School of Podcasting: Expert Tips for Launching and Growing Your Podcast

What is Your Rock Bottom Podcast Downloads Number?Everybody talks about growing their audience. Nobody talks about the number where they'd quietly give up.This month's Question of the Month flips the growth conversation on its head: what's the smallest number of downloads that would keep you making your show — and if you dropped below it, would you quit, or try to fix it? The answers from School of Podcasting listeners are surprisingly close... and my answer might not be a number at all.Also in this episode: a guest-pitch so bad it somehow involves a U-Haul dealership, and a heads-up on a booking-platform trick you'll want to know before you pitch yourself as a guest anywhere.In this episodeThis month's Question of the Month: what's your download floor?Steve Stewart says he'd think about quitting under 25 downloads an episode — but here's why he probably wouldn'tFrank Bravo is already running on "10s" of downloads, and explains why that number doesn't bother himRalph Estep Jr. went from 20 downloads to over 1,000 — but what actually keeps him going isn't the numberDave's answer: which of his 30+ podcasts he let die, which ones he kept, and why it's rarely about the download countThe 6-episode survey test — how to know if it's time to change your show or just accept where it's atScott Johnson (What Was That Like) shares the worst guest pitch he's ever receivedA warning about how some guests are gaming booking platforms like PodMatch — and how to vet who you let on your showLinks mentionedSchool of Podcasting — use code LISTENER for a discount on monthly, quarterly, or yearly plansPodPage — this episode's sponsorSteve Stewart — Podcast Editor Academy / Podcast Editors MastermindFrank Bravo — Your Tech MakeoverRalph Estep Jr. — ralphestepjr.com / new show: Becoming Financially Confident (launching Aug 31)Scott Johnson — What Was That LikeYork - Welcome to Earth StoriesPodMatchPodcastGuest.comPitch a PodcastBuilding a Better DaveMarketing MusicianWeekly Web ToolsNew To CookingThis content may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services I trust and believe will provide value to you. Thank you for your support!Mentioned in this episode:Where Will I Be?I love meeting you when I'm out at events. Here are some of my next events: Podcast Movement September 17-18 Podindy November 7th (use the coupon pacer at podindy.com)Where Will I Be?Question of the Month: Constructive and Deconstructive FeedbackThis month we are talking feefdback. What is the most constructive or deconstructive (or both) piece of feedback you've received. If you haven't asked for feedback, why not? I need your answer by September 25th (late entries won't be accepted) go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/question and be sure to mention your show and your website address so I can link to it in the show notes.Question of the MonthPodpage Email AlertsPodpage just launched a feature called Episode Alerts. It automatically emails your subscribers the moment a new episode goes live — no third-party email tool needed. When you publish, Podpage sends the email, links listeners straight to the episode, routes replies to your own inbox, and handles unsubscribes automatically. They also run every email address through validation and monitor bounces/spam complaints to protect your sender reputation. It's not meant to replace a full newsletter platform — no drip campaigns or segmentation — just a simple "hey, new episode's up" notification. It's available for Pro and Elite users, with monthly sending caps of 500 emails on Pro and 5,000 on Elite. For more information see https://www.podpage.com/updates/introducing-episode-alerts/PodpageJoin the #1 Podcast Education Site - The School of PodcastingAdam Curry is the co-founder of Podcasting (and the co-host of the No Agenda Show). When asked about learning how to podcast Adam said, "The place to go with the guy who has taught more people how to podcast than anybody I know - Dave Jackson, School of Podcasting.com"School of Podcasting

You Down With YPP?Episode Description:I break down YouTube’s latest changes to its Partner Program, including doubled watch-hour requirements and higher Shorts monetization thresholds ahead of the February 2027 deadline. I also bring in YouTube expert Adam Ivey’s take on why the real story isn’t necessarily the new criteria, and I share my own channel’s numbers so you can set realistic expectations for your own YouTube journey.Then the AI kids stop by for story time as I take a look at Spotify’s decade-long history of making big podcasting promises—and quietly failing to deliver on them. From a scrapped hosting partnership to a Creator Fund that never paid a cent, there’s plenty to unpack.Plus, Ray Ortega drops by with the shortest—and most accurate—definition of “podcast” you’ll ever hear.YouTube Partner Program (YPP) changes, effective February 1, 2027Watch-hour requirement doubles: 4,000 to 8,000 hours in the past year (new creators only; existing YPP members are grandfathered in)Shorts monetization threshold doubles: 10 million to 20 million qualified views in 90 days to get in, then a rolling 10 million views every 90 days to maintain earningsFull monetization tier: 1,000 subscribers, $100 payment thresholdLower tier (500 subscribers): unlocks YouTube Shopping (affiliate) and channel memberships, requires 3,000 watch hours or 3 million Shorts viewsThe real story behind the changesAdam Ivy's stat: 67% of YouTube creators make less than $10,000/yearYouTube's stated pivot: broadening revenue beyond ads, with bonuses for YouTube Shopping, brand-deal incentives, and trend-based earning boostsYouTube says it expects to pay creators more in 2027 than 2026: money is shifting, not shrinkingSteve Stewart (Podcast Editor Academy): "Don't just sell your audience to sponsors, sell sponsors on how great your audience is"Is YouTube worth it? The dataSounds Profitable's Podcast Atlas (slide 23): Clips lead viewers to watch a specific episode (30% often/always, 81% at least sometimes) and to become regular listeners (33% often/always, 84% at least sometimes)Dave's real channel numbers: 3,523 subscribers, ~$2.49 per 1,000 views, one video with 115 views earned 25 centsBottom line: YouTube ad revenue is icing, not cake. Don't budget groceries on itSpotify: a bedtime story for the AI kidsMay 2015: Spotify launches podcasts through a small group of hosting "partners" (Libsyn, Blubrry), framed as a growth opportunity, not monetizationSpotify initially insists on hosting the media files itself rather than letting partners host. Partners build custom engineering to comply, then Spotify reverses course2019: Spotify buys Anchor for $150 million, turning former hosting partners into competitors overnight, with free hostingSpotify quietly submits shows to Apple Podcasts under its own account, hiding stats from creators and sparking creator frustration (often aimed at consultants, not Spotify)2020: Megaphone acquired for $235 million. 2021: Whooshkaa acquired and folded into Megaphone, then shut down2021: Betty Labs acquired, becomes Greenroom (Spotify's Clubhouse competitor)2021: "New Era of Podcast Monetization": paid subscriptions, Open Access Platform, Spotify Audience Network announcedMid-2021: Greenroom launches with a Creator Fund promised for live audio creators. Payment mechanics never disclosed2021: Music + Talk announced ("play music in your podcast"), restricted to the Spotify app, paying subscribers only, after listening to the full episodeSeptember 2021: Q&amp;A and Polls launch, pitched as "the future of podcasting is interactive"January 2022: In-house production studio "Studio Four" shut down with layoffsApril 2022: Greenroom rebrands to Spotify Live; Creator Fund confirmed to have never launched, quietly shelvedMarch 2023: Anchor rebranded to Spotify for PodcastersApril 2023: Spotify Live shut down entirely, two years after the original Greenroom launchFebruary 2024: Music + Talk and Anchor's recording tools killed; users redirected to RiversideJuly 2024: Q&amp;A and Polls shut down, replaced with CommentsSpotify's "walled garden" habits: video and transcripts only available on Spotify, resistance to RSS since it sends listeners off-platform2026: Skip Ahead ad-skipping button testing begins, available only to Premium subscribers, while advertisers still pay for the adAudiobooks added, bundled with music, resulting in lower royalty payments to musiciansWhat it actually takes to make money on Spotify1,000 Spotify audience members (last 30 days)2,000 Spotify hours consumed (last 30 days)At least 3 published episodesFree alternatives exist too: Buzzsprout (90 days free), RSS.com, Red CircleAlso in this episode:Ray Ortega's shortest definition of a podcast: "An RSS feed with audio or video content"Dave will be at the Empowered Podcasting Conference. Say hello if you see himLinks:Podnews (the definitive investigative piece): https://podnews.net/update/greenroom-creator-fund-mirageHollywood Reporter (original confirmation): https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/digital/spotify-greenroom-creator-fund-live-audio-1235132234/TechCrunch (Spotify's official statement): https://techcrunch.com/?p=2302547Tubefilter (stock price angle): https://www.tubefilter.com/2022/04/19/meta-live-audio-rooms-spotify-green-roSpotify's own support doc: https://support.spotify.com/al/creators/article/understanding-skip-ahead-button/Podnews (the deepest industry-side reporting): https://podnews.net/article/spotify-threat-ad-skippingHollywood Reporter (advertiser reaction): https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/digital/spotify-new-ad-skipping-feature-1236670480/Forbes (scale/downloads context): https://www.forbes.com/sites/gabrielalinzainescu/2026/08/10/spotify-tests-ad-skip-button-that-could-upend-podcast-advertising/Variety (original 2024 reclassification): https://variety.com/2024/digital/news/spotify-music-audiobook-bundle-lower-royalty-for-songwriters-1235974942/Music Tech (MLC lawsuit filed): https://musictech.com/news/industry/spotify-royalties-lawsuit-audiobook-bundling/Music Business Worldwide ($3.1bn NMPA projection): https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/nmpa-says-spotify-bundling-move-could-cost-music-publishers-3-1bn-through-2032/Music Business Worldwide (lawsuit dismissed): https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/spotify-wins-audiobook-bundling-lawsuit-as-court-dismisses-legal-action-brought-by-the-mlc/Variety (ruling coverage w/ judge's quote): https://variety.com/2025/music/news/spotify-wins-lawsuit-bundling-royalties-1236289823/Time (FTC complaint, $150M NMPA estimate): <a href="https://time.com/6988114/spotify-songwriters-ftc-complaint-royalties-audiobooks-bundle/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

