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

So many people fear they will sound stupid or unprofessional but this is not something you need to worry about as even a show that is recorded live can be edited before being sent to your audience. Today I share some examples of the theories I used to edit my show Because of My Podcast: I'm Up For A Webby Award 1:49 Emily Prokop from The Story Behind podcast has been on the show before as she got a book deal "Because of her podcast" and how she has been nominated for a Webby award. PLEASE VOTE HERE Editing Your Podcast Will Make it Better 3:33 Mount Rushmore was once a mountain built of rock. Then someone editing it, and it is now a national memorial. There are movie editors, newspaper editors, book editors, etc. For me, I believe every podcast can benefit from editing. Today I share some examples and theories behind my editing decisions. Everything About Editing is An Opinion Some people do no editing, and some people will "over edit." Today I talk about my philosophies which are: Always remove low hanging fruit (and Um, or crutch word that isn't near any other words) ALWAYS Listen through the ears of your audience and ask if whatever you are listening to delivers value. Be careful about the curse of knowledge as it can leave your audience in the dark Most of my editing is me shaping my rambling questions into something a bit more focused In some cases, if a point is made late in the episode, you don't need it twice. If I have to zoom in to a very, very, very magnified level to edit the audio ( I call this "busting out a scalpel) I let it go. The goal of an interview is to make your guest sound good. In some cases, a backstory is given that is not needed. A pregnant pause can add additional emphasis to the communication Nobody wants to know how the sausage was made Editing Your Podcast Intro To Give You Clarity and Authority 22:30 Morgan Cole is a client of mine who does the Brightline Podcast. He gave me permission to let you listen to a call we did where we shaped his intro. You will hear where we shaved off quite of his into while still explaining what the show is about and who Morgan is (and why you should listen) Check out his show at https://brightlinepodcast.com/ Are you duplicating any content? Is your purpose and description clear (and jargon-free) You don't have to cram all of your details in the intro. Run Everything Through Your Target Audience 30:12 My church wanted to have a slogan "where the word is important." I explain how I felt this didn't connect. How Long Does it Take to Edit an Hour Long Episode? 31:30 I asked the Podcast Editors Club how long it would take to "De-Um" hour-long episodes. While it obviously depends based on how much a person um, says, um, and ya know, um, is an um machine. The quickest ranged from 90 minutes to three or four hours. Mentioned on the Show Big Podcast Book Big Podcast Website Red Podcast Podcast Talent Coach Podcast Review Show  Podcast Rodeo Show  (I can't believe what I heard episode) Podcast Editors Club She Podcast Kickstarter Work With Me Join the School of Podcasting or let me be your podcast mentorMentioned 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

David Hooper has a background in the music and entertainment business, the music business, and has spent the last four years writing the Big Podcast – Grow Your Podcast Audience, Build Listener Loyalty, and Get Everybody Talking About Your Show. It's one of the best books I've read on podcasting (and I'm only about 50% of the way through the book). David and I go back to 2006 when I was doing the Musicians Cyber Cooler podcast (later renamed the Marketing Musician) and he was doing Music Business Radio (a radio show syndicated across the nation that David turned into a podcast). I've been listening to updates about his book on his marketing podcast RED Podcast, as well as his Big Podcast show. Today it was great to talk to him now that the book is published. SPONSOR: NAB SHOW 1:27 Have a passion for podcasting? Attend the NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) Show April 8-11, 2019 to meet, collaborate and strategize with the world's most renowned storytellers. Learn how to grow audiences and revenue, create captivating content and meet with those who can take your vision to new heights. Register today at www.nabshow.com with code VEGAS for a Free Exhibits Pass. Your story will never be the same. A Talk With David Hooper Author of the Book Big Podcast 2:50 A fun conversation 4:55 Has Dave always been this curious? (Dave and David went to a very special location in Florida at Podfest) 8:13 The politics of getting guests 11:25 The power of the pre-interview 15:54 How do you get guests when you are new 17:22 How do you handle the "Dance in your head" when you are doing an interview 20:45 Dave recommends launching with 25 episodes, and I disagree 26:20 Are podcasters open to adjusting their show? 32:56 How long should my podcast be? 36:09 What was the thinking behind the RED Podcast? It's just so different... 39:07 Does he get flack for being so non-judgemental, or occasionally "Pushing the envelope." 41:03 Jeff Christy was a horrible TOP 40 DJ (hear his aircheck) 43:35 Media Training that Dave does with some television shows. 45:33 What other media training does Dave do? How to avoid the puke voice 50:00 The hardest and easiest parts of the book to write 52:00 The incestuous nature of podcasting 53:50 Did Dave have any imposter syndrome? Mentioned In This Episode Building a Better Dave Podcast Big Podcast Music Business Radio 28 Day Podcast Jumpstart Podcast Interviewing School Work With Me Join the School of Podcasting or let me be your podcast mentorMentioned 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

