School of Podcasting: Expert Tips for Launching and Growing Your Podcast

Welcome to the show! In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing the feedback you’ve given me over the past year. From the things you love—like honest opinions and those behind-the-scenes bloopers—to areas where you think I could improve, I’m breaking it all down. I’ll share how I process both praise and criticism, respond to some thought-provoking and even challenging listener comments, and talk openly about staying authentic on the microphone, no matter what. If you’ve ever wondered how to handle feedback for your own podcast—or you’re just curious about what really goes on behind the scenes—this episode is for you. Let’s jump in and talk about what it really means to grow through feedback!Main Points CoveredShared survey results about my audience (how you found the show, preferences on episode length, etc.)The value of opinions and why I’m not afraid to voice mine—people appreciate authenticity!Blooper reel gets love for keeping the show relatable and real.Several listeners said the show’s focus has improved—thanks for noticing!Some prefer solo episodes to interviews, and I talk about why I sometimes do interviews anyway.The “same old” show approach: people tune in for consistency, just like reruns of Hallmark movies.Trust is crucial; I work hard to give value and answers you can’t find elsewhere.You can tell when I’m tired or distracted! I agree—your energy transfers to listeners.Being award-winning isn’t about ego—my goal is always helping people.Repetition helps beginners, but seasoned podcasters would like more advanced content.Technical details: I use a Rode Podmic USB microphone into a Rodecaster Duo, recording in Hindenburg.Notes on ideas and feedback: people want more “behind-the-scenes” and technical information.Reading vs. riffing: I admit sometimes I slip into “reading mode” and work to stay spontaneous.Length controversy: some want shorter shows, some longer, but the majority like the current format.Hobbyists vs. business podcasters: I explain why my content has sometimes shifted toward podcasters wanting to grow.Ads feedback: some want fewer ads, especially repeating the School of Podcasting ad too often.Religion and “blue” humor: I discuss my Christian identity, my sense of humor, and respect differing tastes—even when jokes cross lines.You can’t please everyone—sometimes what “crosses the line” for one person is just casual for another.Suggestions for more advanced content and deeper listener Q&A segments.Advanced podcasting wisdom: find out what your audience wants, deliver with value, and keep improving.On making money: it’s possible, but requires loving the journey and standing out from the crowd.I’m always open to detailed questions—consider sending in your own for future deep dives!Websites MentionedSchool of PodcastingPodcasting Observations (my email list)PodpageAppSumoVoicemail: schoolofpodcasting.com/voicemailBiz Chicks PodcastAI Goes to CollegeLive Well and FlourishRode Podmic USBRodecaster Duo Mixer RecorderFeeding My Faith ShowMentioned in this episode:Join the School of Podcasting TodayRalph Estep Jr has over 100K Subscribers on YouTube and has FOUR shows at askralph.com. Ralph credits his success to the skills and network he has has built at the School of Podcasting. Join worry free with a 30-day Money Back Guarantee. Use the coupon code "listener" on a monthly, quarterly, or yearly subscription. Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/joinSchool of PodcastingWhat is Your Favorite Podcast and Why? If you could only listen to one show, what would it be, where can we find it, and WHY is it your favorite show? Don't forget to tell us a little bit about your show and where we can find it. I need your answer by December 26th, 2025Question of the MonthHappy Holidays!Happy Holidays to you and your family!Live AppearancesI would love to see you! You can see where I'm going to be using the link below. If you would like me to speak at your offline or online event, contact me at www.schoolofpodcasting.com/contactWhere Will I Be?Check Out Dave's Newsletter With Behind the Scenes ContentIn each issue of Podcasting Observations, I share my thoughts on what is happening in the podcasting space, my latest content, and things that have caught my eye. I also may ask for your opinion. Join the free communityPodcasting Observations