How Do You Hit 4000 Episodes Without Losing Your Mind?Today I'm talking with Glenn Hebert and Jamie Jennings from Horses in the Morning, the flagship show of the Horse Radio Network. They just crossed 4000 episodes, and since they're doing this daily, I had a ton of questions for them. Mainly: how do you keep your sanity?Glenn has been on this show more times than any other guest, and I'll drop links to a few of those past conversations below. We also talk about how "Glenn the Geek" became a verb around here. I cut in a few times throughout the episode to riff on some of what we discussed, so stick around for that too.Key TakeawaysSegments (not just guests) are what let a daily or frequent show survive without constantly reinventing the wheel.A real community needs a place to talk to each other, not just a place to listen to you.Feedback from your most invested listeners (not just anyone) should shape what you keep and what you cut.You're making the show for the 80% who like it, not the 20% who don't.If you're trying to make money at this, budget 10-12 hours of work for every hour that airs.How Glenn and Jamie Keep Finding Something to Talk AboutJamie's husband asked her, before episode one, what she was even going to talk about after two weeks of a horse podcast. Sixteen years and 4000 episodes later, that question still makes her laugh. Glenn books guests only a week or two out, and most of the show's four or five segments per episode get planned the morning of. Being daily is actually their advantage: they can be timely in a way most podcasts can't.Glenn admitted he basically is the show-prep service. Google Alerts and AI help him find stories faster than they used to, but the instinct for what's worth talking about still comes down to two to three hours of prep every single morning.Segments Give You Somewhere to Put Your EnergyJamie is the storyteller. Glenn plays the guy reacting to it. He described their pre-show routine: Jamie says she's got a two-to-five-minute story, and he already knows it's going to stretch to twenty minutes and he'll happily let it. That contrast, he said, is what makes the show work.I've got segments on this show too (if you've got a favorite segment idea, feel free to send it in). One of mine is built entirely out of "this happened because I have a podcast." I used to do a "last five in five" segment where I'd share the last five things I listened to in under five minutes. Segments are useful because they don't all have to show up in every episode. When I don't have a big topic, I create a "podcast stew," a handful of small segments squeezed together. Takes the pressure off having to fill a big block of time. An episode just needs to be as long as it needs to be, and not a minute more.Building a Community That Actually Talks to Each OtherGlenn says their community basically built itself once Patreon entered the picture around nine or ten years ago. One of their own listeners asked if she could start a private Facebook group for supporters, and it's grown into 30+ subgroups on everything from dogs to mental health, plus in-person meetups they run themselves.Glenn's take, and I completely agree: the biggest mistake podcasters make when they say they want "community" is giving people no actual place to talk to each other. A community needs a room. You don't have a true community until they can talk to each other.They get supporters directly involved too, birthdays shouted out on air, segment material submitted by listeners themselves. If your audience made the content, you already know they're going to like it.Sponsors Who Become Part of the FamilyJamie and Glenn have given away more than $80,000 in prizes over 16 years, largely funded by sponsors who get a bit of airtime in exchange for product. Those relationships often graduate into full paid sponsorships once the brand sees it works.That reminded me of Mark from Beyond Bourbon Street, a past guest of mine (episode 829) who had Two Chicks Walking Tours as a sponsor, then had listeners telling him in his own community that they'd taken the tour and loved it. That's the kind of proof that makes a sponsorship renewal conversation easy. And speaking of sponsors sticking around, I was listening to The New Media Show recently and they mentioned Todd Cochran had GoDaddy as a sponsor for around 21 years.The Focus Group Most Podcasts Never Bother WithThis one floored me. On top of their broader Patreon community, Glenn and Jamie run a rotating focus group of 12 listeners every six months whose entire job is to comment on every single episode. Every episode gets six to twelve honest responses.That feedback has actually killed segments. They ran an "animal psychics" bit for a while that they personally enjoyed, but the negative response outweighed the positive, so it's gone. If you're going to ask your paying supporters for their opinion, you have to actually be willing to act on it.Handling the People Who Don't Like YouGlenn's rule, learned from ten years running an improv theater company: about 80% of any audience likes what you do, and 20% doesn't. That ratio doesn't change. You're not making the show for the 20%. You're making it for the 80%, and Glenn pointed out the harder truth: a chunk of that 20% keeps listening anyway, seemingly just to be annoyed. Let it go.Jamie added that after the true fans and the negative Nellies, there's a middle group whose feedback is the most useful because it's the most honest.The Most Popular Segment Isn't the GuestsRight before hitting 4000 episodes, they surveyed listeners on favorite segments. The winner, by a wide margin: pure host banter, just Glenn and Jamie talking about nothing. Their biggest listener complaint over the years has actually been "too many guests." As Glenn put it, people come for the content and stay for the hosts.What It Takes to Actually Make Money Doing ThisGlenn's advice for a new podcaster wondering when the money shows up: niches make it easier. Horse people, in his words, are some of the most dedicated hobbyists out there, and that's true of plenty of other niches too (cycling, golf, you name it). Small and mid-sized brands without their own ad agencies are the sweet spot, and Glenn's found 80% of his sponsors by showing up in person at trade shows and introducing himself at every booth. He's been to 38 of them.Their own listener survey backs this up: 80% of listeners said they'd bought a product because Glenn and Jamie talked about it on air in the last year. Only 25% said the same about a banner ad. Trust is the entire business model.Doing the Show Sick, and Other Real-Talk MomentsWhen you're sick, you address it up front. Ignoring it doesn't work, because that's all the listener will focus on anyway. Same goes for a loud remote recording location. Be real about it and people roll with it, sometimes they even prefer it.One detail that stuck with me: Jamie trains off-the-track thoroughbreds and has personally placed horses with listeners in 18 different states just by mentioning them on the show. That's community turned into real-world impact.My Takeaways After the InterviewA few things I wanted to add once the mic was off:Contact info matters more than you think. Always tell people how to reach you. For me that's schoolofpodcasting.com/contact. Someone recently told me they'd left a comment on my Substack and had no idea if I'd seen it, because I hadn't told them how I check for those.Where to find ideas, beyond hanging out with your audience the way Glenn does: Google Alerts will tell you anytime a topic (or your name) gets mentioned online. Answer the Public shows you what people are actually typing into search around a topic. Or just Google your topic and scroll down to "People Also Ask."On Podcast Movement: I wasn't selected to speak this year, which is the first time that's happened after speaking at every single one. Disappointing, sure, but I'll still be there to say hi, and I'll have more free time than usual. I am speaking at the Empowered Podcasting Conference in Charlotte, NC, and at PodIndy in November.Lesson...

If you look at movies that you love, and you think about them, and you remember how they made you feel. Today we talk about three things you can have in your tool belt to use in your show to not just have something to listen to, but to have content that moves your audience. We also answer the question what do Sportcasters, Movie Reviewers, and Christians all have in common?Pull Some Emotion Into Your ShowMost podcasters focus on information—tips, tactics, and how‑tos. But your audience doesn’t connect to information first; they connect to emotion first.Three Tools To Boost ConnectionNostalgiaStorytellingVulnerabilityAs the old saying goes, "with great power comes great responsibility," so how do we use these ingredients in our show without sounding like we starting the sympathy engine just to grab attention?What Do Christians, Movie Reviewer, and Sportscasters all have in common?They are all working with the same source material. The same bible (more or less), the same movies, the same games. In this episode we talk about how to make your show stand out?The Best Book on StoryTellingI've read MANY books on storytelling, but Storyworthy by Matthew Dicks is the best - period. The audiobook is so good you will want to listen with a pad and pencil to take notes (or if you're loving in 2026, take notes on your phone).Ready To Start Your Podcast?Podcasting in Six WeeksMentioned in this episode:Where Will I Be?I love meeting you when I'm out at events. Here are some of my next events: Podcast Movement September 17-18 Podindy November 7th (use the coupon pacer at podindy.com)Where Will I Be?Question of the Month: The Smallest Amount of DownloadsWe all want a bigger audience. We all put a lot of work into our shows. With this in mind, what is the smallest amount of downloads you would do the show for? If it drops below a number would you stop, or put effort into finding out why? Does the size of your audience matter? Go to schoolofpodcasting.com/question by August 28th (and don't forget to say a little bit about your show and your website address so I can link to it in the notes)School of PodcastingTake Live Classes at the School of PodcastingPodcasting in Six Weeks is BACK! (and this time it's free!) We are continuing to experiment with marketing, and we had so much fun helping people launch their show that we are going it again (and dropped the fee). If you don't have a show but want to start one this is THE place to get going in the right direction. Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/sixweeks Growing Your Podcast Live Course For members of the School of Podcasting we are all banding together to go through the steps of growing your show (so sign up now!). This will including feedback and strategies to get your show growing faster. You will write down your typical downloads before you start, and compare it to the final numbers. Use the coupon code listener when singing up to become a member and receive a discount. These live classes start August 19th. Please let me know if you have any questions at schoolofpodcasting.com/contactSchool of Podcasting

