Your Podcast Consultant: Podcast Tips To Avoid Podcasting Mistakes

Hey there, it’s Dave Jackson, and in this episode, I'm exploring what we, as podcasters and content creators, can learn from none other than Barbra Streisand—specifically, the infamous "Streisand effect." What Does It Mean? If you've ever wondered what that term means, I break down the story behind it, starting with a 2003 lawsuit involving her Malibu home and how trying to hide something can actu...

In this episode, I get into the impact of taking an extended break from podcasting and how it affects your show’s growth, audience engagement, and completion rates. Here are the main takeaways: I discuss a situation where a podcast grew to 500 downloads per episode but lost half its audience after taking a year-long break. Even with improved audio quality and more polished episodes after returning...

The struggle is real when you're launching a podcast aimed at answering listener questions, but you can't even get your mom to tune in. I tackle this conundrum with a blend of sarcasm and genuine advice, emphasizing that while it might feel like you're shouting into the void, there are ways to build that listener base. I suggest simple strategies like inviting friends and family to send in questio...

Hey there, it’s Dave Jackson, and in this episode I’m revising the challenge of naming your podcast—a topic I haven’t covered since 2019! I share a simple test I use for show names: I tell people the name and ask what they think it’s about. If their answer matches my content, I know I’m on the right track. I talk about how it’s tempting to get cute with names (like “The Dugout” for a baseball show...

"What is the best podcast platform for beginners?" The short answer is – it depends on you and your goals! I cover several popular podcast hosting platforms, including Captivate , Transistor , Buzzsprout , Podbean, and Libsyn. My personal favorite is Captivate because for $19 a month, you can create unlimited podcasts and episodes, with only a price increase if you go over 30,000 downloads. I use...

In this episode, I respond to a question from Cheddar Bunny on Reddit, who's just released two podcast episodes and isn't happy with the sound quality. They're recording everything on an iPhone and editing with Ferrite , but their voice track sounds way too muffled. The music sounds fine, but they're asking about Bluetooth microphones and how to improve things on a zero budget. I get where they're...

In this episode, Dave Jackson addresses a common question from a Reddit post: "Which are the best podcast websites to post our work and get paid for it?" He dives deep into the realities and mindset of podcasting with a special focus on family projects. Dave emphasizes the importance of enjoying the podcasting journey itself, rather than fixating solely on making money. Key Topics Discussed: Initi...

I spent some time the other night updating some show notes that AI generated. There were at least seven words that not only would I never use, some of them I didn't even know what they were. I know many people will blame the prompt. Learning to prompt takes time, and updating content that isn't even close to sounding like you also takes time. So with this in mind I ask, "Is AI really saving us tim...

Ever had that moment when your best buddy decides they want to jump on the podcast train with you? Yeah, it's all fun and games until you realize they might just be the anchor dragging you down. In this episode, we look at how to keep that precious friendship intact while navigating the choppy waters of collaboration. I share some painfully relatable stories about working with friends, like that t...

Let's dig into the whirlwind of podcasting realities where we chat about how many podcasters seem to think that just slapping a website together is like waving a magic wand for traffic. The problem is - it’s not. I mean, if only it were that easy, right? Just like the classic movie 'Field of Dreams' where they thought building the field would bring the players, our podcasters think that creating a...

You talked about the promotion. You didn't talk about the content. I'm here to tell you, it's your content. How do I know? Because I've been helping podcaters grow their show. There are two phrases that go back to back . 1. I need help growing my podcast 2. My content is fine. Then I listen and it takes nine minutes to get to the topic. The episode title starts with "Episode XX" which is a giant w...

First up, let's talk about the wild ride of launching a podcast. It's like trying to throw a birthday party and making sure every single balloon is inflated to perfection. Spoiler alert: it’s impossible. Our main speaker, Dave, dives headfirst into the chaotic world of podcasting, where he points out that there’s never a perfect time to hit that record button. Seriously, if you're waiting for the...

Imagine you’ve gone through all the hassle of getting your podcast guests to sign those release forms. You’re feeling pretty smug about it, right? Fast forward a few months or even years, and suddenly your guest, who apparently has turned into a drama queen, is begging you to take the interview down. What do you do? It’s a wild ride as we dive deep into this conundrum that every podcaster dreads....

