Pump Up Your Pod

Apple Podcasts has officially moved into video podcasting, and it’s a bigger shift than a lot of podcasters realise. With support for HLS video, Apple will now allow creators to publish video podcasts on Apple Podcasts and give listeners the option to switch between audio and video in the same feed. In this episode, I break down what this update actually means for podcasters and whether it’s somet...

Is the Fifine Amplitank Tank 3 actually good, or just another cheap microphone that sounds terrible? After extensive testing at Bamby Media, I'm breaking down exactly what this budget-friendly mic does well and where it falls short. I'm usually skeptical of inexpensive audio gear - if it's cheap, it's often poor quality. But the Tank 3 surprised me with its performance at this price point. That sa...

If you're building a home recording studio, you've already discovered that you can’t really have a microphone without some sort of stand to get it in the right position. The desk stand versus boom arm debate is one of the most common questions I see from new podcasters and content creators, and the answer isn't as straightforward as most online advice suggests. Some people swear by the boom arm. ...

"You need at least 10,000 downloads per episode before sponsors will even look at you." If I had a dollar for every time I've heard this in podcasting circles, I'd have enough to sponsor someone's show myself. This advice has convinced countless podcasters that monetisation is off-limits until they hit some arbitrary download threshold. It's not just misleading, it's costing you money right now. A...

Recent data from The Podcast Study reveals exactly why listeners abandon podcasts, and the results had me nodding my head in agreement vigorously. This comprehensive research into listener behaviour patterns is so valuable to every podcaster whether you’re an audio-only or video podcast. After analysing the findings of this study alongside our experience working with hundreds of podcast creators a...

In a world of doom scrolling and quick fixes, how do you get someone to actually stay on your content long enough to turn them into fans or listen to what you have to say? One element that makes a huge difference is the music that you use in your content. Music creates the vibe. It immediately gives the viewer or listener something to grab onto, and it sets them up for the experience that they’re...

"Do I really sound like that?"  After editing thousands of hours of podcast content at Bamby Media, I can tell you this reaction is universal. It’s so common to have that moment of vocal horror when you hear your recorded voice for the first time. The way you think you sound can often be very different to how you actually sound, and it can be really confronting. Maybe you’re a mumbler, speed...

How often do you start recording and then feel like you need to clear a bunch of gunk from your throat? You didn’t feel all gunked up beforehand, why is it happening just as you started recording? Mostly it’s due to not preparing your voice for recording before you started. You’re coming into the recording with a “cold” voice. Just like an athlete or a musician needs to warm up before they begin,...

Joe Rogan's $250 million Spotify deal and Smartless' $100 million Sirius XM contract aren't just industry anomalies - they're proof of podcasting's massive revenue potential. In fact, the podcasting industry is now a 7.2 billion dollar industry and counting.  I know you can look at those numbers and think, “Yeah, but that’s only for the really big shows”. But the reality is, there’s money to...

Let's cut straight to the point: the Shure MV7 Plus positions itself as the Swiss Army knife of microphones. With both XLR and USB capabilities in one sleek package, it's targeting everyone from podcast beginners to audio professionals. But after putting it through rigorous testing at Bamby Media's production studio, I can tell you exactly where it shines and where it falls short. BAMBY MEDIA LINK...

To audio podcast or video podcast…that is the question. It is in fact, the question that I get the most during consultations with potential (or existing) clients. They’re trying to make a decision as to whether an audio only podcast fits their needs, or whether they need to invest in video and it’s all a bit confusing. I will say straight up - there is no one size fits all answer to this as every...

I’ve tested and used a lot of podcasting equipment at this point in my career. Before I was a podcast producer, I was a musician, so the love of gear runs deep. Anything that I can get my hands on that is going to improve the sound or the functionality of my setup is something I get very excited about. I also feel like at this point I’ve learned the difference between good and great and I’m quite...

After a decade of producing podcasts with millions of downloads and testing countless pieces of audio gear at Bamby Media, let me cut straight to the chase: The Elgato Wave Mic Pro low profile boom arm is worth your attention.  Full disclosure: Elgato sent me this piece of kit, no strings attached. I didn’t have to review it, I didn’t have to record a video about it. The product was so just f...

