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

A trailer has many pros from a creative standpoint. IT forces you to identify WHO you are talking to and what can you say to get them to listen to your podcast.  For me, a trailer is 30,60, 90 seconds. When you mark your episode as a trailer it is stuck at the top of your show in Amazon, Spotify, and Apple. Some podcasts do trailer episodes that are 2-5 minutes long. As always in podcasting, there are no set rules. In This Episode The different types of trailers When do you know if your trailer is good? What do you say in a trailer? Where do you post this? How do you use it? Mentioned in This Show My Spouse Has Dementia Love Thy Lawyer Your Podcast Consultant Branden Ushio at the Geek Nerd Network Ask the Podcast Coach Episode 380 Big Seance Podcast (Trailer by Music Radio Creative) The Trojan Horse Affair Question of the Month (Deadline /25/22) Podcast Promo Show  Cooler Websites (Domain and Web Hosting) 14:04: Join the School of Podcasting  The Voice in My Head (Neil Hed)Mentioned 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

You are going through the file of the interview you did a week ago and you notice: 1. The audio of the audience sounds horrible. 2. The guest is boring.  Today I showcase some tools that can help you save the audio, but only you can save the boring.  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 Question of the Month What Are You Doing to Grow Your Audience (and is it working)? Go to schoolofpodcasting.com/question to answer Podcasts Can't Be Cancelled Check out the article I published on Medium. Mentioned in this Episode: Ultimate Guide to Interviews Episode My Spouse Has Dementia Podland News The Ultimate Guide to Podcast Interviews Descript software with new Studio Sounds Krisp (silence your noisy environment) Podinbox - It's like Speakpipe on Steroids. Hello Next and Frill Roadmap Tools (could be used by your audience to vote on episode topics) Podpage - New Social Sharting and Guest Tools Libsyn 5 - Has new Snippets tools to make show notes easier. Captivate has introduced dynamic show descriptions, and enhanced its dynamic content tool. Buy Me a Coffee - Receive payments Otter.ai is a transcript tool I use for editing and for finding pull quotes. Podcast Index Indie Podcast Directory Three's Company Clipscribe - Cool Social Videos Quickly Dopesick on Hulu Amend on Netflix WAP - Cardi B Lyric Video Waiting for the World To Change Tips To Grow Your Downloads This podcast is part of the Power of Podcasting Network.Mentioned 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 first discovered Kevin when contemplating creating a new show based on podcast growth. It's well-produced and has actual steps you can take. Kevin started his first podcast Philly Who? Then quit his day job. So how did he turns things around to the point of making six figures? He stopped and took time to learn what works, and then give it to the audience. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Question of the Month Contributors When looking at a new podcast in an app, what catches your eye? The artwork and description often came into play along with the episode titles, but what really counts is the first few minutes of your show.  Grow the Show Brandon from Start 100K Erik from Raising Financial Freedom Heater from Watching Netflix Without You Scott from What Was That Like? Kim from The Pharmacist's Voice Mark from the History of North America February Question of the Month As we talked about growing your show today, what have you been doing to grow your audience, and do you think it's working? Answer it at www.schoolofpodcasting.com/question. I need your answer by 2/25/22  Kevin's INterview Topics 02:24 Discovering Grow the Show 03:37 What Inspired Philly Who? 04:37 Kevin Quit His Day Job 06:00 Things Got Scary 06:46 1000 Downloads Per Episode 07:22 Sharpening Your Axe 07:54 Multiple Streams of Income 10:47 Laser-Focused Criteria 11:10 Six-Figure Salary 11:45 Sponsorship Tips 13:07 Niche Down 17:12 Most Broad Success Started With a Niche 18:08 Kevin Shut Down a Profitable Show 19:19 TDE Targeted Daily Engagement 20:48 The Baked in Strategies That Don't Work 22:15 ENGAGEMENT 26:49 Get More Specific 27:38 Go To Where Your Audience Is 29:37 Build Relationships 30:59 Kevin's Program JANUARY QUESTION OF THE MONTH: What triggers subscriptions? 33:28 Question of the Month 33:52 Brandon Start 100K 36:27 Heather -Watching Netflix Without You 38:47 The Lost Sheep Has Been Found! 41:11 Scott: What Was That Like 44:07 Kim: The Pharmacist's Voice 47:37 Eric: Raising Financial Freedom 48:47 Mark: The History of North America 50:16 Dave: School of Podcasting FEBRUARY QUESTION OF THE MONTH 51:43 February Question of the Month 53:18 Quick Libsyn Update START YOUR PODCAST TODAY Join the School of Podcasting and start your podcast in the right direction with access to step-by-step tutorials, live group coaching, 1 on 1 coaching, a private mastermind, and a lack of fear of sounding unprofessional or buying the wrong equipment.  Need more? There is even a 30-day money-back guarantee.  schoolofpodcasting.com/joinMentioned 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

