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

Are Spotify and YouTube poisoning podcasting?I keep hearing how "What used to work in the past - doesn't work anymore? Well I disagree. Making great content that resonates with your audience has been around since the early days of radio, and if it make them FEEL something, you've got something that is golden. Giant companies always put profit over people, and with the latest AI band called the Velvet Sundown which has six figure streams. Why are AI Bands better than real musicians?They don't get sickThey don't complain about not getting paidThey can provide more music, more frequentlySo if the world starts to accept AI artists, if you're Spotify, why wouldn't you introduce an AI podcaster to deliver an evergreen topic? Spotify could promote it to make it popular and then run advertising against it and not have to worry about splitting the revenue with a podcaster.Both YouTube and Spotify entice you in with free services, and then once you grow dependent on them, they can do whatever they want and you don't have a lot of control. If you say the wrong thing, you're kicked off the platform. Rosanne Barr (who is Jewish) for saying something deemed hate speech about Jewish people while she is herself Jewish. It was Sarcasm. Rosanne started her career as a comedian. Big Companies Often Put Profit Over Doing the Right ThingPurdue Pharma has been accused of mislabeling opioids that lead to lots of overdoses. Johnson and Johnson faced lawsuits about cancer and talcum power. Wells Fargo was fined millions for having employees open millions of account without the customer consent. I could go on and assemble a very long list. Just keep your eyes open, and watch as these companies that have come into podcasting with free offerings to interrupt the space, take control and bend it to suit their needs (not those of the host or the listener).Sponsor Magnet Book ReviewThe Ultimate Book on Sponsorships/Partnerships, "Sponsor Magnet: How to Attract, Price, & Execute Your Dream Brand Partnerships" by Jusin Moore. It is THE book for those looking to create partnerships with brand (not just a one time payment). he book shows you how to find out who to talk to, what to say, how to say it, and to overdeliver to they keep sponsoring the show. The audio book has bonus content that was very cool as you hear people talking about putting the strategies into practice. You can get it on Audible if you're more of a listener than reader.Takeaways: If you're hunting for sponsors, check out the book 'Sponsor Magnet' - it's a game changer. Podcasts don't need to follow trends; old-school content is still valuable and effective. Big corporations could ruin podcasting, so let's just not invite them to the party. YouTube is saying things that make no sense. A CD is not a cassette. Spotify seems to have issue always delivering all the facts about their activities.Hashtags no longer carry any clout on instagram per Brock JohnsonA podcast is audio, video or pdf delivered via RSSPodcasting existed before people put in advertisements, and it will exist if advertising goes away. Advertising is ONE way to monetize.Links referenced in this episode:schoolofpodcasting.comgraphtreon.com (Top Podcasters using Crowd Funding)profitfromyourpodcast.comCorporate.fm Movie on AmazonEverlong on Howard SternKevin O’Leary on Diary of a CEOSponsor Magnet BookPodcast Hosting Changes GraphBuild Your Tribe - Instagram SEOOxford Road What is a Podcast?Attention and Trust Report from Sounds ProfitableMonetizing a Niche Podcast with Ray Arnott SOP 977Mentioned 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 PodcastingQuestion of the MonthThis question comes from the AMAZING Steve Stewart from the Podcast Editors Academy (see schoolofpodcasting.com/pea and yes that is my affiliate link) and he wants to know what steps, practices, strategies, etc you are doing to speak better (with less, um, you know, like, you know crutch words). I need your answer by July 25th, 2025. Go to schoolofpodcasting.com/questionQuestion of the MonthCheck 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 ObservationsLive 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?

Juggling podcasting and personal life can feel like trying to balance on a three-legged stool while juggling flaming torches. In this episode, I look into the not-so-secret ingredients for maintaining a healthy work-life balance as a podcaster. We kick things off with a hard-hitting question: what happens when your love for podcasting starts to mess with your health and relationships? It's a real thing, folks, and I’ve seen it happen. I share my personal stories, including the ups and downs of my own marriages, and throw in some sarcastic wisdom learned from the school of hard knocks. I'm not claiming to be relationship experts, but we’ve been around the block a few times. I break down a simple yet effective framework for content creators: health, attitude, and support. Yes, I know, it sounds like a motivational poster, but stick with me. If you're not healthy enough to hit record, or if your attitude sounds like you just woke up on the wrong side of the bed, guess what? Your podcast is gonna suck. And don’t even get me started on the importance of having a supportive partner who doesn’t roll their eyes every time you mention your latest podcast episode. I share tips on how to set expectations with your spouse, maximize your time, and avoid those sneaky time-sucking distractions like binge-watching YouTube shorts at 2 AM. Trust me, your future self will thank you. By the end, you'll walk away with practical advice on how to keep your relationships intact while you chase your podcasting dreams. From date nights to timeouts during arguments, I’ve got you covered. It’s all about being intentional and proactive in nurturing your personal life while you’re busy building your podcast empire. And let’s be real, no one wants to end up in a messy divorce because they spent too much time talking to a mic instead of their partner. So grab your headphones and let’s get to it!Links referenced in this episode:schoolofpodcasting.comnotejoy.comtodoist.comvidiq.comVidIQ Short Video About Thumbnails and Titles.schoolofpodcasting.com/contactThe Seven Habits of Highly Effective People BookLove and Respect: The Love She Most Desires; The Respect He Desperately NeedsMentioned 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 ObservationsLive 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?Do You Need a Podcast CoachBill Gates, Steve Jobs, Oprah Winfrey, and many others have had COACHES to help them with an outside view to help them shape their content. I will start my 20th year in podcasting and would love to help you follow the best practices of podcasting, and avoid the common mistakes and avoid those steps that lead to burnout. School of PodcastingQuestion of the MonthThis question comes from the AMAZING Steve Stewart from the Podcast Editors Academy (see schoolofpodcasting.com/pea and yes that is my affiliate link) and he wants to know what steps, practices, strategies, etc you are doing to speak better (with less, um, you know, like, you know crutch words). I need your answer by July 25th, 2025. Go to schoolofpodcasting.com/questionQuestion of the Month

