Starting A Podcast Episodes

Today we are talking about your show that just won't grow. It's time for a podcast experiment. I often say "You podcast is a recipe - not a statue." Well here is the good news. You know how to build a podcast to the current level you are at. The bad news is you've been here for a bit and it's time to try something to break you out of your plateau. You Either Win Or You Learn When you try something new with your podcast we often feel like everyone will leave immediately, and that just doesn...

Welcome to this episode of the School of Podcasting! I’m Dave Jackson, and today I’m pulling back the curtain on the precise tools and strategies I personally use for affiliate marketing on my podcast. Whether you’re brand new to monetizing, or just looking to add another income stream, you’ll find this episode packed with actionable advice and real-world numbers. What I Cover in This Episode How affiliate marketing works and why you don’t need a massive audience to benefit Real compar...

The School of Podcasting has been acquired, and yes, that means changes are coming. But don’t panic! The essence of what we do is staying intact. We’re diving into the nitty-gritty of what this acquisition means for our loyal members and anyone thinking about joining. New Free Tier We’re adding a free tier, more courses, and even a way for you to connect with podcasting experts. This is all about making the podcasting journey smoother and more accessible for everyone. Brenden and I have...

On today’s episode, I dig into my thought process as I consider launching a new podcast—and I walk through the essential questions I ask anyone who’s thinking about starting one. If you’ve already got a podcast, these questions might help you rethink your approach. Why am I starting this podcast? I share my background as a teacher and my desire to fight back against spammy guest pitches. I want to educate PR agencies and help fellow podcasters feel less alone in the sea of spam. Who is this po...

If you want a podcast launch checklist I have one available here. This show is intended for beginners to podcasting. If you already have one, this may be one to skip (or you will hear things you should've thought about but didn't). Here are the steps I covered. Pick Your Topic Decide if you're podcasting solo or with cohost(s). Pick how you will podcast. Pick where will you podcast? Choose how you will measure your success Pick a name. Naming tools from Podpage and Buzzsprout. Buy the Ha...

Hey, I’m Dave Jackson, host of The School of Podcasting. If you want to start a podcast or make the one you already have better, this show is for you. Every week, I share tips, insights, and proven strategies to help you podcast with more confidence and less confusion. I've made it easy to follow the show, just go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/follow to follow the show and never miss an episode.

In this episode, I circle back to a classic question: What do you wish you’d known when you started your podcast that you know now? This is a question I’ve asked in the past (shout-out to episode 768 back in 2021!), and while I received close to 20 answers then, participation was a bit lighter this time around. But don’t worry—the quality makes up for the quantity! Featured Guests & Their Insights I’m joined by two long-time contributors—Kim Newlove and Steve Stewart—who share powerfully hones...

Welcome back! In this episode, I tackle this month’s big question: "How long did it take you to bring your podcast from an idea in your head to execution—and how long to find your audience?" I share stories from guest contributors and reflect on my own process after launching nearly 40 different shows over the years. Todd the Gator kicks things off describing how his gaming show “Guardian Downcast” was born, with community members pulling him into hosting after another podcast called it quits. ...

Podcasting is a wild ride, and who better to ride along with us than Cassian Bellino? She's got this killer attitude that turns failures into stepping stones. Seriously, if you think you need a perfect setup to start podcasting, think again! Cassian talks about how she built her Instagram following to over 113,000 by just being herself and sharing her journey. It's not about how many people listen or follow; it’s about the fact that you’re doing what you love. We dive into the nitty-gritty of so...

So, today I'm diving into the mess that can be podcast burnout. You know, that moment when your favorite hobby morphs into a job you dread? Yeah, we’ve all been there. We're chatting about big names like Marc Maron and others who decided to call it quits and how that’s not just okay, but totally legit. Spoiler alert: sometimes stepping back is the best move you can make. I’ll sprinkle in some sarcasm and laughs as we explore the absurdity of it all—because let’s face it, if we can’t laugh at ou...

Ever find yourself staring at a blank screen, just waiting for the podcast gods to drop some divine inspiration in your lap? Yeah, me too. But don’t worry, we’re exploring the world of podcast ideas today! I asked you, the wonderful listeners, how you come up with your brilliant episode topics, and trust me, some of the answers are pure gold. From scavenging through old notes to eavesdropping on pharmacy conferences, we’ve got tips and tricks to keep those creative juices flowing. So, whether y...

After a lot of feedback on the first episode about podcast newsletters, I wanted to answer more questions, and this time I brought Paul Gowder to help. We’ll discuss what tools to use and what content to include. If you really want to skip this whole newsletter thing, we've got some backup plans for you, too. Paul not only has wisdom about newsletters, but we also talk about building his community. Spoiler alert: You might even want to ditch social media for this! Buckle up, because we’re abou...