Are you one of those people who has thought about doing a solo episode where you open the microphone and talk directly to your audience, but can't overcome how uncomfortable you feel trying it? This show is for you. We also talk about understanding the different roles when you are doing a solo show, an interview, appearing on a panel. Join the School of Podcasting Quit worrying about sounding bad, spending too much money on equipment you don't need. At the School of Podcasting, you get access to step by step tutorials, a private mastermind group (filled with brilliant podcasting minds) and group coaching as well as one on one coaching. Sign up today at www.schoolofpodcasting.com/start The Advantage of a Solo Episode Solo podcast episodes have their advantages: You are 100% in control. You can be as creative as you want You know ahead of time what the content is (instead of hoping you get good answers from your guests) Less production. You won't be interrupting people or trying to match levels with your guest. There is only one level- yours. No Scheduling Conflicts The Hurdles of Solo Podcasts It is all on your shoulders for content You need to watch voice inflection It just feels weird talking to no-one People think it needs to be as long as other episodes TIPS 1. Embrace the Weirdness 2. You Don't Have An Audience (yet) 3. Talk to One Person 4. Answer the question from the invisible person 5. Record it with the thought of never using it. - Just a Sound test  6. Script Your Show 7. Throw Out the Grammar 8. Be yourself and just up your natural voice Question of the Month Submissions I need your answer by 1/28/22 see www.schoolofpodcasting.com/question for more information Full notes at schoolofpodcasting.com/811Mentioned 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 am seeing people that seem to be afraid to reach out to their audience. I get it. It's easier to have the reason of "lack of engagement" on your downloads instead of asking people for feedback on your show.  Today I share a story on how I was ready to make sweeping changes to the Podcast Rodeo show until I decided to open up a discussion with my audience. I was at one point thinking of shutting the podcast down. It turns out that ONE person who had ideas of changing the show was in the minority.  That doesn't mean their suggestion has no merit. I was reading Eric Nuzum's newsletter and he (of NPR experience) to 18 months to play with the format of their new show. With this in mind, I'm still doing my show, but I'm looking into implementing the things that my audience enjoys while aligning the show a bit more with my brand. I always say, "Your podcast is a recipe - not a statue."  Question of the Month Submission When you are in an app and see a show you probably should be listening to what inspires you to go further and potentially subscribe or follow. I need your answer by 1/28/22 Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/question My New Page with Affiliate Links Check it out at www.schoolofpodcasting.com/support if you are a person that doesn't feel they would benefit from the School of Podcasting, but wants to support the show, I've now made it easy. 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 Podcast Rewind Too Many Podcasts Earn and Invest Love Thy Lawyer Mentioned in This Episode Affiliate Link Support Page Profit From Your Podcast Book Eric Nuzum Newsletter Jordan Harbinger Deals Page Podcast Rodeo Show Too Many Podcasts Earn and Invest Love Thy Lawyer 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

