

Podcasting Made Simple
Alex Sanfilippo, PodMatch.com
Podcasting Made Simple is the premier podcast about podcasting! Weβre here to help podcast guests and podcast hosts reach more listeners and grow their income so they can change more lives! Join Alex Sanfilippo and other podcasting industry experts as they share how you can level up on either side of the mic! (Show notes and resources: https://PodMatch.com/episodes)
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 7, 2025 β’ 16min
How to Pitch to Be a Podcast Guest | Alice Draper
Most podcast pitches get ignored, and it's not because the guest isn't impressive. It's because the pitch isn't. Thankfully, getting your podcast guest pitch right is simple! In this episode, Alice Draper shares exactly what makes a podcast host say yes, from personalized openers to story-driven hooks and value-packed talking points. Get ready to fix your pitch, stand out in any inbox, and get booked on more podcasts you want to be on!MORE FROM THIS EPISODE: HTTPS://PODMATCH.COM/EP/352Chapters00:00 The Art of Podcast Guest Pitches02:53 Crafting a Compelling Pitch06:09 The Importance of Personalization09:00 Creating Value-Driven Speaking Points11:50 Demonstrating Credibility in Your Pitch15:10 Final Tips for Successful PitchesTakeawaysPodcast hosts do not ignore pitches because the guest isn't interesting.The key to a successful pitch is personalization and storytelling.Avoid generic pitches; they are easily ignored.Lead with a strong narrative hook to capture attention.Adding timeliness to your pitch can enhance its relevance.Hosts want to know what value the audience will gain from the episode.Specific speaking points increase the likelihood of a positive response.Demonstrate your credibility with a concise bio and relevant links.Make it easy for hosts to say yes to your pitch.Refine your pitch by asking critical questions before sending it out.MORE FROM THIS EPISODE: HTTPS://PODMATCH.COM/EP/352ποΈ UPCOMING EVENT: Podcasting Made Simple Live, our virtual event for podcast guests and hosts! See the details: https://podmatch.com/event. Enter code PMLIVE for free VIP access!

Sep 30, 2025 β’ 14min
How Saying No Helps Your Show Grow | Suzanne Culberg
Saying yes to every guest pitch can dilute your message and confuse your listeners. It might feel polite, but it's holding your podcast back from real impact! In this episode, Suzanne Culberg shares four clear filters that help you decide who actually belongs on your show and how to say no without guilt. Get ready to protect your time, serve your audience better, and grow a show that stays aligned with your purpose!MORE FROM THIS EPISODE: HTTPS://PODMATCH.COM/EP/351Chapters00:00 The Importance of Saying No in Podcasting02:54 Finding the Right Fit: Audience Overlap05:45 Choosing Topics Wisely09:05 Building Rapport with Guests12:01 Aligning Promotional StrategiesTakeawaysSaying no is often the best thing you can do for your audience.It's a triple win for everyone involved.You want to ensure that there is some level of audience overlap.Sometimes it's the topic that leads to a no.If you have no rapport with your guest, your listeners will pick up on that.You can just tell that there's no chemistry.What is your overarching bigger thing for your podcast?You decide for your requirements for your show.Clear is kind, whichever ones of these you choose to take.Podcasting is incredible, it's valuable.MORE FROM THIS EPISODE: HTTPS://PODMATCH.COM/EP/351ποΈ UPCOMING EVENT: Podcasting Made Simple Live, our virtual event for podcast guests and hosts! See the details: https://podmatch.com/event. Enter code PMLIVE for free VIP access!

Sep 23, 2025 β’ 16min
Overcome Impostor Syndrome as a Podcast Guest | Marc Schmidt
Impostor syndrome makes too many podcast guests believe they don't belong. And that false belief keeps them silent. In this episode, Marc Schmidt shares his personal story of learning to speak up, despite years of insecurity and doubt, and how he used support, self-reflection, and practice to build the confidence to show up with purpose. Get ready to stop second-guessing yourself and start sharing your voice with conviction to positively impact listeners' lives!MORE FROM THIS EPISODE: HTTPS://PODMATCH.COM/EP/350Chapters00:00 Overcoming Personal Obstacles01:28 Understanding Impostor Syndrome05:22 The Journey to Self-Acceptance10:42 Building Confidence Through Practice13:38 Encouragement to Embrace Your VoiceTakeawaysImpostor syndrome can hinder personal growth and success.Self-awareness is key to overcoming personal obstacles.Support from others can help reshape our self-perception.Practicing public speaking can significantly improve confidence.Everyone has a unique voice worth sharing.Social media can be a platform for building confidence.Feedback from others can help validate our abilities.It's important to reflect and give ourselves love.The journey to self-acceptance is ongoing and requires effort.Taking the leap into public speaking can be rewarding.MORE FROM THIS EPISODE: HTTPS://PODMATCH.COM/EP/350ποΈ UPCOMING EVENT: Podcasting Made Simple Live, our virtual event for podcast guests and hosts! See the details: https://podmatch.com/event. Enter code PMLIVE for free VIP access!

