Podcast Insider: Recent Episodes

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Celebrity podcasts are everywhere — or at least, it can feel that way. But does having a built-in audience actually make someone a good podcaster?In this episode of Podcast Insider, Dave Clements, MacKenzie Bennett and Mike Dell discuss the rise and influence of celebrity podcasts, why some make the transition to podcasting successfully while others struggle, and how these shows can shape expectations for new podcasters.

The conversation explores the popularity of celebrity interview shows, the teams and resources often working behind the scenes, and the advantage that comes with already having an established audience. But celebrity status doesn’t guarantee a successful show — interviewing, storytelling and creating something people want to return to still require skill.

They also look at the positive impact celebrities have had on podcasting by bringing new listeners into the medium and helping make podcasts more mainstream.

Most importantly, independent podcasters shouldn’t feel like they need to copy what celebrities are doing. Podcasting remains a place where original ideas can find an audience, and success doesn’t have to mean massive ad deals or millions of listeners.

In this episode:* Why fame gives celebrity podcasters a head start — but not a guarantee * What separates good celebrity podcasts from forgettable ones * Why interview podcasts have become so common * The resources celebrity shows have that independent podcasters often don’t * How celebrity podcasts have helped make podcasting mainstream * Why new podcasters shouldn’t expect instant monetization * How podcasting has become easier and more accessible * Why original ideas still matter more than following trends * What independent creators can learn from successful celebrity shows

Whether you’re inspired, annoyed or completely indifferent to celebrity podcasts, there’s one takeaway: use other shows for inspiration, but make something that’s your own.

Thanks for ListeningLearn more and find additional podcasting resources at PodcastInsider.com, and visit the Blubrry Podcasting YouTube channel for more podcasting videos.

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How Do You Consume Podcasts?Podcast consumption looks different for everyone—and it continues to change as audio, video and short-form content become more connected.

In this episode of Podcast Insider, Mike Dell, Dave Clements and MacKenzie Bennett share how they discover and consume podcasts. MacKenzie primarily listens through Apple Podcasts but often discovers new shows through social media. Dave has shifted from traditional podcast apps toward YouTube and audiobooks, while Mike maintains organized podcast playlists but also consumes much of his long-form content through YouTube.

The conversation explores how video can help podcasters become more discoverable, even when their audience ultimately prefers to listen. The team also discusses the value of short promotional clips, simple video workflows and experimenting with different formats without turning podcast production into a full-time job.

In This Episode* How podcast listening habits change over time * Why social media is becoming an important podcast discovery tool * The difference between how people discover and consume content * Why YouTube is increasingly part of the podcast ecosystem * Whether podcasters should create audio, video or both * Simple ways to create promotional video content * Why consistency and quality may matter more than publishing frequently * How podcasters can test new formats based on audience behavior

One key takeaway: podcasters should think like consumers. Experiment with audio, video and short-form content, pay attention to how your audience responds and focus your effort on the formats that work best for your show.

How do you consume podcasts? Do you listen through a podcast app, watch on YouTube or discover shows through TikTok, Instagram or another platform? Let us know.

Thanks for ListeningLearn more and find additional podcasting resources at PodcastInsider.com, and visit the Blubrry Podcasting YouTube channel for more podcasting videos.

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Podpage for Blubrry PodcastersIn this episode of Podcast Insider, Mike Dell is joined by Brenden Mulligan, founder of Podpage, to talk about Blubrry’s new Podpage integration and why having a dedicated podcast website still matters.

Blubrry hosting customers now have access to a free Podpage-powered podcast website, giving podcasters an easier way to create a professional home for their show without having to build or maintain a website from scratch.

Mike and Brenden discuss how the partnership came together, what happens to existing Blubrry podcast landing pages, and how podcasters can customize or upgrade their new sites.

They also dive into the bigger role podcast websites play in discoverability — from traditional SEO to the growing influence of AI search tools — and why having a clear, authoritative home for your podcast can help audiences and search platforms better understand your show.

In This Episode* Why Blubrry partnered with Podpage for podcast websites * What Blubrry hosting customers get with their Podpage-powered site * How existing podcast landing pages transition without breaking existing links * When Podpage may be a better fit than building a WordPress site * Why every podcast should have its own home on the web * How your podcast website can support SEO and AI-powered search * Why your official website should be connected to your podcast RSS feed * How Podping helps podcast websites update when new episodes are published * The challenges of RSS feeds, caching and episode update delays * How video podcasting, YouTube and HLS could change podcast publishing * Why video doesn’t have to be part of every podcast * Using Vid2Pod to turn existing video content into an audio podcast

Your Podcast’s Home on the WebOne of the biggest themes of the conversation is simple: your podcast should have a place online that you control.

Podcast apps, directories, YouTube and other platforms are important for distribution, but your own website gives listeners a reliable place to find your episodes, learn more about your show and connect with you.

For Blubrry hosting customers, that process is now much easier. Your Podpage-powered site is automatically connected to your podcast, and podcasters who want additional design and website features can claim their site and explore more customization options.

To view or manage your podcast website, log in to your Blubrry Dashboard, go to Manage Show and look for Landing Page.

Thanks for ListeningWhether you prefer a simple podcast website that works automatically or need a more customized web presence, the goal is the same: make it easy for people — and increasingly, search engines and AI tools — to find accurate information about your podcast.

Subscribe to Podcast Insider for more conversations about podcast hosting, publishing, technology, audience growth and the tools shaping the future of podcasting.

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Hey everyone — quick update before we jump into today’s episode.

We’re currently taking a short break from recording new episodes of Podcast Insider as we spend some time reworking the show behind the scenes. We’re looking at everything from format to content to make sure we’re bringing you the most helpful and relevant podcasting insights possible.

We’ll be back with brand new episodes in May.

In the meantime, we’re revisiting some of our past episodes that are still incredibly relevant — like this one.

Thanks for sticking with us, and we’ll see you soon with what’s next for Podcast Insider.

Change can be scary — especially when your podcast format is “working well enough.” But doing the exact same thing every week can lead to burnout, stale content, and flat growth. In this episode of Podcast Insider, Mike and Dave dig into how to experiment with your show format without confusing your audience, tanking downloads, or losing the core of what makes your show work.

Whether you’re thinking about shorter episodes, new segments, rotating co-hosts, or even a full refresh down the road, this conversation walks through how to test changes in a thoughtful, data-informed way over time.

Today’s Hosts: Dave Clements and Mike DellWhy Even Good Shows Need Format ExperimentsIf your show is “fine,” it can be tempting to leave it alone forever. But small experiments can:

• Keep you excited and creative as a host
• Help new listeners understand your show faster
• Make the content easier to binge and share
• Reveal what parts of your format actually matter to listeners

Common worries podcasters have:

• “If I change anything, people will unsubscribe.”
• “My audience expects this exact structure.”
• “I don’t have time to reinvent everything.”

Breaking down the difference between:

• Tweaks (small adjustments, low risk)
• Experiments (intentional tests with a goal)
• Overhauls (big changes that need more planning)

💡 Blubrry helps: Use your Blubrry stats to compare performance before and after changes—episode downloads, trends over a few weeks, and listener behavior over time.

Low-Risk Ways to Experiment With Your FormatYou don’t have to flip your show upside down to “try something new.” Mike and Dave walk through small, manageable experiments you can test over a few episodes:

Structure Experiments

• Move your main topic earlier so listeners get to the “good stuff” faster
• Add a short recurring segment (news, wins, Q&A, recommendations)
• Group related topics into a mini-series within your feed

Length & Pacing Experiments

• Try a shorter, punchier episode every few weeks
• Alternate between deep-dive episodes and quick tips
• Tighten long intros or outros to get into the content sooner

Format Variations

• Rotate between solo, co-hosted, and interview episodes
• Test a “mailbag” or “listener questions” format occasionally
• Try themed episodes (case studies, breakdowns, live coaching, etc.)

They also talk about running experiments in “seasons” or short runs so changes feel intentional, not random.

💡 Blubrry helps: Tag your episodes clearly in titles and descriptions (e.g., “Quick Tip,” “Deep Dive,” “Listener Q&A”) so you can see which experiment types attract more plays over time.

Bringing Your Audience Along for the RideListeners are usually more flexible than podcasters think—as long as they’re not surprised in a bad way.

Communicate changes without sounding unsure or apologetic:

• Explain why you’re trying something new:

  • “We want to get to the main topic faster.”
  • “We’re testing shorter episodes for busy listeners.”

  • Set expectations and limits:

  • “We’re experimenting with this format for the next 3–4 episodes.”

  • Invite feedback directly:

  • Ask for emails, social DMs, or voicemails

  • Run a simple listener poll or survey

The power of framing:

• Position changes as a perk (“We’re giving you more X”)
• Make listeners feel included (“You’re helping shape how this show evolves.”)

💡 Blubrry helps: Link to your contact page, newsletter, or survey using Quicklinks so listeners always have an easy, one-click way to respond.

What to Track When You Change Your FormatExperimenting without paying attention to results is just guessing. We break down what to watch once you start testing new ideas:

Core metrics:

• Overall downloads per episode over a few weeks
• Trends (Is it steady, slightly up, or noticeably down?)
• Are new format episodes in line with your usual performance?

Engagement signals:

• Do you see more replies, reviews, or social shares?
• Are listeners mentioning specific segments or changes they liked?
• Do people reference the new format when they reach out?

Patterns over time:

• Are certain experiment types performing consistently better?
• Did a change cause confusion (e.g., more “what is this?” feedback)?

Don’t panic over one “weird” episode—look at patterns, not outliers.

💡 Blubrry helps: Use episode comparison tools and long-term stats trends to see how format changes affect performance across multiple episodes, not just one.

Knowing When to Roll Back vs. CommitNot every experiment will be a hit—and that’s okay.

Roll it back if:

• You’re getting clear negative feedback you can’t ignore
• Downloads are dropping significantly and staying down
• The new format is burning you out more than before

Tweak and keep testing if:

• Feedback is mixed but curious (“I like this, but…”)
• Performance is similar, but the show feels better to make
• You see signs of new engagement from your core audience

Fully commit if:

• Your audience responds positively and consistently
• The show feels easier or more fun to produce
• The format fits better with your long-term goals

Tell listeners when something worked:

• “You all loved this new segment, so we’re making it a regular thing.”

Listener TakeawayExperimenting with your format doesn’t mean starting from scratch—it means refining what already works and letting go of what doesn’t.

When you:

• Change one thing at a time
• Communicate clearly
• Watch your data and listen to feedback

…you can evolve your show in a way that feels natural for both you and your listeners.

The best place for all Blubrry support is our ticket system. A ticket gives the whole team access vs. direct emails and calls. General podcasting discussion and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call for a tech checkup with Mike (mike@blubrry.com).

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Spring is a natural time to reset — and your podcast is no exception. If things have started to feel a little scattered, outdated, or harder to manage, you’re not alone. Most podcasts don’t struggle because of one major issue, but because of small things that quietly pile up over time. In this episode, we walk through how to “spring clean” your podcast — from refreshing your show details and fixing broken links to simplifying your workflow and setting yourself up for growth. These are practical, high-impact updates you can make right now to improve your listener experience, boost discoverability, and make your podcast easier (and more rewarding) to run.

Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell and Dave ClementsWhy “Spring Cleaning” MattersMost podcasts don’t fail because of one big issue — it’s small things stacking up

Over time:

• Links break
• Descriptions get outdated
• Workflows get messy

Cleaning up improves:

• Listener experience
• Discoverability
• Monetization readiness

What to Fix First (High-Impact Updates)1. Show Description & Episode Titles * Are they clear? Keyword-friendly? * Do they still reflect your show? 2. Links & Calls-to-Action * Old websites, expired offers, missing links * CTA mismatch (asking for things you don’t actually offer anymore) 3. Podcast Artwork * Does it still match your brand? * Is it readable at small sizes?

Clean Up Your Back CatalogOlder episodes still get discovered

Fix:

• Broken links in show notes
• Outdated intros (“coming soon” messages, etc.)

Consider:

• Updating descriptions
• Re-promoting strong older episodes

Workflow & Consistency ResetAre you:

• Scrambling every week?
• Skipping steps?

Common issues:

• No checklist
• No repeatable process

Solutions:

• Simple publishing checklist
• Batch recording/editing
• Clear timeline for each episode

Monetization CleanupAre you still promoting:

• Old sponsors?
• Dead affiliate links?

Are you not promoting:

• Your own services?
• Newsletter, community, products?

What to Remove* Long, outdated intros * Segments you don’t enjoy anymore * Overcomplicated formats

Key Takeaways Small updates make a big difference.You don’t need a full rebrand — fixing descriptions, links, and workflows can immediately improve your podcast. * Your back catalog still matters.Older episodes continue to get discovered, so keeping them updated helps with long-term growth. * Consistency comes from systems, not motivation.A clean, repeatable workflow makes publishing easier and reduces burnout. * Monetization starts with clarity.Make sure your calls-to-action are current and actually lead somewhere meaningful. * If it’s not helping your show, remove it.*Outdated segments, long intros, and unnecessary steps only slow you down.

For the best support, please use our Blubrry ticket system so our full team can help. Join the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook Group for general podcasting discussion.

Share your feedback at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider.

Blubrry hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one tech checkup with Mike (mike@blubrry.com)

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Podcasting doesn’t stop at borders — and chances are, your audience doesn’t either.

In this replay of Podcast Insider, hosts Mike Dell and Dave Clements break down how podcasters can expand beyond their home country and reach listeners around the world. If you’ve ever wondered how to grow your show internationally, understand where your audience is coming from, or make your content more accessible globally — this episode is for you.

Whether you’re just getting started or already seeing downloads from other countries, going global isn’t about starting over — it’s about making smarter, more intentional decisions with the content you’re already creating.

• Why your podcast likely already has a global audience
• How international listeners can accelerate your growth
• Simple ways to make your content more globally relevant
• The role of transcripts in discoverability and accessibility
• How to promote your podcast beyond your local market
• Tools and strategies to understand where your listeners are tuning in from

🌎 Why Going Global MattersExpanding your reach isn’t just about bigger numbers — it’s about better opportunities.

• Connect with listeners from different cultures and perspectives
• Open the door to international guests and collaborations
• Increase your potential for sponsorships and partnerships
• Build a stronger, more diverse community

Podcasting is inherently global — leaning into that can help your show grow faster and more sustainably.

🎯 Make Your Podcast Work AnywhereYou don’t need to change your show — just make it easier for more people to connect with it.

• Keep language clear and avoid region-specific slang
• Focus on topics that translate across cultures
• Provide context when referencing local ideas or locations
• Be mindful of time zones for releases and live events

Small adjustments can make a big difference in how your content resonates worldwide.

📝 Accessibility = GrowthIf you want a global audience, accessibility is key.

• Transcripts help non-native speakers follow along
• They improve SEO and discoverability
• They make translation into other languages possible

Making your content easier to consume is one of the fastest ways to expand your reach internationally.

🚀 Promote Beyond Your Home CountryGrowth doesn’t stop at publishing — it expands with how you promote.

• Submit your podcast to global directories
• Use region-specific hashtags and communities
• Share clips or quotes that can be translated
• Collaborate with creators in other countries

The more visible your show is globally, the more opportunities you create.

🔑 The TakeawayYou don’t need a separate strategy to “go global.”

You just need to:

• Understand where your audience already is
• Remove friction for new listeners
• Make your content accessible and relatable

Your next listener might not be in your city — or even your country. And that’s exactly where your growth can come from.

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Podcasting has its own language — and if you’re new to the space, it can feel like everyone already knows what all the terms mean. RSS feeds, hosting, CPM, downloads, distribution… it’s easy to get lost in the jargon. Blubrry breaks down some of the most common podcasting terms in plain English. Whether you’re just starting your show or looking to better understand how the podcasting ecosystem works, this episode will help make sense of the terminology that powers podcast publishing, distribution, and monetization.

Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell & MacKenzie BennettGeneral Podcasting Terms1. Basic TermsThe basic terms can be the hardest to understand. They seem basic, but when talking about your Podcast, clarity can make all the difference.

• Podcast – An episodic show (mostly delivered by RSS)
  • Interchangeable with the word show
• Episode – An individual entry in your overall podcast
  • One episode is not a PODCAST or POD, it’s a podcast episode
• Feed – When talking about a podcast, this is the RSS feed
  • Not to be confused with a show listing on an app or directory. “My Apple feed…”
  • YouTube Channel – NOT a feed, there are no feeds coming OUT of YouTube
• Upload – In publishing episodes, you have to upload that episode to a podcast host
  • You do not UPLOAD to Apple Podcasts. Blubrry and other hosts do not upload to Apple. Apple PULLS your episode in via your RSS feed. They do not host the file, the file stays where it is and they LIST your episodes.

2. RSS Feed – Really Simple SyndicationAn RSS feed is the distribution engine for a podcast.

It’s a file that contains the core information about your show, including:

• Episode titles
• Descriptions
• Audio files
• Artwork
• Publish dates

Podcast apps like Apple Podcasts and Spotify read this feed and display the show inside their apps.

When a new episode is published, the RSS feed updates. Podcast apps check the feed and automatically pull in the new episode.

3. Podcast HostingPodcast hosting is where the media files for a podcast are stored.

When an episode is uploaded to a host such as Blubrry Podcasting, the platform:

• Stores the audio file
• Generates the RSS feed
• Delivers the file when listeners press play

Podcast directories do not store the audio themselves. They simply read the RSS feed from the hosting platform.

Hosting is the foundation that makes podcast distribution possible.

4. Podcast Directories / AppsPodcast directories are the platforms where listeners discover and play podcasts.

Examples include:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Amazon Music

These platforms do not host the podcast files. Instead, they pull the show information from the RSS feed and display it inside their apps.

Once a podcast is submitted to a directory, new episodes appear automatically whenever the RSS feed updates.

5. Downloads vs ListensIn podcasting, the primary measurement used for analytics is downloads.

A download occurs when a podcast app requests the audio file from the host.

This means the episode was delivered to a device. It does not necessarily mean the listener played the entire episode.

Downloads are the industry standard measurement used for podcast analytics and advertising reporting.

6. CPMCPM stands for Cost Per Mille, which means cost per 1,000 downloads.

It is one of the most common pricing models used in podcast advertising.

Example:

• $20 CPM
• 5,000 downloads

That would equal roughly $100 for that advertisement placement.

CPM helps advertisers estimate campaign costs and helps podcasters estimate potential ad revenue.

7. Pre-Roll, Mid-Roll, and Post-RollThese terms describe where an advertisement appears within an episode.

• Pre-roll: Ad plays at the beginning of the episode
• Mid-roll: Ad appears in the middle of the episode
• Post-roll: Ad plays near the end

Mid-roll placements are often the most valuable because listeners are already engaged with the episode.

8. Dynamic Ad InsertionDynamic Ad Insertion allows advertisements to be added to episodes automatically during playback.

Instead of permanently editing ads into the audio file, the ads are inserted when the episode is streamed or downloaded.

This allows:

• Ads to change over time
• Different ads to play for different listeners
• Campaigns to run across older episodes

9. Episode ArtworkEpisode artwork is an image attached to an individual podcast episode.

It can highlight:

• A specific topic
• A guest
• A theme or series within the podcast

Episode artwork is optional but can make episodes more visually engaging across podcast apps and websites.

10. Podcast Landing PageA podcast landing page is a simple webpage that displays podcast episodes and listening links in one place.

These pages typically include:

• Podcast artwork
• Episode list
• Embedded players
• Links to listen in podcast apps

They provide a shareable home for the podcast outside of podcast apps.

11. Publishing vs DistributionPublishing refers to releasing an episode inside a podcast hosting platform.

Distribution is what happens afterward — when podcast apps detect the new episode in the RSS feed and display it for listeners.

Once a podcast is approved in directories, new episodes are distributed automatically when they are published.

The Big TakeawayPodcasting terminology can feel complicated at first, but most of the concepts describe simple parts of the same system.

The basic process looks like this:

1. Upload an episode to a podcast host
2. The RSS feed updates
3. Podcast apps read the feed
4. Listeners receive the episode

Once these fundamentals are understood, the rest of podcasting terminology becomes much easier to navigate.

For the best support, please use our Blubrry ticket system so our full team can help. Join the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook Group for general podcasting discussion.

Share your feedback at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider.

Blubrry hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one tech checkup with Mike (mike@blubrry.com)

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Behind the scenes at a podcast hosting company, you start to notice patterns. Not just in downloads or dashboards — but in behavior, expectations, burnout, growth, and momentum. In this episode, we’re sharing what we consistently see across thousands of shows: why some podcasts quietly fade out, why others steadily grow, where creators get tripped up, and what actually builds longevity. This isn’t promotional — it’s observational. If you’ve ever wondered what separates the podcasts that last from the ones that stall, this conversation pulls back the curtain.

Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell, MacKenzie Bennett & Dave Clements1. Why Shows Stop PublishingMost podcasts don’t stop because of tech issues.

They stop because of:

• Lack of a clear goal
• Unrealistic expectations
• Burnout (which is typically caused by the first two)
• Life getting busy

The shows that last usually have simple workflows and a clear purpose.

Consistency beats intensity every time.

2. Common Tech MistakesA lot of support questions come down to basics:

• Confusion about distribution timing
• Not understanding what hosting controls vs. directories
• Small publishing setting errors

Podcasting has layers, and when you don’t understand how RSS and distribution work, it can feel chaotic.

A little foundational knowledge prevents a lot of stress.

3. Stats MisconceptionsWe often see creators discouraged by their numbers.

Usually because they’re:

• Comparing to unrealistic claims
• Ignoring industry averages
• Focusing on one episode instead of long-term trends

Healthy growth is often gradual.

Audience quality matters more than viral spikes.

4. Monetization MisunderstandingsMany podcasters assume monetization means ads.

Behind the scenes, we see missed opportunities like:

• Not leveraging services or expertise
• Undervaluing niche audiences
• Waiting until they feel “big enough”

Monetization works best when it aligns naturally with your audience — not when it’s forced.

5. Growth Myths That Add PressureThere’s pressure to:

• Do video immediately
• Be on every platform
• Use every new tool

But the shows that grow sustainably usually:

• Stay consistent
• Serve a clear audience
• Improve gradually

Growth comes from focus — not from doing everything.

The Big PatternMost podcast challenges come down to:

• Unrealistic expectations
• Over-complication
• Comparison

And most solutions come down to:

• Clarity
• Consistency
• Patience

For the best support, please use our Blubrry ticket system so our full team can help. Join the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook Group for general podcasting discussion.

Share your feedback at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider.

Blubrry hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one tech checkup with Mike (mike@blubrry.com)

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If you’ve ever hit record and immediately felt your heart race, you’re not alone. Sitting behind a microphone can feel surprisingly vulnerable — even if you’re completely comfortable talking in everyday life. The truth is, confidence in podcasting doesn’t magically appear. It’s built over time, shaped by repetition, structure, and a willingness to grow in public. In this episode, we’re breaking down what actually creates confidence behind the mic — and why feeling a little awkward at first isn’t a red flag… it’s part of the process.

Today’s Hosts: Dave Clements and MacKenzie BennettBuilding Confidence as a Podcast Host1. Confidence Isn’t a Personality Trait — It’s a SkillA lot of people assume confident hosts are naturally outgoing or extroverted.

That’s not always true.

Some of the most confident podcasters are actually introverts who simply learned how to get comfortable in their format.

Confidence grows from repetition and familiarity.

What actually builds it:

• Clear episode structure
• Recording often enough that it stops feeling “new”
• Regular publishing cadence

The mic feels intimidating when it’s unfamiliar. It feels normal when it’s routine.

2. Your First Episodes Are Supposed to Feel AwkwardThere’s this pressure to sound polished immediately.

But early episodes are where you discover:

• Your pacing
• Your tone
• Your rhythm
• Your transitions

If you wait to feel confident before publishing, you’ll wait forever.

What actually works:

• Accepting that improvement happens publicly
• Measuring progress over perfection
• Letting your audience grow with you

No one starts smooth. They become smooth.

3. Structure Reduces NervesMost hosting anxiety comes from uncertainty.

“What do I say next?”
“Am I rambling?”
“Did that make sense?”

A simple outline can eliminate most of that.

What actually works:

• Bullet points instead of paragraphs
• A defined beginning, middle, and end
• Knowing the purpose of the episode before recording

When you know your direction, your delivery improves automatically.

4. Stop Performing — Start TalkingMany hosts tense up because they think they need to “sound like a podcaster.”

But your audience isn’t looking for a performance. They’re looking for connection.

What actually works:

• Imagining one listener instead of a crowd
• Using conversational language
• Letting small imperfections stay in

The more you sound like yourself, the more confident you’ll feel.

5. Confidence Comes From ConsistencyYou don’t build confidence in a single episode.

You build it by showing up repeatedly.

• The more episodes you record:
• The less you overthink
• The less you second-guess
• The more you trust your instincts

Over time, the microphone stops feeling like a spotlight and starts feeling like a tool.

And that’s when confidence really settles in.

For the best support, please use our Blubrry ticket system so our full team can help. Join the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook Group for general podcasting discussion.

Share your feedback at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider.

Blubrry hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one tech checkup with Mike (mike@blubrry.com)

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Your podcast doesn’t need to be massive to make money — but it does need a strategy. Monetization isn’t one-size-fits-all, and most independent podcasters are building income in smarter, more diversified ways than people realize.

Podcast Monetization Myths1. Myth: You Need Huge Downloads to Make MoneyA common misconception is that monetization only starts when you hit tens of thousands of downloads per episode.

In reality, smaller, niche podcasts often monetize more effectively because they serve a highly specific audience. Advertisers, sponsors, and even your own products perform better when your listeners are clearly defined and highly engaged.

A focused audience of 500 loyal listeners can be more valuable than 5,000 passive ones.

What actually works:

• Niche positioning
• Audience trust
• Clear listener intent

2. Myth: Sponsorships Are the Only Way to MonetizeWhen most people think “podcast monetization,” they think ads.

But independent podcasters are generating revenue through multiple streams:

• Listener support (memberships, donations, premium content)
• Affiliate marketing
• Selling their own services (coaching, consulting, speaking)
• Courses or digital products
• Events and community access

For many shows, sponsorships are just one piece of the puzzle — not the foundation.

What actually works:Diversifying income instead of relying on a single source.

3. Myth: Monetization Should Happen ImmediatelyThere’s pressure to “make money fast,” especially for new podcasters.

But monetization works best when it’s built on trust. If your audience doesn’t yet understand who you are and why you matter, revenue efforts will feel forced.

The most sustainable monetization happens after:

• Consistent publishing
• Clear messaging
• Audience feedback and engagement

What actually works:Building value first. Monetizing second.

4. Myth: More Ads = More RevenueOverloading episodes with ads can damage listener trust — especially for independent creators.

Listeners stick around because they trust you. If monetization disrupts the listening experience, it can hurt long-term growth.

What actually works:

• Relevant sponsorships
• Honest endorsements
• Clear alignment with your audience

Quality beats quantity.

5. The Real Monetization Formula for Independent PodcastersSuccessful independent podcasters usually follow this pattern:

1. Define a clear audience
2. Build consistent, valuable content
3. Identify what that audience already spends money on
4. Align monetization with that need

Monetization works best when it feels like a natural extension of your show — not an interruption.

Your podcast isn’t just content. It’s a relationship. And relationships are what create revenue opportunities.

🧠 Bottom line:Monetization isn’t about chasing trends or copying big shows. It’s about understanding your audience, building trust, and choosing revenue streams that fit your strengths.

For the best support, please use our Blubrry ticket system so our full team can help. Join the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook Group for general podcasting discussion.

Share your feedback at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider.

Blubrry hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one tech checkup with Mike (mike@blubrry.com)

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Branding Your PodcastYour podcast brand is the story you’re telling before a listener ever hears your voice. It’s built through your artwork, your title, your description, and the tone you use everywhere your show shows up. Today, Blubrry discusses how, when and why you should change up your podcast branding.

Today’s Hosts: MacKenzie Bennett and Aaron Hope1. Branding Is More Than Just ArtworkYour cover art is important — but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Your show name, episode titles, descriptions, and even how you introduce yourself all contribute to your overall brand. When those elements work together, your podcast feels intentional and trustworthy.

2. Consistency Builds RecognitionStrong brands feel familiar. Using consistent colors, fonts, language, and tone helps listeners recognize your show instantly — whether they see it in a podcast app, on social media, or on your website. Consistency isn’t about being boring; it’s about being memorable.

3. Your Podcast Should Have a PersonalityEvery podcast has a personality — even if it’s accidental. The key is making sure that personality matches your content and your audience. Is your show conversational or polished? Playful or serious? Educational or storytelling-driven? Your branding should set the right expectations from the start.

4. Standing Out Doesn’t Mean Following TrendsTrends come and go, but clarity lasts. You don’t need flashy design or gimmicks to stand out. The most effective podcast brands clearly communicate who the show is for, what it’s about, and why someone should care — at a glance.

5. When to Refresh Your Podcast BrandIf your show has evolved, your branding should evolve too. A refresh might make sense if your audience has changed, your topic has narrowed or expanded, or your current artwork no longer reflects the quality of your content.

🧠 Bottom line:Podcast branding isn’t about perfection — it’s about alignment. When your visuals, messaging, and tone all point in the same direction, it becomes easier for the right listeners to find you, trust you, and stick around.

For the best support, please use our Blubrry ticket system so our full team can help. Join the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook Group for general podcasting discussion.

Share your feedback at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider.

Blubrry hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one tech checkup with Mike (mike@blubrry.com)

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🔍 Podcast SEO in 2026: How Listeners Find Your ShowPodcast SEO still matters in 2026, but it’s no longer about gaming algorithms. It’s about clarity, structure, and helping the right listeners find your content across search engines and podcast platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

In this episode of Podcast Insider, we break down what actually moves the needle when it comes to podcast discoverability.

🎧 Podcast SEO Basics (Quick Version)Podcast SEO works because platforms rely on written context, not audio alone. That means:

• Clear show and episode titles
• Descriptive show notes
• Clean, accurate RSS feeds
• Transcripts when possible

Each episode should stand on its own as searchable content.

🧠 Keywords, Titles & Show Notes* Focus on real listener questions and topics * Use natural language, not keyword stuffing * Front-load clarity in episode titles * Use the first lines of show notes to explain the episode clearly * Break descriptions into short sections or bullets

📝 Transcripts & Your Website* Transcripts improve accessibility and search visibility * A dedicated podcast page gives you full SEO control * Fast load times, mobile-friendly design, and embedded players all help

📡 Platforms, Reviews & Promotion* Keep your RSS feed clean and up to date * Choose accurate categories * Encourage ratings, reviews, and shares * Repurpose episodes across blogs, email, and social media

📊 Keep Improving* Track downloads and listener behavior * Review which episodes get discovered most * Refresh older titles and descriptions when needed

Podcast SEO is ongoing—but small improvements add up.

For the best support, please use our Blubrry ticket system so our full team can help. Join the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook Group for general podcasting discussion.

Share your feedback at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider.

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Give Your Podcast Catalog New LifeYour podcast back catalog is one of the most powerful tools you already have — even if you don’t always think about it that way. Those older episodes aren’t outdated. New listeners are finding your show every day, and for them, everything in your archive is brand new.

Today’s Hosts: MacKenzie Bennett and Mike DellIn this episode of Podcast Insider, we share practical ways podcasters can reuse, promote, and even monetize their existing episodes to grow their audience without burning out on constant new content creation.

Why Your Podcast Back Catalog MattersOnce an episode is published, it doesn’t stop being useful. Evergreen topics, interviews, and educational episodes can continue attracting listeners months or even years later.

Your back catalog is more than an archive — it’s a searchable library of content that can:

• Bring in new listeners through SEO and podcast app discovery
• Keep listeners engaged longer by encouraging binge-listening
• Highlight your expertise and authority in your niche

If your show covers timeless topics instead of breaking news, your older episodes may still be just as valuable today.

How to Bring Old Podcast Episodes Back Into the SpotlightYou don’t always need to create brand-new episodes to grow your show. Instead, try:

• Resharing older episodes when they become relevant again
• Updating show notes with fresh keywords, links, and summaries for better SEO
• Mentioning past episodes in new episodes (“If you liked this topic, check out episode…”)
• Creating playlists or collections of your best or most important episodes for new listeners

These small steps help listeners discover more of your content and stay subscribed longer.

Refresh, Revisit, or Rerun — The Right WayMike shares important technical tips for rerunning episodes:

• Always resave or rename audio files before reposting
• Add a short new intro explaining why the episode is being shared again
• Retitle reruns clearly so podcast apps accept them properly

Instead of replaying an episode exactly as-is, consider recording a short update or revisiting the topic with new insights.

Monetizing Your Podcast Back CatalogYour archive can also become a source of revenue. In this episode, MacKenzie and Mike discuss ideas like:

• Turning transcripts into a book or digital guide
• Creating a premium feed with older episodes behind a paywall
• Promoting older episodes that already include ads or sponsorships

None of these are instant success strategies — but over time, they can reduce burnout, increase lifetime listener value, and create steady long-term growth.

Use Your Data to Guide Future EpisodesPay attention to which older episodes continue getting downloads. Those topics often reveal:

• What your audience cares about most
• Which formats work best
• Where future content opportunities exist

Your back catalog can become one of your best planning tools.

🧠 Bottom LineYour back catalog isn’t old content — it’s an ongoing opportunity.

With a little intention, your existing episodes can:

• Save you time
• Grow your audience
• Increase listener engagement
• Support monetization
• Help new listeners fall in love with your show faster

If there’s an episode you’re especially proud of, give it another moment in the spotlight.

For the best support, please use our Blubrry ticket system so our full team can help. Join the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook Group for general podcasting discussion.

Share your feedback at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider.

Blubrry hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one tech checkup with Mike (mike@blubrry.com)

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🎙️ Podfest 2026 Recap: Creators, Community & What’s NextIn this special episode of Podcast Insider, Mike Dell, Dave Clements, and MacKenzie Bennett are joined by Cyndee Harrison and Rachael Amato from Synaptic to recap Podfest 2026 — and the conversations that stood out most.

From a packed booth and plenty of “pre-podcasters” (people planning their very first show) to meaningful reconnects with longtime customers, the team shares why Podfest continues to be one of the most creator-focused events of the year.

What We’re Hearing From Creators AI has shifted from fear to usefulness: More creators are asking how AI can help with planning, editing, and promotion — without losing the human connection that makes podcasts work. * Video podcasting is here (and the debate is tired): Whether creators are video-first or audio-first, the goal is the same: reach people where they listen/watch. Blubrry’s focused on supporting both. * Monetization is bigger than sponsors: More sessions and conversations centered on using a podcast to support a business funnel — like books, coaching, courses, and community building. * Podcast-to-book momentum is growing*: The team noticed more creators turning transcripts and story-based content into tangible, published books.

Honoring Todd Cochrane & Podcasting’s LegacyBlubrry was proud to sponsor the Podcast Hall of Fame ceremony, which included a meaningful moment honoring our late CEO, Todd Cochrane. The team reflects on the respect Podfest showed for podcasting pioneers — and why building the future still means honoring the legacy.

🔗 Links & Resources* Vid2Pod * Podcast Hall of Fame ceremony video: watch here

For the best support, please use our Blubrry ticket system so our full team can help. Join the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook Group for general podcasting discussion.

Share your feedback at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider.

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Podcast growth may remind you of a big scary thing staring at you from the corner of your bedroom, but it really doesn’t have to be. You can plan a year of growth easily and that will help you move from constantly reacting to intentionally building momentum. When you zoom out and look at the bigger picture, it becomes easier to focus your time and energy on what actually matters.

If you want your podcast to grow in a sustainable way, planning ahead is key.

Today’s Hosts: Dave Clements and MacKenzie BennettPlanning a Year of Podcast Growth1. Define What “Growth” Means for Your Podcast

One of the biggest mistakes podcasters make is assuming growth only means more downloads.

Growth can mean:

• Publishing consistently without missing episodes
• Improving content quality or production
• Building a more engaged audience
• Preparing for monetization or sponsorships
• Creating a workflow that feels sustainable

Not every podcast has the same goals — and that’s okay. Defining what success looks like for your show gives your growth plan direction instead of guesswork.

1. Break the Year Into Manageable Phases

Planning an entire year at once can feel overwhelming, which is why breaking it into smaller chunks works so well.

• Thinking in quarters allows you to focus without pressure:
• Some seasons may be about refining your foundation
• Others may focus on content consistency or visibility
• Later phases might center on monetization or optimization

This approach gives you flexibility while still keeping your podcast moving forward.

1. Plan Content With Purpose

You don’t need every episode mapped out months in advance — but having a content plan helps maintain consistency.

A simple approach includes:

• Identifying a few core themes or topics
• Balancing evergreen content with timely episodes
• Leaving room for creativity and current events

When your content supports your long-term goals, growth feels more natural and less forced.

1. Focus on a Few Growth Strategies

Trying to grow everywhere at once is a fast path to burnout. Instead, choose one or two growth strategies that fit your goals, time, and energy.

Common growth strategies include:

• Guest appearances
• SEO and show notes
• Email lists or newsletters
• Social or video clips
• Community building

Consistency with a few focused efforts will always outperform scattered attempts to do everything.

1. Measure Progress Without Obsessing

Tracking progress is important — but it shouldn’t be stressful.

Looking at trends over time instead of individual episode performance gives you a clearer picture of what’s working. Regular check-ins help you adjust your plan and stay motivated without feeling discouraged.

🧠 Bottom Line:

Planning a year of podcast growth isn’t about chasing trends or instant results. It’s about building habits, systems, and content that support your goals over time.

With a clear plan, growth feels less overwhelming and a lot more achievable. Sustainable progress comes from intention, consistency, and choosing strategies that work for you.

For the best support, please use our Blubrry ticket system so our full team can help. Join the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook Group for general podcasting discussion.

Share your feedback at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider.

Blubrry hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one tech checkup with Mike (mike@blubrry.com)

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📊 Why IAB-Certified Stats Matter — and How Blubrry Makes It EasyToday’s Hosts: Mike Dell and Dave ClementsWhen it comes to podcast monetization, your download numbers aren’t just bragging rights—they’re how you prove your value to advertisers, networks, and sponsors. But here’s the thing: not all stats are created equal.

To be taken seriously, you need IAB-certified podcast statistics—and here’s why they matter, especially if you’re trying to grow or monetize your show.

1. They’re the Industry Standard for a ReasonThe Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) created strict, transparent guidelines for how podcast downloads should be measured.

With IAB-certified stats, you get:

• A clear picture of real, human listeners
• Numbers filtered for bots, auto-refreshes, and duplicate requests
• Confidence that your data will stand up under scrutiny

This is the standard advertisers, agencies, and platforms trust and expect when deciding whether to spend money with your podcast.

2. Blubrry Helped Set the StandardBlubrry has been tracking podcast statistics since 2005—we’ve been doing this longer than almost anyone in the space.

And we weren’t just early—we were foundational.

• We played a major role in helping create the IAB guidelines that podcasters and platforms use today.
• Our system undergoes regular third-party audits to maintain IAB Tech Lab certification.

So when you use Blubrry stats, you’re not just using certified tools—you’re using tools built by a company that helped define what certification looks like.

3. IAB-Certified Data Helps You MonetizeIf you want to work with sponsors, join a network, or use programmatic ad platforms like SoundStack, your podcast needs data they can trust. IAB-certified stats help you:

• Prove your true audience size
• Qualify for ad networks and monetization tools
• Build sponsor relationships with credible, standardized numbers

This data is essential when you’re pitching your show or negotiating CPM rates. Without certified stats, you’re at a disadvantage from the start.

4. Blubrry Offers Stats for EveryoneYou don’t have to break the bank to get professional-grade analytics:

• Free Basic Stats are available to any podcaster—Blubrry host or not
• Standard Stats are available for just $5/month and offer deeper insights
• Every Blubrry hosting plan includes IAB-certified stats at no additional cost

Whether you’re just getting started or ready to grow your revenue, Blubrry gives you access to the tools you need to move forward with confidence.

🧠 Bottom Line:If you’re serious about podcasting—especially monetizing—you need stats that advertisers and networks will trust.

IAB certification isn’t just a checkbox—it’s the difference between a maybe and a yes when it comes to sponsorship.

With Blubrry, you’re backed by nearly two decades of expertise, a platform that helped shape the standards, and tools built to support you at any stage of your podcasting journey.

For the best support, please use our Blubrry ticket system so our full team can help. Join the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook Group for general podcasting discussion.

Share your feedback at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider.

Blubrry hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one tech checkup with Mike (mike@blubrry.com)

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What’s Happening in Podcasting: 2025 Highlights• The Growing Market & Shifts in Listener Behavior Podcast audience numbers continue climbing: in 2025, over 584 million people listened to podcasts globally, and consumption habits are shifting. Riverside * At the same time, more creators are embracing video podcasts* — blending traditional audio with video content, to meet changing listener expectations and platform algorithms. EMARKETER+1 * The industry forecast remains strong: some estimates project the North American podcast market will expand significantly over the next decade. Yahoo Finance+1

• Business & Monetization Trends* As competition grows, creators and podcast networks are exploring different monetization strategies — from subscriptions and listener support, to sponsorships and multi-format distribution. TechWyse Internet Marketing+1 * But 2025 hasn’t been smooth for everyone: Wondery — once among the leading podcast studios — underwent major restructuring, with layoffs and integration into broader corporate content teams. The Verge

• Recognition & Cultural Shifts for Podcasts* For the first time ever, Golden Globe Awards introduced a “Best Podcast” category, acknowledging podcasts’ growing influence and mainstream cultural relevance. EW.com+1 * The move signals a broader shift: podcasts are no longer a fringe medium, but a respected form of entertainment and storytelling on par with film and TV.

• Platform Moves & Discovery Changes* Spotify introduced new podcast-discovery features this year to boost podcasts’ visibility — a sign of how platforms continue to fight for listener attention. TechCrunch * Meanwhile, Apple Podcasts dropped its 2025 “Top Charts” and “Top New Shows” lists — giving creators and listeners a fresh look at what’s trending globally and locally. Apple+1

🎯 What This Means for Independent Creators Visibility matters even more. With major platforms pushing discovery tools and new formats, it’s more important than ever to optimize for search, video distribution, and discoverability. * Flexibility is key. As more listeners embrace video or multi-format podcasts, creators who adapt — for example, offering both audio and video versions — may gain a competitive advantage, but that isn’t guaranteed; audio is still special and leading. * Diversified monetization can increase resilience. Audiences are expanding, but ad markets and studio budgets are shifting. Relying solely on traditional ad revenue is riskier than ever. * Quality and consistency still win. Even with all the noise, creators who deliver regular, high-value content — whether audio, video, or both — remain relevant. * Recognition for long-form storytellers and niche creators is growing.* With podcasts entering award shows and mainstream entertainment conversations, creators have new opportunities to be discovered and validated beyond listener counts.

Our favorite shows of 2025:

Mike Midlife Pilot Experience

Dave Worlds Beyond Number

MacKenzie Song Exploder

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussion and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.
Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

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Change can be scary — especially when your podcast format is “working well enough.” But doing the exact same thing every week can lead to burnout, stale content, and flat growth. In this episode of Podcast Insider, Mike and Dave dig into how to experiment with your show format without confusing your audience, tanking downloads, or losing the core of what makes your show work.

Whether you’re thinking about shorter episodes, new segments, rotating co-hosts, or even a full refresh down the road, this conversation walks through how to test changes in a thoughtful, data-informed way over time.

Today’s Hosts: Dave Clements and Mike DellWhy Even Good Shows Need Format ExperimentsIf your show is “fine,” it can be tempting to leave it alone forever. But small experiments can:

• Keep you excited and creative as a host
• Help new listeners understand your show faster
• Make the content easier to binge and share
• Reveal what parts of your format actually matter to listeners

Common worries podcasters have:

• “If I change anything, people will unsubscribe.”
• “My audience expects this exact structure.”
• “I don’t have time to reinvent everything.”

Breaking down the difference between:

• Tweaks (small adjustments, low risk)
• Experiments (intentional tests with a goal)
• Overhauls (big changes that need more planning)

💡 Blubrry helps: Use your Blubrry stats to compare performance before and after changes—episode downloads, trends over a few weeks, and listener behavior over time.

Low-Risk Ways to Experiment With Your FormatYou don’t have to flip your show upside down to “try something new.” Mike and Dave walk through small, manageable experiments you can test over a few episodes:

Structure Experiments

• Move your main topic earlier so listeners get to the “good stuff” faster
• Add a short recurring segment (news, wins, Q&A, recommendations)
• Group related topics into a mini-series within your feed

Length & Pacing Experiments

• Try a shorter, punchier episode every few weeks
• Alternate between deep-dive episodes and quick tips
• Tighten long intros or outros to get into the content sooner

Format Variations

• Rotate between solo, co-hosted, and interview episodes
• Test a “mailbag” or “listener questions” format occasionally
• Try themed episodes (case studies, breakdowns, live coaching, etc.)

They also talk about running experiments in “seasons” or short runs so changes feel intentional, not random.

💡 Blubrry helps: Tag your episodes clearly in titles and descriptions (e.g., “Quick Tip,” “Deep Dive,” “Listener Q&A”) so you can see which experiment types attract more plays over time.

Bringing Your Audience Along for the RideListeners are usually more flexible than podcasters think—as long as they’re not surprised in a bad way.

Communicate changes without sounding unsure or apologetic:

• Explain why you’re trying something new:

  • “We want to get to the main topic faster.”
  • “We’re testing shorter episodes for busy listeners.”

  • Set expectations and limits:

  • “We’re experimenting with this format for the next 3–4 episodes.”

  • Invite feedback directly:

  • Ask for emails, social DMs, or voicemails

  • Run a simple listener poll or survey

The power of framing:

• Position changes as a perk (“We’re giving you more X”)
• Make listeners feel included (“You’re helping shape how this show evolves.”)

💡 Blubrry helps: Link to your contact page, newsletter, or survey using Quicklinks so listeners always have an easy, one-click way to respond.

What to Track When You Change Your FormatExperimenting without paying attention to results is just guessing. We break down what to watch once you start testing new ideas:

Core metrics:

• Overall downloads per episode over a few weeks
• Trends (Is it steady, slightly up, or noticeably down?)
• Are new format episodes in line with your usual performance?

