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

Before you start promoting your show, how do you know if it's good? How do you know if it will connect with your audience? Ready to Start Podcasting? Imagine you want to start a lawn mowing business and the only way you know how to cut the grass is one blade at a time. That's how I felt about my podcast until the coaching session I had last night with Dave Jackson. I'm Zita Christian host of Ritual Recipes. A podcast filled with practical magic to nourish your inner life.  I had a coaching session with Dave Jackson last night. He used a screen sharing technique to walk me through the problems I had with my podcast and with my gear and with my website. I am not technically savvy, and that's putting it mildly. But with Dave, that's not a problem. The man is a born teacher. His approach is clear. His attitude is always encouraging and above all, and at least for me, he's patient. So I asked you do you want to start a podcast? Do you want to fix the one you have? If you answered yes to either one. Get the kind of help that will make a difference. Work with Dave Jackson. Give your podcast a real chance to succeed. Zita Christian Ritual Recipes moonriverrituals.com How Do You Know Your Show is Good? According to Jay Soderberg, great content contains the "Three E's" Entertain, Educate, and Emotional (leads to engagement). I've always said contact that you can't get any place else is always a boost (which I guess would fit in under educational) I posed this question to a few people: Participants Jay "Podvader" Soderberg from Next Fan Up Jayson Sacco: The Ankylosing Spondylitis Podcast Lee Silverstein: We Have Cancer Andrea Klunder: The Creative Impostor Natalie Eckdahl: Biz Chix Super Joe Pardo: Business with Super Joe Pardo David Steele: Steele Empire Gene Monterastelli: Tapping Q and A Podcast Jeremy Ends: Podcast Powerpack Darwyn Dave: Dealing with My Grief You NEED to connect with your audience wherever they are. Quit staring at the Apple podcast charts and focus on your audience (which leads to you moving into the charts if done consistently). Realize what works for one podcast does not mean this will work for your show, so you may need the courage to try something new. Natalie uses coaching calls as part of her show. Lee changed the name of his show from The Colon Cancer Podcast to "We Have podcast."  Gene and Natalie have VERY SPECIFIC ideas of who they want listening, and how they will gauge success (and it has nothing to do with rankings and reviews). Jeremy has helped clients who are happy they tried surveys. Andrea helps people define who their target audience is.  When you know who your target audience is, and you understand the goal of your show, you can start to chart a path between the two.  Mentioned in this podcast Google Forms Type Form  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

2019 Prediction I see more and more people getting into podcasting who Want to spend zero money Spend very little time on creating content Make large amounts of money - quickly My prediction is 98% of the people who get into podcasting for the SOLE reason of making money fast will quit and say podcasting does not work. This episode is to educate you with knowledge so you can make an educated decision. Keep mind, you DO NOT have to make money with your podcast. Many, many, many podcasters do it for the love of the topic. Because of My Podcast: Emily Prokop Will Be on TV 1:50 Emily Prokop from The Story Behind Podcast and EPodcast Productions has had "Because of My Podcast" Stories in the past (as she got a book deal). Now because of her podcast (which brought her a book deal), she is going to be on Inside Edition. How cool is that? Congrats Emily Update on Rode Rodecaster Pro 4:10 Last week we had three people share their insights into the Rode Rodecaster Pro, and I had not tied the unit into Skype yet. I agree when you use the phone, it sounds like, the phone. I had Jonathan Bloom from Weekly Awesome and Miss Ileane Smith join me on Ask the Podcast Coach via the wired TRRS cable, using Skype and out sounded much better. Johnathan was on Skype in his phone and Ileane was using an ATR2100 and sounded awesome. The Potential Harm of Launching Your Podcast With a Patreon 7:28 While I realize that starting to promote a patreon account the minute you start podcasting may seem like a great idea, my worry is this is another criteria (like your download stats) to gauge your process. I'm not saying it's wrong, but I want you to go into this with your eyes wide open. How Do We Get Sucked In? There are people on patreon making thousands of dollars a month. In the same way, that ice skaters, musicians, comedians, and athletes make their craft look easy, so do these podcasters. You talk into a mic, ask people for money, and watch the cash roll in. Nothing could be further from the truth How Do You Feel About PBS Pledge Drives? Think about how you feel when watching a PBS pledge drive. You’re enjoying the smooth tones of James Taylor as you reminisce about the first time you heard this song on the radio. The memories make you feel warm and then BOOM! We need some money. If you don’t have a relationship with PBS, (and found this while channel surfing) I’m going to bet these interruptions are quite annoying. Without a relationship, pledge drives make you want to change the channel (at least for me it does). So does this mean that your pledge drives in the early days of your podcast is a bad idea? I guess it all depends on how entertaining and creative you are in asking for support. Things To Consider As a New Podcaster While launching with a Patreon campaign allows you to practice your pitch, and gets your audience used to hearing your pledge drive in episodes, there are a few things to consider: You may find yourself focusing more on your Patreon rewards instead of focusing on making great content that inspires your audience to tell a friend. You can practice your pledge drive pitch in the basement. You don’t have a relationship with these your audience and yet you're asking for a favor. Unless you organized a focus group, you may not be delivering value (and yet you are asking for value in return). Your Mom is not a focus group. If you are doing great you can expect 3% of your audience to join your campaign. If you have 100 listeners this means you MIGHT get 3. According to graphtreon.com in January of 2019: 704,041 creators received a total of $1,512,275. That's a little over $2 per patron. The lack of patrons can damage your attitude and make you want to quit your podcast. If your sole reason for starting your podcast was for quickly getting money, you should stop. The Pressure of Patreon 20:20 Jordan Harbinger gave up being a lawyer to do a podcast where he interviews people and talks about communications and social dynamics. On Friday he answers questions from his audience. One other thing, Jordan gets millions of downloads for this show. A listener of his was having a hard time finding the courage to launch his content. The person was already worried about the business side of his content, and he had been sitting on it for two years. Jordan brings up a great point of the pressure of running your podcast as a business right out the door. That pressure could hinder your creativity, affect your attitude in a negative way and hinder you from creating a great show that will attract an audience. Keep in mind, no audience - no money.  With this added pressure, the podcast might not be fun. Also, keep in mind when you first start out you're not going to be as good as you will be in a few years. He brought up a great point about how easily we can talk to people we would normally be attracted when we are in a relationship. Why? No pressure. He explains that when he first started he just liked talking about it to his friends. That lead to him talking to others in bars, which lead to... being known as the Larry King of Podcasting. You can't help, serve, or entertaining anyone with your files on your hard drive. Just launch. Check out Jordan's Show at www.jordanharbinger.com and check out his level one FREE Human Dynamics course. Check out my interviews with Jordan here and here. But Shouldn't You Treat Your Podcast Like a Business? 32:50 I've had people who have businesses that sell ads in their show who treat their podcast as a business. They have to. While you are starting out, you may not be in this situation. It may be smart to plan ahead, but it is a bit like buying a crib for your future child when you are still a virgin. Most businesses the podcast is not the business. It is the part of the marketing arm of the business to promote their products. When your product is Patreon, that is fine but realize that most podcasters who are doing it for a living have multiple streams of income (products, ads, affiliate sales, live events). Also, if your podcast is not a business or promoting a business - it leads me to my next point. Shut Up and Have Fun With Your Podcast If you are doing a podcast for fun, and meet like-minded people or friend and family - then do that. Pay no attention to the podcasters chasing a buck. There are SO MANY WAYS to benefit from podcasting (see because of my podcast) and money is just ONE of them. When you compare your podcast to another it - unless it someone doing the same exact show with the exact same background, it is NEVER a fair comparison. Don't worry about the money, the downloads, new and noteworthy, Apple charts, and just HAVE FUN doing your podcast and see where it leads you. Canva Vs Snappa Graphics can help attract attention to show notes, your episodes, etc. I was working on making a new image for my YouTube channel and found Snappa. I had heard about it. I have been using Canva.com for a while. After banging my head against the wall to have my image show up correctly in YouTube, Snappa seemed to have the edge. They have more photos, and when making a YouTube channel artwork Snappa worked better. However, you typically make a YouTube Channel artwork once or twice a year. Other items I make weekly. Canva has multiple folders you can create, they make copying and resizing images easier, and while you will still probably occasionally have to pay for an image even if you are paying for their $12 a month "business" package, I found it better thought out. You can crop images while you are using them. With Snappa, you had to crop it before bringing it into your graphic (how do I know how much I need to crop it if I haven't seen it with the other items?). A Free Image Strategy Canva.com, Snappa.com, and Adobe Spark all have free versions. If you're on a tight budget and don't mind taking more time to browse through multiple portals (along with places like pixabay) you might try signing up for a free account on all three. For me, I live Canva. The offer tutorials to help you get the most out of the service. Work With Me If you're ready to start your podcast, I have multiple plans for multiple budgets. I want to help you build a successful podcast. Please let me know if you have any additional questions. I also have a podcast quick start program for those who are looking to get up and running quickly and then have a brief mentorship.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 Rode Rodecaster Pro has caught the attention of many podcasters, and some have pulled the trigger. Jim Harold (Paranormal podcast) and Jeff Bradury from Teachercast have purchased the unit. I want to thank Rode for shipping me a unit to play with. Their first impression was amazing. Is It Worth the Money? If purchased a four channel mixer a popular mixer is the Behringer Q1202USB is $119 A Mackie Headphone Amplifier is $40 A Jingle pallet can cost you $10 (Backpack Studio on iOs) but you'll need a phone or a tablet A portable recorder at its cheapest is $119 for a Zoom H1N The Aphex processing would cost you $345. Total Price: That would be $120+40+10+120+345 = $635 The Rodecaster Pro clocks in at $599 and you avoid all the cabling all over the place. You don't have to learn about "Gain staging" and if you're using a half decent microphone, you're going to sound great. Spec Sheet PDF Quick Start Guide Jeff Bradbury of Teachercast 9:51 Jeff Bradbury from the Teachercast loves his Rodecaster Pro Jeff had a situation where he needed to interview someone over the phone and it turned out great. Jeff points out that if you're using something external for mix-minus, you might hit a snag He also wishes it came with a Micro SD card. He has worked with it on Skype and Zoom. Jeff is using a Mac If you're a teacher, check out everything Jeff has to offer at www.teachercast.net Jim Harold From the Paranormal Podcast 14:21 Jim Harold has been podcasting since 2005 and produces the Paranormal Podcast, Campfire, Crime Scene along with being the author of many books (all available at www.jimharold.com ) Jim loves the ease of use and