What if one book could change the way you tell stories, connect with your audience, or even see your own podcast? In this episode of the School of Podcasting, I asked a simple question: “If you found out someone was a content creator, what book would you recommend?” — and the responses were pure gold.You’ll hear from working podcasters, educators, business owners, and storytellers sharing the books that sharpened their craft, grew their communities, and kept them going when numbers and algorithms tried to wear them down. Along the way, I share my own must‑reads and pay tribute to a podcasting legend whose work shaped an entire generation of creators. If you’re ready to level up your show — not with more gear, but with better thinking, storytelling, and heart — this is the episode you’ll want to queue up next.ParticipantsKim NewloveThe Pharmacist Voice PodcastThe Perrysburg PodcastRalph Estep Jr.The Content Creators Accountanthttps://ralphestepjr.comChris NessiHouse of EdTechMark LawleyPractical Prepping PodcastNancy May (with co‑host Sylvia France)Family Tree Food Stories PodcastDave CohenThe Shakespeare MindsetTom HaleyBluegrass Region Voices and ViewsBooks MentionedFind Your Red Thread: Make Your Big Ideas - Tamsen WebsterThe Audience Is Listening: A Little Guide to Building a Big Podcast – Tom WebsterHow to Win Friends and Influence People - Dale CarnegieSacred Cows Make the Best Burgers – Robert J. Kriegel, David Brandt12 and a Half: Leveraging the Emotional Ingredients Necessary for Business Success – Gary VaynerchukAcres of Diamonds – Jentezen FranklinHello, My Name Is Awesome: How to Create Brand Names That Stick – Alexandra WatkinsInto the Woods: A Five-Act Journey Into Story – John YorkeBuild a Strong Podcast: From Creation to Captivated Audience – Jennifer LongworthMake Noise: A Creator’s Guide to Podcasting and Great Audio Storytelling – Eric NuzumStoryworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life Through the Power of Storytelling – Matthew DicksPlatform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World – A Step-by-Step Guide for Anyone with Something to Say or Sell – Michael HyattBig Podcast: Grow Your Podcast Audience, Build Listener Loyalty, and Get Everybody Talking About Your Show – David HooperSo You Want to Start a Podcast: Finding Your Voice, Telling Your Story, and Building a Community That Will Listen – Kristen MeinzerOut on the Wire: The Storytelling Secrets of the New Masters of Radio – Jessica AbelBeyond Powerful Radio: A Communicator’s Guide to the Internet Age – Valerie GellerSecrets of Dynamic Communication: Prepare with Focus, Deliver with Clarity, Speak with Power – Ken DavisSponsor Magnet – Justin MooreProfit from Your Podcast: Turn Your Listeners into a Livelihood – Dave JacksonLooking for more books on podcasting? Check hereIn Honor of John C. DvorakThe Grief Recovery Handbook: The Action Program for Moving Beyond Death, Divorce, and Other Losses (20th Anniversary Expanded Edition) – John W. James, Russell FriedmanJohn was an amazing broadcaster. More thoughts on John's Impact.Mentioned in this episode:Build the Website You Want with PodpagePodpage is flexible. If you want to promote something you can put it in the sidebar, on the front page, or at the bottom of every episode (not to mention the navigation bar, the footer and more). Podpage is designed specifically for podcasts. Quit trying to squeeze your podcast into a website made for a yoga studio. Start your free trial at podpage.com/previewPodpageTake Live Classes at the School of PodcastingPodcasting in Six Weeks is BACK! (and this time it's free!) We are continuing to experiment with marketing, and we had so much fun helping people launch their show that we are going it again (and dropped the fee). If you don't have a show but want to start one this is THE place to get going in the right direction. Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/sixweeks Growing Your Podcast Live Course For members of the School of Podcasting we are all banding together to go through the steps of growing your show (so sign up now!). This will including feedback and strategies to get your show growing faster. You will write down your typical downloads before you start, and compare it to the final numbers. Use the coupon code listener when singing up to become a member and receive a discount. These live classes start August 19th. Please let me know if you have any questions at schoolofpodcasting.com/contactSchool of PodcastingQuestion of the Month: The Smallest Amount of DownloadsWe all want a bigger audience. We all put a lot of work into our shows. With this in mind, what is the smallest amount of downloads you would do the show for? If it drops below a number would you stop, or put effort into finding out why? Does the size of your audience matter? Go to schoolofpodcasting.com/question by August 28th (and don't forget to say a little bit about your show and your website address so I can link to it in the notes)School of PodcastingWhere Will I Be?I love meeting you when I'm out at events. Here are some of my next events: Podcast Movement September 17-18 Podindy November 7th (use the coupon pacer at podindy.com)Where Will I Be?

When your CPMs start shrinking and programmatic ads feel like a losing game, it’s easy to wonder if podcasting is still worth it. In this episode, I want to show you a different path—one that doesn’t depend on ad tech behaving itself. I’m going to walk you through why community beats downloads, how smart feedback (like what Jack Rhysider does) can radically improve your show before it ever launches, and how simple tools like newsletters and Podpage can help you build a deeper relationship with your audience so your podcast is future‑proof, no matter what happens to ad rates.Don't Take My Word For ItI heard it from on the Podbiz Show. Hall of Famer Leo Laporte shares a bit of history with ads, and Podfather Adam Curry explains how to future-proof your podcast. Brian Barletta explains how we need to move on from trying to get stats that are not possible, and focus on growing the industry.Get Your Head StraightI also talk about how I was inspired by writer Talyor Sheridan cold care less about the critics. He write the way he wants to write, about what he wants to write about and now his audience has found him and he is making a killing.Get Your Content StraightGeddy Lee has been performing in the band Rush for 50+ years and yet he still takes time to evaluate his playing. When we try to market "Meh" content we are wasting our time.The Podcast Atlas ReportSounds Profitable has released the Podcast Atlas Report which approaches the industry from the creators point of view. Some great insights into clips, newsletters, and more.This content may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services I trust and believe will provide value to you. Thank you for your support!Takeaways:If you're feeling stuck with your podcast due to falling ad revenues, listen up!Forget chasing ad dollars; focus on building a loyal community that supports your podcasting journey.The real gold in podcasting isn’t just downloads; it’s about creating genuine connections with your listeners.Ads might be declining, but trust me, building a community will make your podcast thrive in the long run.The future of podcasting is all about community and trust, not just numbers on a screen.If you want to grow your podcast, start by picking one simple thing to engage with your audience.Also Mentioned:Sponsor Magnet BookPodpage - Podcast Website BuilderRay Arnott Interview - Around the LayoutCommunity ResourcesHeartbeat (We use this for the School of Podcasting)CircleSkool (affordable, simple community)Newsletter ToolsKit (formerly Convertkit)MailerliteBeehiiv(and many more)Mentioned in this episode:Question of the Month: The Smallest Amount of DownloadsWe all want a bigger audience. We all put a lot of work into our shows. With this in mind, what is the smallest amount of downloads you would do the show for? If it drops below a number would you stop, or put effort into finding out why? Does the size of your audience matter? Go to schoolofpodcasting.com/question by August 28th (and don't forget to say a little bit about your show and your website address so I can link to it in the notes)School of PodcastingWhere Will I Be?I love meeting you when I'm out at events. Here are some of my next events: Podcast Movement September 17-18 Podindy November 7th (use the coupon pacer at podindy.com)Where Will I Be?Unlock Exclusive Insights: Subscribe to 'Podcasting Observations' Newsletter!Get a look into the world of podcasting like never before with "Podcasting Observations," your go-to source for trends, tips, and transformative insights tailored just for podcasters. You also get "behind the scenes" info from the School of Podcasting Don't miss out on staying ahead of the game—join the 1700+ people who are already reading Podcasting Observations today!Podcasting ObservationsTake Live Classes at the School of PodcastingPodcasting in Six Weeks is BACK! (and this time it's free!) We are continuing to experiment with marketing, and we had so much fun helping people launch their show that we are going it again (and dropped the fee). If you don't have a show but want to start one this is THE place to get going in the right direction. Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/sixweeks Growing Your Podcast Live Course For members of the School of Podcasting we are all banding together to go through the steps of growing your show (so sign up now!). This will including feedback and strategies to get your show growing faster. You will write down your typical downloads before you start, and compare it to the final numbers. Use the coupon code listener when singing up to become a member and receive a discount. These live classes start August 19th. Please let me know if you have any questions at schoolofpodcasting.com/contactSchool of Podcasting

If you’ve ever thought, ‘I want feedback, but I’m terrified of the internet,’ stay tuned—I’ll show you how to get useful criticism without letting trolls live rent-free in your head.Two Types of FeedbackI’m sharing how I handle trolls, reviews, and feedback—and how you can turn all of that into fuel to grow your show instead of reasons to quit. I’ll walk you through when to ignore, when to engage, and how to build a trusted focus group that helps you make your podcast better without letting anonymous strangers live rent‑free in your head.Trolls, Critics and Focus GroupsI break down the difference between true trolls, genuine critics, and helpful focus groups—and how each one fits (or doesn’t) into your growth as a podcaster. I share real stories about nitpicky typo trolls, cyberbullying from years ago, people who send you two and a half pages of “do a different show,” and how other podcasters are using their audience—and even Snapchat—to get honest, constructive criticism.By the end, you’ll see why I say feedback is the “breakfast of champions,” and why your fear of judgment shouldn’t keep your show stuck on your hard drive.What You’ll LearnTrolls vs. Focus GroupsHow I define a troll: unsolicited, emotionally charged feedback that’s mostly about getting a reaction.How I define a focus group: people who actually want to help shape and improve your show.Why some “trolls” are really just frustrated fans who want attention.Classic Troll Bait TopicsThe three topics that almost guarantee you’ll attract trolls:PoliticsNews / current eventsReligionWhy I’m okay with pushback when I brush up against these—and why you should expect it if your show leans into them.My Rules for Dealing with TrollsRule #1: Don’t feed the trolls.I talk about why I always try to wait before responding.How I “kill them with kindness” when I choose to reply.Why I often simply say, “Thanks for the feedback,” and move on.How I remind myself that sometimes people are just having a bad day, and I happened to be standing in front of them.Turning Feedback into a Tool for GrowthThe key question I always ask: “Do they have a point?”An example: being told, “You interrupt your guests too much,” and how I go back, listen, and honestly assess if they’re right.How I respond when someone clearly just wants me to do a completely different show than the one I want to make.How I Engage Without Losing My CoolWhy I sometimes ask, “How could I have done this better?” to separate useful advice from empty criticism.How I ask for evidence or sources in a non-defensive way:“I’m interested in digging into this—can you share a link?”When I’ll share my sources and politely stand my ground.When I decide it’s time to block, report, and move on, especially on platforms like YouTube.Knowing My Audience (and My Why)How knowing who my show is for makes it easier to ignore the wrong people.Why I consider the nastiest haters as “not my target audience.”The math I look at: out of hundreds of reviews, only a tiny percentage are negative—but they love to hog my attention if I let them.Stories and Examples I ShareMark Maron on Trolls as “Frustrated Love”A clip from Mark Maron talking about trolls who keep coming back.How he describes repeat trolls as people who are weirdly in love with you and just want you to get mad so they feel seen.The Typo TrollThe listener who went absolutely ballistic over typos and sent me 5–6 paragraph rants.How I handled it when the comments got personal.How I eventually “trolled the troll” with humor and kindness and watched him disappear (and reappear…and disappear again).Madame Strangeways &amp; Fear of FeedbackA conversation with Madame Strangeways who was reluctant to ask for feedback because of a cyberbullying incident 20 years ago.How I encourage her (and you) to start with trusted fans and patrons as a safe focus group.My “too much salt in the bread” analogy: people who love what you’re making will still tell you if something’s off, because they have to consume it.Jr. Sparrow &amp; Building a Focus GroupHow Jr. Sparrow used Snapchat’s Snap Map to find brutally honest listeners.How he turned “this show is crap” comments into a small group that now:Helps him curate which episodes to release.Shapes themes and content months in advance.Why he says you need “skin like Shrek” (thick skin, many layers) if you want to attach dollar signs to your show.Using Feedback Before You PublishHow experienced podcasters (including me) use feedback on topics, guests, and angles before episodes ever hit the feed.Why I’d rather kill an episode early than spend years promoting something that doesn’t resonate with my audience.SnapChat's Snap Map FeatureSnapchat’s Snap Mapshttps://youtu.be/l4R-wu42gZk?si=BVhAiDeB_Tq6anoOGetting Data From Snap Maphttps://youtu.be/qGxblSXvEbU?si=KoeDP8aI32uKvKjSMy Key Takeaways for YouYou are already being judged—at Home Depot, in the grocery line, everywhere—so a few online comments shouldn’t paralyze you.A tiny slice of reviews will be negative; they don’t outweigh the huge percentage of people who get value from your show.Feedback is how you get better. You can’t fix what you don’t know is broken.Learn to separate:Trolls – don’t feed them, or reply calmly and briefly.Constructive critics – look for the truth in what they’re saying.True fans / focus groups – invite them in and let them help you refine the show.If someone hates your show and clearly isn’t who you’re trying to reach, there’s a simple name for them: not your audience.Mentioned in This EpisodeSchool of Podcasting – Where I help you plan, launch, and grow your podcast, including listener parties to get safe, constructive feedback.Ask the Podcast Coach – My live call-in/chat show for free podcast consulting.Podpage – Website platform for podcasters (I’m the Head of Podcasting there).Madame Strangeways – True strange stories at madamestrangeways.com.Jr. Sparrow – WVU Uncommon Place – Society and culture in West Virginia.Call to ActionTell me what you think:Let me know one thing you love and one thing you’d change about this show at schoolofpodcasting.com/contact or schoolofpodcasting.com/voicemail.Need help with your podcast?If you want a safe place to get honest feedback and improve your show, join me at SchoolOfPodcasting.com and use the coupon code LISTENER for a discount. It comes with a 30‑day money‑back guarantee.Mentioned in this episode:Give Your Podcast A HomeWhen you look at our podcasting pieces, your media host is the engine. But your website is the home. It’s where your audience learns who you are, explores your episodes, and decides to subscribe. At Podpage, we build podcast websites that are fast, reliable, and designed to convert visitors into listeners. Every episode is automatically published, SEO-optimized, and structured for growth—so you can focus on creating, not managing your site. If your media host powers your podcast, Podpage gives it a place to live—and a place to grow. Start building your podcast’s home with Podpage by going to www.podpage.com/preview and start your 14 day free trial today.<a...