Engagement signals:

• Do you see more replies, reviews, or social shares?
• Are listeners mentioning specific segments or changes they liked?
• Do people reference the new format when they reach out?

Patterns over time:

• Are certain experiment types performing consistently better?
• Did a change cause confusion (e.g., more “what is this?” feedback)?

Don’t panic over one “weird” episode—look at patterns, not outliers.

💡 Blubrry helps: Use episode comparison tools and long-term stats trends to see how format changes affect performance across multiple episodes, not just one.

Knowing When to Roll Back vs. CommitNot every experiment will be a hit—and that’s okay.

Roll it back if:

• You’re getting clear negative feedback you can’t ignore
• Downloads are dropping significantly and staying down
• The new format is burning you out more than before

Tweak and keep testing if:

• Feedback is mixed but curious (“I like this, but…”)
• Performance is similar, but the show feels better to make
• You see signs of new engagement from your core audience

Fully commit if:

• Your audience responds positively and consistently
• The show feels easier or more fun to produce
• The format fits better with your long-term goals

Tell listeners when something worked:

• “You all loved this new segment, so we’re making it a regular thing.”

Listener TakeawayExperimenting with your format doesn’t mean starting from scratch—it means refining what already works and letting go of what doesn’t.

When you:

• Change one thing at a time
• Communicate clearly
• Watch your data and listen to feedback

…you can evolve your show in a way that feels natural for both you and your listeners.

The best place for all Blubrry support is our ticket system. A ticket gives the whole team access vs. direct emails and calls. General podcasting discussion and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call for a tech checkup with Mike (mike@blubrry.com).

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Big audiences get the spotlight — but passionate, niche communities are where podcast success quietly thrives. In this episode of Podcast Insider, we dive into why smaller-focused shows are often more engaged, more loyal, and more profitable than broad, mass-appeal podcasts.

Whether your show is about vintage guitars, homeschooling twins, paranormal tourism, or the science of sleep — the beauty of podcasting is that there’s a niche for everything. We’ll explore how creators can grow strategically by going narrower, not broader.

Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell & MacKenzie BennettWhy Niches Drive Stronger CommunitiesWhen listeners feel like the show gets them, they become true fans.

A niche focus leads to:

• More qualified listeners
• Deeper engagement and retention
• Better audience feedback and participation
• Fewer competitors in your space

💡 Blubrry helps: Our analytics tools show exactly which topics and episodes resonate most — so you can double down on content your niche loves.

Monetizing Small But Mighty AudiencesYou don’t need millions of listeners to earn real revenue.

Smart monetization strategies include:

• Affiliate products relevant to your niche
• Community memberships or fan-supported models
• Partnerships with small brands who serve your audience
• Premium content for true fans

The goal? High-value conversations with a clearly defined audience.

💡 Blubrry helps: With Podcasting 2.0 features like Value4Value and subscriptions (via compatible integrations), monetizing loyal listeners is easier than ever.

Marketing a Niche Podcast: Go Where They AreInstead of trying to reach everyone, reach your people.

Try:

• Joining and participating in niche online communities
• Creating shareable micro-clips or visuals tailored to your topic
• Collaborating with aligned podcasts in your niche
• Optimizing episode titles for specific search intent

Small ponds = easier to become the big fish.

💡 Blubrry helps: Use Quicklinks to give new listeners a simple way to subscribe everywhere your show is available.

Listener TakeawayIf your show feels “too small,” that might be your superpower. When you speak directly to a specific group, your podcast becomes indispensable — and that’s what leads to lasting growth.

The best place for all Blubrry support is our ticket system. A ticket gives the whole team access vs. direct emails and calls. General podcasting discussion and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call for a tech checkup with Mike (mike@blubrry.com).

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Podcasting isn’t just about entertainment — it’s a platform for change. Whether you’re raising awareness for an important issue, advocating for a marginalized community, or championing a nonprofit mission, a podcast can amplify voices and create real-world impact.

In this episode of Podcast Insider, we explore how creators can responsibly, authentically, and effectively use their shows to inspire action. From storytelling that sparks empathy to partnerships that fuel momentum, your mic can be a catalyst for something bigger.

Today’s Hosts: Dave Clements and MacKenzie BennettWhy Podcasting Works for AdvocacyPodcasts build trust — and trust leads to action.

Advocacy-driven shows succeed because they:

• Create space for personal stories and deeper context
• Give underrepresented voices a platform
• Encourage ongoing conversation and education
• Convert listeners into supporters and volunteers

💡 Blubrry helps: Our detailed stats help you understand whether your message is reaching — and resonating with — the right audience.

Best Practices for Responsible StorytellingWith purpose comes responsibility.

Tips for telling stories ethically:

• Prioritize consent and accuracy
• Avoid trauma exploitation or sensationalism
• Center the people and communities affected
• Follow up with resources and actionable next steps

💡 Blubrry helps: Use show notes and episode descriptions to provide clear links to important resources and organizations your listeners can support.

Partnerships That Amplify ImpactYou don’t have to lift the mission alone.

Strengthen advocacy by:

• Working with nonprofit organizations
• Featuring subject-matter experts
• Creating campaigns aligned with awareness days/months
• Encouraging listeners to share the message

Even small efforts can lead to collective momentum.

💡 Blubrry helps: Quicklinks makes it simple to share subscription options and calls-to-action across every channel — so supporters can spread the word faster.

Listener TakeawayPodcasting is personal — and that’s what makes it powerful. When you speak up for something that matters, you can inspire your community to take action, learn more, and make a difference.

🔗 Resources & Tools* Blubrry Hosting + Statistics * Quicklinks for sharing and engagement * Podcasting 2.0 value-driven features

Find episode extras and past shows at podcastinsider.com. And if you’re ready to grow a mission-driven podcast, visit blubrry.com — we’re here to support you every step of the way.

🎧 Keep advocating. Keep storytelling. Keep making an impact.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussion and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook Group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call for a tech checkup with Mike (mike@blubrry.com).

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Podcasting connects people everywhere — and chances are, you already have listeners tuning in from around the world. Whether it’s Canada, the UK, India, or beyond, international audiences bring new perspectives and opportunities for growth. In this episode, Dave Clements and Mike Dell talk about how to expand your reach beyond your home country, understand your international audience data, and make your podcast more accessible — no matter where your listeners are tuning in from.

Today’s Hosts: Dave Clements and Mike DellHow to Reach Podcast Listeners All Over the GlobeWhy Think Global?Expanding your reach can help your show grow faster and feel more connected:

• Attract listeners from different cultures and regions
• Gain fresh ideas, guests, and perspectives
• Build community beyond borders
• Appeal to international sponsors and collaborations

Blubrry helps: Our IAB-certified podcast statistics show listener data by country and metro area — so you can see exactly where your audience is growing and tailor your outreach accordingly.

Make Your Show International-FriendlyA few simple adjustments can help your content resonate worldwide:

• Avoid slang or cultural references that might not translate well
• Mention your location early on for context
• Include global or universally relatable topics
• Feature international guests or highlight other regions’ podcasting scenes
• Be mindful of time zones when scheduling live events or premieres

Blubrry helps: With flexible publishing tools, you can schedule releases at times that work for multiple regions — keeping your show consistent and accessible no matter the listener’s location.

Language & Accessibility: Transcripts MatterAccessibility is key to growing your global reach — and transcripts are a major part of that.

• Make your show easier to follow for non-native speakers
• Help search engines index your content in more languages
• Create opportunities for translated versions of your episodes

Blubrry helps: Our Transcripts Add-On automatically generates accurate episode transcripts that can be easily translated — making your podcast discoverable and inclusive, even for audiences who don’t speak your language.

Promoting Beyond BordersTo reach and retain international listeners, try:

• Listing your show on global directories like Deezer (Europe), JioSavvn (India), Gaana (India) and Anghami (MENA countries)
• Using international podcast hashtags (#PodcastBrasil, #PodcasterIndia, #PodcastsUK)
• Sharing highlights or translated quotes on social media
• Collaborating with creators from other countries

Blubrry helps: With Blubrry’s platform, you can easily update episode metadata, add transcripts, and ensure your show looks professional and discoverable worldwide.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussion and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call for a tech checkup with Mike (mike@blubrry.com).

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Even the most passionate podcasters hit a wall sometimes — especially around the holidays. Between planning episodes, keeping up with publishing schedules, and juggling real-life responsibilities, it’s easy to lose steam. In this episode, we talk about how to recognize burnout before it hits, practical ways to refresh your creativity, and why taking a short break (like over Thanksgiving!) can actually help your show thrive in the long run.

Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell and MacKenzie BennettAvoiding Podcast BurnoutSpot the Signs of Burnout EarlyIf podcasting starts to feel like a chore, you might be heading toward burnout. Common signs include:

• Episodes feel forced or rushed
• You dread recording or editing
• You’re running out of topic ideas
• You compare your show to others instead of focusing on your own goals

💡 Blubrry helps: With tools like episode scheduling and WordPress publishing, you can plan ahead — giving yourself time off without breaking your release rhythm.

How to Stay Creative (Even When You’re Tired)When inspiration dips, try changing things up:

• Record shorter episodes or bonus updates
  Invite a guest host or do a collaboration
• Revisit a favorite past topic with a new perspective
• Ask your audience what they want to hear next

💡 Blubrry helps: Use our show notes and statistics tools to track which topics resonate most — helping you build new episodes around what’s working best.

Planning Time Off Without Losing MomentumTaking a holiday hiatus doesn’t mean you’re quitting — it means you’re recharging.
Here’s how to keep listeners engaged while you rest:

• Let your audience know ahead of time you’ll be taking a short break
• Re-air your most popular episode or create a “Best Of” highlight
• Use social media to stay connected without producing full episodes
• Come back with a refreshed mindset (and maybe a few new ideas!)

💡 Blubrry helps: With hosting and scheduling tools, you can prep episodes in advance or pause your publishing plan without losing consistency.

Give Yourself Grace This Holiday SeasonPodcasting is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s okay to take a break — your audience will still be there when you return. Thanksgiving is the perfect reminder to slow down, reflect, and refuel your creative energy.

💡 Blubrry helps: Our support team is here year-round, and our platform makes it easy to keep your show on track — even when you take time to rest.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussion and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call for a tech checkup with Mike (mike@blubrry.com).

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As the podcasting landscape evolves, creators are navigating an ever-growing list of listening platforms — each with its own tools, quirks, and agendas. From Apple’s reliable open ecosystem to Spotify’s algorithm-driven discovery and YouTube’s growing push into podcasts, there’s plenty to celebrate… and plenty to question.

In this episode, Mike Dell and Dave Clements break down what these platforms are doing right, what they’re getting wrong, and how independent podcasters can stay in control no matter where their audience listens.

Apple, Spotify & YouTube: A Quick BreakdownApple Podcasts – The Classic Choice✅ Open RSS support (you stay in control)
✅ Trusted directory and wide listener base
⚠️ Analytics limited to Apple users only
⚠️ Subscription model benefits Apple, not every podcaster

Spotify – Great for Discovery, But Closed✅ Personalized recommendations and listener tools
✅ Expanding features like polls and Q&A
⚠️ Limited transparency in data and downloads
⚠️ Some episodes locked behind Spotify-only access

YouTube – The New Contender✅ Massive reach, great for visual storytelling – video is really in it’s own moment
✅ YouTube Music’s podcast section improving discoverability
⚠️ No native RSS integration (yet)
⚠️ Audio-only podcasters face upload barriers

💡 Blubrry helps: Our hosting integrates seamlessly with all platforms. Your feed stays open and flexible — so you never lose ownership or audience control.

What They’re Doing Right* Pushing podcasting into new audiences * Adding video options and interactive tools * Making listening easier across devices

What’s Still Wrong* Confusing or inconsistent analytics * Walled gardens that limit true distribution * Monetization models favoring platforms over creators

💡 Blubrry helps: With IAB-certified stats, open distribution, and reliable hosting, you get accurate data and full control — no matter where your listeners are.

The Takeaway: Stay Open, Stay In ControlAs platforms evolve, creators have to stay informed. The more you understand what’s happening behind the scenes, the better you can position your show for long-term success.

💡 Blubrry helps: Our mission has always been to keep podcasting open. Your feed, your brand, your audience — always yours.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussion and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call for a tech checkup with Mike (mike@blubrry.com).

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Interviews are at the heart of many great podcasts — but asking the right questions takes more than reading from a list. In this episode of Podcast Insider, MacKenzie and Dave share tips for crafting thoughtful, engaging conversations that draw out your guest’s best stories and insights. Whether you’re new to interviewing or looking to refine your technique, you’ll learn how to prepare with purpose, stay present in the moment, and guide discussions that truly connect with listeners.

Today’s Hosts: MacKenzie Bennett and Dave ClementsHow to Improve Your Interviewing Skills for Your PodcastStart with Curiosity, Not a ScriptA good interview starts with genuine curiosity. Instead of racing through a list of questions, focus on listening and reacting.

Tips to improve your flow:

• Research your guest, but don’t over-prepare.
• Ask one question at a time.
• Follow up naturally — not mechanically.
• Let the guest finish their thought before jumping in.

💡 Blubrry helps: With our hosting tools and episode scheduling, you can plan interviews with confidence and stay focused on the conversation instead of the tech.

Craft Questions That Open DoorsAvoid yes/no questions and lean into prompts that invite storytelling and reflection.

Try starting with:

• “Tell me about…” instead of “Did you…”
• “What was going through your mind when…”
• “How did that experience change your approach?”

These questions lead to real, memorable answers that keep listeners hooked.

💡 Blubrry helps: Use your show notes and episode descriptions to highlight key takeaways — helping new listeners find your best moments fast.

Silence Is Your Secret WeaponMost new hosts rush to fill silence, but short pauses can be powerful. They give your guest space to think — and often lead to deeper responses.

Try waiting a full beat after your guest finishes speaking. You might be surprised what they add next.

💡 Blubrry helps: Our post-production options like Media Mastering and transcripts make editing smooth and professional while keeping those natural pauses intact.

Stay Present — Not PerformativeThe best interviewers sound like they’re discovering the story with their audience.

Be conversational, but intentional:

• React honestly.
• Summarize or restate what your guest said before moving on.
• Don’t chase every tangent — guide gently back to the core topic.

Your job is to keep listeners engaged while helping your guest shine.

💡 Blubrry helps: Whether you’re publishing through WordPress or our Blubrry Dashboard, our tools make it easy to present your content with polish and personality.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussion and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call for a tech checkup with Mike (mike@blubrry.com).

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Finding Your Voice & What Keeps Listeners Coming BackEvery podcast has a voice, but the most memorable ones have a personality. In this episode of Podcast Insider, Mike, Dave, and MacKenzie break down how your voice, tone, and delivery shape your show’s identity. From finding your natural rhythm to maintaining authenticity without losing polish, we’ll help you understand what keeps listeners coming back — and how to make every episode sound like you.

Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell, Dave Clements, & MacKenzie BennettYour Voice Is Your BrandYour “voice” is more than just what comes out of the microphone. It’s your presence, rhythm, and the way you approach your topics and guests.

Ask yourself:

• Does my delivery reflect the energy of my show?
• Does it match my audience’s expectations?
• Am I being conversational, or just reading at them?

Your voice is the thread that ties every episode together — it’s what listeners recognize and come back for.

💡 Blubrry helps: From hosting to websites, our platform helps you define and share your podcast identity — the way you want it heard.

Tone Sets the MoodTone is the emotional layer of your show. Whether you’re lighthearted, educational, or serious, being intentional with your tone keeps listeners engaged.

Listeners return when they feel comfortable and connected. A consistent tone builds trust — even subtle shifts can make a big difference.

💡 Blubrry helps: With detailed episode notes and show descriptions, you can set the tone before a listener ever hits play.

Personality Builds ConnectionThe podcasts people fall in love with have one thing in common — personality.

Your quirks, humor, or unique way of explaining things make your show stand out. That authenticity is what turns casual listeners into loyal fans.

Be genuine, not scripted:

• React naturally
• Tell stories from your own experience
• Let your enthusiasm and curiosity come through

💡 Blubrry helps: Our Pod2Vid tool lets your personality shine across platforms by turning your episodes into engaging, shareable videos.

Authentic ≠ UnpolishedBeing authentic doesn’t mean being unprepared. You can sound natural and still respect your listener’s time.

Tips to balance both:

• Keep your delivery relaxed but focused
• Edit out long pauses or tangents
• Pay attention to pacing and transitions

Sounding like yourself is what keeps listeners coming back — sounding bored or unfocused is what drives them away.

💡 Blubrry helps: With Media Mastering and streamlined publishing tools, you can stay authentic while sounding your best every time.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussion and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call for a tech checkup with Mike (mike@blubrry.com).

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This was Todd’s last episode of Podcast Insider, recorded on September 4th. Todd poured his heart into Blubrry’s show and into serving the podcasting community, and we’re honored to share his final conversation here. We’ll be returning to the podcast most likely around mid-October. In the meantime, we want to thank all of our listeners for standing with us as we grieve, reflect, and decide the best way to move forward with the show.

Today’s Hosts: Todd Cochrane and MacKenzie BennettPlanning Podcast SeasonsSome podcasters, like Todd, prefer not to use seasons because they’ve seen how it can disrupt listener habits—especially with shows tied to weekly news or current events. But for many podcasters, seasons can provide structure, creative focus, and built-in opportunities to reset or experiment without losing momentum. The key is knowing your audience and your show’s format, then deciding whether a seasonal approach will help you deliver content more consistently and sustainably.

✅ Start With the Big PictureBefore you dive into episode ideas, take a step back and ask:

• What is the theme or goal of this season?
• Who is this season for—and what do they want to hear?
• How many episodes can you realistically commit to?

Seasons don’t have to be 10 or 12 episodes—some are just 3 to 6. The key is to choose a structure you can stick with and that your audience will appreciate.

💡 Blubrry helps: Use your Blubrry stats to look back at past performance. What topics resonated most? What formats kept listeners around? Let your data guide your next season.

✅ Brainstorm, Then Batch PlanOnce you’ve locked in your season theme or focus, start brainstorming topics. Don’t overthink it—jot down everything that fits.

Then organize your ideas by:

• Episode title or working title
• Main talking points or guest ideas
• Any time-sensitive topics that should go earlier in the season

Batch planning gives you a head start, so you’re not scrambling week to week.

💡 Blubrry helps: With built-in episode drafting and scheduling tools, your podcast dashboard makes it easy to prep ahead and stay consistent.

✅ Book Guests (or Solo Prep) EarlyIf your season includes interviews, start reaching out to guests as early as possible. Provide a general timeline and ask about their availability over the next few weeks.

If you’re doing a solo season, block out time to record multiple episodes at once. This is key for staying on track.

💡 Blubrry helps: Need to find guests? Use Guest Match Pro, Blubrry’s creator connection platform, to match with qualified guests and message them directly.

✅ Set a Publishing Schedule—and Stick to ItDecide when your season will launch, how often episodes will drop (weekly, biweekly, etc.), and when it will wrap up.

Then share that schedule with your audience. This builds trust and anticipation—and it gives you clear milestones to work toward.

💡 Blubrry helps: Auto-publishing tools let you schedule your season in advance so episodes go live even when you’re not at your desk.

✅ Don’t Forget Promo & Wrap-Up ContentA season isn’t just the episodes—it’s also the buzz you build around it.

Plan content like:

• A trailer or teaser for the season
• Social media graphics or audiograms
• A wrap-up episode or blog post summarizing key takeaways

💡 Blubrry helps: Tools like Pod2Vid and your free podcast website help you create and share that extra content without starting from scratch.

Thanks for listening to Podcast Insider, you can subscribe to new episodes out every Monday.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussions and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one tech checkup with Mike at mike@blubrry.com

Stay tuned for more episodes and visit our website for the latest updates and resources.

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Remembering Todd Cochrane, Podcast Hall of Famer and Blubrry CEOOn this special tribute episode of Podcast Insider, we honor the life, legacy, and impact of Todd Cochrane — our co-host, Podcast Hall of Famer, founder of Blubrry and RawVoice, long-time host of Geek News Central, author of one of the very first podcasting books, creator of the People’s Choice Podcast Awards, and co-host of The New Media Show for more than 13 years.

Todd’s contributions to podcasting were immeasurable. From launching one of the earliest shows in 2004 to championing open RSS feeds, podcaster independence, and fair monetization, he shaped the modern podcasting landscape. His leadership and conviction inspired countless creators, and his generosity left a lasting imprint on the global podcasting community.

In this heartfelt conversation — originally recorded for The New Media Show — host Rob Greenlee (Podcast Hall of Famer) is joined by a panel of voices who knew Todd best and witnessed his extraordinary journey:

• Rob Walch, VP of Podcaster Relations at Libsyn and fellow Podcast Hall of Famer
• Mike Dell, VP of Customer Relations at Blubrry and long-time collaborator
• Adam Curry, Podcast Hall of Famer and co-creator of podcasting

Together, they reflect on Todd’s path — from his Navy service to becoming a respected leader and advocate in podcasting. They share stories of his tireless work ethic, his unwavering belief in independent creators, his innovation in podcast monetization and measurement, and his vision for the future of the medium.

Todd’s final episode of Podcast Insider, recorded shortly before his passing, will be released soon as a lasting part of his voice and dedication to podcasters everywhere.

This episode is both a remembrance and a celebration of a man who helped build podcasting into what it is today. Todd’s voice may be gone, but the mission he dedicated his life to carries on.

💙 We invite the podcasting community to join us in honoring Todd’s memory by continuing to support open podcasting and independent creators, the causes he championed most.

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What separates a casual podcast from a “professional” one—and does it really matter in 2025? In this episode of Podcast Insider, Todd, Mike, and MacKenzie break down what it means to be a professional podcaster, the different interpretations of the word “professional,” and how podcasters can level up their show without losing their authenticity. Whether you’re podcasting as a hobby or building a brand, we’ll help you understand the standards, expectations, and options available to you.

Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell, Todd Cochrane and MacKenzie BennettAnd a happy Labor Day to all our podcasters.✅ Professional = PurposefulBeing professional doesn’t necessarily mean making money or having sponsors. A professional podcast is:

• Consistent in its publishing
• Clear in its message or purpose
• Respectful of the listener’s time and experience

It’s more about intention than income. Plenty of unpaid shows are professional because they’re well-crafted and focused.

💡 Blubrry helps: With built-in tools for scheduling, show notes, and publishing, our dashboard helps keep your workflow organized and consistent.

✅ Where Quality Comes Into PlayAudio quality is often the first thing people think of when they hear “professional”—and yes, it matters. But you don’t need a studio or high-end gear.

Professional quality can come from:

• A quiet recording space
• Good mic technique
• Basic editing to remove distractions
• Clear intros and outros that help guide the listener

💡 Blubrry helps: We offer media mastering and transcripts that help polish your content for a more professional feel—without overcomplicating things.

✅ Is Your Podcast “For Fun” or “For Growth”?This is where the “does it matter?” question comes in. If you’re just podcasting for fun, there’s no need to force yourself into a professional mold.

But if you want to:

• Attract sponsors or collaborators
• Grow your audience
• Be taken seriously in your industry

…then it’s worth aiming for a more professional approach.

💡 Blubrry helps: We give you access to IAB-certified podcast statistics, a customizable podcast website, and monetization options like programmatic ads and subscriptions.

✅ Professional Doesn’t Mean “Corporate”Let’s be clear: professional ≠ boring.

You don’t need to lose your personality or niche style to be taken seriously. The most memorable podcasts are:

• Authentic
• Passionate
• Listener-focused
• Easy to follow

Think of professionalism as a framework—not a muzzle.

💡 Blubrry helps: Our tools adapt to your show, not the other way around. Whether you’re niche, newsy, narrative, or nerdy—we’ve got you covered.

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Promoting your podcast doesn’t have to feel awkward or salesy. In this episode of Podcast Insider, we share practical ways to talk about your show with confidence—whether you’re chatting with friends, posting on social media, or networking at events. You’ll learn how to highlight your purpose, use storytelling instead of pitches, and spark curiosity that leads people to want to listen—without ever sounding pushy.

Today’s Hosts: Todd Cochrane and MacKenzie Bennett✅ Lead With the Why, Not the Download LinkWhen talking about your podcast, start with why it exists—not just where to find it. People connect with purpose and personality more than self-promotion.

Instead of saying, “Hey, check out my podcast!” try:

• “I host a podcast about how small-town chefs are changing the food scene—ever heard of that movement?”
• “I’ve been interviewing people who left corporate jobs to start farms—it’s been eye-opening.”

Letting the conversation flow from what you’re passionate about makes people more likely to ask follow-up questions—and then they open the door to you sharing your link.

💡 Blubrry helps: Use your free podcast website or custom episode URLs to easily share your show when people do ask for it.

✅ Share Clips and Stories, Not Just “New Episode!” PostsInstead of promoting a new episode with just the title or a generic link, pull out a powerful quote, a surprising moment, or a quick teaser.

Some ideas:

• “This guest turned their side hustle into a full-time gig—here’s how they did it.”
• “Our latest episode dives into what it’s really like to start over in your 40s.”

Use visuals like audiograms, quote graphics, or a short reel to give people a taste before asking them to commit to listening.

💡 Blubrry helps: Easily create short video teasers with Pod2Vid, and share them on social with your custom links.

✅ Think Conversations, Not CommercialsWhether you’re at a networking event or casually chatting online, focus on the person, not the pitch.

Ask them what kind of content they listen to.

• Share how your show relates to a topic they care about.
• Or invite them to give feedback on an idea you’re working on.

This approach builds connection and curiosity—without forcing the conversation toward a download.

💡 Blubrry helps: Your listener analytics show what’s resonating most, so you’ll know what topics spark real engagement.

✅ Make Your Show Easy to Talk AboutIf your podcast name, description, or purpose is confusing or overly vague, it’s hard for people to share it on your behalf.

Refine your elevator pitch so you (and others) can describe your show in one sentence.

Example:

• “It’s a weekly show about creative burnout—and how people push through it.”
• “The podcast shares short stories from first-time entrepreneurs—5-minute episodes, no fluff.”

💡 Blubrry helps: Hosting with us means your show is listed across major directories, making it easy for new listeners to find you—especially when they hear about you from someone else.

Thanks for listening to Podcast Insider, you can subscribe to new episodes out every Monday.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussions and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike at todd@blubrry.com and mike@blubrry.com

Stay tuned for more episodes and visit our website for the latest updates and resources.

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Whether you’re just starting out or refining your setup, great audio is the foundation of a great podcast. In today’s episode of Podcast Insider, we share practical tips for getting professional-sounding results—covering mic choice, positioning, background noise reduction, recording formats, and techniques to boost your on-mic confidence. Follow these steps and you’ll sound clearer, warmer, and more engaging to your listeners.

Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell and Todd Cochrane🎧 Mic Tips for Your Best Podcast Sound1. Use the Right Mic (and Know How to Use It) * A dynamic mic (like the Shure SM7B or Samson Q2U) is great for voice and podcasting. * Speak into the correct side—usually the front, not the top. 2. Mic Positioning Matters 1. Stay about 2–3 inches from the mic. 2. Use a pop filter or windscreen to reduce plosives (hard P and B sounds). 3. Slightly angle the mic off-center from your mouth to avoid breath noise. 3. Reduce Background Noise * Record in a quiet, carpeted room with soft furnishings. * Turn off fans, HVAC, and silence notifications. * Consider a noise gate or suppression plugin if needed. 4. Let Blubrry Master Your Audio Automatically * Hosting customers can use Media Mastering by Auphonic, an add-on that automatically enhances your audio file during upload. * It balances loudness, reduces background noise, and smoothes out small mic imperfections — giving your episode a polished, professional sound without extra effort. 5. Watch Your Levels * Aim for -12dB to -6dB when recording. Avoid peaking (clipping). * Use headphones to monitor while recording—this helps catch issues early. 6. Record in WAV, Not MP3 * Always record in uncompressed formats (like WAV) for highest quality, then convert to MP3 for publishing. 1.

🎤 Confidence Tips for Sounding Natural and Engaging1. Practice Before Recording * Do a short “warm-up” session. Talk out loud about your topic for a few minutes off-mic. * Practice your intro and key points—don’t wing it unless you’re a seasoned pro. 2. Use Bullet Points, Not Scripts * Reading can sound stiff. Instead, work from an outline so you sound natural and conversational. 3. Smile When You Speak * It changes your tone and helps you sound more warm and confident. 4. Pause with Purpose * Silence is powerful. Don’t rush. Short pauses give listeners time to absorb and give you time to breathe. 5. Imagine Talking to One Person * Picture your ideal listener. This keeps your delivery personal and focused—not like you’re broadcasting to a crowd. 6. Listen Back & Improve * Review your episodes occasionally. Note areas where you sound strongest—and where you can grow. 7. Fake It ‘Til You Sound It 1. 1. 1. 1. * Confidence grows with repetition. Even if you’re nervous, keep showing up. You’ll find your voice over time.

Thanks for listening to Podcast Insider, you can subscribe to new episodes out every Monday.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussions and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike at todd@blubrry.com and mike@blubrry.com

Stay tuned for more episodes and visit our website for the latest updates and resources.

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In this episode of Podcast Insider, host Mike Dell talks with Vern Hume, creator of the long-running science fiction podcast Makeshift Stories. Since 2008, Vern has been crafting original, clean-rated audio stories that captivate listeners of all ages. Now releasing episodes monthly, Vern shares his passion for storytelling, the evolution of his show, and the technical craft behind creating immersive audio experiences.

Today’s Host: Mike DellVern is our August Podcaster of the Month, where we explored the mysterious and imaginative worlds he creates in Makeshift Stories. Known for blending science fiction, fantasy, and the surreal, Vern’s stories invite listeners to fill in the gaps with their own imagination—earning him praise as “a slightly gentler but equally insightful Twilight Zone.”

Inside the Creative World of Makeshift Stories with Vern Hume✅ About Makeshift StoriesMakeshift Stories is a monthly science fiction podcast featuring original tales that blend creativity, imagination, and high-quality production. Initially launched as a bi-monthly show for kids, it has evolved into content for an adult audience while remaining family-friendly. With over 300 episodes produced, Vern has recently scaled back to focus on both the podcast and his book project.

✅ Behind the Mic with Vern HumeVern’s love for audio storytelling began in childhood, inspired by radio dramas. His podcasting journey has been shaped by:

• A commitment to original, high-quality audio fiction
• Collaboration with multiple narrators to bring characters to life
• A clean rating for accessibility to all listeners
• Technical dedication to sound quality, using tools like an RME interface, ribbon mics, SM7B, and Isotope RX for post-production polishing

Vern prefers working with narrators rather than voicing stories himself, ensuring each episode meets his exacting production standards.

✅ The Craft of PodcastingIn the conversation, Vern and Mike explore:

• The evolution of podcasting gear and software over the years
• How AI is becoming part of creative processes (including Vern’s AI-inspired flash fiction)
• The importance of focusing on content and audience over download stats
• Why niche audiences can be more rewarding than chasing mass listenership

✅ Advice for New PodcastersVern encourages new creators to:

• Prioritize storytelling and audience connection over numbers
• Invest in quality audio setups and learn editing techniques
• Be consistent but realistic with publishing schedules
• Measure success in ways that matter personally, not just by metrics

Podcaster of the Month: August 2025We’re proud to recognize Vern Hume as our Podcaster of the Month. His dedication to storytelling and the podcasting craft is an inspiration to creators everywhere. Read our blog post about it here.

🎧 Listen to Makeshift Stories at makeshiftstories.com

Thanks for listening to Podcast Insider, you can subscribe to new episodes out every Monday.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussions and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike at todd@blubrry.com and mike@blubrry.com

Stay tuned for more episodes and visit our website for the latest updates and resources.

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Guest Match Pro beta is now live!

In this episode of Podcast Insider, we introduce Guest Match Pro, Blubrry’s new platform built to connect creators, guests, and agencies. Whether you’re a podcaster, coach, author, or media pro, Guest Match Pro helps streamline the process of finding and booking interviews across industries. We’re diving into what it does, who it’s for, and why now is the perfect time to join the beta—especially if you’re looking to grow your reach and collaborate more efficiently.

Today’s Host: Todd Cochrane, MacKenzie Bennett, & Mike Dell

✅ What Is Guest Match Pro?Guest Match Pro is Blubrry’s new creator connection platform designed to make it easier for people to collaborate. That includes:

• Creators who need guests for their show or channel
• Guests who want to be interviewed and featured
• Agencies managing multiple clients who want to get booked

It’s not just for podcasters—it’s for anyone who uses interviews to build content or visibility. You can search by category, content type, or niche, and match with relevant creators or guests in minutes.

✅ What You Can Do in the BetaGuest Match Pro will very soon be available in beta, which means you’ll be able to:

• Build a public profile for yourself or your clients
• Choose your role(s): guest, creator, agency—or all three
• Filter and match with others based on shared interests or content goals
• Use built-in messaging to communicate and schedule
• Bookmark profiles, track connections, and manage your network

Agencies can manage multiple clients from a single dashboard, and individuals can toggle between guest and creator roles. And if you’re a Blubrry hosting customer, Guest Match Pro is already integrated into your dashboard—no extra logins or setup required.

✅ Why Join NowThis is just the beginning. During beta, all creators can join for free—and Blubrry hosting customers will continue to get Guest Match Pro at no cost after the beta ends.

We’re also actively collecting feedback from beta users. Your experience and suggestions will help shape future features and improvements, including enhancements to filtering, matching accuracy, and collaboration tools.

Now’s your chance to explore the platform, grow your network, and be part of building the next great tool for creators.

✅ It’s Not Just for PodcastersGuest Match Pro is open to all types of creators:

• Coaches and consultants
• Authors on book tours
• Educators and speakers
• Radio hosts and livestreamers
• Agencies promoting expert clients

If interviews, exposure, or audience-building is part of your strategy—Guest Match Pro was built with you in mind.

Guest Match Pro Beta FeedbackWe want to make this as seamless as possible, so please, if you’re using the Guest Match Pro beta, fill out our feedback form so we can fix bugs, make changes and get the general feel for the user experience.

Provide feedback here.

Thanks for listening to Podcast Insider, you can subscribe to new episodes out every Monday.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussions and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike at todd@blubrry.com and mike@blubrry.com

Stay tuned for more episodes and visit our website for the latest updates and resources.

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Podcasters know that video podcasting is quickly growing and they want to be part of the hype, but how does one jump on this effectively? Today, the Blubrry team goes into detail on to not only create video episodes but to do so well. From recording to editing to publishing, we take you through 15 tips on how to get your best video episode yet!

Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell and Todd CochraneEditing a video podcast involves balancing both audio and visual elements to create a polished and engaging final product.

Here are some tips to streamline the process and enhance the quality of your video podcast:1. Prioritize Clean Audio First Audio Cleanup: Start by cleaning up the audio track, as clear sound is essential for podcast listeners. Remove background noise, reduce echo, and apply EQ and compression to balance levels. * Sync Audio and Video:* If you recorded audio separately, sync it to the video right away to avoid drift. Use claps, hand movements, or syncing markers for easy alignment in the editing software.

2. Choose Simple, User-Friendly Software Select an All-in-One Tool: Programs like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and DaVinci Resolve offer powerful editing capabilities for both video and audio. For simpler edits, tools like iMovie or Descript (which has both video and audio editing features) can work well. * Use Templates or Presets:* Many editing software options come with built-in templates for intros, lower thirds, and transitions, which can save time and ensure a consistent look across episodes.

3. Use Multi-Cam Editing for Multiple Angles Switch Angles for Engagement: If you have multiple camera angles, use your editing software’s multi-cam feature to easily switch between shots. Changing angles keeps the viewer’s attention and creates a more dynamic viewing experience. * Emphasize Reactions:* Switch to close-up angles during key moments, like when someone laughs or makes an impactful point, to capture facial expressions and enhance engagement.

4. Add Visual Interest with Graphics and Overlays Include Lower Thirds for Speaker Names: Adding lower thirds with speaker names or topic headers makes it easy for viewers to follow who is speaking or understand the segment focus. * Use Animated Overlays for Emphasis:* Use simple graphics or animations (like arrows, text pop-ups, or icons) to highlight key points, jokes, or important moments. Keep them subtle and relevant to avoid distracting viewers.

5. Incorporate B-Roll and Visuals to Enhance the Story Use B-Roll to Illustrate Points: B-roll footage, images, or screen recordings relevant to the conversation add visual depth and context. For instance, if a guest mentions a specific event, you can overlay relevant visuals to keep viewers engaged. * Add Text Overlays or Key Quotes:* Highlight essential points or quotes with on-screen text, reinforcing key takeaways for viewers.

6. Keep Transitions Simple Stick to Clean Cuts or Fades: For a polished, professional look, use simple cuts or crossfades between scenes. Avoid fancy transitions like star wipes or 3D effects, as they can look dated and distract from the content. * Use Jump Cuts Sparingly:* Jump cuts (where you cut to different parts of the same shot) can help trim unnecessary pauses or filler words, but overuse can make the video feel choppy. Use them only when they improve pacing.

7. Optimize for Different Platforms Consider Aspect Ratios: Most platforms (like YouTube) use a 16:9 ratio, but shorter clips for Instagram Reels or TikTok should be in a vertical 9:16 format. Edit shorter, engaging highlights in these formats to promote on social media. * Create Engaging Thumbnails:* Design a thumbnail that features your podcast logo, guest faces, or a key topic to grab attention. Use contrasting colors and large, readable text.

8. Adjust Lighting and Color Correction Balance Brightness and Contrast: Make sure the lighting is consistent across shots, especially if you’re using multiple angles. Use brightness and contrast adjustments to keep the video visually cohesive. * Use Basic Color Correction:* Adjust color balance and saturation for a professional look. Many editing software options have auto color-correction tools that can help maintain consistency across episodes.

9. Add Music and Sound Effects (Carefully) Use Music to Set the Tone: Choose a background track that complements the vibe of your podcast but doesn’t overpower the voices. Add it at a low volume, using fade-ins and fade-outs to avoid abrupt starts and stops. * Add Sound Effects for Emphasis:* Simple sound effects (like chimes, swooshes, or laughter cues) can be used sparingly to add emphasis or highlight humorous or important moments.

10. Polish with Intro and Outro Elements Create a Consistent Intro Sequence: Add a brief intro clip with your podcast logo, music, and a quick tagline or visual. This creates a sense of continuity for each episode. * Add a CTA in the Outro:* Use the end of the video to encourage viewers to subscribe, follow, or visit your website. You can also include a “Next Episode” preview or links to related episodes.

11. Optimize for Accessibility Add Closed Captions: Including captions is essential for accessibility and is also favored by social media algorithms. Tools like Descript or YouTube’s auto-caption feature can help you add accurate captions easily. * Provide Visual Descriptions When Necessary:* If you reference visual elements during the podcast, describe them briefly for audio-only listeners or those with visual impairments.

12. Focus on Consistent Branding Use Brand Colors and Fonts: Establish a visual style using your podcast’s brand colors, fonts, and graphics. This consistency strengthens brand recognition across episodes and platforms. * Create a Template:* Create a basic video editing template that includes your intro, outro, lower-thirds, and branded overlays to make editing faster and more uniform.

13. Add Dynamic Zooms and Crops Use Zooms for Emphasis: Applying slight zoom-ins or zoom-outs on specific speakers during significant moments adds visual interest. Use sparingly to highlight key points or reactions. * Crop for Multi-Platform Clips:* When repurposing for different platforms (e.g., social media), crop and zoom in on one speaker or central part of the video for close-up engagement.

14. Enhance Engagement with Pop-Up Text or Callouts Display Fun Facts or Side Notes: Show additional context or facts about the conversation topic to keep viewers interested. * Add Time Stamps for Key Topics:* If your video podcast is longer, add timestamps in the description or as visual markers for important topics, helping viewers easily navigate to the segments they’re most interested in.

15. Render and Export in Optimal Settings Choose High-Quality Settings: Render your video in HD (1080p) to maintain quality on most streaming platforms. Use optimized settings for the specific platform (like YouTube or Vimeo) to ensure the best playback quality. * Compress File Size if Needed:* Use a tool like HandBrake to compress files for faster uploads without sacrificing quality, especially if you’re uploading large episodes.

By following these steps, you can create professional-looking video podcasts that are engaging, polished, and viewer-friendly across platforms. Focus on keeping the editing streamlined and consistent, so each episode feels cohesive and visually appealing.

Got a subject you would like us to cover on the show, Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussions and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike at todd@blubrry.com and mike@blubrry.com

Stay tuned for more episodes and visit our website for the latest updates and resources.

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Happy Halloween from Podcast Insider!Join Mike Dell and Dave Clements from the Blubrry team as they recount the most haunting experiences in podcasting in this Halloween special. From forgotten “record” buttons to complicated RSS feeds, each story offers insights and lessons that every podcaster can appreciate. Listen in for laughs, shivers, and valuable tips to help you avoid these common podcasting pitfalls.

Dave’s Podcasting MisstepsInterview fail: forgot to hit record on a Geek This! interview with a filmmaker.

Unexpected guest struggles: a voice actor on PGwS was unprepared for her D&D role.

Mike’s Customer Horror Stories“Be Everywhere” strategy gone wrong: a customer juggling multiple podcast hosting platforms.

Unintended mishap: a major podcaster’s Apple listing went down due to keyword stuffing—just as he scored massive publicity.

Lessons Learned* Always check your equipment before recording. * Stick with a single, consistent RSS feed to avoid confusion and delays. * If moving to a new website platform, consult Blubrry support for a smooth transition.

What podcasting nightmare have you experienced that you can share with the team so that we can warn our podcast community?

Listen now to discover how to turn these horror stories into useful podcasting tips! 🎙️

Got a subject you would like us to cover on the show, Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussions and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike at todd@blubrry.com and mike@blubrry.com

Stay tuned for more episodes and visit our website for the latest updates and resources.

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Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell and MacKenzie Bennett There are several common barriers that stop people from starting a podcast, ranging from technical concerns to personal fears. This podcasting paralysis stops many from finally getting their show out there and today, we are here to alleviate those anxieties and dissecting how to fix them.

By addressing these concerns—through education, planning, and embracing imperfections—potential podcasters can overcome these barriers and successfully launch their shows. We at Blubrry know that you can overcome podcasting paralysis.

Here’s a succinct list combining the common barriers to starting a podcast and ways to overcome them:1. Fear of Failure or RejectionSelf Doubt and Fear of Negative Feedback

Overcome it by: Embracing imperfection, expecting small audiences at first, and viewing feedback as a growth opportunity.

2. Technical ChallengesLack of Knowledge and Fear of Technology

Overcome it by: Starting with minimal equipment and learning as you go. Use free resources like tutorials and online communities.

3. Time CommitmentPerceived Time Burden and Balancing Other Responsibilities

Overcome it by: Setting a manageable schedule, batching episodes, and outsourcing tasks when needed.

4. Financial ConcernsCost of Equipment and Ongoing Subscription Fees

Overcome it by: Using affordable, entry-level equipment and free podcasting tools like Audacity to reduce initial costs.

5. Content UncertaintyNot Knowing What to Talk About and Lack of Audience Clarity

Overcome it by: Planning topics ahead and focusing on subjects you’re passionate about to create consistent, engaging content.

6. PerfectionismStriving for the Perfect Setup and Overplanning

Overcome it by: Taking action with what you have and understanding that improvement comes with practice, not perfection from the start.

7. Imposter SyndromeFeeling Unqualified and Comparing to Established Podcasts

Overcome it by: Focusing on your unique perspective and understanding that everyone’s expertise grows with experience.

8. Fear of Being on the MicrophoneStage Fright and Voice Insecurities

Overcome it by: Just do it. Practicing regularly and reminding yourself that content value matters more than having a “perfect” voice.

9. Lack of Immediate ResultsExpecting Instant Success and Ease of Growth

Overcome it by: Focusing on gradual growth and redefining success as personal improvement or audience connection rather than instant numbers.

10. Uncertainty About PromotionMarketing Challenges and Limited Budget

Overcome it by: Starting with simple organic growth through social media and collaborations, and automating where possible.

11. Fear of ConsistencyCommitment Anxiety and Burnout Concerns

Overcome it by: Creating a sustainable routine and keeping your goals realistic to avoid burnout.

12. Misconceptions About the Podcasting SpaceThinking the Market is Saturated and Belief That Only Celebrities Succeed

Overcome it by: Focusing on what makes your podcast unique and seeing other podcasters as collaborators, not competitors.

13. Lack of SupportNo Collaborative Partners and Minimal Encouragement

Overcome it by: Joining podcasting communities or working with a partner for support, motivation, and collaboration.

14. Legal ConcernsCopyright Issues and Sponsorship and Monetization Rules

Overcome it by: Educating yourself on copyright laws and podcast monetization through free resources and legal guides.

By addressing these concerns with the right strategies, aspiring podcasters can confidently launch and grow their shows.

Got a subject you would like us to cover on the show, Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussions and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike at todd@blubrry.com and mike@blubrry.com

Stay tuned for more episodes and visit our website for the latest updates and resources.

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Audiosigma’s PodmobileIn today’s episode, we take a look at the world of podcasting gear! Covering equipment and podcast setups for those just starting out or those looking to upgrade. Mike and Todd talk about microphones, mixers, and video setups to help you achieve great audio (and video) quality without breaking the bank. Plus, at the end of this episode Mike chats with Fernando Pires, the inventor of Audiosigma products, about some exciting innovations in podcasting tech!

Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell and Todd Cochrane, featuring an interview with guest, Fernando PiresPodcasting gear can be expensive or cheap; your choice depends on how you plan to record your audio (or video). It’s much easier to get high-quality audio today than it was back in the day.

