Streamlined Podcaster: Tips to Help Solopreneurs Improve Their Podcast Systems

RSS.com has released their Free Local and Nice podcast hosting plan, and it's a truly free plan that doesn't limit you based on uploads, hours of content, or duration of episode in feed. It's a fantastic development for people who want to start a podcast with a little bit less risk. Here's what it means for you. Learn more at https://joec.pro/rss (affiliate link) *Disclosure: I am an evangelist for RSS.com, However, they did not ask me to create this episode; I think it's a truly great think for podcasters.

The Independent Podcaster Report 2025 by The Podcast Host is out now. I break down my favorite parts, and offer strong opinions on making money, video, and AI. Unsurprisingly, many (about 30%) feel time starved and worry about burnout...but does AI help prevent that? Not necessarily. View the Report: https://alitu.com/creator/content-creation/the-independent-podcaster-report-2025/Check out RSS.com for podcast hosting: https://rss.com/?via=joe-newsletter

Something I hear far too often from podcasters is, "Well it's just a hobby, so I don't want to spend money." Imagine taking that approach with nearly any other hobby. As my friend Brian says, the only free hobbies are in nature, or at the library (and even there, you probably pay taxes to support the library). The point is, if you're even remotely serious about your podcast, you need to invest in it...even if you call it a hobby. In today's episode, I tell you why, and where to start

Sometimes the simplest ideas create the biggest impact. A voice notes podcast — literally you talking into your phone for a few minutes — can deepen relationships with your audience, build trust, and even drive sales.I first started mine as a lead magnet, but realized the off-the-cuff episodes were connecting more than the polished ones. Turns out, your audience doesn’t always want perfect — they want real.In this episode, I break down why these short, raw audio episodes work so well, how to record them without overthinking, and what you actually need to launch one today (hint: just your phone and five spare minutes).TakeawaysA voice notes podcast builds stronger audience connection because it feels personal and conversational.Keep episodes short (under 10 minutes) — like a quick message from a friend.Minimal gear needed: your phone + a small mic (DJI Mic or similar).Skip heavy editing — authenticity > polish.Use your existing feed or launch a new one with clear branding and a simple promise.Treat your trailer like a movie preview — tell listeners what to expect and why it matters.Use custom artwork or a naming cue (like “[Audio Note]”) if mixing with longer episodes.LinksBuild With BeckyStreamlined SolopreneurRSS.com

I'm starting to wonder if a host/co-host format is actually the best format for a podcast. I’ve been listening to a lot of different podcasts lately—rewatch shows, comedy shows, tech shows—and one thing keeps standing out: good banter makes a podcast worth coming back to. But here’s the catch…banter only works when it supports the mission of the show. Get it right, and you create a bond with your audience. Get it wrong, and your listeners tune out.

Ever feel like your business eats up every free moment? The truth is, you don’t need Taylor Swift-level fame or Hormozi-style hype to succeed. What you actually need is space—room to create, promote, and step away without guilt.Like this episode? Subscribe to Streamlined Solopreneur too. That’s why I use the GAPS framework: Gear, Automations, Playbooks, and Support. It’s the system that helped me reclaim 10–12 hours a week, even during one of the busiest summers of my life. In this episode, I break down how you can use GAPS to stop fighting with your tools, cut the manual busywork, and finally get your time back. Top TakeawaysFame hacks don’t apply—your focus should be on knowing your audience, creating for them, promoting, and experimenting.The biggest bottleneck isn’t knowing what to do—it’s finding the time to do it.Gear: Invest in reliable tools so tech doesn’t slow you down.Automations: Use tools like Zapier, Riverside, and Notion to handle repetitive tasks.Playbooks: Create simple SOPs so you or anyone else can follow the same steps every time.Support: Delegate to a VA, editor, or even students—don’t try to do it all yourself.Show NotesWatch on YouTubeOverwhelm QuizRiversideRSS.comTella.tvEcamm LiveZapierNotionSamson Q2U Microphone

Are you making your podcast guests do your work for you? Too many hosts fall into bad habits that frustrate guests and make their shows look unprofessional. Here are three common mistakes to avoid — and what to do instead.If you want to create a better guest experience and produce content your audience actually enjoys, this will help you cut the clutter and focus on what matters.Top TakeawaysNever auto-subscribe guests to your mailing list — it’s often illegal and always disrespectful.Don’t make guests write their own interview questions — that’s your job as the host.Stop requiring guests to share the episode — your job is to make the content worth sharing.Your responsibility as a host is to serve your audience — not to use guests as a growth engine.Want to learn how to make real improvements to your podcast process? Take the Overwhelm Quiz at https://streamlined.fm/overwhelm Looking for great podcast hosting built for podcasters? Check out RSS.com

Many podcasters start with the hope that downloads and sponsors will magically appear — but if you want your show to make money, you need more than wishful thinking. This episode walks through the three essential “I’s” to transform a podcast from a casual hobby into a revenue-generating asset: Intention (know your audience and improve quality) Investment (put resources into the right tools and talent) Iteratipon (get feedback, refine, and make your show something worth paying for).Podcast hosted by RSS.comDescription written by ChatGPT based on the transcript

Monetization is a super common problem for many podcasters. Most think they'll start a podcast, get a bunch of downloads, and sponsors will come looking for them. That is almost never the case — nor is it the case that sponsorship is the only option. And what I LOVE sponsorship. After all, I'm a sponsorship coach for my friend Justin, and RSS.com, for whom I'm the evangelist, just launched our PAID feature to make ads easier than ever. But depending on the goal of your podcast, you might seek other monetization paths. That's why I came up with the CAMPS framework: CoachingAffiliatesMembershipProductsSponsorshipListen to learn more! Read the full article here: CAMPS: Updating the Podcast Monetization FrameworkAlso check out: RSS.com to learn about PAID, our dynamic ads featureWizard's Guild for sponsorship coaching

Hot take: If you're not wearing headphones while podcasting in 2025, you're doing it wrong. I don't care how good Riverside's echo cancellation is or what magic AI audio cleanup you're using - I will literally refuse to record with guests who won't wear headphones.In this episode, I explain why "fixing it in post" with apps like Descript and Adobe Podcast AI is actually making your audio WORSE, not better. I've been on shows where my studio-quality audio gets destroyed by automated filters that were never needed in the first place.The truth is, these AI audio tools make assumptions about your recording environment and apply blanket fixes that can create weird artifacts, dropped sounds, and unpredictable results. When you wear headphones, you get clean, "unopinionated" audio that gives you or your editor full control over the final sound.🎙️ What you'll learn:Why automated audio cleanup often makes good audio worseThe difference between surgical editing vs. sledgehammer approachesHow echo cancellation can hurt when it's not neededMy hardware setup for clean audio (without over-processing)The guest who got floored when I cancelled our interview🎧 Are you team headphones or team "the software will fix it"? Let me know at streamlinedfeedback.com!