Nobody shares a video they didn't watch. Nobody shares a podcast they didn't listen to, so how do we get people to listen? This week we follow up form last week's episode about measuring success without downloads and today I talk about completion percentage in Apple, Spotify, as well as Google Analytics. Josh Liston explains how he and his co-host from the SAKÉ THIS show.How Long Should My Podcast Be?The stand ard answer is "as long as it needs to be an not a minute longer." However, another way of looking at this is to ask, "How long can you hold someone's attention?"You Can See How Far People Listen to Your ShowThe Apple Dashboard: https://podcastsconnect.apple.comThe Spotify Dashboard: https://creators.spotify.comQuestion of the Month Audio ToolsLast week I had a ton of replies to the Question of the Month. The issue is some of you have a ton of bass. Some of you are so clear it's almost shrill. Other have lots of background noise. This use to take me FOREVER to deal with until I started using tools from Accentize. I use a tool called DXRevive Pro cleans up the audio. Their Dialogue Enhance helps adjust the tone and remove noise. Then they have a free plugin called DXLevel that adjusts the volume levels (and it's free).Takeaways:How Dave thinks about episode length (and why “as long as it needs to be” actually works in practice)How to use Apple Podcasts Connect and Spotify for Podcasters to measure completion percentage and attention, not just downloadsWhy video and YouTube completion rates look so much worse than audio—and how not to let that crush your egoHow to use Google Analytics or Fathom to see which episodes and pages really resonateA behind-the-scenes look at the audio tools Dave uses (Accentize DX Revive, Dialog Enhance, and the free DX Level plugin) to make listener submissions sound more consistentAn update on the “free version” experiment of the School of Podcasting and why future focus is shifting to live cohort-style classesDave also shares a listener contribution from Josh Liston of the SAKÉ THIS podcast, with two non-download ways he measures success for his Japan-focused comedy show.Mentioned in this episode:Podpage is Now Included with Blubrry HostingBlubrry Podcasting — one of the longest-running podcast hosting platforms in the industry — has chosen Podpage to replace their built-in website tool entirely. That means every Blubrry hosting customer gets a professional, automatically updated podcast website powered by Podpage, included with their hosting plan. For Podpage, this is more than a partnership announcement. It’s validation that podcast websites deserve dedicated website tools built specifically for podcasters.PodpageTake Live Classes at the School of PodcastingPodcasting in Six Weeks is BACK! (and this time it's free!) We are continuing to experiment with marketing, and we had so much fun helping people launch their show that we are going it again (and dropped the fee). If you don't have a show but want to start one this is THE place to get going in the right direction. Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/sixweeks Growing Your Podcast Live Course For members of the School of Podcasting we are all banding together to go through the steps of growing your show (so sign up now!). This will including feedback and strategies to get your show growing faster. You will write down your typical downloads before you start, and compare it to the final numbers. Use the coupon code listener when singing up to become a member and receive a discount. These live classes start August 19th. Please let me know if you have any questions at schoolofpodcasting.com/contactSchool of PodcastingCheck Out Dave's Newsletter With Behind the Scenes ContentIn each issue of Podcasting Observations, I share my thoughts on what is happening in the podcasting space, my latest content, and things that have caught my eye. I also may ask for your opinion. Join the free communityPodcasting ObservationsQuestion of the Month: The Smallest Amount of DownloadsWe all want a bigger audience. We all put a lot of work into our shows. With this in mind, what is the smallest amount of downloads you would do the show for? If it drops below a number would you stop, or put effort into finding out why? Does the size of your audience matter? Go to schoolofpodcasting.com/question by August 28th (and don't forget to say a little bit about your show and your website address so I can link to it in the notes)School of Podcasting

How do you measure the success of your podcast that is NOT downloads?You’ll hear from a wide range of podcasters in different niches—storytelling, history, prepping, finance, faith, recovery, TV rewatch shows, local podcasts, health, creativity, and more—sharing how they really gauge success. Their answers include:Direct listener feedback &amp; real‑life impact (behavior change, decisions, staying sober, safer driving, adopting, spending time with Jesus, handling conversations differently)Engagement &amp; community (emails, voicemails, social comments, active groups, email lists, live events, guest offers, collaborations)Actions taken (lead magnet signups, newsletter growth, memberships, classes, affiliate links, donations and financial support)Enjoyment, fun, and personal growth (being excited about the next episode, getting better on the mic, becoming more confident and creative)Alignment with purpose &amp; service (sticking to your “why,” serving a niche community, “who many” vs. “how many,” “one life at a time”)Legacy &amp; memory (building an audio/video archive for family, preserving loved ones’ stories, creating a personal record you can revisit)Along the way, Dave adds commentary on why downloads alone are a poor North Star, how to re‑center on who you serve and why you podcast, and how podcasting can be a tool for service, community, and legacy—not just stats.Participants In This EpisodeScott from What Was That Like?Kate from Drafting in the PastMark from Practical PreppingNancy from Family Food StoriesBuckRalph From Content Creator's AccountantSteve from Podcast Editor's MastermindTrip From Home Brewed Christianity Podcast Spencer from The Recovery Show Travis from Bestie ApprovedAshriel from Called and Curious PodcastDave Interviewed JesusZo from Back Look CinemaJen from Women in PodcastingMarc from Solo Talk and Podcast BrandingChris from Cool Cars with Chris Howard from AA Recovery Interviews Ray from Around the LayoutYork from Welcome to Earth StoriesRob from Softball CentralDan from Based on a True StoryTim from Create Art and My Solo MS JourneyKim from the Pharmacist's Voice and the Perrysburg PodcastDave from Fix My PodcastMentioned in this episode:You Have A Message That Needs to Be HeardYou have a message that needs to be shared. Discover the art of podcasting at the School of Podcasting. We teach you to shine a light on your stories, inspiring others one episode at a time. Let your voice be your legacy. Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/joinSchool of PodcastingBuild the Website You Want with PodpagePodpage is flexible. If you want to promote something you can put it in the sidebar, on the front page, or at the bottom of every episode (not to mention the navigation bar, the footer and more). Podpage is designed specifically for podcasts. Quit trying to squeeze your podcast into a website made for a yoga studio. Start your free trial at podpage.com/previewPodpageQuestion of the Month: The Smallest Amount of DownloadsWe all want a bigger audience. We all put a lot of work into our shows. With this in mind, what is the smallest amount of downloads you would do the show for? If it drops below a number would you stop, or put effort into finding out why? Does the size of your audience matter? Go to schoolofpodcasting.com/question by August 28th (and don't forget to say a little bit about your show and your website address so I can link to it in the notes)School of PodcastingWhere Will I Be?I love meeting you when I'm out at events. Here are some of my next events: Podcast Movement September 17-18 Podindy November 7th (use the coupon pacer at podindy.com)Where Will I Be?