In the microwave society that we live in, most of us are not accustomed to slowing down. As a podcaster, we may associate silence with "Dead Air" which is a phrase from the radio. However, today I'm going to show you that the best answers come after the awkward pause. The Power of the Dramatic Pause When you put a pause before or after a point it adds emphasis to that point.  If you put it before the point, the brain perks up waiting for the next words.  If you put the pause after your point, it gives the brain a chance to process what was just said.  Start Your Podcast and Grow Your Audience When you join the School of Podcasting you no longer have to worry about buying equipment you don't need. You learn how to get comfortable behind a microphone as our community helps you create your best episodes. There are step by step videos, live group coaching, private one on one coaching, and a private mastermind group. You have every tool you need to succeed as a podcast. Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/start Mentioned In This Episode The Question of the Month (add your submission) Howard Stern on SiriusXM Ben Affleck Movie The Tender Bar David Letterman My Next Guest Needs No Introduction Paul Harvey Steve Jobs introduces iPhone in 2007 Full Show Notes at schoolofpodcasting.com/809 Support the Show Buy Dave's Book Profit From Your Podcast Join the School of Podcasting Become a Patron or Buy Me a Coffee Thank you for listening. I really appreciate it.Mentioned 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

Today I'm trying something new and coming to you on a WEDNESDAY to introduce you to my friend Evo Terra.  Evo has been podcasting since 2004 (not a typo) and has been involved in many aspects of podcasting ever since.  Evo was nice enough to let me host an episode of his show a while back, and today I'm repaying the favor. I interviewed Evo back on episode 122 when he was on a book tour for his book Expert Podcasting Practices.  LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE Find the report Evo was walking about on his site.  Check out more episodes of Podcast Pontifications at podcastpontifications.comMentioned 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

As the first episode of 2022, I often do an episode for beginners, such as episode 756 14 Steps to Start a Successful Podcast in 2021 One of the most dangerous things you can do in podcasting is comparing your show to others. When I was in my 20s I would play golf once a year with my brother. My golf scores look like someone who golfed once a year. I would use my Dad's old clubs and would go to one of the cheapest clubs and just a fun day of hanging out. How would I feel if I compared myself to Tiger Woods? That would be insane unless I compared myself to a four-year-old Tiger. When you have your attitude in check, it can change the way you perform moving forward. From the "hobbyist" to the "semi pro" you will see that if the hobbyist attempts to do everything the "semi pro" does they will burn out. Also, anyone who starts a podcast will attract people they didn't expect to attract. Full show notes at  schoolofpodcasting.com/808 QUESTION OF THE MONTH I need your answer before 1/28/22 Picture yourself in a podcast app in front of a podcast you might actually enjoy. Think of this experience and comment on it. What caught your eye? Is the description important? Do you subscribe? or "Cherry Pick" episodes. Do you ever subscribe/Follow? As we all want more followers/subscribers (and yes we know most of us find our podcasts via word of mouth), BUT when you're in an app, (I realize this is kind of vague), but what goes through your mind before you press either play or subscribe/follow? Don't forget to tell us a little bit about your show, and your website address. Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/question MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Episode 756 14 Steps to Start a Successful Podcast in 2021 Three Different Types of Reviews to get some constructive feedback. Join the School of Podcasting and get started in the RIGHT direction. Check out my free course at www.learnpodpage.com PodPage is the best way to make a great looking website for your show without any coding.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

