New Media Show w/Rob Greenlee

In episode 662 from May 6th, 2026, of the New Media Show, hosted by 2017 Podcast Hall of Famer Rob Greenlee, he talks with Imran Ahmed, founder of Great Pods, for a deep conversation about one of podcasting’s longest-running controversies: Discovery. Podcasting has never had a shortage of content. The bigger challenge has always been helping listeners find the right shows and helping quality creators get noticed. Charts often reward scale. Algorithms can miss the human context. Social media attention does not always create trust. But human recommendations, professional reviews, and transparency. editorial signals may still play an important role. Imran joins Rob to discuss how Great Pods is building a podcast discovery and decision-making platform around critic reviews, ratings, attribution, podcast search, user reviews, badges, and curated discovery. The conversation explores why reviews differ from basic listener comments, why constructive criticism can help creators, and how professional critics can serve as trusted filters for listeners trying to decide what to hear next. Rob and Imran also dig into the broader evolution of podcasting, including the role of word-of-mouth discovery, the limits of podcast app charts, the rise of YouTube as a major discovery platform, and the ongoing tension around what defines a podcast in a world of audio, video, RSS feeds, platform exclusives, APIs, Netflix-style talk shows, and AI-generated content. The episode also connects Great Pods to larger trust and transparency issues in new media. As AI-generated shows, algorithmic recommendations, and platform-controlled discovery continue to grow. Rob and Imran discuss why human editorial judgment, clear labeling, attribution, and credible review systems may become even more important for listeners, creators, and platforms. Key Topics Covered Podcast discovery in 2026 Why podcast charts and algorithms often fall short The difference between reviews, ratings, and listener comments Why constructive criticism can help creators improve How Great Pods uses professional reviews and attribution Why human critics can become trusted discovery filters The role of word-of-mouth recommendations in podcast growth Why YouTube has become a major podcast discovery platform How video, RSS, APIs, and platform exclusives are changing podcast definitions Why AI-generated content increases the need for labeling and transparency How podcasters can use reviews, badges, backlinks, and SEO to build credibility What creators should do to make their shows more discoverable Guest and Host Links Guest: Imran Ahmed, Founder of Great Pods Great Pods: https://www.greatpods.co Great Pods Blog: https://blog.greatpods.co Host: Rob Greenlee New Media Show: https://newmediashow.com Rob Greenlee: https://robgreenlee.com Podcast Hall of Fame: https://podcasthall.com Rob Greenlee on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robgreenlee Rob Greenlee Booking: https://calendly.com/robgreenlee The post Can Human Critics Improve Podcast Discovery? | Imran Ahmed, Great Pods #662 first appeared on New Media Show.

On Episode 661 of The New Media Show, host Rob Greenlee, 2017 Podcast Hall of Fame inductee, Chairperson of the Podcast Hall of Fame, and longtime new media executive, is joined by Dave Jackson, 2018 Podcast Hall of Fame inductee, founder of School of Podcasting, and Head of Podcasting at Podpage.com, for a deep conversation about whether independent podcasters and media creators can still win in today’s rapidly changing creator economy. This episode centers on a question many creators are quietly asking right now: Can indie podcasters still grow, monetize, and build trust in a market being reshaped by video, AI, platform control, and professionalized media production? Rob and Dave discuss the recent combination of Podpage and School of Podcasting, why podcast education matters more than ever, and how websites, email lists, communities, video, RSS, and AI-assisted workflows are becoming essential parts of a creator’s survival strategy. Dave joined Podpage as Head of Podcasting in 2024, and School of Podcasting has been helping creators launch, grow, and monetize podcasts since 2005. The conversation also moves into some of the biggest issues facing podcasting and new media in 2026, including AI-generated shows, human voice and video cloning, creator burnout, YouTube’s influence on podcast identity, Apple’s HLS video podcast direction, and why human trust may become the most valuable asset creators have left. Rob and Dave bring decades of experience to this discussion. Both have seen podcasting shift through multiple technology waves, from the early RSS era to platform consolidation, video podcasting, AI tools, and the rise of creator-led media. That history makes this episode a practical and honest look at what indie creators need to do now to stay relevant, trusted, and discoverable. What does this episode cover? Can independent podcasters still succeed in a noisier, more competitive market? What does “winning” even mean now: downloads, money, trust, community, authority, or sustainability? Why the Podpage and School of Podcasting connection matters for podcast education and creator websites Why podcasters need a home base beyond social platforms and YouTube How AI is changing show notes, images, writing, research, production, and creator workflows Why AI-generated content should not all be treated as spam, but fraud and abuse must be addressed How human storytelling, lived experience, and trust help creators stand apart from AI content Why video is becoming harder to ignore, but audio-only creators should not panic How YouTube has changed public perception of what a podcast is What Apple’s HLS video direction could mean for audio, video, RSS, and creator workflows Why websites, email lists, communities, and audience ownership still matter How indie creators can avoid burnout while adapting to new media expectations Key Takeaways: Indie podcasters can still win, but the definition of winning has changed. Creators need more than a microphone and a media host. They need clarity, a trusted point of view, a website, a distribution plan, and a realistic path to audience growth. AI is not going away. The smartest creators will learn how to use it without losing their human voice. Video will continue reshaping podcasting, but not every creator has to become a full-scale video studio overnight. Human-created content still has a powerful advantage when it is rooted in story, experience, transparency, and trust. Websites are becoming more important again because creators need a stable home base that is not controlled by a single platform. Podcast education matters because the barrier to starting is low, but the barrier to standing out is much higher. Guest Dave JacksonFounder, School of Podcasting Head of Podcasting, Podpage.com 2018 Podcast Hall of Fame inductee Author of Profit From Your Podcast Dave Jackson has been helping creators launch and improve podcasts since 2005 through the School of Podcasting. He is also Head of Podcasting at Podpage, where he supports podcasters using websites as a central hub for discovery, audience ownership, and long-term growth. (The School of Podcasting) Guest links: School of Podcasting: https://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/Podpage: https://www.podpage.com/Dave Jackson: https://davidjackson.org/Podcast Consultant: https://www.podcastconsultant.com/ Host Rob GreenleeHost, The New Media Show Podcast Hall of Fame inductee Chairperson, Podcast Hall of Fame Founder, Trust Factor Lab and Adore Network Co-Founder, Passion Struck Network Host and show links: New Media Show: https://newmediashow.com/Rob Greenlee: https://robgreenlee.com/Podcast Hall of Fame: https://podcasthall.com/Adore Network: https://adorenetwork.com/Trust Factor Lab: https://trustfactorlab.com/Passion Struck Network: https://passionstrucknetwork.com/Rob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robgreenlee/ Bottom Line in this Episode: This episode answers a major creator economy question for 2026: Can indie podcasters and independent media creators still compete as podcasting becomes more professional, more video-driven, and more influenced by AI? Rob Greenlee and Dave Jackson explain why the answer is yes, but only if creators evolve. The winning indie creator now needs a clear purpose, a strong human voice, trusted expertise, a discoverable website, owned audience channels, thoughtful use of AI, and a strategy that works across audio, video, search, social, and community. The episode is especially useful for podcasters, YouTube creators, podcast consultants, media educators, creator economy leaders, podcast hosting companies, AI media startups, and independent showrunners trying to understand the next phase of podcasting and new media. The post Can Indie Podcasters and Media Creators Still Win? | Dave Jackson #661 first appeared on New Media Show.

