Podcast about Podcasting with Gabe Leal

In this episode, host Gabe Leal discusses the critical importance of promotion for podcasters. He emphasizes that creating content is only half the job; the other half is ensuring that the right audience knows about it. Gabe challenges common fears surrounding self-promotion and provides practical methods for effectively promoting a podcast, including leveraging existing networks, engaging with communities, and utilizing email marketing. He encourages listeners to shift their mindset from self-promotion to finding the audience that needs their content. The episode concludes with actionable homework to help podcasters begin their promotional journey.TakeawaysMaking the show is only half the job.Promotion is not optional; it's essential.Visibility is what your show needs to survive.You can't find what you're hiding; promote your work.Start with your existing network to build an audience.Show up where your audience already lives.Build a repurposing system from day one.Guest on other podcasts to reach new audiences.Email is your anchor for consistent communication.You're not promoting yourself; you're finding your audience.The five methods Gabe covers are practical and sequenced deliberately:1. Start with your existing network. Not a mass blast, personal messages to 20 or 30 people who might actually care. Ask them to listen to one episode and leave a review. Reviews matter algorithmically early on. But more importantly, hearing that the show is landing for someone is what keeps you going past episode five.2. Show up where your audience already lives. Subreddits, Facebook groups, LinkedIn communities, and YouTube channels in adjacent niches. Go there to be present and contribute, not to drop links. The trust built in a community before anyone knows you have a podcast converts better than any cold click.3. Build a repurposing system from day one. One recording session should never produce only one piece of content. Short clips, quote graphics, LinkedIn posts written as reactions, not summaries, email newsletters, the full stack turns one hour of recording into a week of content that reaches people who don't listen to podcasts yet.4. Guest on other podcasts. The fastest way to get in front of an already-podcast-listening audience. Pitch yourself before the show is big, the honest story of what you're building and why you're the right voice for a specific conversation often converts better than a guest who's already everywhere.5. Email is your anchor. Platforms change their algorithms. Email is the channel you own. Build the list from episode one, show up with something worth reading, and treat the subject line as the first test of whether the email deserves to be opened.The debrief complicates the standard advice. The podcasters who make it past 20 episodes all have one thing in common: they told people, consistently and without apology. But Gabe adds something most promotion content skips: volume without clarity is just noise. Promotion works when the show has a specific point of view. When every episode delivers on a clear promise. If the show is still figuring out what it is, promotion accelerates the reveal that there's no there there.The frame he leaves you with: you are not promoting yourself. You are finding the people who need what you made. That shift changes everything.Learn more about podcasting from the experts. Join the daily Podcasting Morning Show. Learn more at www.podcastingmorningshow.comWant to create more amazing-sounding audio clips for your Have a Question? Leave us a text or voicemail. We would love to hear from you. Support the show

In this episode, I sit down with Laura Clapp Davidson for a wide-ranging conversation about what it really takes to start and sustain a podcast. Laura brings a unique perspective as someone who teaches podcasting for a living, yet had to push herself to finally launch her own show. From gear advice to growing an audience, from juggling motherhood to dropping a long-awaited album, Laura keeps it real, relatable, and refreshingly honest.