Podcasting Morning Chat | Real Podcasters, Real Podcasting Advice

What makes a podcast feel like you ? With Marc traveling, Jonathan leads us in a conversation on signature style, what it is, why it matters, and how to build it. We talk about personal branding, consistency, and ways to stand out without starting from scratch. Plus, we answer a mailbag question about whether your podcast needs its own Instagram or YouTube account. Because at the end of the day, n...

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and while Marc is away on vacation, the Podcasting Morning Chat crew steps up and takes on the hard conversations around mental health and taboo topics in podcasting. Hosted by award-winning podcaster Dominic Lawson, this episode explores how podcasters can approach sensitive subjects with care, honesty, and respect. The team explores how personal stories buil...

Have you ever thought about how much your favorite podcasts have taught you? What lessons have truly stuck? While Marc enjoys his travels, the rest of the crew holds it down with a conversation on the podcasts that have shaped us, including our own. We talk about improving our interview skills, learning by doing, planning ahead, and the communicators who’ve inspired us along the way. No matter whe...

Looking for better ways to monetize your podcast? While our fearless leader Marc, is traveling, co-host Sid leads a striking conversation about creative strategies for turning your podcast into a real income stream. We’re not talking about boring “Mid-roll ad spots.” This episode shines a light on fresh ideas like segment sponsors, branded giveaways, paid newsletters, and more. If you're open...

Why is it harder to share your podcast with friends than with strangers? Even after years of creating, I still feel that fear. Today, we’re unpacking Imposter Syndrome and how to move past the fear of being judged. Before I say bon voyage for vacation, we’ll celebrate our wins from the week. And next week, the Empowered Podcasting Team will take the reins with fresh conversations that will inspire...

Have you ever stepped out of your comfort zone because you knew it could lead to a breakthrough? Recently, I performed in an improv showcase, and after this experience, I realized how much I've learned from the class translates into the podcasting space and vice versa. This revelation inspired this conversation on how trying new things, like performing, skating, or stand-up comedy, can enhance you...

Spotify reports paying out over $100 million to podcasters in Q1 2025, driven by growth in video shows and new monetization tools. Today, for news day, we break down what that means. We also talk about Netflix exploring video podcasts, Descript’s AI editing upgrades, Instagram’s new Edits app, the latest podcast charts, and upcoming events for creators. With so much changing so fast, the real ques...

Today, flight attendants  Drew & Rich are launching their brand new podcast called “Two Guys on a Plane.” Join us as we chat with the minds behind the show and dive into their launch strategies, how they engage their 128K Instagram followers, and the behind-the-scenes challenges they face. Our regular crew also offers invaluable advice for making their podcast successful while staying true to...

Have you ever listened to a podcast where the host gives too much away in the intro? Could this be putting a wall between you and your audience, or will listeners stick around after a heavy intro? Today we explore this idea through Mel Robbins’ introduction of Jay Shetty and what indie podcasters can learn from it. We also examine an intro from Jay Clouse where opinions were mixed, and share tips...

Have you ever listened to your old episodes and can barely get through them? Do you cringe when you hear your voice or how you presented yourself? This is a situation even the most experienced podcasters find themselves in, and today we tackle the dilemma of whether or not to delete episodes that make us tense up inside. Inspired by fellow podcaster Meredith from 'Meredith for Real,' who worries a...

What defines an independent podcaster? Today, our discussion centers around a few core questions: Is it creative control, full ownership, team structure, or a combination of these? We dissect the concept of podcasting independence, which was inspired by our recent discussion surrounding Steven Bartlett's decision to turn down a $100M deal to preserve creative control of his show Diary of a CEO. Wh...

How much is your creative freedom worth? Would you compromise creative control for a profit? It’s news day, and today we’re talking about the bold decision of a creator who turned down $100 million to keep control over their podcast. We also explore Spotify’s latest charts, new features from Pocket Casts and Patreon, and upcoming podcast events, and we take a closer look at the latest AI tools for...