MicrophonesThe first and most important thing you need as a podcaster is a microphone. Today, there are many options to consider. Here is a list of microphones and approximate cost (lowest to highest) that we recommend:

• Samson Q2U / Audio Technica ATR 2100 USB/XLR: $50-80
  • Can use USB or XLR
• RØDE PodMic USB: $199
  • Can use USB or XLR
• Shure MV7+ USB/XLR: $275
  • Can use USB or XLR
• Electrovoice RE320 XLR only: $299
  • Requires an XLR mixer or interface
• Heil PR40 XLR only: $349
  • Requires an XLR mixer or interface
• Shure SM7B XLR only: $399
  • Requires an XLR mixer or interface
  • Requires a decent pre-amp
• Electrovoice RE20 XLR only: $450
  • Requires an XLR mixer or interface
  • Requires a decent pre-amp

We emphasize not using condenser mics unless you have a professional recording environment. One suggestion to start with, do not use a condenser mic unless you really know what you are doing and have the right recording environment (quiet and soundproofed). And remember, friends don’t let friends podcast with a blue yeti.

Mixers and InterfacesYou can get a USB interface for XLR mics. Just beware that some of the mics listed require quite a bit of pre-amp to drive them. If you are going to record with more than one person in the room or via zoom or something like that, you will want a bit more than just a USB interface.

Choosing the right interface or mixer depends on how many people are involved and your setup.

• Focusrite Solo – 1 Microphone XLR to USB
  • Focusrite also makes 2 mic interfaces and more
  • Good for simple use of XLR mics on the computer with USB
  • Does not work well with high powered mics without an additional pre-amp like the Cloudlifter or Fethead
• Mackie (or other) analog mixers
  • You will need an Analog to USB adaptor to work with a computer
    VERY flexible with mixing in different sources
  • A lot of wires!
  • A bit of a learning curve but still an excellent option for some users
• Rodecaster – all three models. Rodcaster Pro, Rodcaster Pro II and Rodcaster Duo
  • Full mixer board plus onboard recorder, cart rack, USB interface and more
  • Much simpler to operate
  • Amps are good enough for all mics. No need for an external pre-amp
• Zoom PodTrak P4
  • Very portable
  • Simple to use
  • Up to 4 XLR mics
  • Built-in recorder
• MikeHero DSP by AudioSigma
  • Simple, VERY high quality sound for 1 mic
  • USB interface
  • Works with iPhone, iPad, or computer (likely Android too)
  • Great pre-amp
• PodMoble DSP by AudioSigma
  • Simple, VERY high quality sound for 2 mics
  • Able to string more together if you need more mics at your location
  • USB interface
  • Works with iPhone, iPad, or computer (likely Android too)
  • Great pre-amp

Mike’s conversation with Fernando Pires, the inventor of AudioSigma products, dives into his approach to creating simple yet powerful audio solutions for podcasters. Stick around for this insightful discussion at the end of the episode.

Video Options for Podcasters:Like audio, video setups can be simple or elaborate.

• USB Webcams and Older Camcorders with USB out are budget-friendly options.
• Software options include OBS, VMix, Restream, and Zoom.
• Todd shares his own video setup and explains why he’ll be changing it in the future.
• Rode Streamer and the brand new Rodecaster Video mixer are top recommendations for video production.
• Resources Mentioned:
  • Samson Q2U / Audio Technica ATR 2100 USB/XLR
  • Focusrite Solo USB Interface
  • Rodecaster Pro (Pro, Pro II, Duo)
  • AudioSigma MikeHero DSP and PodMoble DSP
  • OBS, VMix, Zoom, Restream, Rumble Studio

Fernando Pires – Founder of Audiosigma

Got a subject you would like us to cover on the show, Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussions and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike at todd@blubrry.com and mike@blubrry.com

Stay tuned for more episodes and visit our website for the latest updates and resources.

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In this episode, we explore our latest innovation, Pod2Vid, a tool designed to convert your podcast into a compelling video format. Whether you’re aiming to reach a broader audience on YouTube or other video platforms, Pod2Vid simplifies the process by transforming your audio episodes into engaging video content with just a few clicks. Todd, Mike and MacKenzie cover how it works, its advantages for podcasters looking to expand their audience, and share tips on maximizing its potential. Tune in to discover how Blubrry’s Pod2Vid (part of the Thrive Bundle) can enhance your podcasting journey!

Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell, MacKenzie Bennett and Todd CochraneWith YouTube ranking as the second largest search engine globally, the shift toward video content is undeniable. More and more consumers are increasingly turning to YouTube for entertainment, information, and podcasts. By converting their audio content to video, podcasters can access a wider audience, opening the door to countless new listeners and viewers.

Why Use Pod2Vid? Broaden Your Audience: Cater to both audio and visual content consumers by offering dual-format availability. * Enhance Engagement: Video content, complemented by relevant visuals, captivates audiences and enhances the listening experience. * Boost Visibility: Tap into YouTube’s extensive user base and enhance your podcast’s discoverability. * Affordable and Accessible:* Exclusively available to Blubrry Thrive Bundle customers, Pod2Vid is an economical solution for podcasters at any stage.

How Pod2Vid Works Upload Your Audio: Begin by uploading your podcast audio to Pod2Vid. The platform supports all standard audio formats, ensuring a smooth start. * Select Your Images: Enhance your podcast by choosing images that align with each chapter. Options include: + Use Blubrry’s AI: Leverage Blubrry’s AI to generate relevant images based on your podcast’s content. + Upload Your Own: Add specific images that capture the essence of your content. + Access Unsplash: Choose from a vast library of high-quality, royalty-free images through Pod2Vid’s integration with Unsplash. * Customize Your Video: Pod2Vid automatically synchronizes your selected images with your podcast’s audio, allowing for seamless transitions between chapters. Preview your video, make adjustments, and finalize it for export. * Publish to YouTube and Beyond:* Once your video is ready, Pod2Vid streamlines the process of publishing it to YouTube or other video-sharing platforms so you can focus on creating compelling content.

Thanks for listening! We hope you will give Pod2Vid a try with the Thrive Bundle. Our last piece of advice is to subscribe to our show on your favorite podcast app and be sure to come back next week for another episode!

Got a subject you would like us to cover on the show, Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussions and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike at todd@blubrry.com and mike@blubrry.com

Stay tuned for more episodes and visit our website for the latest updates and resources.

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Consider what can be done to improve your podcast – whether that is for you the host and person behind the scenes making it all happen or for your listeners. Choose which of today’s recommendations would work best for you and your podcast to not only be easier for you but better for your audience.

Today’s Hosts: MacKenzie Bennett and Todd CochraneIt’s the beginning of a the last quarter of the year, now is the time to start doing a handful of quarterly podcast tasks to ensure your podcast success.

Quarterly Podcast Tasks1. Review AnalyticsEvaluate Episode Performance: Analyze download numbers, listener engagement, and retention rates. Identify the most popular episodes and those that underperformed to understand what resonated with your audience.

Check Listener Demographics: Look at listener demographics and geographic data. This helps in tailoring content to the audience and identifying potential areas for growth.

2. Reassess Content StrategyIdentify Trending Topics: Based on audience feedback and the broader podcasting landscape, decide whether you need to adjust your content focus or introduce new segments.

Review Guest Feedback: If you feature guests, evaluate the success of guest episodes and consider whether different types of guests or topics could engage listeners more.

3. Plan Future ContentCreate a Content Calendar: Outline upcoming episodes for the next quarter, focusing on relevant themes, holidays, or seasonal trends.

Prepare for Special Episodes: If milestones, holidays, or events are coming up, plan special episodes around these topics to attract new listeners and engage current ones.

4. Engage with Your AudienceGather Feedback: Use social media polls, listener surveys, or direct feedback channels to get insights into what your audience likes or wants more of.

Engage More Actively: Reassess your interaction with your audience across platforms, like responding to listener comments, email newsletters, or live Q&A sessions.

5. Optimize Marketing and PromotionReview Marketing Efforts: Examine the effectiveness of your marketing strategies over the last quarter. What brought in new listeners? Where did you see the most engagement? Double down on the successful methods.

Collaborate and Cross-Promote: Reach out to other podcasters for guest appearances, cross-promotion, or joint ventures to tap into new audiences.

Experiment with Ads: If you haven’t already, consider paid advertising or promotional partnerships to grow your audience.

6. Monetization CheckAssess Sponsorships: Review current sponsorships or ads to see if they’re meeting expectations. Reach out to new potential sponsors if your audience size has grown.

Evaluate Merchandise or Donations: If you’re using listener support methods like Patreon or merchandise sales, assess their performance and look for new ways to enhance this revenue stream.

7. Update Your Podcast PlatformImprove Show Notes and SEO: Review your show notes, titles, and descriptions to ensure they’re optimized for search engines and discovery on podcast directories.

Refresh Artwork and Branding: Consider updating your podcast cover art, logo, or branding elements if necessary to keep your podcast visually fresh and appealing.

8. Technical and Production ReviewEvaluate Equipment and Software: Check if any part of your recording setup needs upgrading, whether it’s hardware (microphones, headphones) or software (editing tools, hosting services).

Assess Workflow: Streamline your recording and editing processes to make them more efficient. Consider automation tools or outsourcing if tasks are taking up too much time.

9. Set New GoalsGrowth Goals: Set specific and measurable goals for the next quarter, such as increasing downloads by a certain percentage, engaging more on social media, or growing email subscribers.

Content Goals: Challenge yourself to try new types of content, formats, or guest appearances to keep the show evolving.

10. Stay Updated on Industry TrendsAttend Webinars or Conferences: Stay engaged with the podcasting community by attending industry events or listening to podcasts about podcasting for fresh ideas.

Follow Updates on Podcasting Platforms: Keep an eye on changes or updates to podcast directories (like Apple Podcasts, Spotify) to ensure your podcast remains compliant with best practices.

Got a subject you would like us to cover on the show, Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussions and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike at todd@blubrry.com and mike@blubrry.com

Stay tuned for more episodes and visit our website for the latest updates and resources.

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In this special episode of Podcast Insider, Todd Cochrane and the Blubrry team celebrate 20 years in podcasting a little early for International Podcasting Day. Join Todd, Barry Kantz, Brian Yuhnke, Cathy Beuten, and Mike Dell as they reflect on the early days of podcasting, the founding of Blubrry, and how the industry has evolved over the years. Hear stories of how Blubrry was built by podcasters for podcasters, from the first days of podcast monetization to the growth of podcast hosting and statistics services.

The team shares their thoughts on the future of podcasting, the role of AI, and the importance of authentic storytelling. Whether you’re a seasoned podcaster or just starting out, this episode is packed with insights, lessons, and inspiration from the pioneers of the podcasting world.

Today’s Hosts: Todd, Barry, Brian, Cathy and MikeThe Biggest Takeaways:* Blubrry (originally RawVoice Inc.) was built by podcasters for podcasters, with a focus on supporting creators from day one. * The podcasting industry has grown dramatically, and Blubrry has evolved along with it, offering tools like PowerPress, podcast stats, and hosting services. * AI is becoming a significant part of the podcasting landscape, but the human voice and authentic storytelling remain crucial. * Blubrry continues to innovate while staying true to its roots, providing flexible, creator-focused services without external investment.

Blubrry Podcasting Resources:Blubrry Podcasting – Explore Blubrry’s suite of podcasting services
Podcast Insider Blog – Stay up to date with Blubrry’s latest news and insights
PowerPress Plugin – A WordPress plugin for podcast publishing
Todd Cochrane’s Geek News Central site – A personal reflection from Todd on Blubrry’s journey

Got a subject you would like us to cover on the show, Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussions and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike at todd@blubrry.com and mike@blubrry.com

Stay tuned for more episodes and visit our website for the latest updates and resources.

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Replacing the Bad Podcast Advice with the GoodMike and MacKenzie from Blubrry are here to dissect some of the worst podcasting advice out there – but of course include the better ways to treat yourself and your podcast instead. Each don’t comes with a side of what to do instead and please remember, each podcaster is different.

Take this as seriously as you’d like – but we’re here to explain exactly why the following pieces of advice are simply bad for you and your podcast. Without further ado, join us as we discuss the top 10 worst pieces of advice for your podcast.

Todays Hosts: Mike Dell and MacKenzie Bennett

#10: “All You Need is Passion, Equipment Doesn’t Matter”Why it’s bad: Yes, passion is crucial, but listeners can tell if you’re recording with a low-quality microphone or in a noisy room. Bad audio is a quick way to lose listeners.
Better advice: Invest in at least decent equipment and learn basic soundproofing techniques to keep your passion sounding professional.

#9: “More Episodes = More Success”Why it’s bad: Releasing multiple episodes every week won’t matter if the content isn’t good. Quality over quantity is the key to success.
Better advice: Stick to a manageable release schedule that allows you to create quality content consistently.

#8: “Don’t Bother with Editing, Raw is Real”Why it’s bad: While authenticity is important, long pauses, filler words, or awkward moments aren’t entertaining. Editing helps tighten the flow and keep listeners engaged.
Better advice: Edit for clarity and flow, even if you want to keep it conversational.

#7: “You Don’t Need Show Notes or a Website”Why it’s bad: Show notes and a website improve searchability, provide additional resources, and make your podcast more professional. Ignoring them means missing out on growth.
Better advice: Always include detailed show notes and have a basic website to direct listeners for more information.

#6: “If You Build It, They Will Come”Why it’s bad: Simply launching a podcast doesn’t mean people will magically find it. Marketing, promotion, and networking are essential to grow your audience.
Better advice: Have a solid marketing plan, including social media, collaborations, and consistent outreach to grow your listener base.

#5: “Monetize Right Away!”Why it’s bad: Jumping into monetization without a solid listener base can turn off potential fans. Ads on day one can feel forced and inauthentic.
Better advice: Focus on growing your audience before considering monetization strategies, and make sure the ads fit your content and audience.

#4: “Just Copy What’s Popular”Why it’s bad: Trying to mimic the format, style, or content of other successful podcasts rarely works. Listeners want originality and authenticity, not a poor imitation of their favorite shows.
Better advice: Find your unique voice and perspective; that’s what will draw in listeners.

#3: “Focus on Going Viral”Why it’s bad: Chasing virality often leads to gimmicky content that doesn’t retain a loyal audience. A single viral moment doesn’t guarantee long-term success.
Better advice: Focus on creating consistent, high-quality content that builds a loyal following over time, rather than aiming for a viral hit.

#2: “Make Your Podcast for Everyone”Why it’s bad: Trying to appeal to everyone often means your content is too broad and doesn’t resonate with a specific audience. A niche is key to growing a dedicated following.
Better advice: Focus on a clear niche or target audience. Being specific will help attract the right listeners.

#1: “Don’t Bother with Marketing—Just Focus on the Content”Why it’s bad: While content is king, marketing is essential to getting that content in front of listeners. Without marketing, even the best podcast can go unnoticed.
Better advice: Always include marketing as part of your podcasting strategy. Use social media, collaborations, and even word-of-mouth to grow your audience.

Thanks for listening! Our last piece of advice is to subscribe to our show on your favorite podcast app and be sure to come back next week for another episode!

Got a subject you would like us to cover on the show, Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussions and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike at todd@blubrry.com and mike@blubrry.com

Stay tuned for more episodes and visit our website for the latest updates and resources.

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Best practices for repurposing your video for your podcastToday, the Blubrry team provides their perspective on the art and science of content repurposing to elevate your podcast strategy. Discover how to take your existing podcast episodes and transform them into valuable assets across various platforms, reaching new audiences and maximizing your podcast’s potential. Use these tips to create a smarter, more efficient workflow. Tune in and learn how to breathe new life into your podcast episodes with strategic repurposing!

Why Repurposing Video for Podcasting is a Smart Strategy• If you make video content, it is an efficient use of that video in some way for your audio podcast.
• Using your video content for audio podcasting will expand your distribution to all of the podcasting platforms and apps where it would not be available if just video on YouTube or Rumble or Twitch.
• Creating multiple touchpoints for your brand.
• Enhancing SEO through video and audio formats.

Types of Video Content to Repurpose• Webinars or Live Streams (long-form content).
• YouTube or Rumble videos (how-to guides, tutorials).
• Interviews, guest appearances, and virtual panels.
• Social media videos (Instagram Lives, TikTok, Facebook, etc.).

Best Practices for Converting Video to Podcast Audio• Audio Quality Matters: Please do not ignore this in your video! Ensure good audio quality in the original video.
• Editing for Audio-Only: Remove any visual-dependent content (cut sections that don’t translate well to audio)
• Add New Intros/Outros for the audio version
• Add custom context for podcast listeners who weren’t part of the video experience.
• Adapt Content for an audio Podcast Audience
• Describe any visuals that may not make sense in an audio format.
• Keep pacing in mind—video might move slower because it’s visual; adjust for audio listeners.

Tools and Techniques for Efficient Repurposing• Software options for converting video to audio (like Audacity, Descript).
• Using AI tools to generate show notes, transcriptions, or social media posts based on video content.

Repurposing Beyond Just the Audio• Tell the audience in the video and audio versions that the episode exists in both formats and how to find each.
• Share clips on social media platforms (short video snippets or audio teasers).
• Include both formats in newsletters.
• Encourage cross-promotion between video and audio platforms.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid• Ignoring audio quality in video recordings.
• Leaving too much visual-dependent content in the audio version.
• Not tailoring the content for the podcast audience (assuming they can see what video viewers can).
• Over-editing or under-editing the original video content.

Thanks for listening! We will be back next week with another Podcast Insider and it’s going to be a good one!

Got a subject you would like us to cover on the show, Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussions and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike at todd@blubrry.com and mike@blubrry.com

Stay tuned for more episodes and visit our website for the latest updates and resources.

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We think private and premium podcasting are so important and helpful in today’s landscape of podcasting formats that we’re rerunning this episode for you.

Private and Premium Podcasting Use CasesKeeping a podcast limited to a certain group of listeners gained popularity in recent years, especially due to a major switch to remote working. Blubrry offers a wonderful option for those interested in keeping a podcast secure and private, set to an audience of your discretion. Today, we go over when it’s best to use private or premium.

Today’s Hosts: Todd Cochrane and Mike DellWe review the use cases for private and premium podcasting and when is the best time to utilize these publishing options. Read here to learn more about Blubrry’s private and premium podcasting. Check out our Private Podcasting and Premium Podcasting offerings on our website.

Why You Should Use Private or Premium Podcasting by BlubrryPrivate podcasting offers a highly secure method for communicating with your team members effectively.

Use cases:

• Proprietary business information for companies and organizations
• Employee communication (instead of memos)
• Membership information for an organization or club
• Training videos and other information for onboarding employees or members

Pros:

• More secure
• Dedicated app for listening/viewing content
• Dedicated page (PWA) for listening/viewing content
• More control over who listens

Cons:

• Higher cost
• The inability to subscribe in “normal” podcast apps

Premium podcasting caters to those seeking to monetize their shows by offering exclusive content for purchase by the public, or providing clubs and group members with special access to unique material.

Use cases:

• To monetize a show that is popular without the need for advertising
• You can offer ad free versions of your show to subscribers
• You can have early access for subscribers
• Publish bonus content for your free podcast if people subscribe

Pros:

• Less costly than private
• Ability to subscribe in podcast apps
• Can be done on your own domain
• More control of the look and feel

Cons:

• Less secure
• Harder to manage (in most cases)
• Requires another plugin (membership plugin) to implement on WordPress

Both private and premium podcasting are great solutions to navigating online relationships with listeners, necessary in a remote world.

Got a subject you would like us to cover on the show, Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussions and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike at todd@blubrry.com and mike@blubrry.com

Stay tuned for more episodes and visit our website for the latest updates and resources.

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In this encore episode of Podcast Insider, we review best practices when navigating industry events. In this retro-but-still-relevant episode, hosts Todd Cochrane, Mike Dell and MacKenzie Bennett share their extensive experiences and practical tips about attending industry conferences. The episode opens with Dell briefly introducing their experience at the Podcast Movement conference in Washington, D.C. last week.

Recent Experience – Mike opens with insights from the Podcast Movement conference in Washington, D.C.

Flexibility at the Event – Todd underlines the value of adaptability for spontaneous engagements and social events at conferences.

Real-Life Examples
– Mike talks about gaining listeners by attending a niche event related to his “Fast Food History” podcast.- Todd discusses how attendance at CES and DragonCon enhanced connections and podcast reach.

Building Credibility and Network
– Importance of press passes highlighted.
– Todd mentions a successful networking example with GoPro at CES.

Practical Tips for Industry Events
– Wear comfortable shoes.
– Stay hydrated and manage health.
– Be prepared but open to new opportunities.

Networking Importance
– MacKenzie and Mike tout networking as key to gaining speaking opportunities and insights.

Production and Content Creation Insights
– Challenges and strategies for live broadcasting at events like CES and post-production efforts discussed.

Advice for New Conference Attendees
– Dress comfortably, manage time efficiently, keep devices charged, and maintain health with hand washing and sanitizing.

Looking Forward
– It’s good to start with local events and progress to national conferences.
– Invite listener engagement through upcoming events and their website for more resources.

Episode Conclusion – Todd encourages maximizing conference experiences for personal and podcast growth.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussions and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike at todd@blubrry.com and mike@blubrry.com

Stay tuned for more episodes and visit our website for the latest updates and resources.

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Podcast Websites: What Do You Need in 2024?As the podcasting landscape becomes increasingly competitive, a dedicated website is no longer just a digital hub but a vital tool for podcasters. It serves as the central point for audience engagement, brand building, and content monetization. In 2024, having a well-designed, fully functional podcast website is essential for creators looking to stand out, enhance discoverability, and create a lasting connection with their listeners.

Creating a website for a podcast offers several benefits and serves multiple purposes, enhancing the podcast’s reach, engagement, and overall success. We at Blubrry HIGHLY recommend a website, but we will also talk about why you might not want a podcast website.

Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell and Todd CochraneReasons for a Podcast Website:A central hub for your show – Moonbase Alpha!* There is no better place to send your listeners than YOUR site. * If you disappear from one of the apps, people know where you are.

SEO

• Feeding the search engines is going to help you get found when someone searches your subjects and guests.
• Allows you to write better show notes that can be found by the search bots.

Branding

• Having your own website gives you total control over your branding.

Engagement

• Having a forum, contact form, and email list signup on your website gives your listeners a place to interact with you and your show

Monetization

• Your own site gives you a place to promote your sponsors, sell merch, sell your own consulting services and other things like Adsense ads

Extra content

• Blogs
• Video
• Transcripts
• Additional resources

Analytics (web)

• You can setup Google Analytics or another web analytics system and get some more information about how you listeners and web visitors use your site.

A place to put…

• Your podcast player(s)
• Episode Archive or playlist player
• Expanded show notes
• Contact info
• Announcements
• Merch store
• Ads
• Your services/products

Why you might NOT want a websiteShort on Time

• Maintaining a website CAN take some time

Technical Skills

• Not everyone is cut out to build a website, But it’s not as hard as you might think

Cost

• Domains
• Web hosting
• Blubrry will give you a website with podcast hosting

Focus on Core content (the audio)

• You just want to do the show and not mess with the rest
• Keeping it simple

Social Media

• If you already have a big following on social media and that is where your listeners interact with you

Thanks for listening! Check back next week for another Episode of Podcast Insider!

Subscribe & Follow:

• Subscribe to our podcast for more insights and updates.
• Follow us on social media for the latest news and tips!

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussion and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike.
todd@blubrry.com and mike@blubrry.com

Stay tuned for more episodes and visit our website for the latest updates and resources.

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The Blubrry Thrive Bundle offers a comprehensive suite of tools designed to enhance your podcasting experience, making it easier to create, promote, and analyze your content.

Today’s Hosts: Todd Cochrane and MacKenzie BennettHere are some key benefits of Blubrry’s Thrive Bundle:Podcast AI Assistant (PAI): Episode Planning: Assists with generating intelligent episode topics, guest questions, and bios. * Post-Production: Creates transcripts, suggests titles, generates show summaries, bullet points, and episode art. * Social Captions: Crafts platform-specific promotional content to extend your reach. * Clip Highlights:* This feature will allow the creation of promotional clips for social media​.

Dynamic Ad Insertion:* Enables pre-roll, allowing you to monetize your content more effectively. * Supports multiple campaigns and provides real-time performance metrics to optimize advertising efforts​.

Advanced Podcast Metrics:

• Episode Comparison: Compare the performance of up to five episodes to identify trends and optimize content strategies.
• Listener and Subscriber Data: Unique metrics to track your show’s growth and adjust strategies accordingly.
• Average Daily Plays: Insights into your podcast’s growth and long-term consumption trends​ (Blubrry Podcasting)​​ (Blubrry Podcasting)​.
  Event Tracker: Coordinate critical dates for your podcast and how it affects your stats.

Quicklinks Features:* Customizable links to direct your audience to various destinations such as your website, donation pages, and more. * Enhanced engagement features including external hyperlink support and analytics tracking​ (Blubrry Podcasting)​​ (Blubrry Podcasting)​.

Apple Podcast Reviews Integration:* View and share your Apple Podcast reviews directly from the Blubrry stats dashboard, helping you to promote your podcast’s accolades on social media​ (Blubrry Podcasting)​.

Thrive Is Included in August* For the entire month of August all of our thrive features are available to any hosting customer * We are constantly adding new features to the Thrive Bundle * Affordable after the fact, for an additional $10 a month

Overall, the Thrive Bundle aims to streamline your podcast production and promotion processes, allowing you to focus more on creating high-quality content and engaging with your audience​ (Blubrry Podcasting)​​ (Blubrry Podcasting)​.

For more details, you can visit the Blubrry Thrive Bundle page and the related blog posts on their website.

Subscribe & Follow:

• Subscribe to our podcast for more insights and updates.
• Follow us on social media for the latest news and tips!

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussion and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike.
todd@blubrry.com and mike@blubrry.com

Stay tuned for more episodes and visit our website for the latest updates and resources.

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Tracking Podcast Milestones Just Got Easier with Blubrry’s Event TrackerIn this episode, we dive into Blubrry’s latest feature release—an Event Tracker integrated into our Podcast Statistics Dashboard. Designed to enhance your podcasting strategy, this new tool is a game-changer for podcasters looking to streamline their workflow, better understand their audience, and optimize their content planning.

Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell and MacKenzie BennettJoin us as we explore how this feature works, its benefits, and tips on how to make the most out of it.

Overview of Blubrry’s Event Tracker1. Benefits of the Event Tracker Calendar

• Streamlined Workflow: Helps podcasters plan and track events, episodes, and promotional activities all in one place.
• Audience Insights: Correlate spikes in audience engagement with specific events, such as marketing campaigns, guest appearances, or episode releases.
• Content Planning: Offers a visual representation of past and upcoming content, aiding in better scheduling and content diversity.

2. How It Helps Podcasters

• Data-Driven Decisions: Leverage detailed analytics to understand the impact of various events on podcast performance.
• Enhanced Marketing Strategies: Ensure you reach your goals by planning and including crucial dates in our tracker so you can more easily analyze promotional tactics.
• Time Management: Efficiently manage your podcasting schedule to avoid last-minute rushes and ensure consistent episode releases.

3. Practical Tips for Using the Event Tracker Calendar

• Set Up Regular Events: Mark regular occurrences such as weekly episode recordings, special segments, or seasonal themes.
• Marketing Efforts: Date all promotional activities, like social media campaigns, email newsletters, and ad placements, to see which strategies yield the best results.
• Analyze Trends: Review historical data to identify patterns in audience behavior and adjust your content and marketing strategies accordingly.

4. Getting Started

• Locate the podcast Event Tracker in the blue top bar of the stats dashboard.
• A quick guide on setting up your first event.

The Event Tracker is a valuable tool for any podcaster looking to take their show to the next level. Whether you’re aiming to grow your audience, refine your content, or optimize your marketing strategies, this feature provides the insights and organization needed to succeed.

Subscribe & Follow

• Subscribe to our podcast for more insights and updates.
• Follow us on social media for the latest news and tips!

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussion and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike.
todd@blubrry.com and mike@blubrry.com

Stay tuned for more episodes and visit our website for the latest updates and resources.

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Take Your Podcast With YouWelcome to another episode of the Podcast Insider, where we bring you tips, tricks, and insights to elevate your podcasting game. At some point you’ll likely have to adjust your podcast due to travel for work, vacation or just a desire in a change of scenery. Recording on the go can be both exciting and challenging, but we’re here to alleviate those fears. Join us as we dive into the essentials of mobile podcasting, from choosing the right gear and finding the perfect location to maintaining sound quality and managing technical issues. Get ready to learn how to podcast from anywhere and keep your content fresh and engaging, no matter where your journey takes you!

Recording a podcast while traveling can be a bit challenging, but with the right preparation and tools, it can be done smoothly. Here are the steps to follow:

• Packing for a remote recording
• Setup for a remote recording

For Solo RecordingEquipment

• Portable Recorder or Computer (Phone would work too but not as well)
• Microphone USB dynamic mics are best (ATR2100, Q2U or something like that)
• Headphones
• Windscreen if you are going to be outdoors
• Don’t forget your cables and adapters!
• Mic stand or mount if you need one
• Camera, lights and mount if you are doing video

Solo recording on the road is much easier than multi-host or interviews (unless it is an in-person interview).

Make sure you are in a quiet environment or if you want ambient sounds, find a location that you will not be disturbed while recording.

For Multi-host RecordingSame sort of equipment as solo, but add to it for more than one host or guest

If in-person co-host or guest

• Make sure to bring mics for everyone AND be able to connect them to your recorder. (The Zoom h-Series recorders can have 2-6 microphones plugged in)
  • Using one mic for two or more people CAN work, but is not as good as having one for each person.

If Remote co-host/guest:

• Make sure you have the best internet connection you can.
• Wired internet is better than Wifi or hot spotting your phone
• Use remote recording software such as CleanFeed, Zencatr, Zoom or something that allows the recording to happen in the cloud.

Todd discusses mobile recording at a conference

Mike tells a story about podcasting in the car

Planning ahead allows you to continue producing your podcast while traveling. By preparing your content, choosing the right portable equipment, and finding a quiet recording location, you can maintain your podcast’s quality on the road. With a bit of organization and flexibility, you can seamlessly integrate podcasting into your travel routine.

Thanks for listening! Check back next week for another episode of Podcast Insider!

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussion and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike.
todd@blubrry.com and mike@blubrry.com

Stay tuned for more episodes and visit our website for the latest updates and resources.

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Offering insights into the implications of using AI-generated content.Have you given AI a try yet when it comes to your podcast? Today, we are diving into the topic of copyright and the role of artificial intelligence in podcasting. Barry Kantz, General Counsel and CFO at Blubrry joins Mike to explore the legal intricacies and practical implications of using AI-generated content in your podcast. Featuring current trends and potential future legislation, this episode offers valuable insights for podcasters navigating the evolving landscape of content creation and copyright.

Tune in to learn how to protect your work and stay ahead in the industry.

Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell and guest Barry KantzMike and Barry kick off the episode discussing the intersection of copyright and AI in podcasting, offering insights into the implications of using AI-generated content.

Legal Considerations with AI and Copyright:

• Barry delves into the legal landscape surrounding AI-generated content, emphasizing that under U.S. law, AI-generated content cannot be copyrighted as it is not created by a human.
• The discussion references the famous “monkey selfie” case (Naruto v. Slater), which set a precedent that only humans can hold copyrights.

Practical Advice for Podcasters:

• All podcasters should modify AI-generated content to make it their own and avoid potential legal issues.
• This is important, understanding that AI-generated content, particularly text, is built on probabilities and not direct copying.

The Role of AI in Content Creation:

• Growing use of AI in generating show notes, images, and even music.
• AI-generated content can be useful, there are nuances and potential legal pitfalls, especially concerning copyright.

Future of AI in Podcasting:

• The conversation touches on ongoing court cases and possible future legislation that may shape the use of AI in content creation.
• Barry mentions that in Japan, AI-generated content can be legally owned, a contrast to the current U.S. stance.

Final Thoughts:

• By acknowledging that while AI tools are becoming increasingly sophisticated, authentic human voices and emotions in podcasting remain invaluable.
• Blubrry highly encourages podcasters to stay informed about legal developments and make informed decisions about using AI in your work.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussion and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike.
todd@blubrry.com and mike@blubrry.com

Stay tuned for more episodes and visit our website for the latest updates and resources.

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In this episode of Podcast Insider, hosts MacKenzie Bennett and guest Aaron Hope discuss effective strategies for using visual elements to market a podcast. They open by emphasizing the importance of incorporating design and aesthetics into podcast marketing to enhance listener engagement and share-ability across digital platforms.

Today’s Hosts: MacKenzie Bennett and Aaron Hope1. Social Media GraphicsWhy Use Them:

• Grab attention quickly in crowded social media feeds.
• Convey key information about your podcast episodes.
• Increase share-ability and engagement.

How to Use Them:

• Create Episode Announcements: Design visually appealing graphics to announce new episodes. Include the episode title, a brief description, and where to listen.
• Highlight Guest Appearances: If you have guest speakers, create graphics featuring their photos and names to attract their followers.
• Share Quotes and Clips: Pull interesting quotes or clips from your episodes and pair them with relevant images or backgrounds to create engaging posts.

Tools to Use:

• Canva
• Adobe Spark
• Pablo by Buffer

2. Promotional VideosWhy Use Them:

• Videos are highly engaging and can convey more information in a short time.
• They help to build a stronger connection with your audience through visuals and sound.

How to Use Them:

• Teaser Videos: Create short teaser videos that highlight what listeners can expect from the next episode. Include key points or interesting segments.
• Behind-the-Scenes Clips: Show the making of your podcast, interviews, and fun moments. This builds a personal connection with your audience.
• Listener Testimonials: Compile short video testimonials from your listeners sharing their favorite episodes and what they love about your podcast.

Tools to Use:

• Capcut
• Wave.video
• Adobe Premiere Rush
• iMovie

3. AudiogramsWhy Use Them:

• Combine audio clips with visual elements to create engaging content.
• Easily shareable on social media platforms.
• Highlight key moments or interesting segments from your episodes.

How to Use Them:

• Highlight Key Segments: Select impactful or intriguing segments from your podcast episodes and turn them into audiograms.
• Promote New Episodes: Use audiograms to tease new episodes by featuring compelling sound bites.
• Share on Social Media: Post audiograms on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to reach a wider audience.

Tools to Use:

• Headliner
• Wavve
• Audiogram

Tips for Effective Visual Storytelling Consistency is Key: Maintain a consistent visual style and branding across all your graphics, videos, and audiograms. Use the same color scheme, fonts, and logo to build brand recognition. * Engage Your Audience: Ask questions, encourage shares, and respond to comments to foster engagement. Use visuals to create interactive content like polls and quizzes. * Track Performance: Use analytics tools to track the performance of your visual content. Pay attention to engagement metrics such as likes, shares, and comments to understand what resonates with your audience. * Stay Authentic:* Authenticity builds trust. Show your personality and let your unique voice shine through in your visuals.

Concluding the episode, MacKenzie and Aaron emphasize the importance of consistency and authenticity in visual marketing. They encourage podcasters to maintain a consistent aesthetic that aligns with the podcast’s core message and brand identity. This consistency helps in building a recognizable brand across various platforms.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussion and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike.
todd@blubrry.com and mike@blubrry.com

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In this episode, MacKenzie and Mike discuss critical elements that may be missing from your podcast. They cover essential areas to enhance your podcast’s success and listener engagement.

Being this is Episode 404, we figured it would be a good time for you (and us) to try and figure out what might be missing from your podcast.

8 Potential Gaps Holding Back Your Podcast’s Success1. Marketing and Promotion:• Strategies for effective social media marketing
• Leveraging SEO for podcasts
• Collaborating with other podcasters for cross-promotion
• Utilizing email newsletters to engage listeners
• Paid advertising options and best practices

1. Audience Engagement:• Techniques for increasing listener interaction
   • Running contests and giveaways
   • Creating a community around your podcast (e.g., Facebook groups, Discord servers)
   • Responding to listener feedback and incorporating it into episodes

2. Technical Aspects:• Advanced audio editing tips
   • Best practices for remote recording
   • Upgrading your podcasting equipment
   • Troubleshooting common technical issues
   • Backup strategies for recordings and files

3. Content Creation:• Brainstorming unique episode ideas
   • Structuring episodes for maximum impact
   • Storytelling techniques for podcasters
   • Incorporating multimedia elements (e.g., video, live streaming)
   • Scripting versus improvisation: finding the right balance

4. Monetization:• Different monetization models (ads, sponsorships, merchandise, Patreon)
   • Approaching potential sponsors
   • Pricing and negotiating sponsorship deals
   • Creating exclusive content for paying subscribers
   • Financial management for podcasters

5. Analytics and Growth:• Understanding podcast analytics and metrics
   • Tracking and improving listener retention rates
   • Strategies for growing your listener base
   • Analyzing competition and finding your niche
   • Using feedback and data to improve your content

6. Legal and Ethical Considerations:• Understanding copyright and fair use in podcasting
   • Contracts and agreements with guests and collaborators
   • Ethical interviewing and content creation practices
   • Handling sensitive or controversial topics responsibly

7. Personal Development:• Time management and productivity tips for podcasters
   • Maintaining creativity and avoiding burnout
   • Continuing education and staying updated with industry trends
   • Networking with other podcasters and industry professionals
   • Setting and achieving podcasting goals

We’re sure all podcasters could come up with more things to check and make sure you are including in your podcast work-flow.

Thanks for listening! You can always find us at podcastinsider.com and of course, blubrry.com.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussion and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike.
todd@blubrry.com and mike@blubrry.com

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The Blubrry team spills their secrets on how to be consistent and how to stay motivated for podcast success. Mike and MacKenzie have a combined 30 years of podcasting and in this episode, they explore practical strategies, share inspiring stories, and offer expert tips to help you keep your passion alive and your episodes on schedule.

Join us as we uncover the secrets to sustaining your podcasting momentum and turning your creative vision into a long-term success.

Here Are 11 Tips to Help You Podcast Consistently1. Set Clear Goals:

Define what you want to achieve with your podcast. Clear goals give you something to strive for and help maintain focus. Whether it’s reaching a certain number of episodes, growing your audience, or monetizing, having a target can be very motivating.

2. Create a Content Calendar:

Plan your episodes in advance. A content calendar helps you stay organized and ensures you have a steady flow of topics to cover. It can also help you align your episodes with relevant events or seasons.

3. Batch Recording:

Record multiple episodes in one sitting. This can be a great way to ensure you have a backlog of content ready to go, reducing the pressure of producing an episode every week.

4. Engage with Your Audience:

Listener feedback can be incredibly motivating. Engage with your audience through social media, emails, or comments. Knowing that people are listening and valuing your content can give you the boost you need to keep going.

5. Collaborate with Others:

Collaborating with other podcasters or guests can bring fresh perspectives and ideas to your show. It can also introduce you to new audiences and provide a motivational boost through shared enthusiasm. Maybe even promo swaps or guesting on other podcasts in your topic area.

6. Continual Learning and Improvement:

• Invest in your skills by learning more about podcasting, audio editing, marketing, etc.
• Improvement can be a great motivator as you see the quality of your podcast enhance over time.
• Listen to podcasts (Like this one) and others that report about what is going on in podcasting.
• Sign up for podcasting newsletters.
• Take an audio editing class or watch YouTube videos about the editing software you are using.
• Attend relevant topic conferences and podcast events

7. Stay Passionate About Your Topic:

Choose topics that you are passionate about. Your enthusiasm will not only keep you motivated but also engage your listeners more effectively.

8. Take a break if you need one:

Don’t be afraid to take breaks when needed. Burnout can be a major de-motivator, so it’s important to take care of your mental and physical health. Schedule breaks or hiatuses to recharge. Play re-run episodes or run an episode you recorded earlier to cover your break.

9. Celebrate Milestones:

Celebrate your achievements, whether it’s your 10th episode, 100th download, or first piece of positive feedback. Recognizing your progress can be very encouraging.

10. Monetization and Rewards:

If possible, monetize your podcast. Financial rewards can be a strong motivator. This could be through sponsorships, merchandise, Patreon, or other revenue streams.

11. Join Podcasting Communities:

Being part of a community of podcasters can provide support, inspiration, and accountability. Online forums, social media groups, or local meetups can be great places to connect with fellow podcasters.

Implementing these strategies can help you maintain motivation and consistency in your podcasting journey.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussion and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike.
todd@blubrry.com and mike@blubrry.com

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We have been busy! Today let’s go over all the innovations Blubrry offers that you should know about – but might not have heard of. Whenever something new comes out we put the word out and our course build documentation. Then we tend to press on to the next big thing. Sometimes it’s good to step back and give you an overview of all we have to offer.

Blubrry’s Innovative Podcast ToolsHosting and Publishing Podcast Hosting: Various plans from Standard to Pro, including unlimited storage and advanced tools. * WordPress Integration: PowerPress plugin for seamless management from WordPress. * Private Podcasting: Secure podcasts for designated listeners. * Vid2Pod:* Converts YouTube playlists into audio podcasts.

Monetization Programmatic Advertising: Automatically inserts ads into your podcasts. * Dynamic Ad Insertion: Allows sophisticated ad campaigns for both new and existing episodes. * Premium Podcasting: Provides options for ad-free, bonus content, and early releases. * Value4Value:* Accepts donations in Bitcoin and traditional currency.

Analytics and Growth Podcast Statistics: Detailed analytics including geo, apps, and devices. * Audience Surveys: Collects demographics directly from listeners. * Podcast Directory: Promotes your podcast in a large directory. * MyCast: This service combines all your subscriptions into one RSS feed. + A great use-case is to take all your video podcasts from RSS feeds and combine them into one “Playlist” style feed to subscribe to in a Set-top Box (Roku or Apple TV) podcast app. * Media Kit:* Creates a comprehensive overview for potential advertisers.

Additional Features Podcast AI Assistant: Assists with planning, production, and promotion. * Thrive Bundle: Enhanced tools including advanced stats and ad insertion. * Pro-Production: Professional assistance for podcast launch and regular publishing. blubrrypro.com. * Concierge Service: Full setup assistance for your podcast. * Transcription and Closed Captioning: Makes podcasts accessible with transcriptions. * Media Mastering: Professional audio processing by Auphonic. * Podcasting 2.0 support:* Blubrry is the #1 podcast hosting company for supporting Podcasting 2.0 features. Learn more at podcastindex.org.

Blubrry offers a robust set of tools and services to support podcasters from inception to monetization and growth, making it a comprehensive platform for both new and experienced podcasters​.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussion and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike.
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Welcome to another exciting episode of our podcast! In this episode, we discuss the world of video podcasting and specifically just how easy it can be with Blubrry. Podcasters and creators of all levels will learn about the unique opportunities and challenges video podcasting presents. Join us as we discuss the technical aspects of video production, content creation techniques, and how to effectively engage with your audience through visual storytelling.

When it comes to podcasting in general, a video podcast is not that much harder to publish in an RSS feed than audio is. Simply upload an mp4 (the best format for a video podcast) and the rest is the same. On the production side, it’s a bit more complex.

Doing a video podcast via RSS is more cancel-proof. It also allows you to distribute to more than one platform.

Here are some things to think about if you are going to do a video podcast:Technical Setup

• Quality Equipment: Invest in a good camera, microphone, and lighting.
• Editing Software: Use reliable video editing software to ensure high-quality production.
• Hosting Platform: Choose a hosting platform such as Blubrry that supports video files and can generate an RSS feed.
  • Note: Video files are much larger than audio files.

Content Preparation

• Script/Outline: Prepare a script or outline to keep the podcast organized and engaging.
• Consistency: Maintain a regular schedule for releasing episodes.
• Target Audience: Know your target audience and tailor content to their interests.

Recording

• Environment: Record in a quiet, well-lit space to minimize background noise and visual distractions.
• Testing: Test your equipment and settings before recording to avoid technical issues.
• Backup: Always have a backup recording to prevent data loss.

Post-Production

• Editing: Edit for clarity and pacing, and remove any mistakes or unwanted sections.
  • Video can be more challenging to edit than audio.
  • If you are going to do an audio version of your video, edit the video and then extract the audio for your audio podcast (in that order).
• Branding: Add intros, outros, and any branding elements to create a professional look.
• Transcripts: Provide transcripts for accessibility.

Distribution

• RSS Feed: Ensure your RSS feed is properly configured to distribute video content.
• Platforms: Submit your RSS feed to various podcast platforms like Apple Podcasts, Podcast Index and some others. (Video is not used on as many platforms as audio is.)
  • As a secondary distribution, upload to YouTube, Facebook, X, Spotify if you’re careful and other social media.
• SEO: Optimize episode titles, descriptions, and tags for better discoverability.

Marketing

• Promotion: Use social media, email newsletters, and collaborations to promote your podcast.
• Engagement: Engage with your audience through comments, social media interactions, surveys and feedback.
• Analytics: Monitor analytics to understand viewer behavior and improve future episodes.

Legal Considerations

• Copyright: Ensure you have the rights to all content used, including music and images.
• Disclaimers: Include any necessary disclaimers or disclosures for transparency.

Miscellaneous

• Storage: Have adequate storage for video files and backups.
• Updates: Keep your equipment and software updated to avoid technical issues.
• Adaptability: Be open to feedback and willing to make changes to improve your podcast.

Thanks for tuning in to this episode all about video podcasts! We hope you found our discussion informative and inspiring. Remember, integrating video into your podcasting strategy can open up new avenues for audience engagement and growth. Until next time, keep creating, keep sharing, and happy podcasting!

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussion and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike.
todd@blubrry.com and mike@blubrry.com

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We’ve got a special episode of Podcast Insider as the Blubrry team celebrates our 400th episode! Join us as we reflect on our journey, share highlights and stories from past episodes, and discuss what’s next for Blubrry Podcasting. This milestone is a testament to our incredible community of podcasters, listeners, and supporters. Thank you for being part of our journey!

• Episode 400 is likely not completely accurate. We guessed when we started Podcast Insider by adding up all the prior episodes of all the prior podcasts, but it’s close enough 🙂
• Cathy and Todd reflect on attending the Podcast Show in London in May
• Different names of this podcast
  • Blubrry community podcast – Just about anything, no schedule.
  • PowerPress Podcast – MacKenzie interviewed PowerPress and Blubrry users – Weekly(Ish)
  • Your Podcast – Todd and Mike talked about deep subjects around podcasting – Weekly(Ish)
  • We combined PowerPress Podcast and Your Podcast into Podcast Insider – The current show with Mike, Mac and Todd weekly
• Todd has been a podcasting pioneer for 20 years Inaugurated into the Podcaster Hall of Fame in 2015, wrote the first book on podcasting
• Humble beginnings – Started with just Todd in 2004 and then brought on other staff in 2005 and then added more full-time employees in 2015 and have continued down that road.