“Podcast episode hosting used to be simple. You uploaded an audio file, generated an RSS feed, and distributed your show everywhere. That model still matters, but it is no longer enough for the modern creator economy.” In this Episode 660 of The Live New Media Show, from April 22nd, 2026, Host Podcast Hall of Famer and Former Libsyn VP Rob Greenlee shares a screen and microphone with Brendan Monaghan, President and CEO of Libsyn, to explore how podcast hosting is changing and what creators should expect from platforms in 2026 and beyond. This conversation gets to the heart of a major shift happening across podcasting and new media. Hosting companies are no longer judged only by whether they can deliver a clean RSS feed and reliable file storage. Creators now expect monetization, analytics, video support, workflow efficiency, AI-assisted publishing, broader distribution, and real help with audience growth. That larger shift frames the entire discussion between Rob and Brendan. Brendan explains that Libsyn still carries the legacy of being one of podcasting’s earliest and most important hosting platforms, but the company is now operating in a far more complex environment. Brendan points to Libsyn’s evolution from a technology-led hosting company into a broader creator platform that includes advertising and monetization infrastructure, especially after the company acquired businesses such as AdvertiseCast and Pair Networks. He argues that the modern hosting business must combine publishing, monetization, measurement, and simplicity for creators at every stage of growth. Rob pushes the conversation further by asking the bigger industry question: What should a podcast hosting company become now? That leads into a wide-ranging discussion about platform aggregation, creator workflows, newsletters, live events, merchandise, and the growing expectation that creators should be able to manage more of their media business from one place. Brendan makes the case that the future belongs to companies that can keep creators at the center while simplifying the growing complexity around distribution and monetization. A major part of the episode focuses on AI. Brendan breaks AI into three areas: how Libsyn uses it internally as a business, how AI can assist creators with production and publishing workflows, and how fully AI-generated content may affect the medium’s future. Rob adds a deeper perspective by arguing that AI podcasting is already becoming more competitive than many in the industry want to admit. The two discuss whether the market will ultimately decide what AI content succeeds, why “AI slop” may be too broad a label, and why trust and disclosure may become much more important as synthetic media becomes harder to distinguish from human-created work. The episode also dives into one of the most important strategic tensions in podcasting right now: RSS versus API publishing. Rob and Brendan both acknowledge that most creators care more about simple distribution than the underlying protocol, but they also recognize that this shift has major implications for openness, platform control, and long-term creator independence. Their exchange about Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and the shift toward more controlled video delivery models reflects a broader market reality: creators increasingly want to be everywhere, but the mechanics of getting there are becoming more fragmented and platform-specific. Another strong section of the conversation centers on video. Brendan says Libsyn intends to be a leader in video, while Rob raises a practical concern many creators are just beginning to feel: a show that works well on YouTube may not automatically translate well to an audio-first experience, and a show built for traditional audio may not fully satisfy video-driven discovery environments. That raises the possibility that creators will need to think more deliberately about format, audience expectations, and whether a single production workflow can truly serve all platforms equally well. The conversation becomes especially valuable when the two discuss metrics: Apple’s HLS direction, and what streaming-style delivery might mean for podcast measurement and advertising. They point to a future in which the industry may move closer to actual listening signals rather than relying so heavily on download-based assumptions. If that happens, it could affect CPMs, ad sales, programmatic video advertising, and the broader economics of the medium. Rob also frames one of the biggest unresolved questions in new media today: If AI-generated shows become easier, faster, and more polished, what will human creators need to do to remain distinct and trusted? The answer that emerges from this episode is not panic. It is focus, transparency, stronger format thinking, and a deeper commitment to serving audiences with clarity and value. That makes this episode less about Libsyn alone and more about the future structure of podcasting itself. Topic Chapters and Timestamps 00:00 Podcast hosting is no longer simple 01:00 What creators now expect from hosting platforms 02:00 Brendan Monaghan introduction and background 03:00 Why Libsyn’s legacy still matters 05:00 Hosting, publishing, monetization, and measurement 07:00 How Libsyn expanded its monetization business 08:00 Why creators should not need to leave Libsyn to scale 09:00 How monetization changed podcasting 10:00 Lowering barriers for creators to earn revenue 12:00 What the future hosting platform should become 13:00 Newsletters, live events, merchandise, and creator tools 15:00 AI and creator workflows 16:00 Brendan’s three-bucket view of AI 18:00 AI-generated content and the “AI slop” debate 20:00 Why the market may decide what AI content wins 23:00 RSS versus API publishing 25:00 Simplicity and multi-platform distribution 26:00 Why RSS matters less to end users now 28:00 Open versus closed ecosystems 29:00 RSS innovation and slow adoption 31:00 Apple HLS and changing audio-video delivery 32:00 Platform control and the walled garden debate 41:00 Measurement, streaming, and actual listening data 43:00 Programmatic video ads and creative formats 45:00 Why video creators may need to think more like audio creators 47:00 Can AI help bridge the gap between formats? 49:00 Audio loyalty versus video momentum 50:00 The growing pressure on creators to win everywhere 51:00 AI Algorithms, the first audience for human content 53:00 Are AI-generated shows driving growth? 55:00 AI clone content and rising competition for humans 56:00 Why AI labeling may become essential 59:00 What Libsyn will focus on over the next 24 months 01:01:00 Audio, video, audience growth, and execution 01:03:00 Staying focused on core creator needs 01:05:00 Closing thoughts This episode answers key industry questions that creators, executives, and media strategists are increasingly asking: -What is Libsyn doing next under Brendan Monaghan? -How is podcast hosting changing in 2026? -Will video become a required part of podcast distribution? -What does Apple’s HLS move mean for audio and video podcasting? -Is RSS still the future, or are APIs taking over? -How will AI-generated content affect podcasting, trust, and monetization? -What should creators expect from modern hosting platforms now? -Those questions are directly addressed in this discussion, making this episode highly relevant to search, social discovery, AI answer engines, and recommendation surfaces. Guest and Show Links Brendan Monaghan, CEO of Libsyn https://Libsyn.com Host Rob Greenlee and Show Links New Media Show: https://newmediashow.com/ Rob Greenlee: https://robgreenlee.com/ Trust Factor Lab: https://trustfactorlab.com/ Adore Creator Network: https://adorenetwork.com/ Podcast Hall of Fame: https://podcasthall.com/ Rob Greenlee YouTube: https://youtube.com/@robgreenlee Rob Greenlee LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/robgreenlee Rob Greenlee Instagram: https://instagram.com/robwgreenlee The post Libsyn’s Next Chapter: Podcast Hosting, Video, Monetization, RSS and API | Brendan Monaghan #660 first appeared on New Media Show.

Podcasting is entering a new phase, and this episode goes straight into the infrastructure, business models, and platform shifts shaping what comes next. On episode 659 of The New Media Show, Host and Podcast Hall of Famer Rob Greenlee shares the microphone with Sharon Taylor, Chief Revenue Officer at Triton Digital (Spreaker & Omny Studio), for a deep conversation about where the podcasting market is heading right now. Sharon brings years of experience from Omny Studio, Triton Digital, and Spreaker, making her one of the best people to help unpack what is changing across hosting, monetization, video, AI, advertiser demand, and measurement. We talk through why podcasting is not simply becoming video-first, even as video becomes a bigger part of how shows are discovered and monetized. Sharon makes a strong case that audio remains at the center of the medium, but the future is clearly becoming more multi-format. That means creators, publishers, and platforms need to think differently about how they distribute content, measure audience behavior, and build sustainable business models for both audio and video. A big part of this conversation focuses on Triton Digital’s role in the market today and why its combination of Omny Studio, Spreaker, and broader ad tech infrastructure makes it an important player in podcasting’s next chapter. Sharon explains the unique roots of Omny Studio as a platform built for large-scale broadcast and enterprise publishing needs, while Spreaker helped pioneer early podcast programmatic monetization for creators. That combination gives Triton a unique perspective on both professional publishing and creator-driven growth. We also spend time on Apple’s HLS video move and what it may mean for podcasting’s future. Sharon shares how Triton had already been preparing for a broader video environment and why Apple’s support for HLS is such a meaningful shift. We discuss how HLS could improve flexibility around delivery, ad insertion, and measurement, while still raising important questions about RSS, open distribution, and whether major platforms may slowly pull podcasting into more platform-specific publishing models over time. Another major topic in this episode is trust. From programmatic advertising to AI-generated content to labeling and transparency, Sharon and I explore how podcasting can continue to grow without losing the authentic connection that made the medium valuable in the first place. We both agree that podcasting still has enormous strength as an audio-led medium, but the industry is now balancing openness, innovation, and monetization in ways that will define the next few years. This is a wide-ranging and important discussion for anyone watching the evolution of podcasting, video, ad tech, platform power, and the future of open media. Topics covered – Why Triton Digital matters in podcasting right now – Sharon Taylor’s path from Omny Studio to Triton CRO – What Triton is seeing in audio versus video audience behavior – Why podcasting is becoming multi-format, not simply video-first – How Omny Studio and Spreaker fit different parts of the publishing market – What Apple’s HLS video move changes for publishers and hosting platforms – Why advertiser confidence and better measurement matter more than ever – The future of RSS, open podcasting, and platform fragmentation – How AI-generated content is affecting publishing growth and industry trust – Where Sharon sees the next big opportunities for podcast growth Guest Sharon Taylor is the Chief Revenue Officer at Triton Digital. She was appointed to the CRO role in August 2025 after helping lead Triton’s podcast and content delivery efforts. Before joining Triton, Sharon was CEO of Omny Studio and played a key role in building it into one of the leading enterprise podcast platforms before its acquisition by Triton Digital. Triton Digital: https://www.tritondigital.com/ Spreaker: https://www.spreaker.com/ Omny Studio: https://omnystudio.com/ Host Rob Greenlee is a 2017 Podcast Hall of Famer, Chairperson of the Podcast Hall of Fame, and leader behind Trust Factor Lab and Trust Creators Community at M3Linked. New Media Show: https://newmediashow.com/ Rob Greenlee: https://robgreenlee.com/ Podcast Hall of Fame: https://podcasthall.com/ Trust Creators Community: https://m3linked.com/ Supporters: Get a $10 StreamYard Video Recording and Live Streaming tool Discount using this LINK – https://streamyard.com/pal/c/5606177711325184 Podcasting pros use Podpage – Build a podcast or video show website that updates itself and showcases your show beautifully. Start for just $12/month! –>podpage.com?via=adore The post Podcasting’s Multi-Format Future | Sharon Taylor #659 first appeared on New Media Show.