⏱️ Key Topics CoveredWhy you should start a podcast and why the only real requirement is having something to say across multiple episodesThe perfectionism trap: how overthinking kills more podcasts before they start than bad audio ever will.Laura's origin story how she launched her first episode from an airplane at 30,000 feet, no fanfare, no fancy setupSong 43 → TMI with Laura: why she evolved from a solo show to a guest-driven formatShort-form podcasting why episodes as short as 8–15 minutes can be just as valuable (and more listenable) than hour-long deep divesGear without the overwhelm, why a dynamic USB mic (like the Shure MV7 Plus) is almost all that podcasters need to get startedCondenser vs. dynamic mics  a quick breakdown of why dynamic mics are friendlier for home and travel recordingAI as a workflow tool, using tools like Riverside, Descript, and Cast Magic to handle SEO, descriptions, and transcriptions so creativity stays front and centerGrowing an audience,  going where your people already are, rather than trying to be everywhere at onceThe guest effect:  how bringing on guests can effortlessly double your reachPodcasting as a vehicle, how Laura's show is tying into her music career and upcoming album launchDoing it all as a working mom, balancing travel, a day job, music, and podcasting with two kids at homeAnd speaking of business, keep an eye out for Laura's brand new album. Six years in the making, some songs over 20 years old, and she just signed with Bigger Beast Records to make it happen. That's the kind of patience and persistence that makes great art.To learn more about Laura and her podcast TMI with Laura, head over to tmiwithlaura.com. All the links will be in the show notes.If this episode gave you the push you needed to finally start that podcast, do me a favor: share it with someone who's been sitting on that idea a little too long. And if you've been rocking with the show, leave a review; it helps more than you know.Until next time, keep showing up, keep recording, and remember: you don't need to be perfect. You just need to be you.Have a Question? Leave us a text or voicemail. We would love to hear from you. Support the show

How to Build a Podcast Workflow: Editing, Scheduling & Publishing for New PodcastersThe Podcast About Podcasting | Hosted by Gabe LealYou've got the idea. You've got the content pillars. You hit record. Now what?For most new podcasters, everything that happens after the recording is where the momentum dies. The editing feels overwhelming, the publishing process is a mystery, and without a clear system in place, episodes pile up, or worse, never go out at all. In this episode, host Gabe Leal breaks down the exact workflow you need to take every episode from raw recording to published and promoted, without the burnout.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhy Workflow Is the Real Game-Changer Talent and great ideas only take you so far. The podcasters who build shows with 100, 500, even 1,200 episodes under their belt aren't winging it week to week, they're executing a system. A solid workflow is what separates the podcasters who fade out after six episodes from the ones who keep showing up. Gabe breaks down why building your process once is the key to long-term consistency.Building Your Editing Workflow Editing doesn't have to be a time drain or a source of anxiety. The secret is setting your editing standards before you ever open your software. Gabe walks you through a simple three-category framework your non-negotiables (dead air, major flubs), your nice-to-haves (trimming filler words, tightening pacing), and what to intentionally leave alone so you don't edit the personality out of your show. You'll also learn why batching your editing sessions and setting a 48-hour turnaround window keeps your pipeline moving without the pressure.Mastering Your Scheduling Workflow Consistency is built on protected time — not motivation. Learn how to block out recurring recording sessions on your calendar like a business meeting, choose a release cadence you can actually sustain, and why publishing on the same day every week is one of the simplest things you can do to grow a loyal audience. Gabe also explains how to build a three-to-four episode buffer before you launch so that life never derails your show.The 6-Step Publishing Checklist Every episode should follow the same publishing path, every single time. Gabe walks through the complete checklist: finalizing and labeling your audio file, writing show notes that help new listeners find you through search, crafting a title and description that drives clicks, creating simple branded graphics with tools like Canva, scheduling your episode in your hosting platform, and prepping your promotional social content...all before release day.The Content Calendar: Your Bird's-Eye View The tool that ties everything together. Whether you use Google Sheets, Notion, Trello, or a simple document, a content calendar gives you one place to track every episode from idea to published. When you can see four to eight weeks of content mapped out in front of you, you stop reacting and start operating with intention. This is the shift that turns a passion project into a show that builds.Your HomeworkWrite out your editing checklist — non-negotiables, nice-to-haves, and what to leave alone.Block out your recurring recording times on your calendar for the next four weeks.Set up a simple content calendar with episode titles, recording dates, and release dates.Have a Question? Leave us a text or voicemail. We would love to hear from you. Support the show