We want to extend our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who have been part of this incredible journey. Your support, feedback, and enthusiasm have been the driving force behind our success. We’ve shared countless stories, learned valuable lessons, and built a community that thrives on the passion for podcasting.

Here’s to the next 400 episodes and beyond—continuing to innovate, inspire, and celebrate the world of podcasting together. Stay tuned for more exciting content, and as always, happy podcasting!

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussion and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike.
todd@blubrry.com and mike@blubrry.com

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Today Blubrry discusses the essentials of building and maintaining a podcast website. We explore why having your own site is crucial for total control over your content and audience engagement. Specifically, we’ll focus on the advantages of using WordPress paired with our plugin, PowerPress. Your show is never safer than when it’s in your hands.

If you are using WordPress and PowerPress for your podcast publishing, YOU are the platform. This is good. You own the feed address and get all the SEO benefits to your brand. BUT, with great power, comes great responsibility!

Here are the main pros and cons of being your own podcast platform.Pros1. Control and Customization

• Full Control: You have complete control over your content, layout, and feed settings.
• Customization Options: PowerPress offers various customization options for your podcast, including episode-specific settings, SEO features, and advanced feed settings.

2. SEO Benefits

• SEO Integration: WordPress is SEO-friendly, and PowerPress enhances this by allowing you to optimize your podcast episodes for search engines.
• Increased Visibility: Proper SEO practices can increase your podcast’s visibility, attracting more listeners.

3. Integrated Website

• Unified Platform: Having your podcast and website on the same platform can simplify management and provide a seamless experience for your audience.
• Additional Content: You can easily add blog posts, show notes, and other content related to your podcast episodes.

4. Monetization and Analytics

• Monetization Options: You can integrate ads, affiliate links, and other monetization methods directly on your site.
• Detailed Analytics: PowerPress provides detailed podcast analytics, helping you understand your audience and improve your content.

5. Community and Support

• Large Community: WordPress has a large community of users and developers, providing extensive support and resources.
• Regular Updates: Both WordPress and PowerPress receive regular updates, ensuring your site remains secure and functional.

Cons1. Technical Knowledge Required

• Learning Curve: Setting up and managing a WordPress site with PowerPress can be complex, especially for beginners.
• Maintenance: Regular updates and maintenance are required to keep your site secure and running smoothly.

2. Hosting Costs

• Additional Costs: You need to pay for web hosting, domain registration, and possibly premium plugins or themes, which can add up.

3. Potential for Technical Issues

• Compatibility Issues: Plugins and themes can sometimes conflict, causing issues that need troubleshooting.
• Security Vulnerabilities: A poorly maintained WordPress site can be vulnerable to security threats, requiring vigilance and security measures.
• Too much security: Your RSS feed needs to remain public and not behind any firewalls or other blocking for security reasons. Some systems can block your feed from Apple and other destinations which defeats the podcasting works. In most cases, you are not trying to protect Fort Knox!

4. Time-Consuming

• Content Management: Managing a WordPress site can be time-consuming, especially if you’re also focusing on creating podcast content.
• Backup and Recovery: Regular backups are essential to avoid data loss, adding to the time and effort needed.

5. Dependence on Plugins

• Plugin Reliance: Relying heavily on plugins to from the way your site LOOKS can sometimes lead to issues if plugins become outdated or unsupported.
• Performance Impact: Too many plugins can slow down your website, affecting user experience and SEO.

At the end of the day you are responsible for the well-being of your podcast and it’s corresponding website. Blubrry is here to help you and ensure that you are able to get the best experience possible, but the fate of your podcast is in your hands.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussion and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike.
todd@blubrry.com and mike@blubrry.com

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The podcasting path has been long and prosperous for our Podcaster of the Month, Greg Thompson.

Greg ThompsonSince its launch in 2016, Thompson’s show, PodWheels, has produced more than 1,500 podcast episodes while generating more than 200,000 downloads. In this episode of Podcast Insider, he shared with us the long and winding road that led his career from sports celebrity interviews to the shared wisdom and important insights of truckers. Join Mike Dell as he learns of the incredible journey of Greg Thompson and the impactful stories from the world of trucking.

Check out the Podwheels network here

Find his Podcaster of the Month article here

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussion and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike.
todd@blubrry.com and mike@blubrry.com

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Today we dive into the cutting-edge world of advertising strategies tailored specifically for podcasters. The monetization opportunities for podcasters is always changing, but there are a few ways that will always stick around. In this episode, we explore innovative ad techniques that go beyond traditional methods, helping you maximize your revenue while maintaining a seamless listening experience for your audience. The Blubrry team’s expert advice on this topic can helps with actionable insights and advice to elevate your ad game. Discover how to transform your advertising approach to stand out in the ever-competitive podcasting industry.

Two Main Types of Podcast Ad Strategies:1. Dynamic Ad Insertion (DAI): (Programmatic) This allows podcasters to insert ads into their episodes dynamically, so different listeners might hear different ads depending on factors like location, listening platform, or time of day. This flexibility means that ads can be more relevant and timely.
2. Content Insertion: You manually set this up to insert ads, promos, intros, outros, and other such content. It’s less dynamic than DAI as it’s the same for everyone who listens during the time period set in the system.

Ad insertion technology offers podcasters a variety of ways to enhance their podcasts and monetize their content effectively.

Here are some key uses of ad insertion tech in podcasting:

• Time-sensitive Advertising: Podcasters can insert ads that are relevant only for a certain period, such as promotions for an upcoming event or a sale that is about to end. After the event or sale, they can replace the ad with another without altering the original content of the podcast.
• A/B Testing: With ad insertion technology, podcasters can test different ads to see which performs better with their audience. This can be done by alternating between different ad versions across different episodes or even within the same episode over time.
  Improved Listener Experience: By using ad insertion, podcasters can place ads in natural breaks within the content, making the listening experience less disruptive. This strategic placement can help maintain listener engagement and reduce the likelihood of listeners skipping ads.
• Back Catalog Monetization: Podcasters can monetize older episodes by inserting new ads into them. This makes the entire catalog a potential source of revenue, not just the latest episodes.
• Tiered Subscription Models: Some podcasters offer ad-free versions of their podcasts to subscribers while using ad insertion to monetize the free versions. This can encourage more subscriptions while still generating revenue from non-subscribers.
• Sponsorship Flexibility: Ad insertion technology makes it easier for podcasters to manage sponsorships. They can switch sponsors across different episodes or seasons without needing to re-record anything.
• Performance Tracking: Podcasters can track how well different ads perform in terms of listener engagement and interaction. This data is crucial for improving ad strategies and demonstrating value to advertisers.
• Replacing Beg/End: Change your intro messages/music/outros at the beginning or end of your shows.

Ad insertion tech (or, more accurately for this discussion, content insertion) is available in three ways at Blubrry; htey can be used for more than just advertising.

Here is what we offer at Blubrry:* Manual ad insertion (Pre-roll only). Pre-roll ads for Thrive Bundle or Pro Hosting * Manual ad insertion (Pre, Post, and Mid-roll). Full ad insertion with Blubrry Pro hosting * Programmatic ad insertion. (DAI) Ads are automatically sold and inserted for you. You share in the revenue. $ This is available to ALL Blubrry hosting customers at no additional cost.

By leveraging these capabilities, podcasters can not only increase their revenue but also improve the quality of their content and the satisfaction of their listeners.

Thanks for joining us on Podcast Insider, where we bring you insider access to the tools you need to succeed. Until next time, keep podcasting!

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussion and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike.
todd@blubrry.com and mike@blubrry.com

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Creating exclusive content for paying podcast listeners is an excellent way to provide additional value and encourage more listeners to subscribe to premium tiers. Blubrry offers premium podcasting for creators to offer to their audience in hopes of not only creating special, specific content for them, but monetizing said content as well.

Here are several ways podcasters can offer exclusive content to their paying subscribers:Bonus Episodes: Offer additional episodes that are available only to paying subscribers. These could include deeper dives into topics discussed in regular episodes, interviews with special guests, or entirely unique content not available in the main feed.
Early Access to Episodes: Allow paying subscribers to listen to episodes before they are released to the general public. This early access can be a significant draw for dedicated fans who eagerly anticipate new content.
Ad-Free Listening: Provide an ad-free experience for subscribers, which can make listening more enjoyable and streamlined.
Extended Episodes: Offer longer versions of regular episodes with extended discussions, additional segments, or uncut interviews that non-paying listeners don’t get to hear.
Behind-the-Scenes Content: Share insights into the podcast production process, including planning sessions, bloopers, and discussions about how episodes are put together. This type of content gives listeners a sense of involvement in the creative process.
Exclusive Q&A Sessions: Host live or recorded Q&A sessions where paying subscribers can submit questions. These could be about the podcast content, general advice, or personal questions for the host.
Interactive Content and Polls: Allow subscribers to vote on upcoming episode topics, guests, or other elements of the show. Engaging listeners in the content creation process can increase their investment in the podcast.
Member-Only Community Access: Create a private forum or chat group, such as on Discord or Slack, where subscribers can interact with each other and the hosts. This community aspect can be a strong incentive for fans to subscribe.
Exclusive Merchandise: Offer merchandise like t-shirts, mugs, or stickers that are only available to paying members or at a discounted rate compared to general availability.
Special Events: Invite subscribers to exclusive online or in-person events such as live recordings, meet-and-greets, or workshops.
Personalized Messages or Content: Provide personalized shout-outs, birthday messages, or other personalized content that makes subscribers feel valued on a personal level.

By leveraging these strategies, podcasters can create a compelling subscription offering that enhances listener engagement and boosts revenue, all while rewarding their most loyal fans with valuable content.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussion and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike.
todd@blubrry.com and mike@blubrry.com

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A Rising Tides Raises All ShipsAs the world of podcasting continues to grow, creators must find innovative ways to expand their audience. Today, we’re diving into the art of cross-posting, a powerful tactic that leverages the magic of collaboration. Podcasters that team up with fellow hosts can amplify their reach and introduce each other’s content to a whole new crowd. Take note of these strategies and join us as we explore how to make cross-posting work for podcast hosts and their podcasting allies.

Today’s Hosts: MacKenzie Bennett and Todd CochraneCross-post Strategies for Podcaster Collaboration Guest Appearances: One of the most common forms of collaboration is inviting a podcaster from another show to be a guest on your podcast and vice versa. This exposes both podcasts to each other’s audiences, potentially increasing listenership. * Co-Hosting Episodes: Occasionally co-hosting episodes on each other’s platforms can mix things up for listeners and offer fresh perspectives and discussions, which can be particularly engaging and attract followers from each host’s base. * Cross-Promotions: Podcasters can agree to promote each other’s shows. This could be through shout-outs during episodes, sharing each other’s content on social media, or including links in newsletters. It’s a simple yet effective way to reach new listeners who trust the recommender’s tastes. * Content Collaboration: Working together to produce content, whether it’s a series, a special episode, or a segment within an episode, can blend the strengths and unique styles of each podcaster. This might involve thematic discussions, debates, or joint investigations. * Community Events: Hosting live events, whether online or in person, can generate buzz and deepen engagement with audiences. These events can include live podcast recordings, Q&A sessions, or meetups, providing an interactive experience for listeners. * Social Media Takeovers: Allow a fellow podcaster to take over your social media accounts for a day or vice versa. This can add variety to your content and introduce your audience to new voices and styles. * Shared Resources: Pooling resources such as editing software, studio space, or marketing tools can reduce costs and increase production quality. Collaborators can also share knowledge and skills in these areas to enhance each other’s podcasts. * Joint Ventures: Launching a new podcast together that combines the unique elements of each host’s existing podcasts can attract listeners from both audiences and capture new ones interested in the joint content. * Affiliate Marketing: If both podcasts discuss similar topics or products, they can arrange to use affiliate links and promote products they genuinely like, earning commissions and providing valuable recommendations to their listeners. * Network Partnerships:* Joining or forming a network of podcasts that share a similar theme or audience can enhance cross-promotion opportunities and streamline various aspects of podcast production and marketing.

Be sure to implement today’s tips on collaboration and cross-promotion into your podcasting strategy.

Thanks for joining us on Podcast Insider, where we bring you insider access to the tools you need to succeed. Until next time, keep podcasting!

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussion and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike.
todd@blubrry.com and mike@blubrry.com

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Todd and Mike sprinkle bits of advice about what podcast statistics that podcasters should pay more attention to as well as the ones that are less crucial to creators overall understanding of their success. Podcasters should focus on key statistics that reflect their unique goals and aspirations instead of getting caught up in every available metric.

Remember the importance of not stressing over stats but focusing on consistency and quality of the content to ensure steady growth and audience retention in the long term.

Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell and Todd CochranePodcast statistics can be an important way of measuring your podcast’s success. Depending on your goal, stats can give you insights that can help you adjust your show’s content and marketing strategy.

What to Look For In Your Podcast StatsAka these are the important podcast statistics in our opinion 😉

• Listener Growth Rate: See how your show is growing (or not) over time, indicating the podcast’s appeal and reach.
• Download Numbers: (Per Episode) Provides a direct metric of how many times episodes are being downloaded (or listened to), reflecting the podcast’s popularity.
  • Advertisers and Potential guests are most interested in per-episode downloads.
  • Total downloads and downloads over X amount of time, for the whole show are interesting, but not super important.
• Retention: This includes the average listening duration and episode completion rate, which help understand how much of an episode listeners consume.
• Demographic Information: (This is not directly measurable in stats, but it can be done with a survey.) Insights into listeners’ age, location, and interests can guide content creation and marketing strategies.
• Subscriber/Listener Counts: The number of dedicated listeners who subscribe to receive updates or automatic downloads, indicating a stable listener base. This is sort of an unknowable stat, but there are ways to get a good idea.
  • Check a single episode and see what the downloads were in the first 3 days or so.
  • Also check for “mobile apps” in the apps section. Most of those will be “subscribers or followers” in the first 3 days or so.
  • Use Blubrry’s Thrive bundle to add the listener/subscriber graph
• Trending Graphs: This gives you a snapshot of how your podcast is doing over time. An upward trend means it’s growing. On Blubrry stats, you can see trends Monthly, Daily and even hourly for the first 7 days.

Non Crucial Podcast StatsThe items below are good for social proof, but may not tell you anything about your podcast success.

• Social Media Followers: Social media can be a good way to promote your show, but just because you have x followers does not mean everyone who follows you on social media will listen to your podcast.
  • This includes subscribers to your YouTube channel, Facebook, etc.
• Website Hits: The same as social media. Just because someone clicks on your link and lands on the episode page on your website doesn’t always translate into a listen/download.
• Total Episodes Count: More episodes don’t necessarily mean higher quality or more listener engagement.

Things to Keep in Mind When Reviewing Your Stats & Success Try not to compare yourself to other podcasters. You have your own style, subject matter that might not be for everyone in your niche. * Podcast audiences ebb and flow. Someone might subscribe and listen to every episode but then disappear. People try out podcasts and then move on to other podcasts. * Episode totals might also go down and back up from episode to episode, this is normal. * You might get a big spike once in a while. If your show is mentioned in some high-profile way. Those listeners might just listen to that one episode and not subscribe. * Don’t stress or get obsessed with podcast stats.* Podcasts grow slowly, and podcast stats are not instant. Try not to check stats several times a day, it will be frustrating.

Thanks for joining us on Podcast Insider, where we bring you insider access to the tools you need to succeed.Until next time, keep podcasting!

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussion and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike.
todd@blubrry.com and mike@blubrry.com

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In today’s episode, we will delve into the podcast website must-have features, from selecting the perfect theme and SEO plugins to incorporating an effective audio player. Join us as we discuss the elements your podcast website needs, how to integrate social sharing, and tips to enhance your website’s user experience for your listeners.

Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell and MacKenzie BennettCreating a website for your podcast involves incorporating several essential tools and features to ensure functionality, audience engagement and SEO.

Podcast Website Must-HavesRSS Feed Setup: Configuring an RSS feed specifically for the podcast, which enables the distribution of episodes to various podcast directories and platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcast apps..

Integrating a Robust Podcast Player: Embedding a reliable podcast player that allows visitors to listen directly from the website. The player should support all episodes, offer play/pause functions, and track progress. The right player lets your listeners enjoy your content effortlessly on your site.

SEO Optimization: Implementing search engine optimization techniques to increase the website’s visibility and ranks well, attracting more listeners via search engines.

Episode Archive: A well-organized archive or library where visitors can browse through past episodes, categorized by date, topic, or guest.

Search Functionality: Implementing a search bar to help users quickly find episodes or content based on specific keywords or themes.

Subscription Options: Providing clear options for visitors to subscribe to the podcast via different platforms or email to receive updates on new episodes. Blubrry’s PowerPress provides a simple, pleasing subscribe widget.

Effective Social Media Integration: Links or buttons to share podcast episodes on social media platforms, and widgets to display recent social media posts related to the podcast. Be sure to make it easy for your audience to share your episodes and increase your podcast’s reach.

Contact Information: A dedicated section for contact information, encouraging listeners to engage, provide feedback, or send inquiries, possibly including a contact form.

About Page: Include an informative about page detailing the podcast’s mission, the hosts, and the background story to help new visitors understand more about the podcast.

Mobile Responsiveness: Ensuring the website is fully functional and looks good on mobile devices, considering many users might access the site from their phones.

Blog or News Section: A blog or news section where you can post updates, announcements, behind-the-scenes content, and additional resources related to podcast episodes.

Analytics Tools: Integration of tools like Google Analytics to monitor website traffic, listener behavior, and engagement metrics.

Accessibility Features: Making sure the website is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. This might involve text transcripts of episodes, use of alt-text for images, and compliance with web accessibility standards.

Customizable Themes and Visuals: A visually appealing design that matches the branding of the podcast, which includes logos, color schemes, and a professional layout.

Security Measures: Ensuring the website has SSL certificates for security, especially if you’re handling subscriptions or personal information.

Blubrry’s free WordPress Site with hosting

Blubrry’s recommendations for podcast websites

You need a podcast website

Podcast website hosting

PowerPress for WordPress – manage your podcast on your site

Thanks for joining us on this deep dive into making your podcast website as powerful and engaging as your content. Remember, these elements are crucial for creating a space where your audience can connect with your show and share it with the world.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussion and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike.
todd@blubrry.com and mike@blubrry.com

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Sharing practical tips for landing a job in podcastingWhether you’re a seasoned audio engineer or a passionate storyteller looking to break into the industry, this episode is packed with valuable advice from top insiders.We uncover necessary skills, the dos and don’ts of applying, and how to make your resume stand out. Long-standing Blubrry employees share our experiences to help you turn your podcasting aspirations into a rewarding career.

Today’s Hosts: Todd Cochrane, Mike Dell and MacKenzie BennettFinding a job in the podcast industry involves a mix of networking, skill development, and strategic job searching. Here are some steps and tips to help you navigate your way into a podcasting career:

1. Define Your Interests & Leverage Podcast Skillset As a podcaster you already have skills* (Assuming you didn’t pay someone to do these things for you) + Managing your RSS feed and distribution + Show planning + Show production (recording and editing) + Producing show notes / posts + Marketing the podcast + Recording + Editing audio/video

2. Build a Portfolio Create Your Own Podcast: This is a great way to gain hands-on experience and showcase your abilities. * Contribute to Existing Podcasts:* Offer to work (even as a volunteer initially) on existing podcasts to gain experience and build your portfolio.

3. Networking Social Media and Forums: Engage with podcast communities on platforms like Reddit, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Join discussions, ask for advice, and share your work. * Events and Conferences:* Attend podcasting workshops, conferences, and meetups to network with industry professionals.

4. Utilize Job Platforms Podcast-Specific Job Boards: Websites like Podjobs.net, Inside Podcasting, and the Podcast Movement’s job board are good places to find industry-specific listings. * General Job Websites: Don’t overlook general job platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor. Use keywords related to podcasting to find opportunities. * Company Websites:* Always check the podcast companies’ websites career center. We at Blubrry occasionally need people and will post the jobs on our site.

5. Pitch and Apply Strategically Customize Applications: Tailor your resume and cover letter for each application to highlight the most relevant skills and experiences. * Cold Outreach:* Don’t be afraid to reach out to podcasters or podcast companies you admire to inquire about potential opportunities or to offer your services.

6. Continuous Learning Stay Updated: The podcast industry is evolving rapidly. Keep learning about new trends, technologies, and strategies to remain relevant. * Podcasting Student Discount:* Blubrry just announced a generous 50% off discount for a full year for our hosting plans for any college student. Learn more about the podcasting student discount here.

7. Consider Freelancing Freelance Platforms: Websites like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr can be good places to find freelance podcast-related jobs and build more experience. * Create Your Own Job:* + Content consulting + Technical consulting + Editor + Host other people’s podcast + Voiceover + Marketing podcasts

8. Internships and Entry-Level Positions Start Small:* If you’re new to the industry, an internship or an entry-level position can be a valuable stepping stone, offering both experience and networking opportunities.

Navigating a career in podcasting can be both challenging and exciting. Persistence, continuous learning, and active engagement with the podcasting community are key to finding your place in the industry.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussion and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike.
todd@blubrry.com and mike@blubrry.com

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Exclusive Content Has the Capability to Reshape the Podcast Industry Companies like Spotify, Wondery, and Luminary have invested in exclusive podcasts, contributing to a more competitive environment. Blubrry, on the provider side has also started offering Premium podcasting subscription plans content creation for our podcasters. Are these efforts worth it for the podcast industry?

These directory platforms offer unique content to their subscribers, with Luminary, for instance, providing exclusives featuring well-known personalities and charging a monthly subscription fee.

This move towards exclusive content not only diversifies the podcasting ecosystem but also pushes platforms to innovate and improve their offerings to attract and retain listeners​.

These platforms offer unique content to their subscribers, aiming to stand out through exclusives with high-profile personalities and utilizing subscription-based models to thrive.

Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell, Todd Cochrane and MacKenzie BennettHow the drive for exclusive podcasts is affecting creators, listeners, and the platforms themselves.Content Differentiation and Quality Improvement: Exclusive content platforms often strive to distinguish themselves through high-quality, unique programming. This competition can drive overall improvements in content quality across the industry, encouraging creators to innovate and invest more in production values.

Audience Fragmentation: Exclusive deals can lead to audience fragmentation, where listeners are spread across multiple platforms, each requiring separate subscriptions. This fragmentation could make it challenging for listeners to access all their favorite content without subscribing to multiple services, potentially leading to subscription fatigue.

Increased Monetization for Creators: Platforms that offer exclusive content deals often provide substantial financial incentives to creators. This influx of resources can enable creators to produce higher-quality content and potentially expand their operations, but it might also create a divide between creators who secure exclusive deals and those who don’t.

Discovery Challenges and Opportunities: Exclusive platforms may offer better discovery tools and marketing support for their content, helping some podcasts reach larger audiences. However, the exclusivity could also limit discovery opportunities for those podcasts outside of the platform, potentially stifying their audience growth.

Innovation in Content and Distribution: The push for exclusivity can lead to innovation not only in the content itself but also in how it is distributed and consumed. Platforms might introduce new features, interactive content, or cross-medium storytelling to differentiate their offerings.

Potential for Consolidation: As exclusive platforms grow and solidify their positions, there could be a trend towards consolidation in the podcast industry, with larger players acquiring smaller ones or exclusive deals leading to a concentration of popular content on a few platforms. This could impact competition and diversity within the industry.

Impact on Independent Creators: While exclusive deals can be lucrative for some creators, they may also pressure independent creators who wish to remain platform-agnostic. These creators might find it increasingly challenging to compete with the marketing and production capabilities of exclusive content.

Adapting Business Models: The growth of exclusive platforms may encourage the entire industry to explore and adopt new business models beyond traditional advertising, including direct listener support, premium content tiers, and hybrid models.

Global Expansion and Localization: Exclusive platforms with significant resources may also push for global expansion, investing in local content in non-English languages or adapting successful content for different cultural contexts. This could broaden the podcast industry’s reach but also raise challenges around cultural sensitivity and content relevance.

ConclusionOverall, the rise of exclusive content platforms is:

• Shaping the podcast industry in complex ways
• Driving innovation and competition but…
• Also raising questions about accessibility, diversity, and the sustainability of various business models

That’s a wrap for today’s episode on exclusive content platforms and their influence on the podcasting industry. We hope you’ve gained valuable insights into this evolving trend.

Remember, you can always reach out to us with your thoughts and questions. For more content like this, visit our website and be sure to follow us on social media.

Thank you for tuning in to Podcast Insider – until next time, keep podcasting!

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussion and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike.
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A recap of the Mid-America Trucking Show and Podcast Movement Evolutions, featuring an interview with our April Podcaster of the Month, Cheryl JonesIn this enlightening episode of our podcast, Todd and Mike recap their experiences at two conferences they attend in March: the Mid-America Trucking Show and Podcast Movement Evolutions. Getting into the the details of these conferences, buzzing with innovation, inspiration, and insightful exchanges.

They share their experiences with keynote speeches that set new directions for the future of podcasting and reflect on the informative and inspiring conversations with today’s creators speaking on some of our latest releases, specifically Vid2Pod and PAI, our Podcast AI Assistant.

This episode packs in valuable takeaways, trend predictions, and behind-the-scenes glimpses from some of the industry’s most anticipated gatherings. Don’t miss out on this comprehensive recap that promises to fuel your passion for podcasting and perhaps, inspire your next big idea.

Today’s Hosts: Todd Cochrane and Mike DellMid-America Trucking Show* More commonly called, MATS * Mike attended this show to talk with truckers who want to or have a podcast * Spoke with people about Vid2Pod for YouTubers that want audio podcasts as well * One of the networks with Blubrry is PodWheels powered by Radio Nemo * A massive conference overall

Podcast Movement Evolutions* More B2B than other podcast events * Had some great conversations with partners, potential partners and organizations that are or will be doing podcasts * Onboarded a Vid2Pod show from YouTube (now a podcaster) * Reviewed our new podcast ai assistant, PAI

April Podcaster of the Month, Cheryl JonesRead more about Cheryl and her show here; her show is Thrive 55+ Podcast.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussion and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike.
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In today’s episode of Podcast Insider hosts Todd Cochrane and Mike Dell discuss the new tools released by Blubrry Podcasting: Widgets & Embeds, and Vid2Pod. Widgets and Embeds are aimed at improving engagement with audiences and Vid2Pod makes it incredibly easy for video creators to also become audio creators.

The first of these services, Widgets and Embeds, offers a seamless integration of podcast content into websites and blogs. This tool allows podcasters to effortlessly share their episodes on various platforms, providing listeners with easy access to their favorite shows. With customizability and user-friendly design at its core, the Widgets and Embeds service ensures that podcasters can maintain their brand’s aesthetic while reaching a wider audience.

The second service, Vid2Pod, is a game-changer for podcasters looking to tap into the power of video content. This innovative feature simplifies the process of converting video content into podcast format, opening up a new realm of possibilities for content creation. Vid2Pod addresses the growing demand for versatile content consumption, allowing listeners to enjoy their preferred podcasts in whichever format they choose, be it audio or video. By bridging the gap between video and podcasting, Blubrry’s Vid2Pod service is set to revolutionize the way we think about content creation and distribution in the podcasting world.

Let’s delve into these new features from Blubrry Podcasting.

Today’s Hosts: Todd Cochrane and Mike DellWidgets & EmbedsBeen available for about two weeks, if you haven’t tried these widgets and embeds out yet you can find them under Show – Manage – Widgets from the sidebar in the Podcaster Dashboard.

PodRoll* Recommends podcasts similar to yours * This widget uses the PodRoll tag to promote the shows you like and can be used for cross-promotion

Audience Survey* Gives a link for your listeners to fill out your survey (from Blubrry)

Subscribe/Follow* Similar to our WordPress Widget, it gives links and logos for people to follow your show on the podcast apps.

Funding* Uses the funding tag for Paypal, Buy Me a Coffee or Pateron, Boostagrams (Or any donation site) * V4V boosts just like in the apps

Show Credits* Shows any show-level credits for your show like Hosts, Producers and editors.

Live* Indicates live streaming status in real-time for listeners * Gives your live status: future, currently live or past live streams

Trailer Episode* Shows a player with your trailer episode

Compatibility

Available for all websites that can embed iFrames, not exclusive to WordPress and accessible from the Blubrry dashboard.

Vid2PodVid2Pod is a way for video-first creators (YouTubers) to have an audio podcast version of their show available in all the podcast apps without extra work. It will automatically create a podcast episode for any new video you put out on your playlist in YouTube (currently).

• Automatically converts YouTube playlist videos to audio podcast episodes
• Targets video-first creators to expand to podcast platforms
• Automated conversion, metadata pulling, and direct publishing

Together, these two services enhance the podcasting landscape and also empower creators with more tools to expand their reach and engage with their audience in innovative ways.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussion and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike.
todd@blubrry.com and mike@blubrry.com

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This week we released our latest tool for podcasting, our very own Blubrry PAI – Podcast AI Assistant. In this episode we go into detail on how our new artificial intelligence feature for Thrive Bundle customers completely changes the way they prepare for, publish and promote their podcast. This new podcast AI tool is a game-changer for our creators and we promise will simplify the podcasting process, saving all involved precious time and energy that can be devoted to your podcast recordings.

Today’s Hosts: Todd Cochrane and Mike DellLast week we talked about the Thrive Bundle at Blubrry. Now, the REST of the story.

• Blubrry AI Release Blog Post
• Blubrry PAI Podcast AI Assistant Info Page
• Blubrry Thrive Bundle – The only way to get our AI tool is by purchasing our hosting add-on

Features of Blubrry PAI, Podcast AI AssistantPre-Show, Episode Planning Features* Topics suggestions * Guest questions * Will generate show flow content

Post-Show, Episode Podcast Production* Transcript * Show title suggestions * Show summary to use for show notes or more * Bullet points * Episode artwork * Chapters (Podcasting 2.0)

Social Production* Social media captions * Promotion email content

Coming Later* Highlight Clip Creation

We’ve always got more up our sleeve. Want a specific feature, be sure to let us know.

Join us for a Blubrry PAI Platform Walkthrough

Thursday, April 4th, at 5PM EST. Register here.

Don’t forget to subscribe to Podcast Insider for more insights on making the most of your podcasting efforts. Have questions or want to share your experiences with Blubrry PAI? Reach out to us on social media or send us an email.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussion and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike.
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The Thrive Bundle from Blubrry is designed to empower podcasters of all levels.From the novice just starting out to the seasoned professional looking to enhance their show. Combined with our renowned hosting services, detailed analytics, and seamless WordPress integration via the PowerPress Plugin, the Thrive Bundle offers tools and insights that are indispensable for podcast growth and audience engagement.

Today the team unpacks each component of the bundle and why it’s a steal for anyone looking for that extra dose of podcasting power.

Today’s Hosts: Todd Cochrane, Mike Dell and MacKenzie BennettIntroducing the Thrive BundlePricing: An affordable add-on at just $10 a month to your existing plan.

Features of the Thrive Bundle Dynamic Ad Insertion Pre-roll: Automate the insertion of ads or promos at the start of your episodes to promote previous episodes, events, or sponsorships. * Expanded Episode Listener Comparison: Analyze five episodes against trending ones to understand listener uptake and engagement. * Listener and Subscriber Data: Track your audience growth with new statistics distinguishing between listeners and subscribers. * Average Daily Plays (ADP): A unique metric offering insights into show growth and back catalog consumption. * Quicklinks: Enhance audience engagement with customizable links, donations, and analytics. * Podcast 2.0 Features: Leverage the latest podcasting standards for a richer listener experience. * Apple Podcast Reviews:* Promote your show’s success with easy social media sharing of listener reviews.

Extra Metrics* Episode Comparison * Estimated Audience * Average Daily Plays

The Value of QuicklinksSimplify audience engagement and support through donations, all while tracking effectiveness with Google Analytics.

Dynamic Ad InsertionBenefits of pre-roll ad insertion for monetization and promotion.

UpcomingWill be adding our AI service to the Thrive Bundle this spring.

Learn more about Blubrry’s Thrive Bundle in our write-up here.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussion and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike.
todd@blubrry.com and mike@blubrry.com

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Take your show to the professional level

In today’s episode we are taking a close look at the benefits of professional podcast hosting — more so than using a reputable podcast hosting platform — but the pro hosting plan offered by Blubrry Podcasting. This episode is a goldmine for both budding and experienced podcasters as we explore the comprehensive features that Blubrry’s Pro Hosting offers, such as its unmatched bandwidth, detailed analytics, monetization capabilities and robust support and migration process.

Today’s Hosts: Todd Cochrane, MacKenzie Bennett and Mike DellPart of our Podcasting 101 series that dives into what podcasters can expect in their creative journey.

Main Features of Pro HostingBlubrry offers a sophisticated pro hosting offering that meets podcasters needs for businesses and organizations, educational institutions, government entities, networks, and creators with large files such as video content creators.

• Hosting with unlimited bandwidth
• Advanced Stats
• Websites: Free managed WordPress Site included for each RSS feed
• PowerPress
• Monetization: Dynamic Ad Insertion and Programmatic Advertising
• Network Showcasing Tool, example: www.techpodcasts.com
• Sub Accounts for teams
• Any size show – video and audio
• FTP, scalable plans, automatic payments

Learn more about Blubrry’s Pro Hosting.

Pro Hosting PricingStarts at $100 a month, which includes 1 podcast (show), statistics and free WordPress Site. Additional shows within the plan are a monthly fee of $10/per show.

Extra Pro ServicesBlubrry Pro-Production is a good fit for those looking to bridge the gap between idea to launch as well as launch to routine.

The combination of the pro hosting plan, our production partner and of course our highly capable tech support team, Blubrry provides a well-rounded solution for podcasters looking to take their shows to the professional level.

Thanks for tuning in to see how Blubrry’s Pro Hosting can fit into your podcasting routine.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussion and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike.
todd@blubrry.com and mike@blubrry.com

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A Video Podcast is What You Want it To BeVideo podcasting has revolutionized the way audiences engage with content, offering a visually enriching experience that complements the auditory. For podcasters looking to expand their reach and diversify their content, incorporating video podcasting into their strategy can be a game-changer. This approach not only enhances the listener’s experience by providing visual context but also opens up a multitude of distribution channels across various platforms.

Video podcasting has been around since the beginning of podcasting 20 years ago. Now, the definition of video podcasting has changed somewhat. People nowadays call video on YouTube, Spotify, TikTok, Instagram and Rumble a “podcast.”

Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell and Todd CochraneVideo Podcasting vs. YouTube vs. SpotifyReasons Why Video Has Increased in PopularityPlatform and Equipment/Technological Expansion: More platforms simply offer video as an option – with equipment that anyone can buy to produce video content. It’s especially easy to use your phone to record and then upload to your platform.
Diversification of Content: Include interviews, panels, live reactions and visual demonstrations more regularly and with ease, great for education and instructional content as well.
Remote Communication: Office work and industries of all kinds have become truly remote or hybrid and see the benefits of remote communication. Video calls, webinars and podcasts are all part of the public’s change in content preferences.
Monetization: Displaying a product or putting a face to a testimonial increases engagement and higher monetization opportunities.

Differences in HOW You Publish* Video podcasts are published just like audio podcasts, into an RSS feed. * Video Podcasts via RSS are available on Apple and many other apps just like audio podcasts (not as many platforms show video) * YouTube, Spotify and Rumble and social media platforms must be uploaded directly to those platform. No syndication via RSS. * Videos are only available on YouTube, Spotify and Rumble platforms

Video podcasting is not created equal on each platform. It’s a great way to build and expand your community but it doesn’t need to be done on each and every platform. We suggest that you choose one that suits your needs – for instance Spotify video only and audio elsewhere.

A great option is to record your podcast recording on video, release the audio as a traditional podcast and using your video clips for social media only. It tends to grab the attention you need online and hook your audience in, without the additional work of editing, uploading and potentially paying for video bandwidth.

When crafting show notes for a video podcast, creators have the unique opportunity to include multimedia elements such as screenshots, video snippets, and relevant links, making the notes an invaluable resource for engaging the audience further and extending the conversation beyond the episode.

Video podcasting is here to stay; those interested in going down this route should find a simple solution for their show and resist the temptation to spread themselves too thin amongst all the different platforms.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussion and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike.
todd@blubrry.com and mike@blubrry.com

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Migrating to Blubrry from another platform is easyMigrating your podcast to Blubrry from another hosting platform can be a strategic move to leverage Blubrry’s comprehensive suite of podcasting services, including advanced analytics, monetization options, and a robust distribution network. The process involves a few critical steps to ensure a smooth transition, preserving your show’s integrity, subscriber base, and search engine rankings. It’s essential to approach this migration with careful planning, understanding Blubrry’s features and how they align with your podcasting goals. By redirecting your feed and ensuring all content is successfully transferred, you can take full advantage of Blubrry’s platform to grow your audience and enhance your podcast’s impact.

Today’s Hosts: Todd Cochrane and Mike DellWhy migrate? Podcasters might consider switching their podcast hosting platform for several reasons, each aiming to better serve their needs, reach their goals, or solve issues they’re encountering. Some of the most common reasons include:

Cost-effectiveness: If a podcaster finds a hosting service that offers better value for the same or lower cost, they might switch. This could include factors like storage limits, bandwidth, or additional features.

Monetization opportunities: A host that provides better or more varied options for monetization, such as sponsorship integration, subscription models, or advertising networks, can be very attractive.

Distribution and reach: A podcaster might switch to a host that offers broader or more efficient distribution channels, ensuring their content is easily accessible on all major platforms (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, etc.) and possibly offering promotion opportunities.

Analytics and insights: Advanced analytics can help podcasters understand their audience better, track engagement, and measure growth. A platform that offers more detailed insights might be a strong reason to switch.

User interface and ease of use: A more intuitive, user-friendly platform can save podcasters time and frustration, making podcast management simpler and more enjoyable.

Technical issues or limitations: Encountering technical problems, such as downtime, slow upload times, or poor customer support, can prompt a switch. Similarly, a podcaster might need more advanced features that their current host doesn’t offer, such as better integration with social media, websites, or email marketing tools.

Customer support and community: Access to responsive, helpful customer support and a vibrant community of fellow podcasters can enhance the podcasting experience, providing resources, networking opportunities, and support.

Brand alignment and values: Podcasters might seek a hosting platform whose branding, mission, or community aligns more closely with their own values or the identity of their podcast.

Scalability: As a podcast grows, its needs may change. A host that offers scalability—allowing for more storage, bandwidth, or advanced features without a significant price increase—is crucial for long-term growth.

Exclusive content platforms: Some podcasters might be tempted to move to platforms that offer exclusivity deals or the ability to provide exclusive content to their subscribers, enhancing listener loyalty and potentially increasing revenue.

Switching podcast hosts can be a strategic move to leverage new opportunities, overcome limitations, and achieve greater success. However, podcasters should weigh the benefits against the potential disruptions and work involved in making the switch to ensure it aligns with their goals and audience needs.

Blubrry is offering a significant deal for those that switch to Blubrry, 6 months of hosting, a consultation with our team and of course, free tech support. Use the code MIGRATE

Have your business show be featured on the homepage of the Amazon Music & Podcast directory. Learn more here and submit your show here!

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussion and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike.
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Don’t Put Too Much Thought Into Your Podcast Episode LengthWhether you’re a budding podcaster wondering how to pace your episodes or a seasoned listener curious about the behind-the-scenes decisions, this episode offers valuable perspectives on balancing content depth with listener attention spans. Join us as we unravel the art and science behind podcast lengths, ensuring your next listen or production hits the sweet spot.

Today’s Hosts: MacKenzie Bennett and Mike DellPodcast lengths can vary significantly, and the duration often depends on the content, format, and target audience.

As a friend of mine says “Podcasts are never too long, but are often too boring.” In other words, do not put 10min of good content into a 30 minute podcast episode.

Here are some of the things to think about when deciding how long your episodes should be.Short-Form Podcasts:
Duration: Typically under 15 minutes.
Characteristics: Concise and focused on a single topic or idea. Ideal for listeners who prefer quick, digestible content.
Common Uses: Daily news updates, motivational quotes, language learning, quick tips or advice.

Standard-Length Podcasts:
Duration: Usually ranges from 20 to 40 minutes.
Characteristics: This length is often seen as the sweet spot for podcasting. It’s long enough to delve into a topic in some depth but short enough to retain listeners’ attention.
Common Uses: Interviews, discussions on specific topics, storytelling, educational content.

Long-Form Podcasts:
Duration: Generally over 40 minutes, often reaching up to an hour or more.
Characteristics: In-depth exploration of topics, detailed storytelling, extended interviews or conversations. Requires more commitment from listeners.
Common Uses: In-depth interviews, comprehensive discussions on complex topics, detailed storytelling, investigative journalism.

Episodic or Series Podcasts:
Duration: Can vary; each episode might be short-form, standard-length, or long-form.
Characteristics: Part of a series with a connecting theme or storyline across episodes. Can be released in seasons or as ongoing series.
Common Uses: Serialized storytelling (fiction or non-fiction), educational series (e.g., history, science), thematic investigations (true crime, social issues).

The Average Podcast Episode
As of April 2023, the most common length for a podcast episode tends to be around 20 to 40 minutes. This duration is often considered a sweet spot for several reasons:

Commute Compatibility: The average commute time in many countries falls within this range, making these podcasts ideal for listening during a commute.

Attention Span: This length is generally long enough to delve into a topic with sufficient depth while still being concise enough to maintain the average listener’s attention.

Production Feasibility: For podcast creators, producing episodes in this range is often a manageable task in terms of recording, editing, and maintaining consistent content quality.

Listener Engagement: This duration allows for meaningful engagement without overwhelming listeners with too much information or requiring a significant time commitment.

However, it’s important to note that the “ideal” podcast length can vary greatly depending on the content, format, and target audience. Some successful podcasts feature episodes that are significantly shorter (less than 15 minutes) or longer (over an hour). The key is to match the episode length to the podcast’s subject matter and the preferences of its intended audience.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussion and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike.
todd@blubrry.com and mike@blubrry.com

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Have you used a podcast transcription to enhance your show?Podcast transcription offers several significant benefits that can enhance the reach, accessibility, and overall impact of your podcast. Recently, Apple announced that they will be implementing the transcription tag into their platform; here at Blubrry we’ve offered transcription and closed captions in our podcast player since 2022.

Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell and MacKenzie BennettLearn more about Blubrry’s podcast transcriptions

Here are some of the key advantages of podcast transcriptions:Improved AccessibilityTranscripts make your content accessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing. This inclusivity not only broadens your audience but also ensures compliance with various accessibility standards and regulations.

Enhanced SEOSearch engines can’t index audio, but they can index text. Transcribing your podcasts means that the content becomes searchable online. This can improve the visibility of your podcast in search engine results, leading to increased organic traffic and new listeners.

Greater EngagementSome listeners prefer reading to listening, especially in environments where audio is not practical. Transcripts allow these individuals to engage with your content in a format that suits them.

Content RepurposingTranscripts provide a basis for creating additional content such as blog posts, social media posts, eBooks, or infographics. This can help in maximizing your content strategy and reaching wider audiences through different mediums.

Easier LocalizationIf you plan to reach non-English speaking audiences, having a transcript makes it easier to translate your content into other languages, thereby expanding your global reach.

Convenient for Reference and ResearchTranscripts allow listeners to easily reference specific parts of your podcast, which is particularly useful for educational or informational content. Researchers, journalists, and students might find this feature especially helpful.

Improved User ExperienceProviding transcripts can enhance the overall user experience. Listeners have the option to follow along with the transcript while listening, which can be helpful for understanding complex topics or for non-native speakers.

Podcast MonetizationTranscripts can be used as part of a premium content offering. Some podcasters offer detailed transcripts or additional written content as part of a subscription or membership package.

Enhancing Social Media SharingQuotes or interesting snippets from the transcript can be easily shared on social media, helping to promote the podcast and engage with a broader audience.

Data Analysis and InsightsAnalyzing the text of your podcasts can provide insights into common themes, topics, and audience interests, which can be valuable for shaping future content.

In summary, podcast transcription not only makes your content more accessible and discoverable but also opens up a range of possibilities for content repurposing, audience engagement, and strategic insights.

Apple will be hosting a session about transcriptions on February 9

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Donation platforms are taking a pivotal role in the world of podcasting and sustaining and growing podcast projects.Today we explore the ins and outs of various donation platforms available to podcasters, how they work, and why they are becoming an essential tool for podcast creators looking to monetize their content.

From understanding the mechanics behind these platforms to hearing firsthand experiences from seasoned podcasters who have successfully leveraged these tools, we aim to provide a comprehensive guide for anyone considering using a donation platform to support their podcasting journey. Whether you’re a new podcaster wondering how to get started with donations, or an experienced creator looking to optimize your fundraising efforts, this episode promises to offer valuable insights and practical advice.

Today’s Hosts: Todd Cochrane and Mike DellSetting up donation options for a podcast is a great way to monetize your content and engage with your audience.

Here are some steps and tips to consider when choosing a podcast donation platform:1. Choose a Payment Platform* Popular options include PayPal, Patreon, and Buy Me a Coffee. These platforms are user-friendly and widely trusted by donors. * Consider using platforms like Patreon for tiered memberships, where listeners can choose different levels of support in exchange for exclusive content or perks.

2. Integrate Payment Options into Your Website* If you have a website for your podcast, integrate donation buttons or links directly on the site. This makes it easy for listeners to donate while they’re engaging with your content. * Ensure the donation process is straightforward and secure.

Create a Donor Page* Develop a dedicated page on your website or a section in your podcast platform that explains why you’re asking for donations and how the funds will be used. Transparency builds trust. * Share your goals, future plans for the podcast, and how donations will support these initiatives.

Offer Incentives* Provide incentives for donations, such as shout-outs in episodes, merchandise (stickers, t-shirts), access to bonus content, or participation in Q&A sessions. * Tailor the rewards to different donation levels to encourage higher contributions.

Announce Your Donation Options* Regularly mention your donation options in your podcast episodes. Briefly explain how donations support the show. * Utilize your social media channels, email newsletters, and other communication platforms to inform your audience about ways to support your podcast.