If you are trying to understand where podcasting may still have real, untapped opportunities in 2026 and beyond, this is one of those conversations that point to an important answer: Local. On Episode 658 of The New Media Show, Host Podcast Hall of Famer Rob Greenlee shares a microphone and a video camera with guest David Plotz, founder and CEO of CityCast.fm and co-host of the Political Gabfest podcast from Slate, to: Explore what local podcasts can become in a media environment increasingly shaped by video, platforms, social discovery, and changing audience habits. The conversation starts with local audio, but it quickly opens into something bigger: trust, emotional connection, local relevance, and the question of whether city-based media may be one of the strongest growth areas left in podcasting. David frames City Cast as a network of daily local podcasts, newsletters, social content, and events, built around helping people feel more connected to the cities they live in. The real takeaway in this episode is that local podcasting is not simply a smaller version of national podcasting. It operates under a different set of strengths and constraints. Local Podcasting may never offer the same scale as national audio, but it can offer something more personal and durable: a trusted daily relationship grounded in place. That becomes a powerful differentiator at a time when many creators and media companies are chasing reach but struggling to build loyalty. David brings a rare combination to this topic because he is not just theorizing about local media from the outside. He has built and led major editorial organizations, co-hosted one of podcasting’s longest-running political shows, and is now running one of the clearest experiments in local podcast-first media. In the episode, he explains that podcasting’s deepest strength is not raw information delivery but feeling, intimacy, and connection. He argues that podcasting works when people are not just informed but emotionally connected to the speakers and the place being discussed. That idea becomes the foundation for how City Cast approaches local media. One of the most useful parts of this episode is hearing David describe what City Cast is actually trying to replace and what it is not. He makes clear that City Cast is not primarily a breaking-news operation. Instead, it builds on an existing local news ecosystem and tries to become the smartest, most interesting, and most delightful daily conversation about what matters in a city. That distinction matters. It means City Cast is not trying to be a direct substitute for newspapers or broadcast radio in every function. It is trying to become additive, conversational, and habit-forming in ways that better fit the strengths of podcasting. From there, the conversation moves into the central tension of the episode: if podcasting is so strong at local trust and emotional connection, why is local podcasting still so hard to scale? David is candid about the addressable audience being smaller, discovery being difficult, and the economics still being figured out. Those are not minor obstacles. They are the core business problem. City Cast’s challenge is not simply editorial quality. It is proving that local podcast audiences are valuable, engaged, and commercially meaningful enough to support a durable business. That leads directly into the video. One of the strongest strategic insights in the episode is David’s acknowledgment that City Cast did not lean into social and video early enough. He says plainly that the company is now correcting that. The reason is not that audio has failed. The reason is that discovery increasingly happens elsewhere. Younger audiences find local information through social media, YouTube, and short-form feeds. Audio may still be the best format for relationships and routines, but video and social are becoming essential for visibility, especially among younger audiences. A core theme in this episode is that the real opportunity may not be “local podcasts” as a narrow category, but local media brands built around podcasts. City Cast is already moving in that direction through newsletters, events, social distribution, and membership. David’s description of the “Neighbors” membership concept is especially revealing. It shows that the City Cast brand is not just about delivering content. It is about building a sense of mutuality, place, and civic belonging. That is a different ambition than simply growing downloads. It is also where local podcasting may have an edge over broader media. This episode ultimately lands on a simple reality: local podcasting is real, but it is not easy. Audio still has a unique role to play in building trust and connection, but it is no longer enough to rely on audio alone for growth and discovery. The winning local media brands may be the ones that understand how to keep audio at the center while surrounding it with the right mix of video, social, newsletters, and community. In that sense, this conversation is not just about local podcasts. It is about where the media gets human again. Quick Q & A Answers What is City Cast trying to build? A local media network built around daily city podcasts, newsletters, social content, and events that help people feel more connected to where they live. Is local podcasting a replacement for local newspapers or radio? Not exactly. David describes it more as additive than as a replacement, with podcasting playing to conversation, feeling, and connection rather than to pure breaking news. Why is local podcasting hard to build as a business? The audience is geographically limited, discovery is difficult, and the economics are still being worked out. City Cast is trying to prove that highly engaged local audiences can support a durable model. Does video matter for local podcasts? Yes, increasingly as a discovery-and-growth layer. David says City Cast came to social and video later than it should have and is now correcting that. What is the deeper advantage of local audio? Its strength is emotional connection, intimacy, daily relevance, and trust. That may matter more as audiences seek media that feels useful and human. Video Chapters: 00:00 Welcome and local media framing 02:26 David Plotz joins the show 03:00 Slate Political Gabfest history 07:39 Live events and audience connection 11:47 Podcasting as emotion and intimacy 16:27 Why City Cast exists 18:07 How City Cast serves cities 20:12 Why City Cast is additive, not a replacement 25:00 The economics of local podcasting 26:22 Washington DC and local news opportunity 29:12 Local versus diaspora audiences 32:02 Your City Could Be Better 33:14 Local advertising and audience value 35:12 Why local podcasting is harder than it looks 37:02 Social discovery and local media habits 38:07 Video and Apple Podcasts 44:40 City Cast video workflow challenge 47:28 Graham Holdings and Megaphone context 51:12 Which cities work best for City Cast 53:12 Public radio overlap and younger audiences 54:40 Why City Cast missed the video early 57:27 Audio, video, and multimedia future 01:00:11 Neighbors and local trust 01:01:53 Politics, balance, and civic voice 01:05:18 Events and community building 01:06:36 Wrap up Links Guest David Plotz Links City Cast: https://citycast.fm/ City Cast Mission: https://citycast.fm/our-mission City Cast Membership / Neighbors: https://membership.citycast.fm/ David Plotz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-plotz-ab02164a Host Rob Greenlee and Show Links New Media Show: https://newmediashow.com/ Rob Greenlee: https://robgreenlee.com/ Trust Factor Lab: https://trustfactorlab.com/ Adore Creator Network: https://adorenetwork.com/ Podcast Hall of Fame: https://podcasthall.com/ Rob Greenlee YouTube: https://youtube.com/@robgreenlee Rob Greenlee LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/robgreenlee Rob Greenlee Instagram: https://instagram.com/robwgreenlee The post Local Podcasts in a Growing Video World | David Plotz #658 first appeared on New Media Show.

If you are trying to understand where podcasting is going in 2026 and beyond, this is one of those conversations that clarifies the whole board. On Episode 657 of The New Media Show, Host Rob Greenlee shares a microphone and a video camera with Justin Jackson, CEO and Co-Founder of Transistor.fm, to unpack two forces reshaping the medium at the same time: Apple’s push back into video podcasts using HLS streaming, and the accelerating rise of synthetic creators and human clones powered by AI. The real takeaway in this episode is that this is no longer just a podcasting story. It’s a media transformation story, and creators who treat it that way will have the advantage. Justin brings a rare combination to this topic because he is not just watching the ecosystem from the outside. He is building one of the most respected independent podcast hosting platforms and is deeply involved in coordinating the industry’s progress through the Podcast Standards Project. One of the most useful parts of this episode is hearing how standards actually get adopted. Podcasting has a coordination problem, and the only way the open ecosystem keeps evolving is when hosting providers, apps, and major platforms agree on what becomes “standard.” Justin explains why this work is slower than people want and why it matters, using real examples such as transcript support and creator-recommendation tooling via Podroll. From there, we go straight into the big shift: Apple leaning harder into video again, this time through HLS. The practical impact for creators is obvious. Video becomes easier to distribute, monetize, and measure across platforms. The strategic impact is bigger. Apple’s move creates a cascade effect. As more hosts build HLS workflows, those streams can increasingly appear not only within Apple’s experience but also through open standards like alternate enclosures, especially if apps continue to adopt them. Justin is bullish on RSS-based open podcasting surviving, not because it is nostalgic, but because consumer demand and creator distribution needs keep pulling it forward. A core theme in this episode is that creators and consumers decide what “a podcast” is, not the industry. Justin puts it plainly: if everyday listeners think podcasts are something they watch on YouTube, that belief drives behavior, and behavior drives platforms. This is why the listen-and-watch switching paradigm matters. Consumers want to start in audio and seamlessly jump into video. That pressure changes production habits over time, because the “audio from the video” becomes the default in many workflows. For some audio-first producers, that feels like a loss. For video-first creators, it is an opportunity to build a more fluid media experience that meets people where they are, whether they are watching closely or listening in the background. Rob and Justin also dig into a topic most platforms are not talking about enough: demographics and attention. Apple Podcasts remains a valuable audience, often older, higher-income, harder-to-reach, and premium-friendly. But YouTube and short-form feeds have already shaped younger consumer habits. Justin raises an interesting possibility that a backlash is forming among Gen Z against addictive, brain-rotting feeds. If that continues, there is a real opening for more mindful media experiences, which could benefit audio- and podcast-style consumption and even give Apple an unexpected positioning angle if they choose to lean into it. Then move into the other major shift: synthetic creators, AI cloning, and AI-generated media at scale. We talk about what is real, what is hype, and what’s already happening in the market. Justin’s perspective is grounded: audiences still choose what they care about, and a lot of AI-generated “slop” is being produced with no real demand. At the same time, I warn that this is the worst the tech will ever be, and that quality is moving fast. The deeper layer is that AI is already part of the content distribution pipeline, because algorithms decide what gets surfaced and recommended. As cloning and synthetic production improve, trust and identification become the bigger story. If people cannot tell what is real, standards for disclosure, verification, and labeling become essential to preserve credibility. This episode ultimately lands on a simple reality: creators do not need to panic, but they do need to adapt. Video is becoming a default entry point. RSS is still resilient, but platform native APIs are expanding. AI will increase volume, forcing platforms to filter more aggressively. The winning creators will be the ones who build trust, produce content people actually want, and package it so it travels across environments without losing the core promise that made the audience show up in the first place. Quick answers What does Apple HLS video mean for podcast creators in 2026? It signals a stronger platform push toward seamless listen-and-watch experiences, better measurement, and future monetization opportunities, and it pressures hosts and apps to support HLS workflows more broadly. Is RSS dying because platforms want APIs and direct uploads? RSS remains highly resilient because creators want distribution portability and consumers want access to the shows they already follow. Platforms may add more native workflows, but RSS continues to power the open layer. Will AI-generated creators replace humans? AI will dramatically increase content volume, but audience trust and relevance will still determine what survives. The big shift is that trust, verification, and disclosure become more important as synthetic media becomes harder to detect. Links Guest Justin Jackson Links Transistor.fm: https://transistor.fm/ Justin Jackson: https://justinjackson.ca/ Host Rob Greenlee and Show Links New Media Show: https://newmediashow.com/ Rob Greenlee: https://robgreenlee.com/ Trust Factor Lab: https://trustfactorlab.com/ Adore Creator Network: https://adorenetwork.com/ Podcast Hall of Fame: https://podcasthall.com/ Rob Greenlee YouTube: https://youtube.com/@robgreenlee Rob Greenlee LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/robgreenlee Rob Greenlee Instagram: https://instagram.com/robwgreenlee The post Apple Video Podcasts, RSS vs API, Rise of Synthetic Creators | Justin Jackson #657 first appeared on New Media Show.

