Buzzcast

Send us Fan Mail We are breaking down everything you need to know about designing podcast cover art that actually attracts listeners! From choosing the right fonts and images to understanding episode artwork specs, we cover it all. In this episode, we talk a lot about visuals, so we recommend you listen in a podcast app that supports chapter images! Here's a list of our recommendations: TrueF...

Send us Fan Mail The cancellation of Stephen Colbert's show highlights a major shift in the media landscape as expensive TV production gives way to more cost-effective, audience-focused podcasting formats. When Stephen Colbert's show got axed, the immediate cultural response wasn't "start a YouTube channel" or "join TikTok". It was "launch a podcast." T...

Send us Fan Mail We celebrate hitting 500,000 downloads for Buzzcast and discuss the most effective podcasting gear setups for different needs, from beginners to professionals.  Check out Alban's Podcast Equipment Guide ! Mentioned in this episode: Microphones Samson Q2U (USB/XLR dynamic mic) Shure SM7B (dynamic mic) Shure MV7+ (upgraded USB-C/XLR dynamic mic)  Zoom ZDM‑1 (dynamic mic) Earthw...

Send us Fan Mail It's a nice summer day, so Jordan and Kevin are recording this quickcast from the great outdoors and putting Power Clean to the test! Today's discussion is about how YouTube is updating its monetization policies to combat AI-generated videos cluttering search results, addressing the growing problem of low-quality content flooding the platform. Also, if you're attend...

Send us Fan Mail Podcasting is all about serving your audience, and finding the perfect guest who can provide value to your listeners is essential for a successful interview show. We explore what makes a great podcast guest and how to streamline the booking process with our special guest Alex Sanfilippo , host of Podcasting Made Simple and founder of Podmatch ! We also reveal two new features in M...

Send us Fan Mail Apple celebrates 20 years of podcasting with a list of 20 influential shows that shaped the medium across four eras, highlighting podcasts that pushed boundaries and set standards for creativity and storytelling. Check out 20 Podcasts We Love by Apple Podcasts, and find out why they made the list! • 2005-2010 pioneering era includes 99% Invisible, This American Life, and Love + Ra...

Send us Fan Mail The Buzzsprout team shares 10 essential podcasting tips gleaned from their collective 40+ years of experience behind the microphone. Drawing from personal insights, listener contributions, and industry observations, they reveal what truly matters for podcast sustainability and growth. Your Podcasting Tips Focus on listener experience, not download statistics, as quality content pr...

Send us Fan Mail What determines whether celebrity podcasts succeed or fail, and what can indie podcasters learn from their mistakes? We explore the surprising patterns behind celebrity podcast success stories and the ever-growing celebrity podcast graveyard. Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast , @albanbrooke , @kfinn , and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podca...

Send us Fan Mail We're discussing a powerful shift in podcast discovery: trusted recommendations from real people instead of algorithms. With Pocket Casts now surfacing creator-curated suggestions, listeners have a new way to uncover shows they’ll actually love. We share how this works behind the scenes and why podcaster-driven discovery offers something smarter and more authentic than charts...

Send us Fan Mail After a flawless escape room victory, we're tackling a puzzle we can't solve: why remote podcast recording software still fails so often. From audio glitches to browser limitations, these are our frustrations of creating studio-quality content online.  Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast , @albanbrooke , @kfinn , and @JordanPods Thanks for list...

Send us Fan Mail Buzzsprout just rolled out a major update to its subscription features! We're talking about the six Buzzsprout Support & Subscriptions options now available. These include premium episodes, ad-free content, back catalog access, early access, subscriber-only podcasts, and listener support.  We share tips on engaging supporters without adding more work to your production sc...

Send us Fan Mail We're digging into a recent trend showing up in podcast feeds: bonus episodes labeled “You Might Also Like” that are actually full episodes from completely different shows. We look at what’s behind this, how companies like PodRoll are using dynamic feed drops to scale podcast promotions, and why this can feel different from a traditional feed drop or ad. Contact Buzzcast Send...

