Podcasting Morning Chat | Real Podcasters, Real Podcasting Advice

YouTube just added a community tab for creators, and we think it’s a real advancement! It’s news day, and we’re bringing you the latest podcast industry headlines! We share our takes on platform updates, shifting charts, upcoming events (including the Empowered Podcasting Conference), and what the latest Cumulus study reveals about listener behavior. We’re also joined by friends Simona Costantini...

Your thumbs are hovering over the skip button. You hear the ad start. Do you skip or do you listen through? When it comes to your podcast…what makes you skip an ad and what makes you stay? Today, we’re exploring how podcast ads actually land with listeners. Did you know that 46% of weekly listeners make purchases after hearing a podcast ad, and 88% take action! We also talk about how storytelling...

Have you been looking for ways to amplify the quality of your audio-video set-up on a budget? Well, you’re in luck because today we’re sharing our suggestions on how to maximize the potential of a single-camera setup, including the best audio interfaces to use, as well as what lighting is and is not essential for a successful production. We also discuss the social audio app Chatter, which offers m...

Ready for more podcast buzz? This episode kicks off with a can’t-miss roundup of the latest stories shaking up the audio world. Heads up! Marc is a bit under the weather today, but don’t worry - the co-hosts are back and stepping up to the plate, bringing their energy and fresh takes to keep you in the loop. We’re digging into the newly released list of the world’s richest podcasters. We break dow...

Big congratulations to our very own community member, Dominic Lawson, whose podcast Mental Health Rewritten is now featured on Apple Podcasts! Dominic shares the strategy that made this come together, including the duration of the process, why timing is crucial, and what it was like working with Apple’s editorial team. After celebrating that huge win, we cover this week’s top podcasting headlines:...

The tables are turned today, and I opened up about something that’s been weighing on me…securing sponsorships for the Empowered Podcasting Conference this September.  We’ve been reaching out all year, but so far, no one’s signed on. It’s been stressful, and honestly, tough to stay optimistic. The team stepped in with ideas, encouragement, and ways to reframe how I’m looking at the situation. We ta...

Ever had a great podcast idea, only to find out someone beat you to the name? This morning, we jumped into a real-world dilemma when DR discovered her client's perfect podcast title was already taken. We outlined practical steps to handle naming conflicts, including checking trademarks, and we brainstormed some creative alternatives. We also shared personal stories about pivoting when plans change...

Do you rely on listener content for your podcast, and how did you get your listeners to contribute? Today, we give our thoughts on this mailbag question, share smart ways to connect with your audience, and cover a few news stories. Remember, your next big idea might come from your biggest fan! Plus, we cover more podcasting news including new features from Spotify for Creators and Acast to an expe...

Marc Maron says goodbye to WTF after 16 years. Is it burnout, or just a new chapter? Either way, it’s worth discussing. We’ve also got chart updates, can’t-miss events, job leads in the podcasting industry, and a look at AI reviving voices such as Orson Welles. Big changes are happening. You don’t want to miss the inside scoop on these stories! Episode Highlights:  [2:31] Podcast Data and Rankings...

What are your summer plans? Maybe you’re packing up the car for a family road trip, or whisking your partner away on a romantic getaway to an exotic destination. It all sounds amazing…but what about your podcast? Summer is a season when routines are often put on hold, but should your podcast take a break too? Today, we open up the mailbag to answer a listener’s question about summer podcasting: Sh...

What’s the one thing you’ve always wanted to try on your podcast, but never dared to do? Today, we dusted off the mailbag and found some inspiration in a question from a fellow podcaster: “What’s one thing every podcaster should try at least once?” This got us thinking about all the ways we can break out of our routines and breathe new life into our shows. Today we share the experiments and challe...

Have you ever listened to a podcast that really inspired you and stayed with you so much that you just had to share it with someone? That's exactly what we're getting into today as we reveal the "new to us" podcasts that have captured our attention. We break down what makes these shows so impressive and discuss what keeps us coming back for more. Since it’s Friday, we’re wrapping...

