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

We all think, "just make good content and promote your show" but as podcasts become more mainstream and the average listener now consumes multiple episodes a week, do they have room for YOUR show? I asked my audience what their status is. If you found a really good show, would you have to "bump" one you are listening to now? Sponsor: Focusrite Interfaces Focusrite has been at the forefront of audio technology since 1985 Focusrite interfaces are great for all content creators Scarlett is the world’s best-selling range of audio interfaces with over 4.5 million sold to date Easy to use Great sound quality More info can be found at: www.focusrite.com/podcasters    Question of the Month Answers You find a show that's great. Do you have enough time to add an additional show to your listening time? Contributors Steve - Stevestewart.me and Podcast Editor Academy Jim - Home Gadget Geeks and Ask the Podcast Coach Mark - History of North America  Bill - Bill Watches Movies  Dave - Walking is Fitness  York - Poetic Earthlings  Arnie- Sports History Network  Summary: In general, we are all "out of time, " yet if something good comes along, we seem to make room. We also have different phases of life, and some of the shows we listen to take breaks and we find new shows.  The bottom line is there is only so much time to listen and the shows that deliver the most value will be heard.  I Heard it On a Podcast No Agenda Show 25% of People Get Their News From Podcasts https://www.noagendashow.net/listen/1444 (1:25:59) What Was That Like - {Podcasting is Therapeutic ) Podcasting 2.0 Gets $4000 Donation Cleaning Up Audio With Descript Check out this video that shows how to clean up your audio in Descript Mentioned in this Show Join the School of Podcasting Episode 752 - Audio Editing as a Business Podcast Editor Academy Spotify is Now Offering Video via Anchor (kind of) Descript Audio Editing Tool Focusrite InterfacesMentioned in this episode:I 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 Survey2025 Audience Survey

After seeing the podcasting space gear up for more advertising (something I'm not thrilled with) more media hosts are developing dynamic content. So what is dynamic content, do you need it, and how do you use it? What is Dynamic Content? Dynamic content is content that your media host inserts into your mp3 file at spots you select. This is often used for ads. In some spaces, people confuse "Dynamic Ad Insertion" and "Dynamic Content" as being the same thing. They are not. While you can use Dynamic Content, it does NOT have to be ads. It can be anything that is time-sensitive.  Who Offers This Technology? Libsyn.com (LibsynPro solution - full disclosure I work there). Use the coupon code sopfree to get a free month. Captivate has an impressive dynamic content tool that even updates your episode description when you swap out content. Podbean has pod ads https://podads.podbean.com/ Blubrry has a pro version Red Circle (500 weekly downloads) RSS.com (10,000 downloads a day) Pros of Dynamic Content No more outdated time-based content The ability to sell your back catalog* Cons of Dynamic Content You really need to pay attention to volume levels (I'm using WLM Plus plugin) To sell your back episodes you need to go through your whole back episodes and insert spots. Updating old files might be trickier You need to consider how to lead in and come out of dynamic content. Focusrite Interfaces Go to www.focusrite.com/podcasters Unlimited Time Shifted One-On-One Consulting I've added unlimited time-shifted consulting that can be between you and me. If you need someone to stand by you and guide you through the pitfalls of podcasting, you can join worry-free with a money-back guarantee at www.schoolofpodcasting.com/start I Heard It On a Podcast Disney got all sorts of deals when they built the location in Florida. On the No Agenda show they explain that the reason employees are known as "Castmembers" is to get around Florida Labor laws. It's at the 2 hours and25 minute mark. Apple Charts Criteria I've said for years that ratings and reviews do NOTHING but provide social proof. You want people to ask people to follow you and share your show with a friend. see post from Apple Where I Will Be Where I Will Be: Podcast Movement Evolutions March 23-26 Utah Podcast Coalition April 21st Podfest Multimedia Expo  May 26-29 Orlando Question of the Month Want some free exposure for your podcast? Go to Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/question Check out the question and share your thoughts and insights. I assemble these for the last episode of the month.  This show is part of the Power of Podcasting NetworkMentioned in this episode:I 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 Survey2025 Audience Survey