Sep 16, 2025 β’ 15min
How Pilots Lead to a Better Podcast | Vince Quinn
Too many podcasters rush out content without knowing if it lands with listeners. And when something flops, the damage is already done. Thankfully, there's an alternative way to test new content! In this episode, Vince Quinn shares how to test new segments, styles, and strategies using a simple four-step pilot process that helps you refine ideas before releasing them. Get ready to stop guessing, start testing, and build a show that actually gets results!MORE FROM THIS EPISODE: HTTPS://PODMATCH.COM/EP/349TakeawaysConstant content creation can lead to a feeling of disposability in podcasts.Podcasters should prioritize quality over quantity in their episodes.Using pilots can help refine ideas before presenting them to the audience.Guest screenings are an essential part of the podcasting process.Iteration and feedback are crucial for improving podcast content.Testing ideas privately can lead to better public presentations.Engaging with a premium audience for feedback can enhance content quality.Rushed content can dilute a podcast's brand and audience trust.Every aspect of a podcast can benefit from a pilot approach.It's acceptable to discard ideas that don't resonate after testing.00:00 The Pressure of Constant Content Creation03:13 The Importance of Quality Over Quantity in Podcasting06:06 Implementing Pilots for Podcast Success08:48 Guest Screening as a Pilot Process11:55 The Value of Iteration and FeedbackTakeawaysMORE FROM THIS EPISODE: HTTPS://PODMATCH.COM/EP/349ποΈ UPCOMING EVENT: Podcasting Made Simple Live, our virtual event for podcast guests and hosts! See the details: https://podmatch.com/event. Enter code PMLIVE for free VIP access!

Sep 9, 2025 β’ 8min
Remove Filler Words to Sound More Confident | Shayna Davis
Shayna Davis, a top 3% podcast host and skilled interviewer, shares her expertise on enhancing communication for podcast guests. She emphasizes the importance of ditching filler words like 'that's a good question' to maintain credibility and engagement. Listeners learn how to prepare impactful responses and use powerful phrasing for effective storytelling. Shayna also discusses the value of practice in building confidence, ensuring guests leave a lasting impression and sound more authoritative during interviews.

Sep 2, 2025 β’ 13min
How to Turn Your Podcast into a Book | Cori Wamsley
In this episode, Cori Wamsley shares her expertise in transforming podcast episodes into compelling books. Learn how to create deeper connections with your audience by repurposing content into a valuable resource. Cori emphasizes adding unique insights to avoid redundancy with transcripts. She also covers practical tips on editing, design, and securing guest permissions. Plus, discover effective marketing strategies to promote your book alongside your podcast, ensuring both formats work together for maximum impact.

Aug 26, 2025 β’ 12min
Keeping Listeners Engaged as a Guest | Emily Aborn
Podcast listeners are already distracted, and most guests unintentionally make it worse. Rambling, filler phrases, and weak delivery cause people to tune out. In this episode, Emily Aborn shares five mistakes that lose listeners fast and five things you can do to keep them engaged the entire time. Get ready to show up with clarity, connect more deeply, and become a guest that listeners actually remember!MORE FROM THIS EPISODE: HTTPS://PODMATCH.COM/EP/346Chapters00:00 Understanding Listener Distraction05:30 Five Don'ts for Engaging Conversations10:16 Five Do's for Effective PodcastingTakeaways90% of information is forgotten within a week.Distractions can reduce comprehension by 17 to 25%.Avoid info dumping during conversations.Provide tangible content and actionable tips.Stay on topic to maintain listener engagement.Remember the listener's experience during the interview.Use vocal variety to keep the conversation lively.Come prepared with quality audio and a clear direction.Utilize signals and summaries to guide listeners.Incorporate humor and personality to connect with the audience.MORE FROM THIS EPISODE: HTTPS://PODMATCH.COM/EP/346ποΈ UPCOMING EVENT: Podcasting Made Simple Live, our virtual event for podcast guests and hosts! See the details: https://podmatch.com/event. Enter code PMLIVE for free VIP access!

