a standalone um all by itself. You can easily highlight it and press delete. The ums I leave alone are those that run into another word. Tool like Descript and Riverside have built in tools to remover filler words. Be careful with these as they can be a bit aggressive. A good edit is one that doesn't sound like an edit was made. This is why I don't obsess over every single filler words because we all occasionally say "um." It becomes an issue when people lose sight of what you're saying because they are distracted by how you are saying it.Takeaways: Filler words are the annoying little gremlins of speech we all battle with, and they're everywhere. Practicing with Toastmasters is like getting a gym membership for your speaking skills, minus the sweat. Confidence is key; the more prepared you are, the less you sound like a crutch-word factory. Taking pauses instead of using filler words is like giving your brain time to catch up with your mouth, which is crucial. Editing your recordings helps you become painfully aware of those pesky fillers, so you can kick them to the curb. Using o