enjoys having a noise gate to cut out room noise when he's not talking. He really loves the sound the unit is producing. At the time of the recording, Jim had used it for 4-6 new episodes. Jim has used a Sound Devices Mixpre-3, and a Zoom L12, but really loves the sound he is producing with the Rodecaster. Jim also records a show with his wife called Soulmate Stories and it makes it super easy to pull in people who want to share their stories check it out at http://www.soulmatestoriespodcast.com Jim also hopes in the future there is a way to access recording without having to take the micro SD card out. Jim is also on a Mac. Jim also feels that while he doesn't miss having separate tracks for each person, it would be nice to offer this option in the future. Dave Jackson's Rodecaster Review First of all, I was blown away by the package that was sent to me from the Rode people. This was my first interaction with this company, and I'm not sure I've experienced such a great first impression. I love that you can configure this in minutes. You simply pair the unit with your phone and you're off and running. I used it on Saturday for a live show using Google Hangouts and also on a Group Coaching call using zoom.us and while Rode says it's not set up for the USB to be "mix minus" it appears to work. I like that you can reset the timer if you make a flub and want to start again without stopping the recording. I love the built-in headphone amplifier (don't miss the 3.5mm on the front if you are flying solo). I have my headphones plugged into one, and my studio monitors into another. I am having a slight playback issue (I'm the only one of the three using a new Windows machine). I also hate the MicroSD Card and would love to drag and drop the files to my computer without having to take the card out. I wish there was a pause button so if something goes wrong you could pause the recording. I also wish there was a pause on the jingle buttons so if you wanted to stop and comment on something and then resume your could. In my tests using the TRRS cable made myself sound better to the caller, but decreased their volume. The blue tooth option made the caller louder, but I sounded "not as good" to the caller (but still usable) While  Dave doesn't miss separate tracks (but admittedly he is interviewing podcasters who have decent audio quality) he does wish there was a tad more control over the tone. A Weird Playback Issue on Windows 46:18 I had a weird playback issue that apparently does not go into the recording. It is somewhat like a "buzz" that only I hear (not the people on the call. As I just recently got my unit and started putting it through the paces I am the only person I know having these issues. I have contacted Rode support to see if there is something on my end. I have found that whatever program I'm using if I temporarily switch what I'm using for a microphone it goes away. Microphone Shootout The Rode Procaster vs the Electrovoice RE320 52:54 The Rode Procaster has a very warm sound to it. While I didn't have a pop filter on it, but not talking directly into it I had no popping issues. The RE320 has a nice clear sound and really there is no bad choice here. For me, I've been using the RE320 for years. I enjoy the clarity, and the tone doesn't seem to change much if I get close to the mic. The Rode Procaster is $189. The Electrovoice RE320 is $299. If you are looking for the warmth of a Heil Pr40 without the $327 price tag, you might give it a shot. There is a WS2 Windscreen for the Procaster if you want one. Best Uses Of the Rodecaster Pro If you are doing a podcast where up to four people are in the room, and you want a very short learning curve through the technology, this is the unit for you. You just need to: Do your best not to talk over each other (although channel one can be set as the "top dog" with a ducking feature which turns everyone down) There is no way to tell how much time is left, or how long a jingle will be playing. With this in mind, don't have music you have to "talk up" and then have the music fade in. This would take some practice, or the music you are talking over has to be OBVIOUS when it's time to fade it back in. With the above items, with a little planning ahead you can sound like an old radio pro in minutes. So if you have a co-host(s) and occasionally have a guest who wants to call in via the phone - this is THE solution. How I Managed Live Calls on the Ask the Podcast Coach Last Week Last week I used the Rodcaster Pro to take phone calls on a live streaming program. I used Google Live (formerly Google Hangouts on Air) for my video. I if you just want audio you can use a tool such a mixlr.com to stream your audio to your audience, or spreaker.com which also will stream audio. To create a call queue, I use callinstudio.com. I attached my phone to the Rodecaster Pro via Bluetooth, and called my host number at callinstudio.com and gave out the callinstudio.com phone number for the callers. I monitor the calls via callinstudio.com and can add them to the call, or drop them if needed. They came through and sounded great.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

This is another episode where I share some of the "mistakes" that I see people are making in the podcasting space. We need to focus on our audience, not the technology. There are times when we focus on the technology because you are using the wrong tool. Here are things some thing that may be burning you out, wasting your time, and stopping your podcast from being successful. Sometimes Obsess Over Details that Don't Effect Our Episode As a tech support person, I see people obsess over details that will have little or no effect on their episode or podcast growth. I want to know how many people listened in Mongolia on December 12, 2017. Unless you're going on tour, why? The music in my add is of beat The video on Facebook that NOBODY is watching more than 2 seconds. Using The Wrong Software to Create Your Podcast I often refer to this as painting with peanut butter. When you use the tool for the job, you make creating your podcast a hassle and you are likely to get burned out and quit. If the tool you are using to create your audio doesn't allow you to create an mp3 - it's the wrong tool as you will have to use a different program. I see people who use the wrong software go to Facebook groups trying, and trying to make a square peg fit in a round hole. I recommend Hindenburg Journalist (I use