Are you getting the most out of your RSS feed?To figure out if you are, you first have to understand how a podcast workflow works, which means you need to understand:what an RSS feed ishow you make onewhere you get the best feedand how you make sure you're getting the most out of itDon't Make These MistakesIn this episode, I'm going to explain some of the mistakes I see people making with RSS feeds, especially when it comes to getting the most out of transcripts. In some cases, people aren't putting their transcripts into their media host, which means their transcripts aren't going into their feed. That is not something the best way to maximize your show.Where Do I Get an RSS Feed?Your RSS feed comes from your media host. For me, the best RSS feeds come from dedicated media hosts. Places like Captivate, Buzzsprout, rss.com, and Blubrry. All of these do one thing: they host your files, they provide an RSS feed, and they provide statistics.Make Sure Your Transcripts are In Your RSS FeedWhile having transcripts on your website is good, you are missing another opportunity by having them in your feed (which can be used in Podcast apps). When it comes to Podpage, having the transcript in your feed put it into a place where Podpage can grab it and put it on your site.Don't Hire Your Dentist to Work On Your CarOther places like Riverside are trying to be a jack-of-all-trades and a master of none. I don't want someone who's not a master of the RSS feed. The RSS feed is like the blood in your veins; it is your veins, and you don't want your veins to be Scotch-taped together. You want an RSS feed that is fully compatible with all the features available for podcasters.Directing People To Your SiteWhen I recently tested Riverisde, you could not direct people at the episode level to your site. This is a missed opportunity.This means that, when somebody is consuming your content in an app, usually there is a link to go to the website, which takes them to, (if you're doing it correctly) your website. On the episode page, I'm offering the ability to follow the show easily on Spotify, Apple, Pocket Cast, etc. If you don't have that link, you're missing an opportunity to send the audience where you want them to go. I need to email Riverside because this just reeks of a company who doesn't really understand podcasting getting into podcasting. Consequently, I know it's nice to have everything under one login, but how hard is it to login to more than one account (especially if you have 1password).No RSS No PodcastPeople keep asking what a podcast is. I'm not sure why. It's audio, video delivered via RSS. This means YouTube is not a podcast. It's a show. Radio is not TV. Both are content. When we blur the definition it messes up all of our reports. People have asked, "Well, the audience thinks YouTube is a podcast are we supposed to tell them they are wrong?" The answer is yes.Then we could have separate reports on YouTube vs Podcasts.If someone hears me listening to the band Sum 41, and says, "I love blink 182," I would say, "That's not Sum 41, it's blink 182. You're helping them not look stupid in the future. You would do the same thing if they called a banana an apple.Other Hosts I Don't RecommendSpotify: From their lying to their original partners, to making features that only work inside of Spotify (ignoring the open podcast system), and often eliminating features shrtly after they launch (never worldwide). I could go on for hours. Yes, it's free but so is RSS, Buzzsprout, and Red Circle.Soundcloud: Soundcloud, to the best of my knowledge hasn't implement features that were introduced in 2017. You can buy soundcloud plays (Google it) so consquentially you will never have sponsors while you use Soundcloud.Mailbag: AMP 30 Second RuleThanks to Mark for pushing back on my math. In the end (as of this date) AMP can't decide what their definition is (As they've already changed it). Also one of their "hidden" companies was YouTube. I'm sorry, if you're not doing anything wrong, why are you doing it in secret?Defined in their original press release as “30 seconds of content played, audio or video, once per user per session”, the corrected text drops any definition of a session length, becoming just “30 seconds of content played, audio or video”. - source Podnews.Mailbag: How Are Your Updating Your Question of the Month?Rob from Softball Central asked how I was having the current question of the month appear in episodes that are years old. For the last two years I've hosted on Captivate. I love their business model (Multiple shows for the same price - and their super flexible dynamic content system). Dynamic content doesn't always have to be ads. Here are examplesQuestion of the monthWhere will I be (live appearances)A pre-roll that mentioned that I had given out a wrong episode number.They also allow me to tag the current promotional mp3 so later I can easily take all the "questions of the month" and update them with the new, current months question.Click Here to watch me show this off.Mentioned in This EpisodeThe 4 Cs of a Standout Podcast: Clarity, Contrast, Consistency, CharacterSponsor Magnet Book by Justin MooreCaptivate Media HostingBuzzsprout Media HostingRSS.com Media HostingPractical Prepping ShowSoftball CentralSchool of PodcastingPodpage - Build the Website your show DeservesMentioned in this episode:Have You Heard About the Podpage Assistant?Here's what it can do: Identify the best search keyphrase to target — The Assistant analyzes your episode and finds the keyphrase most likely to drive organic traffic. Generate optimized SEO titles and descriptions — Get search-friendly titles and meta descriptions written for each episode automatically. Expand your show notes — Turn brief show notes into detailed, search-friendly content that helps Google understand what your episode is about. Create SEO schema — Automatically generate structured data including FAQs and key takeaways, giving search engines even more context about your content. Generate episode transcriptions — If your podcast host doesn't provide transcripts, the Assistant can create them for you. Create companion blog posts — Each episode can get a dedicated blog post that supports your episode's SEO and gives listeners another way to find you. Automatically categorize episodes — Keep your episode library organized without lifting a finger. Start your 14 day trial at www.podpage.com/preview PodpageQuestion of the Month: The Smallest Amount of DownloadsWe all want a bigger audience. We all put a lot of work into our shows. With this in mind, what is the smallest amount of downloads you would do the show for? If it drops below a number would you stop, or put effort into finding out why? Does the size of your audience matter? Go to schoolofpodcasting.com/question by August 28th (and don't forget to say a little bit about your show and your website...

When I first heard about Flightcast on the Podbiz show, I thought, "I have to have Rox Codes on my show." I had Rox do a Flightcast demo for members of the School of Podcasting. Rox has worked for Mr. Beast, Microsoft, Facebook and many more.In this episode of the School of Podcasting, I sit down with Rox Codes, co-creator of Flight Cast, the video-first hosting platform built in partnership with Steven Bartlett from Diary of a CEO.If you’ve been thinking about getting more serious with video podcasting, YouTube growth, or centralizing your stats from multiple platforms, this one is for you.This content may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services I trust and believe will provide value to you. Thank you for your support!Got Feedback On This Episode?I'd love to hear what you thought about this episode. If you have a minute or two, it's less than five questions and works great on your phone or computer.&nbsp;Share Your ThoughtsWhat We Talk About in This EpisodeIn this conversation, we cover:What Flight Cast actually is (and who it’s for)Why it’s a video-first hosting platformHow “one upload, one dashboard” pushes your show to YouTube, Spotify, Apple, RSS, and audio platformsHow you can keep it simple or go crazy with customizationSimple upload, powerful customizationUpload one episode and:Send video to YouTube, Spotify, Apple, RSSSend audio everywhere elseSchedule different release times per platform (e.g., 6 AM audio, 8 AM YouTube)Use different titles, descriptions, and even different edits per platformUpload separate versions of the file (say “subscribe” in one, “follow” in another)Use AI to:Generate titles, descriptions, and chapters in your own styleAuto-format chapters correctly for each platformAll your stats in one placeHow Flight Cast pulls:YouTube viewsSpotify streamsRSS downloadsAnd rolls them up into a single “plays” metricAdditional analytics you get:Day-by-day performanceNew vs returning followersCross-platform uniquesBreakdown by platform, country, state, cityA built-in “giant spreadsheet” you don’t have to build yourselfAudience overlap (who listens to episode A and episode B)Using the built-in AI chat to answer questions like:“Rank all my episodes on YouTube in the last 6 months by views in the first 24 hours.”“What’s my 100-day average per episode?”Ads, programmatic, and retention dataHow Flight Cast handles:Geo-targetingProgrammatic adsDynamic ad slotsWhy retention graphs matter more than a single download numberHow to look at:Drop-off moments (what caused the skip?)Chapter jumps (what are people skipping to?)Rox’s “favorite stat” and why views still matter most in his worldClips, test channels, and experimentationLets you “always be testing” in the backgroundHow to ramp up clips:Start with 1 clip/daySlowly increase to 2, 3, then 4 maxWhy this kind of ongoing experimentation is like treating your show as a recipe, not a statueMoving from audio to video (without losing your mind)Rox’s core idea:Video isn’t a file format, it’s an algorithmOn YouTube, TikTok, Reels, Shorts: publishing and discovery are the same thingThe big mindset shift:Audio podcasting = small optimization games (SEO, cross-promo, ads)YouTube = “get good” at a few big levers:ThumbnailsTitlesIdeasIntrosWhy the first 30 seconds, title, and thumbnail matter so much more than most of us want to admitTalking-head video vs fancy productionWhy talking heads are NOT bad content:Joe Rogan is talking headsDiary of a CEO is talking headsWhy audio quality is still 80% of the experience even on videoWhen 4K matters (and when it doesn’t):720 → 1080 is a big jump1080 → 4K is “nice to have,” not mandatoryFlight Cast’s support for full 4K, including Apple HLS video, and why they built it to “respect” creators who go the extra mileWho Flight Cast is for and pricingTarget user: serious video podcasters / “intermediate plus”Why Rox calls it a “jackhammer”—powerful, but you don’t always need that much powerPricing (at the time of this conversation):Starts around $50/month for everything except clipsHigher tiers ($100–$250/month) if you want more clips and higher download limitsBasic plan includes:Up to 50,000 downloads/monthFull 4K video, Apple HLS, no bandwidth chargesAround 3 TB of storage (which almost nobody hits)Learning YouTube: resources Rox recommendsApril Lynn Alter (YouTube channel)Patty Galloway (YouTube channel)Creator Hooks by Jake Thomas (newsletter)A dose of reality about YouTube and videoWe talk frankly about:People who spend days or even weeks perfecting a thumbnailThe sheer amount of time it can take to get good at YouTubeMy big point:It’s okay if you don’t have that timeJust understand what you’re up against so you don’t get discouragedMy biggest fear:People add video to an already full plateBurn out on videoThen quit podcasting entirelyI want you to set realistic expectationsBonus: For audio-only podcasters who still want better statsPodAnalyst.com – in beta with their pro plan free for nowTracks:Listening completion at 25%, 50%, 75%, etc.How long people are actually listeningTo me, that’s the real “is my show any good?” metric:If people are only listening to 25% of an episode, that’s a signalYou can track up to 10 keywords, share stats with team members, and export data while they’re in beta.My TakeawaysHere’s what I want you to remember from this episode:If you go into video, YouTube is an algorithm game, not just a file format.You don’t need cinematic production; you do need:Strong audioA compelling titleA curiosity-driven thumbnailA sharp first 30 secondsTools like FlightCast can:Save you time by distributing everywhere from one uploadHelp you understand your audience by putting all your stats in one placeYou don’t have to “go full YouTuber” to benefit from thinking like one.And again, if you’re already overwhelmed with audio, please don’t feel like you “have to” add video. I’d rather you keep podcasting than burn out chasing an unrealistic video workload.Links MentionedI’ll have links to everything we...