Mark was a US air force Pilot, Speaker, Author, and Entrepreneur, but was hesitant to start his podcast. Today we talk about what was stopping him, and how his podcast is helping to promote his Wall Pilot business.  We also hear about some discouraging statistics from Chartable about podcast cross-promote (courtesy of Evo Terra).  Spotify may be working on a "Tik Tok meets Tinder" discovery tool. I'm not sure that is going to work.  I introduce a new segment "I Heard it on a podcast" this time it was the Moe Factz show with Moe and Adam Curry Mentioned in This Episode Mark Hasara Website Mark's Lessons From the Cockpit Show in Apple, Google, Spotify Wall PIlot Video of Spotify Discovery Tool Fountain App Castamatic app New Podcast Apps Question of the Month Want some free exposure for your show, go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/question and answer the question of the month and be sure to mention your show and website. Do it now! Join the School of Podcasting In addition to the step-by-step tutorials, group coaching, and podcasting mastermind group, I've now added show audits and unlimited time-shifted one-on-one coaching.  When you join the School of Podcasting you can quit worrying about: Are people going to listen to me? (Yes, cause I'll show you how to see what they want). Am I going to sound stupid? (No, as I'll show you the magic of editing) It will cost a million dollars (No, I'll have you sounding like a million bucks without spending a million bucks).  I don't anything about this technology (You said the same thing about driving).  Get access to: Step-by-step tutorials, live group coaching, a mastermind group filled with brilliant podcasting minds,  and the ability to schedule as many one-on-one quick-fix calls as you like at no extra charge.  Join worry-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee  Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/startMentioned in this episode:I 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 Survey2025 Audience Survey

Podcast Movement was a well-oiled machine as always where the hallway meetings were in some cases better than the sessions. I found some cool stuff, created some free resources, and have worries about the future.  Quicknotes From This Episode Don't forget the Book Launch Webinar Next Week. Have a conversation with me on Volley (aff link) Check out Dave's new FREE Classes Find Your Red Thread: Make Your Big Ideas Irresistible (book) Join the School of Podcasting The Three Main Players in Podcasting I've said in the past that a podcast needs three things to survive podcasting (support, health, and attitude). The podcast industry needs to make sure as it moves forward to take steps that benefit all three main players. Who are the main players? The podcasting companies (media hosts, agencies, etc) The podcaster (creators). The Listener (you). If we don't keep all of them happy (especially the listener) we all lose.  A New Great App For Community and Coaching I discovered the Volley app (aff link) listening to a podcast on the way home from Podcast Movement. I tried it out, and it is SO COOL. Especially for those people who hate Facebook. It's like Loom, Zoom, and Slack had a baby. If you want to build a community, this makes it easy as its available on Android, iOs, Mac, and PC. You can have group discussions in public, or in private as well as private one-on-one sessions (where each member's conversations are organized together). You can communicate via: Video Screenshare Audio Text Gif It's a pretty amazing app. There is only ONE FEATURE I REALLY HATE. It's free. I am interviewing one of the co-founders, and he insures me they will monetize eventually but are (for now) working on their feature set. I just hate to build on something free. With this in mind, I'm using it in conjunction with my Facebook group instead of replacing it. I look forward to having time-shifted video/audio conversations with my students. You can learn Volley by joining my Volley Space on learning Volley (I know how meta can you get?)Mentioned in this episode:I 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 Survey2025 Audience Survey

