PODCAST · education
School of Podcasting: Expert Tips for Launching and Growing Your Podcast
by Dave Jackson
You want to start a podcast, but you’re unsure where to start. You need advice on how to grow or monetize your show, and stop being so scared that it won’t work! I can help by showing you what mistakes NOT TO MAKE and much more. Subscribe to the show and soak in the 18+ years of podcasting experience from Podcaster Hall of Fame Inductee Dave Jackson.
Episodes
-
Could AI Make Podcast Advertising Obsolete?
AI Can Now Delete Your Podcast Ads. Here's Your Plan B. What if your listeners could tell an AI to cut every ad out of your podcast and get back a clean file a few minutes later? That's not a hypothetical anymore. Adam Curry, the co-inventor of podcasting, just did it on the Podcasting 2.0 show,...
-
How Mark Grew His Podcast 17% in Five Weeks
Stop Researching, Start Doing (This Time I Brought Receipts) Be honest: how many podcast growth videos have you watched this month, and how many of those ideas have you actually tried? I get it. I have courses I've bought and never opened. But a few weeks ago I challenged you to quit swinging for...
-
The Best (and Worst) Podcast Feedback We've Ever Received
A listener once told me they hoped I'd quit teaching altogether. Another told me, in the nicest way possible, that the curmudgeon was showing up a little too early these days. Only one of those helped my show. This month's Question of the Month was all about feedback: what's the most constructive...
-
Podcast Movement 2026 Reflections and Behind the Scenes of Two Other Events
Podcast Movement 2026 Reflections + Lessons from Two People Who Run Podcast Events I just got back from Podcast Movement, and a lot of you have been asking whether it was still worth going now that it's under new ownership, in a new location, with a whole new format. Short answer: I'm definitely...
-
Attention vs. Connection
A few years ago I accidentally hit a guy on the golf course. I'm not proud of it — although it did bank in almost perfectly off his calf on its way toward the hole. But the swing that caused it taught me something I haven't stopped thinking about: my brother told me to quit trying to kill the…
more -
Intuition Over Imitation: Lessons from the Empowered Podcasting Conference
What I Learned (and Relearned) at Empowered Podcasting Conference I got triggered at a podcasting conference last week, and honestly? I almost jumped out of my chair. Someone in the room said something that stopped me cold, and it's become one of the biggest lessons I'm bringing back to you this...
-
12 Business Lessons Podcasters Can Learn From Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton died on August 25, 2026, at age 80. While most tributes are focused on the music, this episode looks at something else entirely: Dolly Parton the businesswoman and entertainer. She sang at the Grand Ole Opry at 13 and was still building her empire seven decades later, which is rare…
more -
How Many Podcast Downloads Do You Actually Need to Keep Going?
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...
-
YouTube Just Got Harder, Spotify Still Doesn't Care
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…
more -
Inside “Horses in the Morning”: Daily Content, Loyal Fans, and 4000+ Episodes
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…
more -
From Facts to Feelings: The Secret Sauce of Engaging Podcasts
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...
-
20 Books for Content Creators Recommended by My Audience
What if one book could change the way you tell stories, connect with your audience, or even see your own podcast? In this episode of the School of Podcasting, I asked a simple question: “If you found out someone was a content creator, what book would you recommend?” — and the responses were pure...
-
Stop Chasing CPMs: How Community, Feedback, and Newsletters Future‑Proof Your Podcast
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…
more -
How To Deal With Online Trolls
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 Feedback I’m sharing how I handle trolls, reviews, and feedback—and how you can turn all of that into...
-
How Long Should Your Podcast Be? (and where to find the answer)
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...
-
How do you measure the success of your podcast that is NOT downloads
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....
-
Are You Getting the Most Out of RSS?
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 is how you make one where you get the best feed and how you make sure you're getting the most out of it Don't…
more -
Inside Flight Cast: The Video-First Hosting Platform Behind Diary of a CEO
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…
more -
The 4 Cs of a Standout Podcast: Clarity, Contrast, Consistency, Character
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 sentence Choose (or tweak) your name...
-
What the Death of Late Night Teaches Podcasters.
Why Joe Rogan Beat Late Night TV When 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…
more -
Podcasters Share Best and Worst Platforms for Interviews
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 History...
-
How to Make Podcast Money Without Fame
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…
more -
Apple Video: Smart Move or Time Sink?
