School of Podcasting - Podcast Tips to Plan, Launch, Grow Your Podcast

So, today I'm diving into the mess that can be podcast burnout. You know, that moment when your favorite hobby morphs into a job you dread? Yeah, we’ve all been there. We're chatting about big names like Marc Maron and others who decided to call it quits and how that’s not just okay, but totally legit. Spoiler alert: sometimes stepping back is the best move you can make. I’ll sprinkle in some sarcasm and laughs as we explore the absurdity of it all—because let’s face it, if we can’t laugh at our struggles, what’s the point, right? If you've been thinking about starting a podcast but feel it's too crowded, realize all those podcasters who started back in 2005 might be being pulled in new directions that have them thinking about podcast retirement.Takeaways: Creative projects can sometimes feel like an endless cycle of stress and burnout. It's totally okay to step back from podcasting if it stops being fun for you. Many successful podcasters have experienced burnout, and it's a common issue in the industry. Managing expectations is crucial; don't expect overnight success when building an audience. Life changes, like welcoming a new baby, can drastically affect your podcasting ability and energy. Always remember: adding responsibilities means subtracting your fun, so be careful what you take on. Mentioned In This ShowMarc Maron Announces He's Ending the WTF ShowRob Walch Talks Marc Maron on the FeedErik K Johnson End Podcast Talent CoachYouTuber Tom Scott Says Goodbye 6.5M SubscribersYouTuber The Game Theorist Says Goodbye 19.6M SubscribersYouTuber Caylus says goodbye to 18.7M SubscribersWhat Makes This Show Ggreat? - Marc Maron Edition sop705My Spouse Has Dementia Show with Zita ChristianDaniel J. Lewis is BACK!Clockify Free Time TrackerMore insights at schoolofpodcasting.com/989Mentioned in this episode:Starting a podcast can be daunting. Fear of failure, uncertainty about where to begin, and doubts about your abilities can hold you back. But what if you had a guide? The School of Podcasting is here to help you confidently launch, grow, and monetize your podcast. With over 20 years of experience and tons of successful podcasts launched, I'll walk you through every step. From planning to promotion, you're never alone." Learn at your own pace with video courses, join a supportive community, and get unlimited coaching. Say goodbye to fear and hello to success." Start your podcasting journey today with the School of Podcasting. Join now and take the first step towards turning your passion into a reality. Visit SchoolOfPodcasting.com to get started. No fear, just success.School of PodcastingQuestion of the Month Jne 2025We hear how great Spotify is, but is it? Let's find out. Go into your media host and see what percentage of your total downloads came from Spotify. We don't need the number of downloads, just the percentage. I need your answer by 6/27/25. Don't forget to tell us a little bit about your show, and your website address.Question of the MonthLive AppearancesI'd love to meet you in person, I'm currently coming to July 12th, 20025 Higher Ed Podcon, Chicago, Ill AUGUST 18-21, 2025 Podcast Movement, Dallas, TX. September 26-28, 2005, Empowered Podcasting Conference, Uptown Charlotte, NC For more information and links, click the link below. If you'd like for me to speak at an in-person or online event, go to schoolofpodcasting.com/contactWhere Will I Be?

Discover why some podcasts thrive while others fade away, with 60 to 80% found through word of mouth. The secret? Emotional connections and compelling narratives that resonate with listeners. Uncover how music can heighten storytelling and make content irresistible to share. Explore essential elements of shareable content, like relatability and emotional impact. Plus, get insights into portable podcasting with the user-friendly Zoom PodTrack P2, and learn how to transition from learning to actionable success.

Today we start with the news of Marc Maron retiring his podcast, and a possible shake up at the New Media Show (two shows with 16+ years). So who will fill their space you?Bri Leever is a community building strategist at Ember Consulting and host of the show "Dear Bri." I saw her present at a webinar put on by Hearbeat (my favorite community tool) and immediately joined her community (which lead to me asking her on the show). Full show notes at schoolodposcasting.com/987Mentioned in the Show:Ember ConsultingBri's Community of Community BuildersHeartbeat Community ToolCircle Community ToolMighty NetworksSkool Community ToolHoneycomb AppDear Bi PodcastCircle vs Skool VideoSchool of Podcasting CommunityTakeaways: Marc Maron is hanging up his podcasting hat after 16 years, and that's a big deal. Having both free and paid communities can actually mess up your growth, who knew? If you want a thriving community, you gotta focus on what people actually want, duh! Starting a podcast with a small team is totally doable; you don't need a squad of 20. Don't be surprised if your free community outshines your paid one; it happens more than you'd think. People love talking about themselves, so just ask them questions and you'll be golden. Mentioned in this episode:You Have A Message That Needs to Be HeardYou have a message that needs to be shared. Discover the art of podcasting at the School of Podcasting. We teach you to shine a light on your stories, inspiring others one episode at a time. Let your voice be your legacy. Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/joinSchool of PodcastingLive AppearancesI'd love to meet you in person, I'm currently coming to July 12th, 20025 Higher Ed Podcon, Chicago, Ill AUGUST 18-21, 2025 Podcast Movement, Dallas, TX. September 26-28, 2005, Empowered Podcasting Conference, Uptown Charlotte, NC For more information and links, click the link below. If you'd like for me to speak at an in-person or online event, go to schoolofpodcasting.com/contactWhere Will I Be?Question of the Month Jne 2025We hear how great Spotify is, but is it? Let's find out. Go into your media host and see what percentage of your total downloads came from Spotify. We don't need the number of downloads, just the percentage. I need your answer by 6/27/25. Don't forget to tell us a little bit about your show, and your website address.Question of the Month

