Podcasting Morning Chat | Real Podcasters, Real Podcasting Advice

We’re celebrating our 400th episode today, while discussing the latest trends and news in the podcasting world. Key topics include Netflix's recent moves in podcasting, new features introduced by Apple Podcasts, the impact of AI tools on podcast advertising, and the ongoing gender gap in the industry.  Episode Highlights:  01:55 Celebrating Milestones and Upcoming Events 04:42 Breaking News in...

What’s your go-to ritual for shaking off negativity? Today’s conversation begins with that simple question and unfolds into a powerful talk about handling feedback as a creator. We explore how to process what’s useful, release what’s not, and protect your peace in the middle of the noise. You’ll hear fresh perspectives on reflection, gratitude, and staying grounded when opinions fly your way. If y...

What can podcasters learn from one of the biggest celebrity shows on the planet? While Marc is traveling, guest host Jonathan Howard takes the wheel to lead the PMC crew in a conversation about SmartLess, the hit podcast hosted by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett. We analyze clips to uncover why the show’s mystery-guest format works, how its chemistry keeps listeners hooked, and what ind...

We kick off this Halloween edition of Podcasting Morning Chat, swapping stories about our favorite costumes through the years. Then, we spin the Wheel of Topics and dig into the habits that help podcasters stay consistent, organized, and creative. We open up about what’s working, what needs work, and the myths we’d love to bust about podcasting. To wrap things up, we share our weekly wins and cele...

Meet Magdalena, an indie podcaster who created the podcast, Unbreakable Spirit, using only her iPhone. Today, we’re evaluating her episode “ Act of Letting Go” and exploring what every podcaster can learn from her approach to storytelling, sound, and structure. We discuss her intro, cover art, and delivery style, discussing how a soft, mindful tone can serve a specific audience. You’ll hear practi...

What do Hollywood awards, AI tools, and podcast data have in common? They’re all changing the game. Today, we jump into the Golden Globes’ new “Best Podcast” category and why many insiders are calling it a cash grab. We unpack Oxford Road’s report showing niche shows outperforming big names and what that means for indie creators. We also highlight new tech shaking up production, including Riversid...

At some point, every creator hits that moment where they ask themselves, Do I double down on growth, start monetizing, or step back to realign? Today, we’re sharing the turning points that define a podcaster’s next move. We dig into audience building, brand promise, and how to know when it’s time to pivot. Ralph of Financially Confident Christian joins the conversation to share how defining your “...

What if non-stop publishing is quietly killing your creativity, or is keeping a steady stream of episodes the only thing keeping you afloat? Today, we tackle one of podcasting’s most debatable questions: Should you produce in seasons or keep going all year? Jason from Bombtrack Media and Julia from The Podcast Teacher join us to share their sharp, experience-based views. Jason views seasons as an...

We’re starting a new type of episode where we evaluate podcasts and kindly discuss what makes a show work and what holds it back. Today, we review The Runner’s Sole by podiatrist Dr. Sharon Miller, a niche running show on foot health and injury prevention. We break down audio quality (intro music length, headset feel, warmth vs over-processing), sound effects balance, and utilize tighter hooks. Th...

Today is News Day, and we’re covering some of the hottest headlines in the podcasting industry. YouTube wants podcasters to think like creators, and its new Podcast Playbook is full of tips to boost visibility and engagement. The crew discusses what this means for hosts, from thumbnail strategy and video setup to utilizing chapters that keep listeners engaged. We also cover Spotify’s first FAST TV...

How do you prepare before you hit record? Do you plan every detail, keep a loose outline, or just hit the red button and go? Today, we’re sharing how we approach preparation and how those choices shape creativity, confidence, and the listener experience. We give tips on making a script sound natural, and why there’s no single right way to plan a show. You’ll also gain insights into time management...

What makes a podcaster rethink everything instead of walking away? Today, we sit down with co-host Sid Meadows, creator of The Trend Report, to unpack why he nearly ended his podcast and what led him to rebuild it instead. Sid opens up about the burnout that caused him to podfade, the breakthrough moment that brought him back, and the intentional steps behind his relaunch: listener interviews, new...