Pro), Audacity, and Adobe Audition. I'm not saying all video programs are bad, but they need to be able to export as an mp3. If you need help turning a WAV or AAC file into an mp3 I've got a free tutorial for you. Troubleshooting Trying to Get Something Bright and Shiny For whatever reason, I could not use Belive.tv. My computer would lock up. I had tried a couple of things, but it would always lock up. Again, this was not their problem, it was a problem with my machine. I could have wiped my computer clean, and reloaded all my software, backed up all my files and spent a TON of time. This is where you need to ask FOR WHAT? Lower thirds on my video, and video switching. This is where you need to ask a question, has my audience asked for the feature I'm trying to add? Is this really something that is going to help me grow my audience? Missing the Off-Ramp to Happy Town There are times when you want technology to work, and it doesn't. Then someone alerts to a solution, but you don't like it. Instead, you decide to go back and bang your head against a wall. Different platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn change how they handle podcasts on a somewhat frequent basis. You want it to work one way, but it doesn't. You can manually post to any of these places taking the same steps. You found success - follow it. Maybe you're trying to do something and it won't work with Safari, but it would work with chrome. Instead of using Chrome you decide to band your head against the wall using Safari. You just discovered a solution. You can move forward using a new tool, or troubleshoot Apple's product for free. Working Outside Your Zone of Genius I spent some time playing with the Divi WordPress theme on one of my sites, and I hit some issues that is probably with the Media host. It might be a problem with some plugins. I am working with the tech support team, but web design, in general, is not my best skill, and it might make more sense to let an actual web designer take over, and then let me maintain. Confusing Activity with Productivity I was spending hours listening to podcasts about podcasting that were not bad shows. However, I am blessed with my students, my audience, and lots of contacts in the podcasting space. With this in mind, I'm not learning anything from these show. For the investment in time, I'm not learning anything that I can share with you. Meanwhile, I'm reading books that have me thinking, and coming up with new ideas for episodes. Creating Garbage Audio to be Cleaned Up Later If you are doing a podcast with Interview is have the potential guest record something and send it to you. This will help separate the good from the not so good. If this is not a strategy you want to follow I would urge you to make sure the quality of the recording is the best you can get. Recently I've been having people with what we call "Popping P's" where they have the microphone positioned in the wrong place. If you have this situation,  stop the interview and have them reposition the microphone and save "Happy Peanut Butter" if they can do that without causing a pop (technically called a "Plosive") then you are good to go. It not, you or your editor has a long day in front of them. Think Long Term I realize that some of the things we mentioned today cost money. Everything in life will be paid for in one of two currencies: time or money. While I could take the time to brush up on the Web Design skills, it might be smarter to pay someone. It might take money (although Audacity is free) to buy the right software (or to buy a pop filter). Most of the ideas here are based on two things Focus: Know the audience Action: Take steps to serve them and deliver value. My Favorite Podcast Is Rewind I had two people Fred Castenada of the Podcast Reporter and Kim Krajci from Toastmasters 101 send in files for last week's My Favorite Podcast is.. episode that I do every year." Fred loves the No Agenda show for information you can't get any place else and Kim loves Forking Bullshirt as it makes her laugh. New Backpack Studio Replaces Bossjock Studio Backpack Studio is a $10 app for iOs only that makes creating a podcast on your iPhone or iPad super easy. You can even add your image, and show notes and publish them to Libsyn using FTP (are you listening Anhor.fm people). A HUGE amount of slots for sounds for you to play (great for anyone looking for a jingle pallet A nice help screen when you start the app Ability to export in many formats The audio while recording still has a weird echo, but this is not on the recording Buy it in the Apple store Mentioned in This Episode Podfest in Orlando in March Podcast Movement in August Logical Weight Loss Podcast Let Me Be Your Podcast Guide www.schoolofpodcasting.com/workwithmeMentioned 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

Sponsor: Focusrite [1;23] I got to play with a Focusrite 2i2 and if you are looking for an easy to get your microphone into your computer (and have the option to have a co-host as well) without having to look at a TON of knobs, check out the Focusrite 2i2. As I'm on a PC, I downloaded a driver, plugged in the unit, and was ready to record. If you're on a Mac computer, you just plug it in. If you want a backup copy of your recording, plug a cable into the monitor out and send the signal to your portable recorder. It's built like a tank and is a lovely shade of red. Check out the interface selector tool that helps you pick the right model for you at their website. My Favorite Podcast Is 2018 CLICK HERE for a PDF featuring expanded descriptions and links to all the shows mentioned Thanks to everyone who sent in their submissions. These are in no apparent order: 2:57 My Dad wrote a Porno - Sent in from Anna Seewald from Authentic Parenting - Parenting From the Heart 4:44 Assumptions Podcast (with an Atheist and Christian co-host a show ). Sent in from Alexander from Dear Subjects  (help Alexander build the new nation 5:32 Hardcore History Sent in from Arnie Chapman the Football History dude. Learn about the history of foot 6:57 Films on Trial (which has great debates, and is very unique) -Sent in from Brad of the Cinema Guys (they love movies!) 