In this episode of the School of Podcasting, Dave Jackson shows you how to stop being “just another podcast” and start becoming someone’s favorite show (I love that line from Jay Acunzo).You’ll learn how to:Clarify what your podcast is actually about in one sentenceChoose (or tweak) your name and description so they signal your unique angleDeliver on the promise of your premise so listeners trust youUse your own stories, quirks, and background as an unfair advantage no AI can copyWhether you’re launching a new show or trying to revive an existing one, this episode will help you stand out in a crowded market.The Four C's of Building a Favorite Show1. You Need a Clear “What Is It?” Line (Clarity)If you can’t describe your show in one sentence, your listeners definitely can’t.Think of it like a movie logline:“A shark terrorizes a beach town.” → Jaws“A lawyer can’t lie for 24 hours.” → Liar LiarIf your answer sounds like “me and my buddy talking about stuff and stuff,” you have a clarity problem.2. Your Name &amp; Description Should Create ContrastIf your show is called something generic like “Thinking Outside the Box,” you’re competing with dozens of identical names.Simple test: say your show’s name to someone and ask, “What do you think it’s about?”If their answer doesn’t match your actual content, your name isn’t doing its job.Your description should:Say who the show is forSay how it’s differentPromise what they get every episode - and then give it to themUse your listeners’ own words from reviews/emails to sharpen your description.3. Deliver on the Promise of Your Premise (Consistency)Your title, artwork, and description are a promise. Your content has to deliver.Click‑baity titles and vague descriptions might get a first click, but if the episode doesn’t do what it says, you won’t get a second one.Examples:Joe Rogan: long-form, open-ended conversations where people actually talk through ideas.Podnews and Podnews Weekly Review: global podcast news with strong host chemistry and a predictable format.4. Your Stories and Style Are Your Uncopyable Advantage (Character)AI can write scripts and headlines—but it doesn’t have your bike ride, your great nephew, or your specific regrets and realizations.You have stories, you just need to write them down.5. Use “Homework for Life” to Capture StoriesFrom Matthew Dicks’ Storyworthy: at the end of each day, ask:“What happened today that might be a story?”Write down one sentence—just enough to remind you later.Use any note tool (NoteJoy, Apple Notes, Google Keep, voice-to-text, etc.).Over time you build a story library you can draw from to explain concepts and stand out from AI‑generated, story‑less shows.Action Steps From This EpisodeBy the end of this episode, challenge yourself to:Write your one-sentence “What is it?” line.If you can’t say it clearly in one breath, cut it down.Ask 2–3 non-podcaster friends:Show them your title, cover art, and description.Ask, “What do you think this show is about?”If their answer doesn’t match your intention, revise your name/description.Search your show’s name in Google and major podcast apps.Is the name crowded? Already used?Is there a dormant show with the name you want? Consider reaching out and asking to take over/buy the feed.List 5 story moments from the last 30 days.Use “homework for life” style notes.Circle 1–2 you can use in upcoming episodes to explain a lesson.Rewrite your podcast description to:Say who the show is forSay how it’s differentPromise what they’ll consistently get each time they listenResources MentionedStoryworthy by Matthew Dicks – Book on storytelling and “homework for life.”Notejoy captiring toolResearch LinksPodcasting Morning ShowSave the Cat!: The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever NeedHot Ones' Guests Impressed by Sean Evans' Questions | Vol. 6 - YouTubePacino Arrests Everybody (Samuel L. Jackson Cameo) | Sea of Love - YouTubeHomework for Life | Matthew DicksHow Stories Happen: Creators and Entrepreneurs Dissect Their Signature Stories — Jay Acunzo - Jay always says, "Don't just be a podcast, be someone's FAVORITE podcast."Podcast Network Insights - A show About Podcasting networks.Podcast Momentum | Build Podcast Momentum – Geared towards businessesPedal Stomper Podcast. Podcasting Lessons from a Hall of Famer: 20 Years of Wisdom with Dave Jackson - YouTubeWork With DaveIf you want help:Sharpening your “what is it?” lineChoosing or refining a podcast nameRewriting your description so it stands outAnd building a show that becomes someone’s favorite…then join the School of Podcasting and get step‑by‑step guidance, resources, and a community of podcasters just like you. You can also sign up for a single podcast strategy session.Mentioned in this episode:Have You Heard About the Podpage Assistant?Here's what it can do: Identify the best search keyphrase to target — The Assistant analyzes your episode and finds the keyphrase most likely to drive organic traffic. Generate optimized SEO titles and descriptions — Get search-friendly titles and meta descriptions written for each episode automatically. Expand your show notes — Turn brief show notes into detailed, search-friendly content that helps Google understand what your episode is about. Create SEO schema — Automatically generate structured data including FAQs and key takeaways, giving search engines even more context about your content. Generate episode transcriptions — If your podcast host doesn't provide transcripts, the Assistant can create them for you. Create companion blog posts — Each episode can get a dedicated blog post that supports your episode's SEO and gives listeners another way to find you. Automatically categorize episodes — Keep your episode library organized without lifting a finger. Start your 14 day trial at www.podpage.com/preview PodpageGet Some Feedback On Your Show“Want honest, helpful feedback on your podcast? At the School of Podcasting, we host ‘Listening Parties’ where members share short clips and get constructive, encouraging critiques from fellow podcasters and myself. It’s a safe, supportive way to hear what’s working, fix what’s not, and make your show stronger fast.” School of PodcastingQuestion of the Month: The Smallest Amount of DownloadsWe all want a bigger audience. We all put a lot of work into our shows. With this in mind, what is the smallest amount of downloads you would do the show for? If it drops below a number would you stop, or put effort into finding out why? Does the size of your audience matter? Go to schoolofpodcasting.com/question by August 28th (and don't forget to say a little bit about your show and your website address so I can link to it in the notes)School of PodcastingCheck Out Dave's Newsletter With Behind the Scenes

Why Joe Rogan Beat Late Night TVWhen I was a kid, hearing Johnny Carson’s theme music meant it was time for bed. Today, nobody has to stay up for anything. And that one shift explains a huge part of why late night is fading and why your podcast has to work harder to earn attention.Conversation vs Promotional AppearancesIn the early years of Johnny Carson, the show was 90 minutes and they actually had conversations as apposed to the "tell me about your family vacation, and let's roll the clip" interviews we see on late night showsAppointment Viewing is DeadThe days of "must see tv" on Thursday night died with the VCR and DVR. I haven't watched live TV in years. So now the audience that is staying up to watch live is much older (somewhere between age 60-70), and is about HALF of the audience comparing it to the days wheh David Letterman get almost 7 million a night.The Celebrity Mystique is GoneI once stayed up to watch B.B. King on the tonight show. Why? Because I couldn't hear him on the radio. I was too young to go to a concert. If I did that today and wanted to see Joe Bonamassa I wouldn't need to wait to see him on TV. I could see him on his YouTube channel, or multiple interviews on podcasts.#1 in Late Night is a Big Fish in a Much Smaller PondKeep in mind that Steven Colbert being #1 in late night in 2026 is way different than being #1 in late night in 1993. Late-night TV revenue has reportedly fallen from about $400 million a year to $200 million a year—a 50% decline—while some shows that once drew 7–8 million nightly viewers now struggle to reach 3 million.YouTube Doesn't Pay the SameAccording to one report, YouTube pays one tenth of what a network ad spot would go for. When you audience is cut in half, you have less advertisers. When the advertisers you have are paying you 90% less and your expenses stay the same that is a problem.Keep Control of Your ContentRemember big companies with big payouts WANT CONTROL. Conan focused on owning his content and that resulted in a 150 million dollar payout.Only Amazing Content Will Stand OutIf you want podcast growth, you need to make sure you are doing as many of the following as possible.Make them:laughcrythinkgroanMake Sure The ContentEducatesEntertainsSaves the audience timeSaves them moneyMakes them FEEL somethingIf it's information you can get any place else, even better. A great podcast can be boiled down to content and delivery. So this episode is focused on content.Be Ready to PromoteWhen someone says, "Oh, you do a podcast?" be ready to explain what it is, what its about, and how people benefit from consuming your content (and say your website). We hear how Macaulay Culkin dropped the ball so bad on the Ellen show.Housekeeping: How to Pitch a PodcastI am still preparing to launch this show and I'm accepting stories. I had some things pop up that are taking my attention as they are time sensitive. It's coming...Mentioned in this episode:Where Will I Be?I love meeting you when I'm out at events. Here are some of my next events: Podcast Movement September 17-18 Podindy November 7th (use the coupon pacer at podindy.com)Where Will I Be?Podcasting Six WeeksReady to start your podcast? Podcasting in Six Weeks gives aspiring podcasters a proven, step-by-step system to launch with confidence. Stop overthinking and start publishing. Enroll today and your podcast could be live in just six weeks. Classes start August 19thPodcasting in Six WeeksQuestion of the Month: The Smallest Amount of DownloadsWe all want a bigger audience. We all put a lot of work into our shows. With this in mind, what is the smallest amount of downloads you would do the show for? If it drops below a number would you stop, or put effort into finding out why? Does the size of your audience matter? Go to schoolofpodcasting.com/question by August 28th (and don't forget to say a little bit about your show and your website address so I can link to it in the notes)School of PodcastingHave You Heard About the Podpage Assistant?Here's what it can do: Identify the best search keyphrase to target — The Assistant analyzes your episode and finds the keyphrase most likely to drive organic traffic. Generate optimized SEO titles and descriptions — Get search-friendly titles and meta descriptions written for each episode automatically. Expand your show notes — Turn brief show notes into detailed, search-friendly content that helps Google understand what your episode is about. Create SEO schema — Automatically generate structured data including FAQs and key takeaways, giving search engines even more context about your content. Generate episode transcriptions — If your podcast host doesn't provide transcripts, the Assistant can create them for you. Create companion blog posts — Each episode can get a dedicated blog post that supports your episode's SEO and gives listeners another way to find you. Automatically categorize episodes — Keep your episode library organized without lifting a finger. Start your 14 day trial at www.podpage.com/preview Podpage