Crowdfunding for Specific Projects* For specific projects or improvements (like new equipment or a special series), consider using crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo. * Clearly outline your project, goals, and the benefits for supporters.

Use QR Codes* Create QR codes that link directly to your donation page and include them in your social media posts, website, or even as part of your video podcast, if applicable.

Acknowledge Donors* Acknowledge your donors in your episodes or on a dedicated section of your website. This recognition can encourage others to donate. * Always respect privacy and ask for permission before publicly thanking someone.

Regular Updates* Keep your audience informed about how their donations are being used. Regular updates foster a sense of community and accountability.

Legal and Tax Considerations* Research and comply with legal and tax obligations related to receiving donations. Depending on the volume and use of funds, you may need to set up a business entity and report this income.

Remember, the key to successful donation campaigns is building a strong relationship with your audience. Engaging content, transparency, and appreciation go a long way in encouraging listeners to support your podcast financially.

Thanks for listening and please subscribe on your favorite podcast app.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussion and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

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Efficiently Grow Your Podcast AudienceIn this enlightening session, we dive deep into the essential strategies and innovative techniques needed to expand your podcast’s reach and engage a broader audience. From leveraging social media platforms to understanding the power of storytelling, we’ll cover a range of topics that are crucial for any podcaster looking to make a significant impact.

Whether you’re just starting or seeking to elevate your existing podcast, this episode promises to offer valuable insights and practical tips that you can apply to grow your listener base. Tune in, take notes, and get ready to transform your podcast into a thriving community of engaged listeners.

Today’s Hosts: MacKenzie Bennett and Todd CochraneTo grow your podcast audience quickly and effectively in 2024, consider implementing the following strategies:Deliver High-Quality Content: Consistently provide valuable content tailored to your audience’s interests. Ensure each episode builds upon the success of the previous ones and think about what can bring the most value to your listeners, whether through engaging topics, insightful interviews, or unique perspectives​​.

Enhance Audio Quality: Good sound quality is crucial. Invest in decent equipment and editing software to produce clear and professional-sounding episodes​​.

Utilize Social Media: Create dedicated social media accounts for your podcast and post regularly. Engage with your audience, use relevant hashtags, and share snippets of your episodes. Tailor content for each platform to maximize its impact​​​​.

Invite Notable Guests: Having guests with a significant profile can attract their followers to your show. Look for guests who are currently promoting something or looking to build their own profile​​​​.

Consistent Publishing Schedule: Maintain a regular release schedule to keep your audience engaged and looking forward to your next episode​​.

Podcast Website and SEO: Have a dedicated website for your podcast with episode transcriptions and show notes to improve search engine visibility. Optimize your site for SEO to make it easier for new listeners to find your content​​​​.

Email Marketing: Collect email addresses through your website and social media, then use email marketing to notify subscribers of new episodes and provide additional value related to your podcast’s theme​​. Just no Popups!

Leverage Guest Appearances: Appear as a guest on other podcasts to tap into their audience and introduce them to your show​​​​.

Encourage Listener Interaction: Ask for ratings, reviews, and feedback in your episodes. Engaging with your audience can convert listeners into advocates for your podcast​​​​.

Monitor Analytics and Feedback: Regularly check your podcast statistics and audience feedback to understand what content resonates with your listeners and then produce more of that type of content​​.

Experiment with Different Social Media Platforms: Don’t hesitate to try various platforms to find where your target audience is most active​​.

Advertise: If budget allows, consider advertising on social media or other platforms to reach a broader audience​​.

Networking: Build relationships with other podcasters and relevant industry figures. Attending podcast events or joining online communities can help spread the word about your show​​.

Remember, growing a podcast audience takes time and effort. Start by implementing a few of these strategies and track your results to see where to focus your efforts.

Thanks for listening and please subscribe on your favorite podcast app.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussion and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

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An Overview of What to Do When Starting Your Podcast

Today, we’re covering a range of topics that are essential for beginners in podcasting. As January tends to lead to rapid podcast releases, we thought this would be the perfect time to reach out to any newcomers. These topics can help provide a comprehensive overview of what it takes to start and run a successful podcast.

Look for future episodes later this year related to progressing through the steps of starting your podcast.

Today’s Hosts: Todd Cochrane, Mike Dell and MacKenzie BennettHere are the most important parts of starting a podcast:1. Defining Your Podcast: Tips on choosing a niche, defining your target audience, and developing your podcast’s theme and format. Goal 2. Planning Your Content: Strategies for planning your episodes, creating engaging content, and maintaining consistency. 3. Technical Essentials: Basics of podcasting equipment, including microphones, headphones, mixers, and recording software. 4. Recording Your Podcast: Techniques for recording high-quality audio, tips for solo and interview formats, and best practices for remote recording. 5. Editing and Post-Production: Introduction to editing software, basics of audio editing, and how to add music and sound effects. 6. Hosting and Distribution: Overview of podcast hosting platforms, how to upload your podcast, and distributing it to major platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio. Blubrry has hosting plans for any size podcaster, get your first month free. 7. Marketing Your Podcast: Strategies for promoting your podcast, leveraging social media, and building an audience. 8. Monetization Strategies: Exploring ways to monetize your podcast, including sponsorships, advertisements, and listener support models. 9. Growing and Scaling: Tips for growing your audience, networking with other podcasters, and expanding your podcast’s reach. 10. Legal and Ethical Considerations: Understanding copyright, music licensing, and other legal aspects of podcasting. 11. Engaging Your Audience: Techniques for building a community, encouraging listener interaction, and using feedback to improve your podcast.

Future of Podcasting: Emerging trends, new technologies, and the future landscape of podcasting.

• AI and real voices
• Video podcasts
• Accessibility
• Podcasting 2.0 advancements

Resources and Tools for Podcasters

• Blubrry’s Podcasting Manual

We hope this episode of Podcasting 101 was a well-rounded introduction to anyone interested in starting their own podcast. Thanks for listening.

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Are the Podcast ‘Experts’ Actually On Track?Some members of the Blubrry team provided insight into what they believe will happen in the podcasting space in 2024. Todd, Mike and MacKenzie share their own thoughts and hopes (and some unfortunate expectations as well) in today’s episode of Podcast Insider, giving listeners a thorough assessment of the current podcasting landscape.

Happy New Year, we’re happy you’re here.

Today’s Hosts: Todd Cochrane, Mike Dell and MacKenzie BennettBlubrry’s Podcast Predictions for 2024Todd* Video will continue to advance * AI is going to change everything * Real voices will be more important than ever

MacKenzie* Without getting too political, 2024 is a major election year in the US; I imagine we’ll see an increase in political commentary shows. Perhaps continued shows or even new shows based on ongoing relations in the Middle East and Ukraine, Congo, Sudan, etc. * AI releases from numerous platforms and major increase in usage among creators * Continued accessibility improvements * Apple Podcasts – creator program for non subscription based shows

Mike* Soundcloud will shut down (Same every year and they keep going) * YouTube will fail at “podcasting,” and Google will announce something else by the end of the year. * AI will become a bigger deal in podcasting this year. * I think more and more podcast apps/platforms will adopt some of the Podcasting 2.0 features. * Joe Rogan will renew his contract with Spotify (unfortunately) * I will have as my New Year’s Resolution to be less opinionated about “podcasting’. Podcasting has always had no rules! I just have to remember, even if I don’t think someone is doing it the correct way, it’s not my place to correct them. I will offer my advice, but leave it at that 😀

CathyThe space is going to continue its evolution with Blubrry at the forefront with expanded features, such as the implementation of AI. Since the podcaster’s voice is considered more trustworthy than traditional media reporting, I think that there will be a natural progression toward higher levels of accuracy and individual accountability.

In other words, the truth is out there and through podcasting people will be able to find and believe it.

DaveWith YouTube officially entering the space as a destination, I think more creators will feel the need to make video content, whether that means live streaming episodes for VOD or doing a static image.

Because of this, more tools are going to be developed to make this easier for podcasters who have no experience with After Effects or Premiere Pro. I think AI will touch on this, too.

BarryI think that letting your listeners know that your voice is real and your personality is real versus AI will be more important in 2024. The personal connection to your listeners remains a paramount objective in podcasting.

Don’t hold us too accountable come next year; technology and society is always changing.

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We take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we’ve shared over the past year. This episode is a celebration of the milestones we’ve achieved, the challenges we’ve overcome, and the remarkable accomplishments that have marked this year. We’ve covered a vast landscape of ideas and insights. As we look back at the year’s highlights, we also set our sights on the future, anticipating another year of compelling conversations, learning, and growth. Lastly, we want to express our gratitude to you, our loyal listeners, for being an integral part of this journey. Join us as we recap a year filled with discovery, inspiration, and community.

Today’s Hosts: Todd Cochrane, Mike Dell, MacKenzie BennettRead the full list and references to our discussions in this episode in our blog post from earlier this month.

Blubrry’s 2023 RecapSome Highlights:* Podcasting 2.0 features * Premium Podcasting — and Apple Podcast Subscriptions publishing * Badges and Achievements * Thrive Bundle

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider.

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Podcasting features are ever evolvingWe delve into the intriguing concept of the value time split. This episode is dedicated to exploring how individuals and organizations allocate their time between tasks that generate immediate value and those that promise long-term benefits. How this affects productivity, innovation, and personal growth. Join us as we unravel the complexities of the value-time split, whether you’re a business leader, entrepreneur, or just someone looking to make the most out of every minute, this episode promises to offer valuable perspectives on managing one of our most precious resources: time.

Today’s Hosts: Todd Cochrane and Mike DellWe have rolled out some new Podcasting 2.0 features and improved some of them. We are going to go over some of the new stuff we have added to Blubrry Publisher, PowerPress and Podcast Mirror.

Value Time SplitValue Time Split is a way to switch out the V4V for a segment of your episode. So if you are doing an interview with another podcaster or playing music that is V4V enabled, you can set the time of that segment and during that segment, you can give another person some of the streaming sats or Boostagrams. Then when that segment is finished, it reverts back to the V4V settings you have on the show normally.

Podroll / Remote ItemPodroll is very similar to the old Blog Roll. This is a way to promote other podcasts in your feed. This one was at the show level. You promote shows (not episodes)
Remote item is a way to put episodes from other shows in your feed that can be shown on some of the new podcast apps (podcastapps.com)

BlockBlock has always been there for just Apple Podcasts. We have improved it by adding it to all platforms. So if you want to discourage a particular app from pulling your feed, you can set it to Block in your feed.

Frequency:

Podcast MirrorWe have added Podcasting 2.0 to the Podcast Mirror service. This allows you to get some of the channel-level features even if your podcast hosting company does not support it. It also allows you to use 3rd party stats even if your host doesn’t support it. https://podcastmirror.com

Not Podcasting 2.0 related, but we did release Blubrry Premium podcasting as a one-time add-on to your hosting plan. This allows you to charge for extra content, Early access or ad-free versions of your show. Very similar to Apple Subscriptions, if fact you can do BOTH on Blubrry.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider.

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Unveiling the Podcast Landscape: Dispelling Myths and Exploring News ConsumptionIn this episode, we delve deep into the evolving world of podcasts and exploring how podcasts have become a crucial medium for news consumption. We’ll analyze recent trends, highlight key changes in listener behavior, and discuss the implications of podcasts in the digital age. Join us as we navigate through the diverse podcasting terrain, examining its impact on media, culture, and information dissemination. Whether you’re a podcast enthusiast, a casual listener, or new to this format, this episode offers valuable insights into the ever-changing landscape of podcast listening.

Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell and MacKenzie BennettMain Takeaways for Podcast Listening TrendsPodcasts as a News Source (Pew Research): Growing Popularity: The study indicates a significant increase in the number of Americans using podcasts as a source of news, with 41% reporting podcast news consumption. * Demographic Trends: Younger audiences, in particular, are turning to podcasts for news, highlighting a shift in news consumption habits among different age groups. * Trust in Podcast News: The research explores the trustworthiness of podcast news, comparing it to traditional news sources and shedding light on the factors influencing this trust. * Podcasts are popular: About half of Americans have listened to a podcast in the past year, and one-in-five of those listeners say they listen to a podcast nearly every day. * Listeners turn to podcasts for entertainment, learning, and simply to have something to listen to while doing something else. * Comedy, entertainment, and politics are at the top of the list of topics that podcast listeners say they regularly listen to. * Most podcast listeners say they hear news discussed on podcasts – however, just one-in-five listeners say they listen to a podcast that’s connected to a news organization*.

https://www.pewresearch.org/journalism/fact-sheet/social-media-and-news-fact-sheet/

Podcasts have emerged as a significant source of news and information, according to a recent study by Pew Research.

TikTok for News SurgeIn 2020, 22% of TikTok users reported getting news from the app, but that surged to 43% in 2023, according to Pew.

Nearly 25% get their news from YouTube, with Instagram, TikTok and X — the social media platform formerly known as Twitter — following in popularity.

TikTok has shown far more growth than any other platform since 2020, and that growth was consistent across all age demographics.

People getting news from TikTok double since 2020, from Pew Research

Podcast Are Reliable for NewsIn fact, according to SXM Media’s Culture Trends Study, 80% of listeners specify that they “want unbiased and factual information from news podcasts.”

Meanwhile, SXM Media’s recent user study found that 51% of news listeners say that podcasts are authentic and trustworthy.

That number drops down to 6% for cable television and 2% for social media.

Data from SiriusXM.

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Exploring Quirky and Evolving Terminology in the Podcast WorldPodcasting came to be around 20 something years ago and with this time has come changes to the way that people refer to the podcast industry and medium as a whole, effectively creating podcast slang that we’ve all become familiar with. Today we reflect on the creative and dynamic nature of the podcasting industry, continually evolving as the podcasting medium grows and changes.

Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell and MacKenzie BennettHere’s some of the words commonly used in podcasting.

The Basics
Podcast
RSS Feed

Podfade
Binge-listening
Audiocast
Episode vs. show
Program vs. show

Storytelling
Audio Drama

Advertising
Programmatic Advertising
Dynamic Ad Insertion

According to ChatGPT, these phrases are popular podcast slang.

Podcast: A combination of “iPod” (Apple’s portable media player) and “broadcast.” The term was coined in 2004 by journalist Ben Hammersley.
RSS Feed: Really Simple Syndication (RSS) is a web feed format that allows users to access updates to online content in a standardized way. Podcasts use RSS feeds to distribute episodes.
Podcaster: A person who creates or hosts a podcast. The term is a natural derivative of “broadcaster.”
Podcasting: The act of creating, producing, and distributing podcasts. The term is derived from “podcast.”
Episode: An individual installment or segment of a podcast series. The term is borrowed from traditional radio and television shows.
Show Notes: Written summaries, links, and additional information related to a podcast episode. These notes often accompany episodes on podcast platforms or the podcast’s website.
Podfade: The phenomenon where a podcast gradually loses its regularity or ceases production altogether. This term is a blend of “podcast” and “fade.”
Audible Blink: A short sound or musical interlude within a podcast episode, often used for transitions or emphasis. This term emphasizes the auditory nature of the brief break.
Podsode: A shorter, bonus episode released between regular episodes. The term is a blend of “podcast” and “episode.”
Binge-Listening: Consuming multiple episodes or an entire podcast series in one sitting or over a short period.
Audio Drama: Podcasts that use fictional storytelling and sound effects to create a dramatic narrative experience. The term emphasizes the dramatic and immersive aspects of these podcasts.
Soundscaping: The art of using sound effects and audio elements to create a rich and immersive sonic environment in a podcast. This term is derived from “soundscape.”
Mic Fright: Nervousness or stage fright experienced by individuals when speaking into a microphone. It’s a play on stage fright, emphasizing the fear of performing in front of a microphone.
Edit Bay: The physical or digital space where podcast editing takes place. It’s a nod to the editing rooms in traditional media production.
True Crime Fatigue: The feeling of exhaustion or burnout from consuming too much true crime content. This term highlights the specific challenges associated with true crime podcasting.
Nichecasting: Creating content that caters to a specific, often narrow, audience or interest group. It’s a combination of “niche” and “broadcasting.”

Glossary of Terms in Podcasting

Focused on audio definitions
https://blog.podcast.co/create/podcast-glossary-terms-phrases-explained

Industry Focused for the creator beyond recording
https://soundsprofitable.com/article/podcast-industry-glossary/

Terms and jargon explained
https://voxalyze.com/podcast-glossary/

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As the hosts of Beer, Bourbon and Balderdash, Wes Olsen and John Harrison claim “they drink brown liquid, talk nonsense and maybe even solve some world problems.” Well, the Blubrry team was happy to feature them as our November Podcast of the Month and Wes joined Mike to tell us about their show and how it came to be.

Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell, featuring Wes OlsenRead their featured article from earlier this month here.

The two pals have been podcasting since 2022, try out new spirits and beers during the show and throw in their opinions about anything under the sun, but especially conspiracy theories.

Find them on social

• Instagram
• Twitter / X

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Expert advice on elevating your podcast into a whole new adventure.On today’s episode of Podcast Insider, we explore the dynamic world of podcasting and guide you through the ins and outs of turning your passion podcast hobby into your thriving podcast business. We assure you, it is possible to turn your beloved podcast hobby into a sustainable and profitable venture.

We share the ways in which you should evaluate transitioning your show into a business opportunity.

Today’s Hosts: Todd Cochrane and Mike DellFrom Podcast Hobby to Podcast BusinessTurning a podcast hobby into a business involves a combination of content refinement, marketing, monetization, and consistent effort. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve this:

1. Content Quality and Refinement– Find Your Niche: Ensure your podcast has a specific focus or theme that differentiates it from others. This will attract a targeted audience.
– Invest in Equipment: Good sound quality is crucial. Invest in a high-quality microphone, headphones, and recording software.
– Consistent Schedule: Release episodes consistently, whether it’s weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. This helps retain listeners.
– Engaging Content: Bring on interesting guests, cover relevant topics, and ensure your content is both informative and entertaining.

2. Build an Online Presence– Website: Create a website for your podcast where listeners can find episodes, show notes, and any other related content.
– Social Media: Engage with listeners on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Share behind-the-scenes content, updates, and interact with your audience.
– Email List: Build an email list to notify subscribers of new episodes or any other updates.

3. Monetization Strategies– Sponsorships: Once you have a consistent number of listeners, approach companies for sponsorships. These can be episode-specific or long-term partnerships.
– Affiliate Marketing: Promote products or services and earn a commission on sales made through your referral links.
– Merchandise: Sell branded merchandise like t-shirts, mugs, or stickers.
– Listener Donations: Platforms like Patreon allow listeners to support creators through monthly donations in exchange for exclusive content or other perks.
– Paid Subscriptions: Offer premium content or ad-free episodes for paying subscribers.
-V4V: Podcasting 2.0 features allow for value4value options to easily make money such as the funding tag.

4. Networking– Collaborate: Partner with other podcasters or influencers in your niche for guest appearances. This can introduce your podcast to new audiences.
– Attend Conferences: Attend podcasting conferences to learn, network, and get exposure.

5. Analyze and Adapt– Feedback: Regularly seek feedback from your listeners to understand what they like or dislike.
– Analytics: Use podcast analytics tools to track listener demographics, episode performance, and more. This can guide your content strategy.

6. Legal and Financial Considerations– Business Structure: Consider forming an LLC or another business entity to separate personal and business finances.
– Trademark: Think about trademarking your podcast name to protect your brand.
– Taxes: Understand the tax implications of your earnings and consider hiring an accountant familiar with media and entertainment.

7. Stay Updated and Educated– Industry Trends: Podcasting is evolving. Stay updated with the latest trends, tools, and best practices.
– Continuous Learning: There are many online courses, workshops, and resources on podcasting. Invest time in learning to improve your craft.

8. Growth Strategies– Advertise: Consider using podcast advertising networks or platforms like Facebook and Google Ads to promote your episodes.
– SEO: Optimize your website and podcast episodes for search engines to increase organic traffic.
– Transcriptions: Offer transcriptions of your episodes, which can boost SEO and accessibility.

Remember, turning a hobby into a business requires patience, persistence, and passion. It may take time to see significant profits, but with dedication and strategic planning, your podcast hobby can indeed become a successful business.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider.

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Should Podcasters Be Using YouTube For Their Podcast?YouTube is a dynamic platform that extends beyond video content, making it an option for podcasting. Leveraging YouTube for podcasting provides creators with a broader audience reach, as the platform boasts billions of users worldwide. By converting audio content into engaging visual formats, podcasters can tap into the platform’s powerful search and discovery features, enhancing discoverability. It also has monetization options, such as ads and memberships, provide podcasters with opportunities to generate revenue.

Based on a recent announcement, we discuss the reasons why podcasters should and should not be using YouTube for their podcast.

Today’s Hosts: Todd Cochrane and Mike DellYouTube announced in October that they are going to start letting podcasters add their RSS feeds to a YouTube playlist. Along with that, they are turning off a perfectly good podcast app, Google Podcasts.

• Content ownership
• Ads
• Censorship
• Re-hosting (caching)
• Releasing episodes
• Ad-free (no non-host read ads)
• Make static video from audio (fake video)
• Google no longer says “don’t be evil”
• Potential upside

Regardless of the usefulness of YouTube’s devoted podcasting features, with its user-friendly interface and vast audience base, YouTube proves to be a versatile and accessible platform for podcasters looking to share their content with a global audience.

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Podcast Episode Artwork Part II: Including iOS 17 Artwork UpdatesPodcast artwork is a requirement for each and every show to be universally accepted in podcast apps and directories; it’s also a direct advertisement for what listeners can expect from the show. As of late episode specific podcast artwork has been increasingly popular. So much that Apple has now integrated into their directory. Tune in and check the show notes for details about all of our topics today as well as examples we found in the Apple Podcast app.

Today’s Hosts: MacKenzie Bennett and Aaron HopeA Brief Recap of Part 1 that was released in May 2023Dos

• Meet minimum requirements
• Let it breathe
• Derive inspiration

Don’ts

• Avoid DIY artwork
• Understand your audience
• Maintain legibility
• Stay clear of explicit content and copyright issues

Podcast Episode Artwork and Podcast Show Artwork… serve different purposes and are used in specific contexts within the podcasting world. Here are the key differences and when and why podcasters might use one or the other:

1. Podcast Show Artwork

• Purpose: Show artwork, also known as podcast cover art, is the primary image associated with your entire podcast series. It represents the podcast as a whole and is what potential listeners see when browsing podcast directories.
• Usage: It is used as the primary branding and promotional image for your podcast. It appears on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and others, along with the podcast’s name and description.
• When to Use It: Podcast show artwork is used consistently for the entire podcast’s duration and serves as the visual identity for your podcast series.

2. Podcast Episode Artwork

• Purpose: Episode artwork, on the other hand, is specific to individual podcast episodes. It provides a visual representation of a particular episode’s content.
• Usage: Episode artwork is typically displayed when a listener is actively engaging with a specific episode. This can include the Now Playing screen, queue, and links shared on social media.
• When to Use It: Podcasters use episode artwork when they want to create a unique visual representation for specific episodes, highlighting something specific or relevant to the content of that episode.

When Podcasters Might Use Each

Show Artwork:

• Consistency: Podcasters use show artwork to maintain a consistent and recognizable visual identity throughout their podcast. This helps with branding and making the podcast easily recognizable in directories.
• General Promotion: Show artwork is ideal for general promotion and branding efforts. It’s what potential subscribers see when they first encounter your podcast.
• Establishing Brand: Show artwork is essential for establishing and building the podcast’s brand identity. It sets the tone and expectations for what listeners can anticipate from the entire series.

Episode Artwork:

• Highlighting Specific Content: Podcasters use episode artwork to emphasize or highlight specific topics, guests, or themes covered in a particular episode. This can help attract more attention and make the episode stand out.
• Variety and Creativity: Episode artwork allows for more creative and diverse visual representations. It gives podcasters the flexibility to experiment with different visuals for each episode.
• Enhanced Visual Context: For episodes with unique content, artwork can provide visual context to help listeners quickly grasp the subject matter.

Show artwork is about consistency and branding for the entire podcast series, while episode artwork is a tool for creativity and the opportunity to provide context for specific episodes.

Podcasters often use both to create a balance between brand recognition and highlighting unique content.

iOS 17 Artwork UpdatesThis September they started supporting episode artwork.

• Episode artwork can include original illustrations, graphics, or photographs to provide more context about each episode.
• This artwork is displayed in various locations, including the Now Playing screen, Queue, Lock Screen, Control Center, Up Next in Listen Now, show and episode pages, and link previews in other apps.
• Creators should consider these locations when designing episode artwork.
• Creators will upload episode artwork via RSS using their hosting provider.
• Episode artwork is encouraged, especially for creators looking to be featured on Apple Podcasts.
• When episode artwork is not provided, the show artwork will be displayed by default.
  Apple Podcasts will default to show artwork when multiple shows are presented together.
• Creators can also enhance the listening experience by adding chapter-specific artwork, which is displayed in real-time as listeners progress through an episode.

What’s New With Apple Podcasts

Apple Podcast Artwork Requirements

Using different artwork for each episode.The background is based off of the artwork.The album art flows into the rest of the screen.View on an unopened iPhone.Tools and Resources for Artwork1. Canva:
Canva is a user-friendly graphic design platform with a podcast cover art template. It provides pre-designed templates and a drag-and-drop interface, making it easy for non-designers to create professional-looking artwork.

2. Adobe Spark:
Adobe Spark offers design templates, including ones specifically for podcast cover art. It’s a web-based design tool that doesn’t require any design expertise.

3. Snappa:
Snappa is an online graphic design tool that offers podcast cover art templates. It’s easy to use and provides various design elements to customize your artwork.

4. Crello:
Crello is another online graphic design tool with templates for podcast artwork. It’s user-friendly and offers a variety of design assets to choose from.

5. Fiverr:
If you prefer to hire a professional graphic designer, Fiverr is a platform where you can find freelance designers with experience in creating podcast cover art. You can browse portfolios and select a designer whose style aligns with your vision.

6. Upwork:
Upwork is another freelancing platform where you can find graphic designers who can create custom podcast artwork based on your requirements.

7. Podcast Cover Art Template Generators:
Several online tools specifically generate podcast cover art based on your show’s details, such as Podchaser’s Podcast Cover Art Generator. These are quick solutions if you want a basic design.

8. Unsplash and Shutterstock:
These stock photo websites offer a wide selection of high-quality images that you can use in your podcast artwork. Make sure to check licensing and attribution requirements.

9. Pexels and Pixabay:
These are free stock photo websites that provide images you can use in your artwork without worrying about copyright issues.

10. YouTube Thumbnail Templates:
Some podcasters repurpose YouTube thumbnail templates for their podcast artwork because they share a similar square format. Canva and other design tools offer YouTube thumbnail templates.

11. Artificial Intelligence (AI):
ChatGPT 4 has image creation tools now. Works well for episode artwork, but be sure to review your image carefully as they are definitely not perfect, especially words.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider.

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In this episode, we explore the advantages and drawbacks of daily and weekly (or less frequent) podcasting schedules. We discuss the delicate balance between quantity vs. quality podcasting.

The nature of your content, whether it’s daily news or in-depth interviews, should also influence your choice of podcasting schedule. Lastly, it’s crucial to assess the time, energy, and financial resources you have, as daily podcasting can be resource-intensive.

Today’s Hosts: MacKenzie Bennett and Mike DellThe decision between daily and weekly podcasting largely depends on your goals, resources, and the expectations of your potential audience. Both have their advantages and drawbacks:

Daily PodcastingAdvantages:* Routine Engagement: Daily podcasts can become a part of your listeners’ daily routines, like listening during their morning commute or workout. * Can help with growth: The more content you produce, the more opportunities you have to be discovered by new listeners. * Topical Relevance: If you cover current events or news, daily podcasting allows you to stay up-to-date and relevant. * Monetization Opportunities: More frequent episodes can mean more ad spots and increased revenue.

Drawbacks:* Time-Consuming: Producing content daily requires a significant time commitment. * Potential for Burnout: Constantly creating can lead to fatigue, both for the creator and potentially for listeners. * Quality Concerns: With a tight turnaround, there might be less time for thorough research, editing, and production, which can affect the quality of the content.

Weekly (or less frequent) PodcastingAdvantages:* Consistent But Manageable: Weekly episodes strike a balance between consistency and giving podcasters ample time to produce high-quality content. * Deep Dives: With more time between episodes, you can delve deeper into topics, conduct thorough research, or produce longer episodes. * Reduced Burnout: A weekly schedule is less intense than a daily one, reducing the risk of burnout for both creators and listeners. * Higher Production Value: More time can lead to better editing, sound quality, and overall production value. * Drawbacks: Slower Growth: With fewer episodes, there might be fewer opportunities for new listeners to discover your podcast. * Less Routine: Listeners might not incorporate a weekly podcast into their daily routines as easily as a daily one.

Considerations:* Audience Preference: Some audiences might prefer daily short updates, while others might favor in-depth weekly episodes. * Content Type: If you’re discussing daily news, a daily podcast makes sense. For in-depth interviews or investigative pieces, weekly might be better. * Resources: Consider the time, energy, and financial resources you have. Daily podcasting can be resource-intensive. * Quality vs. Quantity: Decide whether you want to focus on producing a large quantity of content or if you want to focus on creating fewer, but potentially higher-quality, episodes.

How often you podcast is entirely up to you, but as we explored in this episode, finding the right rhythm is essential to ensure your content doesn’t suffer from an overzealous publishing schedule.

Where does your podcast fall in the quantity vs. quality podcasting debate?

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Explore ways to make your podcast more accessible to all listeners, including those with disabilities.Podcasting is a powerful medium but it’s essential to ensure that everyone can enjoy and benefit from your content. By focusing on accessibility and inclusivity, we not only open the doors to a wider audience but also enrich the podcasting ecosystem with a more vibrant, empathetic, and representative tapestry of stories and ideas.

Today we’ll cover the aspects of accessibility from content creation to distribution and publication.Understanding Accessibility

• Creating podcasts for a larger audience
• Common disabilities that may affect podcast listeners: hearing impairments, visual impairments, cognitive impairments

Creating Accessible Content

• Use clear and concise language
• Avoid jargon or complex terminology
• Clear and consistent audio quality

Transcripts and Captions

• Transcripts benefit those with hearing impairments but also all listeners
• Tools and services for generating accurate and high quality transcripts
• Our partner Rev provides Blubrry customers transcripts
• Value of adding captions to video podcast content for deaf and hard of hearing

Descriptive Audio and Alt Text

• “the verbal depiction of key visual elements in media and live productions.”
• Considered essential to comprehension of the content
• Can be added to your video podcast
• Alt Text: An accurate description of the image – very detailed and explanatory
• Both are helpful for accessibility and SEO

Podcast Player Accessibility

• The Blubrry player allows for accessibility as well as many social media apps
• Listeners with disabilities can benefit from these features.
• Podcasters should be aware of accessibility in player design when creating their websites or apps.

Listener Feedback and Engagement

• Actively engage with your audience to learn about their specific accessibility needs.
• Highlight success stories of podcasters who improved their content based on listener feedback.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider.

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Expand your podcast audience to the written medium.Creating a book based on the content of your podcast can be a fantastic way to extend your reach and provide your audience with a tangible resource. In our latest episode, we explore the dynamic process of transforming your podcast content into a book.

Today’s Hosts: Todd Cochrane and Mike DellWriting a book is hard work! BUT, as a content creator, you may have an upper hand in the subject of your book because you do a podcast about it.

First lets talk about WHY you would want to write a book for your podcast.* Establish yourself as an expert – Writing a book demonstrates your depth of knowledge on the subject, giving you more credibility. * Reach a wider audience – Books allow you to connect with people who may not listen to podcasts regularly. * Provide more detailed information – You can explore topics more comprehensively in a book than a podcast. * Generate passive income – Books offer ongoing earning potential through sales over time. * Reinforce your branding – A book helps cement your podcast’s branding and messaging. * Attract sponsors and partners – A published book makes you more attractive to potential sponsors. * Build your legacy – Books are tangible products that last, extending your ideas and influence. * Leverage existing content – Adapt your best podcast episodes into book chapters more efficiently. * Promote your podcast – You can cross-promote your podcast in the book to attract new listeners. * Take your work to the next level – Writing a book requires distilling your ideas at a higher level. * Reach people who prefer reading – Some prefer learning through books than audio.

Now that you know why, how about HOW to go about writing the book.* Expand on your best content. Look through your podcast episodes and identify your most popular topics and discussions. These are great candidates to explore in more depth for a book. * Conduct additional research. Books require diving deeper than a podcast episode. Do additional research through interviews, surveys, studies, etc. to expand the book content. * Follow a structure. Outline the book structure ahead of time – introduction, chapters, conclusion. Plan how you will expand on key topics. * Maintain your voice. Your listeners engage with your podcast because of your unique voice and perspective. Maintain that tone and style in the book. * Include actionable advice. Readers will expect detailed, practical advice from a book, more so than a podcast. Offer step-by-step guidance. * Share stories and examples. Anecdotes and real-world examples help readers connect with the content and see concepts applied. * Address critiques. Deal with pushback or criticisms raised about your podcast material and present counterarguments. * Complement, don’t duplicate. Avoid rehashing podcast episodes. Offer new analysis and insights. * HIRE AN EDITOR! A fresh set of eyes on a project like this will help you avoid grammar, spelling and punctuation errors. Along with helping you keep the correct tone of the book and to keep it flowing. * Ways to Publish the Book + Work with a publisher/editor. Consider working with a publishing house + Self-publish on something like Amazon + Self-publish an ebook + Sell it yourself

Not all podcasts lend themselves to books. A news type podcast might not directly be able ot be made into a book, but you could still do a book in your general subject area.

The goal is to effectively adapt your podcast material into a book format while adding significant value for readers. Leverage your podcast content without just repackaging it.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider.

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The Art of Podcast ScriptwritingExplore the process of scripting podcast episodes, whether you opt for fully scripted, semi-scripted, or improvised formats. We’re getting into the heart of the medium, where words transform into engaging narratives, informative discussions, and captivating stories. Whether you’re a seasoned podcaster looking to refine your scripting skills or a newbie eager to learn the ropes, this episode is your guide to mastering the craft of podcast scriptwriting.

Today’s Hosts: Todd Cochrane and MacKenzie BennettFrom meticulously planned to exhilarating spontaneity.

The Art of Podcast ScriptwritingWhat is Podcast Scriptwriting?

• Define podcast scriptwriting and its role in crafting engaging episodes: An outline or sketch or much more of what your episode will include.
• Similar to show notes ahead of time, but all depends on the person.

Flexible podcast formats: fully scripted, semi-scripted, improvised.

Benefits of Fully Scripted Podcasts:

• Scripting enhances content clarity and structure.
• Peace of mind for the host.
• Detailed knowledge of the topic, become an expert to the audience.

Semi-Scripted Podcasts: Finding the Balance:

• The middle ground between fully scripted and improvised formats.
• When and why podcasters might choose semi-scripted approaches.
• Maintain spontaneity while using scripts.

The Art of Improvisation:

• The world of improvised podcasting.
• Some find they do best here with a trusted co-host.

Scriptwriting Tips and Best Practices:

• Use templates, try different script types and choose what works best for you.
• Structuring episodes, creating engaging hooks, and maintaining audience interest.

Listener Questions and Feedback:

• Address questions or comments from listeners related to scriptwriting.
• Encourage audience engagement and interaction.

Scriptwriting Challenges and How to Overcome Them:

• The internet is a great way for overcoming writer’s block, monotony, or creativity hurdles.
• Don’t discount day to day life to provide you with everything you may need.

Closing Thoughts:

• Experiment with different scriptwriting approaches.
• Remember to tailor your episodes to your podcast’s unique style and audience preferences.
• Be sure to create engaging content that educates, entertains, and inspires your listeners, all done with great podcast scriptwriting.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider.

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Crafting Memorable Podcast Intros and OutrosIn this episode, we’re diving deep into the art of creating engaging podcast intros and outros. Your podcast’s intro and outro serve as the welcome mat and farewell hug to your listeners, setting the tone and leaving a lasting impression. Whether you’re a seasoned podcaster looking to revamp your show’s identity or a newbie trying to make a memorable debut, we’ve got you covered with tips, tricks, and creative ideas.

Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell and MacKenzie BennettStarting and Ending Your Show Perfectly Is an Art

The Importance of First Impressions: Your podcast’s intro is your first opportunity to grab your listeners’ attention, so make it count. A well-crafted intro should encapsulate your podcast’s theme, style, and personality in a concise manner.

Know Your Audience: Tailor your intro and outro to resonate with your target audience’s preferences and interests. Consider conducting listener surveys or analyzing demographics to better understand your audience.

Keep It Concise: Aim for brevity in your podcast intro. Ideally, it should be under 30 seconds to avoid overwhelming your listeners. Use clear, concise language to convey your podcast’s purpose and value.

Tell a Story: Engage your audience by narrating a brief story or anecdote that relates to your episode’s theme. Storytelling can create an emotional connection and pique curiosity.

Include Music and Sound Effects: Choose music that aligns with your podcast’s tone, whether it’s energetic, calming, or dramatic. Integrate sound effects strategically to enhance the intro’s impact. We cannot emphasize this enough, be careful with copyrighted material.

Professional Voiceover or Host Introduction: Consider using a professional voiceover artist or having your podcast host deliver a warm welcome. The voice should match your podcast’s personality and style.

Outros: Leave a Lasting Impression: Your outro is a chance to thank your listeners, provide contact information, and encourage engagement. Include a call to action, such as subscribing, leaving a review, or visiting your website.

Experiment and Iterate: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different intro and outro styles to see what resonates best with your audience. Continuously gather feedback and be open to making improvements.

Consistency Matters: Maintain a consistent intro and outro format across episodes to build brand recognition. Minor tweaks are okay, but avoid frequent overhauls that confuse your audience.

Crafting engaging podcast intros and outros is an art form that requires creativity, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of your audience. Remember that your intro and outro are the bookends of your episodes, leaving a lasting impression on your audience. Experiment, refine, and make them as memorable as your content itself.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider.

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How do you react to good or bad feedback?Reacting to podcast feedback can take some practice, more specifically depending on the type feedback you are receiving. Ultimately, the way you react to podcast feedback can significantly impact your show’s success and how your audience perceives you as a podcaster.

Handling feedback, especially when it pertains to a medium as personal as podcasting, is essential for growth and connection with your audience.

Show mentioned in the show for the master of feedback: Airline Pilot Guy

This week we are going to talk about feedback, specifically from your audience.Here are some steps and strategies for managing both positive and negative feedback about your podcast:Active Listening

• Before reacting, ensure you understand the feedback. Listen or read carefully without becoming defensive.

Acknowledge Feedback

• Whether it’s praise or criticism, always acknowledge feedback. Thank the person for taking the time to share their thoughts.

Categorize Feedback

• Constructive – Offers actionable suggestions.
• General Praise – Positive comments without specific details.
• General Criticism – Negative comments without specific context.
• Troll or Harmful – Comments meant to provoke or hurt without any constructive intent.

Responding to Feedback

• Constructive – Express gratitude, and even if you don’t implement the suggestion, acknowledge its value.’
• General Praise – A simple thank you can suffice. Alternatively, ask them to share your podcast or leave a review if they haven’t already.
• General Criticism If it’s vague, consider asking for specifics so you can understand better and possibly improve.
• Troll or Harmful – In many cases, it’s best not to engage. If the comments violate platform policies, consider reporting or blocking the user.

Reflect and Assess

• For constructive feedback, consider the feasibility of the suggestion. Does it align with your podcast’s vision? If yes, can you implement it? If no, is there a middle ground?

Act on the Feedback

• If the feedback is actionable and aligns with your vision, make the necessary adjustments.

Maintain a Feedback Log

• Keep track of feedback to identify recurring themes or issues. This can help prioritize areas for improvement.

Create a Feedback Loop

• Occasionally, update your listeners about the changes you’ve made based on feedback. This shows them that their input matters and can make them more invested in your podcast.

Growth Mindset

• Embrace a growth mindset. Understand that every piece of feedback is an opportunity to grow, learn, and refine your podcasting skills.

Protect Your Mental Health

• If you find that negative feedback is affecting your well-being, consider taking breaks or seeking support from peers or professionals. Remember that everyone, no matter how successful, receives criticism.

Solicit Feedback Proactively

• Encourage listeners to give feedback regularly. This can be done through call-to-action prompts in your episodes or via social media.

Engage with your Community

• Building a strong community can provide you with a built-in support system. Engaged listeners are more likely to provide constructive feedback and defend against unwarranted negative comments.

Remember that you can’t please everyone. Your podcast will resonate with some listeners, NOT ALL… and that’s okay. Focus on your target audience, be genuine, and continue refining your craft. The more you evolve, the more your podcast will too.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider.

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Taking a Break From Social Media While PodcastingWe all need a social media break once in a while. But don’t leave your podcast listeners in the dust! Follow the tips below to ensure that you’ll have your well deserved digital consumption freedom without screwing up all of your hard work building an audience.

Today’s Hosts: Todd Cochrane and MacKenzie BennettTaking a break from social media while managing a podcast can be challenging, but it’s definitely possible with some planning and organization. Here are steps to help you maintain your podcast while reducing your social media presence temporarily:

Plan Your Break in Advance: Decide how long you want your social media break to be. Whether it’s a week, a month, or a specific period, having a clear timeframe will help you stay on track.

Notify Your Audience in Advance: Inform your podcast listeners about your upcoming social media break. Use your podcast episodes leading up to the break to let them know when it will start and end.

Pre-schedule Social Media Posts: Take advantage of social media scheduling tools like Buffer, Hootsuite, or social media platform scheduling features. Plan and schedule posts in advance so that your content continues to be published even while you’re on a break.

Prepare Podcast Episodes in Advance: Create a buffer of podcast episodes that can be released during your break. Aim to have several episodes ready to go before your break begins. This way, your podcast content remains consistent.

Delegate Social Media Management: If you have a team or co-hosts, consider delegating social media management responsibilities during your break. This can include sharing the workload of posting updates and engaging with your audience.

Automate Responses: Set up automated responses or messages for your social media profiles and email to let people know you’re on a break. Include an explanation of when you’ll return and direct them to your podcast content in the meantime.

Engage in Batch Work: Before your break, work in batches to create and schedule social media posts, podcast episodes, and other content. This will minimize the need for ongoing content creation during your break.

Focus on Evergreen Content: Create content that remains relevant over time. Evergreen episodes and posts can continue to attract new listeners and followers while you’re away.

Use Guest Hosts or Co-hosts: If you have co-hosts or the option to invite guest hosts, consider having them take over podcasting duties temporarily. They can keep the podcast running and engage with your audience during your break.

Recharge and Reflect: Use your social media break as an opportunity to recharge, reflect on your podcasting goals, and come up with fresh ideas for future episodes.

Return Gracefully: When your break is over, announce your return on social media and thank your audience for their understanding. Consider sharing highlights or insights from your break.

Set Boundaries Post-Break: After your social media break, establish boundaries and a manageable posting schedule to avoid feeling overwhelmed and prevent burnout.

Remember that it’s essential to prioritize your well-being and mental health. Taking a break from social media while managing your podcast can be a positive step in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Your audience will likely understand and appreciate your commitment to providing high-quality content when you return.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider.

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What Not to Do With Your PodcastBeyond the excitement of starting and maintaining your own podcast, there are a handful of things that you should avoid doing as well. Today we are here to discuss what not to do in podcasting; for the peace of mind and enjoyment of the creator as well as the listener. We start off strong getting right into what not to do on the technical end of podcasting.

Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell and MacKenzie BennettCreating a successful podcast involves not only knowing what to do but also what not to do. Here are some common mistakes to avoid in your podcasting endeavor:

Content and Planning* Lack of Preparation: Always research your topic and prepare an outline to ensure you provide value to your listeners. * Off-Topic Rambling: Straying too far from the subject can confuse or bore your audience. * Over Promotion: Continuously plugging your own or sponsor’s products or services can turn off listeners.

Technical Aspects Poor Audio Quality: Invest in a good microphone and consider the acoustics of your recording environment. * Inconsistent Audio Levels: Keep your voice and any guest voices at consistent volumes. * Overuse of Sound Effects or Music:* While these can enhance a podcast, too much can be distracting.

Engagement Ignoring Your Audience: Not interacting with your listeners or acknowledging their feedback. * Not Having a Schedule: Inconsistent release dates can frustrate and lose listeners. * Lack of Show Notes:* Providing detailed show notes can make your podcast more accessible and help with SEO.

Guests and Interviews Poor Guest Introduction: Always introduce your guests adequately and make them feel comfortable. * Talking Over Guests: Let your guests speak and make their points without interruption. They are the stars of this episode. * Lack of Follow-up:* Utilize those listening skills. If a guest mentions something interesting, don’t miss the opportunity to delve deeper into the subject.

Other Pitfalls Too Long or Too Short: Consider your audience when determining episode length. * Monotonous Tone: A dull or monotonous voice can be off-putting. * Too Much of the Same: Having a topic and show style are good to have but don’t lose yourself in saying the same thing each and every time. * Inconsistent Branding or Theme:* Your podcast should have a consistent image, tone, and subject matter to attract a dedicated audience.

Avoiding these mistakes can help you create a more professional and engaging podcast that will likely attract a larger and more dedicated audience. Lastly, have fun podcasting!

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider.

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After much preparation and anticipation, half of Blubrry’s Podcast Movement attendees headed to Colorado from Michigan while the other half simply headed from their homes in Denver. It was refreshing to see the conference so well attended and the team was excited to talk to would-be podcasters, newbies and, of course, to catch up with veteran podcasters and friends.

Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell, Todd Cochrane, Cathy Beuten and Ben BeecroftHere’s a quick fun-down, err, rundown of our time at Podcast Movement Denver, Aug. 21-24. Were you there? Tell us what you thought of the conference in the comments. Also, if you are a Blubrry hosting customer and didn’t get your conference badge, take a photo and email it to any of us and we’ll make sure it gets added to your site.