In this episode, I circle back to a classic question:What do you wish you’d known when you started your podcast that you know now?This is a question I’ve asked in the past (shout-out to episode 768 back in 2021!), and while I received close to 20 answers then, participation was a bit lighter this time around. But don’t worry—the quality makes up for the quantity!Featured Guests & Their InsightsI’m joined by two long-time contributors—Kim Newlove and Steve Stewart—who share powerfully honest responses about their podcasting journeys.Kim Newlove:Kim shares 12 things she wishes she’d known when starting her podcasts, The Pharmacist’s Voice and the Perrysburg Podcast. She talks about everything from being able to change your podcast’s “why” as its mission evolves, to discovering the right gear (hello, Shure SM7B!), figuring out realistic production schedules, mastering research and writing demands, making effective use of Canva for episode artwork, choosing media hosts wisely, the importance of newsletters, the value of trailers, and more. She emphasizes learning as you go and assures new podcasters that it’s totally okay to fill in gaps as you build your parachute on the way down!Steve Stewart:Steve reflects on how much he wishes he’d known how to edit for content when he first began his show in 2010. His early episodes would benefit from a bit more polish, and he shares how improving his editing skills made a huge difference not just for his own podcast, but eventually for others through his work at the Podcast Editors Academy. Steve also offers an excellent resource for anyone looking for a podcast editor.My Takeaways & Thoughts:I share my own lessons learned—including the importance of setting aside regular time for learning new skills, asking for direct feedback from listeners, and being willing to adapt and evolve your show as needed. I also discuss the value of constructive criticism and how it helps me grow as a podcaster.Resources & Mentions:Kim’s Podcasts: The Pharmacist’s Voice and Perrysburg Podcast Steve’s Podcast Editing Resource: Find an Editor School of Podcasting: schoolofpodcasting.com (use coupon code “listenr” for a discount!) Media Host Recommendations: Captivate, Buzzsprout, Libsyn (coupon sopfree), Transistor, Blubrry, and now RSS.com Podcast Editors Academy: Steve Stewart and Mark Deal’s community for podcast editors.Newsletter Tools: ConvertKit (for marketing now Kit) and Substack (for sharing thoughts/content)As always, I encourage you to ask your audience for feedback, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to tweak your show or try something new. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been podcasting for years, there’s always something to learn.If you want more podcasting content, check out my other shows at powerofpodcasting.com.Thanks so much for listening! If you enjoyed the episode, I’d truly appreciate it if you shared it with a friendMentioned in this episode:What is Your Favorite Podcast and Why? If you could only listen to one show, what would it be, where can we find it, and WHY is it your favorite show? Don't forget to tell us a little bit about your show and where we can find it. I need your answer by December 26th, 2025Question of the MonthReady to Get Your Podcast Moving?Tiger Woods, Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey all had coaches. We can help you avoid mistakes, give you constructive feedback and ensure you sound professional and make content that resonates with your audience. Join the School of Podcasting and in addition to the tutorials and community you get five hours of one-on-one coaching with me each month.School of PodcastingHappy Holidays!Happy Holidays to you and your family!Live AppearancesI would love to see you! You can see where I'm going to be using the link below. If you would like me to speak at your offline or online event, contact me at www.schoolofpodcasting.com/contactWhere Will I Be?

Discover the many metrics that reveal your podcast’s true success beyond downloads. Learn how to leverage completion rates on platforms like Apple and Spotify to refine your content. Engage with your audience through unsolicited feedback and email list growth, crucial for monetization. Explore community engagement as a key indicator of impact, and discover the importance of authority through speaking invitations and backlinks. Finally, remember that the joy of podcasting and consistency can fuel your journey!