Heading to your first podcast event? Get ready for a whirlwind of excitement and awkward encounters! First things first, business cards are your best friends. B ut not just any cards—make sure it’s got your website on it, preferably not a link tree that screams 'I don’t have my life together.' A QR code on your card is like having a secret weapon—people love scanning stuff, and it’s a great way to...

Podcast Movement is just around the corner, and if you’re anything like me, you’re probably freaking out a little. I mean, who doesn’t love the thrill of trying to network while simultaneously figuring out how to use your recording gear? This episode is a deep dive into the chaos of recording on the go. I’ve had my fair share of gear fails, and trust me, they’re the stuff of legend. From microphon...

Deciding what to keep and what to cut in podcast editing can seem hard, but with a little insight it becomes easy. So fear not, because we dig into this conundrum with all the sarcasm and irony you can handle. First, we chat about the importance of knowing your audience. Seriously, if your guest starts rambling off nonsensical answers that have nothing to do with the question, it’s a clear sign th...

The burning question on every wannabe podcaster's mind: do I really need a podcast coach? Spoiler alert: no, you don’t * have * to have one, and you could just jump in, flail around, and figure things out for yourself. But let’s be real for a sec. Imagine setting off on a cross-country road trip without a GPS. Sure, you could just guess which way is west, but wouldn’t it be easier to have a reliab...

Jumping into the world of YouTube isn’t just about pointing a camera and chatting away. Sure, that sounds like a walk in the park, but it’s actually more like a hike up a mountain with a backpack full of gear. You’ll need a decent camera, lighting that doesn’t make you look like a ghost, and let’s not forget the audio – because, believe me, if your audio is garbage, you might as well be not start...

Launching a podcast without a domain? Yeah, that’s a big no-no. It’s like trying to adopt a puppy and then saying, “Hey, where’s the leash?” In this episode, we tackle the absolute must-have of podcasting—your own domain name. You want people to find your adorable little show, right? So, let’s make sure they have a place to go when they ask, “Where’s your podcast?” We dish out the wisdom on why ha...

So, you’ve taken a long break from your podcast—like a “I forgot how to talk to a mic” kind of break—and now you’re wondering how to get back in the game. Well, I’m here to explain on how to restart without losing your marbles or your listeners. First off, if you ditched your show for a while, don’t sweat it! Just let your audience know you’re back and ready to rock. No need for a dramatic apology...

Turning 50 is a big deal, especially for a classic like Jaws, and boy, does it have a lot to teach us about podcasting. Picture this: a film that was barely held together by duct tape and creativity, yet it became a cultural phenomenon. The behind-the-scenes drama? A mechanical shark that was more trouble than it was worth and a filming schedule that doubled in time. But instead of throwing in the...

So, you’re stuck reading a script for your podcast and it feels as exciting as watching paint dry, huh? Well, let's shake things up! The key here is to stop sounding like a robot and start talking like a human. We’re getting into how to ditch that crutch of a script and get comfortable just chatting it up. You’ll learn to write like you talk—because, spoiler alert, we don’t actually talk like we w...

We dive into the world of podcasting domains like pros (or at least like folks who pretend to know what they’re talking about). I mean, have you ever tried to switch your podcast domain? It’s like moving your entire life, but instead of packing boxes, you’re just messing with a bunch of technical stuff that could totally break your show. We're talking about RSS feeds, redirects, and all that nerdy...

Ever wondered how to pull off a call-in show when your co-host is chilling in another state? Well, I'm here to spill the beans on my chaotic journey of figuring out this wild ride. Spoiler alert: it’s not all rainbows and butterflies, especially when echoes and pranksters come into play. I’ll share my secret sauce, which includes some fancy gear, a dash of sarcasm, and a whole lot of learning from...

Adding images to your media host show notes? Yeah, that’s a recipe for disaster. I mean, picture this: you drop a brand new episode, and instead of a visually stunning experience, your notes look like a digital explosion. Not cute, right? So, let’s get real – I’m here to help you understand why keeping those images on your website is the best strategy. Trust me, your podcast will thank you, and yo...