Denver Insights* The team shared knowledge, advice and insider tips for podcasting growth and success with hundreds of Podcast Movement attendees. * It also listened a LOT to folks who had questions and new ideas for the future of podcasting. * Podcast Insider also welcomed Cathy, communications specialist who recently joined the team full-time, and Ben Beecroft, software developer, who emphasized how meeting happy customers and prospects reinvigorated him. * The event had a diverse crowd, including many young podcasters and enthusiasts. The team discussed how it was strange in one sense to see so few of the regular faces, but how they were highly enthused by the growing interest in podcasting with all the new faces. * The team’s discussions with Podcast Movement attendees covered topics such podcasting networks, statistics, PowerPress (podcasting from WordPress), hosting and many of the other Blubrry features. * Some positive reactions that highlighted Blubrry’s offerings included features such as closed captioning, transcription, Podcasting 2.0 and security. * Despite the long days and limited food choices, the team was energized by the energy of Podcast Movement and spoke about the continued value of attending events for connecting with customers and learning about the podcasting landscape. * One of the biggest hits among Blubrry’s audiences at Podcast Movement was the swag at the Blubrry booth: beer cups, hats and water bottles, to name a few. * Coming home, all four of the attendees were further motivated to continue improving the podcasting industry and serving podcasters’ needs. * Plans for future events like PodFest Expo, Jan. 25-28 in Orlando, were discussed, and we’ll share more on that later! * Check out this wrap-up video by Podcast Movement!

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider.

• Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike.
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Those annoying little podcast recording habits that can cost a podcaster their credibility.

All three of us hosts on Podcast Insider are avid podcast listeners. There are things that annoy us – and I’m sure we are not alone. Here are a few things that really annoy us about podcasts we listen to. We’d love to hear what annoys you, too, or if you disagree with our angst. Today's Hosts: Mike Dell, Todd Cochrane and MacKenzie Bennett Here are our pet peeves while listening to a podcast. Mike

Bad audio. Audio that is inconsistent volume. Host and guest at different levels of sound. Ads that are too soft or too loud. Inserted ads that seem out of place. One podcast I listen to just because it’s real good does this. An ad will come up mid-sentence and then after the ad, the sentence finishes. It’s hard to follow. When the host and co-host talk about something visual that they can see but you can not. Give your listeners a link or a place to find what you are talking about at the beginning of the subject so they can look if they are in a place where they can look. “Remember they are listening!” Unfocused topics. Do a little show prep! Going to a podcaster’s website and getting a popup right off the bat. I don’t know you yet so let me look at the site first before popping up something in my face.

Todd

When I am made to feel I am not being talked to aka not part of the audience. Adult language in an inappropriate content setting. Bad audio: respect your listeners.

MacKenzie

Cite your sources. I am a skeptic right off the bat. Give me info in the show notes. Inconsistent audio Do your homework - ex: Smartless - same exact interview I’ve heard everywhere else, give me something new I almost always hate live recordings: one that I enjoyed recently, Vibe Check with Saeed Jones, Zach Stafford and guest Penn Badgley because it was cut down, had a guest for only part of it and proper audience participation. The audacity to include eating noises. Why? Banter isn’t as cute as some people think it is, sometimes it’s just fighting and being rude to one another. Pre-scripted sound bytes and ‘mistakes’. Especially with the video component to the show - people aren’t as great actors as they think they are. Be original.

Pro Tip: Have you asked your audience what their pain-points are concerning your podcast. If not, maybe you should.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider.

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike.

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The pros and cons of hosting a 'live' podcast Live podcasting offers several advantages . . . and disadvantages. On the side of pros, it enhances audience engagement by enabling real-time interaction through chat or comments, for a more dynamic listening experience and adding authenticity because its unscripted. Instant feedback from the audience allows for quick adjustments and a better understanding of resonating topics. However, live podcasting comes with downsides. Technical glitches can harm audio/video quality, impacting the listener's experience. The fixed broadcasting schedule demands more time commitment than pre-recorded episodes. And in live shows, mistakes are uneditable, potentially affecting content quality. Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell and Todd Cochrane Live or no live? Pros of Live Podcasting: Increased audience engagement: Viewers or listeners can interact live through chat or comments. This creates a more dynamic listening experience. Authenticity: Live streams have a sense of immediacy and spontaneity, which can give your podcast an authentic feel. People often appreciate the raw, unedited quality of live content. Instant feedback: With live streaming, you get immediate feedback on your content. If something isn't resonating, you can pivot quickly, and if something really strikes a chord, you can dive deeper. Ability to take live questions: You can get immediate feedback and input from your audience. This allows you to have more interactive discussions. Builds community: Live shows allow you to connect directly with your audience in real time. This helps build a stronger sense of community. Drives discovery: Being live on a platform can help new people discover your show who may not find a recorded podcast. Unique content: The conversations generated during a live show are one-of-a-kind and can't be recreated later. This makes the content more exclusive. Multi-platform content: You could potentially reach a larger audience by making your content available on both podcast platforms and live streaming services. Cons of Live Podcasting: Technical issues: Streaming live has more potential for tech problems like audio/video quality or disruptions. This can negatively impact the listener experience. Time commitment: You have to broadcast at specific times on a consistent schedule, which is less flexible than pre-recording. Can't edit mistakes: Any verbal stumbles or mistakes made during the live show can't be edited out later. Limited control: You have less control over the show flow and discussions since it involves live interactions. Privacy Concerns: Live streaming can potentially expose more personal information, which might be a concern depending on your topic and guest considerations.

Overall, the best option depends on your goals, resources, and audience. Many podcasters find benefits in both live streaming and traditional episodes. A mixed approach can allow you to get the pros of each.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider.

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike.

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Writing better show notes is easy if you follow these do's and don'ts Mike and MacKenzie discuss the various do's and don'ts that come accompany useful podcast show notes. Show notes add a plethora of information into your episode and most importantly allow search engines to easily pick up your episode topics. We highly encourage all podcasters to write thorough show notes to accompany their audio and/or video content.

Tell us what you think of today's show notes. Today's Hosts: Mike Dell and MacKenzie Bennett Show notes are a vital part of your podcasting strategy. They not only serve to inform listeners about the content of your episode, but they also improve discoverability on podcast directories, i.e SEO. Here are some do's and don'ts for creating podcast show notes: Do's: Include a brief summary: Start with a 2-3 sentence summary that quickly tells listeners what the episode is about. Make it catchy and engaging.

Links to resources: If you mention a book, article, website, product, or any other resource, include the link in your show notes. This is valuable for your listeners and shows that you are a resourceful host.

Guest information: If you have guests on your podcast, provide their bio and links to their website or social media platforms. It's a good way to show appreciation to your guest and it provides your listeners with a way to connect with them.

Contact information: Make sure to include your podcast’s website, your email, and social media handles, making it easy for listeners to get in touch or follow you for updates.

Call to action: Whether it's subscribing, leaving a review, signing up for your newsletter, or following you on social media, always include a call to action. This can help grow your audience and engage listeners. Don'ts: Don't write a transcript: Show notes are not supposed to be a word-for-word transcript of the podcast. Focus on key points, topics discussed, and resources mentioned.

Don't forget SEO: Optimize your show notes for search engines by using relevant keywords related to your episode. However, don't keyword stuff – it should read naturally.

Don't make them too long: While it's important to include key details, remember that show notes should be concise and easy to scan. Too much text can be overwhelming and most people won’t read it.

Don't forget to proofread: Spelling and grammar mistakes can look unprofessional and can be confusing for your audience. Always proofread your show notes before publishing.

Don't ignore feedback: If your listeners give you feedback about your show notes, take it into consideration. They can provide valuable insights on how to improve them.

Remember, show notes can enhance the listening experience, increase audience engagement, and help drive traffic to your website or products, so it's worth investing time and effort into creating them well.

Additional information on how to get the best of your show notes can be found here.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider.

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike.

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Are you considering hired help for your podcast? In today's episode we'll be discussing eight factors to consider when hiring a paid podcast consultant for your podcast. Often times the podcast host is a jack of all trades for their show, which while admirable can be improved with hired help. If you're looking to expand your podcast team, look no further to decide if that may be a good idea. First things first, what exactly do we mean when we say podcast consultant - read below for our explanation.

Podcast Consultant: A podcast pro that provides guidance and expertise related to podcasting. Encompassing but not limited to: technical, developmental, and creative know-how; can be across the board or more dedicated to a specific aspect or task such as equipment and setup or audience growth tactics. Today's Hosts: Mike Dell and MacKenzie Bennett When hiring a podcast consultant, you should consider the following factors: Budget: Be upfront about what you are wanting to spend and make sure you can sustain that budget for the long run.

Experience: How much experience does the consultant have with podcasting? Have they worked on successful podcasts before? Their past experience can provide you with a sense of their skills and capabilities.

Knowledge of the Industry: The podcasting industry is constantly changing. A good consultant should be up-to-date with current trends, technologies, and strategies in podcasting. They should understand the podcasting market and the specific niche that your podcast falls into.

Technical Skills: Podcasting involves both content creation and technical setup. Your consultant should have knowledge about podcast recording, editing, equipment, software, and hosting platforms. They should also be familiar with podcast distribution and analytics.

Marketing and Promotion: It's not enough to just create a podcast, you need to get it heard. Your consultant should know how to effectively promote a podcast, including social media strategies, SEO for podcasts, and partnerships or sponsorships.

Good Communication Skills: The consultant should be able to communicate clearly and effectively. They should be able to understand your vision for the podcast and help you achieve it. Regular updates and feedback are essential for a successful working relationship.

References and Reviews: Check the consultant's references and reviews from previous clients. This can give you a sense of their reliability and effectiveness.

A Passion for Podcasting: Finally, a good podcast consultant should be passionate about podcasting. This passion will drive them to stay updated on industry changes, put in the extra effort to ensure the success of your podcast, and provide the energy needed to keep your project moving forward.

Just a tip...Make sure YOU keep all admin logins/passwords for your site, your hosting plan and make sure YOU are paying the hosting bills directly.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider.

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike.

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Best practices for employees podcasting for their company This week we're exploring the ways that employees of any organization can podcast. Join MacKenzie and Mike as they discuss the best practices for employees that are podcasting for their company, cause, etc. If you're thinking of starting a show in any professional capacity consider reading here to learn more facts about the current podcast environment. Today’s hosts: MacKenzie Bennett and Mike Dell Define Your Show Topic

Decide on a specific topic, what niche your podcast is going to fill Remember the more specific the more likely you'll have loyal, dedicated followers

Set Your Goal

What is the overall goal of the podcast? Very related to your show topic, but they are different factors. Generally to inform, but more specifically is it to teach your listeners, persuade them to buy your product, train them on a subject?

Recording and Editing

Overcoming the nervousness of recording and hearing yourself A team member or outside source for editing and/or producing might be necessary Artwork - don’t skimp on branding, what the audience can see and engage with

Promoting and Releasing

Let people know a podcast is coming! Don’t wait until you’ve done the work and published an episode for people to find it. Depending on your company's schedule, recording ahead of time might be easier.

Regularly Releasing

Establish a solid recording setup - at home or the office Factor in PTO, unexpected absences, etc. For example, our editing team is taking some time off this summer, which means we recorded sooner than normal.

Podcasting offers immense potential for professionals interested in expanding their careers and skillsets. Tapping into the power of audio content opens doors to new opportunities and growth. Tell us how you have factored in podcasting to your job.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider.

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike.

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Why Did You Start Your Podcast? The inspiration behind starting a podcast is unique to each creator. This week we dive into the reasons why people choose to start a show, ranging from personal passion of sharing your own knowledge to showcasing your business. Today's hosts: Todd Cochrane and Mike Dell Podcasters choose to create podcasts for a variety of reasons. Here are some of them: Sharing Knowledge: Many podcasters are experts or enthusiasts in a specific field and want to share their knowledge and passion with others. This can range from academic subjects to hobbies and everything in between. Building Community: Podcasting can be a way to build and engage with a community of like-minded people. This is especially true for niche topics, where podcasters can create a space for people with similar interests to gather and learn from each other. Creativity and Self-Expression: Podcasting is a form of media that allows for a lot of creative freedom. Podcasters can experiment with format, content, style, and more. It's a platform where they can truly express themselves. Career Opportunities: Some podcasters start podcasting as a way to advance their careers. This can be by building a personal brand, demonstrating expertise, or networking within an industry. Podcasts can also serve as a portfolio for individuals in fields like journalism, media production, or entertainment. Monetization: While not all podcasts generate significant revenue, some podcasters are able to monetize their content through sponsorships, advertising, Patreon support, selling merchandise, or other means. Education: Podcasts can be a great tool for education. Educators and institutions may create podcasts to supplement traditional teaching methods or to reach a wider audience beyond the classroom. Storytelling: Some podcasters are natural storytellers, and podcasts provide a unique platform to share these narratives. This can range from true crime stories to science fiction narratives. Interviews and Conversations: Podcasting can provide an opportunity to have long, in-depth conversations with interesting people. Many podcasters enjoy the chance to learn from their guests and provide a platform for diverse voices to be heard. Advocacy: Podcasts can be a powerful tool for raising awareness about social issues, causes, or movements. They can give a platform to underrepresented voices and provide nuanced discussion around complex topics. Personal Development: The process of creating and maintaining a podcast can result in valuable personal growth. Skills such as public speaking, audio editing, marketing, and networking can all be honed through podcasting. Entertainment: Simply put, podcasting can be fun! Whether it's a comedy show, a movie review, or a role-playing game, many podcasters enjoy entertaining their listeners.

It's important to note that these motivations often overlap, and a single podcaster might be driven by several of these reasons. Setting a goal for your podcast is crucial for several reasons: Direction: Having a clear goal provides direction and focus for your podcast. It helps you determine what content to produce, who your target audience is, and how you will reach them. Without a clear goal, you may find yourself floundering or producing content that feels disconnected or inconsistent. Motivation: Creating and maintaining a podcast requires a significant amount of effort and time. Having a clear goal can help keep you motivated, especially during periods when you might feel discouraged or overwhelmed. Measurement of Success: Goals give you a benchmark to measure your progress and success. If your goal is to reach a certain number of listeners, for example, tracking your listener statistics will give you a clear idea of how well you're doing. Without clear goals, it's difficult to measure whether you're making progress or achieving success. Resource Allocation: Knowing your goal can help you decide where to invest ...

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Effectively Promoting Your Podcast Following These Dos and Don'ts When it comes to promoting your podcast we have laid out some of the things to remember, the dos and don'ts have you, of promoting your podcast. Lastly, know that promoting your podcast is an ongoing effort. It may change over time, but following these steps may help me gain a larger audience more effectively. Today's Hosts: Todd Cochrane and MacKenzie Bennett Promoting your podcast can be a fun and engaging way to connect with your audience. Each show is different, but that is part of the experimentation. Luckily there are a number of ways to promote your show and that comes with some overall dos and don’ts, which we’ll share with you today.

Dos and Don'ts of Promoting Your Podcast Dos

Define your audience - you’ll find it eventually, but have a target in mind and don’t scream into the void Measure your efforts - is it going well, ok, bad? Use the same name/branding on each platform Stay active and on a semi regular schedule Word of mouth is still king and queen Accessibility - transcripts and video

Don'ts

Be spammy or too aggressive Keep it simple for relatively anyone to understand - some jargon is ok, but you want to be able to bring in others as well. Too much mystery will turn people away Fall behind schedule! Don’t leave your potential audience in the blue - lead them to the correct website, directories, your site, etc.

If you have any dos and don'ts that we left out and you’ve had your own experience with, please share them with the team!

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike

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Do you have your own podcast website? You should. On today's Podcast Insider, we review why podcasters should have a website of their own and just how easy that can be utilizing Blubrry tools and services, as well as other platforms. Your online presence is essential to growing a podcast and creating a loyal audience. Today's Hosts: Todd Cochrane and Mike Dell Why You Should Have a Podcast Website

SEO Homebase for your show that your listeners can access -- so if you disappear from a platform they'll know where to find you. Pride of ownership You control your brand and IP

What is the Blubrry Way? The Blubrry way is a thing we came up with a while back to explain the method of total ownership of your brand, show and website. Basically it’s the way we do this show. The way Todd and Mike handle their shows.

Never build your business on rented land

Get your own domain Host a ​​WordPress website that you control 100% 

Generate your RSS feed from a domain you own

With WordPress and PowerPress,  YOUR domain is the origination point, not a syndication point. (Rather than your host’s domain.)

Choose where you want to syndicate your show and submit it to those places 

Being everywhere only requires an RSS feed (in most cases). Listeners will pick the best way for them to listen. Don’t try to force them to one place or another.  Don’t care where they listen as long as they do!

You do what you are good at (content) and use technology that is safe from being taken down. (PowerPress, WordPress, DNS, Podcast Index and more) 

The Blubrry team is here to help you along the way, but in the end, it's all yours. If Blubrry goes away (highly unlikely, but still) PowerPress is designed to work with or without us.  Once it’s all set up, it couldn’t be easier. 

Create a show file Create a blog post on your site Upload the media Publish the post Rinse and repeat

And most importantly, don't get bogged down by the minutiae! A complex workflow can deter you from podcasting. Our primary goal at Blubrry is to help you continue telling your story via podcasting, so keep it simple and keep it flowing!

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike

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Creating a home office and podcast studio As we say goodbye to the Columbus office as we convert to 100% remote we share our insights and experience in creating an at-home work environment and podcast studio setups. Creating this combination can be a fun challenge. Today’s Hosts: MacKenzie Bennett, Mike Dell and Todd Cochrane Greetings from all over the map! The entire Blubrry team is now fully remote. Our once bustling Columbus office is transitioning into a quiet relic of the past.  Being the 5th Thursday of June, we thought it would be a great opportunity to share with you some insights and tips on how our team has been designing their remote work stations. Not just relevant for the standard work-from-home setup, these tips can also help those of you setting up your own podcasting studios. You'll find that a majority of us are integrating our podcasting spaces with our office spaces. 

Some of the must-haves in any home office / studio are the following: 

Quiet Environment 

Sound treatment But also… speakers for when you need that productivity playlist blaring

Comfortable chair

But not TOO comfortable 🙂

Enough desk space More than 1 monitor 

There was a study that said that you get more productivity with 2 monitors. Ironically, there is not much more of an advantage when adding a 3rd monitor. 

Good lighting

Good on-camera lighting for zoom calls or streaming Good lighting in the office overall

Temperature control

It’s hard to work when you are hot or cold.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike

todd@blubrry.com and mike@blubrry.com

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YouTube Podcasting Pros and Cons The use of YouTube as a podcast platform has skyrocketed in recent years. While we have some qualms with the definition of a podcast and what exactly it means to have a podcast on YouTube we agree that it is undeniably a useful tool for growing a podcast audience. Tune in for the pros and cons of YouTube podcasting. Today’s Hosts: MacKenzie Bennett and Mike Dell YouTube released a “podcast feature” or section. Mike is more well versed watching YouTube and generally watching all kinds of content on there, where as MacKenzie barely spends time on there unless she needs to. Pros

Discoverability: YouTube is the second biggest search engine Monetization: Automated monetization capabilities, their partner program, etc. Build community: It’s an advantage to build a community on platforms that already have a huge use base Additional audience: Those that will never move to audio only

Cons

Video is complicated: Video production can be difficult and require lots of equipment and software that people are unfamiliar with Expensive: Can get expensive quickly depending on editing and production Visual medium: Visuals that are available on Youtube are not useful to those just listening to the audio podcast Little listener/watcher engagement, especially if you only have a static image SEO: Youtube is the second largest search engine and could distract from potential traditional rss feed listeners

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike

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Why Apple Podcasts has dominated for so long. Mike and Todd discuss how and why Apple Podcasts has dominated the podcasting industry for so long and the new releases that they are working on currently. Today’s Hosts: Todd Cochrane and Mike Dell Before Apple added podcasts, there were new innovations coming every day to podcasting. When Apple introduced podcasts to iTunes in June 2005 with Version 4.9, most podcast “innovation” stopped. People were only concerned with iTunes (now Apple Podcasts) as it had the majority of the podcast listeners. At the time of release, there were 3,000 free audio programs available on iTunes podcast directory. There are now 4 million – we have come a LONG way! Remember, this was before iPhone, Android, social media, YouTube and many of the ways podcasters now promote their shows. They just defaulted to “Find us in iTunes.” Apple made it easier to subscribe and listen to podcasts. That is why most podcasters promoted it over any other means of getting podcasts. Then came iPhone and Android. Since a lot of new iPhone users were using iTunes to sync their podcasts to the iPod, the new iPhone was an easy transition. Android never kept up with the podcast apps. Google tried three or four times to get into podcasting in a compelling way and never quite got the traction enjoyed by Apple. That is why Apple has dominated podcasting for so long. However, times are changing and new options abound. We’re excited about Podcasting 2.0 and how it is shaking up the industry! Stay tuned to Podcast Insider in the months ahead and we’ll keep you posted on the latest and greatest.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike

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Do you need (or want) a podcast co-host? First off, you do not need a podcast co-host. The beauty of podcasting is that anyone can do it and the barrier to entry is incredibly low, this includes doing content by yourself. Here are some pros and cons of having a podcast co-host.

Today’s Hosts: Todd Cochrane and MacKenzie Bennett Reviewing the pros and cons of having a podcast co-host

Pros

Content collaboration Less stress involved in execution A fun working relationship with a colleague, friend, etc. Consistent tone and messaging coming from the show Delegated responsibilities Conversations and content flow better as opposed to speaking to yourself

Technology advancements have greatly changed multi person podcast capabilities. Cons

Less creative control with a co-host Sharing monetary earnings No legal disputes over intellectual property and content if you do not have a co-host

Basically any kind of legal issue that may arise

How to end the show or part ways

Not everyone will be interested in having a podcast co-host and for good reason. Not all shows are meant to have that duo (or more) dynamic and that's one of the great things about podcasting, you can forge ahead at your own pace and create a wonderful podcast all on your own.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike

todd@blubrry.com and mike@blubrry.com

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AI in PodcastingUsing AI for podcasting can enhance various aspects of the podcasting process, from content creation to enhanced search engine results. In today’s episode we debate some ways AI can be utilized in podcasting.

Today’s Hosts: Todd Cochrane and Mike DellThings you can do with AI* Help with writing show notes. Generate detailed show notes, summaries, and more automatically. * Suggestions for episode titles. * Transcripts: Text-to-speech (TTS) * Social media: Check out our new partner, Momento AI * Clips: Endless content * AI can even become the host

Why to use AI* Quick show notes writing * To get fresh and useful ideas for titles and topics: using AI to brainstorm ideas is one of the most useful ways to refresh your podcast

Why you might not want to use AI* Sounds or reads like a machine created it * Wrong information (it is using existing info, even if it’s incorrect) * Plagiarism worries: Generated content always has an origin point * Bad for SEO: Google will be able to detect AI at some point

Not mentioned in this episode, Planet Money from NPR is working on a series of AI created podcast episodes. Learn more about that here and here.

While AI can bring numerous benefits to podcasting it’s essential to maintain a balance and to preserve the human touch. AI tools should enhance the podcasting process as opposed to replacing the human creativity and authenticity that make podcasts unique.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

• Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike
  • todd@blubrry.com and mike@blubrry.com

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We’re here to answer the question: what is a podcast? As podcast creators and listeners we have some strong opinions on what this means technically and creatively. Below are some examples of definitions from online and our team and expanded upon in today’s episode.

Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell and Todd CochraneFrom the dictionary:

Podcst – noun

noun: podcast; plural noun: podcasts

A digital audio file made available on the internet for downloading to a computer or mobile device, typically available as a series, new installments of which can be received by subscribers automatically.

We ask some team members here at Blubrry to give their definition of what a podcast is.

Dave Clements: From a non-technical side, a podcast is a collection of episodes, which can be audio or video, but audio is the most widely used form of media. It becomes a “podcast” when it’s distributed by an RSS feed.

Aaron Hope: A podcast is a digital broadcast about a topic or a series of topics.

Cyndee: A podcast is a storytelling tool.

Barry Kantz: Podcasting is a revolution, similar to Gutenberg’s invention of the printing press allowing the spread of the written word, whereas podcasting allows the spreading of the spoken word.

MacKenzie Bennett: On-demand (mainly audio) storytelling content.

From Chat GPT: Podcast (noun): A series of digital audio files in which people have passionate discussions about everything from true crime to potted plants, providing a perfect excuse to ignore your to-do list, procrastinate on chores, and avoid awkward small talk with strangers during commutes. Often mistaken for an invisible friend when listeners are caught laughing alone in public.

InterviewTom Rossi from Buzzsprout and the Podcast Standards Project

Got a subject you would like us to cover on the show, Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

• Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com
• Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com
• Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address:
Blubrry – MacKenzie
150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180
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Your podcast’s artwork plays a crucial role in attracting potential listeners and setting the right tone for your show. In today’s episode we’re exploring the essential dos and don’ts when it comes to creating captivating podcast artwork. Let’s jump in with Blubrry’s graphic designer.

Today’s Hosts: MacKenzie Bennett and Aaron HopePodcasters ask us questions about podcast artwork regularly. We decided it was time to bring on a more creative and experienced person to guide us through our tips.

On this show we’ve had a few different versions of artwork and with each major change to the show we’ve updated the artwork. In that time, we’ve done our best to follow our own advice.

Dos* Meet the minimum requirements from Apple and other podcast directories. Not following these specs will get your podcast rejected from directories until errors have been corrected. * Let it breathe. Your artwork should be easy to read and understand with a quick glance. Anything more is most likely to get lost in the crowd. * Check out some of the current shows in directories, derive inspiration and figure out what not to do and ensure you’re not directly copying someone else.

Don’ts* If you’re not comfortable creating your own artwork, hire someone else to do it for you. As the old adage goes, people will judge a podcast by its cover. * Don’t create artwork before you do a deep dive into your listener persona / future audience. * Keep it legible! Don’t combine colors, fonts, and too small text together. This is especially important because your artwork is most often shown on a phone/mobile device. * Stay away from explicit content, intellectual property, branding, etc.

Get feedback from your friends and family during this process. You’ll likely have more than 1 iteration (you should!). Give yourself enough time before your podcast launch to make adjustments and get it just right.

Some examples discussed in this episode.

Got a subject you would like us to cover on the show, Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

• Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com
• Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com
• Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address:
Blubrry – MacKenzie
150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180
Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Popular Podcast Formats and StylesEarly on in your podcast, you’ll make a decision on the format and style of your podcast. On today’s episode we explain the differences between the two and provide the most popular examples of different types of podcast formats. What type of podcast format did you choose for your show?

Today’s Hosts: Todd Cochrane and MacKenzie BennettFormat: Delivery method – Interview podcast
Structure: Content within said method – Intro, interview segment, outro

These decisions are some of the first you’ll make when you’re working on your podcast. It may come to you immediately and you know exactly what you want to do, but it could be a larger discussion and come from lots of brainstorming to finalize your best idea on releasing your content.

Listen to podcasts with all of these formats to help you make an informed decision.

Podcast FormatsInterview

Host a guest on the show to speak on a specific topic, riff and/or join you in whatever type of discussion you’d like.

Solo

Speak from the heart or plan it all out with a script. Pick the style you’re most comfortable with, because you only have yourself to rely on.

Co-Hosts

Takes off a lot of the pressure of solo shows and puts more focus on the relationship than interviews.

Journalistic/Education – Storytelling

Exploded in the past 8-9 years, with true crime, investigative reporting, etc.

Fiction/Drama – Storytelling

Oftentimes original content; can be scripted, off the cuff, etc. Lots of ways to go about this, but it’s all focused on immersing the audience in entertainment.

Panel

Grab new guests each episode to discuss a specific topic, used on all genres, easy to keep things going.

Combination

A little bit of everything. Throw in the ability to do anything you’d like at the time of recording. Can be fun, but potentially difficult to cultivate a loyal audience as they never know what to expect.

Changing Your Format and/or Structure

Don’t be afraid to change your mind if something isn’t working.

Over the years we have changed the format and the structure of Blubrry’s company show, what you’re listening to now as Podcast Insider. Our most recent format AND structure change happened just a few months ago.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

• Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com
• Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com
• Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address:
Blubrry – MacKenzie
150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180
Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Private and Premium Podcasting Use CasesKeeping a podcast limited to a certain group of listeners gained popularity in recent years, especially due to a major switch to remote working. Blubrry offers a wonderful option for those interested in keeping a podcast secure and private, set to an audience of your discretion. Today, we go over when it’s best to use private or premium.

Today’s Hosts: Todd Cochrane and Mike DellWe review the use cases for private and premium podcasting and when is the best time to utilize these publishing options. Read here to learn more about Blubrry’s private and premium podcasting.

Should You Do ItPrivate podcasting offers a highly secure method for communicating with your team members effectively.Use cases:

• Proprietary business information for companies and organizations
• Employee communication (instead of memos)
• Membership information for an organization or club
• Training videos and other information for onboarding employees or members

Pros:

• More secure
• Dedicated app for listening/viewing content
• Dedicated page (PWA) for listening/viewing content
• More control over who listens

Cons:

• Higher cost
• The inability to subscribe in “normal” podcast apps

Premium podcasting caters to those seeking to monetize their shows by offering exclusive content for purchase by the public, or providing clubs and group members with special access to unique material.Use cases:

• To monetize a show that is popular without the need for advertising
• You can offer ad free versions of your show to subscribers
• You can have early access for subscribers
• Publish bonus content for your free podcast if people subscribe

Pros:

• Less costly than private
• Ability to subscribe in podcast apps
• Can be done on your own domain
• More control of the look and feel

Cons:

• Less secure
• Harder to manage (in most cases)
• Requires another plugin (membership plugin) to implement on WordPress

Both are great solutions to navigating online relationships with listeners, necessary in a remote world.

Got a subject you would like us to cover on the show, Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

• Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com
• Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com
• Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address:
Blubrry – MacKenzie
150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180
Columbus, Ohio 43235

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The Ins and Outs of Podcast NetworksA podcast network is a collection of podcasts, associated to one another via production, distribution and/or monetarily. Chances are, you listen to a podcast involved in a podcast network. Today, Blubrry discusses the pros and cons of joining or starting a podcast network of your own.

Today’s Hosts: MacKenzie Bennett and Mike DellWe review the pros and cons associated to participating in a podcast network

Joining a podcast networkPros* Access to a built-in audience: joining a podcast network can give you access to a wider audience, as the network may already have an established listener base. * Advertising and sponsorship opportunities: networks can negotiate advertising and sponsorship deals with brands that would be difficult to secure as an individual podcaster. * Professional support: some networks offer professional support, such as sound engineering and editing services, which can improve the overall quality of your podcast. * Cross-promotion: being part of a network means that your podcast can be cross-promoted on other shows within the network, increasing visibility and potential listenership.

Cons* Limited creative control: joining a podcast network often means adhering to the network’s branding and editorial guidelines, which can limit creative freedom. * Sharing revenue: networks often take a cut of revenue generated from sponsorships and advertising. * Less independence: being part of a network means being part of a larger organization, which may come with obligations and responsibilities outside of podcasting.

Starting a podcast networkPros* Increased revenue potential: by starting a network, you can generate revenue from multiple podcasts, rather than just one. * Creative control: as the founder of the network, you have complete creative control over the branding and editorial guidelines of the network. * Ability to curate content: as the network grows, you can curate the content to create a cohesive brand and target audience. * Collaborative opportunities: by building a network, you can collaborate with other podcasters and build relationships within the industry.

Cons* High startup costs: starting a network requires a significant investment in equipment, software, and personnel. * Administrative work: as the founder of the network, you will be responsible for administrative tasks such as accounting, legal work, and marketing. * No established audience: starting a network from scratch means building an audience from the ground up, which can take time and effort. * Risk of failure: as with any opporunity, there is a risk that the network may not succeed.

Got a subject you would like us to cover on the show, Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

• Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com
• Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com
• Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address:
Blubrry – MacKenzie
150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180
Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Choosing Your Podcast Publishing StyleThere are various ways to publish your podcast, each with their own pros and cons. Today we’re getting a bit more Blubrry specific and will be reviewing the ways that you can publish your podcast with Blubrry’s tools and services, specifically our WordPress plugin and internal dashboard publishing platform.

Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell and Todd CochraneClear up any preconceiving notions about publishing with clear explanations

Publishing Your Podcast … With Blubrry’s Two Publishing OptionsVia PowerPress and Blubrry Publisher

PowerPress* Blubrry PowerPress on a self-hosted WordPress site (We like to call this the Blubrry Way) + Lets you own and control the feed address apart from any company or 3rd party + Better for SEO (especially for episode search) + Protecting yourself; as long as you have that domain and site, your podcast lives! + Gives you place to send your listeners for more information and to know where you will be no matter what happens on the app * Blubrry PowerPress on a Blubrry hosted WordPress site + Free with hosting plans at Blubrry + Most of the advantages of a self hosted site. + Managed WordPress + Very fast feeds and site loading + A bit restrictive, no additional plugins or themes + Use your own domain with a advanced plan or above at Blubrry

Blubrry Publisher* Dashboard Publishing + No website but a landing page on Blubrry.com’s directory + Quicklinks page could also be a good landing page (although that isn’t really it’s function) + Publish everything right on your Blubrry dashboard + Can be used to get started quickly * Hosting files only and using some other way to generate an RSS feed (Squarespace, handwriting your own RSS or some other website support for podcasting) + Not used too much + Blubrry would only be hosting files and collecting your stats. + Most other features would not be used at Blubrry

For more information on how to publish your podcast media, read here on our website.

Blubrry Out & AboutTodd and MacKenzie attended NAB Show 2023 (National Association of Broadcasters) this week, (hence the late episode 😬) and they spoke to a number of new and experienced creators. We can’t wait to get to work together. Keep an eye out for a blog post soon recapping their conference experience.

Got a subject you would like us to cover on the show, Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

• Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com
• Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com
• Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address:
Blubrry – MacKenzie
150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180
Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Podcast Reviews Can Be Beneficial, But Are They All They’re Cracked Up to Be?You’re familiar with podcast reviews and more than likely have read some yourself about a show before you’ve given it a listen. Today, we discuss the benefits of having them and if they are really all that important in the grand scheme of podcast creation.

Today’s Hosts: MacKenzie Bennett and Todd CochraneLearn the Ins and Outs of Podcast Reviews

Benefits of Podcast Reviews* Gives new listeners the general overview of the show. * Can demonstrate respectability. * Social affirmation of the show’s relevance and consistency * People put a lot of weight behind reviews – we’re used to it with every purchase we make nowadays. * Learn more in an article from Podcastle on some of the benefits of podcast reviews.

Keep a Cool Head* Similar to podcast statistics, if you’re receiving an influx (or none at all), the reviews can become stressful very quickly. * Take all of them with a grain of salt. * Remember, not everyone will like you – that’s perfectly ok! * Keep your ego in check and weigh the reviews. There’s a good chance you’ll gain valuable insights.

Apple Review Myth* More reviews doesn’t mean that you’ll end up in New and Noteworthy. Trust us.

Find Apple Podcast Reviews in Blubrry* You can now find the reviews in our Statistics Dashboard under Audience and Apple Reviews. + If you have any issues, let our support team know 🙂

So, You Want More Podcast Reviews* Ask for them! * Consistently remind your audience and familiarize them with the process. * Work with other podcasters — swap reviews — but be authentic.

Got a subject you would like us to cover on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

• Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com
• Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com
• Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address:
Blubrry – MacKenzie
150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180
Columbus, Ohio 43235

View Details

What do my podcast stats mean?Podcast statistics can be a fun part of creating and growing your podcast. Collecting an overwhelming amount of data, we’ve prepared Blubrry’s podcast statistics in a way that podcasters can understand in the the podcaster dashboard. Today, we discuss podcast analytics overall and what creators should pay attention to.

Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell and Todd CochraneFirst and foremost, podcast statistics are not the same as web stats.

• Podcast statistics are different than web stats, which you’ll get from Google Analytics or a similar service
  • They measure different things
  • Web stats will count every time something hits an mp3 file as a “hit” whereas podcast stats are able to tell that it is 1 download even though the hits may be 20 or 30 on the file
  • Web stats are GREAT for pages and visitors but not so much for large media files
• How many subscribers (followers) do I have?
  • It’s a very hard stat to figure out
  • More important stat is downloads (listens) per episode
  • There are ways to ‘Guess’
    • Todd’s Way
    • Mike’s Way
  • Blubrry now has Estimated Audience in our stats reporting
• Hosting company stats
  • All hosting companies have basic stats
  • Some are better than others
  • Blubrry was the first podcast hosting provider to be IAB certification compliant
• 3rd party prefix stats
  • Podtrac, Chartable and Blubrry! (and others)
  • Prefix stats are not available for use on some platforms (hosts)
  • Not a terrible idea to have a 2nd opinion to compare to your hosts stats
    • Just know they will not be exactly the same ever
• How do I use metrics to grow my show or improve my show?
  • Knowing what works and what doesn’t
  • Measuring growth so you can see if you are going the right direction.
  • Insights on where and when people listen
  • On Blubrry stats, the retention graph might tell you that a segment causes people to stop listening
• Don’t obsess about your stats!
  • This one is probably the most important thing to know

Got a subject you would like us to cover on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

• Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com
• Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com
• Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address:
Blubrry – MacKenzie
150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180
Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Should go to industry events related to your show topic?

Yes, you should attend conferences, summits, virtual seminars, etc. that are related to your podcast. Today we’ll get into the details on how this can benefit you as a podcaster, how to create authority in your expertise this way and more.

We hope you enjoy today’s episode of Podcast Insider; we’ve worked hard to ensure that you’re getting the best podcast knowledge. We’ll still be periodically having guests, so if you’re interested in being featured reach out to the team.

Today’s Hosts: MacKenzie Bennett and Todd CochraneWe’re well versed in attending events as exhibitors, attendees, as speakers, and even helping events of our own.

Industry Events For Your Subject/Niche* Do your research for your own industry and see what is happening in your local area, online, and more * Apply for a press pass * Meet people in the industry for possible interviews – to interview or be interviewed

Why You Should Attend* Intriguing speakers and presenters on your topic * Networking * You’re speaking / presenting * Connect with likeminded creators * Spark your creativity and/or passion once again

What to Expect* Lots of new information * Inspiration / Confusion * Long hours – pack comfortable shoes * Be open-minded with a critical eye

Podcast (And Adjacent) Events We Attend* Podcast Movement * Podcast Movement Evolutions * Outlier * Podfest * She Podcasts * National Association of Broadcasters * Etc., summits, virtual events, podcamps and any topic where podcasters are

Got a subject you would like us to cover on the show, Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

• Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com
• Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com
• Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address:
Blubrry – MacKenzie
150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180
Columbus, Ohio 43235

View Details

Repost – Corrected audio attached

What apps, directories and services are worth the effort and which ones may not be a great fit for your show.

There are many places where you should syndicate your show. We take you through the extensive list of where you can list your podcast and the pros and cons of each.

We hope you enjoy today’s episode of Podcast Insider; we’ve worked hard to ensure that you’re getting the best podcast knowledge. We’ll still be periodically having guests, so if you’re interested in being featured reach out to the team.

Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell and Todd CochraneHere are the most useful podcast directories and apps that you should be using for your podcast.

Of course Apple podcasts and Spotify are the most well-known. Although, we do suggest you be everywhere you can, sometimes there are reasons to not distribute to one place or another. Here are some of the things to think about when deciding how much effort you want to put in to get on a podcast app or directory.

Note: Subscribing/Following mainly function the same for each app but its broader than it was when podcasting first started.

Must-Have Apps Apple Podcasts – This will also get you into a lot of independent apps like Overcast, Pocket Casts and a lot of others that use Apple for their directory. * Spotify – They get a lot of press in the podcasting world and are popular with the fastest growing podcast listener demographic – around the world. * Podcast Index – Apps that do not use Apple and apps that use both Apple and Podcast Index use Podcast Index as their catalog of shows * Google Podcasts – As of March 2023 * Blubrry* – Even if you’re not hosting with Blubrry

Great-To-Be-There Apps* Stitcher – Once very popular, still used quite a bit on android devices. * Amazon Music / Audible Podcasts – Podcasts show up in the Amazon Music and Audible apps * TuneIn – Popular live radio app * Podchaser – A directory of podcasts

Be-Careful-What-You-Wish-For Apps* YouTube Music (coming soon) + If YouTube Music Podcasts is the same as YouTube video channels, it might not be a good fit for YOUR show. * Pandora – Music app that does have a podcast section * iHeartRadio – Popular Live radio app with a podcast section

Minor / Regional apps Deezer – EU * JioSaavn* – India * Gaana – India * Anghami – Middle East * Resso – Middle East

We have instructions on how to submit or get into almost all of these apps, linked in the show notes.

Again, it doesn’t hurt to be everywhere. We don’t care how you listen, as long as you listen. Just know that all these apps/directories have their own business model and reason for existing.

Got a subject you would like us to cover on the show, Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

• Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com
• Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com
• Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address:
Blubrry – MacKenzie
150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180
Columbus, Ohio 43235

View Details

What apps, directories and services are worth the effort and which ones may not be a great fit for your show.

There are many places where you should syndicate your show. We take you through the extensive list of where you can list your podcast and the pros and cons of each.

We hope you enjoy today’s episode of Podcast Insider; we’ve worked hard to ensure that you’re getting the best podcast knowledge. We’ll still be periodically having guests, so if you’re interested in being featured reach out to the team.

Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell and Todd CochraneHere are the most useful podcast directories and apps that you should be using for your podcast.

Of course Apple podcasts and Spotify are the most well-known. Although, we do suggest you be everywhere you can, sometimes there are reasons to not distribute to one place or another. Here are some of the things to think about when deciding how much effort you want to put in to get on a podcast app or directory.

Note: Subscribing/Following mainly function the same for each app but its broader than it was when podcasting first started.

Must-Have Apps Apple Podcasts – This will also get you into a lot of independent apps like Overcast, Pocket Casts and a lot of others that use Apple for their directory. * Spotify – They get a lot of press in the podcasting world and are popular with the fastest growing podcast listener demographic – around the world. * Podcast Index – Apps that do not use Apple and apps that use both Apple and Podcast Index use Podcast Index as their catalog of shows * Google Podcasts – As of March 2023 * Blubrry* – Even if you’re not hosting with Blubrry

Great-To-Be-There Apps* Stitcher – Once very popular, still used quite a bit on android devices. * Amazon Music / Audible Podcasts – Podcasts show up in the Amazon Music and Audible apps * TuneIn – Popular live radio app * Podchaser – A directory of podcasts

Be-Careful-What-You-Wish-For Apps* YouTube Music (coming soon) + If YouTube Music Podcasts is the same as YouTube video channels, it might not be a good fit for YOUR show. * Pandora – Music app that does have a podcast section * iHeartRadio – Popular Live radio app with a podcast section

Minor / Regional apps Deezer – EU * JioSaavn* – India * Gaana – India * Anghami – Middle East * Resso – Middle East

We have instructions on how to submit or get into almost all of these apps, linked in the show notes.

Again, it doesn’t hurt to be everywhere. We don’t care how you listen, as long as you listen. Just know that all these apps/directories have their own business model and reason for existing.

Got a subject you would like us to cover on the show, Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

• Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com
• Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com
• Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address:
Blubrry – MacKenzie
150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180
Columbus, Ohio 43235

View Details

Today’s episode of Podcast Insider is here to illuminate the ways in which a podcaster can grow their show. Every podcaster wants to know how they can expand their audience and reach, there are a number of tactics – new and old.

We hope you enjoy today’s episode of Podcast Insider; we’ve worked hard to ensure that you’re getting the best podcast knowledge. We’ll still be periodically having guests, so if you’re interested in being featured reach out to the team.

Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell and MacKenzie BennettHow to grow your podcast is the age-old question. We have a few tips that may help you get the word out there and to attract more listeners to grow your podcast audience.

Target Audience* Growing your audience is difficult if you don’t know who they are in the first place * Stick to your topic and do it well * Your niche will lead you to your people, don’t bother with trying to cater to the masses

Be Where Your Potential Audience Is* Join Facebook groups, forums and other social media groups around your subject of interest * Comment on your topic in social media. Become well-known for being helpful (don’t just spam the groups) * Comment on news articles that apply to your topic. Again, be helpful and thoughtful and don’t spam * Attend trade shows, conferences and other events around your topic. It’s a great way to network with your given topic group and meet the movers and shakers in that area

Search-ability (The dreaded SEO)* Have a website (as we push all the time) * Write articles that are not podcasts on your site to boost search traffic * Write good show notes (see our episode on that here)

TV/Radio/Newspaper * Use what works for your audience. Get on TV or radio. A lot of local TV and Radio shows are looking for guests. Your podcast will get you to be the SME (Subject Matter Expert) on that topic. * Write articles for your newspaper (or any newspapers). Sometimes newspapers and news websites will take op-ed style articles. Many with links back to YOUR website and podcast.

Social Media Marketing* Work with other podcasters * Engage with your audience

It’s fairly easy to grow your podcast audience with old traditional marketing and the most importantly, word of mouth.

Got a subject you would like us to cover on the show, Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

• Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com
• Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com
• Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address:
Blubrry – MacKenzie
150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180
Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Profiting from your podcast is a common occurrence and something that most creators considers or hopes for at some point. Today, Blubrry is here to discuss the ways that podcasters can make money from their show.

We hope you enjoy today’s episode of Podcast Insider; we’ve worked hard to ensure that you’re getting the best podcast knowledge. We’ll still be periodically having guests, so if you’re interested in being featured reach out to the team.

Today’s Hosts: Todd Cochrane and MacKenzie BennettMonetize Your PodcastThe many ways in which you can monetize your podcast

Advertising

• Programmatic advertising: anyone can do this and ads can be about anything, however you’re not in control as the creator
• Sponsorships and ad deals: specific to that campaign and have detailed requirements within a contract
• Stats factor into any type of ad deal often times
• Can be dependent on if you have built an audience
• Joining an ad network can ease the process of finding advertisers and deals

Value4Value (V4V)

• Call back to last week’s episode, very simple once it’s set up properly
• From Podcast Index team – Blubrry has implemented many of the tools recently

Donations

• Loyal listeners may be inclined to donate to you
• Tried and true, it’s easy to add a donation button to your website anywhere
• Cashapp and Venmo are now also very popular and easy to use for this

Premium Content

• Early release of episodes for members
• Ad-free versions of the show
• Bonus content
• Extended content
• Apple premium
  • Allows for simplified premium listening for the audience (and our integration for creators)
  • There are lots of different ways to go about this

Selling Your Own Stuff

• Books
• Merch
• Other products you produce or sell
• Courses
• Paid webinars, summits and events
• Promoting your business

Passive Income

• Affiliate marketing
• Ads on your website

And of course, just do your podcast for the fun of it and forget the idea of monetization. That is the great thing about podcasting; it’s inexpensive and it’s quite fun.