 What does a former magazine writer, career coach, and content marketing strategist have to say about podcasting? Turns out.. a lot. Annette Richmond started her first podcast in 2020 on a whim during the pandemic, learned by doing, and never looked back. Now on her second show, Content Marketing School, with 129+ episodes under her belt, Annette joins me to share the unglamorous truth about what it takes to build a podcast that actually lasts, and why curiosity might be the most underrated skill a host can have. Why Start a Podcast?For Annette, it's simple: she gets to meet fascinating people and learn from them for free. Her conversational style makes guests feel so at ease that they always want to come back, and that energy is exactly what keeps a show alive.The "Just Start" PhilosophyAnnette discovered podcasting through a friend, had zero expectations, and hit record anyway. Her take: too many people spend months getting ready and never actually begin. The only way to find your style is to do it, messiness and all.Building Sustainable SystemsDon't over-engineer it from day one. Annette uses Riverside for recording, Buzzsprout for hosting and distribution, and Opus for video clips. Her workflow evolved, and yours will too. Start where you are, upgrade as you grow.The Video Pivot (and Why She Did It)After years of audio-only, a session at PodFest changed everything. Recording on video, even for an audio podcast, gives you clips for social media, a newsletter, and LinkedIn. It multiplied her content output without multiplying her recording time.Guest Vetting: One Non-NegotiableNo sales pitches. Ever. Annette is upfront with every guest before recording: this is an educational conversation, not a promotional slot. She also tries to meet guests briefly beforehand or watch them on another show first, because chemistry matters.To Send Questions or Not?She tried both. Her verdict: don't send questions. Guests who read from a list kill the natural flow. Annette comes prepared with five loose anchor questions and lets the conversation go where it goes, that's what listeners actually want to hear.Gear: Start Cheap, Upgrade IntentionallyAnnette's mic journey: Blue Snowball ($50, discontinued) → Blue Yeti → current upgrade. Her advice? Start with your phone and a $20–30 wireless lavalier. Natural light beats expensive lighting. Don't buy gear you haven't earned yet.Number Your EpisodesOne of her biggest lessons from another podcasting podcast: number your episodes from day one. It makes cross-referencing, discovery, and self-promotion infinitely easier. Episode 98 is a reference. "That one I did a while ago" is not.Naming Matters More Than CleverHer first podcast had a fun name. Nobody could find it. Her second, Content Marketing School, is exactly what it says. When people search for something, give them a name that answers their search. Clever is a trap.Evergreen Over TimelyAnnette's personal advice: build your catalog around topics that age well. News and current events have a shelf life. Evergreen content keeps working for you months and years after you hit publish.Celebrate Small Wins25 downloads doesn't sound impressive until you picture 25 people sitting in a room, listening to you. Annette's reminder: compare yourself to yourself, not to someone bragging about 25,000 downloads. Every milestone counts.To learn more about Annette's podcast Content Marketing School, follow her on Apple Podcasts.Check out her website https://blackdogmarketingstrategies.com/ that emphasHave a Question? Leave us a text or voicemail. We would love to hear from you. Support the show