Hey, it's Dave Jackson from the School of Podcasting! In this episode, I dive into what truly delivers value to your podcast audience—drawing inspiration from an episode of the Novel Marketing podcast hosted by my buddy, Thomas Umstattd Jr..As I was driving to PodIndy, I caught myself sharing Thomas Umstattd Jr.'s episode with friends, and it hit me: why was this episode good enough for me to recommend? Today, I'm breaking down the answer to that question and sharing snippets of what I like to call "value bombs," even if that phrase is a bit cringey.Here's what I cover:Why knowing your audience inside and out is key to delivering value.How answering your audience's burning questions (like Thomas does) keeps them tuning in.The importance of overdelivering—smothering your audience in value so they want to share your show.Why direct recommendations from listeners are more powerful than any algorithm.Examples of how Thomas Umstattd Jr. teases upcoming content to keep listeners coming back.How sharing personal stories alongside expertise can connect with your audience.The role of hands-on “boots on the ground” experience versus just listing facts, and how this builds authority.Why saving your audience time or money equals big value.Teasing future episodes and weaving in stories to keep people engaged.The impact of authenticity and showing both sides of a topic.My own experiment comparing human podcasting value to AI research, and why the human touch still wins.A quick review/demonstration of the new Zoom PodTrack P4 Next and my honest thoughts on whether it’s worth upgrading from the original P4.Lessons from a membership site migration disaster—and the importance of always having a backup plan for your content.Websites Mentioned:AuthorMedia.com — Home of the Novel Marketing podcast.SchoolofPodcasting.com — My home base for podcasting education.Perplexity AI — An AI research tool I tested for podcasting advice.Sweetwater — For buying podcast and audio gear.Backblaze — Backup service I use for safeguarding files.Voomly — New video host for my membership site.Loom and Tella — Video tools for creating support and course content.Gumroad - Tool to sell digital goods.My big takeaway? To truly deliver value: know your audience, answer their questions, overdeliver, and don't be afraid to share your own stories and expertise. When you save them time, money, or frustration, you make your podcast not only worth listening to—but worth sharing.Takeaways: Delivering value means understanding what your audience actually wants and needs. When you smother your audience in value, they'll be much more likely to share your content. The absurdity of using Shopify for authors often outweighs its perceived benefits and can lead to losses. Kickstarter is surprisingly the best alternative for authors wanting to sell books without the hassle of Shopify. Mentioned in this episode:Back Friday Deal on Podcast Reviews Host: Hey, podcast creators! Are you ready to take your podcast to the next level? We have an unbeatable deal just for you! Podcast Review Service: NEW BLACK FRIDAY DEAL For a limited time, get your podcast episode and website professionally audited. Using my 30-point checklist and uncover opportunities to improve your podcast's reach and engagement! 🔍 What's Included? Podcast Episode Audit: Pinpoint key areas for improvement. Website Audit: A thorough 30-point checklist to optimize your online presence. But wait, there’s more! When you sign up, you'll receive a free month at the School of Podcasting! That's one month of top-notch podcasting training normally at $99, absolutely free! 📚 Exclusive Offer: Your School of Podcasting membership includes 5 hours of personal consulting, a service valued at $1000 alone! 🎉 All This for Just $99! Normally, you'd pay $1278 for this incredible package. But through December 31st, it's yours for just $99! 🚀 Don’t miss this chance to elevate your podcast without breaking the bank. Secure this offer today and watch your podcast thrive! Act Now! Spots are limited! Host: Visit podcasthotseat.com to claim this unbeatable offer and get started on transforming your podcast today! podcasthotseat.comPodcast HotseatWhat is Your Favorite Podcast and Why? If you could only listen to one show, what would it be, where can we find it, and WHY is it your favorite show? Don't forget to tell us a little bit about your show and where we can find it. I need your answer by December 26th, 2025Question of the MonthLive AppearancesI would love to see you! You can see where I'm going to be using the link below. If you would like me to speak at your offline or online event, contact me at www.schoolofpodcasting.com/contactWhere Will I Be?

Join Heidi K. Begay, a musician and the founder of Red House Productions, as she shares insights on monetizing podcasts with smaller audiences. Discover how she successfully pitched to sponsors after just 30 episodes of her show, Flute360. Heidi emphasizes the importance of treating your podcast like a business and building partnerships, not just ad deals. Learn her strategies for creating tiered sponsorship packages, focusing on value over numbers, and cultivating genuine relationships with brands. Inspiration awaits for aspiring podcasters!

Explore how Ace Frehley's journey can inspire podcasters to embrace their uniqueness and authenticity. Learn that you don’t need to be the best to make an impact; relatability can be your superpower. Discover the importance of finding your distinctive edge, like Ace’s iconic smoking guitar, and the value of continuous improvement. Engage with your audience by speaking their language, and remember to protect your rights as a creator. Lastly, focus on having fun, knowing your role, and being innovative in your podcasting journey.