What is Your Crutch Word - How Did You Get Rid of It? Crutch words are we words we use when our brain can't come up with something to say. They are used to fill up silence that some feel is awkward. We all have them, and they are only an issue when they are used so much that it becomes distracting/annoying. Please realize that never having a crutch word may be impossible. Often we don't even hear them. So we have to start with identifying that we have a crutch word. When I asked you about your crutch words, here are the ones you are trying to avoid: Craig from Ingles Podcast is "So" and has lots of examples of what to avoid. Brad from The Cinema Guys podcast is "Like" as well as "So Anway..." Brenda from the My Tech Toolbelt Podcast "Is a Big Fan of..." as well as "Right" Darwin Dave from the Dealing with My Grief podcast "So" Tim From the He Said She Said Movie Reviews Podcast Arnie at the Football History Dude Podcast says "Dude..." Nina from Farm Food Health has lots of ums... Mark from the Resourceful Designer and Podcast Branding had a listener let him know he was saying Basically a ton. Mel From Beer with an Engineer has lots of ums, and so.... but turned it into a drinking game. Mike Dell from Podcast Help Desk and Podcast Help Desk News crutch words is "Anyway...." and he's just been pausing instead. Stephanie from the Expat Rewind has "soooo many..." Lee from This is Rammy finds himself saying "Obviously" Win from Ask Win finds herself saying "Like" Kim Krajci from Toastmasters 101 has some tips on how to avoid crutch words. SPONSOR: Alitu Web Based Podcast Maker It's a web app, where people can log in on their web browser and then use it to edit and produce their podcast episodes. Mobile app coming soon too. Podcasters record their show as normal, then upload their recordings to Alitu. Alitu then processes, levels, converts them all, pieces the clips together, adds your theme music automatically, and publishes the episode, direct to your podcast host. If you need to edit out any mistakes, then you can use Alitu's custom podcast editing tool to do just that, before creating your finished episode.   The idea behind Alitu is to make Podcasting and quick and simple as possible, removing a bunch of the tech barriers and to let you concentrate on the bit you do best – talking about something you love!   It can take an interview where each person records their side of the conversation, and it will combine them together (how cool is that?)   Check it out at www.alitu.com check out this video How To Get Rid of Crutch Words Identify them Monitor your use of them Practice NOT Using them. This may include getting use to silence (that you can edit out) Try to figure out what is going on when you use it. Try to determine why you chose to use that word at that time. Next Month's Question: Are you paying for any part of your podcast process? If so how much, and on what? (not so much who you are using). I need your answers by 4/27/19 see my contact page for more information (you can upload pre-recorded files) Mentioned in This Episode Alitu web-based podcast Creator You Wanna Do What Podcast "You Can't Read the Label from the Inside of the Bottle." Where I Will Be April 6-11 National Association of Broadcasters Las Vegas June 8th Utah Podcast Summit Sandy, Utah August 13-16 Podcast Movement  Orlando Florida September 8-10 Military Influencer Conference Washington DC October 17 – 18 DOYO Live Youngstown Ohio. Other Events You Might Want to Check Out She Podcasts Live: The Women's Podcasting Experience Podcast MidAtlantic September 6-7 Work With Me Join the School of Podcasting or let me be your podcast mentorMentioned 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 got an email from someone struggling to start their podcast, "The biggest issue I’m dealing with is psychological: the show is not coming together in the format that I really wanted—and at this point there seems to be nothing I can do about that— but that, combined with fear, uncertainty, and doubt, and the inevitable self-comparisons to what others are doing as well as my own personal expectations has quite frankly got me a little bit paralyzed. It’s like I’m on the firing line, I’m locked and loaded and I’ve got a good site picture, but I just can’t get myself to pull the trigger because I’m afraid of the kickback."  