In this episode, I discuss the essential aspects of recording a podcast, focusing on the importance of choosing the right tools and understanding the recording process.I walk you through the difference between using meeting software like Zoom versus dedicated podcasting tools, and why that distinction matters more than most people realize. He explains the power of local recording, how it protects your audio quality, and why the wrong setup can quietly sabotage even the best microphones.You’ll also get a clear breakdown of popular recording platforms—including Riverside, Squadcast, and StreamYard—so you can decide what fits your workflow, your budget, and your goals right now (not six months from now).Beyond tools, this episode dives into what truly shapes your sound: your recording environment, your setup, and your understanding of how everything works together.If you’ve been stuck in the “getting ready” phase, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to finally press record.What You’ll Learn:Why recording is the biggest hidden barrier for new podcastersThe difference between cloud-based and local recording (and why it matters)How tools like Riverside, Squadcast, and StreamYard actually compareThe 3 key questions to choose the right recording setupHow your environment and microphone impact your audio qualityWhy “starting imperfectly” is better than waiting for perfectYour podcast doesn’t start when everything is perfect.It starts the moment you hit record.Learn more about creating the AI voice-generated intro and outros using Eleven Labs: https://try.elevenlabs.io/6ih6wtdsxjkqHave a Question? Leave us a text or voicemail. We would love to hear from you. Support the show

What We Cover in This EpisodeKurt's answer: Why shouldn't you? Podcasting is one of the most accessible mediums on the planet. The real question isn't whether to start, it's what you're passionate enough to talk about. Passion is the only sustainable fuel.Kurt's Origin Story (2008 – The Wild West)Kurt didn't plan to become a podcaster. It started with a friend building a webcomics database and a simple question: "Why don't we do a podcast?" No experience, a cheap Logitech desk mic, and 64Hz audio quality, and yet, by 2012, he had logged 750,000 downloads. Today: 1,200+ episodes and still counting.Burnout, Pivots & the C2E2 ConventionBy 2012, Kurt was burnt out from nearly 800 webcomic creator interviews. A friend's invite to Chicago's C2E2 convention changed everything — he picked up a Sony handheld camera and did 150 video interviews in one weekend. That forced pivot into video taught him everything about tight questioning, sync issues, and why your gear matters. Lesson: burnout can be a doorway.Stop Planning, Start Pressing RecordKurt's blunt truth for new podcasters: the plan will always fail. Plans B, C, and Z will all fail, too. At some point, you just have to press record. The only person stopping you is you.Audio vs. Video: The Purist DebateKurt's take does both, if you can. Not everyone will watch. Not everyone will listen. Posting both maximizes reach and keeps your editing skills sharp. But if you have to choose one thing to invest in first? Audio. Bad audio kills great video. Kurt learned this the hard way after recording 80 interviews at a convention, only to discover the audio was turned off the entire time.Why Most Podcasts Die After Episode 3The wrong niche kills shows. If you're not genuinely passionate about your topic, listeners will feel it and so will you. Kurt's prescription: talk about what you nerd out on, not what you think will get views. When you hit that wall, the answer is usually to reframe, not quit.What Keeps a Show Alive for 18 YearsEvery guest is a brand new story Kurt hasn't heard yet. That simple truth has kept Two Geeks Talking fresh for nearly two decades. The guest is always the focus. Some guests have come back 11–13 times because they always bring something new.Start with a quality USB microphone, the Audio-Technica AT2020 still holds upDial in your soundboard settings; flat/neutral isn't where you want to beTwo ring lights for even lightingA basic webcam like the Logitech C920 is still respectableGood audio > perfect video, every single timeAI in Podcasting: Where to Draw the LineKurt has a clear philosophy: use AI for titles and short descriptions — but never for your questions. Your questions are your voice. Outsourcing them to AI means giving up what makes you you. Research your guests yourself. That's how you stay genuine and protect what makes your show worth listening to.Distribution 101Don't yell into the void. Don't spam. Engage genuinely with people who share your interests. Be a good human being online, a kind comment today can become a lifelong creative friendship (and a great future guest). Promoting your show naturally follows a real connection.Want to create intros and outros like the ones heard in this episode? Check out Eleven Labs - AI voice-generated features, learn more here: https://try.elevenlabs.io/6ih6wtdsxjkqReady to level up your podcast - learn more from Kurt Sasso himself. https://linktr.ee/twogeekstalking?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=53848ff7-5290-4238-adbc-8c711d1163a6Have a Question? Leave us a text or voicemail. We would love to hear from you.