We're diving into the oh-so-fun world of podcast listening habits today, folks. Some people think most listeners are "Full." So how many podcasts are we actually cramming into our ears each week? And let me tell you, the answers are as varied as the podcasts themselves. From folks who binge a couple of episodes while commuting to some who claim they listen to 30-plus shows, it’s a wild ride. So grab your headphones and settle in as we break down the absurdity of our listening obsessions and peek behind the curtain of our podcasting lives.Takeaways: Podcasting might feel saturated, but there's always room for new shows and ideas. Listeners subscribe to many shows, but they often only tune into a select few episodes weekly. The average podcast listener seems to juggle multiple shows, depending on their daily activities. Even seasoned podcasters have varied listening habits that shift over time and circumstances. Finding a good podcast is like finding a needle in a haystack, but hey, it's worth the search! People are still engaging with podcasts, despite claims of saturation in the market. Contributors:thepharmacistsvoice.comperrysburgpodcast.combacklookcinema.comaskralph.comschoolofpodcasting.comstevestewart.mepracticalprepping.infotheruckersedge.comwelcometoearthstories.comschoolofpodcasting.com/pocketcastspodcasteditorsacademy.comReady to Start a Podcast?Starting a new show? Need help growing the show you have? Join the School of Podcasting worry free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.JOIN TODAYMentioned in this episode:Check Out Dave's Newsletter With Behind the Scenes ContentIn each issue of Podcasting Observations, I share my thoughts on what is happening in the podcasting space, my latest content, and things that have caught my eye. I also may ask for your opinion. Join the free communityPodcasting ObservationsJoin the School of Podcasting CommunityFeeling overwhelmed by the world of podcasting? The School of Podcasting is your sanctuary of simplicity and support. We understand that navigating equipment choices, content planning, and audience growth can be daunting. That's why we've designed our courses to break down every aspect into manageable, clear steps, making it easy for you to focus on what truly matters: your content. With access to my twenty years of experience, you'll gain the confidence to silence the chaos and amplify your unique voice. Embrace podcasting with clarity and ease—let the School of Podcasting be your guide through the noiseSchool of PodcastingWhat is Your Favorite Podcast and Why? If you could only listen to one show, what would it be, where can we find it, and WHY is it your favorite show? Don't forget to tell us a little bit about your show and where we can find it. I need your answer by December 26th, 2025Question of the MonthI'd Love T See you!I will be at the following events: November 8, Podindy.com Whiteland Indiana January 15-18 Podfest Multimedia Expo in Orlando, Fl February 17–20, 2026 NRB 2026 International Christian Media Convention, Nashville, TennesseeWhere Will I Be?

I'm diving deep into the pros and cons of doing a live podcast, inspired by a question from Ralph over at askralph.com. If you’ve ever considered going live with your show—whether with video or audio—you’ll want to hear my honest take after years of experience.I break down what it’s really like to start live streaming, especially if you’re new to podcasting or just thinking about expanding into video. From gear recommendations, background setups, and green screens to my latest waste-of-money purchase (ouch!), I share what works, what doesn’t, and what you should really consider before investing.You’ll hear why consistency in scheduling is key and how I built a loyal live audience for Ask the Podcast Coach, which now feels like the new Saturday morning cartoons for my regulars. I talk candidly about realistic audience expectations—don’t be shocked when only a handful show up at first!—and why you shouldn’t start live if you're overwhelmed by tech.I run through my favorite live streaming platforms, like Restream, eCamm Live, EVMux, and Streamyard, and why I personally steer clear of Riverside despite its flashy features. I talk camera options, from affordable 4K webcams to fancy DSLRs, and stress why you should practice, practice, practice before going live in front of folks.You’ll also get my advice on handling live chat, co-host dynamics, the need for two monitors, and the occasional awkwardness of booting guests off gracefully. I share war stories about live mishaps, from surprise guests to technical gremlins, and why your audience is nearly always rooting for you.If you’re weighing whether the extra expense, learning curve, and time spent prepping for live shows is worth it, I’ll walk you through how it’s brought me closer to my audience and generated great