PODCAST · education
Pod Savvy Guide
by Steph Shoell
This show is for the gals who want to DIY their podcast. Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve already published dozens of episodes and want a simpler way to keep going, you’re in the right place. I’m Steph your Pod Savvy Guide. I’ve published over 1,000 episodes, and podcasting is my full-time job as a professional podcast producer. Every Saturday, I share the systems, strategies, and challenges I actually use so you can spend less time on the admin tasks of podcasting and more time behind the mic creating conversations that matter.
Episodes
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66% of Listeners Would Dump Their Favorite Show for This One Reason
What if the voice that got you through your hardest season wasn't real? According to a new Edison Research survey, 66% of weekly podcast listeners say they'd turn a show off right away if they found out the host had been replaced by AI, and many said they'd feel upset or even betrayed. In this…
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Your Podcast Guest Doesn’t Owe You Their Audience
What happens when you book a guest with a big audience, publish the episode, and then... crickets? In this episode, I’m sharing the podcasting lesson I learned the hard way: your guest doesn’t owe you their audience. Unless sharing the episode was part of an agreement, you can’t expect a guest to...
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Do You Really Need a Video Podcast?
Podcasting is starting to look a lot like a full-on TV show. But does your podcast actually need to become one? Video podcasts are everywhere, and there are real benefits to getting your show on camera. But video also means lighting, backgrounds, editing, clips, and a whole new list of tasks that...
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AI Should Remove Friction, Not Your Personality
What if AI is making your podcast easier but also making it sound less like you? I use AI constantly for podcasting, from researching guests and brainstorming questions to writing show notes and automating the little tasks I don’t want on my plate. But there’s a line between using AI to remove...
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Your Podcast Analytics Might Be Lying to You
400 views on one platform and 60 plays on another which episode actually performed better? You might be comparing two completely different things. Spotify, Apple, YouTube, and your podcast host all give you analytics, but those numbers don’t necessarily measure the same behavior. A play, view,...
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Your Podcast Can Evolve as You Do
Your first podcast idea doesn’t have to be your forever podcast. Some of the biggest shows have changed their topics, names, and formats as their hosts’ lives and interests evolved. You don’t need to know what you’ll want to talk about five or ten years from now—you just need something you’re...
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The Secret to Better Interviews? Shut Up.
What if one of the biggest mistakes podcasters make is talking too much? As podcast hosts, we're often told to be engaging, energetic, and great conversationalists. But the skills that make someone fun at a dinner party don't always make them a great interviewer. In this article, I explore why...
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Bored With Your Podcast? That Might Be a Good Thing
What if being bored with your podcast doesn’t mean something’s wrong? In this episode, I’m talking about the seasons when hitting record just feels…normal and why that might actually mean you’ve gotten really good at podcasting. We’ll talk about losing the nerves, finding new challenges, and why...
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When Is It Time for a Second Podcast?
Thinking about starting a second podcast but worried it's too soon? Most podcast advice says you should wait until you've been consistent for years before launching another show. Steph disagrees.In this episode of Pod Savvy Guide, Steph shares why she started her second podcast less than a month...
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5 Tiny Habits That Make Podcasting Easier
What if successful podcasters aren't more motivated they just have better habits? After producing more than 1,000 podcast episodes, Steph has learned that consistency isn't built on willpower. It's built on simple systems and tiny habits that make showing up easier, even on the days you don't…
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Why Most Podcasters Quit (And How to Make Sure You Don't)
hat if the biggest threat to your podcast isn't bad audio... but simply giving up? In this honest solo episode, Steph shares what's happening behind the scenes as she navigates a season of struggling to book guests, losing momentum, and fighting the temptation to wonder, "Is this even worth it?"…
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Lisa Zawrotny | The Productivity Expert's Podcast Workflow
What if the thing keeping you from starting a podcast isn't a lack of talent, but simply a voice in your head asking, "Who would want to listen to me?" In this episode of Pod Savvy Guide, Steph sits down with productivity expert and Positively Living® Podcast host Lisa Zawrotny, who has recorded...