Aug 19, 2025 β’ 12min
The Systems Behind a Successful Podcast | Tanya Smith
Most podcasters don't quit because they run out of ideas. They quit because they can't keep up. But this doesn't have to be your reality! In this episode, Tanya Smith shares the exact systems that help you stay consistent, simplify your workflow, and remove stress from your weekly process. Get ready to build a show that runs smoother, takes less time, and keeps showing up even when life gets busy!MORE FROM THIS EPISODE: HTTPS://PODMATCH.COM/EP/345Chapters00:00 The Struggles of Podcasting02:53 Creating a Sustainable Podcasting System05:46 Effective Strategies for Podcast Production09:07 Engagement and Connection in PodcastingTakeawaysPodcasting can lead to burnout if not managed properly.Creating a system can save time and reduce stress.Batch recording episodes is more efficient than recording one at a time.Automation can help streamline podcast production.Outsourcing tasks can free up time for content creation.Repurposing content maximizes the value of each episode.Live streaming can reduce editing time and increase engagement.Connecting with the audience is crucial for podcast growth.Using frameworks can enhance the quality of episodes.Simplifying the podcasting process can lead to greater enjoyment.MORE FROM THIS EPISODE: HTTPS://PODMATCH.COM/EP/345ποΈ UPCOMING EVENT: Podcasting Made Simple Live, our virtual event for podcast guests and hosts! See the details: https://podmatch.com/event. Enter code PMLIVE for free VIP access!

Aug 12, 2025 β’ 18min
Why Podcasters Want You as a Guest | Neeraja Ganesh
Most guests show up thinking about what they want to say instead of what the host and audience actually need. And that's the fastest way to get overlooked. In this episode, Neeraja Ganesh shares how to become the kind of guest podcasters remember, rebook, and recommend by showing up with intention, preparation, and service. Get ready to stop blending in and start becoming the guest that hosts are excited to say yes to!MORE FROM THIS EPISODE: HTTPS://PODMATCH.COM/EP/344Chapters00:00 The Importance of Being a Podcast Guest01:26 Understanding the Podcast Brand04:50 Engaging the Audience Effectively08:48 The Unique Value of the Speaker14:54 Etiquette and Best Practices for Podcast GuestsTakeawaysPodcasters invite guests for mutual benefit.Understand what the podcast brand needs.Engage the audience with valuable content.Your unique experiences make you stand out.Listen time is more important than downloads.Promote the podcast while sharing your story.Know your audience to tailor your message.Backup plans are essential for recording.Professional etiquette enhances guest experience.Storytelling can significantly impact listeners.MORE FROM THIS EPISODdoesn'tS://PODMATCH.COM/EP/344ποΈ UPCOMING EVENT: Podcasting Made Simple Live, our virtual event for podcast guests and hosts! See the details: https://podmatch.com/event. Enter code PMLIVE for free VIP access!

Aug 5, 2025 β’ 19min
Focus on Who's Already Listening | Dave Campbell
When podcast hosts focus on who's missing, they overlook their existing audience and community. This causes podcasters to miss a big opportunity! In this episode, Dave Campbell encourages podcast hosts to stop chasing numbers and start building connections with existing listeners. Learn how to deepen engagement, embrace your real audience, and create a community that grows from the inside out. Get ready to shift your focus to bring more meaning to your podcast!MORE FROM THIS EPISODE: HTTPS://PODMATCH.COM/EP/343Chapters00:00 Understanding Podcast Growth02:57 The Apple Seed Analogy05:48 The Impact of One Listener09:09 Engaging with Your Audience11:51 Redefining Success in Podcasting15:10 Building Community Over NumbersTakeawaysGrowing your podcast can mean different things.Focus on the depth of connection with your audience.One listener can have a significant impact.The apple seed analogy illustrates potential growth.Don't dismiss your audience based on numbers.Engagement is more important than sheer numbers.Redefine success beyond rankings and statistics.Foster meaningful interactions with your community.Understand your audience's needs and preferences.Embrace the journey of podcasting and its community.MORE FROM THIS EPISODE: HTTPS://PODMATCH.COM/EP/343ποΈ UPCOMING EVENT: Podcasting Made Simple Live, our virtual event for podcast guests and hosts! See the details: https://podmatch.com/event. Enter code PMLIVE for free VIP access!