A Dialogue with Justin Jackson and Alban Brooke Just 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...
-
Podcasting in Six Weeks: My $1 Class to Get Your Going
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…
more -
How do you feel about the future of podcasting in 2026?
In this episode, we answer a question I know has been on the minds of so many podcasters: Where is podcasting headed? What We Covered Spotify, YouTube, and AI Slop: I kicked things off sharing my concerns about immoral creators, content exclusivity, and how blurry the definition of a “podcast” is...
-
Lavalier Shootout - Weighing the Lift of Apple HLS
In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of a good old fashioned microphone shootout—this time, it’s all about wireless lavalier mics! I (quickly) run through a lineup of wireless lavalier microphones including the DJI Mic Mini, Hollyland Lark M2, Rode Wireless Micro, Rode Wireless Go, and...
-
How to Turn Your Podcast Into Passive Income (With Tools I Actually Use)
Welcome to this episode of the School of Podcasting! I’m Dave Jackson, and today I’m pulling back the curtain on the precise tools and strategies I personally use for affiliate marketing on my podcast. Whether you’re brand new to monetizing, or just looking to add another income stream, you’ll…
more -
From Listeners to Advocates: The Magic of True Fans
Have you ever wondered if the reason your podcast hasn’t “exploded” is actually the very thing that could help it last—and make it more rewarding? This week, I look into why having a smaller, passionate, and loyal audience often leads to more meaningful wins (personally and professionally) than...
-
Stop Pushing Listeners Away: The Biggest Podcasting Pet Peeves (and How to Fix Them)
If listeners are quitting your podcast in the first five minutes, this episode is for you. In this annual ‘podcast pet peeves’ roundup, I asked my audience what makes them bail on a show— and they did not hold back. Participants You’ll hear from Kim Newlove (The Pharmacist’s Voice, Perrysburg...
-
School of Podcasting's Big News with Podpage
The School of Podcasting has been acquired, and yes, that means changes are coming. But don’t panic! The essence of what we do is staying intact. We’re diving into the nitty-gritty of what this acquisition means for our loyal members and anyone thinking about joining. New Free Tier We’re adding a...
-
How to Grow Your Podcast Audience with SEO and Keywords
When it comes to podcast strategies to grow your podcast, one strategy that often gets overlooked (because it takes time) is Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Now people are starting to market a "New" thing known as PSO (Podcast Search Optimization). Podcast Search Optimization VS Search Engine...
-
Big Lash Energy: One Million Downloads Fueled by Coffee and Compliments
Welcome to the world of Big Lash Energy, where Jayna Marie takes us on a no-holds-barred journey through the ups and downs of her life and career. As a makeup artist, Jayna decided that her life was too colorful not to share, and she jumped headfirst into podcasting. It's like she hit the ground...
-
Podcast Short Cuts and Sacrifices: What Worked?
In this episode, I tackled the question submitted by Emily Kate: What sacrifices and shortcuts did you take in your podcasting journey, and did they work out well? A fantastic lineup of podcasters shared their wisdom, experiences, and favorite tools. Here’s an organized list of all the…
more -
The Pros and Cons of Going Video: Let’s Talk
Hey, it's Dave Jackson! In this episode, Ishare my talk that I did at the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) about video podcasting. What are the real benefits, the costs, and the drawbacks? I also tackled the recent Apple announcement about HLS video, shared my NRB event experience, and got...
-
Cut the Fluff, Keep the Gold: How to Edit for Your Audience
In this episode, I’m walking you through why great podcast editing doesn’t start with software, plugins, or secret shortcuts — it starts with knowing your audience. Once you’re crystal clear on who you’re talking to and what they value, editing becomes a lot easier: you simply remove anything…
more -
Ingredients that Make People Binge Your Podcast
Alright, so if you’re a podcaster looking to snag more listeners and get them hooked on your back catalog, then buckle up, because we’re diving into binge triggers straight outta the Netflix playbook. We’re breaking down three juicy strategies that can keep your audience glued to their…
more -
The Four D's of Podcasting: Novel Marketing Conference Recap
I just got back from the Novel Marketing Conference. This was put on by my friend Thomas Umstattd Jr (who has a great podcast for authors). I love single track events, and this one was AMAZING. It was all about book marketing (which applies to podcasting). Only the original Podfest comes close…
more -
Behind the Scenes at Podfest: Lessons, Laughs, and Cold Coffee
Hey, it’s Dave Jackson from the School of Podcasting, and in this episode, I’m recapping my experience at Podfest 2026, which was a whirlwind of hallway chats, memorable dinners, and some eye-opening lessons. Here’s what I cover: Hallway Conversations & Overheard Myths: I noticed folks were...