content for my main show. Spoiler: For me, the connection, fun, and instant feedback have made it worthwhile—even if those first few live shows felt like talking to a brick wall!Takeaways: Going live can totally change your podcast game, but it comes with a whole load of tech headaches. There are so many tools out there for live streaming, but honestly, they all have their quirks and bugs. You really need to be consistent with your live show schedule, or folks will forget about you faster than a sneeze in a windstorm. Interacting with your audience live can spark some killer ideas, so don't shy away from it! Don't overthink your video background; if they care more about your messy room than your words, that's a problem. Prepare like you're about to run a marathon, because going live isn't just 'turn it on and chat' - it's a whole production! Equipment MentionedNeewer Keylight KitObsbot Meet 4k CameraYolo 3 4K CameraLogitech MX Brio Ultra HD 4KSony ZV-E10 II DSLR CameraElgao Key lightLinks referenced in this episode:askralph.comschoolofpodcasting.commixlr.comrestream.ioecamm.comevmux.comriverside.fmstreamyard.comCaptivatebuzzsprout.comlu.mapodnews.netMentioned in this episode:Unlock Exclusive Insights: Subscribe to 'Podcasting Observations' Newsletter!Get a look into the world of podcasting like never before with "Podcasting Observations," your go-to source for trends, tips, and transformative insights tailored just for podcasters. You also get "behind the scenes" info from the School of Podcasting Don't miss out on staying ahead of the game—join the 1700+ people who are already reading Podcasting Observations today!Podcasting ObservationsWhat is Your Favorite Podcast and Why? If you could only listen to one show, what would it be, where can we find it, and WHY is it your favorite show? Don't forget to tell us a little bit about your show and where we can find it. I need your answer by December 26th, 2025Question of the MonthI'd Love T See you!I will be at the following events: November 8, Podindy.com Whiteland Indiana January 15-18 Podfest Multimedia Expo in Orlando, Fl February 17–20, 2026 NRB 2026 International Christian Media Convention, Nashville, TennesseeWhere Will I Be?Join the School of Podcasting Worry FreeReady to start a podcast but feeling overwhelmed? The School of Podcasting has you covered. Created by Hall of Fame podcaster Dave Jackson, the School provides the training and support you need to launch your show successfully. Through easy-to-understand video lessons, an amazing podcasting community, and live coaching, you'll learn how to plan, record, and publish your podcast without making common mistakes. Don't let your message go unheard. Podcasting has the power to transform your life, relationships, and business. Join the School of Podcasting today and start your podcast journey with confidence. Your audience is waiting - enroll now!School of Podcasting

Welcome back! In this episode, I tackle this month’s big question: "How long did it take you to bring your podcast from an idea in your head to execution—and how long to find your audience?"I share stories from guest contributors and reflect on my own process after launching nearly 40 different shows over the years. Todd the Gator kicks things off describing how his gaming show “Guardian Downcast” was born, with community members pulling him into hosting after another podcast called it quits. He recalls the whirlwind of learning what a podcast actually is, how to publish it, and how long it took their show to fully find its identity—hint: half their existence!Steve Stewart joins in, sharing that his first podcast took a full year to go from idea to launch. Facing the usual fears and uncertainty, Steve found accountability and guidance with a coach, which made all the difference. He also talks about the slow climb to finding an audience and how connecting with similar podcasts really helped boost those early numbers.Chris shares a personal journey that traces 20 years of tinkering before launching his current show “Cool Cars with Chris.” After plenty of experimenting and previous podcasts, he finally returned to his passion for cars and found a format that felt true to himself.I reflect on my own timelines, explaining that those first launches tend to take much longer thanks to the steep learning curve. Once I got the hang of things, I could launch new shows in a day or even a weekend. That said, good planning is key. I break down a suggested six-week timeline for new podcasters—everything from concept and audience research to equipment, recording, editing, feedback, and hosting. Trust me, the more time you spend planning in the beginning, the less time you’ll be spending fixing things later.We also dig into the importance of feedback. Whether you’re getting listeners’ reactions or setting up listening parties to watch