Starting a podcast in 2025 can be a daunting decision, but the real question is whether it’s worth it for you personally. The answer often hinges on your motivations and available time, as podcasting requires commitment and passion. I look into the statistics and share insights about the competitive landscape of podcasting versus other platforms like YouTube, illustrating that while the odds can seem slim, the rewards can be substantial if approached with the right mindset. I emphasize the imp...

Are you worried about not just starting a podcast, but keeping it going? I dig into essential strategies for sustaining your podcasting journey, emphasizing the importance of knowing your "why." I share personal stories and actionable tips to help you identify your passion and maintain motivation. From brainstorming episode ideas to understanding the time commitment, I encourage you to start small and seek feedback. I also discuss the significance of focusing on the aspects of podcasting you lo...

OK, I realize this seems a little odd, but stay with me. Bowling and podcasting share surprising similarities that can inspire you to start your own podcast. Just like in duck pin bowling, where mastering the basics and adapting your technique is crucial, podcasting requires a solid grasp of content creation and delivery. Throughout this episode, Dave Jackson draws parallels between the two, emphasizing the importance of feedback, practice, and finding your unique style. He also introduces an AI...

Starting a podcast can feel overwhelming, but understanding the essential questions to address can simplify the process significantly. Join Dave Jackson as he coaches Alex Lorre through a consulting call, highlighting crucial considerations for both aspiring and established podcasters. From identifying your target audience to defining the goals of your show, this conversation covers the fundamental aspects that every podcaster must contemplate. Dave emphasizes the importance of a clear podcast n...

If you're thinking of outsourcing some of the tasks involved with your podcast, this episode is for you. What is involved with creating an episode? What parts should I outsource? Where do I find an editor? How much does it cost? Mentioned In This Episode Join the School of Podcasting Community Profit From Your Podcast Book Power of Podcasting Network Dave's YouTube Channel Dave's Podcasting Newsletter Buy Dave a Coffee Put Dave In Your Pocket Where Will Dave Be? Question of the Month Ask Ralph ...

I had two people ask me about the "Behind the Scenes" operations of the School of Podcasting. I was nervous about doing this episode. If you're new to the show, I normally don't talk about myself for 47 minutes. As I had two people ask similar questions, I thought I'd share information about: Where I Started (start ugly - great book) My first podcast setup My first "business office" Why and how I upgraded (and why you probably don't need to). What I'm using now for the podcast and the busin...

How do you grow your audience? I hear this every day in every Facebook group. It starts with your content. It can't be good. It can't be great. I needs to be WOW content that your audience HAS to share. Today we talk about the ingredients that make up wow content from the book Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World by Michael Hyatt. I also talk about what GOOGLE thinks is good and what stops us from making WOW content. Join the School of Podcasting Community Risk-Free Are you looking to start...

We all know the podcasting space is an ever-changing space so I asked, What are you going to STOP doing in 2024 and will you be STARTING in 2024? The audience chimes in so we can all learn together. Join the School of Podcasting Community Risk-Free Are you looking to start your own podcast but don't know where to begin? Look no further than the School of Podcasting. Our comprehensive online courses and one-on-one coaching will teach you everything you need to know, from equipment and editing t...

Today we have a few topics. First, its a new year! Are you ready? I go through a list of things that you might want to make sure you have. We talk about asking WHY to help you find additional motivation, and to TIME yourself so you can make informed decisions. Lastly, some people are making bad decisions for their podcasts as a business, and I give some advice on what to watch out for. Join the School of Podcasting Community Risk-Free Are you looking to start your own podcast but don't know ...

The goal of this episode is to help you understand what makes a GOOD podcast, and help you decide if you should also be a video podcast. As it's the beginning of the year, MANY people will be selling you on how you can quit your job with no effort, no work, and how easy it is to leave the 9 to 5. They rave at how much money you will make, after all, they are on a boat! And you will do it quickly. I just can't do that. I want people who are fueled by passion, and understand there is a process o...

You get to do something new. You've never done it before, and you are feeling uncomfortable. In some cases, that feeling will stop you from starting your podcast. Today we talk about that feeling and how to overcome it. Full show notes with video of the performance at www.schoolofpodcasting.com/908 JOIN THE SCHOOL OF PODCASTING COMMUNITY Are you looking to start your own podcast but don't know where to begin? Look no further than the School of Podcasting. Our comprehensive online courses and o...

While there are no rules for podcasting, there are best practices, and today I'm talking with Courtney Elmer, who helps people get into the top 100 of the Apple Charts. We also discuss how podcasting can give you back your voice and help you be heard. An entrepreneur can boost sales when their podcast is On a regular schedule (it helps you be seen as reliable). Makes points through personal stories (it helps them to know you, while not going on a complete tangent). Good. Most people do not l...