Did you know female podcast listeners remember ads better than any other media platform? Today, we dig into why podcast ads, especially those integrated naturally, stick with both men and women more than TV, YouTube, or social media. That surprising stat came from Sounds Profitable, and it sparked a deeper conversation about trust, routine, and connection in audio storytelling. We also cover Apple...

Cosmo says your zodiac sign has a perfect podcast match, and we couldn’t resist putting it to the test. Today’s episode kicks off with a fun horoscope-inspired segment before digging into fresh industry headlines. Apple just teamed up with Canva to launch free, customizable templates for podcasters, making it easier to create sharp promo graphics. We also cover Anthropic’s new Claude 4 upgrades an...

Podcast charts might not mean what you think they do! Today, we break down how rankings work on various platforms. Five-star reviews might not matter as much as you’ve heard. You may be asking yourself What does matter? Today, in our conversation, we cover aspects such as completion rates and actual listening time. Remember, charts aren’t everything. We also explore what real podcast growth looks...

(Please forgive the first 8-10 minutes. We had to use part of our backup recording today) On today's show, we're diving into another round of your mailbag questions and since it's Friday, celebrating wins from the week! From practical tips on transitioning away from defunct podcasting softwarre to exploring powerful AI tools to streamline your production workflow, this episode has some...

Today, we're diving deep into our mailbag to answer your pressing podcasting questions. Whether you're wrestling with co-host dynamics, considering when it's time to pull the plug, or navigating how far ahead to schedule guest interviews, we’ve got you covered. We share candid insights about balancing workload, setting clear expectations, and discovering if your podcast truly resonates...

Today we're diving into the latest podcasting headlines... from groundbreaking AI tools to updated Spotify analytics and exciting global awards. Fresh off celebrating my stepdaughter’s graduation, I’m back with the crew, and we're sharing insights and laughter about vacations, overpreparing for episodes, and trusting the podcasting process. Plus, we've got essential updates on Google&#...

I’m back from Spain & Portugal, and today we’re talking about something that matters more than the size of your audience: community. Seeing this group hold strong while I was away reminded me of what really makes a podcast thrive. I share a few favorite moments from Madrid and Portugal, along with what I’ve learned about building meaningful connections. I’m grateful to everyone who kept things...

Today, we’re digging into the mailbag to tackle a guest mix-up scenario and how to handle podcast miscommunications with clarity and professionalism. We explore smart ways to stand out in a saturated niche, like leaning into your unique voice and building collaborations. We also debate the Golden Globes' new Best Podcast category and what it means for independent creators. We also revisit imposter...

This morning, we asked, “Is there a place for comedy on a business podcast?” With Marc on vacation, stand-up comedian and podcaster Amanda Yoa joins us to share how humor helps podcasters connect, keep things fresh, and stay true to themselves. She talks about her journey from chasing trends to finding her voice, offers tips on developing a character like her signature “Pam from Port Richmond,” an...

Can automation, AI, and transparency shape podcasting’s future? While Marc is on vacation, the co-hosts take over to bring you the week’s top headlines. We cover Spotify’s new public play counts, ChatGPT’s Deep Research feature, and tips for automating your podcast workflow using Make.com . We also round up podcasting events and share tools that could save you hours each week. Episode Highlights: ...

Would you ever promote your podcast with a sign at a coffee shop? Dan, one of our community regulars and today’s guest co-host, did exactly that—and it sparked a lively conversation on creative ways to grow your show beyond social media. With Marc traveling, DR and Dan lead the discussion as we swap ideas like custom coasters, podcast t-shirts, library partnerships, and NFC keychains. It’s a brain...

Is failure real, or just feedback in disguise? This episode will shift your perspective if you've ever felt like giving up. Co-host Sid Meadows leads us in a powerful conversation about why the idea of failure might hold you back and how reframing it as feedback can change everything. Sid’s questions led to us sharing personal stories of rough starts, awkward interviews, and major redirections...

What if your next big growth move isn’t on social media... but good old-fashioned email? While Marc is gallivanting around Spain & Portugal, the crew digs into how email lists can build deeper connections and drive significant growth. We cover smart ways to repurpose your content, how to write subject lines that get clicks, and strategies for growing your list without feeling overwhelmed. You’ll a...