The excitement of starting a podcast can really fuel podcasters. You stats to start to grow, but eventually, they may level off. What keeps you going when your podcast isn't growing? Because of My Podcast: Fred Castaneda Check out Fred's shows Podcast Reporter (me on Fred's show) The Struggling Biz show March 29th is the National Day for Vietnam Veterans. Thanks for your service Fred! Join the School of Podcasting When you join the School of Podcasting you can quit worrying about: Are people going to listen to me? (Yes, cause I'll show you how to see what they want). Am I going to sound stupid? (No, as I'll show you the magic of editing) It will cost a million dollars (No, I'll have you sounding like a million bucks without spending a million bucks).  I don't anything about this technology (You said the same thing about driving).  Get access to: Step-by-step tutorials, live group coaching, a mastermind group filled with brilliant podcasting minds,  and the ability to schedule as many one on one quick fix calls as you like at no extra charge.  Join worry-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee  Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/start Book Launch Secrets Webinar April 5th April 5th I'll be co-hosting a Book Launch Secrets Webinar. If you've ever thought of writing a book, sign up for this webinar (so you can get the replay). See https://schoolofpodcasting.com/booklaunch or check out the Book Launch Secrets Course   Thanks to Those Who Participated in This Month's Question Kyle - The Intergalactic BoomBox - podcasting 2.0 Mark - History of North America - love of topic - working with son Colby - The Guardians Ghost Podcast going solo, passion Heather - Watching Netflix Without You  and the Politics free Podcast enjoys time with brother, serving audience to get into a better mood, feedback Dan - Coffee and Space  - Loves having conversations Scott - What Was That Like? https://whatwasthatlike.com/ - Zoom out and see your growth Timothy - Create Art Podcast  and Find a Podcast About - is leaving a legacy Matt - Rogue Retirement Lounge -  Loves the podcast  Brandon - Start 100K Podcast   Feels his information is needed and doesn’t want people to feel stupid.  April Question of the Month Listen to hear this month's question of the month and then leave your answer at www.schoolofpodcastingcom/question  Book Launch Secrets Webinar April 6th April 6th I'll be co-hosting a Book Launch Secrets Webinar. If you've ever thought of writing a book, sign up for this webinar (so you can get the replay). See https://schoolofpodcasting.com/booklaunch or check out the Book Launch Secrets Course Mentioned In This Episode Bad Idea JeansMentioned in this episode:I 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 Survey2025 Audience Survey

I was speaking at the National Religious Broadcasters in Nashville Tennessee and kept hearing a few phrases that make me worried. Phrases like, “I had some friend, or some temp, or some web guy, or even a professional service” set up my podcast. Then in talking with them, I learned that (in many cases) everyone is setup wrong. We’ve all been in a situation where we don’t know what we don’t know. We don’t know what should be important. Today, in episode 819, I’m going to tell you. Things You Need to Know Apple, Google, and Spotify have additional stats. If you let someone setup your show "for you" you lose access to those stats. When someone orders your media hosting "For you" THEY OWN YOUR SHOW. Media hosts (eventually ) delete your files if you cancel your account. Make sure you have a copy of your media files. You should own your show and then add your editors to YOUR account.  The bottom line is you don’t want anyone between you and your podcast and you and your audience. Question of the Month Share your thoughts and get some exposure for your show and answer the question of the month. Where I Will Be Podcast Movement Evolutions March 23-26 Utah Podcast Coalition April 21st Podfest Multimedia Expo  May 26-29 Orlando Join the School of Podcasting When you join the School of Podcasting you can quit worrying about:   Are people going to listen to me? (Yes, cause I'll show you how to see what they want).   Am I going to sound stupid? (No, as I'll show you the magic of editing)   It will cost a million dollars (No, I'll have you sounding like a million bucks without spending a million bucks).    I don't anything about this technology (You said the same thing about driving).    Get access to: Step-by-step tutorials, live group coaching, a mastermind group filled with brilliant podcasting minds,  and the ability to schedule as many one on one quick fix calls as you like at no extra charge.  Join worry-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee    Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/start Mentioned In This Episode Libsyn (use coupon code sopfree ) Blubrry Captive Buzzsprout Lastpass The Politics Free Podcast  Claim Podparity Congressional DishMentioned in this episode:I 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 Survey2025 Audience Survey