how your core audience responds, feedback is what helps you refine and grow your show.I wrap up with tips for making your podcast stand out, advice for building a website and collecting email addresses, and a reminder that your launch strategy matters as much as your content. Plus, a quick book recommendation for anyone working on their visuals—and a little movie review, just for fun!As Always - It DependsIf your podcast is "just for fun" then maybe you don't need to spend so much time thinking about how your show will be different. You do need to check and make sure someone else is not using your name. Check out the Podcast Launch ChecklistWhen It Comes to Podcast MarketingAt it's basic form, podcast marketing strategies start with knowing who your audience is (specifically) and going to where they are. Then make friends with them, and finally tell them about your show. Thanks To The Contributors!Steve Stewart - Podcast Editors AcademyChris Smith - Cool Cars With ChrisTodd the Gator - Guardian Downcast / Fifty Years Experience RequiredLinks referenced in this episode:schoolofpodcasting.comguardiandowncast.com50yearsexperiencerequired.comcoolcarswithchris.compodcasteditoracademy.comschoolofpodcasting.comstevestewart.compodcastinghotseat.comMentioned in this episode:Join the School of PodcastingMark from Practical Prepping had been podcasting for a while, but after joining the School of Podcasting, his podcast grew at a faster rate. His Facebook group has over 30,000 members! Join the School of Podcasting and get access to: Step-by-step tutorials An amazing podcast community Unlimited One-On-One Coaching Join today worry-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee!School of PodcastingWhat is Your Favorite Podcast and Why? If you could only listen to one show, what would it be, where can we find it, and WHY is it your favorite show? Don't forget to tell us a little bit about your show and where we can find it. I need your answer by December 26th, 2025Question of the MonthI'd Love T See you!I will be at the following events: November 8, Podindy.com Whiteland Indiana January 15-18 Podfest Multimedia Expo in Orlando, Fl February 17–20, 2026 NRB 2026 International Christian Media Convention, Nashville, TennesseeWhere Will I Be?Unlock Exclusive Insights: Subscribe to 'Podcasting Observations' Newsletter!Get a look into the world of podcasting like never before with "Podcasting Observations," your go-to source for trends, tips, and transformative insights tailored just for podcasters. You also get "behind the scenes" info from the School of Podcasting Don't miss out on staying ahead of the game—join the 1700+ people who are already reading Podcasting Observations today!Podcasting Observations

In today's episode, we're going to pull back that curtain on podcasting best practices. And some of these conventions are grounded in logic and proven results, and others might just be myths that we're just blindly following. I explain why I think these are legit, and explain why some of these are not accurate. As always your audience may be different than mine, but based on 20 years in podcasting, these are the just some of the best practices I teach at the School of Podcasting.Why is Recording a Test Episode before launch a Podcast Best Practice?Authors have rough draftsAthletes have pre-seasonActors have dress rehearsalWhen you publish the first thing you record, you are essentially publishing a "rough draft." Anytime you do something for the first time, it's not as good as the second.Why is Defining a Clear Topic or Niche a Podcast Best Practice?It makes it easy to create content. If I'm making dinner for a bunch of vegans, I know what I can make and what I couldn't.This makes it easier to market. Now instead of marketing to Vegans, Carnivore, or those who are Glucose Intolerant, etc.You can also lump this in with the advice of "Know your audience."What appears is a downside may be an upside: a smaller but more loyal audience.Why Is Getting to the Topic ASAP a Podcast Best Practice?Do you have a ton of free time?Look at Netflix, when an episode is over it give you an option to skip the credits and go to the next episode. When you go to the next episode, it prompts you to skip the intro. This leads me to believe it is best to get to the content asap.Why is Knowing Why Your Are Podcasting a Podcast Best Practice?When a podcaster doesn't get the result they had hoped to receive, they quit (often before their 10th episode).If you were hired by a company to earn more money, and then they paid you the same (or less) would you stay?Why is Engaging with Audience and Creating a Community a Podcast Best Practice?The previous best practice was "Get to know your audience." This is how you get to know them.This can be on social, email, anyway you can interact with your audience you should do it.Why