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Dave Campbell | One Listener Can Change Everything
What does it really take to publish more than 2,200 podcast episodes while working a full-time job, raising a family, and hosting nine different shows? In this episode, Steph sits down with podcasting educator Dave Campbell, host of How to Podcast and founder of True Media Solutions, to uncover…
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I Stopped Podcasting for 2.5 Months...Here's What Happened
Have you ever wondered if taking a break from your podcast would hurt your momentum or actually help it? After producing more than 1,000 podcast episodes, I stepped away from podcasting for about two and a half months. During that time, I focused on creating courses, took a break from social…
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Taking a Break...Back May 30th
In this episode of Pod Savvy Guide, Steph shares why she’s pressing pause on most of her podcasts for the next two months. After running five shows while also working full time, she realized she was starting to feel burnt out and needed time to reset. Instead of trying to keep everything going,...
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The Biggest Takeaways from Alex Cooper on The Burnouts
How does a podcaster turn a single show into a media empire? In this episode of Pod Savvy Guide, Steph breaks down insights from an interview with Alex Cooper, host of Call Her Daddy and founder of the Unwell Network, on the The Burnouts podcast. Steph explores Cooper’s journey from editing her…
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Markell Horner Starting a Podcasting Without Being “Tech-Savvy”
What if the only thing standing between you and your podcast is the belief that you’re “not tech-savvy enough”? In this episode of Pod Savvy Guide, Steph talks with Markell Horner, host of Our Stressless Home, about what it really looked like to go from feeling intimidated by technology to...
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Are Podcasts Dying?
Have you noticed that a lot of podcasts seem to be ending lately? Several shows that many listeners loved including The Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher, Podcrushed, Out of the Pods, WTF with Marc Maron, Celebrity Memoir Book Club, and KFC Radio have recently wrapped up, which raises the...
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Why Pepsi Brought Their Super Bowl Ad to Theo Von’s Podcast
Have you noticed a shift in marketing lately? Brands still spend millions on big events like the Super Bowl, but now they’re doing something interesting afterward. Instead of letting the commercial be the end of the story, they’re bringing those moments onto podcasts to keep the conversation…
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18 Podcast Tools I Use as a Full-Time Podcast Producer
This Saturday’s episode is a cozy, audio-only reminder that done is better than perfect. It was cold outside, I didn’t want to do my hair, and instead of forcing video, I hit record anyway and leaned into the beauty of audio podcasting. I’m Steph, your Pod Savvy Guide, and for work I’m a podcast...
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How I Promote One Podcast Episode Everywhere in 15 Minutes
If podcast promotion feels overwhelming, this episode is for you. In this walkthrough, Pod Savvy Guide Steph breaks down her exact system for taking one podcast video file and turning it into content for Spotify, YouTube Shorts, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and LinkedIn without spending hours on...
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Podcast Housekeeping: 10 Things to Update at the Start of the Year
With the new year here, it’s time for a little podcast housekeeping. In this episode, Pod Savvy Guide Steph walks you through the 10 things she personally reviews every January to make sure her podcasts are updated, organized, and ready for the year ahead. From refreshing your series description...
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1,000 Episodes Later: Why I Never Gave Up on Podcasting
This is my 1,000th podcast episode and it still feels surreal to say that out loud. I didn’t start podcasting with a goal, a strategy, or a plan to turn it into a career. I started because, in 2016, listening to podcasts just to get through my days while working on a remote island in Alaska. In...
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Lets Talk About Fear!
Fear shows up in podcasting in sneaky ways not as “I’m scared,” but as “I don’t have time,” “I don’t know what to say,” or “I’ll start later.” In this episode of Pod Savvy Guide, Steph gets real about the fears that stop people from hitting record, from worrying about how you sound or look, to...
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5 Predictions for Podcasting in 2026
It’s 10:46 p.m., the phone battery is dead, the video didn’t save, and the pressure to be on camera suddenly feels exhausting which leads to the five predictions Steph shares in this episode of Pod Savvy Guide about podcasting in 2026. She breaks down why audio-only podcasts are still incredibly...
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Netflix’s Podcast Moves: Spotify Deals, Barstool Sports, and What It Means for Podcasters
Netflix just made a massive move into podcasting and it’s a signal every creator should be paying attention to. In this episode of Pod Savvy Guide, Steph breaks down Netflix’s new partnerships with Spotify and Barstool Sports, what it means for video podcasts coming to the platform in 2026, and…
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Women Love Podcasts... So Why Aren’t More Gals Hitting Record?