So many people need remote recording for co-hosts and guests. Yet in the 20+ years of podcasting once we get a solid solution, they upgrade the software and we're back to always having a backup "Just in case." So I reached out to my audience to see what they used and they chimed in.The HistoryBlog Talk Radio (now gone) was an EASY choice but sounded like the phone. There was Skype (also gone), but everyone needed an account, and for the technically challenged, it was intimidating. Squadcast came on with a winning strategy with a firm understanding of what podcasters needed. Make it simple. Make it reliable.Then Video Entered the PictureThen tools like Squadcast added video, and while I never had an issue I know people who spoke of "Drift" where the audio didn't line up with the video (making it look like a bad Godzilla movie). There are tools like Evmux (browser based), Ecamm (Mac Only), Descript (browser based), and Streamyard (brwoser based).Text Based EditingWhen Descript entered the picture with text based editing (you edit the transcript, and it edits the audio) it became impressive after a few years. They purchased Squadcast, but haven't implemented all the tech from Squadcast (like being able to schedule a future episode in their "Rooms.").All in One SolutionsThis is one of the symptoms of a "All in one" solution. They do most things about 75%, but the details in that last 25 is what makes the difference. Riverisde started as remote recording, added text based editing, clip generation, and recently podcast hosting (the podcast hosting is very basic see video as of May 2026).It May Not Be All Riverside's FaultI wrote a blog post about all the things podcasters could do to be ready to make great recordings with Riverside.If you want Riverside to work, don’t overcomplicate it:Solid internetUpdated browserDecent computerEnough disk spaceDon’t rush the uploadThat’s it.Do those things, and suddenly Riverside becomes “magically reliable.”What I Use For Live Streaming and RecordingBefore moving to a Mac computer, I use Streamyard, and loved it. When I got a Mac Mini, I switched to Ecamm. It's amazing and much you have more control over how things look. If you have a Streamdeck, you can do some pretty magical things. Worth that said, I'm considering going back to Streamyard even though it's $5 more a month (I used Ecamm for making recording for the School of Podcasting, but I now do those in Tella).What is The Most Reliable?For me, after talking with the School of Podcasting members and now hearing from the audience I would say Ecamm (mac only) and Streamyard (browser based).That doesn't mean Riverside, Evmux, Squadcast are not reliable, but I feel Ecamm and Streamyard are more reliable. They also are primarily focused on one thing RECORDING (although streamyard just added clip generation).So What If I Don't Want an All In One?Then you record with something like Ecamm or Streamyard, if you need clips, there is Opus Clip. There is free video software like Davinci Resolve, and free audio editing like Audacity.Thanks to The ContributorsFrank Bravo From Your Tech MakeoverTodd the Gator from Gaurdian DowncastChris From Cool Cars with ChrisEd from the Days Dumpster FireTim from My Solo MS JourneyMentioned In This EpisodeStreamyardEcammRiversideDescriptEvMuxCleanfeedZencastrOBS ProjectVDO NinjaPodtrack P4NextZoom H6Samson Q2U MicrophoneOpus ClipBoomer BunkerWar Room Online JournalTakeaways:Remote recording can be a total pain if you don't have solid internet; trust me, I know.Zoom works great for audio-only shows but struggles with video quality when the internet hiccups.Streamyard's simplicity makes remote recording a breeze; just send a link and boom, done!Clean Feed is solid for high-quality audio, especially for those who want to keep it simple.For video, Riverside sounds fancy but can be hit or miss; make sure it meets your needs first.Discord is free and surprisingly powerful for remote recordings, even if you're not a gamer.Mentioned in this episode:Where Will I Be?I love meeting you when I'm out at events. Here are some of my next events: Podcast Movement September 17-18 Podindy November 7th (use the coupon pacer at podindy.com)Where Will I Be?Question of the Month: The Smallest Amount of DownloadsWe all want a bigger audience. We all put a lot of work into our shows. With this in mind, what is the smallest amount of downloads you would do the show for? If it drops below a number would you stop, or put effort into finding out why? Does the size of your audience matter? Go to schoolofpodcasting.com/question by August 28th (and don't forget to say a little bit about your show and your website address so I can link to it in the notes)School of PodcastingPodcasting Six WeeksReady to start your podcast? Podcasting in Six Weeks gives aspiring podcasters a proven, step-by-step system to launch with confidence. Stop overthinking and start publishing. Enroll today and your podcast could be live in just six weeks. Classes start August 19thPodcasting in Six WeeksPodpage is Now Included with Blubrry HostingBlubrry Podcasting — one of the longest-running podcast hosting platforms in the industry — has chosen Podpage to replace their built-in website tool entirely. That means every Blubrry hosting customer gets a professional, automatically updated podcast website powered by Podpage, included with their hosting plan. For Podpage, this is more than a partnership announcement. It’s validation that podcast websites deserve dedicated website tools built specifically for podcasters.Podpage

So many people think the only way you can have a successful podcast is to be famous. Today we have a quick Interview with Jordan Blair from the Dreamful podcast and the Buzzsprout podcast Buzzcast. Jordan share all the straggles she is using to monetize her show.Jordan's Been Podcasting For Seven YearsThis didn't happen overnight, but you will hear where Jordan recommends starting monetization efforts from day one. This way your family and friends who want to support the show can actually chip in, and the audience gets used to hearing you ask for support.If you feel weird asking for value in return for the value you have given to the audience, keep in mind PBS has been doing this for decades.Where Do You Start?Jordan recommends starting off with enabling donations (technically a tip not a donation, unless you're a non-profit). Buzzsprout has this built in or you could use buy me a coffee, and many others. If you start with subscriptions, as you're just starting the show, it may be a little overwhelming and you end up making extra content for an audience that doesn't exist (yet). Just realize if you want people to chip in, you have to ask.You can see Jordan's support page here.Affiliate Links Are a Great TestWe talked about tools for using affiliate links in a previous episode. Affiliate links enable you to make a commission on a sale from someone using your special link. This is a great test and practice to get used to doing calls to action, promoting a product, and seeing what products your audience is interestedThe Pros and Cons of MerchJordan shares how she created some swag for her audience, setup a store and received absolutely zero sales. This is when she realized she should ask her audience what they want first before making swag. For more on merch sales check out my interview with Jayna Marie.First Person Endorsements Deliver Tons of ValueJordan's show is for kids who are trying to go to sleep. She found some puzzles and bought them and tried them. She knew this would resonate with her audience, and talked about her own experience with the puzzles and the affiliate links came flowing in.You Might Have to Take Partners to SchoolJordan explains that her first sponsor knocked on her door, and provided an offer. Jordan had to explain to them how partnerships work in podcasting (this isn't radio, and we have a much stronger connection with our audiences). She renogiated and came up with a dela that worked for everyone.She Didn't Plan on Making MoneyJordan started the Dreamful stories podcast as a resource for her own children. She launched it, and focused on delivering value and connecting with her audience. She found out what they wanted and delivered the show they wanted. This lead to her show's downloads escalating while she was on a break!Check out Jordan's ShowsDreamful StoriesBuzzcastGot Feedback On This Episode?I'd love to hear what you thought about this episode. If you have a minute or two, it's less than five questions and works great on your phone or computer.&nbsp;Share Your ThoughtsOther Items MentionedPodnews Weekly ReviewHow to Turn Your Podcast Into Passive Income (With Tools I Actually Use)Big Lash Energy: One Million Downloads Fueled by Coffee and ComplimentsProfit From Your Podcast Book (by Dave)This Old Marketing ShowSponsor Magnet Book by Justin MooreMentioned in this episode:Where Will I Be?I love meeting you when I'm out at events. Here are some of my next events: Podcast Movement September 17-18 Podindy November 7th (use the coupon pacer at podindy.com)Where Will I Be?Build the Website You Want with PodpagePodpage is flexible. If you want to promote something you can put it in the sidebar, on the front page, or at the bottom of every episode (not to mention the navigation bar, the footer and more). Podpage is designed specifically for podcasts. Quit trying to squeeze your podcast into a website made for a yoga studio. Start your free trial at podpage.com/previewPodpageQuestion of the Month: The Smallest Amount of DownloadsWe all want a bigger audience. We all put a lot of work into our shows. With this in mind, what is the smallest amount of downloads you would do the show for? If it drops below a number would you stop, or put effort into finding out why? Does the size of your audience matter? Go to schoolofpodcasting.com/question by August 28th (and don't forget to say a little bit about your show and your website address so I can link to it in the notes)School of PodcastingPodcasting Six WeeksReady to start your podcast? Podcasting in Six Weeks gives aspiring podcasters a proven, step-by-step system to launch with confidence. Stop overthinking and start publishing. Enroll today and your podcast could be live in just six weeks. Classes start August 19thPodcasting in Six Weeks