I've mentioned in the past how to Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and the story of Monica Rivera, and today I want to talk about how it feels to podcast. What Does it Feel Like to be a Podcaster? Excited By the possibilities Frustrated When computers decide to be, well, computers. Smarter When you figure things out Nervous As you are learning new things, and getting outside of your comfort zone. Confident When you publish your first episode Frightened When you realize everyone can hear your show. Humbled / Shocked When we inspire someone or affect someone. Normal When you find out you’re not the only one who thinks this way. Safe Because you are surrounded by people similar to you Amazed At the opportunities to that come your way, the people you get to speak Mentioned in This Show Overcoming Imposter Syndrome Episode Monica Rivera The Nudge You Need Podcasting in America The latest edition the Edison Research Infinite Dial was published. Here are some insights: 70%  are familiar with the word podcasting ( 197 Million people) 51% have listened to at least one podcast ( a 7% jump) 32% listen on a monthly basis (up from 26%) 22% listen on a weekly basis (up from 17%) 17 million more people are monthly listeners than last year. 14 million more podcast are listening Work With Me Join the School of Podcasting or let me be your podcast mentorMentioned 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

Podcast Industry Leaders Gather in NYC I attended the On Air Festival in NYC in New York City where what some might describe as "Procasters" were in attendance. When I went to talk to people instead of finding people who spoke into microphones I found: Producers Editors Writers and I was amazed to find that: Some episodes of Radiolab take up to two years for ONE episode Missing Richards Simmons took one year to produce You can create an entire season of a podcast using 5% of the budget of a TV pilot. Advertisers want more stats even though podcasting is providing more data than they've ever received. Start With the Story Dan from Sporkful had a great talk and explained how it took him nine years to make his podcast his full-time job. Kristen Meinzer from By the Book podcast (which reviews self-help books) explained how she took a book review and worked a story into it. Special thanks to Monica Rivera from the You Wanna Do What Podcast for being my tour guide SPONSOR: Alitu Web Based Podcast Maker It's a web app, where people can log in on their web browser and then use it to edit and produce their podcast episodes. Mobile app coming soon too. Podcasters record their show as normal, then upload their recordings to Alitu. Alitu then processes, levels, converts them all, pieces the clips together, adds your theme music automatically, and publishes the episode, direct to your podcast host. If you need to edit out any mistakes, then you can use Alitu's custom podcast editing tool to do just that, before creating your finished episode.   The idea behind Alitu is to make Podcasting and quick and simple as possible, removing a bunch of the tech barriers and to let you concentrate on the bit you do best – talking about something you love!   It can take an interview where each person records their side of the conversation, and it will combine them together (how cool is that?)   Check it out at www.alitu.com check out this video   Mp3 Chapter Marks I mentioned how I started adding chapter marks in the mp3 file, and I wasn't sure if any apps even used these chapters. It turns out there are more software titles that recognize these than I originally thought Overcast used them (and not much else). It turns out that MP3 chapters can be displayed with Instacast, Overcast, Downcast, Podcat, Pocket Casts and iCatcher!. On Android you can use Podcast Addict, which supports chapters in all file formats (MP3, M4A/MP4, Opus, Ogg, etc.), uPod to display chapter marks with URLs and images in MP3 and MP4 files, the open source AntennaPod supports chapter titles with URLs in MP3, Opus and Ogg Vorbis files and Pocket Casts supports MP3 chapters. Apple Has Too Much Power? With Apple threatening (and then rescinding) to pull people from Apple podcasts some people were really upset and stated we should take steps to remove Apple of it's power. I've been around long enough to remember podcasting before Apple added podcasts to iTunes, and that gave podcasting a boost in the arm. When they added the podcast app to be native to their operating system. Yahoo, Microsoft, Odeo, Google (multiple times) have created and deleted a podcast directory. With Spotify spending a TON of money, I say if you want to "topple" Apple I have a two-word plan: STEP UP. Don't create software that doesn't have half the power of the current leading titles step up and provide all the current features AND THEN SOME. Create something that makes it easier for the listener (Which is what Apple did). For those that think Apple has too much power, feel free to remove your show from their directory if you hate it so much. Apple is giving best practices on how to get the most out of their software and they are complaining. Back in 2012 some consultants came up with a "file for download only" strategy that was REALLY STUPID in 2012 (and just Hideous in today's terms) and Rob Walch from LIBSYN said, "This is a bad way to use LIBSYN," and some people didn't listen. Those are the people I am helping today and they say, "Wow, I didn't realize I was missing so much syndication...." Apple is giving us suggestions on how to use their software, and some people are going to listen, and some people are not. Question of the Month What is your crutch word, and what did you do to get rid of it? Contact me and let me know (Preferably in audio format) Work With Me Join the School of Podcasting or let me be your podcast mentorMentioned 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 on the Podcasters roundtable with Ray, Bandrew talking burnout. We talk about The Signs of Burnout The Sources of Burnout Solutions to Burnout SPONSOR: Alitu Web Based Podcast Maker It's a web app, where people can log in on their web browser and then use it to edit and produce their podcast episodes. Mobile app coming soon too.  