You've got your niche. You know who you're talking to. But there's a question most podcasting advice skips entirely: what actually happens when someone presses play on your show?Format is the decision that controls everything else: how easy your show is to produce, how engaged your listeners stay, and whether you're still recording six months from now or quietly added to the pile of podcasts that stopped somewhere around episode six.In this episode, I walk through the five core podcast formats, how to choose an episode length you can actually sustain, and how to build a repeatable show structure that means you never sit down to record, wondering what happens next.This is the blueprint conversation. The one that happens before gear, before branding, before you spend another hour on cover art. Because nothing you build on an unclear foundation survives long enough to matter.Your homework: one page. Four sections. A show that knows what it is. Key  TopicsThe five core podcast formats: solo, interview, co-host, narrative storytelling, hybridHow to choose your episode length and format based on content and audienceCreating a repeatable episode flow with five key segmentsNaming segments to build listener loyalty and show identityDeveloping a one-page show blueprint for consistency and sustainabilityLearn more about Eleven Labs: https://try.elevenlabs.io/6ih6wtdsxjkqJoin the PodGlue waitlist @ www.Podglue.comHave a Question? Leave us a text or voicemail. We would love to hear from you.

Discover how Dory and Mike built a community-driven podcast from scratch, emphasizing authentic storytelling, community engagement, and sustainable growth. This episode offers practical insights for new and seasoned podcasters alike, focusing on resilience, authentic promotion, and creating meaningful content.Building a community before launching your podcastEmbracing authenticity and vulnerability in interviewsStrategies to sustain podcast growth and manage expectationsNavigating guest selection and interview dynamicsCost-effective tools and batch recording techniquesIn this episode:How Dory’s initial social media strategy created a loyal community of like-minded individualsThe importance of starting a podcast without a pre-existing following—just for the love of the medium.Practical advice on leveraging social media and internet radio for promotionThe significance of authenticity, sharing personal stories to foster connection and healing.Managing expectations and maintaining patience during slow growth phasesBatch recording routines to maximize productivity and avoid burnoutHow to handle difficult guests and maintain quality controlTips for co-host dynamics, especially in couples or close collaboratorsThe ongoing mission to amplify marginalized voices and the impact of storytellingResources & Links:Audacity -https://www.audacityteam.org/Riverside -https://riverside.comEleven Labs - https://try.elevenlabs.io/6ih6wtdsxjkqConnect with Dory & Mike:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OtheringPodcastInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/otheringpodcastThe Othering Podcast: www.otheringpodcast.comThis episode exemplifies resilience, authentic storytelling, and the importance of community, all vital ingredients for a successful and impactful podcast. Whether you're just starting or looking to deepen your engagement, these insights help you build with purpose and passion.Have a Question? Leave us a text or voicemail. We would love to hear from you. Support the show

Most podcasters don't fail because they lack passion; they fail because they run out of a plan. In this episode, we break down content pillars: what they are, why they're the foundation of every sustainable podcast, and exactly how to build yours from scratch.What You'll Learn:What content pillars are, and why they separate sustainable podcasters from those who burn out.The six-step framework for identifying, defining, and building your pillarsHow to generate a content bank of 20–40 episode ideas before you ever hit recordWhy batching content by pillar creates rhythm and builds audience anticipationHow consistent pillars compound audience growth over time⏱️ Episode Breakdown[00:01] — The Problem Most New Podcasters FaceTreating every episode like a blank slate leads to panic, inconsistency, and shows that fade before they find an audience. Content pillars are the solution.[01:57] — What Is a Content Pillar?A content pillar is a core theme you return to repeatedly — not a single topic, but a category of ideas, angles, and conversations that all connect to the same central idea. Example: a "productivity" pillar can cover time management, procrastination, habit building, focus psychology, and more.[04:02] — Why Pillars Matter for Long-Term SustainabilityVeteran podcasters with 100–1,200+ episodes consistently credit finding their niche and sticking to it as the key to longevity. Pillars help new podcasters stretch a great idea into a full, sustainable show.