In episode 656 of the New Media Show, Podcast Hall of Famer Rob Greenlee is joined by Jay Nachlis,  Media Research VP at Coleman Insights. “It’s a timely and deeper conversation about Apple Podcasts moving more aggressively into HLS video streaming and what that really means for the future of podcasting, audience behavior, platform competition, and creator strategy in 2026.” This episode goes far beyond the Apple announcement itself. Jay brings a strong audience research and brand strategy perspective to the conversation, and together we dig into the real question behind all of this: will Apple’s push into video actually change listener and viewer behavior, or is this simply Apple trying to catch up to audience habits that are already being shaped by YouTube and Spotify? “Apple Podcasts still has major brand recognition in podcasting, but may face an uphill battle in the current environment where YouTube has become the default platform for video-based podcast discovery, and Spotify continues to build a more native monetization and creator ecosystem.” We talk about how audience habits often outweigh platform features, why consumer perception matters as much as technical innovation, and whether Apple can reclaim any meaningful momentum in a category it helped establish years ago. We also discuss how this shift is creating a more fragmented publishing environment for creators. Audio and video are no longer just different formats. They increasingly represent different user expectations, different discovery paths, and different monetization opportunities. “We discuss the growing need for creators to think strategically about separate audio and video feeds, platform-native publishing, HLS streaming delivery, audience experience, and the long-term risks of overreliance on closed ecosystems.” Jay and I also explore the broader competitive chessboard. That includes YouTube’s dominance in video & video podcast consumption, Spotify’s continued attempts to define its role in both audio and video, and even whether players like Netflix could successfully move into podcast-adjacent content formats. This episode is really about where podcasting is headed as a medium, not just one Apple feature update. If you are a podcaster, creator, media strategist, advertiser, or platform watcher trying to understand where podcasting, video, discovery, and monetization are all heading next, this is an episode you should not miss. Chapters: 00:00 Apple Video Podcast Push 00:47 Meet the Hosts 01:56 Apple Streaming Update 03:14 Early Podcasting Era 05:19 YouTube Spotify Takeover 07:05 Can Apple Compete 08:25 Research YouTube Wins UX 10:30 Awareness Drives Usage 12:07 Netflix Podcasting Fit 15:58 Discovery Algorithms Habits 18:10 Apple Video Hidden Toggle 19:26 Audio Quality vs Video 22:22 Brand Content Trust Matrix 24:05 Apple Podcasts Brand Gap 24:51 Differentiation Over Video 25:41 RSS and HLS Debate 27:09 Why Listeners Choose Apple 28:03 Zune Era Video Podcasts 30:07 YouTube Parallel History 30:59 Winning Tech Standards 33:16 Reaching Younger Audiences 36:48 Hosting Costs and HLS 39:05 Creator Burden of Video 41:20 Future Screens in Cars 43:23 Marketing and Discovery Fixes 45:35 Alternative Enclosures Path 46:49 Wrap Up and Where to Follow Guest Jay Nachlis Links Jay Nachlis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaynachlis/ Coleman Insights: https://colemaninsights.com/ Tuesdays with Coleman: https://colemaninsights.com/blog/ Host Rob Greenlee and Show Links New Media Show: https://newmediashow.com/ Rob Greenlee: https://robgreenlee.com/ Trust Factor Lab: https://trustfactorlab.com/ Adore Creator Network: https://adorenetwork.com/ Podcast Hall of Fame: https://podcasthall.com/ Rob Greenlee YouTube: https://youtube.com/@robgreenlee Rob Greenlee LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/robgreenlee Rob Greenlee Instagram: https://instagram.com/robwgreenlee The post Can Apple Make Video Podcasts Matter? | Jay Nachlis #656 first appeared on New Media Show.

Podcast discovery feels harder in 2026, not because creators stopped trying, but because attention is now split across podcast apps, YouTube, short-form video feeds, newsletters, and search-driven recommendations. On this recorded episode of the New Media Show, host Rob Greenlee shares the screen and a microphone with Arielle Nissenblatt, 2026 Podcast Hall of Famer and Founder of EarBuds Podcast Collective and Head of Community and Content at Pinwheel by Audily, to break down what is actually changing right now and what creators can still do that consistently grows audience and trust. “Arielle brings a listener-first, creator-first perspective that cuts through the noise. Platforms matter, but they are not the whole story. If a show is not clearly positioned, consistently delivered, and genuinely recommendable, the best metadata in the world will not create retention.” This episode focuses on the practical middle ground: respect the power of platforms, but build your growth strategy around behaviors you can control. “A big part of that conversation is Apple’s renewed push into video podcasts and what an HLS-based video experience signals for the direction of distribution.” Rob frames it as part of a broader convergence toward a unified listen-and-watch experience, where measurement and monetization are easier for platforms when content is native. “Arielle agrees that video is becoming an important top-of-funnel entry point, not because every show should be video-first, but because platforms can more easily optimize what they can see, track, and sell.” We also talk through Spotify’s monetization strategy and what it means when major platforms keep building native paths to get paid. The underlying point is that creators need to understand the economics behind product decisions. “The more platforms own the experience, the more they can shape the rules of distribution, monetization, and visibility.” Then we get into the part that matters most for working creators: what still works. “Arielle argues that recommendation culture remains one of the most underused growth engines in podcasting. Word of mouth, curated lists, and community flywheels can outperform algorithm chasing, especially for shows that serve a clear audience with a clear promise.” That is exactly why EarBuds has remained durable for years in a market that constantly reinvents itself. “Human curation is still a superpower because it creates trusted signals that travel even when platforms turn the knobs.” Community comes up too, with a reality check. Not every show needs a community, and not every audience wants one. “The test is whether people are already reaching for a deeper connection and shared identity around your content. When that demand exists, the community can compound trust and retention. When it does not, forcing it can drain your energy and distract you from the actual product, the show.” If you are building in 2026, the creators who win are not the ones who panic-switch formats every quarter. They are the ones who lock in a format strategy, build audience ownership where possible, and package their content for multiple environments without losing the core promise that makes listeners return. Quick answers people are searching for: Is podcast discovery broken in 2026? It is fragmented. People discover shows across apps, video platforms, newsletters, and search experiences, so creators need packaging that works across multiple paths. Do I need a video to grow a podcast? Not always. Video is becoming a common entry point, but growth still comes from clarity, consistency, and ease of recommendation. What is the fastest reliable growth lever right now? Recommendation loops: collaborations, curated lists, newsletters, and audience sharing that create real trust signals. What should creators prioritize this year? Format strategy, audience ownership, cross-platform packaging, and a repeatable workflow you can sustain. Show and Guest Links: Host Rob Greenlee https://robgreenlee.com/ (Rob Greenlee) New Media Show https://newmediashow.com/ (New Media Show) Rob Greenlee Live Podcasts https://robgreenlee.com/live-podcasts/ (Rob Greenlee) Rob Greenlee & New Media Show YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@RobGreenlee (Rob Greenlee) Spoken Human Show – YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@spokenhuman (Rob Greenlee) LinkedIn – Rob Greenlee https://www.linkedin.com/in/robgreenlee (Rob Greenlee) Instagram – Rob Greenlee https://www.instagram.com/robwgreenlee (Rob Greenlee) X.com – Rob Greenlee https://x.com/robgreenlee (Rob Greenlee) Adore Podcast Network https://AdoreNetwork.com (Rob Greenlee) Podcast Hall of Fame https://PodcastHall.com (Rob Greenlee) Guest Arielle Nissenblatt LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arielle-nissenblatt EarBuds Podcast Collective: https://earbuds.audio/ Pinwheel by Audily: https://pinwheelshows.com/ The post Podcast Growth and Discovery in 2026 | Arielle Nissenblatt #655 first appeared on New Media Show.