Send us Fan Mail Whether you’re interviewing seasoned pros or first-time guests, the key to a successful podcast interview is thoughtful preparation. In this episode, we break down practical strategies for helping your guests feel confident, relaxed, and ready to deliver their best. From pre-interview communication and tech checks to question outlines and managing nerves, you’ll learn how great pr...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we explore the best places to find pro-level, royalty-free music for your podcast in 2025—including a surprising archive from Grammy-nominated artist Moby, who just dropped 500+ tracks for creators to use. We’ll also share some of our favorite free and low-cost music libraries!  Music Resources: Buzzsprout Blog: Free Music For Podcasts Mobygratis Blue Dot Sessions...

Send us Fan Mail What would you do if someone offered you $100 million for your podcast? In this episode, we dive into Steven Bartlett’s recent disclosure that he turned down not one, but two massive podcasting deals — including a $100M offer. Why? Because they came with strings attached: platform exclusivity, ad overload, and a loss of creative control. We discuss why prioritizing your listeners,...

Send us Fan Mail Pocket Casts adopted the podcast namespace's funding tag feature, giving podcasters a way for listeners to directly support their favorite shows right from the app. We also discuss The Fandom Phenomenon from Wondery and Edison Research and why podcast listeners love their favorite shows so much! Reminder: we're looking for more thoughts on what feature you'd like to...

Send us Fan Mail Alban is back from Podcast Movement Evolutions 2025, and we're breaking down what happened at the conference—what felt inspiring, what felt off, and why video dominated nearly every conversation.  We also talk about the impromptu Buzzsprout meetup, a surprise panel appearance, and the heartwarming rise of senior podcasters .  Sound Off Question: What features do you wish your...

Send us Fan Mail Content boundaries have been blurred, challenging traditional definitions of what constitutes a podcast. Jordan and Kevin discuss Oxford Road's What is a Podcast? survey and the problems that come when the definition is unclear.  Have you ever had an embarrassing foot-in-mouth experience? Send us your response for our next episode. (Anonymous submissions welcome!) Contact Buz...

Send us Fan Mail Podcasting has officially gone mainstream according to Edison Research's Infinite Dial, with 55% of Americans now consuming podcasts monthly. Does this mean we never have to explain what a podcast is again? Let's hope! Mentioned in this episode:   Rory McIlroy's club switch during tournament Buzzsprout Hang Out at Podcast Movement Evolutions Netflix exploring video...

Send us Fan Mail We tackle common podcast listening problems and explore the evolving landscape between native apps and web players based on listener questions about missing features and playback issues. Send us messages about something stats won't tell us about you for our next Sound-Off segment! Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast , @albanbrooke , @kfinn , and @Jo...

Send us Fan Mail Numbers don't tell the whole story of your podcast's impact—but understanding them can help you use analytics effectively while staying focused on creating the content you love. Tom Rossi joins Alban and Jordan to simplify podcast stats and what they actually mean for creators. Whether you're trying to grow your show, attract sponsors, or simply understand your audi...

Send us Fan Mail We dive into surprising data from PodMatch about how 9,000 podcasters market their shows, revealing a disconnect between the most popular tactics and those that actually drive growth.  Check out our Reddit thread for unique marketing ideas for your podcast ! Don't forget to send us your challenges to do something different just to talk about it on the podcast! Contact Buzzcas...

Send us Fan Mail In podcasting, it's not just about downloads—it's about connection, creativity, and the community you build along the way! We're diving into stories of inspiration and practical advice from our listeners that you can implement in your own podcasting journey.  Links mentioned in the episode:  Small P Podcasting Sound-Off: Challenge us to do something just so we can t...

Send us Fan Mail We're going over some significant updates from Apple Podcasts that simplify the podcast submission process!  Submit to Apple Podcasts in One Click Claim Your Show on Apple Podcasts Connect Don't forget to tell us what motivates you to keep podcasting for our next Sound-Off segment!  Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast , @albanbrooke , @kfinn ,...

Send us Fan Mail Everywhere we turn, someone’s saying that video is essential for podcast growth. But most of the top podcasters in the world aren’t bothering with video. So why are others being pressured to? In this episode, we break down the reality behind the video podcasting hype, why platforms and marketers are so desperate to push it, and the reason you shouldn't feel guilty about stayi...