A Dialogue with Justin Jackson and Alban BrookeJust in Jackson from Transistor.fm is so enthusiastic about Apple's new way to add video to their platform (called HLS). I have felt "Meh" about it since it was announced (I'm worried about using API's instead of using the RSS feed). So I wanted to see if I was missing something that might lead me to feel more like Justin.Later that same week Alban Brook from Buzzsprout reached out and so I combined the interviews to show multiple points of view about Apple's HLS implementation not that more hosts are being approved to connect to Apple via their API.Justin's View is Based On Younger PeopleWhile I have no children Justin has a few and he explained how watching them he sees them move from watching video to switching to audio. So the HLS video in Apple supports this (and it's already available on YouTube music, and Spotify. This explains why Justin would have a viewpoint different than mine.Dialogues are amazing, and you just might learn something. Try one today. They are free!Alban's View on The "Give People What They Want" focus of Apple PodcastsWhen you go to YouTube, they drown you in options as they try to get you to click on anything. With Apple's new video options, when you log into Apple, you primarily see the shows that you've told Apple you want to see. Consequently, it may be a better experience. Kevin Finn on the Buzzcast show compared YouTube and the horrible experience to going to the movies, where everything is overpriced and the floor is sticky. The experience isn't as good.Don't Take on Too MuchIf you're a video creator already, adding your show to YouTube seems like a no brainer, and Alaban and Just both mentioned that when people signed up to be beta testers, many of the people chomping at the bit were already video creators.Justin mentions that much like coloring, you start with three colors and learn how to keep people engaged. Then start adding more colors. With podcasting it may make more sense to start with audio, and then add video.We are in a Wait and See PeriodWe don't actually know if this is going to take off. While we don't expect Apple to topple YouTube, we are interested to see just how many people jump on board. Both companies mentioned the benefits of being an early adopter.Pricing for HLS HostingTransistor offers HLS video on any package of of $49 and higher.Buzzsprout offers 6 hours a month for $30 ($25 if you purchase yearly).Captivate is $19/month with an additional $12 for video.Keep in mind Transistor and Captivate operate on a "As many shows and episodes as you want (but you bill goes up depending on downloads/traffic). Buzzsprout's model is a "per show" fee, but you can have as many downloads as you want.For more information on other hosts as they are added see this article on Podnews.The Bridge Podcast on YouTubeJustin shared the story of The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge a former Candaian broadcaster who has now moved to YouTube who is having great success without amazing Thumbnails and fancy studios.Acquired Charges Millions for SponsorshipThere are always shows that break the mold, and Acquired is one of them. They do limited shows that engage a certain audience (CEOs), and consequently are charging millions for sponsor a season (and are already sold out). They describe their show as, "We (Ben and David) personally invest 100+ hours each to research and produce a ~4 hour "conversational audiobook,” telling a company's complete history and strategy.Spotify's Video Options are BlurryI am always cautious about Spotify. We all know they are not fans of RSS, and they like to make features that only work in Spotify. In a recent article at Podnews, Jame Cridlan explains how uploading a video from your media host into Spotify may lock you into using the media host (where an RSS enables you to redirect the feed). There is talk that Spotify may manually be able to switch your show back to RSS (with consequences). My point is we currently don't know so if you plan on posting video to Spotify, you might setup a free hosting account and uplaod the video there. ( I do that for my "Ask the Podcast Coach" show).Mentioned In the ShowSchool of PodcastingPodcasting in Six WeeksTransistor Media HostingBuzzsprout Media HostingCaptivate Media HostingThe Video Podcast ShowPodcast Marketing Trends ExplainedThe Panel PodcastBuzzcast PodcastResearch LinksVideo podcast host pricing - comparisons from PodnewsBeware Spotify's video lock-in from PodnewsMentioned in this episode:Question of the Month: The Smallest Amount of DownloadsWe all want a bigger audience. We all put a lot of work into our shows. With this in mind, what is the smallest amount of downloads you would do the show for? If it drops below a number would you stop, or put effort into finding out why? Does the size of your audience matter? Go to schoolofpodcasting.com/question by August 28th (and don't forget to say a little bit about your show and your website address so I can link to it in the notes)School of PodcastingPodcasting Six WeeksReady to start your podcast? Podcasting in Six Weeks gives aspiring podcasters a proven, step-by-step system to launch with confidence. Stop overthinking and start publishing. Enroll today and your podcast could be live in just six weeks. Classes start August 19thPodcasting in Six WeeksPodpage is Now Included with Blubrry HostingBlubrry Podcasting — one of the longest-running podcast hosting platforms in the industry — has chosen Podpage to replace their built-in website tool entirely. That means every Blubrry hosting customer gets a professional, automatically updated podcast website powered by Podpage, included with their hosting plan. For Podpage, this is more than a partnership announcement. It’s validation that podcast websites deserve dedicated website tools built specifically for podcasters.PodpageWhere Will I Be?I love meeting you when I'm out at events. Here are some of my next events: Podcast Movement September 17-18 Podindy November 7th (use the coupon pacer at podindy.com)Where Will I Be?

Today we are talking about your show that just won't grow. It's time for a podcast experiment. I often say "You podcast is a recipe - not a statue." Well here is the good news. You know how to build a podcast to the current level you are at. The bad news is you've been here for a bit and it's time to try something to break you out of your plateau.You Either Win Or You LearnWhen you try something new with your podcast we often feel like everyone will leave immediately, and that just doesn't happen. Have you ever gone to a concert of a band you grew up listening to? They say "Here is one from our new album!" and half the theater goes for a beer, but most of them stay because they like the band.What If My Numbers Goes Down?So if you previously had 200 downloads an episode, and now you have 180 you learned something not to do. You've know how to grow a show to 200, so do that and try again.Start With a SurveySpeaking of mistakes, I once did a survey that I talked about bear the end of my show. One of the questions was, "Do you think the show is too long?" Well, if you think about it (being near the end of the show) anyone who thought it was too long had already left.Announce the survey, and really push it and explain how the audience will benefit. It could be as simple as:Did you listen to the end of the episode?If not where did you stop and why?How likely are you to share it with a friend on a scale form 1-10?You can use the built in survey with Podpage, or something like Tally forms.Smart Experiments: One Step at a TimeWhen you test new parts of your show, change ONE thing only. If you change three things and one of them works, you won't know which one.I would start with your episode titles, your opening two minutes (have a good hook), and get to the content ASAP.My Current Experiment: Podcasting in Six WeeksI tried this class about six months ago, and only told my email list. That was a dumb idea, but I learned to use ALL of my outlets when promoting a product or service.The course starting June 3rd will be once a week covering the following topics:Week 1: Concept &amp; Planning Define your unique angle and target audience Choose your format and episode structure Create your content calendar for the first 10 episodes Develop your show name and descriptionWeek 2: Equipment &amp; Setup Essential equipment recommendations for every budget. Recording space optimization (even in noisy environments). Software setup and configuration Audio quality testing and troubleshootingWeek 3: Recording Techniques Professional recording techniques. Interview skills and guest management. Solo episode strategies. Overcoming "mic fright" and speaking naturally.Week 4: Editing &amp; Post-Production Editing basics that save time and sound professional. Intro/outro creation and music selection File management and organization systems Quality control checklistsWeek 5: Hosting &amp; Distribution Choosing and setting up your podcast host Submitting to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms RSS feeds and technical requirements Show artwork and metadata optimizationWeek 6: Marketing &amp; Growth Launch strategies that actually get listeners. Social media promotion and repurposing content Building relationships with other podcasters Long-term growth strategies and monetizationEXCLUSIVE BONUSES: BONUS #1: "Podcast Equipment Starter Kit Guide" (Value: $97) No more confusion about what to buy. Get our curated equipment list with specific product recommendations for three different budgets – beginner, intermediate, and professional.BONUS #2: "First 10 Episodes Content Planner" (Value: $67) Never stare at a blank screen wondering what to talk about. This detailed planner gives you proven episode templates and topic ideas to keep your content engaging from day one.BONUS #3: "Podcast Launch Checklist" (Value: $47) A step-by-step checklist ensuring you don't miss any crucial steps during your launch. From technical setup to promotional tasks – it's all coverSix hours of consulting with me would be $1200, but as we try this experiment it's only $1.Why not free? Because we wanted people who would at least believe in themselves enough to spend $1 to help improve themselves.In full transparency we hope you join the School of Podcasting when the class is over, but it is a free standing class. The sessions will be recorded.Sign Up For the Class TODAY!Got Feedback On This Episode?I'd love to hear what you thought about this episode. If you have a minute or two, it's less than five questions and works great on your phone or computer.&nbsp;Share Your ThoughtsResources Mentioned in Episode 1034School of PodcastingPod SEO use sop10 to save 10%Ausha SEOPod AnalyistResearch LinksDave Jackson #661 - New Media ShowInsight on Business - Dave Jackson InterviewSwitchy Link ShortenerStuck at 800 downloads per ep for almost a year. what actually moves the needle : r/podcastingPodAnalyst - Podcast Measurement and Analytics For GrowthMy Worst Takes & Mistakes Over 500 Episodes - Author MediaPodcasting Truth & Myths Learned Over 500 EpisodesWhat are examples that were accidents that turned out to be great?Mentioned in this episode:Where Will I Be?I love meeting you when I'm out at events. Here are some of my next events: Podcast Movement September 17-18 Podindy November 7th (use the coupon pacer at podindy.com)Where Will I Be?Question of the Month: The Smallest Amount of DownloadsWe all want a bigger audience. We all put a lot of work into our shows. With this in mind, what is the smallest amount of downloads you would do the show for? If it drops below a number would you stop, or put effort into finding out why? Does the size of your audience matter? Go to schoolofpodcasting.com/question by August 28th (and don't forget to say a little bit about your show and your website address so I can link to it in the notes)School of PodcastingUnlock Exclusive Insights: Subscribe to 'Podcasting Observations' Newsletter!Get a look into the world of podcasting like never before with "Podcasting Observations," your go-to source for trends, tips, and transformative insights tailored just for podcasters. You also get "behind the scenes" info from the School of Podcasting Don't miss out on staying ahead of the game—join the 1700+ people who are already reading Podcasting Observations today!Podcasting ObservationsHave You Heard About the Podpage Assistant?Here's what it can do: Identify the best search keyphrase to target — The Assistant analyzes your episode and finds the keyphrase most likely to drive organic traffic. Generate optimized SEO titles and descriptions — Get search-friendly titles and meta descriptions written for each episode automatically. Expand your show notes — Turn brief show notes into detailed, search-friendly content that helps Google understand what your episode is about. Create SEO schema — Automatically generate structured data including FAQs and key takeaways, giving search engines even more context about your content. Generate episode transcriptions — If your podcast host doesn't provide transcripts, the Assistant can create them for you. Create companion blog posts — Each episode can get a dedicated blog post that supports your episode's SEO and gives listeners another way to find you. Automatically categorize episodes — Keep your episode library organized without lifting a finger. Start your 14 day trial at www.podpage.com/preview Podpage