Podcasters record their show as normal, then upload their recordings to Alitu. Alitu then processes, levels, converts them all, pieces the clips together, adds your theme music automatically, and publishes the episode, direct to your podcast host. If you need to edit out any mistakes, then you can use Alitu's custom podcast editing tool to do just that, before creating your finished episode.   The idea behind Alitu is to make Podcasting and quick and simple as possible, removing a bunch of the tech barriers and to let you concentrate on the bit you do best - talking about something you love!    Check it out at www.alitu.com    Mentioned in this Episode 660   Video of A Star is Born being filmed   Bandrew's YouTube Channel   Ray's Podcasters Studio Podcast   Podcasters Roundtable Podcast   Bandrew Says PodcastMentioned 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 Pet Peeves 2019 06:13 A peeve is defined as "a source of annoyance or irritation." Today we are talking Podcasting Pet peeves, but not just pet peeves but your TOP pet peeves. When you listen to a podcast and you hear this you reach for the unsubscribe button. Contributors: Stephanie - Ex Pat Rewind at stephfuccio.weebly.com Jonathan - Weekly Awesome Scott McCarthy - Moving Forward Leadership Bill from Youth with a Mission Trish - Honest Nurse Podcast Scott - What Was That Like? Issa Fears and Desires Brian - Conspiracy Theoryology Emmanuel Laroche - Flavors Unknown Anna Seawalt - Authentic Parenting Podcast Marc - Resourceful Designer Justin - Optimal Living Daily Laura Reviews and Randomness Matt - The Author Inside You Scott – Code 3 Podcast Moxie – Your Brain On Facts Brian - Engaging Missions Ryan - My Perfect Podcast Win Charles - Ask Win C.L. - Plantrama Your Podcast Consultant - NEW SHOW 2:00 I launched a new show in January for those who want to learn about podcasting in bite-sized chunks. It's called "Your Podcast Consultant" and you can find it at www.podcastconsultant.com you can subscribe to the show in Apple or Google, Spotify Episodes include: Why start a podcast How long should my podcast be? How to overcome your fear of technology Starter Podcast Microphones How do I pick my subject? 9 Strategies to get on other podcasts Update on Anchor Advertisers 43:24 In the past when I created three test shows on Anchor, the only sponsor I was offered was Anchor (so what was described as a way for Anchor to make money, seemed to be yet another way for Anchor to lose more money). I mentioned this in an article and video I created.  When I logged into my Anchor Sucks (IMHO) show, I was surprised to see that Squarespace and the Black Tux wanted to sponsor a show that only had 70 downloads. Black Tux is .02 per downloads. Squarespace is .0175 per download and Anchor is .01 per download. If I included all three (which would mean a minute of 90 seconds of ads in my show) I would make almost .05 per download. Assuming an audience would sit through so many commercials. A show with 150 downloads would make $7.13 per episode. Work With Me Join the School of Podcasting or let me be your podcast mentorMentioned 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 valentines was this week so we have a special edition of "Because of My Podcast," and speaking of finding things, today we talk about some tools to help you be found in Google. Because of My Podcast We Found Love: John Bukenas from Audio Editing Solutions is dating Samantha from I Shake My Head With Lisa and Sam Chris and Krissie from I Am Salt Lake share their story of dating, marriage, and BABIES! Jeremy from Podcast We Listen To and Dina Marie from the Twisted Philly podcast Podcast Rewind: Podcasts We Listen To I appeared on the Podcast We Listen To podcast talking about my show and the early days of podcasting. This podcast also has a great Facebook group filled with podcast listeners, but it's NOT A PLACE TO PROMOTE YOUR SHOW (this group does that). I Was Wrong About M4a Files 13:57 I published an article on the Podcasting Busines Journal website and mentioned how mp3 files are more reliable then m4a when it comes to pressing play. In the past, I've seen m4a files just spin and spin and not play in Apple Podcasts. When I went back to see if this is still true, it's not. Free SEO Tools To Help You Be Found in Google 18:11 As the search in the podcasts app chokes on the huge amount of shows coming into the podcasting space, there are times when it seems you just can't be found. So if you've done all there is to do, another strategy is to make sure you can be found in this other tool that helps people be found called Google. I've taken SEO For Podcasting by Daniel J Lewis SEO Courses from Yoast Podcast SEO Marketing from Ploymash (Juergen Berkessel ) Tools I've Added and Started Using Monster Insights Wordpress Plugin that allows you to see Google Analytics in Wordpress. Neil Patel's Ubersuggest Domain Authority Checker Another great suite of tools is Mongools SEO Suite Question of the Month: What is your TOP Pet Peeve? You can only pick one. Please send them in by 2/22/19 Alexacast For Sale 31:26 I've come to the conclusion that I can't continue (or in this case bring back) the Alexacast. This is a show about the Amazon world, and especially what is happening with Alexa. If you'd like to take this show over, please contact me. You'll need to pay for your media hosting and web hosting. I prefer you host it at www.coolerwebsites.com    Podcasting For Fun 34:00 Just a reminder you can podcast for fun. You do NOT have to make money with a podcast. Work With Me Join the School of Podcasting or let me be your podcast mentorMentioned 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