8:13 The Nolecast: Florida State football analysis - Sent in from of the Brandon of the Florida Focus Podcast ( A College Football Podcast) 9:26 The Art of Manliness - Sent in from Chris Nesi of the House of Ed Tech Podcast (changing the way teachers teach ) 10:43 Imaginary Worlds ( Sci-fi genre narrative ) Sent in from Dave of the DC Onscreen podcast (A podcast about the DC Universe, specifically on screen)  11:49 Meet the Holifields ( a great, fun, entertaining behind the scenes of a married couple) Sent in from Eliquitie of the Travel Gluten Free Podcast (Enjoy Food, Enjoy Travel, Enjoy Life ) 13:29 The Model Health Show  (variety topics in addition to fitness)- Sent in from Ernie of the Snooks and Lovey podcast (insights into a new married couple)  15:10 Crime Writers On  (cause Haley just wanted more Serial talk) - Sent in from Haley Radke of the Adoptees On Podcast (Where Adoptees Discuss the Adoption Experience ) 17:49 Cliff Ravenscraft Show Sent in from Josh of the Corner Cutters Podcast (all about Solving the Rubik's Cube in record time 19:04 Dave predicts Cliff will be a life coach back in 2014 20:00 The Remnant with Jonah Goldberg Sent in from Josh of the Saving Elephants Podcast ( conservative values with a mercifully modern twist )  21:39 Bill Bur's Monday Morning Podcast (it makes Josh laugh, best ad reads ) - Sent in from Josh Liston of the On the Bubble Podcast 23:39 Jody Mayberry Sent in from Josh Rivers of the Podcast Experiments Podcast 25:28 The Feed the Official Libyn Podcast -Sent in from Justin of the Optimal Living Daily (The Best Blogs Narrated for You Daily) 26:27  The Big Story ( In Depth look on Canada, in quick chunks) Sent from Mark Des Cotes of the Resourceful Designer Podcast (helping graphic artists/ web designers) 27:28 Uncivil Podcast ( an amazing mix of storytelling and conversation) Sent in from Mark Shapiro MD  of the Explore the Space Podcast (Examining the interface between healthcare & society) 28:52 The Newsworthy (a great short podcast with the latest news) Sent in from Matt Rafferty of The Author Inside You Podcast (encourage authors to write and publish their first book). Hear Erica on Podcast Junkies 29:58 Reply All (a show about the Internet) Sent in by Max Prescott from of the Aviation News Talk Podcast (General aviation podcast) 31:11 Free Field training - Sent in from Mike Wilkerson of the What Cops Watch Podcast (Go behind the badge).  Hear the review of What Cops Watch on the Podcast Review Show.  32:40 The Bill Simmons Podcast - Recorded when Monica Rivera from the You Wanna Do What? (giving you the nudge you need) guest hosted on the Ask the Podcast Coach. 35:37 Philly Who? ( Amazing Interviews from Philadelphia People ) Sent in from Miss Ileane Smith of the Ms Ileane Speaks Podcast ( great social media tips) Ms Ilean might check out Twisted Philly 37:54 Online Marketing Made Easy (Amy Porterfield) Sent in from Natalie of the Unreserved Wine Talk.  40:00 Without Fail Sent in from Randy Cantrell of the Grow Great (short business advice delivered daily)) and Leaning Towards Wisdom Podcasts.  41:20 The Jeff Ruebin Jeff Ruebin show ( unique guests with great discussions) Sent in from Sandy of the Made in Museums Podcast (curious museums for curious minds) 43:05 Security Now Sent in from Garret of the Good Patron podcast (on supporting musicians)  43:43 Case File (true crime) Sent in from Scott Johnson of the What was that like? Podcast (Real people in unreal situations) 46:08 Podcast Rodeo Show Sent in from Scott Orr of the Code 3 Podcast ( Firefighters Podcast)  47:41 On Being - Sent in from Gregory of the Collected Clan (conversational biographies of relatable people) 49:40 School of Podcasting (you'e looking at it) - Sent in from Stephen of the Mind Over Stress 50:33 Stacking Benjamins Sent in from Steve Stewart at www.stevestewart.me 52:00 The Thomas Jefferson Hour (history podcast)  Sent in from Terry of the Discovering America 54:07 School of Podcasting - Sent in from Todd of the Keto Confidential (about the Ketogenic Diet) 56:13 You Wanna Do What? Sent in from Zack Demopoulos of the Rasing (pa) Rents (tips for Caregivers) 58:38 Speaking Your Brand - Sent From Zita of the Ritual Recipes 59:14 School of Podcasting - Win Charles  Podcast Talent Coach - Sent From Dave Jackson from the School of Podcasting 1:01:10 Broken Record (behind the scenes of music) submitted by Eric K Johnson from the Podcast Talent Coach show (helping you create engaging content) Let Me Help You With Your Podcast If you want to learn at your own pace, join the School of Podcasting If you have specific questions or are looking for a Podcast Mentor check out www.schoolofpodcasting.com/workwithmeMentioned 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

Dave Chessen is known as the Kindlepreneur and is the host of the Book Marking Show and has turned his blog into a podcast. His show has a great format as he talks about a strategy in his show and then interviews someone who is using that strategy. Where I've Been: 2 Minute Tips Podcast 1:40 I was interviewed on the 2 Minute Tips podcast where we talk about my experience as a presenter and my 20 years as a corporate trainer and any tips on making good presentations. Check it out at http://2minutetalktips.com/davewhen My Favorite Podcast Question of the Month 2:37 If you'd like some exposure for your show it's super easy. Send in your answer and give the following information You #1 favorite podcast (only 1) Where can I find it (website) Why is it your favorite Your podcast (if you have one) Where can we find your show? What is it about? See www.schoolofpodcasting.com/contact Deve Chessen Behind the Scenes of Launching a Book 4:16 I interviewed Dave Chessen for my More Podcast Money podcast, and in listening to the episode I felt you would appreciate it because: Many podcasters at events have mentioned writing a book There are plenty of strategies that align in both launching a podcast and launching a book In this interview, you will hear: Planning with the end in mind Tips on getting good artwork/book cover on a budget The importance of editing How podcasting has helped his brand How much you can expect to spend on launching a book Check out Dave at Kindlepreneur.com  and his Book Marketing Show amscourse.com ( SELL MORE BOOKS WITH AMAZON BOOK ADS) Kindle Keywords article Great Podcast Starter Kit Q2U Podcast Pack 28:28 If you are looking to start a podcast, this is a great package.  