Since episode 388 2013, I've been asking my audio what is your ONE FAVORITE podcast (and yes, I know it's hard to pick just one) but more importantly WHY is it your favorite? Steve Stewart loves the Stacking Benjamins Show I interview Steve and Mark Deal on 752 about the Podcast Editor Academy York from Poetic Earthlings likes the Matt Walsh Show show. Chris Lewis from the Dads with Daughters podcast loves The Real Brian Show. I interview Brian back on episode 449 Glenn from the Coaching Kids Curling Podcast loves the Dave Chang Show.  If you're a person of color LISTEN TO EPISODE 806 Kim Newlove of the Pharmacists Voice loves the School of Podcasting (especially 779 on Reviews, and 792 when you die) Louis Goodman of Live the Lawyer loves the Trials of Frank Carson  Scott Johnson from What Was That Like?? loves the How Sound Podcast. Neil Scott  from Recovery Coast to Coast Loves the Bob Lefsetz Podcast. Matt Rafferty of the Author Inside You loves the Grand Scheme Snatching Sinatra Joe Saul Sehy from Stacking Benjamins Show loves the Xbox On Joe mentioned The E myth book. Mark Vinet from the History of North America Podcast loves the Book Note Plus show. Shane Whaley from Spybrary and Tourpreneur loves the "That Record Got Me High" podcast. Joe loves the Warrior Next Door Podcast. Bryan Goodwin of the Relaxed Male  loves the Alive and Free show Anthony Arno of the Route 66 Podcast and the Stemclass Podcast loves the Space Shot Podcast. Dave from Your Podcast Consultant loves I Hear Things from Tom Webster.  JANUARY QUESTION OF THE MONTH I need your answer before 1/28/22 Picture yourself in a podcast app in front of a podcast you might actually enjoy. Think of this experience and comment on it. What caught your eye? Is the description important? Do you subscribe? or "Cherry Pick" episodes. Do you ever subscribe/Follow? As we all want more followers/subscribers (and yes we know most of us find our podcasts via word of mouth), BUT when you're in an app, (I realize this is kind of vague), but what goes through your mind before you press either play or subscribe/follow? Don't forget to tell us a little bit about your show, and your website address. Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/question Ready To Start Your Podcast? You may think nobody would listen to you, but I'm here to tell you they will. I have proven strategies to help you identify exactly what your audience wants. You will sound professional, and won't have to spend a million dollars to sound great. Learn through our online tutorials, live group coaching and a private Facebook Group filled with brilliant podcasters. Join worry-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee. See schoolofpodcasting.com/workwithme Follow the Show and Never Miss an Episode on: Apple - Google - Spotify - Amazon Check out New Podcast Apps for apps to stream bitcoin to podcasters. Did You Get Value From This Episode? Enjoy the Show? Buy Dave a Coffee and give some of that value back.   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

Hallmark Holiday Movies get a lot of flack because they are predictable, cheesy, corny, and more or less if you've seen one - you've seen them all.  YES THERE ARE LESSONS TO BE LEARNED Do you know why all Hallmark Movies are the same? Well, do you know why all AC/DC songs sound the same (or Chuck Berry). Ever listen to an episode of Dave Ramsey?  They found a format that works, and consequently, they stay with it until that format doesn't work. Why are there so many Friday the 13th movies? Because they were profitable. That goes for many movie franchises. When you find a winning format - stick with it. Monitor how it resonates with your audience and if they love it, keep doing it.  TWEAKING A FORMAT WITHOUT LOSING YOUR SOUL My cousin said, "I know what I'm getting with a Hallmark movie. I don't worry about swearing, nudity, violence, etc. It's a trustworthy holiday movie where everyone feels good when it's over.  So Hallmark saw that the "formula" worked but they could grow their audience through diversity. They've added movies with people of color.  As a middle-aged white guy, I never knew what it was like to see a movie or TV show and not look like the people on screen. The success of the Black Panther Movie, Blackish, Hamilton, and other forms of entertainment that had a different slant found an underserved audience.  With this, I beg you people of color, and people of all shapes, sizes, sex, and whatever makes you - YOU. There are people who are tired of hearing about a subject from a middle-aged white guy and would love to hear about your subject from your point of view that includes your influence and heritage.  The Missing Piece in Your Podcast Puzzle I see people saying this like, "I've tried everything but my show isn't growing." To this I say, "Everything?"  It turns out when I reach out to the last three people who said this NONE of them had taken the steps to get an objective view of their show. This is like: Wondering why your restaurant isn't growing when you never got feedback on your feed.  Wondering why your clothing line isn't selling when you never did a focus group of your target buyer.  If you need some help, I can give you feedback. Currently, in the School of Podcasting, this is a free service.  QUESTION OF THE MONTH II need your answer by 12/24/21. The question is "What is your favorite Podcast and why?".  Please provide: The name of the show The website (if you know it - very helpful) What the show is about WHY YOU LIKE IT - Go as long as you want. Be sure to tell us the name of your podcast, your website, and a little bit about your show. Please answer at www.schoolofpodcasting.com/question Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/question Ready To Start Your Podcast You may think nobody would listen to you, but I'm here to tell you they will. I have proven strategies to help you identify exactly what your audience wants. You will sound professional, and won't have to spend a million dollars to sound great. Learn through our online tutorials, live group coaching and a private Facebook Group filled with brilliant podcasters. Join worry-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee. See 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