The School of Podcasting Podcast

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 wonder why some podcasts spread like wildfire while others wither on the vine? Well, it turns out that a whopping 60 to 80% of podcasts are discovered through good old-fashioned word of mouth. Yeah, that means if your podcast isn’t getting shared, there’s a reason. So, what’s the secret sauce that makes people hit that share button? In this episode, I research the world of shareable content — you know, the kind that makes your friends feel like they need to hear it. Spoiler alert: it’s al...

Today we start with the news of Marc Maron retiring his podcast, and a possible shake up at the New Media Show (two shows with 16+ years). So who will fill their space you? Bri Leever is a community building strategist at Ember Consulting and host of the show "Dear Bri." I saw her present at a webinar put on by Hearbeat (my favorite community tool) and immediately joined her community (which lead to me asking her on the show). Full show notes at schoolodposcasting.com/987 Mentioned in the ...

Adding YouTube to your podcasting game? Well, grab a seat because Thomas Umstadt Jr. is here to share what works and what doesn't. We’re talking about the nitty-gritty of taking your audio-only podcast and slapping it onto the video platform that everyone and their grandma seems to be on. Thomas recounts his journey from simple audiograms to full-blown video episodes, sharing the highs and lows of his transition. Spoiler alert: it turns out that just tossing your podcast audio onto YouTube won’...

Today, we are talking about keeping your audience listening after they press play. This starts with an opening hook. To have hooks that grab your audience and make them want to hear your episode, there are some common characteristics: Relevance: A good hook connects directly to the theme or topic of your episode. It should hint at what’s to come without giving everything away. Emotional Impact: Evoking curiosity, excitement, or even controversy can create an emotional connection with your audi...

What if I told you that most interviews are mind-numbingly boring, and you're probably doing them wrong? Today I interview Tracy Johnson, and after decades in radio and working with countless shows, he's written a book, Mic Drop Moments, that shares the secrets to transforming mediocre conversations into absolute "Didya Hear That?!" moments. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on selecting guests that will electrify your audience, ask questions that make people lean in, and tell stories t...

Money, money, money! Yeah, I know, we’re all rolling our eyes thinking, "Ugh, not another boring finance chat!" But hold onto your wallets, because this isn’t your grandpa’s finance talk. Our buddy Ray Edwards, a top-notch copywriter, shares a jaw-dropping story about how he made a cool million but ended up in bankruptcy—wait, what? How does that happen? I spill the beans on my own bankruptcy saga, sharing how emotional decisions can lead us down a slippery slope. And hey, we’re not just h...

Normally, I try to stay positive and encouraging. Maybe I still am, as I encourage you not to fall for these Podcast Tools (often based on AI) that promise great success and wealth without doing any work. Here are some of the things this company (who will remain nameless) promised: A chart-topping podcast in minutes You don't even need a microphone (think about that) Just let AI clone your voice, make an AI video version of you, and make six figures. Podcasting is expensive (it's not -you can...

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...

Data is like your podcasting superpower, folks! If you want to grow your show, you gotta get your hands on the right stats. Seriously, knowing what’s working and what’s not can save you from wasting your time. We dive into the nitty-gritty of how to collect and use data from places like Apple and Spotify to figure out your audience and their habits. Don’t worry, we’ll also have a laugh or two about how confusing all this can be, because who doesn’t love a good irony sandwich? So, buckle up, and ...

So, let’s dive into the wild world of podcasts on YouTube, shall we? This episode is all about the big question: should your podcast even be on YouTube? Spoiler alert: I don’t have a definitive answer, but I’m armed with some juicy facts to help you figure it out. I tackle the age-old debate between audio and video, and you'll learn that while YouTube has a gigantic audience, audio podcasts have a much better chance of getting discovered. I mean, who wouldn’t want 564 listeners to hunt down thei...