Got a subject you would like us to cover on the show, Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

• Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com
• Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com
• Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address:
Blubrry – MacKenzie
150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180
Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Blubrry is dedicated to implementing Podcasting 2.0 features; today we’ll be exploring what some of these features are and how they work within the Blubrry Podcasting platform.

We hope you enjoy today’s episode of Podcast Insider; we’ve worked hard to ensure that you’re getting the best podcast knowledge. We’ll still be periodically having guests, so if you’re interested in being featured reach out to the team.

Today’s Hosts: Todd Cochrane and Mike DellWhat is RSS and why is it important to podcasting?

• Really Simple Syndication
• RSS is an OPEN web standard (not owned or controlled by anyone)
• It’s the primary way that podcasts are distributed
• It is what keeps podcasting an open medium that is not cancelable

What is the Podcasting 2.0 project?

• It’s an open project to add features to RSS
• It’s an open directory of podcasts (podcastindex.org)
• It’s a way to monetize podcasts via Value4Value rather than advertising

What new features are available through the Podcasting 2.0 project?

• Live Item – Allows you to announce via your RSS feed that you are going live. Adds the ability to listen/watch live without leaving your podcast app.
• V4V – Allows satellite streaming and boosts donations and comments via lighting (bitcoin)
• Transcripts / Closed captioning – Your transcript link in the feed can be viewed on apps that allow it. It also can be viewed on closed caption-capable players/apps.
• Credits – Who are your hosts, guests, producer and so on? Like movie credits right in your RSS feed
• TXT – An open tag for codes and other things to prove ownership once the email address is removed from the feed.
• Location – Allows you to set the location of your show or an episode.
• Cross-app comments – This allows people to comment on your episode no matter which app they are using, without leaving the app.
• GUID – A behind-the-scenes tag that identifies your podcast no matter where you host or move to. Kind of an ID number for your show.
• Funding – A place to put your donate link, such as Patreon, PayPal, Buymeacoffee or donate page right in the feed for apps to show.
• And more!

Why is Podcasting 2.0 important?

• It allows for innovation in the podcast industry
• It helps keep podcasting a free and open standard for the open web
• It offers alternative funding for shows thorough V4V
• Read more here

Got a subject you would like us to cover on the show, Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

• Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com
• Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com
• Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address:
Blubrry – MacKenzie
150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180
Columbus, Ohio 43235

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As we continue getting back to the basics of podcasting, on today’s Podcast Insider we explore the value of — and offer tips for — show notes.

We hope you enjoy today’s episode of Podcast Insider; we’ve worked hard to ensure that you’re getting the best podcast knowledge. We’ll still be periodically having guests on, so if you’re interested in being featured reach out to the team.

Today’s Hosts: Todd Cochrane and MacKenzie BennettShow notes describe your podcast: They are a quick synopsis of what your episode covers. Posted with your episode on your website, they show up in podcast apps (that is if you don’t change the app summary).

Include relevant links: They should include access to the resources mentioned in the show and expand on the topics you’ve discussed.

A good place for a plug: The notes can also include info on upcoming episodes, events, merch, etc.

An SEO savior: Most podcasters leave a lot to be desired when including additional information or sources they mention in their episodes. Yet, you can show up in search results for your topic when you use keywords appropriately, write enough (word count) and properly title your episode.

Use templates; save time: We use templates for our podcast show notes to save us time each episode. We’ve even created show notepads for fans of pen and paper. Apps handle HTML and links differently, but most often utilize links nowadays, making it easy for listeners.

Get help: If you’re unfamiliar with or uncomfortable writing, there are resources to help — whether on a regular basis or the first few times. Virtual assistants, launch partners (such as Pro-Production) and similar features are a great way to get a feel for what you want for your show.

Including show notes summarizes your content, allows listeners to get the most out of your episode, benefits any ads/sponsorships you have and, overall, brings your audience back to wherever you’d like them to visit.

Show notes are something you must do each episode to advance your show. Although sometimes cumbersome, if you to use them to the best of their ability, it does get easier and offers a great ROI of your time.

________________

Show notes are the description of your episode, posted on your website and shown in podcast apps (that is if you don’t change the app summary). They contain relevant links and information to the episode, upcoming episodes, events, merch, etc. We’ve been using them for our show every episode since the beginning back in 2008 or so.

Show notes can be an SEO savior for podcasters. To be frank, most podcasters don’t do show notes justice and leave a lot to be desired with the additional information or sources they’re mentioning. Show notes are a really great way to gain new listeners overall but also for specific episodes. You can show up in search results for your topic when you use keywords appropriately, write enough (word count) and properly title your episode.

We use a template for our show notes and it saves us time each and every episode. We’ve even created show notepads for those that are fans of pen and paper. Apps handle HTML and links differently, but most often utilize links nowadays making it easy for listeners.

Regularly using show notes assists listeners get the most out of your content, is great and useful for any ads/sponsorships you have, and overall bringing your audience back to wherever you’d like them to visit.

If you’re unfamiliar with or uncomfortable writing, this is also something that someone can help you with – whether that is on a regular basis or just the first few times. Virtual assistants, launch partners, etc. are a great way to get a feel for what you want for your show. You have to do show notes each episode if you want to use them to the best of their ability, and it gets easier. Highly recommended that you use a template and or format so that you’re not overwhelmed each time.

For more information visit these links.

• Show notes and episode descriptions
• Perfecting your podcast show notes
• Overall, podcast show notes

Pro-Production TipConsiderations when changing your podcast format

Got a subject you would like us to cover on the show, Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

• Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com
• Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com
• Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address:
Blubrry – MacKenzie
150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180
Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Tips to Getting Your Podcast GoingAs people that have launched lots of podcasts over the years, Todd and Mike from the Blubrry team are more than equipped to provide tips on the best way to start a podcast.

Welcome to the new look, new format Podcast Insider! For Episode 333, CEO Todd Cochrane (@GeekNews) and Blubrry Support Evangelist Mike Dell (@MGDell) take us back to the basics to discuss the best ways to start a podcast.

We hope you enjoy today’s episode of Podcast Insider; we’ve worked hard to ensure that you’re getting the best podcast knowledge. We’ll still be periodically having guests on, so if you’re interested in being featured reach out to the team.

Today’s Hosts: Todd Cochrane and Mike DellWe cover a variety of items at hand when starting your podcast.

Topics – Pick one you’re relentlessly passionate about and won’t run out of things to say about it; skip popular and stick with something you care about.

Podcast Titles – Do your research and secure the title quickly. Research other shows, you can do so here. Don’t make this too difficult to spell or pronounce.

Websites / Domains – Lock down a URL before it’s already taken. Consider if it will be your show title, network, business, your name, etc.

Artwork – 1400×1400 is recommended. Directories are very picky about this, so you have to get the specs right.

RSS Feed – Time to setup the lifeblood of a podcast; we suggest using PowerPress and Blubrry hosting.

Trailer / episode 0 / launch episodes – Should you do them or not? It depends, but it typically doesn’t hurt to give audiences a heads up.

Directories – You can’t submit to directories until you have your first episode; Apple, Spotify & Podcast Index. The page on where to submit your podcast can help.

Pro-Production TipBatch Recording and Social Media Setup

Got a subject you would like us to cover on the show, Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

• Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com
• Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com
• Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address:
Blubrry – MacKenzie
150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180
Columbus, Ohio 43235

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There comes a time that you should refresh your podcast; change something up. And it’s time for Blubrry to do the same. Next week we’ll be back with a whole new format and some stylistic changes but still the same team. We’re pairing back on the number of topics we discuss each week so we can really give our expertise on the topics at hand. We think you’ll really enjoy the change. In the meantime, Mike and MacKenzie discuss big tech in podcasting, some listener data and more.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

News* “Big Tech is Bad for Podcasting” Leo Laporte on the Podnews Weekly Review * What do chart-topping podcasts have in common? * US people between 13-34, one third of them listen to podcasts every day * Confirmed: Google will remove Podcasts Search carousel on February 13th – https://podnews.net/uploads/google-podcasts-feb13.png + To be replaced by a “new feature” * Crooked Media podcasters move forward to unionize with WGA (Writers Guild of America East)

Best PracticeKeeping your podcast fresh

Every once in a while you need to change things up to improve your podcast and keep it interesting for podcasters and the listener.

Blubrry News* This podcast will be changing up the format a bit next week. If there is a subject you want us to dig into, let us know! Email mike@blubrry.com

Blubrry Pro TipThe Power of Audio vs. Video

Question of the WeekQuestion: I’ve got to know how can I use the Blueberry listeners statistics dashboard to see downloads for a single episode on a specific day?

Answer: Ah yes, good question! Go to the Blubrry dashboard and click on See all Statistics under the stats chart. Then, in the blue bar at the top, click on Episodes. From there find the episode you want to check out. Click on it. (the file name). Once you do that, you can scroll down to “trending” and hover over the graph and the daily numbers will show up for each day.

Got a subject you would like us to cover in detail, drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Produced and edited by the Blubrry Pro Production team at BlubrryPro.com.

Thanks for listening to Podcast Insider. Join us next week or better yet, Subscribe or Follow in the podcast app of your choice.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Coming to you this week from Columbus, Ohio & Traverse City, Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

• Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com
• Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com
• Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address:
Blubrry – MacKenzie
150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180
Columbus, Ohio 43235

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We’re just learning the power of Value4Value for podcasters. Blubrry recently released this new RSS feed feature and we are excited to see where it leads for podcasters. Todd and Mike discuss how it works in details and some of the other Podcasting 2.0 tags released in PowerPress recently.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

News The State of Podcasting 2022 * The Ambies announce their nominees for 2023 * PodcastGuests.com announces acquisition * Spotify CEO “I may have gotten carried away with spending…” * Drift Off With Joe Pera*, a new podcast

Best PracticeValue4Value

Value4Value is more than a tech thing; it’s a way for your audience to support and interact with you and your show. It’s an alternative to advertising which can free you up to do things on your show that advertisers may disapprove of.

Setting up Value4Value is getting easier for both the podcaster and the podcast listener. As an example, here at Blubrry, we have partnered with Alby to make getting a wallet easier.

Check out more info here: https://value4value.info

Here are the steps to set this up on your podcast with Blubrry.

1. Sign up for an account at getalby.com
2. Fund your wallet over there
3. In your Blubrry feed settings (PowerPress or Publisher) link your account to Alby in the Experimental tab
4. Promote on your show that you are now V4V enabled
5. Tell your listeners to check out a new podcast app over at newpodcastapps.com

Blubrry News* PowerPress 9.10 is out. It has all the Podcasting 2.0 features that we have rolled out so far. * If you’re headed to Podcast Movement Evolutions in March and would like to schedule a meeting with us, do so here. * Todd and Mike will be on the Podcasting 2.0 show with Adam Curry and Dave Jones tomorrow. Check it out here or watch for a live notice in Podverse or Podcast Addict (you must subscribe to the show first).

Blubrry Pro TipAI, don’t think so

Question of the WeekQuestion: I’m using PowerPress for my feed and want to switch to using Blubrry Publisher. Is this possible? What are the advantages and disadvantages of doing this?

Answer: Yes, this is possible. The disadvantage is that your feed will no longer come from your own domain. The advantage of this would be that you don’t have to worry about the functionality of your website to keep your podcast online.

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? OR a subject you would like us to cover on the show.Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Produced and edited by the Blubrry Pro Production team.

Thanks for listening to Podcast Insider. Join us next week or better yet, Subscribe or Follow in the podcast app of your choice.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Coming to you this week from Columbus, Ohio & Traverse City, Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

• Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com
• Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com
• Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address:
Blubrry – MacKenzie
150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180
Columbus, Ohio 43235

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In recent years we’ve seen how people are getting their podcast change. New apps, new formats etc. But does an RSS feed make a podcast, a real podcast? We discuss in various topics today how podcasting has evolved, changes to podcast RSS feeds, most importantly with Podcasting 2.0 initiatives and more on today’s episode of Podcast Insider with Mike and MacKenzie.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

News* Spotify laying off 600 more people * Vox Media laying off 7% of its workforce * Is the number of new podcasts REALLY down 80% over 2020? * Podcast downloads UP in 2022 * Full schedule for Podcast Movement Evolutions is out now * .FM domains are dominated by podcasting, not radio.

Best PracticeVideo Podcasting: Do’s and dont’s and why you might be making it too hard on yourself. Again, does an RSS feed make a podcast?

Blubrry News* Podcasting 2.0 features released! RSS feed features available in Publisher and PowerPress. * Be sure to check out our YouTube channel. We will be posting a lot of how-to videos soon. * Todd is speaking at Podfest Expo in Orlando today and Friday.

Blubrry Pro TipWhen is a podcast not a podcast?

Question of the WeekQuestion: I have another person managing my podcast, but I don’t want them to have my login info. Can I have additional users on my Blubrry account?

Answer: Yes! We have account sharing. To find that, go to the Podcaster Dashboard at Blubrry.com and select your show (if you have more than one) and click on Show > Manage and then Sharing settings. You can invite people by email and give them access to your stats or publishing or both on the show level. They will not have access to the other shows on your account or your account settings.

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Coming to you this week from Columbus, Ohio & Traverse City, Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

• Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com
• Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com
• Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address:
Blubrry – MacKenzie
150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180
Columbus, Ohio 43235

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The great debate in podcasting: sound vs. video. Podcasting is most often known as audio, but in recent years has taken a sharp turn to video as well. Podcast sound only reigns king for regular publishing, but video has a purpose. Mike and Todd discuss podcast sound, some amazing new Blubrry releases and we feature a pro-production tip about you guessed it – podcast sound.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

News* Do listeners want video? * Why video can’t replace audio in podcasting * Podcasts removed from search at Google + Is the Google Podcasts app going away? * New (launching) podcast creation has drastically dropped since 2020

Best PracticeWhile not accessible to everyone, if you have the means, consider upping your bandwidth to reduce issues when recording.

If you can’t upgrade your bandwidth, here are some tricks that may help

1. Do not use wifi; use a wired connection to your router.
2. Do a double-ender recording where each host records themselves.
3. Do not use video on either end.

Blubrry News* Quicklinks was launched this week for Blubrry hosting customers. * Media Mastering by Auphonic released today. Free until February 18th. * Podcast 2.0 features added to Blubrry Publisher. PowerPress and more info next week! * Todd is speaking at Podfest Expo in Orlando Thursday and Friday. If you are in the area, we have some expo-only passes available.

Blubrry Pro TipWhat do you sacrifice with bad sound?
Thanks for the tip, Kate

Question of the WeekQuestion: What are LUFS? Why is -16lufs the standard for podcasting?

Answer: Lufs stand for “Loudness Unit Full Scale” which to ordinary people means as loud as a system can handle. For podcasters, it just means that your show’s audio will be as loud as it should be, and if we all do -16lufs, people won’t have to change the volume on their device between shows at that value. Not sure who or why -16 is the standard, but it is for now.

More reading for the sound geeks: https://www.edmprod.com/lufs/

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Coming to you this week from The New Media Production studio in Coldwater, Michigan & Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

• Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com
• Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com
• Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address:
Blubrry – MacKenzie
150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180
Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Our first big release of the year was working with Apple. We now integrate with Apple Podcast Subscription shows for easy publishing directly from the Blubrry platform.

Anyone producing a premium subscription based Apple Podcast can now publish their premium episodes directly through our platform and we’re very excited about it. Tune in to hear more on that feature as well as some cools tools in Slack and for Podcasting 2.0.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

News Apple Podcast Subscriptions integrated into the Blubrry platform * PRX using V4V in a new way * Levar Burton is launching his first kid’s podcast, Sound Detectives* * Slack now produces a transcript if you upload an audio file. Not sure how useable it is yet, but we discovered that last week. Other chat services have this too. * True Crime podcast listener now a murder suspect

Best PracticeReach out to be a guest on your favorite podcast! We don’t mean your favorite podcast that is not relevant to insights or expertise that you can provide, but you should reach out to be a guest on a show you’re familiar with for a meaningful conversation.

Blubrry News* Lots of Podcasting 2.0 features are now in the Blubrry publisher. Learn more here and here. + Location + Transcripts + Chapters + Person + Live Item + TXT + Podping + Value (V4V) Coming very soon * PowerPress will be updated with the same tags very soon * Todd will be keynote speaking at Podfest Expo in Orlando Thursday and Friday – If you are in the area, we have some expo-only passes available. Reach out to MacKenzie. * Todd will also speak at Podcast Movement Evolutions in Las Vegas in March.

Blubrry Pro TipFirst Impressions Artwork

Question of the WeekQuestion:I use an AudioTechnica ATH-M50 headset for my podcasting, but I need to buy three more pairs for guests, and I don’t want to spend $200 on each pair. Can you recommend a “decent” headphone option that sounds neutral and easy to listen to for long periods of time that’s under $100?

Answer: (Mike)I have a set of Sony MDR 7506 headphones that I like a lot. They are around $80 and seem tough as well. At least I haven’t broken them yet 🙂 (Todd) You could likely go cheaper than that for guests. As long as they can hear you and the headphones are comfortable, it shouldn’t be an issue.

Sony Headphones at B&H

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Coming to you this week from The New Media Production studio in Coldwater, Michigan & Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

• Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com
• Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com
• Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address:
Blubrry – MacKenzie
150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180
Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Enough with the 2022 recap, we’re here to focus on what’s ahead for 2023. Mike and MacKenzie review some recent articles predicting and focusing on potential changes the podcast industry; it’s a bit foreboding. Working in podcasting for so long, both of them give their best takes on ad dollars, networks, even the economy.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

News* Great Podcasting Market Correction from Bloomberg * A Rocky 2023 for Podcasting? from The Verge * 30 experts give their forecast for podcasting in 2023 * What are some of Mike and MacKenzie’s predictions for podcasting in 2023? + MacKenzie – Hoping for better search within apps + Mike – Predicting Joe Rogan will leave Spotify

Best PracticeDon’t Ghost Your Guest!

Encourage your guest to share your episode when it’s published! Easier said than done but there are many ways to make it easier for them to share said episode. Follow an email schedule / template where you follow up with a link to the episode; social media handles if they want to tag (and ask for theirs) and clue them into other cool places they can share their link.

Blubrry News* Todd is attending CES in Las Vegas, he can provide a quick tech recap next week tpn.tv * Looking to start off the month of January with a Podcaster of the Month blog feature, guest on this show, etc. Email MacKenzie! * Integrations, announcements and releases coming soon, starting next week.

Blubrry Pro TipAds for your podcast

Question of the WeekQuestion: From a flurry of support tickets this week – What are the ‘Podcast Landing Page URL’ and ‘Podcast Mirror Feed URL’ fields for in PowerPress?

Answer: “Podcast landing page” is where you can put a page you want people to go to if they click “Podcast Homepage” in Apple and other apps.

“Podcast Mirror feed URL” is used when you choose to use the Podcast Mirror service that Blubrry offers. This can also be used to create a 301 redirect to a new feed if you are moving away from PowerPress to generate your RSS feed.

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Coming to you this week from MacKenzie’s studio in Columbus, Ohio & Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

• Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com
• Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com
• Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address:
Blubrry – MacKenzie
150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180
Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Todd and Mike review how the predictions panned out for this last year. Also, Mike had a little fun with the RoadCaster Pro’s cart buttons 🙂 Todd paid the $1 bet. It was fun and a little rough around the edges.

Happy New Year! See ya in 2023!

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

• Carolyn Berry from Adventures with Grammy, says her show will double its listeners in 2022. ( good plug! ) Don’t know. Carolyn? Did it double?
• Maxwell Ivey Jr. from What’s Your Excuse network and The Blind Blogger says: I predict even more people, companies, and organizations will launch podcasts.
  • I predict Spotify and others will continue to try to win the podcasting world like it’s a game of monopoly.
  • I predict that more people will be hosting with Blubrry.
• Dave Keeshan from The Future is Not Set, I predict the option to open a payment stream to podcasts will increase. So far Patreon and buymeacoffee.com are sorta fits. The start of tipping, or lightning/crypto payments, or anything that can be done from a handheld device will become more common. This will hopefully happen as a result of people’s frustration with the increase of ads into their podcast experience. Hopefully, this will also lead to a more dynamic podcast, where they can be delivered with and without ads.
  • There will be more live streaming like events/productions. Clubhouse, Fireside, Wisdom, are all chasing “something”. The thing, live, interactive audio, which can be recorded and released later as a podcast, maybe as different as radio shows are to podcasts (which are also released after the fact as podcasts)
• The CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast’s prediction for 2022 @checkheadpod is that it will be the biggest year for podcast growth as more people turn to #podcasts for safe, enjoyable & free entertainment during #pandemiclife.
• Josh – Tips of the Slung I wouldn’t be surprised if some of the shows under the banners of bigger companies (in particular shows that were independent and successful prior to signing) try to break their contracts and go indie again.
• Daniel J. Lewis from Audacity to Podcast – I expect we’ll see another huge platform support podcasts—maybe Microsoft, Twitter, or LinkedIn. Also much bigger adoption of Podcasting 2.0.
• Jim Malliard from The Malliard Report: I predict Spotify will close the free version of anchor and try to recruit shows to only be on Spotify, only with free music accounts.

Articles: HotPod / The Verge’s predictions (toward the bottom of this article) * Pacific Content’s Annual Prediction article* * Kids’ Podcast Predictions for 2022

From the Team: Toby Goodman from Blubrry Pro Production: ​​There will be at least one best selling book about podcasting coming in late Feb! (hint: Toby is writing a book) 🙂 + Ultimately I say this… The industry will be split into even more subsections from a revenue-generating standpoint. I don’t think paid subscriptions will grow wildly unless podcasters are prepared to give more than just… more audio away. ie: More in-person events, memberships… * Barry Kantz* – I think the blockchain will have an impact on podcasting over the next couple of years.

Todd’s Predictions: 1. Facebook will be #2 by end of 2022 (BONK!) 2. More consolidation of conglomerates buying podcast companies (Some) 3. More advertising opportunities for independent podcasters (Yes) 4. The growth of the podcast space will go back to pre-pandemic levels (Maybe?) 5. More companies will exercise private podcasting in their organizations (Some) 6. Anchor will add another million dead show (Yes) 7. Apple will open up API submission to Apple Podcasts (soon)

Mike’s Predictions: 1. Facebook WILL NOT be the #2 listening platform by the end of 2022. (Yes!) 2. Soundcloud will still exist (even though I’ve been predicting its death for years). (yes) 3. Feedburner will continue to be barely active with a slight update from Google. (yes) 4. I will get a wild hair and start another podcast of some sort. NOT related to podcasting. (yes, sort of) 5. Joe Rogan will announce he is leaving Spotify as an exclusive and will return to being an independent podcaster/YouTuber. (nope) 6. One of the social audio apps (Clubhouse, Fireside* and the like) will announce they are shutting down sometime in 2022. (nope) 7. Rob Greenlee will grow a beard 🙂 (Yes)

Blubrry Pro Tip – Audio QueuesTech Podcasts Network CES coverage – TechPodcasts.com

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Coming to you this week from The New Media Production studio in Coldwater, Michigan & Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

• Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com
• Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com
• Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address:
Blubrry – MacKenzie
150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180
Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Podcasts tend to follow a routine or format each episode. Most often this is a good thing for the audience as repetition is conductive to building loyalty. That doesn’t mean you need to stick to the format that you’ve always done. Thanks to Kate from the Pro-Production team for joining Mike this episode, they have some great discussions on podcast format changes, mastermind groups and more.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

News* Spotify may rebrand Anchor * Overcast web player will remain after all * Will Joe Rogan renew with Spotify? * Apple’s holiday deadline for adding new shows, channels or subscription shows may be slower than normal from Dec 23rd to Jan 2nd.

Best PracticeBe wary of the so-called podcast mastermind groups. Anyone can call themselves a mastermind, and certainly plenty of podcasters that know a bit about podcasting do call themselves just that. Sometimes these groups and orgs can be very helpful, but a lot of the time, they’re not worth the hype and definitely not worth the money. As you head into the new year with renewed energy, do your research. Keep in mind, this advice also applies to podcast networks.

Blubrry News* Blog post: Remembering Blubrry in 2022 * Next week’s show, we pull up what was predicted for 2022 and see how we did. 🙂 It should be fun! * We have a lot of team members that are enjoying the holiday season away from work. Response times in sales and support will be slower than usual this week and next. * Holiday hours for Blubrry Support: + December 23, 8 am – 12 pm (Half Day) + December 26, Closed + December 30, 8 am – 12 pm (Half Day) + January 2, Closed

Blubrry Pro TipThe Value of DAI

Question of the Week Question: Our podcast uses a rigorous format. I think our listeners will get bored with that over time. When is a good time to switch things up? Also, what is your advice on how to make format changes?

Answer: Always. A basic show format is good to have, but mixing that format up based on the core content of your show is always a good idea. A Blubrry customer, Cancer Covered, is a good example of taking your base format and customizing it for each episode so your listeners have a fresh take and listen to current (and past) episodes with fresh ears. While some things should remain constant, your audio logo for example, swap out other music beds. Offer an “ad free” episode for a week or two and simply give your listeners a great conversation or bit of information. There are lots of ways to keep your show fresh and inviting to your current and new listeners.

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Coming to you this week Kate from the Blubrry Pro-Production Studios in Tecumseh, Michigan & Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

• Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com
• Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com
• Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address:
Blubrry – MacKenzie
150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180
Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Many people have asked, even we have pondered and answered, and now there is a report on the best day to release a podcast. Kind of. A report has recently been released providing percentages on how popular each day of the week is to release a new episode. The data may surprise you.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

News True Crime Podcast Proof helped to free 2 men after 25 years in prison * What is the best day to release a podcast? Here’s a report on the subject: What day are the most podcast episodes released? * NPR Student challenge is back for 2023 * Live podcasting, the open way from Dave Jones * Spotify cuts live audio shows * Good Housekeeping’s 40 best podcasts of 2022 * SmartLess Media formed by the hosts behind SmartLess* podcast with Will Arnett, Jason Bateman and Sean Hayes. They announced four shows that will debut in 2023, hosted by fellow celebrities.

Best PracticeUse your voice to the best of your ability, and forgo trying to ‘sound like a podcaster’. The best advice we can give to anyone that is anxious about how their voice sounds, is to do it anyway. Your conversational voice will most likely work best; and the content is the most important part. Articulate yourself well and your voice will follow suit.

Blubrry News* Blubrry offices will be closed the Monday after Christmas (Boxing day) and the Monday after New Year’s Day. We will also be out the Friday afternoons of Christmas Eve and New Years Eve. * We are still head down on a bunch of new features and a couple of new products. Look for some announcements after the first of the year. * One of those features will be Value 4 Value, where you will be able to get donations to your show via Sats (small parts of bitcoin). This show is enabled for V4V so if you are listening on a supported app (Fountain, Podverse, or others), you can send us a boost.

Blubrry Pro TipPodcast Gear/Tech

Question of the WeekQuestion: What are the 3 or 4 best destinations to submit my podcast to?

Answer: Well, you want to try to be as everywhere as you can. But if you want to pick the most important ones, I would say submit your show to these four:

• Apple Podcasts
• Google Podcasts
• Spotify
• Podcast Index

It doesn’t hurt to submit to all the others. If you are a PowerPress or Blubrry user, go to the destinations settings and submit to them all. (Don’t lose any sleep over it)

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Coming to you this week from MacKenzie’s Home Studio in Columbus, OH & Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

• Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com
• Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com
• Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address:
Blubrry – MacKenzie
150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180
Columbus, Ohio 43235

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As the year comes to a close, the end-of-year 2022 podcast articles can be found in abundance, many of which Todd and Mike discuss in today’s episode of Podcast Insider. Along with insights from the year, we focus on if you should take a break with your podcast and promotion opportunities during the holidays. Audio and microphone enthusiasts, stick around for the question of the week.

Live Facebook recording.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

News2022 Podcast Insights* Sounds profitable put out a report called “Safe and Sound” about listener brand safety * Some insights into the most successful segments of podcasting in 2022 * 2022 Podcaster Wrapped from Spotify, released on Nov. 30. Hosts, if you haven’t looked at this yet, maybe you’ve got your own stats for your show * What PR pros should know about podcasting – lots of helpful stats on podcast creation trends * Westwood One and PodcastOne founder, Norm Pattiz, has died at 79 * Fellow podcast hosting company employee BJ Forsyth (Scrum Master for the Dev team at Libsyn) passed away in a car accident. * Rob Greenlee, formerly of Microsoft, PodcastOne, Spreaker, and most recently Libsyn, is now working at Podbean as SVP, Content and Partnerships. Congrats Rob! + He also is using a Mac! 😀

Best PracticeTis the season for giveaways. If you’re feeling extra giving this holiday season, consider gifting your loyal listeners and fans with a merchandise gift, or in-person or virtual experience, a special shout-out on the show. The ideas are endless, but the thought and kindness to your listeners is what counts. Also, this works great for bringing together hosts in podcast networks with large, overlapping audiences.

Blubrry News* Blog Post: What to Consider When Choosing a Length for Your Podcast by Jen Thorpe. This article is a nice companion read to the PR Pros from our news segment. * We’re beginning to compile a 2022 Blubrry and industry recap article – let us know if there is a specific data point you’d like to find out * Wrapping up a handful of projects before the end of the year, they were mentioned in the latest newsletter and be sure to look for our upcoming newsletter before Christmas

Blubrry Pro TipTaking a podcast break during the holidays?

Question of the WeekQuestion: From Facebook: Hello! I always record audio only for my show, but another show invited me as a guest host, and they also record video. I have a webcam attached to my windows 11 PC and my mic running through an Audient interface. Does anyone know if this will allow for the camera to capture video and the microphone to capture the audio during the episode recording? In the past, my attempt with this setup always found the mic on the webcam taking precedence over my interface. I appreciate any and all suggestions or advice in advance.

Answer: Depending on what they use for communications to record (ie. Skype, Zoom or whatever) you can set the audio to your Audient interface and the video to your webcam. That is what we do here. I set my camera to my webcam and audio to the Rodecaster (my interface) in the Skype settings. Zoom and the others have the same settings.

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Coming to you this week from the New Media Production Studio in Coldwater, Michigan & Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

• Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com
• Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com
• Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address:
Blubrry – MacKenzie
150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180
Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Back from the long holiday week last week, Todd and Mike talk about The Podcast Show London, What started the podcasting idea and Apple’s podcast of the year 2022. Plus many more things.

Live Facebook recording.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

News The Podcast Show London is back for May 2023 * The Death of Twitter: What Does it Mean for Podcasters? * The genesis of Podcasting * Adobe adds a free Mic Checker online * As purpose-driven ads face challenges this holiday, could podcasting provide a lift? * Apple chose their podcast of the year, Slow Burn: Roe v. Wade* * Lots of shows disappeared from Spotify this week. It was a bug at Spotify. It should be corrected now.

Best PracticeWhen changing your website URL or building a new website, Be careful! It could be an extinction event for your show.

Blubrry News* Blog post: Leaning into Adult Content by Tara – like tar * Podcasters of the Month * Newsletter went out earlier this week + Lots of new features + Some are powered by Podcasting 2.0.

Blubrry Pro Tip – Who vs. How?Blubrry Pro TipConfidence to podcast

Question of the WeekQuestion: Is it possible to do a show with a new host every episode? We are doing a company show and want experts in our company to host an episode and pass the hosting around to different people in the company.

Answer: Yes, everything is possible! In Podcasting, there are no rules for the content. We do that on this show. We rotate between 3 hosts and sometimes other people. The key is to have a standard format. Or maybe one point person that does the intro every time and turns it over to that episode’s host.

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Coming to you this week from the New Media Production Studio in Coldwater, Michigan & Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

• Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com
• Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com
• Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address:
Blubrry – MacKenzie
150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180
Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Perfecting your podcast show notes can be done. We tell you how and reference our most recent blog post on the subject written by Meryl Klemow. As the holiday dates begin, schedule your podcast submissions, publishing, launching, etc. accordingly.

Live Facebook recording.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes. News

Apple is auto-tagging individual podcast episodes by topic Alex Blumberg has left Spotify / Gimlet Media  Our partner, Headliner, now allows people to upload their entire episode to YouTube; limited to Pro and Enterprise subscribers Apple Podcasts is hosting numerous webinars, including Nov. 17 and 18. View the full list of dates and webinar topics such as setting up subscriptions here. Spotify releases “video podcasting” in 180 countries Apple holiday schedule is beginning on Nov 19, prepare for delays until January. 1 in 5 Americans listen to podcasts daily.

Best Practice Write your podcast and show notes for the genre you're producing. Nonfiction Writing Lessons from the Planet Money Podcast. 

Blubrry News

Blog post: Podcast Show Notes by Meryl Klemow The Blubrry team will be out Thursday and Friday of next week for the Thanksgiving holiday. Please be patient as we catch up on Monday.

Blubrry Pro Tip Confidence to podcast

Question of the Week Question (from Reddit): I need to get a good microphone but want to go with a USB to start with. Is it best to get something like the MV7 USB/XLR just in case I want to add a mixer in the future? Or can a just USB mic be OK? What other mics should I look at? Answer:  It’s best to get something you can grow with.  The Shure MV7 is a great choice but if you want something a little cheaper, but still good, the Audio-Technica ATR-2100X  and the Samson Q2U are good choices. Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group. The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. Coming to you this week from the New Media Production Studio in Coldwater, Michigan & Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team. Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Once you get the dream guest, you need to nail your podcast interview. Easier said than done for most, so we are here to provide some tips on how to approach your podcast interview. Along with our interview tip from the Pro-Production team, we also have articles about the Hot Pod Summit, Facebook Live Audio and what to do with your podcast around the holidays.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

Live Facebook recording. News

Hot Pod Summit recap, from Ariel Shapiro.

Scripted podcasting still hasn’t had its “Serial” moment How Crooked Media combats the right-wing talk machine Why late-night comedy shifted to podcasting

Facebook Live Audio rooms closing Dec 1st Podcast statistics providers that are IAB certified will have to be re-certified annually from now on. More details here. Overcast is discontinuing the web version of the player Speaking of Overcast, Dave Jackson from School of podcast is moving from Overcast to Castomatic for his own podcast listening Lead Balloon recorded an episode in an F-18 fighter jet (episode 37 and a YouTube Video) 

Best Practice The holidays are here. Should you take a break over the holidays? Ways to keep your audience listening if you do take a break:

Pre-record episodes if you show lends itself to it Do a best of show with clips from past episodes Everyone is familiar with a re-run Perhaps a cross-post with another podcast (with permission of course)  Play podsafe xmas music? :)

Blubrry News

PowerPress updated to 9.7.2. Be sure to keep ALL your plugins up to date in WordPress! We are working hard on some new features like Podcast 2.0 tags/features and some integrations with 3rd party services you will love! We are having an open Q&A about starting and growing your podcast, with Todd and Mike. The webinar will be next Tuesday, November 15th at 4:30pm EST. Sign up here.

Blubrry Pro Tip Nail Your Podcast Interview: How to approach an interview as the host.

Question of the Week Question: From Jimmy in the Blubrry Facebook group: Is there a way to distribute my podcast feed to SoundCloud? Answer: SoundCloud is not a syndication point. It's an origination point (like YouTube). You have to publish directly on there to get something on SoundCloud. it's not worth the trouble. Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group. The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. Coming to you this week from the New Media Production Studio in Coldwater, Michigan & Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team. Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Choosing a podcast name comes with some challenges, but like most things in life, it can be made easier with assistance from others. We urge you to choose your podcast title and associated branding materials wisely. Aside from podcast titles we focus on podcast listener growth, podcast ad sales and a reminder that we're happy to migrate any podcaster from their current podcast host. Todd is back and MacKenzie is filling in for Mike; next week we'll be back to our regularly scheduled programming.

Live Facebook recording.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes. News

Spoken word growing among younger audiences, a significant boost in gen z listeners Apple publishes insights about growing subscription podcasts Amazon offers ad-free music and podcasts with Prime membership Very little ad growth in Q3; it fell during the summer and picked up early fall. An increase in brand awareness advertising and decrease in direct response. Sounder.fm shutting down its podcast hosting. If you're looking to save your podcast and move to Blubrry please contact us and we'll give you details on our migration offerings.

Best Practice Choosing a podcast name: Pick a distinct and memorable podcast title. Does your podcast name make sense to everyone or just you? Along with this is a well thought out and designed cover art. It never hurts to get a few pairs of eyes to weigh in on these choices. Lastly, consider SEO advantages and disadvantages with desired title.

Blubrry News

Blog Post: We’re Hiring: Social Media Strategist

Blubrry Pro Tip Interview Tips - Conversation

Question of the Week Question: Is posting / promoting my podcast daily too much? Answer: Perhaps. It’s all very circumstantial, however we believe that engagement on a daily basis can get you further in the long run. People are more likely to overlook scheduled posts (on all platforms) about episodes or subscribing, etc. if you post every day as opposed to interacting with your comments, retweets, stories, and more. They want to feel involved. In a parasocial world, give the people a bit of what they want and you’ll go far. Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group. The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. Coming to you this week from the New Media Production Studio in Coldwater, Michigan & MacKenzie’s undisclosed location in Columbus, Ohio. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team. Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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There comes a time as a podcaster that you run into some technical problem with your show and you need to reach out to your service company. We are that company and have some tips on how to help us help you with your podcasting problems.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes. News

The privacy reports never stop. Podnews: Podcast app sent your location to any podcast publisher 27th annual Webby Awards are open for entries. Early entry closes on Oct. 28 There are 573 podcasters in Saudi Arabia Squadcast has been granted their patent for their recording engine. Get the full description here. Nuvoodo says that 38% of podcast listeners have bought something they heard about on a podcast. We definitely have bought something advertising on a podcast. Here comes the Gen Z listeners. And an interesting connect to Gen X.

Best Practice Determine how you’d like to measure your podcast success. There’s a multitude of ways to measure how well a podcast is performing, and it can be overwhelming if you’re looking at too much data. Pick a few benchmarks and analytics you want to focus on. These can change over time of course, but hone in on a few at a time for better understanding.

Blubrry News

Todd had an eye-opening experience at Ignite the Sound in Saudi Arabia. We have some new features and integrations coming soon.  If you’re looking to be an Apple premium subscription launch partner, please reach out to us ASAP.

Blubrry Pro Tip Grow your podcast with Narrow Podcasting (learn more here)

Support Advice Question of the Week Help Us Help You, Podcast - The more information you provide support (not just us, but anyone) the better we can serve you and get any issues fixed quickly. Some things that will greatly help us help you faster are:

When calling, have your login information and better yet, be logged into your site, your account at Blubrry and any other services you need help with. Know your RSS feed address or at least HOW/where the RSS is generated. (Blubrry Publisher, WordPress with PowerPress or some other way). If it’s a billing issue, have your payment method handy when you call.  Use the contact form at Blubrry.com/support OR call the 877 number.  Direct emails and calls can get lost as they are harder to keep track of. Leave a voicemail if we don’t answer right away. PLEASE do not keep trying over and over. Leave a voicemail and we WILL get back to you.

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group. The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. Coming to you this week from Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan & MacKenzie’s undisclosed location in Columbus, Ohio. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team. Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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There comes a time as a podcaster that you run into some technical problem with your show and you need to reach out to your service company. We are that company and have some tips on how to help us help you with your podcasting problems.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes. News

The privacy reports never stop. Podnews: Podcast app sent your location to any podcast publisher 27th annual Webby Awards are open for entries. Early entry closes on Oct. 28 There are 573 podcasters in Saudi Arabia Squadcast has been granted their patent for their recording engine. Get the full description here. Nuvoodo says that 38% of podcast listeners have bought something they heard about on a podcast. We definitely have bought something advertising on a podcast. Here comes the Gen Z listeners. And an interesting connect to Gen X.

Best Practice Determine how you’d like to measure your podcast success. There’s a multitude of ways to measure how well a podcast is performing, and it can be overwhelming if you’re looking at too much data. Pick a few benchmarks and analytics you want to focus on. These can change over time of course, but hone in on a few at a time for better understanding.

Blubrry News

Todd had an eye-opening experience at Ignite the Sound in Saudi Arabia. We have some new features and integrations coming soon.  If you’re looking to be an Apple premium subscription launch partner, please reach out to us ASAP.

Blubrry Pro Tip Grow your podcast with Narrow Podcasting (learn more here)

Support Advice Question of the Week Help Us Help You, Podcast - The more information you provide support (not just us, but anyone) the better we can serve you and get any issues fixed quickly. Some things that will greatly help us help you faster are:

When calling, have your login information and better yet, be logged into your site, your account at Blubrry and any other services you need help with. Know your RSS feed address or at least HOW/where the RSS is generated. (Blubrry Publisher, WordPress with PowerPress or some other way). If it’s a billing issue, have your payment method handy when you call.  Use the contact form at Blubrry.com/support OR call the 877 number.  Direct emails and calls can get lost as they are harder to keep track of. Leave a voicemail if we don’t answer right away. PLEASE do not keep trying over and over. Leave a voicemail and we WILL get back to you.

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group. The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. Coming to you this week from Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan & MacKenzie’s undisclosed location in Columbus, Ohio. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team. Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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People, specifically creators may ask, has podcasting peaked? We don't really think so, but listen to today's episode to find out exactly why. MacKenzie joins Mike to discuss Tik-Tok entering the podcasting arena, working for Howard Stern, podcast websites and a whole lot more.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes. News

Tik-Tok is ‘going’ after podcasting. Want to work on the Howard Stern channel? They're hiring now.  Pocket Casts mobile apps are now open source The Podcast Academy announced three new board members. Congrats! Podcast releases new episode on cassette YouTube introducing a new identity feature, handles.

Best Practice Website or at least dedicated web page for your podcast. Creating a place where people can easily locate any links, social media tags, episodes, merch, etc. is going to make your life as a podcaster easier.

Blubrry News

Blog Post: When to Rebrand Your Podcast by Tara O’Brien Podcaster of the Month: Kimberly Cain from The Naked Vibes Show Todd is at Ignite the Sound in Riyadh, SA We are working on bringing some more Podcasting 2.0 features to our platform. To check out Podcasting 2.0 enabled apps, visit https://podcastindex.org/apps and try out a new listening app with some of these new features.

Blubrry Pro Tip Has podcasting peaked?

Question of the Week Question: When is the best time to record a podcast? Answer: 11am EST on Thursdays :) There is no perfect time for everyone, but there is a perfect time for YOU. Whenever you have the time. Hopefully at a quiet time of the day in your household or recording spot. Podcasting is an “on demand” medium. That not only goes for the listener, but the podcaster as well. Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group. The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. Coming to you this week from Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan & MacKenzie’s undisclosed location in Columbus, Ohio. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team. Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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People, specifically creators may ask, has podcasting peaked? We don't really think so, but listen to today's episode to find out exactly why. MacKenzie joins Mike to discuss Tik-Tok entering the podcasting arena, working for Howard Stern, podcast websites and a whole lot more.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes. News

Tik-Tok is ‘going’ after podcasting. Want to work on the Howard Stern channel? They're hiring now.  Pocket Casts mobile apps are now open source The Podcast Academy announced three new board members. Congrats! Podcast releases new episode on cassette YouTube introducing a new identity feature, handles.

Best Practice Website or at least dedicated web page for your podcast. Creating a place where people can easily locate any links, social media tags, episodes, merch, etc. is going to make your life as a podcaster easier.

Blubrry News

Blog Post: When to Rebrand Your Podcast by Tara O’Brien Podcaster of the Month: Kimberly Cain from The Naked Vibes Show Todd is at Ignite the Sound in Riyadh, SA We are working on bringing some more Podcasting 2.0 features to our platform. To check out Podcasting 2.0 enabled apps, visit https://podcastindex.org/apps and try out a new listening app with some of these new features.

Blubrry Pro Tip Has podcasting peaked?

Question of the Week Question: When is the best time to record a podcast? Answer: 11am EST on Thursdays :) There is no perfect time for everyone, but there is a perfect time for YOU. Whenever you have the time. Hopefully at a quiet time of the day in your household or recording spot. Podcasting is an “on demand” medium. That not only goes for the listener, but the podcaster as well. Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group. The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. Coming to you this week from Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan & MacKenzie’s undisclosed location in Columbus, Ohio. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team. Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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As with any industry, when one company decides to put an end to a podcast, another company is gearing up to start their own; always progressing in podcasting. Sirius and Spotify are making changes to their podcast output and we're commentating on the latest podcast conferences. Join Mike and Todd to hear more about podcasting 2.0 namespace progress, hiring in podcasting and more.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

Facebook live recording. News Endings and Beginnings

• SiriusXM is opening a new studio in Miami
• Spotify cancels 10 original shows from Gimlet and Parcast

Tips and advice from the Publisher Podcasting Summit Podcast Futures conference, coming up next week. Podcasting 2.0 namespace phase 6 is undergoing planning.

New possible tags include

podcast:txt podcast:hasGuests podcast:events podcast:state Improvements to the podcast: chapters tag

The charges against Adnan Syed, from Serial, have officially been dropped by prosecutors Megyn Kelly the Q3 fastest growing conservative podcast. Read more here.

Best Practice When in doubt, hire out. This is a privilege, but if your budget allows it and you’re currently stuck with a podcast task you loathe, hire someone to handle it for you.

Blubrry News

Blog post: Should You Start A Podcast in an Oversaturated Market? by Tara O’Brien. Read it here. Chau is leaving Blubrry 😭 Todd is heading out to Ignite next week in Riyadh, SA.  This week, Todd celebrates 18 years podcasting!

Blubrry Pro Tip Communicate about your business with a podcast

Question of the Week Question: Why is my artwork not updating in Apple Podcasts? (or name the platform) Answer: Most commonly it’s caused by the artwork being the wrong size. Podcast artwork should be 1400x1400px (square) up to 3000px. Exactly square, not even one pixel off. Also, should be less than 500kb in file size (can be a bit more without causing issues).  It can also be caused by the image being on the wrong type of server. If you are using Blubrry hosting with PowerPress or without, the server will be good to go.