A little over a year ago I decided to start a YouTube channel for the Bamby Media brand. Not because we were searching for more clients, chasing extra revenue or I as the founder was interested in becoming a full-time content creator. Our mission was simple: Build a YouTube channel that serves as our live testing ground - a place where we could experiment, fail, and succeed with content strategies...

Is it too much to ask that we have a one-stop production suite for podcasters? All I want is a way to record episodes remotely, edit them to my exact specifications and then upload them to podcast platforms and/or YouTube for one monthly subscription fee. I don’t want to use a heap of different tools and sharing files across multiple platforms. I just want one place to handle it all.  This us...

After a decade in podcast production and millions of downloads across our client roster at Bamby Media, I can tell you this with absolute certainty: podcast editing can make or break your podcast's success.  I’ve judged countless podcasting awards such as The Webby’s, Australian Podcast Awards, Signal Awards, Independent Podcast Awards and I’ve heard the full gamut of podcast production.&nbsp...

As someone who has worked in podcast production for over a decade, at this point I can say I’ve tried pretty much every software there is. When I was thinking about the DIY podcasters among us, the question I posed myself was simple: Can you do a good enough job of recording and editing your podcast just with free tools, or is it worthwhile investing in a more robust paid option? Whether you're re...

In today's video, I'm comparing two powerhouse AI audio background removal tools: Descript Studio Sound and Adobe V2. As someone who's produced podcasts for over a decade, I know the struggle of dealing with less-than-perfect audio, so I'm putting these tools through their paces to help you make the best choice for your show. I'll walk you through real-world scenarios we face daily at Bamby Media...

Choosing the right microphone can make or break your content.  That might sound a bit dramatic, and to be honest it probably is. I know for most creators it might not be a huge deal if you go with a dynamic microphone when a condenser microphone would have been better suited. Sure, a slightly different range in frequency response isn’t going to be noticed by the majority of people consuming y...

If you're a founder still lurking behind your company logo like it's your last line of defence, I've got news for you: your business needs YOUR face, not just your fancy branding and pictures of your team or thriving office culture.  Though those things are nice, a potential customer has nothing to hold onto. We buy from people, not businesses.  That’s why you need to be building your pe...

It's a special day for me—my birthday! 🎉 And what better way to celebrate than combining two of my loves: music and microphones? So, join me on this little auditory adventure as we dive into some budget-friendly microphone options that are perfect for vocalists.  I've gathered a selection of XLR and USB microphones, a lineup that includes the SE DCM8 , SE Neom , Rode NT USB Mini , Rode PodMi...

If I were to start a podcast in 2025, here's exactly what I'd do, drawing from my decade of experience as the head honcho of Bamby Media. We've launched nearly 500 shows, so I've learned a thing or two about what works in this ever-evolving industry. Whether you're a seasoned content creator or just dipping your toes into the podcasting world, these tips will help you make your mark.  00:00 I...

Today I’m taking you behind-the-scenes to the inner workings of Bamby Media throughout 2024. I reflect on the year's pros and cons, discuss the impact of AI on podcast production, and explore how smoother processes and systems contributed to a calm work environment. I also take a look at personal achievements, challenges with software, and the effects of AI-generated podcasts.  Additionally,...

I take a look at Spotify's recent announcement of their rebrand to 'Spotify for Creators' for podcasters and its impact on audio podcasting. I review the new monetization requirements on Spotify, comparing them with YouTube's more lenient YouTube Creator Program and monetisation options for audio-only shows. I discuss the potential shift towards video podcasting, the challenges smaller creators ma...

As the festive season approaches, the question of whether to take a break from releasing podcast episodes over Christmas and New Year often looms large, especially for podcasters.  It's a time when many are eager to unwind, enjoy family time, and perhaps forget about their usual routines. But is a break the best move for your podcast? I’ve trawled through the data we collect from our own clie...