Join Thomas Umstadt Jr., the mastermind behind Novel Marketing, as he breaks down the art of transforming podcasts into engaging YouTube content. He shares his journey from simple audiograms to dynamic video episodes, emphasizing the critical role of catchy titles and vibrant thumbnails in attracting viewers. Thomas dives into essential production tips, gear recommendations, and the significance of visual elements for audience engagement. Plus, he offers insightful advice on audience demographics and effective monetization strategies that could elevate your podcast game!

Today, we are talking about keeping your audience listening after they press play. This starts with an opening hook. To have hooks that grab your audience and make them want to hear your episode, there are some common characteristics:Relevance: A good hook connects directly to the theme or topic of your episode. It should hint at what’s to come without giving everything away.Emotional Impact: Evoking curiosity, excitement, or even controversy can create an emotional connection with your audience, prompting them to stay tuned.Clarity and Brevity: Your hook should be clear and to the point. Complexity can confuse listeners and cause them to lose interest.Promises Value: Whether it’s information, entertainment, or inspiration, a strong hook promises something valuable to the listener.All of this relies on you knowing who your target audience is. A hook that works on a business podcast may not work on your gaming show. Ever wondered why some podcasts just suck you in while others make you want to run for the hills? Well, let’s break it down, shall we? The opening hook of your podcast can make or break your listener retention. You could have the most riveting content planned, but if your intro is as exciting as watching paint dry, good luck keeping anyone around. We’re talking about how a killer hook can capture attention faster than a cat meme on social media. Dive into the psychology of why people stick around and learn five solid strategies to craft hooks that actually work. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about being clever. It’s about being relevant, emotional, and concise. So, grab your headphones, and let’s unravel the magical art of the podcast hook that’ll have your audience begging for more!Takeaways: A killer hook can make or break your podcast's first impression, so choose wisely! To keep listeners glued to your podcast, start with something that sparks curiosity and relevance. Your opening should promise value; otherwise, listeners might just hit the dreaded 'stop' button. Whether it's a shocking fact or a relatable story, your hook needs to resonate with your audience. 5 Example Hook Types:Engaging Questions: Drawing listeners in by voicing their struggles or curiositiesPersonal Anecdotes: Using brief, vulnerable stories that are directly relevantShocking Facts: Leveraging surprising statistics or statements (without clickbait)Intriguing Scenarios: Creating hypothetical situations that spark imaginationRelatable Problems: Addressing common issues faced by the audienceMentioned in This EpisodeSchool of PodcastingAsk the Podcast CoachPower of Podcasting NetworkPodcast Review ShowPodcast Hook Example Cheat SheetAudience Survey: schoolofpodcasting.com/survey25Mentioned in this episode:2025 Audience SurveyJoin the #1 Podcast Education Site - The School of PodcastingAdam Curry is the co-founder of Podcasting (and the co-host of the No Agenda Show). When asked about learning how to podcast Adam said, "The place to go with the guy who has taught more people how to podcast than anybody I know - Dave Jackson, School of Podcasting.com"School of Podcasting