As AI becomes more embedded into content creation, discovery, and distribution, one truth is becoming clearer: the long-term winners in media may not be the fastest or the most automated. They may be the most human. That was the core idea behind this conversation with Erin Diehl of Improve It! and the host of the Workday Playdate Podcast, and New Media Show host and Podcast Hall of Fame Inductee Rob Greenlee on New Media Show Episode 654, where we explored what it really means to build a media business rooted in trust, emotional connection, authenticity, and memorable audience experiences. Erin Diehl, founder of improve it! and host of the Workday Playdate podcast, brings a distinctive perspective to this discussion. Her work sits at the intersection of improv, leadership, communication, and community-building. On her podcast and in her live workshops, she focuses on helping people reconnect with empathy, listening, adaptability, humor, and playfulness as practical tools for stronger communication and leadership. Erin describes those same qualities as the traits of both a great improviser and a great human, and that framing shaped this entire conversation. (itserindiehl.com) What made this episode especially timely is that it did not treat AI as the enemy. Instead, it argued that AI is becoming part of the infrastructure of modern media, especially in discovery, distribution, workflow, and scale, while human presence remains the true differentiator. I said during the episode that creators are still in the human media business, and Erin agreed that what continues to work is the authenticity of human experience. That idea matters because audiences are increasingly surrounded by an abundance of content. When everything becomes easier to generate, the value of presence, perspective, vulnerability, and emotional resonance goes up. Erin argued that humanity is not becoming less important in the AI era. It is becoming more important. She pointed to empathy, trust, culture, and connection as qualities that are not going away, even as new technologies reshape jobs, workflows, and media formats. A major theme in this conversation was the role of play in serious work. Erin’s approach is not about being frivolous. It is about using play, improv, and emotional openness to create real breakthroughs in communication. In her workshops, she guides people step by step out of their comfort zones, not to embarrass them but to help them reconnect with spontaneity, attentiveness, and confidence. She explained that many adults lose that natural instinct for play as they grow older, replacing it with judgment, self-doubt, and emotional caution. Her work is designed to reverse some of that pattern and reawaken more authentic human interaction. We also talked about how this translates directly into content creation. Erin shared that her podcast has become more than just a show. It is part of a broader ecosystem that supports her workshops, speaking, community, and business growth. She uses monthly themes to shape her episodes, guest selection, social content, and offers. That strategy helps create consistency, clarity, and a stronger trust pathway between audience attention and business outcomes. It is a smart reminder that a podcast today often works best when it is part of a larger media and relationship-building system. Another valuable part of this episode was Erin’s openness about team building. She made it clear that creating across podcasting, social media, video, live events, and community is difficult to sustain on one’s own. She credited her team with helping manage production, guest coordination, marketing, logistics, sales, and creative execution. That is an important lesson for professional creators and media entrepreneurs. Building a durable media business often means building systems and support around your voice, not trying to do every part of the machine alone. We also dug into mindset, self-expression, and the emotional reality of being a creator today. Erin spoke candidly about doubt, comparison, and the danger of code-switching or muting your true personality to fit an environment. Her advice was direct: find the people, audiences, and teams that allow you to be more fully yourself. In a media environment increasingly shaped by algorithmic incentives and imitation, that may be one of the most important strategic advantages a creator can have. This episode is really about a bigger question facing everyone in podcasting, video, and digital media right now: if AI can help produce and distribute content at scale, what still makes a creator matter? The answer from this conversation is not just better tools or smarter systems. It is humanity. It is the ability to make people feel seen, understood, energized, and connected. That is what creates trust. That is what builds community. And that is what makes a media business more durable over time. Brief Episode Description In New Media Show Episode 654, Rob Greenlee talks with Erin Diehl, founder of improve it! and host of Workday Playdate, about what it takes to build a truly human media business in an AI-driven era. They explore why trust, empathy, emotional intelligence, playfulness, authenticity, and community may become even more valuable as AI expands across media creation and distribution. The conversation also looks at how improv principles can strengthen podcasting, leadership, content strategy, live events, and audience connection. Erin shares how she built her business and shows around human transformation, while Rob frames why creators still need to think of themselves as being in the human media business first. Key Takeaways – Creators are still in the human media business, even as AI becomes more useful for discovery, workflow, and distribution. – Authenticity, empathy, trust, and emotional connection are becoming more valuable as content volume increases. – Improv skills like listening, adaptability, humor, and presence map directly to stronger media creation and leadership. – A podcast works best when it is part of a broader ecosystem that includes community, services, events, and business strategy. – Monthly content themes can help creators build a more focused and sustainable content engine across multiple platforms. – In-person human experiences still have unique power in an increasingly digital media world. – A strong team can be essential for creators trying to build across audio, video, social, and live experiences. – The future of media may depend less on sounding polished and more on being unmistakably human. Relevant Links Host Rob Greenlee https://robgreenlee.com/ (Rob Greenlee) New Media Show https://newmediashow.com/ (New Media Show) Rob Greenlee Live Podcasts https://robgreenlee.com/live-podcasts/ (Rob Greenlee) Rob Greenlee & New Media Show YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@RobGreenlee (Rob Greenlee) Spoken Human Show – YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@spokenhuman (Rob Greenlee) LinkedIn – Rob Greenlee https://www.linkedin.com/in/robgreenlee (Rob Greenlee) Instagram – Rob Greenlee https://www.instagram.com/robwgreenlee (Rob Greenlee) X.com – Rob Greenlee https://x.com/robgreenlee (Rob Greenlee) Adore Podcast Network https://AdoreNetwork.com (Rob Greenlee) Podcast Hall of Fame https://PodcastHall.com (Rob Greenlee) Guest Erin Diehl https://www.itserindiehl.com/meet-erin (itserindiehl.com) improve it! https://www.learntoimproveit.com/ (learntoimproveit.com) Workday Playdate Podcast https://www.learntoimproveit.com/podcast-page (learntoimproveit.com) Workday Playdate on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/workday-playdate/id1508450538 (Apple Podcasts) The post Building a Very Human Media Business | Erin Diehl #654 first appeared on New Media Show.

If you’re trying to figure out how to build a future-proof show in 2026, the answer is not a new platform or a new gimmick. Podcasting is changing expectations. Audiences judge creators like brands, platforms reward shows that behave like programs, and AI is raising the baseline quality while making trust and differentiation harder to earn. On this episode #653 of The New Media Show,  Rob Greenlee (Podcast Hall of Fame Chairperson, 2017 inductee), and am joined by Anika Jackson, founder of Your Brand Amplified and faculty at USC Annenberg, where she teaches podcasting and digital media management. Anika brings a rare educator-operator perspective because she’s building in the real world while shaping how the next generation of creators thinks about content, AI personalities, human clones, business, and audience growth. Listen and follow: https://newmediashow.com/ and https://robgreenlee.com/ Learn more about Anika: https://yourbrandamplified.com/ A big theme in this conversation is that future-proofing is a systems problem, not a motivation problem. Creators are pulled toward audio, video, clips, social, newsletters, community, sponsors, and now AI tools. The ones who win in the long term are the ones who turn chaos and complexity into a repeatable content engine. That starts with a clear show promise, a consistent format, and a realistic publishing rhythm you can sustain. We also dig into AI in podcasting as leverage, not the story. AI can accelerate production tasks, packaging, and distribution, but it cannot replace the point of view. In a world where “good enough” content is easy to generate, the advantage shifts to trust, taste, credibility, and consistency. If you want your show to perform in AI search results and platform recommendations, clarity matters. Tight topic lanes, explicit language that matches what people search for, and a library of episodes that consistently deliver on the promise of your title and description. We touch the platform battlefield too. YouTube continues to shape expectations around search and discovery, while Apple’s renewed push into advanced video podcast delivery, including HLS workflows, signals more competition and more fragmentation. The takeaway is not that everyone must do video, but that show packaging and distribution can’t be stuck in the past. Audio-first can still win, but the strategy has to match modern consumption. Anika also shares what she’s seeing with emerging creators, including more students creating in their own languages and leaning into global communities. With AI-driven translation, transcription, and metadata, multilingual growth is becoming more achievable than ever for creators willing to build for it intentionally. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome and 2026 Theme 01:34 Meet Anika Jackson 04:03 Teaching Podcasting as Business 04:37 Global Languages and AI Skills 06:30 Broadcast to Podcast Shift 10:03 Liquid Content and PESO 12:00 Delphi Clones and Feedback Loops 15:07 AI Influencers and Trust 22:55 Purpose and Human Connection 29:03 IP Copyright and Monetization Models 31:21 LLM Economics and Ethics 34:53 Humans Behind AI Content 35:30 AI Translator Jobs 36:49 Human in the Loop Reality 37:37 AI in Media and Medicine 38:24 YouTube Shifts to Longform 39:34 Creator Teams and Monetization 40:48 Global Access and Digital Divide 42:47 Personal AI Workflows and Search 44:05 Websites SEO and LLM Traffic 46:42 Students Creativity and Careers 51:24 Disclosure and AI Clones 54:28 Labeling Standards and Regulation 59:45 Ads, Agents, and App Ecosystems 01:02:18 Podcast Wrap and Farewell Host****Rob Greenleehttps://robgreenlee.com https://www.youtube.com/@RobGreenlee https://www.youtube.com/@spokenhuman https://www.linkedin.com/in/robgreenlee https://www.instagram.com/robwgreenlee https://x.com/robgreenlee https://AdoreNetwork.com https://PodcastHall.com Guest Anika Jackson: https://yourbrandamplified.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anikajackson Your Brand Amplified (Apple Podcasts): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-brand-amplified/id1543221243 The post How to Build a Future Proof Show in 2026 | Anika Jackson #653 first appeared on New Media Show.