Cardioid polar pattern is effective in minimizing noise and off-axis audio that can cause feedback. Frequency response of 44.1 / 48 kHz, 16-bit resolution. Low-latency headphone monitoring w/ a level control. XLR and USB outputs to record to Mac or Windows-based computer while at the same time connect to a mixer, preamplifier, or PA system. On/Off switch controls both USB and XLR audio outputs. Microphone is plug and play requiring no driver installation. Practical & necessary accessories like a mic boom arm that offers 28" of arms reach, a pop filter that softens explosive sounds, & more in the bundle. All this for $105. If you bought similar items Samson Q2U Microphone $59 Boom Arm $54 Headphones $35 Windscreen $3 Pop Filter $10 Total would be $161 (You save $56) Check it out As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases The Software on Dave's Computer 32:02 Adobe Audition Hindenburg Journalist Pro Evernote Chrome Firefox Camtasia   Podcast I Will Be Loading On My New computer Audacity Mp3 tag Skype Zoom iTunes Droplr Izotope Media Info Backblaze MP3 Skype Recorder Reflector 3 Rescue Time Sony Sound Forge Spotify Title Analyzer Headlinr Pro Auphonic Mentioned In This Episode Kindlepreneur.com  amscourse.com ( SELL MORE BOOKS WITH AMAZON BOOK ADS) Long Tail Pro Software Beaver Builder Software Divi Theme Free Baby Steps Podcast Course  Jim Harold Free Headline Tools Work With Me If you are ready to start a podcast www.schoolofpodcasting.com/start If you need a podcast mentor see www.schoolofpodcasting.com/workwith meMentioned 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 we hear from Try Heinritz of the Blacklist Exposed reveal what it was like to see Dax Shepard record his podcast in a sold-out Chicago Theater. Sponsor: Focusrite 2:53 I got to play with a Focusrite 2i2 and if you are looking for an easy to get your microphone into your computer (and have the option to have a co-host as well) without having to look at a TON of knobs, check out the Focusrite 2i2. As I'm on a PC, I downloaded a driver, plugged in the unit, and was ready to record. If you're on a Mac computer, you just plug it in. If you want a backup copy of your recording, plug a cable into the monitor out and send the signal to your portable recorder. It's built like a tank and is a lovely shade of red. Check out the interface selector tool that helps you pick the right model for you at their website. Dax Shepard is Selling Out Theaters so People Can Watch Him Record His Podcast Dax Shepard is the man behind the Arm Chair Expert podcast (voted best one of the best of in Apple Podcasts).  He has taken his show on the road. Here is what it shows when you go to buy Dax Shepperd Tickets: Hi, I'm Dax Shepard, and I love talking to people. I am endlessly fascinated by the messiness of being human, and I find people who are vulnerable and honest about their struggles and shortcomings to be incredibly sexy. I invite you to join me as I explore other people’s stories. We will celebrate, above all, the challenges and setbacks that ultimately lead to growth and betterment. What qualifies me for such an endeavor? More than a decade of sobriety, a degree in Anthropology and four years of improv training. I will attempt to discover human truths without any laboratory work, clinical trials or data collection. I will be, in the great tradition of 16th-century scientists, an Armchair Expert. His event in Los Angelas at The Theatre at Ace Hotel (1600 capacity) in January is also sold out. Tips and insights from Troy 4:37 Start on time Maybe have some sort of playbill so people know what to expect The warm-up act was great It was cool that the band customized the music basic on the location Dax was uber-prepared and next lost control of the conversation He provided a story that he told the audience he won't include in the podcast You Could Do an Online Event With Two Simple Tools Yes, people may not travel to come to your event, and for those people, you can do an online event using Zoom.us (up to 100 people for $15) and Eventbrite. Eventbrite pricing is 2% + $0.79. If you want to be paid before your event, then the pricing is 3.5% + $1.59. If you want a free event, there are no charges (so if you wanted to sell 100 tickets you could do it for free).  Ticketleap is another option for ticketing Holding a Local Event 17:55 David Hooper has a history in the music marketing business and held many events. I love both his Big Podcast and Red Podcast. He recently has stepped into the podcast world and has already held two events for podcasters (and has a 93,000-word book coming out in 2019). I've known Dave over a decade (and have appeared on his Music Business Radio show on the radio/podcast). Here are some tips from Dave Early bird sales can boost sales Make sure the event fits in with your brand especially when choosing a venue Ask your network for suggestions on a venue Some places you may get for free on off nights (like Tuesday) You need an agenda. Don't "Wing it." You will probably bring in a PA system sooner than you think. Make sure there is plenty of time to give attendees a break (food, bathroom, etc) if its a full day event People appreciate a slower pace than cramming too much content into the vent. Behind the scenes of his Nashville event. Lots of good bloopers at the end of the show from out talk The Question of the Month: What is Your (ONE) Favorite Podcast And WHY? 44:30 I do this every year for the last episode of the year. It's a great way to discover new shows, and it also gives us insights into WHY people like podcasts. Please provide the following: The name of the show (ONLY ONE) The website of the show What it's about Why you like it  Then provide the same about your show (name, location, and what it's about). I need the answer by 12/28/18. Go to the contact page. If you want to record and email it in, please put “December question: in the title   Work With Me www.schoolofpodcasting.com/start www.schoolofpodcasting.com/workwithme  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 we are joined from Dr. Ryan Gray from the Medical School Headquarters and he shares his philosophy of starting and growing his podcasts. The question of the Month What is your ONE favorite podcast for 2018? Why is it your favorite, and where can I find it (then tell us about your show and where we can find it) For more information see www.schooolofpodcastin.com/contact Dr. Ryan Gray of the Medical School Headquarters Podcast 4:17 Ryan is currently publishing seven different shows 6:55 Start a website with a positive vibe to help medical students 7:55 He was nervous about starting and waiting six months to launch 9:30 How by starting too broad he rebranded his show 11:00 What enabled him to transition from Doctor to Podcaster? 