Just One Tip from Your Podcast Performance Coach

You've probably heard of a producer. And, you probably know that there are a lot of different types of producers - especially in the world of media. You have an executive producer, a line producer, a technical producer, an associate producer… the list goes on.  But, have you heard of a podcast producer? In this episode, I explain what a podcast producer does and if you might need one for your podc...

Hello, I'm a podcast coach. A what? A Podcast Coach. Well, what the hell is a podcast coach? This conversation doesn't happen as much now as it used to but that doesn't mean people aren't wondering about it. And if they're podcasters, they are often also thinking, 'Do I need a podcast coach?' (And sometimes they should be thinking that, but they aren't) Well since you asked (or didn't but wanted t...

Tell me if this sounds familiar. Someone recommends a new podcast so you check it out. You open it up and start to scan the different titles looking for something that sounds interesting.  This is a common experience that almost every podcast listener has had. What happens next? It could go one of two ways: They click on an episode and listen They decide nothing looks interesting and leave By now,...

A Big Get. That's what people in radio call landing an interview with a big name celebrity or a hard to nail-down politician. But, sometimes, that 'big get' is all about ego instead of being about serving the listener. Sometimes, that big name has no place on your show. Sometimes, you need to say no to 'the big get.' You might be thinking this has nothing to do with your podcast. But, if you have...

Niching your podcast to increase your impact is no longer a secret strategy. But, have you ever considered going local as a way to niche down ?  Forget the world wide web -  get traction where you live by creating a podcast that has a distinct place in the world. I know, I know. Exiting the global stage to shine on a smaller local stage seems like the opposite of growth. But, it does work.  Let me...

You're a podcaster but should you also be a video-creator?  I can't tell you how many times I talk to podcasters about podcasting and the question of video comes up. It seems like lately, more and more new podcasters are planning to include video either as a version of the show or to promote the show.  I've got big news for you - they're on to something! Far too many entrepreneurs and small busine...

What if you showed up for a dinner party only to watch the host scramble to figure out what to make for dinner? Would that make you feel comfortable? Like a wanted guest? Or would it make you feel like they cared so little about you that they couldn't be bothered to put something in the oven before you got there? Unless your host is your dimwit cousin, the answer is probably the latter. You would...

So, you think you're pretty hot on the mic? Well, I've got news for you. Mic skills go beyond knowing where to place the mic.  So, let's say you're all up to speed on proper mic placement .  You know, you're 2 - 3 inches away. The mic is pointing to the corner of your mouth, and you're talking past it (not straight into it, but past it so you don't have any p's popping).   And, we're assuming the...

Have you ever noticed that things are a little bumpy out of the gate when you turn that mic on? Well, if you have, you are in good company. Some of the best radio voices need time to warm up, to get into the groove of the read. In this episode, I'm going to share a trick that the pros use to combat the sleepy-start. This is a trick I use and one that I used to use when I was directing top voice-ta...

The podcast world is always evolving and it raises a lot of questions. Almost instantly after Apple Podcasts sent out a notification about their new subscription service, emails started flooding my inbox.    My podcast host clients were filled with questions like: Is Apple going to start charging people to listen to my podcast!?! Should I be charging people for my podcast!?! How can you be so sexy...

You have a podcast growth strategy right? You know that plan you have for attracting an audience full of your ideal customers?  Here's the problem, most podcasters either don't have a growth strategy or they are borrowing pieces of other people's growth plans.  Or worse, they suffer from fomo when they hear about other podcasters getting big download numbers. They beg for their secret with a despe...

Are you compromising your authority just by how you present your information? You might be if you do this one thing? And I hear a lot of people doing it?  I'm not going to mince words, it drives me crazy? Imagine if every sentence you wrote had a question mark on the end (like I did above). It would be pretty hard to accept that person as a confident expert in their field, right? You'd have to dou...

**Jerk-Alert** Fair warning… in this episode, I share 5 things you should be doing to ensure you get the best possible audio from guests on your show … but I can't promise I'll be nice about it.    Here's what happens all the time. Podcasters focus on their own audio quality (and they should). They get the best mic they can, they pad out their room, they drape themselves in blankets… they go to ex...