[05:12] — The Six Steps to Build Your Content PillarsStart with your passion and purpose — Ask yourself: what genuinely energizes you when you talk about it? Write down three to five big themes that keep showing up in your life, the topics you could explore for hours without getting bored.Look for the through line. Zoom out on your list. What's the connection between these themes? That connection becomes your show's North Star.Narrow it down to two to four core pillars. Two to four gives you enough variety to stay engaged while keeping your show focused enough that listeners always know what it's about. The fine dining menu analogy: a great steakhouse doesn't need 200 items; it needs 15, they're known for.Define each pillar with specificity. Write a one-sentence definition for each pillar. This is for you, not your audience; it's your compass for every episode you ever record.Brainstorm episode angles for each pillar. Generate at least 10 episode ideas per pillar. Think: problems your audience faces, questions they ask, misconceptions to challenge, real-world case studies, guest perspectives, and different formats (solo, interview, Q&A, limited series).Batch your content by pillar. Don't randomize episodes. Create a loose rotation across your pillars so listeners can anticipate what's coming and binge backward through your catalog.[23:24] — The Framework Underneath: What Pillars Actually Do For YouSave time — Research gets reusable, your guest network grows with each pillar, and you're never starting from scratch.Build authority. Depth in a theme makes you the go-to voice on that topic. That's how you stand out in a crowded space.Compound audience growth. New listeners can binge backward through your catalog. Every episode serves not just itself, but the whole show.[25:17] — Recap & HomeworkWork through all six steps. Find your two to four pillars, define them, and brain dump your episode ideas. You don't need them to be perfect — you jHave a Question? Leave us a text or voicemail. We would love to hear from you. Support the show

Join Junaid Ahmed as he explores how podcasting can be a powerful tool for personal development and community building. This episode offers practical advice for both new and seasoned podcasters.Junaid Ahmed started his podcast to document a beekeeping class. That is a true sentence, and it matters because it is the most honest origin story in podcasting: a person following genuine curiosity without a growth strategy, a brand positioning document, or a clear reason it would work.What happened next is the actual story. His show, Hacks and Hobbies, grew from a personal journal into a platform for creators turning their passions into businesses, now at over 700 episodes, featuring entrepreneurs, authors, speakers, and builders from around the world. He was inspired by Gary Vaynerchuk's Crush It, took the idea seriously, and built something that has been running for years.Beyond the podcast, Junaid is the founder of Humblezone and creator of Home Studio Mastery, a system for helping podcasters, speakers, and content creators build a home studio that actually works. He is the author of Mastering iPhone Video Production and 7 Stages of Home Studio Evolution. He speaks at national events, including Podfest and Podcasting Made Simple Live. He has two decades of video production experience. And he started all of it as a father of four, working a day job, following a hobby that turned into something he could not stop building. Key Topics:Starting a podcast for personal growth and community connectionOvercoming gear paralysis and maintaining consistencyFinding and inviting the right guestsSetting up a functional home studioEffective podcast promotion and distributionIntroducing PodGlue for streamlined podcast managementBuilding meaningful relationships through podcastingEpisode Chapters:00:00 The Journey to Podcasting04:32 Overcoming Consistency Challenges10:30 Building a Home Studio16:31 The Importance of Guidance in Podcasting22:33 Finding and Inviting Guests24:07 Finding the Right Podcast Guests25:37 Navigating Podcast Themes and Niches27:46 The Importance of Audio Quality33:14 Promoting Your Podcast Effectively39:40 Distribution Strategies for Podcasts42:19 Introducing PodGlue: A New Podcasting ToolResources & Links:7 Stages of Home Studio Evolution - https://homestudiomastery.com/PodGlue - all-in-one podcast app - https://podglue.com/Hacks and Hobbies Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hacks-and-hobbies-with-junaid-ahmed/id1357945913Connect with Junaid Ahmed:LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/in/superjunaid/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/superjunaidDiscover how podcasting can enhance your personal and professional life, and learn about tools like PodGlue that simplify the process. Whether you're starting out or looking to improve, these insights will help you create impactful content.AI Voice Generation: https://try.elevenlabs.io/6ih6wtdsxjkqHave a Question? Leave us a text or voicemail. We would love to hear from you. Support the show