20 Books for Content Creators Recommended by My Audience

What if one book could change the way you tell stories, connect with your audience, or even see your own podcast? In this episode of the School of Podcasting, I asked a simple question: “If you found out someone was a content creator, what book would you recommend?” — and the responses were pure gold.You’ll hear from working podcasters, educators, business owners, and storytellers sharing the books that sharpened their craft, grew their communities, and kept them going when numbers and algorithms tried to wear them down. Along the way, I share my own must‑reads and pay tribute to a podcasting legend whose work shaped an entire generation of creators. If you’re ready to level up your show — not with more gear, but with better thinking, storytelling, and heart — this is the episode you’ll want to queue up next.ParticipantsKim NewloveThe Pharmacist Voice PodcastThe Perrysburg PodcastRalph Estep Jr.The Content Creators Accountanthttps://ralphestepjr.comChris NessiHouse of EdTechMark LawleyPractical Prepping PodcastNancy May (with co‑host Sylvia France)Family Tree Food Stories PodcastDave CohenThe Shakespeare MindsetTom HaleyBluegrass Region Voices and ViewsBooks MentionedFind Your Red Thread: Make Your Big Ideas - Tamsen WebsterThe Audience Is Listening: A Little Guide to Building a Big Podcast – Tom WebsterHow to Win Friends and Influence People - Dale CarnegieSacred Cows Make the Best Burgers – Robert J. Kriegel, David Brandt12 and a Half: Leveraging the Emotional Ingredients Necessary for Business Success – Gary VaynerchukAcres of Diamonds – Jentezen FranklinHello, My Name Is Awesome: How to Create Brand Names That Stick – Alexandra WatkinsInto the Woods: A Five-Act Journey Into Story – John YorkeBuild a Strong Podcast: From Creation to Captivated Audience – Jennifer LongworthMake Noise: A Creator’s Guide to Podcasting and Great Audio Storytelling – Eric NuzumStoryworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life Through the Power of Storytelling – Matthew DicksPlatform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World – A Step-by-Step Guide for Anyone with Something to Say or Sell – Michael HyattBig Podcast: Grow Your Podcast Audience, Build Listener Loyalty, and Get Everybody Talking About Your Show – David HooperSo You Want to Start a Podcast: Finding Your Voice, Telling Your Story, and Building a Community That Will Listen – Kristen MeinzerOut on the Wire: The Storytelling Secrets of the New Masters of Radio – Jessica AbelBeyond Powerful Radio: A Communicator’s Guide to the Internet Age – Valerie GellerSecrets of Dynamic Communication: Prepare with Focus, Deliver with Clarity, Speak with Power – Ken DavisSponsor Magnet – Justin MooreProfit from Your Podcast: Turn Your Listeners into a Livelihood – Dave JacksonLooking for more books on podcasting? Check hereIn Honor of John C. DvorakThe Grief Recovery Handbook: The Action Program for Moving Beyond Death, Divorce, and Other Losses (20th Anniversary Expanded Edition) – John W. James, Russell FriedmanJohn was an amazing broadcaster. More thoughts on John's Impact.Mentioned in this episode:Build the Website You Want with PodpagePodpage is flexible. If you want to promote something you can put it in the sidebar, on the front page, or at the bottom of every episode (not to mention the navigation bar, the footer and more). Podpage is designed specifically for podcasts. Quit trying to squeeze your podcast into a website made for a yoga studio. Start your free trial at podpage.com/previewPodpageBlack Friday Podcasting SepcialHey, podcast creators! Are you ready to take your podcast to the next level? We have an unbeatable deal just for you! Introducing the Hot Seat Service! For a limited time, get your podcast episode and website professionally audited. Dive deep into our 30-point checklist and uncover opportunities to improve your podcast's reach and engagement! 🔍 What's Included? Podcast Episode Audit: Pinpoint key areas for improvement. Website Audit: A thorough 30-point checklist to optimize your online presence. But wait, there’s more! When you sign up, you'll receive a free month at the School of Podcasting! That's one month of top-notch podcasting training normally at $99, absolutely free! 📚 Exclusive Offer: Your School of Podcasting membership includes 5 hours of personal consulting, a service valued at $1000 alone! All This for Just $99! Normally, you'd pay $1278 for this incredible package. But through December 31st, it's yours for just $99! 🚀 Don’t miss this chance to elevate your podcast without breaking the bank. Secure this offer today and watch your podcast thrive! Act Now! Spots are limited! fixmypodcast.comPodcast HotseatQuestion of the Month: The Smallest Amount of DownloadsWe all want a bigger audience. We all put a lot of work into our shows. With this in mind, what is the smallest amount of downloads you would do the show for? If it drops below a number would you stop, or put effort into finding out why? Does the size of your audience matter? Go to schoolofpodcasting.com/question by August 28th (and don't forget to say a little bit about your show and your website address so I can link to it in the notes)School of PodcastingWhere Will I Be?I love meeting you when I'm out at events. Here are some of my next events: Podcast Movement September 17-18 Podindy November 7th (use the coupon pacer at podindy.com)Where Will I Be?