"Are you aware of the connection of your show name to rape culture?" That was a question I got in an email a few months ago and it stopped me dead in my tracks.  Now, I'm not going to pretend that my old show name, Just the Tip was innocent. While it was an exact description of the premise of my show -- just the tip you need to improve your podcast -- I knew there was some sexual innuendo in there...

The world of podcasting is constantly changing and it can be tough to keep up. In fact, there's so much change, you might be tempted to just ignore most of these miniscule shifts.  Well, I don't blame you but there are a few key changes coming that are worth paying attention to. In fact, there are a few that are important enough that you might want to change one of the things you probably say EVER...

I want to subscribe to your podcast. It seems like a simple thing. It should be a simple thing.  I can't tell you how many times I go to a podcasters website eager to check out their show. I love what I'm hearing and I think, 'oh boy, I can't wait to subscribe!' And then, it happens. I'm looking for the button.  The one that is going to take me to my podcast listening app of choice. I'm ready to c...

Getting on other peoples podcasts is one of the most effective ways to promote your show and reach a new audience. It's the number one thing I coach my clients to do when they are looking to grow their audience and increase their downloads.  But there is a right and a WRONG way to go hunting for an invitation. In this episode, I share a recent letter that I got asking to be on my show (which they...

When we talk about tools to make you a better podcaster, you probably think about mics and mixers. Well, there's one tool you want to have in your tool kit and it's one that I never podcast without. The mighty pen.  I know, I know, nobody uses a pen anymore because we're always typing and texting. Well, there are three good reasons for you to go old-school and embrace the pen as an essential podca...

We lost a broadcast legend. Larry King was most known for his 25-year run on CNN hosting Larry King LIVE but podcasters can learn a lot from him - especially if you interview guests on your show.    In this episode, I explore a few of the lessons podcasters can learn from the late, great Larry King.  Time Magazine called Larry the master of the mic. TV Guide crowned him "the most remarkable talk s...

Does your podcast have themes buckets? Breaking News: it needs them! "Uh, Coach, what's a podcast theme?" So glad you asked, Billy.    A podcast theme is where you place the topics of your show. It's a grouping of topics or, if you come from the world of blogs, categories.  Basically - it's a way to organize your show content into specific groups.  And the reason it's so critical to your show's su...

At the time of recording, we're still in the thick of that damn pandemic and pretty much everyone is ready to get to a post-zoom-meeting world.  So, I'm sure today's tip is going to come as a welcome suggestion - get the hell off Zoom.  Sorry, this is not a 'get out of Zoom free' card and you can't use me to get out of marathon work meetings or awkward family gatherings via Zoom. (oh, what the hel...

When people hear I'm a podcast coach they want to know, 'is it worth starting a podcast for my business?'.  The answer is: maybe. Timing is everything and it totally depends on where you are in your business development.  In this week's episode, I cover when to start a podcast for your business - and when NOT to start a podcast for your business.    So, should you start a podcast for your business...

Your interview is too long. I mean, it's waaaay longer than your normal interviews.    This has happened for one of two reasons: You lost control of your guest and let them run rampant with your show (see episode 63 How to Save Your Podcast from Hijackers ).  You were so caught up in the moment with your amazingly interesting guest that you lost track of time.    Either way - you've failed your li...

Are you phoning it in when it comes to your show notes? Stop! Don't underestimate the value of podcast show notes. They're not just something you 'have' to fill in when you upload!  If you've ever listened to my show before then you know that I'm a HUGE proponent for serving your listener. And, hellur, show notes are all about serving your listener.  But, ahem, don't tell anyone, they also serve y...

Where do new podcasters waste their energy and where should they put their energy when starting a podcast?  This excellent question was sent in by podcaster, Andrew Petty of Andrew Petty is Dying . Thanks for asking.  My response is simple - how instead of why.  Hmmm… I guess that's a bit confusing. Here's what I mean.  Too many podcasters decide they have a great idea for a show and then spend th...