In this month's "Question of the Month," I wanted to explore the discrepancy between Spotify's perceived dominance and the actual listening habits of podcasters. Despite frequent headlines touting Spotify as the number one streaming platform, my personal statistics and community feedback tell a different story. By surveying my audience about their platform preferences, I uncovered that Apple remains the top choice for most listeners, challenging the narrative often presented in media reports about Spotify's market leadership.Thanks to everyone who chimed in!Gear Review: HollyLand Lark M2s Wireless Lavalier SystemQuick Take:I was genuinely impressed by the Holly Land Lark M2s - this tiny microphone packs a surprisingly warm sound. At around $150, it's a solid investment for podcasters and content creators.Key Features:Compact wireless lavalier microphone systemVersatile receiver with USB-C and headphone jack connectivityCompatible with phones and recorders (I used my Rodecaster Duo)Built-in noise reduction appOption to record two mics on separate channels for post-production editingPro Tip: Grab this from Sweetwater. They offer:Extended warrantiesKiller customer serviceCompetitive pricingFree shipping (often cheaper than Amazon)FREE CANDY<<<<<Noise Reduction: The app's built-in feature is decent - not perfect, but definitely helpful. Pro move? Set up both mics on separate channels so you can fine-tune your audio in post-production.Bottom Line: The Lark M2s is a compact, versatile mic system that punches above its weight. Definitely worth checking out for podcasters looking to upgrade their audio game.Takeaways: The new Hollyland Lark M2S microphone sounds surprisingly warm, which totally blew my mind! Spotify claims to be the number one podcast platform, but the real stats tell a different tale. Charging guests to appear on your podcast? Brace yourself, the FTC has some rules you need to follow! Using music in your podcast? Be careful, because Spotify's bots don’t care about your permissions! It's always a good idea to double-check the facts you find online, especially from big companies! Exercise is tough, but once you get through it, you'll feel so proud of yourself, like you just conquered a mountain! Links referenced in this episode:Hollyland Lark M2S Wireless Lavalier Systemschoolofpodcasting.comthehoodratrecap.comcreateartpodcast.comfindapodcastabout.xyzpassacls.comtkbpodcaststudios.comcastahead.net Deal Casters PodcastFinancially Confident ChristianGrit and Growth BusinessTruth Unveiled with RalphBecause of My PodcastAkron PodcastFeeding My FaithPodcast Hot SeatPodcast Review ShowPodcast Rodeo ShowPodcast Website TipsProfit From Your PodcastFuture of PodcastingYour Podcast ConsultantHeartbeat Community ToolCircle Community ToolSwitchy (Dave's favorite marketing tool)Mentioned in this episode:Live 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 MonthThis question comes from the AMAZING Steve Stewart from the Podcast Editors Academy (see schoolofpodcasting.com/pea and yes that is my affiliate link) and he wants to know what steps, practices, strategies, etc you are doing to speak better (with less, um, you know, like, you know crutch words). I need your answer by July 25th, 2025. Go to schoolofpodcasting.com/questionQuestion of the MonthCheck 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 ObservationsYou 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 Podcasting

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 MonthThis question comes from the AMAZING Steve Stewart from the Podcast Editors Academy (see schoolofpodcasting.com/pea and yes that is my affiliate link) and he wants to know what steps, practices, strategies, etc you are doing to speak better (with less, um, you know, like, you know crutch words). I need your answer by July 25th, 2025. Go to schoolofpodcasting.com/questionQuestion 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.

Bri Leever, a community building strategist at Ember Consulting and host of 'Dear Bri,' shares her wealth of knowledge on nurturing thriving podcast communities. She discusses the surprising dynamics of free versus paid communities and emphasizes that focusing on audience needs is essential. Listeners learn that solo podcasters can succeed without large teams, the importance of communication skills, and the nuances of membership engagement. Bri also explores various community models, offering invaluable insights for aspiring podcasters.

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 MonthThis question comes from the AMAZING Steve Stewart from the Podcast Editors Academy (see schoolofpodcasting.com/pea and yes that is my affiliate link) and he wants to know what steps, practices, strategies, etc you are doing to speak better (with less, um, you know, like, you know crutch words). I need your answer by July 25th, 2025. Go to schoolofpodcasting.com/questionQuestion 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.