13:45 How he sought out companies that had content that fit his audience 15:28 How he goes about adding a show to his network 17:40 How his sales pitch is not a sales pitch 21:34 How many shows is he planning on launching 23:13 How much of the day to day stuff is he doing? 24:58 What are his first two employees are doing? 26:14 How he had made lifestyle choices to make this work A family that podcasts together stays together 28:10 Ryan also has three books and he shares how he put them together and worked with Morgan James Publishing 30:10 Ryan's Advice to people wanting to follow in his footsteps but in their niche 32:00 Ryan's Experience with NFC Chips (Dave had found some on Moo.com, there are programmable card on Amazon) 33:40 Promoting his podcast at events 35:50 His biggest success and his biggest failure 37:50 Biggest mistakes new podcasters make How do you build an audience - one person at a time 39:25 Has he ever missed an episode? Main Takeaways He start by first providing value to his audience - not money, not downloads He does things other people don't (engages people at his booth instead of staring at his phone) His wife supports his plan, and now he is supporting hers. For more on this needing support see the "Three Things Every Podcaster Needs" episode   My WordPress Updated to 5.0 HELP! 43:20  If you're website updates automatically you can install a plugin called "Classic Editor"  that makes the new version of Wordpress look like the old version of your website Work With Me 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

Because of My Podcast: I Get to Talk to NFL Players 1:30 Chris Husby shares how his show devoted to discussing Special Teams topics and interviewing some of the biggest special teams names in the NFL and beyond! has allowed him to talk to some of his favorite NFL players. Check it out the 4th Down Experience Sponsor: Focusrite 3:34 I got to play with a Focusrite 2i2 and if you are looking for an easy to get your microphone into your computer (and have the option to have a co-host as well) without having to look at a TON of knobs, check out the Focusrite 2i2. As I'm on a PC, I downloaded a driver, plugged in the unit, and was ready to record. If you're on a Mac computer, you just plug it in. If you want a backup copy of your recording, plug a cable into the monitor out and send the signal to your portable recorder. It's built like a tank and is a lovely shade of red. Check out the interface selector tool that helps you pick the right model for you at their website. The Question of the Month: What is Your (ONE) Favorite Podcast And WHY? I do this every year for the last episode of the year. It's a great way to discover new shows, and it also gives us insights into WHY people like podcasts. Please provide the following: The name of the show The website of the show What it's about Why you like it  Then provide the same about your show (name, location, and what it's about). I need the answer by 12/28/18. Go to the contact page. If you want to record and email it in, please put "December question: in the title How to Grow Your Podcast Audience 1. Give Your Audience What They Want 7:14 Know who your target audience. Some things you’ll want to have to create your target client avatar are: Name Age Occupation Brands They Use + Purchase From What Kind Of Language They Use Where They Spend Their Time Their Pain Points What They Hope To Achieve + Accomplish STALK your target audience. Participate in online groups to listen to what they are talking Use something like Google Forms to create an audience survey (see this episode on creating surveys) Get some constructive feedback from your show. This needs to come from someone who you feel is your target audience Go to Amazon and look at books and see what is in the table of contents Kindle Unlimited has access to magazines (see what the magazines are writing about) Check your stats and look for trends Have good audio quality. If you use a Yetti, make sure you are using it properly. Do not use the built-in microphone of your laptop 2. Make Your Titles Count 14:03 The titles of your episodes can boost the number of downloads. Do NOT name your show NAME OF PODCAST EPISODE 16 Try to have at least 300 words for your show notes Make sure your listing in Apple podcasts has the proper link to your website 3. Get Your Podcast On Their Device 16:55 Have subscribed buttons for Apple and Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Spotify Have directions with a screenshot on how to subscribe Show them how to subscribe on Facebook and YouTube Get an app if your audience isn't too technical I use the Subscribe and Follow Plugin for my Subscribe Page 4. Make It Easy To Share Your Show 23:00 My favorite plugin for this is Social Warfare Click to tweet (free) NFC Business Card ( from Moo $22 for 20). NFC Business Cards should work with most Android devices and newer iPhones. Digital Business Cards work with any NFC-enabled mobile device. Here is a video https://youtu.be/tn3rHz9JR5I Sadly Apple aren’t playing ball right now. That’s not to say things won’t change in the future though – and we’ll certainly keep a spot warm for them on Team NFC! Create Show notes worth Sharing 5 Get On Other Shows 26:55 Others shows have podcast listeners Do your research Do you bring value to their audience? Be personal - no form letters Help a Reporter Out PodcastGuests.com  Be the guest you'd want to have on your show 6 Interview Other Similar Podcasts Hosts 29:47 Can they bring value to your audience? Do a unique interview that inspires them to share Do all the work for them so all they have to do is copy and share Realize this may not boost downloads, but it boosts your network Podcastguests.com 7. Use Social Media 32:28 Ask your target audience what platforms they use Promote on those platforms Direct them to a page to listen and subscribe Automate Your Sharing (Libsyn, Blubrry, IFTT) Consider adding your show to youTube Check out Recur Post (mentioned in episode 646 with Steph Taylor ) 8 Pay For Exposure 36:34 Facebook ads Spotify Ads Overcast.fm ads Cheapest I've heard of $2 per subscriber (and often more like $4 per subscriber) You might want to advertise on other shows 9 Always Be Promoting 40:35 Setup a signature in your email with a link to your website. If you use Gmail, you can set this up. For a slightly "fancy" email check out Wise Stamp Use a system like Slick Text ( text  ' sop ' to 31996 and you will get two links to subscribe on Android or Apple ) You might consider giving out T-shirts or posters to put in the back seat windows of your car from Teepublic Get business cards that promote your show (with or without your contact information). Cards from Moo are roughly 30 cents each. Gotprint.com has even cheaper prices. 