I'm back from speaking at the National Religious Broadcasters event with some lessons learned. I also have some tips on collaborating with other podcasters and a resource that is focused on helping you find collaborators while you earn money selling advertising spots. That resource is audry.io and today I'm talking with one of the co-founders Niklas Hildebrand. Book Launch Secrets Webinar April 5th April 5th I'll be co-hosting a Book Launch Secrets Webinar. If you've ever thought of writing a book, sign up for this webinar (so you can get the replay). See https://schoolofpodcasting.com/booklaunch or check out the Book Launch Blueprint Course Join the School of Podcasting When you join the School of Podcasting you can quit worrying about: Are people going to listen to me? (Yes, cause I'll show you how to see what they want). Am I going to sound stupid? (No, as I'll show you the magic of editing) It will cost a million dollars (No, I'll have you sounding like a million bucks without spending a million bucks).  I don't anything about this technology (You said the same thing about driving).  Get access to: Step-by-step tutorials, live group coaching, a mastermind group filled with brilliant podcasting minds,  and the ability to schedule as many one on one quick fix calls as you like at no extra charge.  Join worry-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee  Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/start Audry.io More Than a Guest Finding Resource Whether you’re a seasoned podcaster or just starting out, collaboration is the key to reaching your goals. That’s why at Audry.io, we bring hosts together to help them grow their audiences and find new ways to communicate. Question of the Month I need your answer by 3/25/22 We love podcasting, but there are peaks and valleys. What keeps you going when your podcast isn't growing? Be sure to mention your website and a little bit about your show. Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/question Where I Will Be: Podcast Movement Evolutions March 23-26 Utah Podcast Coalition April 21st Podfest Multimedia Expo  May 26-29 Orlando Mentioned In This Episode Profit From Your Podcast Book Connie Albers Ask the Podcast Coach What was that like? podcast Paul Colligan Podcast Partnership Spybrary Podcast Music Radio Creative (Jingles and Voice Over) Based on a True Story Podcast Home Gadget Geeks with Jim Collison Squoosh App (compress and resize images) Linq QR Code, Smart Business Card Libsyn (Liberated Syndication Podcast Hosting) Use the coupon code sopfree Podcasting Resources.com Dave's Podcast Editing TeamMentioned in this episode:2025 Audience SurveyI 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 Survey

When Neil Hedley emailed me letting me know he would be going through my town and could he buy me dinner I jumped at the chance to hang out with a listener. I had no idea at the time that Neil: Had exclusively done morning shows ever since, including six #1-rated shows in different markets in the US and Canada. Sprinkled among those years is time as a stand-up comic, singer, restaurateur, bestselling author, college professor, world record holder (that's a fun story), and a pile of other goodies including running Knopp Studios and hosting the Voice Inside My Hed (get it Hedley? Voice in my Hed...) The more we talked, the more I thought I should have him on the show.  The Tips: 1 Tighten Up 2. Rules can Help 3. Ums are normal 4. Every word matters 5. Learn how to Tease 6. Set a Benchmark for your podcast 7. Talk to one person Check out Neil at https://knoppstudios.com/ where he has combined all of these past lives into a venture to you be a better content creator. Join the School of Podcasting When you join the School of Podcasting you can quit worrying about:   Are people going to listen to me? (Yes, cause I'll show you how to see what they want).   Am I going to sound stupid? (No, as I'll show you the magic of editing)   It will cost a million dollars (No, I'll have you sounding like a million bucks without spending a million bucks).    I don't anything about this technology (You said the same thing about driving).    Get access to: Step-by-step tutorials, live group coaching, a mastermind group filled with brilliant podcasting minds,  and the ability to schedule as many one on one quick fix calls as you like at no extra charge.  Join worry-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee    Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/start Mentioned in This Episode Descript Software The Author Inside You (Promo) Seven Habits of Highly Effective People What Was That Like Podcast? (Great Tease) Northeast Ohio Podcasters Meetup Buy Dave a Coffee Profit From Your Podcast Book Where I Will Be Spark Podcast Conference March 7-8 (Nashville) NRB Nashville 8-11 (speaking) Podcast Movement Evolutions March 23-26 Podfest Multimedia Expo  May 26-29 Orlando (speaking) This is episode 817 of the School of Podcasting you can get the back episode by subscribing/following in  Apple - Spotify - Google - Amazon This podcast is part of the Power of Podcasting NetworkMentioned in this episode:2025 Audience SurveyI 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 Survey