Women love podcasts they listen, share episodes, and talk about them with their friends but far fewer are actually hitting record. In this episode of Pod Savvy Guide, Steph breaks down the real gap between women who consume podcasts and women who create them, pulling from industry research and…
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Golden Globes Best Podcast 2026 Nominations
In this episode of PodSavvy Guide, Steph discusses the inaugural Golden Globe podcast awards, highlighting the six nominees and the 25 eligible podcasts. She explores the diversity of podcasting styles, from celebrity-driven to niche and educational content, and emphasizes the impact of…
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My Latest Podcasting Mistake (And What It Taught Me)
Ever tried to “level up” your podcast… and accidentally broke what was working? In this solo episode your Pod Savvy Guide, Steph Shoell gets real about a recent podcasting mistake that led to overwhelm, guilt, and a backlog of unpublished episodes. After completing 100 podcasts in 100 days, she...
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5 Ways to Be a Better Podcast Host
In this episode, Steph kicks things off with a simple but powerful truth every host should know: before you ever ask your first question, your guest is already picking up on your tone, your enthusiasm, and even if you’re frazzled or running late. Steph shares her own experience being nervous as a...
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The TikTok & iHeartMedia Podcast Deal
Something interesting is happening in the podcasting and creator space, and it’s worth paying attention to. In this episode of Pod Savvy Guide, Steph walks through the new partnership between TikTok and iHeartMedia and what it actually includes, from video-ready podcast studios for creators to…
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How Podcasting Made Me Feel Less Lonely
Even when we’re talking to people, are we actually connecting Or are we distracted, scrolling, or talking about everyone else, pop culture, or surface-level things that don’t really matter? It’s your Pod Savvy Guide, Steph, and that’s why I love podcasting so much because it’s different than a...
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Melanie Whittaker | Show Up As You: PR, Threads, and Audience Growth
Feeling pulled in a million “shoulds”? In this refreshingly real conversation, PR & marketing pro Melanie Whittaker (joining us from Spain) talks about ditching comparison, showing up as your full self, and building an audience that actually cares. We unpack why personality beats polish, how to...
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Michelle Pippin | Three Old-School Ways to Grow Your Podcast
If you’ve ever wondered how to get more people listening to your podcast without dancing for the algorithm, this episode is for you. Steph sits down with Michelle Pippin, a business strategist who’s been featured on Good Morning America Weekend and Forbes.com, to talk about three old-school…
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Riverside.fm Updates: Direct-to-YouTube, Google’s AI B-Roll, and Co-Creator Tools
In this episode of Pod Savvy Guide, Steph shares a deep dive into the latest major updates with Riverside.fm from publishing videos directly to YouTube, to using Google’s VO3-powered AI B-roll generation, to the upgraded Co-Creator editing tool that trims clips, adds titles and transitions...
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Get Your Audience Talking: Add Voice Messages with Telbee
In this episode of Pod Savvy Guide, Steph walks you step-by-step through how to add audio messages to your podcast the perfect way to let your listeners share stories, questions, or advice right from your website or social media. Steph tests out a free tool called Telbee, showing how easy it is…
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I Did It: 100 Podcasts in 100 Days
It’s the 100th day of my 100 podcasts in 100 days challenge, and this marks the 100th episode of Pod Savvy Guide. In this milestone episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what it really took to get here. Last fall, I finished with 60 episodes in 100 days and thought that was a huge...
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Inception Point AI and the Rise of Non-Human Hosts
In this episode of Pod Savvy Guide, Steph dives into the wild rise of Inception Point AI, a startup aiming to flood the podcasting world with over 5,000 AI-generated shows and 3,000 episodes a week. These programs don’t just use AI tools they feature fully artificial hosts, voices, and scripts...
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YouTube’s AI & Live Updates Every Podcaster Should Know
YouTube just dropped its biggest updates yet, blending AI tools with powerful live streaming features and podcasters should pay attention. From automatic highlight reels and dual-format streaming to AI editing, brainstorming assistants, and even likeness detection, these changes are designed to...
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New Heights Joins Prime Video
Amazon just dropped a surprise move Travis and Jason Kelce’s New Heights podcast is now streaming on Prime Video. But here’s the twist: Prime Video doesn’t even have a “podcast” category. Instead, they’ve quietly added New Heights, Mind the Game with LeBron James, and Baby, This Is Kiki with Keke...