10 Go To Events 44:12 Go to Podcasting Events - not to grow your audience, but your network More importantly, go to events in your niche Check out www.meetup.com 11. Build Your Promotion Team 47:07 If anyone contacts you via email or other outlets, respond Check out the free course on networking at https://www.advancedhumandynamics.com/  Moving Forward: You need to make it interesting: Everything has been said before, but it’s never been said by you. Your point of view is what makes you interesting. — Jory MacKay You might ask yourself, "how can I cover this in a way that only I can?" Sean MCabe had mentioned how there is are things you feel comfortable with, and there are things that nobody is talking about. Your content is where those two intersect. Be Patient It took Seth Godin four years to pull away from being "just another blogger" to being, well, Seth Godin. It took Jerry Seinfeld 17 years to have his show (he appeared on the Tonight Show for nine years before getting his own show, which was almost canceled) Mentioned in this Show Emily Prokop and the Story Behind Podcast 10 Thousands Downloads Per Episode in Five Months Noah Tetzner Interview Northeast Ohio Podcasters Meetup FNC and Regular Business Cards From Moo A Star is Born Video Clip Recur Post (mentioned in episode 646 with Steph Taylor ) Teepublic for t-shirts Moo for business cards Social Warfare Plugin Social Subscribe and Follow Plugin Let Me Help You Start Your Podcast 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

SPONSOR: Focusrite USB Interfaces 2:40 I got to play with a Focusrite 2i2 and if you are looking for an easy to get your microphone into your computer (and have the option to have a co-host as well) without having to look at a TON of knobs, check out the Focusrite 2i2. As I'm on a PC, I downloaded a driver, plugged in the unit, and was ready to record. If you're on a Mac computer, you just plug it in. If you want a backup copy of your recording, plug a cable into the monitor out and send the signal to your portable recorder. It's built like a tank and is a lovely shade of red. Check out the interface selector tool that helps you pick the right model for you at their website. Libsyn.com Rolls Out Custom Tracking Codes 3:21 Libsyn.com recently rolled out custom tracking codes for those on their advanced stats. This allows you to enter a code(s) for an episode so you can track where your podcast comes from. Most podcast hosting platforms give you access to geographic data, and insight into what apps people are using as well as the number of downloads. The good news is anybody can share your podcast. I've known people who had giant boosts in downloads by having a popular blog link to their website. If you had a tracking code for that episode on your website, you would get more than "A player" or "A browser" you would be able to see the source of your downloads.  In doing a quick test I made a link for my newsletter, and more my website so I could see that yes, both of those sources had people listening to my episode.  Get a free month at Libsyn.com using the coupon code sopfree   What If I Don't Have a Libsyn Account? You can use what are called UTM (Urchin Tracking Module) which is a format used by Google to track things. You can go to https://ga-dev-tools.appspot.com/campaign-url-builder/ to create a campaign. Here is a link to a video that explains it (from Google) Steph Taylor From the Socialite Podcast Sheds Some Light on UTMs 7:48 I met Steph at We Are Podcast 2018 in Melbourne Australia. She is awesome, and once saved me from a giant cockroach (a long story for another time). She's only been podcasting for around six months and is having huge success (thousands of downloads). Check out her show "Socialite" at https://stephtaylor.co/ Much like the Libsyn Custom Link, you can use a UTM to track where your show is being heard (the source).  Some other takeaways from my talk with Stephanie: How to know what social media platform to use The social network that you may not be using She uses Recur Post to automate some of her postings She uses a Pinterest template from Creative Market How she uses automationagency.com to trim down her publishing stress Because of her podcast, she got to speak at We Are Podcast  Her strategy to maximize her launch The Question of the Month: What is the Book You Refer to People the Most? 28:29 Jonathan Bloom from the Weekly Awesome Podcast- The Bible Paul from the Fight Through Podcast like the Fighting Through Book (his Dad is the author) Dennis Looney from the Gridlock MBA - All Marketers Are Liars By Seth Godin Josh Liston On the Bubble Podcast - A Man Called Ove (Fiction), H is for Hawk (non Fiction), The Halo Effect (business) Stephanie from the Virtual Ex Pat - Global Soul  Todd Brant from the Why Urology podcast - Quiet the Power of Introverts  Win from Ask Win - Big Magic  and her own book I, Win (about her journey with Cerebral Palsy)  John Friedl (Professor Slots) - Persuasion (only 200 years old) and The Deed of Paksenarrion (fantasy literature trilogy) The Question of the Month For December 43:32 For December it is time for your yearly tradition of answering the question,  "What is the ONE podcast (if you can only pick one) podcast (your favorite). Where can we find it? And WHY is it your favorite. Lastly, where can we find your show and what is it about? See www.schoolofpodcasting.com/contact (if you record and email it, please put "December question of the month)   Mentioned in this Episode Link to Official Google Video on Google UTM and URL Builder ( https://youtu.be/pNRgUq5sDhc ) Google Analytics Academy from Google Recur Post (Automated posting) Creative Market (Graphic Templates)  Focusrite 2i2 Free Course on Google Analytics Web Hosting and Domain Names Get a free book at Audible Sign Up To Be an Audible Affiliate Ready To Start Your Podcast? If you're looking for step by step self-paced tutorials go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/start (and start a monthly membership) If you are looking for consulting or mentorship see www.schoolofpodcasting.com/workwithmeMentioned 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