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

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:Join 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 August 2025Mark form Podcastbranding.co wants to know if you've ever hired someone to help you with your podcast? If so, for what purpose and were you satisfied with the outcome? Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com and answer the question by August 22nd 2025. When you answer the question, tell us a little bit about your show (elevator pitch) and where we can find it (your website so I can link to it)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 PodcastingLive Appearances - I'd Love To Meet You!AUGUST 18-21, 2025 Podcast Movement, Dallas TX. (So Many Ways To Monetize Which One is Best For You? Talk). August 24-26, 2025 CEX, Cleveland, Oh. The Event for Content Entrepreneurs September 26-28 2005 Empowered Podcasting Conference, Uptown Charlotte, NCWhere 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!

Delve into the debate of whether your podcast should be on YouTube. Learn that while YouTube has a vast audience, audio podcasts have a better chance of being discovered. Discover the importance of investing in quality podcasting equipment and how unique content can lead to monetization. Explore YouTube's monetization intricacies versus podcast hosting costs, and understand that video isn't essential for every podcast. Ultimately, prioritize audio content to connect with listeners while still considering video options.

Ethan Reese, host of the Daily Sports History podcast, joins to dive deep into the world of AI tools for podcasters. He shares how AI has transformed his writing process and mentions tools like Descript and ChatGPT that streamline production. The discussion reveals a mix of experiences, from efficiency boosts to new headaches. Fellow podcasters also chime in on their preferred tools, sparking a lively debate on what truly enhances productivity and creativity in podcasting.