New Media Show #652 with Rob Greenlee and Lauren Shippen On Episode 652 of the New Media Show, host Rob Greenlee shares a screen with Lauren Shippen, Creative Director at Atypical Artists, to tackle a growing tension in creator media around audio fiction, which is thriving as a storytelling format but is being pressure-tested by the industry’s video-first discovery push. Fiction podcasts did not stop working. What changed is how platforms signal value, how audiences discover new shows, and how creators feel forced to look video-ready to compete. The real question for fiction creators in 2026 is not “How do I force my story into video?” It is “How do I protect the magic of audio storytelling while adding the right discovery layers for today’s platforms?” Lauren shares what fiction creators often misunderstand about sustainability, what typically breaks first when the story stalls, and where video helps, hurts, or becomes unrealistic. Rob lays out a practical framework for separating audio as the product from video as the discovery layer, plus realistic tiers of visual strategy that will not turn your show into a second production company. Quick answers for creators What is the episode about A practical conversation about protecting audio fiction storytelling while adapting to video-driven discovery across platforms in 2026. Should fiction podcasts become video podcasts to grow Not automatically. The strategy is to keep audio as the core product and use video selectively as a discovery layer when it improves reach without breaking the production model. What is the biggest mistake fiction creators make Trying to solve growth with promotion before fixing story retention fundamentals like onboarding, pacing, cadence, and season design. How should fiction shows think about video? As budget tiers. Start with lightweight discovery assets and only move toward full narrative adaptation if the economics and workflow support it. Topics we cover – Why fiction creators feel pulled between story-first goals and video-first platform expectations – The top growth inputs fiction creators still control, even when platforms shift – Story architecture that drives retention before promotion pacing, onboarding, cadence, and season design – Video pressure: what is real, what is hype, and what creators should ignore – Audio only vs video for fiction when format helps and when it hurts – Budget tiers for video lightweight discovery assets vs full narrative adaptation – Trailers as conversion assets and how to build a simple start here listener path – Why human recommendations still beat algorithm chasing for story shows Community reality checks what to prove before building Discord or fan spaces – Where AI helps scripted storytelling workflows, and where it can damage authorship and trust – A practical 30-day growth plan for fiction podcasters Chapters: 00:00 Story Versus Screen 01:41 Meet Lauren Shippen 03:22 What Counts As Podcast 06:00 Video As Discovery 08:18 Netflix Podcast Strategy 15:30 Monetization And Paywalls 19:48 Apple Video Feed Tension 22:36 Always On Audio Fiction 27:47 Audience Growth Beyond Podcasts 32:50 AI Slop Versus Art 40:21 Sports Analogy For AI 42:38 Why AI Lacks Heart 43:31 Gaming and Interactive Futures 45:03 If Everyone Can Generate It 47:10 The Internet Shapes AI Adoption 48:45 Podcasting as Human Story 51:14 Blurring Fiction and Truth 54:01 Atypical Artist Slate Tour 57:17 Making Shows Work Economically 01:03:54 Producing and Adapting Workflow 01:06:04 Origin Story Bright Sessions 01:10:21 New Projects and Immersive Marketing 01:14:14 Serial Model and Journalism Worries 01:15:38 Fiction Podcast Evolution 01:17:22 Wrap Up and Next Episode Tease Featured projects mentioned The Bright Sessions Rebel Robin 2000 and Late Breaker Whiskey Resource Links: Host: Rob Greenlee [https://robgreenlee.com] The New Media Show [https://newmediashow.com/] Adore Network [https://AdoreNetwork.com] Podcast Hall of Fame [https://PodcastHall.com] Rob on YouTube [https://YouTube.com/@RobGreenlee] Rob on LinkedIn [https://LinkedIn.com/in/robgreenlee] Guest: Lauren Shippen [https://www.laurenshippen.com/] Atypical Artists [https://www.atypicalartists.co/] Book Rob Calendly [https://calendly.com/robgreenlee] The post Can Fiction Story Podcasts Survive Video Push | Lauren Shippen #652 first appeared on New Media Show.

On Weds, February 18th Live Episode #651 of the New Media Show, Rob Greenlee, Host, 2017 Podcast Hall of Famer and CEO of Trust Factor Lab at https://RobGreenlee.com, and James Cridland, Editor, https://Podnews.net and 2026 Podcast Hall of Famer discuss Apple’s announcement of a new and improved video podcast experience in the Apple Podcasts app and what it changes technically and strategically heading into 2026. They explain how video was previously active in Apple Podcasts but was hidden and poorly presented in the iOS apps, and how this new updated experience makes video playback front and center, with a “turn video off” option that keeps the audio track playing. The episode breaks down Apple’s preferred move to HLS-based on-demand video delivery (via a separate, proprietary API HLS video streaming pass-through submission from approved hosting partners) while still supporting legacy MP4 video via RSS. They cover HLS basics (chunked delivery, adaptive quality, reduced bandwidth, and hosting costs), improved seeking/scrubbing versus progressive MP4 playback, and new measurement implications (better insight into drop-off and ad viewing). A major focus is monetization: Apple plans to enable dynamic ad insertion for HLS video and charge a per-impression fee, positioning Apple to take revenue without operating an ad business. The conversation notes early launch partners (Acast, Art19, Omny Studio, Simplecast), questions about specs and rollout timing (an app update is likely by the end of March; dynamic ad features later in the year), and the risk of platform fragmentation as distribution shifts from open RSS to proprietary APIs. James and Rob discuss alternate enclosures (Podcasting 2.0) as an open path to wider app support, reference iHeart’s stated support for video via RSS alternate enclosures, and highlight creator concerns about losing separate audio edits when video replaces the audio feed during playback. They also touch on device support (not initially on Apple TV; CarPlay doesn’t show video; Vision Pro support) and briefly discuss future RSS innovation ideas like comments, payments, transcripts, and location tags, plus a short note on upcoming podcast events (Podcast Show London, Podcast Movement New York, Podcast Movement at SXSW). Chapter Topics: 00:00 Welcome + Why Apple’s Video Podcast Update Matters 01:31 Apple Brings Video Front-and-Center (and Why Now) 06:00 The New Playback Experience: Full-Screen Video & One Feed 10:49 How Apple’s HLS Video Works (and Why It’s Better) 11:36 The Money Shift: Dynamic Video Ads & Apple’s Per-Impression Fee 17:59 Rollout Timeline, Unknown Specs, and Early Partner Shows 23:54 Partners, Two Ingestion Paths, and the RSS vs HLS Debate 34:47 Hands-On Demo: Video Icons, Turn Video Off, and MP4 vs HLS 39:47 Bandwidth, Scrubbing, and What HLS Enables for Measurement 44:16 Quality/Resolution Questions + Missing Apple TV (for Now) 46:26 CarPlay & Vision Pro: Where Apple Podcasts Video Actually Plays 47:09 Will HLS Replace MP3 for Audio? Monetization, Costs, and Reality Check 49:51 Apple vs Spotify: Open Hosting, Dynamic Ads, and Why This Helps Creators 52:30 Audio Isn’t ‘Video Without Pictures’: Why Separate Edits Matter 55:21 Will It Work With Spotify for Creators? Partners, Megaphone, and Pressure 01:00:02 How HLS Interstitials Work: Client-Side Ad Breaks and Spec Unknowns 01:07:48 Keeping RSS Relevant: Alternate Enclosures, Comments, Payments, and New Tags 01:13:48 Local Podcasting & Specialized Apps: Location Tag, TuneIn, and the Future 01:20:20 Wrap-Up: Conferences, Cold Weather, and Final Goodbyes What you will learn in this episode – How Apple’s HLS video differs from RSS MP4 enclosures in real-world creator workflows – Why HLS segment-based delivery enables adaptive streaming and modern video ad insertion – What Apple’s limited launch partner list means for hosting competition and creator choice (Podnews) – https://podnews.net/article/video-apple-podcasts-details – How Apple Podcasts Connect API keys work, and what they do and do not grant to hosting providers – https://podcasters.apple.com/support/5593-how-to-publish-video – How creators should decide between RSS video, Apple HLS video, and other platform video strategies in 2026 – https://www.theverge.com/tech/879749/apple-podcasts-video-swap-hls-live-streaming Links for show notes Watch live or On Demand https://newmediashow.com Apple announcement https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/02/apple-introduces-a-new-video-podcast-experience-on-apple-podcasts/ Apple creator documentation https://podcasters.apple.com/video-apple-podcasts  https://podcasters.apple.com/support/5593-how-to-publish-video https://podcasters.apple.com/support/3684-video-podcasts Podnews analysis https://podnews.net/article/video-apple-podcasts-details  https://podnews.net/update/apple-podcasts-hero  Guest James Cridland, Editor, https://Podnews.net https://james.cridland.net/biography/ Host Rob Greenlee, 2017 Podcast Hall of Fame Inductee https://robgreenlee.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/robgreenlee https://www.youtube.com/@RobGreenlee https://x.com/robgreenlee https://PodcastHall.com The post Apple’s New Video Podcast Deep Dive | James Cridland #651 first appeared on New Media Show.