is Prioritizing Sound Quality a Podcast Best Practice?You want it to be EASY to consume your content. You don't want the audience to strain to consume your content. Reverb or "room noise" can become a serious issue when the listener is in a car with the noise of the tires on the road. Think of it this way,  smear vaseline on your glasses and try to watch something. You can do it, but it takes extra effort. We need it to be EASYEven in videos, the key ingredient is not lighting but audio. If I can see you but can't hear you what's the point.You don't need to spend thousands of dollars on equipment. You can get started with a Samson Q2U microphone. If you want to do video, you can get a pair of Rode Wireless Micro microphones and use your phone as a camera.Why is Knowing What You're Going to Say Before Your Press Record a Best Practice?I always say, less planning equals more editing. This can lead to it taking longer to produce an episodeWhile you want it to feel conversational like a phone call with your best friend, it is a performance for a global audience.Without focus, you again tend to ramble, repeat yourself, or fall into unrelated chit-chat.I've actually heard episode where people discuss what they are going to talk about on the episode - in the episode. The audience doesn't care how the sausage is made. They just want the sausage.Why is Including a Clear Call to Action a Podcast Best Practice?Your audience may be driving, or some other activity where they can't push buttons and take action. Making it clear, and easy to remember can help them.When you include more than one at a time, it makes it hard to remember.If you don't get your WHY you burnout. How do you get your WHY? By asking for it.Why is Sticking to a Consistent Schedule a Podcast Best Practice?You become part of the audience's routine. This is HUGE. You don't want to be a good podcast, you want to be someone's favorite (Jay Acunzo)You are seen as reliable. If you're podcasting for your business this is part of your brand.Keep in mind it's more important to be consistent in value than schedule. I'd rather have a "Late" show that was remarkable than an on time show that was "Meh."Why is Having a Consistent Brand a Podcast Best Practice?This is somewhat branding 101. When your brand is a trusted resource, people are drawn to it.Mountain Dew is a brand. It has raving fans. So when Pepsi has a new flavor, instead of creating a new brand, they use the Mountain Dew brand to introduce it.A logo can signify that something is official (like swag).For more information see the book The Visual Marketer: The Marketer's Crash Course for Creating Memorable and Effective VisualsWhy is Having Your Best Episodes Featured On Your Website a Podcast Best Practice?You only get to make a first impression once. According to The Podcast Study, 41% of your audience will NOT give you a second chance. Your latest episode may not be your best. Lead with your best stuff based on your stats.Why Does Having Keywords In Your Podcast Title a Podcast Best PracticeYour audience needs to find you before they consume your content. If they search for "baseball" and your show is called "The dugout" it may not be found.Check out Mangools, Ubersuggest, Keywords Everywhere, SERanking,  (there are TONS of these types of tools).Best Practices That Are ContestedLaunching Your Podcast With Three EpisodesThe thought is that people will consume all of your content. It give them a chance to make a deeper connection, and if they follow the show it boosts your chances of going up the charts. This is all true. What I've not been able to prove is how many people discover shows looking at the charts. This is often more for marketing material, "A Top 20 Podcast."Rating and Reviews Help You Get FoundThis is a fallacy that gets repeated almost hourly on podcasts every day. Here is the quote FROM APPLE:What the charts measure:Apple Podcasts Charts reflect the most popular shows and episodes available in a given market and are designed to help people discover what to listen to next. They do not reflect all-time listening records and are not a measure of the largest podcasts by listenership.While the exact algorithm cannot be shared to protect their integrity, the charts measure a mix of the following:Listening: When listeners are engaging with episodes, it’s an indicator of content popularity.Follows: When listeners follow a show to receive new episodes, it’s an indicator of their intent to listen.Completion Rate: When listeners complete episodes, it’s an indicator of content quality.Ratings, reviews, and sharesAlthough ratings, reviews, and shares also help indicate a podcast’s newness, popularity, and quality, they are not factored into the algorithm that determines the rankings for Top Shows and Top Episodes.Source: https://podcasters.apple.com/support/3146-apple-podcasts-chartsUsing