Every month I ask a question of the audience, and you chime in. This month I ask THE question that everyone wants to know. In January we talked about Grow your downloads 15 minutes a day (episode 812). In June of last year I gave you 30 Strategies to Grow Your Audience. (Episode 727) In this episode I get to hear YOUR ideas, and share some "outside the box" ideas I found on Facebook.  Join the School of Podcasting When you join the School of Podcasting you can quit worrying about: Are people going to listen to me? (Yes, cause I'll show you how to see what they want). Am I going to sound stupid? (No, as I'll show you the magic of editing) It will cost a million dollars (No, I'll have you sounding like a million bucks without spending a million bucks).  I don't anything about this technology (You said the same thing about driving).  Get access to: Step-by-step tutorials, live group coaching, a mastermind group filled with brilliant podcasting minds,  and the ability to schedule as many one on one quick fix calls as you like at no extra charge.  Join worry-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee  Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/start Mentioned in This Episode Linq "Smart Business Card" and "linktree" type service with stats. (here is an example - www.powerofpodcasting.com) Ingles Podcast - Promo Participants Brandon from Start 100K Scott from What Was That Like? Kim from The Pharmacist's Voice Mark from the History of North America Heater from Watching Netflix Without You Spencer from The Recovery Show Shane from the Tourpreneur Show Jedrzej from the Content Machine Fred from the Podcast Reporter Joe from the 222 Paranormal Podcast Dad from the Dad Joke King Podcast Question of the Month I need your answer by 3/25/22 We love podcasting, but there are peaks and valleys. What keeps you going when your podcast isn't growing? Be sure to mention your website and a little bit about your show. Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/question Subscribe/Follow the Show https://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/subscribe Won't More Tips? Check out my newsletter with additional podcast insights www.schoolofpodcasting.com/newsletterMentioned in this episode:2025 Audience SurveyI 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 Survey

I'm excited because I found a book called Find Your Red Thread: Make Your Big Ideas Irresistible and even though I'm only 29% of the way through the book I am "Santa Clause is coming tonight" excited about reading the rest of it. The Red Thread represents the path back to where you first started. By remembering what it was like when you first started in your niche, you can better understand your audience who is right where you started. The red thread is your path to success. When you can explain your podcast in a way that resonates with your audience.  Sometimes you need to address the "wrong" questions your audience is asking so you can get their attention and provide focused content that points them in the right direction and positions you as a trusted source of content.    I'm also going to talk about focus. This is inspired by the book Secrets of Dynamic Communications: Prepare with Focus, Deliver with Clarity, Speak with Power by Ken Davis. I feel this goes along well with the other book. Join the School of Podcasting When you join the School of Podcasting you can quit worrying about: Are people going to listen to me? (Yes, cause I'll show you how to see what they want). Am I going to sound stupid? (No, as I'll show you the magic of editing) It will cost a million dollars (No, I'll have you sounding like a million bucks without spending a million bucks).  I don't anything about this technology (You said the same thing about driving).  Get access to: Step-by-step tutorials, live group coaching, a mastermind group filled with brilliant podcasting minds,  and the ability to schedule as many one on one quick fix calls as you like at no extra charge.  Join worry-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee  Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/start Mentioned In This Episode Find Your Red Thread: Make Your Big Ideas Irresistible Secrets of Dynamic Communications: Prepare with Focus, Deliver with Clarity, Speak with Power by Ken Davis. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change Out on the Wire: The Storytelling Secrets of the New Masters of Radio Transom.org School of PodcastingMentioned in this episode:I 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 Survey2025 Audience Survey