AI-generated podcast hosts and shows are rapidly changing podcasting, video podcasting, and the creator economy across all distribution platforms, including AI LLMs. In this episode of The New Media Show Live #650 from Feb 4th, 2026, Host Rob Greenlee, CEO/Founder of Trust Factor Lab, explores how AI-generated podcasts affect people, trust, and the future of media with Jeanine Wright, Co-Founder and CEO of Inception Point AI. Jeanine Wright will help us better understand what Inception Point AI is building and why AI-generated personalities are different from human-created podcasts and AI-assisted editing tools. This conversation is designed to help podcasters, creators, media executives, and advertisers understand AI-generated podcast content without fear. It will be a clear, accurate discussion about how synthetic hosts work, how audiences respond emotionally, and what the next 12 to 24 months may look like as AI improves. As humans seem to be rejecting AI-generated content, its human consumption is growing and quality is rapidly improving. Key topics covered in this 60-minute conversation -AI-generated podcast hosts and synthetic media explained in plain language -How AI personalities are created using story plus technology -How listeners build trust and emotional attachment with AI voices -Disclosure and transparency for AI-generated content -Authenticity and credibility in AI-created podcasts versus human-created podcasts -Ethics, consent, voice, likeness, and IP issues in synthetic media -Brand safety, advertising readiness, and monetization for AI-hosted shows -Platform discovery and distribution when AI content volume explodes -What human creators should do now to stay differentiated and future-proof? -Practical strategies for building trust and growth in 2026 and beyond Who this episode is for -Podcast creators and video creators -Media companies, podcast networks, and platform teams -Advertisers and brand safety leaders -Listeners curious about AI-generated content and the future of podcasting Watch live at YouTube.com/@RobGreenlee and join the conversation Watch On-Demand/Podcast Audio and Video Versions at https://newmediashow.com Guest****Jeanine Wright, Inception Point AIhttps://www.inceptionpoint.ai Host****Rob Greenleehttps://robgreenlee.com https://www.youtube.com/@RobGreenlee https://www.youtube.com/@spokenhuman https://www.linkedin.com/in/robgreenlee https://www.instagram.com/robwgreenlee https://x.com/robgreenlee https://AdoreNetwork.com https://PodcastHall.com 00:00 Introduction to the New Media Show 00:55 Guest Introduction: Janine Wright 01:42 Addressing AI Controversies 05:18 AI’s Impact on Jobs and Content Quality 13:36 Exploring AI-Generated Content 14:41 AI Personalities and Content Creation 22:42 Future of AI in Content Creation 31:32 Transparency and Ethical Considerations 43:25 Human Creators in an AI-Driven World 46:40 Exploring Swap Farms and Bot Traffic 47:28 The Evolution of Podcast Quality 50:45 AI in Video Content Creation 52:20 Digital Clones and Ethical Considerations 56:50 AI Personalities and Content Creation 01:04:19 The Future of AI in Podcasting 01:23:09 Advertiser Reactions and Industry Impact 01:25:43 Final Thoughts and Future Conversations The post How AI-Created Podcasts Impacting Humans? | Jeanine Wright #650 first appeared on New Media Show.

This week in episode 649 of the New Media Show, Rob Greenlee is joined by Jordan Harbinger to unpack the question creators ask nonstop in 2026: What actually grows a podcast or show (and what doesn’t)? – Jordan’s core answer is refreshingly “boring,” but real: long-term consistency, and realistic expectations about how long monetization can take—even for shows that eventually become huge. From there, the conversation expands into the bigger shift happening right now: – Audio podcasts increasingly competing (and collaborating) with video ecosystems especially YouTube where the “rules” and algorithmic expectations are fundamentally different from audio distribution. They also dig into platform strategy and brand-fit tension like whether “talk show” style content truly belongs on Netflix, and why creators may face tough tradeoffs when platforms want exclusivity that can limit reach elsewhere. After Jordan wraps and leaves the show, Rob closes with a rapid-fire, ranked set of growth plays emphasizing that none are magic bullets, but together they form a practical menu you can test based on your format and audience: – Short-form clips (done well) to reach different audiences while recognizing shorts viewers don’t always convert to long-form listeners/viewers. – Guest/social amplification that’s genuinely value-add (not generic promo spam). – Niche community, value-first posting built around knowing exactly who your show serves. – Owned audience via email/newsletter + even a WhatsApp group concept. – AI clip volume + testing (alternate cuts, tighter versions, experimentation). – Structured cross-promos / feed drops with comparable shows and fair “impressions”-style thinking. – Video distribution expansion including Spotify video (if Spotify makes changes) as another potential growth surface—and the emerging “start audio, finish video” behavior across devices. Guest: Jordan Harbinger Website: https://www.jordanharbinger.com Podcast: https://www.jordanharbinger.com/podcast/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JordanHarbinger Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordanharbinger/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanharbinger X: https://x.com/jordanharbinger Host: Rob Greenlee and New Media Show Links Rob Greenlee Website – https://robgreenlee.com/ New Media Show (Audio & Video) – https://newmediashow.com/ New Media Show Audio (Apple Podcasts) – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/new-media-show-audio/id392545649 Rob Greenlee on YouTube – https://youtube.com/@RobGreenlee Podfest Expo – https://podfestexpo.com – https://podcasthall.com The post What Actually Grows a Podcast or Show Now? | Jordan Harbinger #649 first appeared on New Media Show.

The New Media Show #648 Live On-Stage at Podfest Expo (Jan 16, 2026) Where Audio, Video, and AI Flow Together Recorded live on stage at Podfest Expo in Orlando,  Rob Greenlee is joined by three of the smartest voices shaping where podcasting is headed right now: James Cridland (Podnews), Rox Codes (Flightcast), and Philip Nelson (Nelco Media). This episode tackles the collision of audio RSS, platform-native video, and AI-powered creator workflows and why the podcast conversation in 2026 is less about labels and more about content that works everywhere. What we cover: -Audio podcasting vs video podcasting and what audiences actually want -Why content first matters more than format wars -The roots of video in early podcasting and why it feels full circle again -Fragmented audiences across YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Shorts -Practical creator strategy packaging, titles, thumbnails, retention, and workflow systems that scale Guests and Links: James Cridland Podnews – https://podnews.net/ Podnews Weekly Review – https://weekly.podnews.net/ Rox Codes Flightcast – https://flightcast.com/ Rox Codes – https://rox.codes/ Philip Nelson Nelco Media – https://nelco.media/ Philip Nelson – https://nelco.media/about/ Rob Greenlee and New Media Show Links Rob Greenlee Website – https://robgreenlee.com/ New Media Show (Audio & Video) – https://newmediashow.com/ New Media Show Audio (Apple Podcasts) – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/new-media-show-audio/id392545649 Rob Greenlee on YouTube – https://youtube.com/@RobGreenlee Podfest Expo – https://podfestexpo.com – https://podcasthall.com The post Where Audio, Video, and AI Flow Together | Podfest Panel #648 first appeared on New Media Show.