Spotify Buys the Best and Worst in Podcasting Spotify bought Gimlet and Anchor. Does this have any effect on "Joe Independent podcaster?" not immediately, but it is a big company, with big pockets, who will spend money to promote podcasting (and that's is a good thing). As for Anchor, I will be making a video to explain the many things wrong with that system in the future. Spotify my want their money back. She Almost Quit Her Podcast 8:39 For nearly two decades, Carolyn Cole was a Fortune 100 and Fortune 200 Senior Company Trial Attorney. In that role, she worked with over 10,000 clients, witnesses, and experts, for over 25,000 collective hours. Today, Carolyn make the case on behalf of your life, business or career dreams – happiness too. A while ago Carolyn contacted me for some one on one coaching. She was ready to quit. She had heard that the way to have podcast success is to launch with a boatload of episodes, ask people for rating and reviews, and get into New and Noteworthy. She had followed the "recipe" but it hadn't worked and she was ready to quit. I told her not to quit, that podcasting takes time to build up her audience. It's a marathon - not a sprint. She didn't quit. Check out her show at www.boomtank.com In our talk you will hear: How she almost missed an opportunity with Steve Harvey How her show and tagline have changed since she started How she used her podcast to boost her business How networking with your local chamber of commerce can help you How 250 Devoted people can work. How "being small" allows you to do things "bigger" shows don't do. Behind the scenes of working with larger companies The Lessons of editing your own stuff How her audience has changed over the years Why Millenials should be podcasting There is no such thing as a "small" podcast The best and worst parts of podcasting The book "How to be a Power Connector" help to change her life Rode Is Giving Away 150,000 in Podcasting Prizes 43:41 Submit a 2-minute podcast and enter a chance to win 150,000 worth of podcast equipment. Check it out at www.myrodecast.com Question of the Month: What is Your TOP Podcasting Pet Peeve? Record your answer and email it to dave@schoolofpodcasting.com Or go to my contact page (please put "February Question" in the subject line). I need your answer by February 22nd, 2019. Work With Me Join the School of Podcasting or let me be your podcast mentorMentioned 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

Last week we spoke about making sure you have great content, today we have tips on building your community. Because of My Podcast - I've Got press Passes to the On Air Festival On-Air Fest is advancing the culture of audio. We bring together an expansive range of emerging and established voices to explore the creative possibilities of sound. Across multiple spaces in Brooklyn's Wythe Hotel, over 100 talent will share innovative ideas and showcase new work. Join us for a weekend of intimate conversations, performances, art installations, listening parties and live podcasts. FEB 28-MAR 3 2019 BROOKLYN, NYC Building Community - Starts Slow, Takes Work, and Then You Have 1000 Members Jeremy Enns is the Storyteller In Chief of podcast agency Counterweight Creative, fearless leader of the Cut The Bullshit Podcasting Community, and creator of the Podcast Power Pack. He loves the outdoors, long distance cycle touring, and will always look back on the day he finally saved up enough money to buy the Millennium Falcon Lego set as one of his proudest achievements. Is there BS in the podcast Space? How do you grow your community? There hasn't been much moderation needed in his group Set rules and ensure people follow them He was working with Women's health world and noticed how well this niche networks together Podcast Power Pack A collection of 20_ contributors who are combining all their products and selling them at 90% off on February 25th - Friday, March 1 The Podcast Power Pack is a collection of some of the best online courses, eBooks, membership communities, digital products, and software. The pack is designed to help you refine your process and grow your podcast in 4 key areas. check it out at www.schoolofpodcasting.com/podcastpowerpack Mentioned in this Episode Join the Newsletter for bonus content and automatic show note delivery School of Podcasting Newsletter Podfest Multimedia Export in March Win 150,000 worth of Podcasting Gear From Rode See https://www.rode.com/myrodecast This interview was recorded using Squadcast the best way to record remote interviews Work With Me Join the School of Podcasting or let me be your podcast mentorMentioned 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