The research is clear: 80% of listeners tune in mainly for the host, not the format, not the gear, but the person behind the mic. Today, we continue our podcasting news conversation with fresh headlines and honest discussion about what really keeps audiences listening. We discuss Adobe’s AI-powered speech tool, making TIME’s Best Inventions of 2025 list, sparking debate about how creators understa...

Imagine opening Netflix and seeing your favorite podcasts right next to your favorite TV shows. That’s the future Spotify and Netflix are building together, and it’s one of several hot headlines we’re jumping into today. We also look at new research from Edison showing when listeners actually hit play, Patreon's jaw-dropping $10 billion milestone that proves creators are cashing in, and how th...

Every podcaster’s got their go-to gear, but which tools actually make a difference? Today, we put our favorites on the table, one powered by AI and one that’s not considered AI or perhaps falls in a gray area. We discuss tools ranging from  ChatGPT to Audacity and a few surprises in between, and the crew debates what’s worth keeping in your toolkit. We also talk about community platforms like Kaja...

You finally land the perfect guest for your show… only to be met with silence. No reply. No booking. Nothing. Today’s episode digs into why your outreach might be falling flat and what you can do differently to actually get a “yes.” The crew reacts to a viral clip from Dare to Self-Care about guesting and ghosting and whether small podcasters really do ask too much from potential guests. We discus...

Steven Bartlett is shaking up the podcast world again, and this time with FlightCast, a new platform built to simplify podcast production, analytics, and growth. This is just one of the big headlines we’re exploring today. We’re also talking about his latest experiment: bringing Diary of a CEO to the big screen. Would you pay to watch a podcast in theaters? Stick around as we dig into what this co...

Today’s the day we get to know our co-hosts a little more. This episode is all about the people who make the show what it is. We open up about how we started, what keeps us creating, and what we’ve learned from podcasting. We share insights on first-time jitters, lessons on perfection, editing, and connection. We get transparent on growth, creative passion, and the joy of finding your voice. Join...

What would you do if you were suddenly banned from Facebook? Would you fight to get your account back or start fresh? Today’s topic was inspired by cohost Rich Perry, whose 16-year account vanished overnight, and by Dopey Podcast , which was just kicked off Facebook again after recently regaining access. We dig into what creators can do when platforms pull the plug, how to recover, rebuild, and pr...

Gary Vee makes a bold claim about the future of podcasting. On Jamie Kern Lima’s show, he predicted that creators will soon build AI co-hosts that could become bigger and more influential than the hosts themselves. We explore what that vision could mean for podcasters, starting with the opportunities it presents, as well as the ethical concerns surrounding trust and control. We touch on creativity...

How many times have the gurus advised you to niche down and narrow the focus of your show? But do you feel this is the right advice, or are you being put in a box? After hearing indie podcaster Jacqueline Monroe push back on the “niche rule,” we dove headfirst into the debate. Some of us see niching as a growth strategy and a path to monetization. Others argued that building your brand and finding...

How much AI is too much AI in podcasting? With OpenAI’s surprise release of Sora 2, creators can now build digital clones of themselves in seconds. Riverside is also jumping into the mix, rolling out chat-based editing that promises to cut hours of work with a single command. But are these tools helpful breakthroughs or just shiny distractions? Beyond the tech, the industry has plenty more to buzz...

What an unforgettable weekend in Charlotte! I’m sincerely on cloud 9! Today, we’re sharing the stories, strategies, and breakthroughs we brought home and the conversations that turned strangers into family. I want to thank everyone who made this gathering possible: our speakers who gave with open hearts, our volunteers who kept things moving, and every single attendee who showed up ready to learn,...

The Empowered Podcasting Conference is officially here! We’re live from the Hyatt Centric in Charlotte with community friends, including Dave Jackson of School of Podcasting . To kick off the festivities, we dive into what it takes to get the most out of a conference. We share networking tips that are great for keeping your energy up when excitement and nerves collide. Dave reflects on 20 years of...

Did podcasting only succeed because it was a break from video? Today, we dissect podcaster Rachel Corbett's claim and consider whether audio was truly an 'antidote' to visual media. Our conversation ranges from debating the evolution of podcasting, the guilt of binge-watching YouTube, and the accountability of podcasters for past statements. We also discuss how powerful listeners have...