-
Behind the Scenes of My New Podcast
On today’s episode, I dig into my thought process as I consider launching a new podcast—and I walk through the essential questions I ask anyone who’s thinking about starting one. If you’ve already got a podcast, these questions might help you rethink your approach. Why am I starting this podcast?…
more -
The Myth of Overnight Success: What Podcasting Really Takes
Hey, it’s Dave Jackson here! In this episode, I’m diving letting you see why patience and persistence matter more than anything else in podcasting (and, honestly, in most creative pursuits). We’ve all been spoiled by the microwave mentality (wanting quick results and instant gratification) but…
more -
How to Start a Podcast in 2026
If you want a podcast launch checklist I have one available here. This show is intended for beginners to podcasting. If you already have one, this may be one to skip (or you will hear things you should've thought about but didn't). Here are the steps I covered. Pick Your Topic Decide if you're...
-
Launch and Grow Your Podcast with the School of Podcasting
Hey, I’m Dave Jackson, host of The School of Podcasting. If you want to start a podcast or make the one you already have better, this show is for you. Every week, I share tips, insights, and proven strategies to help you podcast with more confidence and less confusion. I've made it easy to follow...
-
What's Your Favorite Podcast (AND WHY) 2025 Edition
What makes a podcast someone's favorite? I ask this every year, and here are the shows that were mentioned: Here is a list of the "Favorite" shows, as well as those who submitted them. Thanks so all who were involved. 1. Nudge 2. No Agenda 3.Treat Addiction Podcast 4. Daily Devotions for Busy…
more -
Who is Peeing in the Podcast Pool?
Hey, it's Dave! In this episode (which uses chapters FYI), I take you through a year-end wrap-up, sharing stories, rants, insights, and predictions about the world of podcasting. Here are the main points I covered: 1. A Christmas Story with a Lesson for Podcasters I kicked things off with a...
-
Podcasting Build Relationships Which Leads to Opportunities
Hey, it's Dave Jackson, and I'm thrilled to bring you episode 1014 of the School of Podcasting. You’ve heard me say it before: "Podcasts lead to relationships, and those relationships lead to opportunities." Today, I brought proof! I sat down with Kim Newlove and Jan Almasey, who shared amazing...
-
How to Handle Listener Feedback (Even the Awkward Bits)
Welcome to the show! In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing the feedback you’ve given me over the past year. From the things you love—like honest opinions and those behind-the-scenes bloopers—to areas where you think I could improve, I’m breaking it all down. I’ll share how I...
-
12 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting My Podcast
In this episode, I circle back to a classic question: What do you wish you’d known when you started your podcast that you know now? This is a question I’ve asked in the past (shout-out to episode 768 back in 2021!), and while I received close to 20 answers then, participation was a bit lighter…
more -
12 Signs Your Podcast Is Actually Working
In this episode, I look into the many ways you can measure the success of your podcast beyond just download numbers. Too often, new podcasters get fixated on stats that might not actually reflect their true goals, whether that’s growing their business, building a community, or simply having fun.…
more -
Over Delivering Value: The Secret Sauce for Podcast Success
Hey, it's Dave Jackson from the School of Podcasting! In this episode, I dive into what truly delivers value to your podcast audience—drawing inspiration from an episode of the Novel Marketing podcast hosted by my buddy, Thomas Umstattd Jr.. As I was driving to PodIndy, I caught myself sharing...
-
Small Audience, Big Results: Making Sponsor Deals Work for Any Podcaster
Hey everyone, it’s Dave Jackson from the School of Podcasting! In today’s episode, I sit down with Heidi Kay Begay from Red House Productions (website: redhouseproductions.net) to discuss how you don’t need a massive audience to start monetizing your podcast. She reveals practical and inspiring...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
You want to start a podcast, but you’re unsure where to start. You need advice on how to grow or monetize your show, and stop being so scared that it won’t work! I can help by showing you what mistakes NOT TO MAKE and much more. Subscribe to the show and soak in the 18+ years of podcasting experience from Podcaster Hall of Fame Inductee Dave Jackson.
HOSTED BY
Dave Jackson
Loading similar podcasts...