In this new episode from a LIVE Jan 7th, 2026 New Media Show, Host RobGreenlee.com is joined by Dave Jackson (School of Podcasting and co-host of Ask the Podcast Coach) to unpack why the current shift toward video and AI feels like an earthquake inside podcasting, while the YouTube creator world treats it like a normal day. We dig into how creators are now forced to play two games at once: the RSS subscription game and the algorithm discovery game especially for video, and why the definition debates did not matter as much as audience behavior. Rob and Dave also get practical about what breaks and what endures, including growing frustration with heavy ad loads and pre-roll stacking, the realities of programmatic monetization, and why the first thing a listener should hear is you. We cover where video delivery and monetization are heading (including HLS and video ad insertion), why “watch something” still defaults to YouTube for most people, and what Apple Podcasts would need to change if it ever wanted to truly reprioritize RSS-based video podcasting again. Plus, a look at what live content signals in an AI-accelerated era, including the idea of live as proof of life and real-time audience feedback. Rob also shares reminders about Podfest Expo (Jan 14–18 in Orlando) and the upcoming 2026 Podcast Hall of Fame activity on Jan 16th, 2026 (PodcastHall.com). Topics Covered: – Video becoming default across platforms – AI accelerating the creator loop and increasing pressure to optimize for algorithms – RSS portability, ownership, and the growing discovery gap – Programmatic ads, pre-roll backlash, and audience ad tolerance – HLS, video ad insertion, and why the ad infrastructure is pushing streaming delivery – Apple Podcasts video discoverability problems and what would need to change – Netflix exclusivity lessons after the Spotify era of exclusives – Live as proof of life in a world flooding with synthetic content Hosts Links New Media Show: https://newmediashow.com/ Rob Greenlee: https://robgreenlee.com/ Rob on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RobGreenlee Rob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robgreenlee Rob on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robwgreenlee/ Podcast Hall of Fame: https://podcasthall.com/ Podfest Expo: https://podfestexpo.com/ Dave Jackson, School of Podcasting: https://schoolofpodcasting.com/ Ask the Podcast Coach (Live Saturdays): https://askthepodcastcoach.com/ The post Shocking Change: Video, AI, and RSS Podcasting | Dave Jackson #646 first appeared on New Media Show.

This week (December 17th, 2025) on episode #645 of The New Media Show with Rob Greenlee host is joined by longtime podcasting pioneer and returning guest co-host Cliff Ravenscraft, the Podcast Answer Man, for a wide-ranging and timely conversation about where podcasting has been and where it’s heading next. The episode opens with a reflection on the long-running industry debate around the definition of a podcast and why that question has resurfaced so often over the last few years. Rob and Cliff explore how audience behavior has quietly moved ahead of industry debates, shifting consumption toward a mix of audio, video, livestreams, and platforms like YouTube, often without waiting for permission or consensus. Cliff shares the full story behind his return to the Podcast Answer Man brand after stepping away years ago, including why he left, what he focused on during his time away, and what changes in the podcasting and creator landscape made this the right moment to come back. He reflects on two decades in podcasting, helping tens of thousands of creators launch shows, and why many creators today feel overwhelmed by conflicting advice around video, algorithms, and monetization. Rob introduces the concept of podcasting’s evolving eras, beginning with the often-forgotten “Zero Era” where audio and video podcasting coexisted early on, followed by the MeUndies era, the experimentation and acquisition boom, and the more recent identity-crisis phase defined by the question “What is a podcast?” Together, Rob and Cliff discuss why the industry may now be entering what’s being called the Liquid Content Era, where shows are no longer confined to a single format and content flows across feeds, platforms, and experiences. The conversation digs into the tension between creator intent and audience convenience, the role of RSS in a changing ecosystem, and the risks of letting algorithms dictate creative decisions. Cliff offers a counterbalance to the pressure many creators feel to be everywhere at once, emphasizing that audio-only podcasting can still succeed when aligned with clear goals, sustainable workflows, and meaningful audience relationships. The episode also explores production quality, evolving audio standards, video integration challenges, international podcast growth, and why podcasting remains a powerful global medium despite constant claims that it’s “over” or “dead.” This episode is both a reality check and a recalibration, encouraging creators to stop defending definitions, focus on serving audiences, and choose formats intentionally rather than reactively. Join the conversation in comments, and be part of the discussion about what podcasting really means now and what it can become next. Rob Greenlee Rob Greenlee Website https://RobGreenlee.com New Media Show for Audio and Video RSS feeds https://NewMediaShow.com Adore Podcast Network https://AdoreNetwork.com Adore Creator Community on Skool https://Skool.com/AdoreNetwork Podcast Hall of Fame https://PodcastHall.com https://YouTube.com/@OfficialPodcastHallofFame The Pro Creator Playbook with Rob Greenlee Audio podcast https://www.adorenetwork.com/show/pro-creator-playbook-audio/ Video show https://www.adorenetwork.com/show/pro-creator-playbook-video/ Spoken Life Show https://www.adorenetwork.com/show/spoken-life-show/ Spoken Human show on YouTube https://YouTube.com/@spokenhuman Rob Greenlee YouTube channel https://YouTube.com/@RobGreenlee Cliff Ravenscraft https://CliffRavenscraft.com https://PodcastAnswerMan.com The post What’s a Podcast Era Is Over – Welcome Liquid Content Era #645 first appeared on New Media Show.

In the December 10th, 2025 Live episode of The New Media Show, host Rob Greenlee welcomes Mike Dell, VP at Blubrry Podcasting, as guest co-host for a grounded, practical conversation about what keeps a podcast growing long after the initial excitement fades. The episode opens with a sincere reflection on Todd’s passing and the lasting impact he had on the community, along with the intention to honor his legacy in the months ahead. From there, Rob and Mike move into the core topic: why many podcasts and live shows start strong, then stall. They unpack how a lack of clarity and consistency often shows up as drifting topics, uneven pacing, and episodes that feel improvised in a way that does not serve the listener. Their argument is simple: sustainable shows are built, not stumbled into. Structure does not mean sounding scripted or robotic. It means defining a format your audience can recognize, returning to it reliably, and creating a repeatable experience that keeps people coming back. They also talk about how modern media habits are reshaping expectations. With short form video and endless scroll everywhere, audiences decide quickly whether to stay. Rob and Mike stress the importance of a strong opening, clear positioning, and content that delivers on what the title promises. They discuss video as part of the current landscape, but keep the focus on fundamentals like audio quality, intentional production choices, and making platform decisions that do not compromise the listener experience. Mike pulls in lessons from his own shows, including what he has learned from hyperlocal and niche content, and how community relevance can drive engagement in ways that surprise creators. The conversation highlights practical ways to increase interaction, including live chat, polls, and Q and A segments, not as gimmicks, but as tools to build a real sense of participation and belonging. They also touch on workflow improvements, handling technical issues gracefully, simplifying video production, and using on screen titles and lower thirds so viewers can easily follow along. By the end, the episode becomes a clear playbook for leveling up: know what your show is trying to achieve, design a format that supports that goal, respect attention early, keep the quality bar consistent, and build community in a way that invites people in instead of pushing them away. Rob Greenlee Rob Greenlee Website https://RobGreenlee.com New Media Show for Audio and Video RSS feeds https://NewMediaShow.com Adore Podcast Network https://AdoreNetwork.com Adore Creator Community on Skool https://Skool.com/AdoreNetwork Podcast Hall of Fame https://PodcastHall.com https://YouTube.com/@OfficialPodcastHallofFame The Pro Creator Playbook with Rob Greenlee Audio podcast https://www.adorenetwork.com/show/pro-creator-playbook-audio/ Video show https://www.adorenetwork.com/show/pro-creator-playbook-video/ Spoken Life Show https://www.adorenetwork.com/show/spoken-life-show/ Spoken Human show on YouTube https://YouTube.com/@spokenhuman Rob Greenlee YouTube channel https://YouTube.com/@RobGreenlee Mike Dell Blubrry Podcasting https://blubrry.com https://MikeDell.com Audio Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:00 Reflecting on Podcasting Changes 01:25 The Importance of Podcast Structure 03:19 Balancing Planning and Spontaneity 04:58 Engaging the Audience 08:08 Navigating Algorithms and Goals 18:54 Hyperlocal and Niche Podcasting 34:26 Live Shows and Audience Interaction 42:34 Improving Podcasting Skills 43:03 Maintaining Authenticity in Production 43:32 Handling Technical Glitches 44:33 Simplifying Video Production 44:46 Using Streaming Platforms Effectively 48:52 Importance of Lower Thirds and Titles 50:12 Editing and Post-Production Tips 56:59 Building a Community 01:01:02 Engaging with Your Audience 01:07:51 Q&A Session 01:12:46 Final Thoughts and Announcements The post Making a Pro Level Live or Recorded Show – New Media Show #644 first appeared on New Media Show.

On this special final New Media Show tribute episode, we honor the life and legacy of Todd Cochrane, podcasting pioneer, podcast hall of famer, founder of Blubrry and RawVoice, host of Geek News Central podcast, author of one of the first podcasting books, and co-host on The New Media Show for 13 years. Todd’s influence … Continue reading Remembering Todd Cochrane Podcast Hall of Famer and Blubrry CEO

The episode titled “Bryan Barletta of Podcast Movement: What’s Next for the Show?” features hosts Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee, who welcome guest Bryan Barletta. The episode begins with Todd introducing Bryan and discussing the recent happenings at Podcast Movement following the event. Bryan expresses gratitude for Todd and Rob’s previous discussions about Podcast Movement … Continue reading Bryan Barletta of Podcast Movement: What’s Next for the Show?

In this episode titled “Podcast Movement Recap and Insights,” hosts Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee discuss their experiences and observations from the recent Podcast Movement conference held in Dallas. Todd has also posted a piece on Linkedin that has garnered nearly 8000 views. Todd kicks off the conversation by expressing gratitude for the listeners. Rob … Continue reading Podcast Movement Recap and Insights #641 → The post Podcast Movement Recap and Insights #641 appeared first on New Media Show.