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Hulu & Disney+ Bring TV Shows to Life with Podcasts
Hulu and Disney+ are officially in the podcasting game and they’re doing it with style. From Dancing with the Stars to Only Murders in the Building, streaming platforms are rolling out companion podcasts that feel like a backstage pass. Fans get exclusive interviews with cast members, crew, and...
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Suzanne Preston | Overcoming Self-Doubt to Launch Her Podcast
If you're hesitating to start your podcast, this episode is for you. Join Steph as she chats with Suzanne Preston from 'Keeping It Real with Suzanne' about her journey from hesitation to launching her own podcast. Discover how Suzanne overcame imposter syndrome, embraced her passion for...
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PodMatch Part 2 | Get Booked as a Guest on Podcasts
Are you wanting to get booked on a bunch of podcasts? Well, your Pod Savvy Guide, Steph, is here to guide you through the process! In this episode, learn how to set up a compelling guest profile on PodMatch, a tool designed to connect you with podcast hosts eager to feature your voice. Discover…
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PodMatch Part 1 | How to Book Guests
Ever felt the pressure of keeping your podcast schedule full? Steph your Pod Savvy Guide is here to tackle one of the toughest challenges in podcasting booking guests. Discover how PodMatch, an innovative tool, can revolutionize your guest booking process by connecting you with the perfect guests...
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Pod Five: Launch Your Podcast in 5 Days
Join Steph, your pod savvy guide, as she introduces her newly revamped course, "Pod Five," designed to help aspiring podcasters create five solo episodes in just five days. Discover how this course breaks down the podcasting process into manageable, bite-sized chunks, removing the guesswork and...
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Revitalize Your Podcast: 3 Tips for Seasoned Creator
For podcasters who have already released 25 or more episodes, keeping the excitement alive can be a challenge. Join Steph as she reveals how to reignite your passion by inviting guests who push your boundaries and bring fresh perspectives. Learn the benefits of involving family and friends to add...
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Breaking Down Amy Poehler’s Hit Podcast Good Hang
In this episode of Pod Savvy Guide, I do a quick drive-home case study on Amy Poehler’s podcast Good Hang, which launched in March and quickly climbed into the top 10 charts. What makes it so compelling is Amy’s ability to highlight her guests with humor and curiosity rather than keeping the...
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Netflix Experiments with Live Podcasts
Netflix is stepping into podcasting in a big way Kill Tony: Mayhem at Madison Square Garden, a recorded live podcast filmed at Madison Square Garden. In this short drive-home voice memo, I share my unfiltered reaction after pressing play on the special. The setup was huge: a live band, stage...
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Solo Ep Part 5 | Lessons Learned the Hard Way
Description: In this episode of PodSavvy Guide, Steph shares a deeply personal story about a financial mistake that taught her invaluable life lessons. From co-signing a car lease to navigating the aftermath, Steph opens up about the challenges and growth that came from this experience. Tune in…
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Solo Ep Part 4 | What Inspires Me
In this inspiring episode of "Pod is Savvy Guide," Steph delves into the personal motivations that keep her moving forward, even on the toughest days. Discover how envisioning her future self fuels her drive, and learn about the simple joys that bring her happiness, from comedy to running. Steph...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
This show is for the gals who want to DIY their podcast. Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve already published dozens of episodes and want a simpler way to keep going, you’re in the right place. I’m Steph your Pod Savvy Guide. I’ve published over 1,000 episodes, and podcasting is my full-time job as a professional podcast producer. Every Saturday, I share the systems, strategies, and challenges I actually use so you can spend less time on the admin tasks of podcasting and more time behind the mic creating conversations that matter.
HOSTED BY
Steph Shoell
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Pod Savvy Guide have?
Pod Savvy Guide currently has 94 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Pod Savvy Guide about?
This show is for the gals who want to DIY their podcast. Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve already published dozens of episodes and want a simpler way to keep going, you’re in the right place. I’m Steph your Pod Savvy Guide. I’ve published over 1,000 episodes, and podcasting is my...
How often does Pod Savvy Guide release new episodes?
Pod Savvy Guide has 94 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Pod Savvy Guide?
You can listen to Pod Savvy Guide on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Pod Savvy Guide?
Pod Savvy Guide is created and hosted by Steph Shoell.
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