Audiograms To Promote Your Show on SocialWhile this first worked when it was introduced (because it was new). I've heard no less than four social media experts explain that audiograms don't really help get people to your show. This is partly due to people just wanting to scroll more and more, and it should be seen more as a branding tool. It reminds people your show is here, and if they haven't checked out the latest episode they may go listen to it later. Many people don't stop the scroll. So this is a trickle.YouTubeThis is a test that is currently underway. There is no definitive "guaranteed success." While YouTube will tell you you MUST DO VIDEO (and of course they do), I've heard a few podcasters who have made the trip, started doing video, and quit. Only 28% of Podcasters are doing full video on Youtube based on data from the Podcast Host. Check out this post on "The truth about "video podcasts" on YouTube."Audio Outperforms Video 15 to 1When I worked at Libsyn Bill Maher launched Club Random. We had to twist Bill's arm (hard) to add audio. He only wanted to do video. When it launched Bill hired a PR agency that only promoted the video version. In the end the audio outperformed the video 15 to 1.In March of 2025, there were 65.3 Million creators on Youtube making content for 2.49 Trillion viewers.There were 358 thousand audio creators making content for 202 million listeners.Yes, the numbers are much bigger, but in the end for every creator there are 564 listeners / 38 viewers. When you divide 564/38 you get 15.But YouTube has the algorithm! I know. It knows what I like and it suggests things for me to watch. I have one of those too. His name is Doug (my brother).It pains me when a person comes to me to start a podcast and they won't start because they heard you HAVE to do video. "Everybody" is saying you need video is a company called YouTube (and of course they are).There are more opportunities to listen than watch. If you have the time to chase the algorithm, the budget, and desire to be on YouTube - be on YouTube. Just realize you don't HAVE to.Last point on YouTube Podcasts. I know HUNDREDS of podcasters and only one uses YouTube Music to listen to podcasts.The Celebrity Effect: Don't Follow In Their FootstepsI know celebrities start their show with large amounts of ads, and often have many more ads throughout their show. They often consist of nothing but what appears to be "podcasting chit-chat" so that means you can do the same thing, right?No, these people have already made their connection to their audience on another platform (you haven't). So people will sit through two minutes of ads (Conan, Mel Robbins) because they know and love these people. When you start people don't know you (yet) and so this would be a horrible way to start your show (in my opinion).What About Chit Chat?My favorite show that has a "Chit-chat" is the Podnews Weekly Review with Sam Sethi and James Cridland. Why? Because they do it at the end of their show with the "Super listeners" are still listening. The Podcast Survey shows how most people don't want any chit-chat, and it it's there it needs to be related and short (but they don't define what short is).Mentioned In This EpisodeSchool of PodcastingThe Podcast StudyThe Truth About ‘Video Podcasts’ on YouTubePodnews Weekly ReviewPodchaptersMentioned in this episode:Question of the MonthHow many episodes do you listen to in a week? And of those episodes how many different podcasts are there? I need your answer by October 24th. Don't forget to tell us a little about your show and your website address.Question of the MonthQuit Thinking About It and START THAT PODCASTIf you have ever turned down the radio to hear your phone in the car, you know how to mix audio. If you have ever attached a photo to an email, you know how to upload an mp3 to a media host. Deleting text in Word is the same as delete audio in audacity. Yes, there is a learning curve but it's not as scary as you think. I'll be there the whole way, and you can join worry free with a 30 day money-back guarantee. Go to schoolofpodcasting.com/joinSchool of PodcastingUnlock Exclusive Insights: Subscribe to 'Podcasting Observations' Newsletter!Get a look into the world of podcasting like never before with "Podcasting Observations," your go-to source for trends, tips, and transformative insights tailored just for podcasters. You also get "behind the scenes" info from the School of Podcasting Don't miss out on staying ahead of the game—join the 1700+ people who are already reading Podcasting Observations today!Podcasting ObservationsI'd Love T See you!I will be at the following events: November 8, Podindy.com Whiteland Indiana January 15-18 Podfest Multimedia Expo in Orlando, Fl February 17–20, 2026 NRB 2026 International Christian Media Convention, Nashville, TennesseeWhere Will I Be?