What if I told you that most interviews are mind-numbingly boring, and you're probably doing them wrong? Today I interview Tracy Johnson, and after decades in radio and working with countless shows, he's written a book, Mic Drop Moments, that shares the secrets to transforming mediocre conversations into absolute "Didya Hear That?!" moments. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on selecting guests that will electrify your audience, ask questions that make people lean in, and tell stories that keep listeners hanging on every word. Whether you're a seasoned podcaster or just starting out, what we share will completely change how you approach interviews forever. So if you're ready to stop settling for bland, forgettable conversations and start creating audio magic, hit play right now.The Triple Threat Filter for Interview Guests:1. Familiarity- How well-known is the guest to your audience?- A familiar guest brings built-in interest and recognition- More famous guests typically make better interview subjects- Provides an immediate connection for listeners2. Relevance- Does the guest's story or background matter to your audience?- Must align with your podcast's theme and target listeners- Simply being famous isn't enough if the content doesn't resonate- The guest should provide value specific to your show's focus3. Interest/Entertainment- Can the guest tell a compelling story?- Ability to be engaging, dynamic, and captivating- Brings unique perspectives or unexpected narratives- Makes the host look good by providing memorable contentAim to have at least two out of three criteria met. If you lose two out of three, the interview will likely be challenging to make interesting. The ultimate goal is to leverage the guest's story to enhance your podcast's entertainment value.The 3E's of Entertainment:1. Enhance- Add extra details to make the story more interesting- Go beyond the basic facts- Ask questions like "What were you thinking at that moment?"- Create additional context that wasn't initially present- Make the story more vivid and engaging2. Exaggerate- Slightly amplify the story's impact- Turn a small moment into a bigger narrative- Example: A small fish becomes "the biggest catch of the season."- Create dramatic tension without losing the core truth- Make the story more memorable and exciting3. Embellish- Add creative storytelling elements- Stage the story for maximum entertainment value- Take a brief moment and turn it into a full narrative- Example: A simple backstage conversation becomes an epic ping pong challenge- Use creative license to make the story more compellingAs audiences crave authenticity, Tracy isn't saying to lie, but you can bring in adjectives that trigger the theater of the mind.Resources MentionMic Drop Moments BookTracy Johnson Media WebsiteSchool of PodcastingEpisode 677 The Ultimate Guide to Hosting and Guesting Podcast InterviewsDrew Carey on Jordan Harbinger Show (start at 48:14 nsfw)Howie Mandel on Jordan HarbingerJordan Harbinger ShowFind "All Things Dave" at powerofpodcasting.comSay Thanks for a Great Show schoolofpodcasting.com/thanksMentioned in this episode:Question of the Month Jne 2025We hear how great Spotify is, but is it? Let's find out. Go into your media host and see what percentage of your total downloads came from Spotify. We don't need the number of downloads, just the percentage. I need your answer by 6/27/25. Don't forget to tell us a little bit about your show, and your website address.Question of the MonthJoin the School of Podcasting Today - Your Future Self Will Thank YouStepping out of your comfort zone isn't easy, but at the School of Podcasting, we're here to make it feel like second nature. With our expertly crafted courses and an incredible community, you're never alone in your journey. From planning and launching to growing your podcast, I’ll be right by your side every step of the way. Remember, every podcast episode builds connections and opens doors to future opportunities. Take action today, and let your future self reap the rewards.School of PodcastingI Want Your OpinionI am doing an audience survey and I want your input to help me make this show exactly what you want. If you have a few minutes, I have a quick survey at www.schoolofpodcasting.com/survey252025 Audience SurveyLive AppearancesI'd love to meet you in person, I'm currently coming to July 12th, 20025 Higher Ed Podcon, Chicago, Ill AUGUST 18-21, 2025 Podcast Movement, Dallas, TX. September 26-28, 2005, Empowered Podcasting Conference, Uptown Charlotte, NC For more information and links, click the link below. If you'd like for me to speak at an in-person or online event, go to schoolofpodcasting.com/contactWhere Will I Be?

In this insightful discussion, Steve Stewart, head of the Podcast Editors Academy and finance expert, shares his strategies for treating podcasting as a business. Topics include the financial intricacies of podcasting and the necessity of tracking every penny to avoid sinking. He emphasizes the 'Profit First' methodology to enhance cash flow and the importance of emotional awareness in financial decisions. With a sprinkle of humor, Steve encourages podcasters to manage their finances wisely and make informed investment choices.

This discussion dives into the allure of get-rich-quick schemes in podcasting, highlighting the fallacies behind promises of instant success and financial windfalls without effort. It emphasizes the crucial reality of building an audience over time, often requiring three years of hard work. The talk also debunks common myths about perfection and the ease of using AI tools, while celebrating authentic success stories that stem from genuine commitment. Listeners are warned against scams and encouraged to focus on quality content and real engagement.

Struggling to find fresh podcast ideas? Discover creative tips ranging from revisiting old notes to the unexpected inspiration found at pharmacy conferences. Learn how engaging directly with your audience can spark relevant topics. The use of tools like feed readers and newsletters can streamline your brainstorming process. Dive into the importance of staying curious and observing everyday life for unique content sources. Explore how SEO and AI can enhance idea generation, all while balancing originality with useful tech.

Unlock the secret to podcast success by leveraging data! Discover how metrics from platforms like Apple and Spotify can shape your content and attract sponsors. Get laughs while learning practical methods for audience feedback and real engagement. Explore the power of analytics to enhance listener experience and first impressions through your podcast website. Plus, enjoy a relatable tale of adapting on the fly during a presentation. Join the journey of turning insights into podcasting gold!