Are you using AI? Or better yet, which AI tool are you using? That's the big question we’re tackling today! We listen to fellow podcasters to find out about their favorite tools and whether they save time or make things messier. Spoiler alert: Sometimes, it feels like we’re just swapping one headache for another! Plus, I just got back from Podcast Movement Evolutions, so get ready for some juicy insights. Participants: Craig from aigostocollege.com and livewellandflourish.com Ethan from daily...

You can totally monetize a podcast even if your audience is smaller and niche. It's like having a tiny but super passionate fan club instead of a massive crowd that’s half-asleep. Today, we’re chatting with Ray Arnett from aroundthelayout.com, who lives, eats, and breathes the world of model railroads. He’s got some wild ideas about partnerships that don’t rely on the usual sponsor route, and trust me, it’s more interesting than it sounds. Monetizing a Smaller Audience Think making money off a...

Today, we’re exploring the world of partnerships versus sponsorships with the fabulous Stephanie Thompson. The key takeaway? Partnerships are better at growing your show. Forget just pocketing cash for a shout-out; we’re talking about meaningful connections that can actually grow your audience. Stephanie explains how she snagged partners before she even had a following—zero downloads, folks! So, if you’ve been thinking about how to take your podcast game to the next level, this chat is for you....

Molly Ruland stops by to explain how she started a branded podcast that brought in so many clients from season one that she had to pause it. For Molly, it is all about starting and building relationships with her guests. By conducting targeted outreach, she added 500 marketing people to her LinkedIn network, improving the relevance of her feed. When it comes to SEO, AI is interesting, but she advises against using "podcast lingo" and emojis in podcast show notes and metadata. Instead, she reco...

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...

I ask my audience what their top pet peeves are just drive them nuts. We're spilling the beans on all the annoying things that make us want to tear our hair out while listening. We've got it all covered from podcasters who take forever to get to the good stuff to the dreaded mid-sentence ads that pop up like uninvited guests at a party. We also chat about the classic blunders that drive listeners nuts, like out-of-context clips and those cringe-worthy audio issues. So, grab your headphones and g...

Forget social media; if you want to drive traffic, newsletters are where it’s at. Seriously, I’ve been crunching the numbers and guess what? My newsletter is pulling in way more visitors than my half-hearted attempts at tweeting or posting on Facebook. Yeah, shocking, I know. It’s like trying to catch a fish with a toothpick when you could just use a net, right? So, in this episode, we’ll look at why newsletters are the real MVPs of traffic generation, sharing some juicy stats and personal tale...

We're diving into the wild world of podcasting and pulling some juicy lessons from the legendary Saturday Night Live as it hits the big 5-0. Seriously, SNL didn’t just survive; it thrived, and we’re here to steal some of that magic for our own shows. From knowing your audience to embracing the weirdness, there’s a treasure trove of insights that can help us all level up our podcasting game. Forget about being boring—SNL took risks, and guess what? It paid off! So, buckle up and get ready to chan...

Danny Pena is back on the mic, and let me tell you, he’s got stories that’ll make you believe in the power of podcasting. After 20 years of grinding with Gamertag Radio, Danny shares all the wild opportunities that have come his way, and trust me, it's not just luck; it's hustle. Danny DOES THE WORK. From interviewing gaming legends to landing a gig at the New York Stock Exchange, Danny shows us that if you know your audience and stay true to yourself, the sky's the limit. We dig into how he bu...

YouTube just dropped a report on what makes content good, and spoiler alert: it’s not just about looking pretty. Turns out, folks care way more about what’s being said than how fancy the background is. If you want to create stuff that really resonates, whether it's on YouTube or just in audio, you gotta aim for emotional connection. You know, the kind that makes you laugh, cry, or think, not just scroll mindlessly. So, if you’re ready to step up your content game and stop stressing over that bow...

Every podcast can benefit from editing because it enhances the listening experience by removing the boring parts and keeping the content engaging. While authenticity is important, it shouldn't come at the cost of listener engagement. Effective editing can transform a good conversation into a great podcast by honing in on valuable content and eliminating distractions. By focusing on who your audience is and what they want to hear, you can make informed decisions on what to keep and what to cut. U...

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...