Today, we’re discussing strategies and the impact of incorporating mini episodes into our shows. We examine the potential advantages, such as boosting downloads and enhancing listener engagement, while acknowledging the potential drawbacks, including diluting the impact of the main episodes. Additionally, we share personal experiences and strategies for successfully implementing mini episodes, eng...

What do you do when the first piece of negative feedback hits you right in the feels? Today’s episode dives into the emotional sting of criticism — especially for podcasters — and how to process it without derailing your confidence. We dig into real-life stories, practical mindset shifts, and the power of “Let Them Theory” to help you build resilience and stay focused on your podcasting purpose. P...

Today, I kick things off with an underrated listener growth strategy that came from a simple Facebook Groups thread. From there, we get into a lively conversation about podcast promotion, engagement tactics, and why small steps can lead to big community wins. We also touch on a spike in female podcast listenership, the latest AI-generated image trend (and how to create your own) Nick Nalbach is tr...

In this News & Comment episode, we kick things off with the latest chart data (hello again, Mel Robbins 👀), then unpack what’s fueling the continued rise of true crime shows and why certain podcast genres dominate the charts but not the conversation. Plus, we hear firsthand from cohost, Dominic Lawson about what it’s really like to be nominated for a major award — and not take it home. Also o...

Is audio podcasting still holding its ground, or just hanging on? This episode kicks off with a simple but loaded question: What’s audio’s superpower that video can’t replicate? The answers? Let’s just say… they weren’t all in agreement. Some called audio intimate. Others said it’s limiting. A few argued it’s not about the medium at all—it’s about the story. And then things got really interesting....

How do you define a podcast in 2025? Is it audio only? Do video podcasts count? If the content holds up with your eyes closed, is that a podcast? These are some of the questions we pose as we break down the mini-series, “What’s A Podcast.” We share our thoughts on its immersive storytelling, stylistic choices, and the hot takes shared by the PMC team and community.  Is podcasting still about indep...

Curious how to kick off your podcast with confidence? Today, we dig into a mailbag question about how to launch your podcast and be prepared.  We share tips on hyping your show before it drops, knowing your podcast’s purpose, and why starting with more than one episode can make an enormous difference in growing your bond with your audience.  Then, we switch gears to share weekly wins and set new g...

AI technology is moving fast! Are you keeping up? Today, we explore more of the latest podcasting news, like Gemini’s new workflow builder that acts like a virtual team. We also uncover social media shifts, including Instagram’s 2025 growth tips from its CEO, Adam Mosseri. Later in the show, we dig into podcast discoverability with fresh insights on what show notes really do for your reach and som...

Imagine you're stuck in an elevator. Someone hands you a mic and says, “Go live!” What’s your podcast episode about? That’s the question we dive into, inspired by Taylor Cartago’s viral video podcast, Anything Can Be a Podcast , filmed entirely in a busy elevator. It's a bold idea that raises a timely question in a space that’s always trying to define what a podcast really is. We each shar...

You’re putting your heart into your content, but the algorithm isn’t showing it any love! Ever find yourself asking, "What is even happening?"Today, we trade notes and swap theories about what might actually be working on social media right now. We share why some of us believe view duration beats out likes and comments, as well as repurposing old content to give it a second life. We also...

If someone gave you $500 to upgrade your podcast setup, what would you spend it on? Today, we swap ideas on the gear we believe improves our podcasting workflows, and some of our picks might surprise you. We share our favorite lighting, mobile power stations, cable organizers, and even standing desks. Join us as we cover the tools that help us stay creative, consistent, and comfortable behind the...

Have you ever stopped to ask yourself why you really podcast? Today, we explore how our purpose evolves over time and what keeps us showing up. We share personal stories about podcasting through pain and rediscovering joy through storytelling. To wrap up the week, we share our wins and celebrate each other’s progress. Episode Highlights:  [02:02] Community Shoutouts and Appreciation [05:29] Reflec...

Have you ever felt drained? Have you ever questioned your passion? Today, I opened up about my struggles with low motivation and adjusting to a new season of life. With my co-hosts by my side, we shared honest reflections on surviving the times that challenge us most and the steps we take to find the energy to keep going. One of the ideas that came up was creating a playlist of uplifting songs to...