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group. The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. Coming to you this week from Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan & MacKenzie’s undisclosed location in Columbus, Ohio. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team. Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Awards season has almost come and gone in podcasting. A handful of different awards shows have occurred recently, and we share the podcast winners of the past week. Mike and MacKenzie sit down to discuss the sale of and potential sale of a few podcast networks, the audience changes over time for those at the top and more on today’s episode.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

News

Glenn the Geek’s Horse Radio Network was acquired by the Equine Network Audacy is exploring the sale of Cadence13 Time to re-think promo codes? by Tom Webster Women on the Rise: Alex Cooper tops Joe Rogan Hollywood Reporter ‘40(ish)Most Powerful People in Podcasting’ Podcast Winners

International Women’s Podcast Award winners 17th annual People’s Choice Podcast Award winners

Want to hear ‘Joe Rogan’ interview ‘Steve Jobs’? Podcast.ai has produced the interview powered entirely by AI. It’s a hoot! (and a bit creepy).

Best Practice 

Let your guest speak. Having a guest on your podcast is a privilege, you’ve worked to find them, set this up, and supposedly value them; let them speak uninterrupted on your show to shine for your guests.

Blubrry News

Podping now supported in PowerPress AND Blubrry publisher feeds! Tune into Podping.watch to see the updates in real-time. Blog Post: A Peek Into What Piques Your Audience’s Interest by Tara O’Brien

Blubrry Pro Tip:  Alumni Match-making

Question of the Week

Question: Is it ok to have a scattered release schedule when I am first starting my podcast, until I get my footing? Say for about two months.

Answer: Yes, it can be “OK” but is it the best way? Not really. The consistency is what allows people to build you into their regular schedule. Over time, it gets more important as more and more people discover your show and your schedule.

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Coming to you this week from Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan & MacKenzie’s undisclosed location in Columbus, Ohio. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address:

Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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The Podcast Index initiative continues to move forward with more and more use of additional RSS 2.0 feed tags being implemented and used, including from Blubrry. Join the conversation for podcasting 2.0 simplified, courtesy of Mike and MacKenzie.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes. News

Podcast companies BUYING listens in mobile and online game apps. Dave Jones, from Podcastindex.org, is on this weeks New Media Show talking about Podcasting 2.0.  Marc Maron’s WTF is going live on stage in London UK on Oct 19th.  People’s Choice Podcast Awards show will be live at 9pm ET on Sept. 30th (Friday) Cross-promotion is still a good way to promote your shows - A&E does it.  CNN cuts some of their podcast staff. Andy Lehman’s Podcast Namespace Plugin for WordPress has added the live item tag Podcast listening differences along political party lines

Best Practice More Podcasting 2.0 Simplified: Let your listeners know about some new podcast listening apps to take advantage of the Podcasting 2.0 features. Learn more here: https://podcastindex.org/apps Blubrry News

Blog Post: Growing Your Podcast on Social Media - Travis Brown International Podcast Day live starts at 10:30am ET. Here is the schedule, also https://linktr.ee/internationalpodcastday  PodPing is now supported in PowerPress 9.5 which was released this week!

Blubrry Pro Tip Re-recording an interview because of bad guest audio Question of the Week Question: What is one thing you wish you would have known before you started podcasting?

Answer: This is from a Facebook group. There are lots of answers.

Don’t take yourself too seriously. Have fun. You don’t need the “best” gear to get started! Just start creating episodes and upgrade along the way. How much time it takes to build a following. How easy it actually is, despite what seems like complicated processes and how much money it would generate. Pace yourself. You can burn out if you go too hard too quickly.

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

______________

Coming to you this week from the Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan & MacKenzie’s undisclosed location in Columbus, OH.  Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team. 

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider 

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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You can never truly predict the outcome of your podcast, and that stands true for Serial, as Adnan Syed was released from prison earlier this week, the focus on season one of a hit podcast from 2014. MacKenzie joins Todd this episode to discuss the effects of a podcast, a bit on the history of the RSS feed, and editing and marketing tactics.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

Live Facebook recording. News

Adnan Syed, whose story was the focus of the hit podcast Serial in season one, has been released from prison. Syed’s story was kicked off by Serial and then again thoroughly discussed in the podcast Undisclosed. This is not the first case podcasting has shed light on that had a profound impact in real life, but it is known as the first true crime podcast to bring in millions of new podcast listeners back in 2014. Apple wants your website address for podcasting (in the EU). Open podcast prefix project. RSS 2.0 is 20 years old! View the RSS timeline here. Spotify has added audio books to their platform.

Best Practice Trial runs. Don’t skimp out and decide it’s unnecessary to test out your equipment, even those that have done this before. Podcast equipment is best tested multiple times and with multiple people. Blubrry News

Blog Post: How Radio Experience Can Translate to Podcasting - by Meryl Klemow Getting Started in Podcasting, a webinar - Tuesday September 27th at 4:30pm. Register here.

Blubrry Pro Tip Marking edit points in your recording Question of the Week Question: What is a good (unorthodox) way that can help you grow your community/listeners? 

Answer: A variety of options such as: billboards, call into the radio, tables/booths small local events, etc. Many of our partners and friends such as Pro-Production, Podcast Academy by Proudmouth, Produce Your Podcast, and more have lots to say on this subject.

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

______________

Coming to you this week from the New Media Production Studio in Coldwater, Michigan & the Blubrry Studio in Columbus, OH.  Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team. 

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider 

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Podcast growth can be difficult and overwhelming for new podcasters. Travis Brown, an avid user of social media for podcast growth, shares his wisdom and experience as a digital creator overall in today's interview.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

Live Facebook recording. News

ShePodcasts Live has been moved to June 2023. Kudos to their team for making a hard decision for the best of the attendees and show. iOS 16 is out now (iPadOS is delayed). Trying to run Auphonic Desktop on Mac M1 or M2? Re-download it here so you can re-install. It’s still marked as version 1.8 but it will work now. The Brookings Institute has found that conservative podcasters release more episodes than liberal podcasters.

Best Practice Podcast promotion isn’t one size fits all. Give some of these ideas a try and see what works best for you.

4.5 things everyone wants to know about podcast promotion

Blubrry News

PowerPress webinar on Sept. 20 International Podcast Day is Sept. 30th and Blubrry is a sponsor. Check out their site https://internationalpodcastday.com/ and the live stream schedule here.

Blubrry Pro Tip The dark side of podcasting tech Interview Travis Brown - Digital Creator Extraordinaire. Use his wisdom to grow your podcast on social.

Instagram Social Boom -- free webinar!

Question of the Week Question: If I want to buy an existing podcast, how can I value it in a dollar amount? (Kurt from The Leading Saints Podcast)

Answer: 

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

______________

Coming to you this week from the New Media Production Studio in Coldwater, Michigan & Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan.  Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team. 

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider 

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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One of the great things about podcasting is that there is no one way to do it. But there are some preferred or more accepted ways according to listeners and ad agencies. That brings us to our main topic today, podcast ads: host read or pre-recorded, what is better?

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

Live Facebook recording. News

Podcast ads: Host read or pre-recorded ads. Which is better? Apple sends welcome email to already listed shows. Whoops. Video and YouTube is changing podcasting Cumulus splits with Podcast Movement New Canadian podcast newsletter: Pod The North Happy Star Trek Day! 56 years ago today, Star Trek premiered on NBC.  https://www.startrek.com/day

Here are some Star Trek related podcasts to check out

http://www.trek.fm/ (A network of a lot of good shows) https://www.womenatwarp.com/

Best Practice Pre-recorded intros and outros Short versions of these are useful for editing and continuity. Listeners enjoy a quick sentence or two getting into the new episode to learn about today’s topics, but a reliable in and out can be helpful as a creator.

Blubrry News

We are in ‘polish’ mode on all our new services and some old ones. If you see anything you think needs a tweak, let us know!  Dragon Con recap Looking for some Podcasters of the Month to feature before the end of the year; let us know if you’d like to be one of them.

Blubrry Pro Tip Guest Podcasting part 2. See episode 309 for part 1.

Question of the Week Question: I keep hearing podcast hosts say “Find us on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.” What is the BEST way to promote subscribing or following in my podcast? Answer: Have your own website and promote that. Make sure you have all the links to destinations your podcast is syndicated to on your site (or at least the main ones). Like we say here, go to PodcastInsider.com and subscribe or follow us there. Or something like that. Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.  The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. ______________ Coming to you this week from the New Media Production Studio in Coldwater, Michigan & Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan.  Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.  Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider 

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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There's a few new places to listen to podcasts, and you're probably already familiar with these platforms. YouTube and Twitter have taken another step forward in podcast discovery. While Mike and MacKenzie chat about podcast directories and platforms they catch up on Podcast Movement a bit, reusing and repurposing content and of course their take on what to do with a problematic microphone situation.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes. News                    New places to listen to podcasts:                    - YouTube is rolling out a podcast section.                    - Podcasts coming to Twitter? A full circle moment for Twitter.

Apple is updating its RSS requirements in 2023 Podcasting market to grow 30% through 2026 Comedy is the #1 Genre in Podcasting (for Q2-2022) New podcast app Fountain has a new chart “Hot on Fountain”  Six things podcast listeners love about podcasts (and 4 that drive them crazy) Zoom takes over podcasting

Best Practice Taking care of your voice. If podcasting or any type of audio is part of your regular content, it’s in your best interest to take care of your voice / health.

Blubrry News

Getting back into the groove after Podcast Movement. Todd will be at DragonCon this weekend in Atlanta, GA.  It’s September 1st, the first day of International Podcast Day month. They’re coming back this year for a live stream, only 8 hours instead of their longest, 32 hours.

Blubrry Pro Tip Repeating ideas for new content

Question of the Week Question: My recording is getting a lot of background noise. How do I reduce the background noise coming into my microphone? Answer: The main thing is to NOT record any background noise. I know, that sounds too simple. Simple things you can do that will help:

Make sure you are in the quietest place you can be. 

Turn off fans, A/C and other noise-producing things in your recording area. Soundproof behind you. Put a rug on the floor if you are in a room without carpet. Close curtains / blinds so the noise doesn’t echo off the windows.

Get closer to the microphone and turn down the gain.

You can boost it in post-production with something like auphonic. If you have a dynamic mic, use that instead of a condenser mic.

Remember, a little bit of ‘ambiance’ doesn’t hurt sometimes. AND, sometimes, you just can’t help it.

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.  The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. ______________ Coming to you this week from the Blubrry Studio in Columbus, Ohio & Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.  Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider 

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Coming to you from the podcast recording studio at Podcast Movement Mike Dell, MacKenzie Bennett and Chau Pham chat about Blubrry's booth and meeting new podcasters and how the event is going overall. They're excited about some mics from Shure, a new service from ecamm and more. It's a short episode, but a fun recap of the event. We can't wait to come back next year.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes. Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.  The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. ______________ Coming to you this week from the HubSpot podcast studio at Podcast Movement 2022 in Dallas, Texas. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.  NEW! Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider 

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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You can now make money on Blubrry with Programmatic Ads! Our development team and the rest of the team have been putting in long hours getting this and another BIG thing ready for Monday.  Watch for an announcement on Monday. Otherwise, Todd and Mike talk about what is going on in the news and the need for a backup strategy for your show. News

Ads may be coming to Apple Podcasts  Latino Listener Report released by Edison Research  Step into the Podcast Bus   

Kind of like the Podcast BUG - (Mike Wilkerson) 

Congratulations to Jame Cridland of Podnews for being named one of the thought leaders in podcasting Libsyn buys German ads company Julep  Audacy layoffs touch it’s podcasting business - 

Best Practice: Backups - Have a Backup Strategy! 

Back up your media files JUST in case

Get a removable hard drive and back up there. (Or just a thumb drive. You can get them 1tb or bigger now!)  Backup to the cloud somewhere like Google Drive, Dropbox or AWS cold storage.

Back up your RSS feed as a text file.

Load you feed in Chrome.  (other browser won’t work the same) then, select all and paste it in a text doc.   If you host with Blubrry and use PowerPress, we also keep a copy of your feed for you. 

Blubrry News: 

Make Money! - Programmatic Advertising available to all hosting customers  Blog Post:  Connecting with your local community by Meryl  More releases coming next week and we’ll see you at Podcast Movement the week after that. Todd, Mike, MacKenzie and Chau will be at Podcast Movement in Dallas next week. IF you are there, drop by and say HI and pick up some swag.   This show will be from the Podcast Movement show floor next week (different format I’m sure) 

Blubrry Pro Tip: Private Podcasting Question of the Week: From Ethan:  Our podcast network started with one show. These days we have 7 shows in the network, but we’re storing all those shows in the same Blubrry folder. Not great for content management. Can we re-organize our Blubrry catalog of shows into different folders? Would that affect the URL of the MP3s? Will PowerPress show us the new folders? Answer: Yes! With our pro hosting plan and “Multi-program mode” in ​​PowerPress you can separate which folders you upload shows to. This keeps the media separate and it also keeps the stats separate.  Put in a ticket at blubrry.com/support and we can setup a time to help you get that setup. 

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group. 

The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

______________

Coming to you this week from the New Media Production Studio in Coldwater, Michigan & Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan.  Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team. 

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider 

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is:

Blubrry – MacKenzie

150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180

Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Summer is coming to a close (in America at least) and here at Blubrry we think that podcasts are under utilized by educators. Podcasts are an amazing component of education and all kinds of learning. We encourage educators of any kind to look into podcasting, including private podcasting. We also talk about podcast guests paying to be on shows, Soundcloud and more.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

Live Facebook recording. News

As reported in Podnews, Art19 adding stats redirect for PodTrac and making podcaster’s stats public  Podcast guests paying $50k to be on popular shows Robert Downey Jr. and Susan Downey Are Jumping Into Podcasting Soundcloud lays off 20% of global workforce. We wish those employees good luck. Sinclair Broadcasting is getting into podcasting

Best Practice Podcasting is most likely under utilized in the classroom. As the school year starts up again, we urge teachers or instructors of all kinds to use podcasting alongside their in person lessons and courses. For those worried about content being released to the general public, our private podcasting is a great solution to satisfy your team’s needs.

Blubrry News

Blubrry partners with PodRocket Academy for podcast training Blubrry partners with Descript for editing and transcripts More releases coming next week and we’ll see you at Podcast Movement the week after that

Blubrry Pro Tip The unsung hero of podcast equipment

Interview Kimberly Cain Podcasts - The Naked Vibes Show and Deeper Connections from The Daily Motivator Contact Kimberly Question of the Week Question: From Kurt - After I publish an episode, is it possible to make a change to that episode file and swap the files without messing up the analytics for that episode? Answer: Yes, make your edits on the file and name it exactly the same as the original file. Then, re-upload the file to Blubrry and you will be all set. The new version of the file will replace the old one on the server. Note: It may take a while for the CDN cache to clear and start playing the new version of the file. Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.  The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. ______________ Coming to you this week from the New Media Production Studio in Coldwater, Michigan & Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan.  Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.  NEW! Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider 

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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This will be a quick episode, the entire Blubrry team (minus two team members) have gathered in Columbus for the first team in a few years. Todd, Mike, Cathy and MacKenzie tease a bit more on Blubrry's new programmatic advertising that will be released soon as well as a few other integrations that will be released before Podcast Movement in the upcoming weeks. Thanks for joining us for a short episode, a day late.

No live show this week.

Thanks for listening, if you'd like to be a guest on Podcast Insider, let the team know.

Coming Soon

Programmatic Advertising

A new feature, another integration

Podcast Movement -- Todd, Mike, MacKenzie and Chau will be in attendance

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When should you publish your episodes? There might be a best time to publish podcasts, but it requires a bit of digging to find out what is best for you. This episode we discuss publish times, Spotify podcasting progress, Value 4 Value in podcasting and mistakes to avoid when starting your podcast.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

Live Facebook recording. News

Spotify earnings meeting: They’re getting rid of Car Thing as they could never come to a solid price, podcast engagement grew ‘double digits’ year over year, podcasts generated €200 in 2021, and lots more, read a different article here. Podcasts to the MetaVerse via iHeartRadio Most podcast listeners also listen to radio (says this survey) New, very different, podcast “Shameless Acquisition Target” hosted by Laura Mayer Todd and Mike both are experimenting with Value 4 Value.  

Best Practice Investigate the Best Time to Publish Your Podcast You have at least an inkling of when people are listening to your new episodes simply because you have a feel for your audience. But, to get an even better understanding, take a look at your Blubrry stats. Our stats can make it clear the time of day and make adjustments accordingly.

Blubrry News

Blog Post: Tips for Networking by Meryl Klemow. Definitely read this if you’re headed to Podcast Movement next month. Support might be a bit slower than normal next week. The whole team is meeting (in person). We will try to get to you as best we can. Thanks for understanding! Episode might be a day late next week, we’ll see when the team finds the time to record. 4-5 major announcements leading up to Podcast Movement

Blubrry Pro Tip Avoid this Podcast Mistake that a Young Start-Up Owner Made

Question of the Week Question: How important is good audio for a podcast? Answer: Very important. Do your best, but the main thing is do not make it painful to listen to. Bad audio will screw up good content, but good audio will make bad content sound almost good. Make sure your levels are such that if someone is listening to your show on a play list and it goes to the next show in their list, that the levels do not jump or drop too much. The standard is -16 lufs. If you don’t have a way to check lufs, then -3 to 0 db on a standard meter is close. Auphonic is a good tool to level your audio before the final mp3 output for your podcast. Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.  The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. ______________ Coming to you this week from the New Media Production Studio in Coldwater, Michigan & Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan.  Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.  NEW! Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider 

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Privacy concerns in podcasting have a history of not only being addressed, but the industry has been pro-active about addressing those concerns as well. The IAB Tech Lab released a document about podcast privacy concerns and laid out how they plan to tackle the issue.

Please excuse our technical difficulties today; these things happen to everyone once in a while, even podcast companies.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes. News

IAB Tech Lab releases a document about Podcast Privacy Challenges Acast bought Podchaser for $34 million LivexLive is going to spin off Podcast One  Jame Cridland from Podnews reveals the podcast industry’s biggest spammer  5 Radio Produced Podcasts up for Marconi Awards

Best Practice Data Driven Decisions All podcasters have the opportunity to take a moment to thoroughly review their podcast statistics and determine how to move forward. Was it the title, the topic, the guest, the longer or shorter episode?

Blubrry News

Blog Post:  Show Me The Monetization by Tara O'Brien Preparing for Podcast Movement We’re meeting for a company gathering soon - let us know if there are any big features or ideas or problems you’d like us to consider for early August

Blubrry Pro Tip Crucial elements of your podcast

Question of the Week Question: What happens if I change the file name on a published episode? Answer:  A few things, but nothing terrible. 

You will have to re-upload and re-link the file in your post The apps and directories will just start playing the new file just as they played the old one.  A new entry will be in your stats for the new file name. 

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.  The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. ______________ Coming to you this week from the Blubrry HQ in Columbus, Ohio & Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan.  Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.  NEW! Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider 

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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As podcasting technology advances, some see the RSS feed as a nuance as opposed to a benefit of podcasting. Todd and Mike discuss why the RSS is still important, even in 2022. Apple divulged some information on iOS16 and ending a deal agreement, SiriusXM is up to additional advertising and more. Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

Live Facebook recording. News

Anchor founder says RSS is hindering podcasting. We do not agree; RSS is still important. Apple ends consulting deal with Jony Ive iOS16 will have larger music & podcast artwork shown on the lock screen Halfway through the year, what’s up and what’s down in podcasting?  SiriusXM and Comscore Bring Cookie-free Audience Targeting to Podcasts Spotify adding video podcasting in 6 more countries

Best Practice Why RSS coming from your own site important to podcasters

Blubrry News

Blog post: Finding Podcast Advertising by Meryl Klemow

Blubrry Pro Tip Starting a podcast network?

Question of the Week Question: How do I get better at speaking into the microphone confidently? (from Reddit) Answer:  Best advice is to PRACTICE!  Also, don’t think of the microphone. Think of the person (yes, pick one) that you are talking to. Speak as if you are talking to that imaginary person. If you are having a guest or a co-host, just talk to them like you would over a table at the bar. But again, the more you do it, the better you will get. Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.  The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. ______________ Coming to you this week from the New Media Production studio in Coldwater, Michigan & Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan.  Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.  NEW! Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider 

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Putting the focus on your podcast audience is key in podcast growth. This can mean doing a variety of things to hone in on, such as visualizing your audience, joining a podcast network, or create a media kit for advertisements that really match your listeners. Luckily, we’ve released a new feature for the Blubrry community, podcast media kits. Join Todd and our new marketing team member, Chau, as they chat about our new tool, podcast ad frequency and more. Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

Live Facebook recording with Todd and Chau. News

Podcast fraud on the rise again Podcast ad frequency Visualizing your audience Blue Wire, a sports podcasting company has raised 2.5 million, looking at profitability for the first time in 2023. A great article on a former journalist making the switch and creating an entire company devoted to podcasting.

Best Practice

Preparing for advertising and what you will be expected to provide to a potential advertiser

Average Episode Downloads over a 30 day period How many Episodes per month How long you have been podcasting Is your content brand safe

Blubrry News

Blubrry Media Kits have been released, including podcast audience data Programmatic Advertising is currently in beta testing

Blubrry Pro Tip More on ‘Should I Join a Podcast Network’

Interview Tori Nelson, Ro Schwarz, and Jennifer Anderson from KidNuz KidNuz.org KidNuz is the widely popular, daily podcast created by 4 veteran TV journalists determined to give kids a newscast of their own. It’s 6 1/2 minutes long, chock full of the day’s top stories, all told in a kid-friendly, fun, fresh and nonpartisan way. KidNuz covers current events, sports, science, politics, health — and stories about kids doing cool things! The team is on a summer hiatus but will be back at the mic with fresh episodes on August 1st. In the meantime, listen in for how KidNuz got started and the impact it’s having on listeners big and small. Mission: To engage kids in current events, encourage critical thinking, and spark meaningful conversations.

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.  The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. ______________ Coming to you this week from the New Media Production studio in Coldwater, Michigan & ???.  Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.  NEW! Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider 

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Industry studies and surveys are giving insights into podcast creators and listeners. Todd and Mike discuss a few that came out recently and some that will come out soon.  They also talk about new feature coming to Blubrry soon! (Media Kits!)

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes. News

Sounds Profitable did a report on podcast creators. According to Podcast Index, there are over 50,000 open video podcasts up from 39,000 last November.

Apple put out more information about video podcasting

Podcast Movement is running a survey for podcasters. They are going to be doing one for listeners and they want your input on what do you want to know from listeners.  Take the survey here. Edison Research invests in larger sample size.

Best Practice: Do not be afraid to try new things on your show. 

This can keep both you and your listeners interested.

Mix up the format from time to time (one thing at a time)

Try a new segment Mix up the order of segments

Video

Go live on Facebook, YouTube or Twitter Do a video version of your show This could be bonus content you can refer to in your audio show

New Artwork

Freshen up the artwork from time to time Maybe use episode images

Blubrry News

Blog post: Your Company Should Be Podcasting -  By Tara O’Brien Do you have a media kit?  Soon, we will help provide you with one! Todd has been on a lot of interviews lately.  Here is one of the great ones!

Blubrry Pro Tip: Podcast Networks *Beware!

Question of the Week:  How do I check to make sure everything is working when I publish an episode?  I want to make sure my episode updates on Apple, Spotify and the rest of the apps.

Answer:  This is what I do personally and recommend to our clients.

After Publishing, Clear any caching on your website (if you are publishing on a WordPress site) Hit PLAY on the player in your post.  Go to your post as a normal human would and simply hit play.  If you hear your show start, it’s been posted correctly. Load your RSS feed address in the chrome browser.  I know, in most cases it looks like a bunch of code (which it is), but if it loads up and doesn’t hang up or give you some sort of error, it’s good. Go to castfeedvalidator.org

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

______________

Coming to you this week from New Media Production studio in Coldwater, Michigan, and Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan.  Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

NEW! Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider 

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is:

Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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When this show started in 2008 we never could have imagined that we'd be at episode 300 now. Join us as we celebrate the 300th episode of Podcast Insider today! MacKenzie joined Todd and Mike to host this time and they reminisced about the past versions of the show, podcast advertising instances and where podcast listeners live.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

Live Facebook recording with Todd, Mike and MacKenzie News

Obama’s moving their content to Audible, away from Spotify 4 reasons why advertisers in Asia should use podcast marketing from The Drum Announcer vs. Host Read Ads Podcast listening tilts towards larger cities

Best Practice Celebrate your big wins publicly. Such as… your 300th episode of your podcast.

Some History of This Podcast

Started as the “Blubrry & PowerPress Community Podcast” in 2008ish.   Restarted started as The PowerPress Podcast with MacKenzie in 2015. A second podcast was added called “Your Podcast” with Todd and Mike (terrible name) in 2017. We combined them to form Podcast Insider in 2019. First episode here.

Blubrry News

Blog post: Making the most of your summer break by Meryl Klemow Media kit and programmatic ads are coming soon!

Blubrry Pro Tip Tweaking Sound Design and Music

Interview Robert Riggs, True Crime Reporter and Fox Nation TV show “Freed to Kill” Learn more here.

Question of the Week Question: From Ted Newill, Medical Device Success podcast I have been invited by a trade show organizer to conduct a podcast from the trade show floor. This is one of their tactics to liven up the show. I will probably do 2 or 3 podcast interviews in one day. You have been to trade shows so you know what the noise level can be. What kind of gear do you recommend I use to keep the background noise to a minimum. Headsets with microphones? Lavalier mics? Etc. Answer: A headset mic such as the Audio-Technica BPHS1 is a good option. Use that with a Mixer, portable recorder or interface that takes XLR. Any hand-held DYNAMIC mic should work. The background noise would add “ambiance” to the on location sound. Personally [Mike], I use a zoom H5 recorder with 2 hand-held dynamic mics and it’s good enough. Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.  The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. ______________ Coming to you this week from the Blubrry Studio in Columbus, New Media studio in Coldwater, Michigan & Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan.  Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.  NEW! Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider 

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Learning never stops in podcasting. Recently, the team at Apple explained how Apple podcast search works and the results it gives, in terms of user behavior, metadata, and more. Speaking of learning, we go over 3 lessons on audio marketing, tips for respecting your listeners time and some branding recommendations for your podcast.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

Live Facebook recording News

Apple tells how Apple Podcasts search works 3 Lessons on Audio Marketing -  Conal Byrne from iHeart Podcast listening is growing in 2022 Spotify to acquire Sonatic

(Likely Related) WordPress.com says you will be able to create podcasts from blog posts

Snoop Dogg fans love Martha Stewart on her podcast Vacations and road trips are in full swing. Lots and lots of articles out titled ‘Best Podcasts for Car Rides’

Best Practice Set a podcast mission, similar to a company mission. What do you want your listeners to get out of this podcast and what action steps will you take to make those goals happen?

Blubrry News

Blog Post: Branding for your Podcast - by MacKenzie Bennett Next week is our 300th show! (Yay us!) MacKenzie will be joining us to celebrate since she was the one who started the PowerPress Podcast which turned into Podcast Insider. Also, we have a great interview scheduled. Programmatic form here

Blubrry Pro Tip Respecting Listeners Time

Question of the Week Question: Why are all the apps & directories so strict on podcast artwork? What are the rules? Answer: Apps need to have a consistent aspect ratio. Everyone picked square as it’s the easiest. As far as the content of the image, no rules other than common sense. As for the technical rules…  The image must be PNG or JPG in RGB.  (lots of letters there) Apple wants between 1400 and 3000px SQUARE images.  All the other apps and directories will take an image in that size range.  BUT the other size thing is file size. Try to make it less than 500kb in size.  It will work a bit larger than that, but no need to have an image that is too big.  Most people are seeing it on their phone screen at 1x1 inch.  My images are all 1400x1400px.  That is good enough and gets the job done. Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.  The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. ______________ Coming to you this week from the New Media studio in Coldwater, Michigan & Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan.  Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.  NEW! Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider 

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Looking to monetize your podcast? Luckily, Blubrry has programmatic advertising coming soon to our platform for all hosting customers. Mike and Todd chat about what this will entail with our podcasters and lots on Spotify, as they had lots to say in a presentation earlier this week on their future, RSS feeds and their active monthly users.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

Live Facebook recording. News

From Podnews: Maya Prohovnik, who oversees Spotify’s creator tools across podcasting, described RSS as “outdated technology”, and said they have been able to replace it for their on-platform distribution. She also claimed that every new Anchor show brings 2.5 new monthly active users to the Spotify platform. Ashley Carman’s Twitter thread on it here.  Spotify Investor Day recap here. Spotify, a 20 billion opportunity, including insight into advertising Apple Podcasts changes some of their user agents (very geeky) but good news Blue Wire says its studio at the Wynn Las Vegas is helping it stand out Clubhouse loses 4 executives Bob Saget’s final podcast interview to air on Til This Day podcast Why so many TV shows have podcast companions

Best Practice Instagram Stories: Great for promoting episodes specifically, and use posts to promote the show overall. When new episodes are released the 24hr story option is an easy way to share new content or content that is currently relevant. Posts tend to be more useful for the long haul.

Blubrry News

Blog Post: Why you need a template for your podcast by Jen Thorpe Todd will be speaking at PodStock in New Jersey this weekend Want to monetize? Programmatic advertising coming to Blubrry soon! Email MacKenzie@blubrry.com if you’d like to be June’s Pride podcaster of the month.

Blubrry Pro Tip Podcast environment  

Question of the Week Q: From Janet Lewis on Facebook. “Since the pandemic, I have been recording my podcasts online using zoom BUT my podcast editor just shared with me that my guest and myself are speaking at different levels. If you are recording a podcast via zoom are you just using the output from zoom OR are you using additional tools to ensure you and your guest are speaking at the same level?” Answer: I [Mike] would recommend you run the file through Auphonic (Auphonic.com) It will auto-level your episode file for you so both parties sound at the same level. The Blubrry Pro team uses it for Podcast Insider and it works very well. Todd: You may also want to consider not recording in Zoom. You may want to consider something like a Rodecaster that integrates with Zoom but will allow you to control levels. Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.  The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. ______________ Coming to you this week from the New Media studio in Coldwater, Michigan & Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan.  Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.  NEW! Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider 

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Filling in for Todd today, MacKenzie talks with Mike about some new podcast equipment being released in the near future. They also discuss some stats on how and what people are listening to that might make you think. Make sure to stick around for Mike's recap of Podfest this past weekend.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes. News

How many shows do you need to buy ads on to reach 100% of US listeners? How to Make Money on Spotify -- white noise and calming sounds Robert Riggs (a happy Blubrry customer) has won an award for his Fox Nation show Freed To Kill   How to design a great podcast logo from Rachel Corbett Nomono Sound Capsule: a new way to record in groups (in person) New Focusrite Vocaster interface   How Americans spend time on their smart speakers

Best Practice Are you up to date on your software?

Double-check your software before recording. Does it need to be updated? Should you wait on the update because it has some weird glitch and they’ll put out a small fix soon?

Blubrry News

Podfest/Vidfest Expo review - Mike and Todd were in attendance and both had sessions We are looking to expand our development team - looking for a Junior Software Developer  We'll be releasing programmatic advertising in the near future, stay tuned for more info.

Blubrry Pro Tip Using your podcast to answer FAQ’s  Question of the Week: I'm trying to help a colleague connect a mixer (Mackie 1402VLZ4) to a new Macbook pro. Unfortunately, Apple has removed a mic input on more recent Macbooks. Any ideas for a good solution that won't introduce noise into the sound chain? Answer: Yes. Get yourself a USB sound card or interface. Make sure it has a line-in jack (not just a mic jack) because the output of an analog mixer is going to be line-level. Line-level is way too high for the mic input. Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. ______________ Coming to you this week from the Blubrry studio in Columbus, Ohio & Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan.  Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.  NEW! Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider 

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package. Use the survey and let us know what else you want as we gear up for V2. 

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Explaining to your boss or company why your business should have a podcast isn't always an easy conversation, but it can be done well! Follow a few simple steps to convince the decision maker on your team the value of podcasting. Dave and MacKenzie guest host this episode as Todd and Mike are both out, attending Podfest.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes. News

American Girl launched a podcast network, starting with three shows. YouTube is the most popular platform for podcasts that post video shows. SiriusXM has made yet another podcast acquisition, this time Coco Podcast Company for Conan O'Brien's podcast. WTF with Marc Maron has signed a deal with Acast for the next three years for his show, moving away from Stitcher.

Best Practice

Blubrry is somewhat unique in its approach to podcasting, since we have multiple options for publishing. To make your life easier, be sure your Blubrry Podcaster Dashboard is set to show if you’re using PowerPress or Publisher. Do this by clicking the gear icon in the Podcast Landing Page card and selecting the appropriate option - “I don’t need a website,” “I would like a WordPress site from Blubrry,” or “I have a website.” This ensures that we’re displaying the correct settings when it comes to episode creation.

Blubrry News

Blog Post: Stalking Your Prospective Audience Without Being Creepy by Kim Krajci Todd and Mike are at Podfest Expo this week in Orlando

Drop by the booth near the main expo hall entrance and say hi! Todd will be speaking, 17 Years in Podcasting: Strategies for Success, at 3:45 pm on Friday the 27th See Mike on a panel for Rebranding Your Podcast at 10:45 am on Friday the 27th

We’ll be out this upcoming Monday for Memorial Day.

Blubrry Pro Tip What Tone Do You Podcast In?

Question of the Week Question: How do you get your idiot, know-it-all, boss to understand the value of podcasting? Answer: Data. First and foremost, there is data that confirms how many people listen to podcasts. Edison Research and Nielsen are great for this. And then harp on the ways in which you’ll be able to reach customers. And lastly, come in with content ideas and some logistics. Also important, costs! Shop around for pricing for every thing you’ll need -- sometimes including asking other team members if they’ll be able to add this to their plate or an outside freelance hire, etc. They'll come to understand the value of podcasting if you give them reason to.   Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. ______________ Coming to you this week from the Blubrry studio in Columbus, Ohio & Dave’s Studio in Logansport, Indiana.  Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team. (nobody in Michigan this week!)  NEW! Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider 

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package. Use the survey and let us know what else you want as we gear up for V2. 

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Apple Podcasts will be making it easier for all new podcast - free and premium - to submit to their directory. Blubrry is one of a handful of podcast hosts that will be implementing this into their platform when Delegated Delivery is launched in fall of 2022. Stay tuned for more details this summer.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes. News

Apple has announced Apple Podcasts Delegated Delivery. Read their announcement. Of course, Blubrry will be implementing Delegated Delivery. What does the Apple announcement mean for podcasters? Jeff Kinzbach, a long time radio guy in Ohio, hits the road doing a podcast called Rocking the RV Life. Comedy is the #1 podcast genre in the first quarter of this year. How corporate take-overs are changing podcasting. That’s a bold statement. Beyond Podcast Prefix Analytics.

Best Practice Be everywhere (you can) with your podcast.

Blubrry News

Blog Post: When Outliers Come Together by Meryl Klemow Todd and Mike will be at Podfest Expo in Orlando May 26-29th. Come see us there! Todd and MacKenzie are traveling home from ATD in Orlando. Thanks Mike for handing the show solo this week!

Blubrry Pro Tip Improving your range as a podcaster

Question of the Week Question: Stats -- what is the difference between downloads and listens? Answer: Nothing really. A ‘listen’ is the same as a ‘download’. The terminology changed due to the IAB 2.1 standards that came out last year. If someone comes to a website and plays a podcast in a web player, to the server, that is a download (not a stream). So, when we redesigned the stats system we changed the term to listen instead of using download, but you can think of them as the same thing. Just a new name. Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. ______________ Coming to you this week from the New Media Studio in Coldwater, Michigan & Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team. NEW! Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider 

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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An essential part of how podcasting came to be, the iPod, is no longer. Apple has decided to discontinue making and selling iPod Touches, the most recent iteration of the original iPod. Along with news from Apple, big things are happening at Sounds Profitable, with Tom Webster leaving Edison and joining their team.

Live Facebook recording.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes. News • Tom Webster is partnering up with Sounds Profitable • Apple says no more iPods. Rip the iPod! • Geek News Central 1,600 episodes! • Listener retention is podcasting’s biggest challenge • Online background noise remover for $7.99 monthly, Noise Destroyer • Podcasters are earning more than $40,000 a day with boosts • Podcast advertising reaches $1.4 billion • Joe Rogan has the last laugh with more listeners • Fun site:  Podcast Details  Best Practice If you are going to miss a show, schedule a backup host, do a replay, or pre-record if you can. Staying on schedule is important because people build your show into their lives. If you skip too much, they will drop off. Blubrry News

Annual billing is now available at Blubrry! Blog Post: Podfaded at Podfest -  by Kim Krajci Todd and Mike will be at Podfest Expo in Orlando May  26-29th.  Come see us there! Todd and MacKenzie will be at ATD in Orlando next week May is a busy month for events for our team and our dev team will be working hard to get some new features released in early summer, so stay tuned.

Blubrry Pro Tip Private podcasting for your business Interview Liz Brunner - Blubrry’s April Podcaster of the Month Question of the Week From Neil Smith at the Dandy Fun House podcast… Question: There is a discussion on one of the podcast forums today where someone is claiming that PowerPress generates RSS feeds. I've used it for years with my own RSS feed address and have never heard of it having this capability.  Does PowerPress generate RSS feeds?

Answer: Yes, sort of. PowerPress generates a podcast-only RSS feed for your podcast. That means any posts that have enclosures (podcast episode files linked) will show in this special feed, but other posts that do not have media attached will not.  This RSS feed is BASED on the stock WordPress site feed. PowerPress also can add podcast-related tags to any feed on WordPress.

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it.

The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. ______________ Coming to you this week from the New Media Studio in Coldwater, Michigan & Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team. NEW! Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider • Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com • Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com • Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Happy Cinco de Mayo! Todd is out and MacKenzie chats with Mike about the come and goings of well known people in podcasting, the failure of Facebook’s podcast integration and how it’s important to provide relevant content and extras for your podcaster listeners — whether that means show notes, blog posts, social media interaction or something else entirely. Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes. News

Facebook is getting rid of its podcast integration; effective June 3, 2022. WTF is a podcast? What a great question. Tom Webster is leaving Edison Research, and we’re not sure what he’ll do next. Anchor.fm co-founder is leaving Spotify. An oldie but a goodie, the concept and execution of cross-promotion for your podcast. Pre roll ads outperform mid or post roll ads for the first time. People’s Choice Podcast Awards registration is now open. Rap duo Black Star, Talib Kweli and Yasiin Bey, have released their album on Luminary, the podcast subscription service. Instead of releasing on Spotify, etc. because they’ll get paid better this way and are able to set the value of their art. Read more on NPR.

Best Practice Follow up with relevant content. By this we mean, post other content on your blog, Twitter, TikTok, Pinterest, etc. If your podcast listeners are interested in your show they’ll probably be interested in related articles, experiences, etc. Create a more loyal following this way.

Blubrry News

Blog post: Analyze Your Stats, STAT! - Tara O’Brien Todd is a keynote speaker and part of a panel for Outlier in Austin. May is a busy month for events for our team and our dev team will be working hard to get some new features released in early summer, so stay tuned.

Blubrry Pro Tip Podcasters vs. Experts

Question of the Week Question: I’m struggling with the idea of show notes. I publish a basic summary of each episode but don’t go into detailed show notes. What do you do? Pros and cons? I pretty much do everything on our podcast and to me show notes are just one more thing. Answer: Keep it simple and keep it routine. Don’t think of it as ‘just one more thing’ but instead as another thing you get to do for your audience and your growth. You get out of your podcast what you put into it. Make a template ahead of the show for the content and let the show notes follow. If you type this out it’s easy to clean it up after recording and then use it for your show notes. Utilize bullets, keywords for SEO and links. ______________ Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. Coming to you this week from the Blubrry Studio in Columbus, Ohio & Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team. NEW! Fill out our survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider 

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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This week, Mike is joined by Barry Kantz and they talk about Twitter, Joe Rogan and a few different legal topics that apply to you as a podcaster. As Barry is an attorney, he has great advice on how to move forward in podcasting when it concerns legal aspects, particularly copyright infringement.

Guest Host Barry Kantz, CFO and General Council for RawVoice/Blubrry

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes. News

Elon Musk is buying Twitter. Years ago, Twitter started as a podcast company called ODEO and has obviously divulged into one of the most popular social media platforms out there. Joe Rogan says controversy gained him 2 million “subscribers” on Spotify Nielsen says most Americans are listening to more podcasts now than before the Pandemic started Riverside.FM raises $35m in funding round, and remember they are a partner of ours. New Media Show with Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee was Live at NABShow’s main stage 2 times this week. Here is Tuesday's show. You can listen to the audio podcast coming soon here. Inc. Magazine: 5 metrics for your podcast

Best Practice Copyright Law: Having guests on your podcast and their rights

Copyright Law: Seven seconds of music myth Blubrry News

NAB Show 2022. Attendance and traffic was down compared to previous years, but Todd and MacKenzie connected with many positive contacts and leads. Overall, a successful show! It’s been a quiet week here at Blubrry but that just means we are busy making our service better and coming up with new features for you!  Stay tuned! Be sure to follow us on social media, Twitter @blubrry, Instagram @blubrry__podcasting, TikTok @blubrry_podcasting and we're on Facebook, LinkedIn and Tiktok.  Our social team is putting out a lot of good information on there.

Blubrry Pro Tip Why people quit listening and two tips on how to get them to keep listening. Question of the Week Question: Someone is using the same title as my show’s title. Is there any way to get them to stop?  I was using it first!

Answer: Unfortunately, there is not much you can do about someone using the same title unless you have trademarked it. Titles can not be copyrighted either. Maybe just contact them and ask if they can change the title of their show enough to make it distinguishable from yours.

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it.

The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

______________

Coming to you this week from Barry’s Studio in Coopersville, Michigan & Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

NEW! - Fill out our survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider 

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Mike is joined by Toby Goodman, who runs the Blubrry Pro Production for us. They talked about a lot of things going on in the news and some Blubrry news.  Toby even pre-recorded a Pro Tip and we answered the Question of the Week.  They also talked about his book Narrow Podcasting.  It was a great conversation. The show is a bit longer than normal but it is well worth the listen!

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

Multilingual podcasts Exciting - not so much for Toby - He finds it hard enough translating British English into American English… The news is… Ghost Island Media in Taiwan has launched its first multilingual podcast, 法台漫遊 Balades Culturelles Franco-Taïwanaises, simultaneously in French and Mandarin. Reminds us of Jive World and Lupa.app Obamas to leave Spotify Facebook is losing interest in podcasting. We can’t say we’re all that surprised. IAB Podcast Upfront - Schedule and the power of advertising. 11 Podcasts nominated for a Peabody award Parcast Union reaches deal with Spotify  The UK media regulator Ofcom has published the results of its UK podcast survey 2022. It says that 25% of Brits listen to podcasts each month - the same figure as reported in Edison Research’s Infinite Dial UK, and unchanged year-on-year.

The most popular reason to stop listening to a podcast is  first, “I couldn’t find any that interest me.” Second,  “I don’t have enough time.” "Lots of other Data but a clear reason to narrow down your podcast as far as I’m concerned" -Toby

Best Practice: Use your best judgment for how long your podcast should be.

There are plenty of ‘studies’ out there that say 20-25 minutes is the optimal length of a podcast. But, we recommend that you figure out what works best for you, your content and your audience. You probably know your audience better than you think, you’re most likely fairly similar if it’s a common interest show. How long would you spend listening to an episode about your topic? Trust your gut and keep an eye on the Impactful Play and Retention data we provide in our stats to compare and contrast.

Blubrry News

MacKenzie and Todd are at NABShow in Vegas next week - Here is a map for where they will be:  West Hall NABShow PowerPress 9.0.2 is out Blog Post: Using Discord as a Podcaster by Jen Thorpe Podcaster of the Month: Liz Brunner Thanks for attending the Grow Your Show webinar with us and Traci’s team with Produce Your Podcast. Those who signed up but were unable to attend will receive a recording in a few days.

Blubrry Pro Tip: Structure vs. Flexibility

New! The Pro Tip is 2-5 mins long and is repurposed as a stand alone podcast called podcast business coach and FYI gets 100% impactful plays!

Interview: Toby Goodman from Blubrry Pro and Author of Narrow Podcasting!

Question of the Week: Why should I pay for podcast hosting when (insert free host here) is free?

Answer: The old saying, “you get what you pay for” applies here.  But more than that, the “free hosts” out there do not have the features and tools that we have here at Blubrry.  Also, another old saying, “If you get something of value for free, you are the product,” also applies.

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it.

The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

______________

Coming to you this week from Toby’s place in London UK & Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

NEW! - Fill out our survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com

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Just recently announced, there are eight new Podcast Academy board members. If you're a member you can meet them on April 19 to learn what they've been working on the past year. Reminder, podcasters and those who work in the podcast industry can become a member of The Podcast Academy. We also get into Spotify profit speculation, narrow podcasting and more.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

Live Facebook recording. News

The Podcast Academy has announced its newly-elected members of the Board of Governors. They are: Chirag Desai (Founder, Amaeya Media); Steve Wilson (Chief Strategy, QCODE); Valentina Kaledina (Director of Business Development, Castbox); Ami Thakkar (Host, Tuckered Out), Ilana Susnow (Head of Marketing and Audience Development, PodcastOne); Daniel J Lewis (Host, The Audacity to Podcast and founder, My Podcast Reviews); Martha Little (Editor, Audible); and Becky Celestina (Content Partnerships, Acast). If a member, you can meet the board on Apr 19. Spotify might make a profit from podcasting soon. Study: Podcast listeners are likely to be more curious and less neurotic Bob Ross Inc. (yes, that Bob Ross) is looking for hosts/producers for podcasts. Snipit.fm is a new short-form podcast network  Gilbert Gottfried, Comedian, Actor, Podcaster, died at 67 after a long illness. (Gilbert Gottfried’s Amazing Colossal Podcast) 

Best Practice Repeat the important points It’s beneficial to include a call-to-action in your show notes, but also in the audio content. Just like people need to hear an advertisement multiple times before they move forward with a decision, the same goes for retaining information from your podcast. Repeat the important points to your listeners for better retention.

Blubrry News

Account sharing is now active at Blubrry! PowerPress 9.0.1 is out with a quick hot fix. Version 9.0.2 is coming soon.

Blubrry Pro Tip Narrow Podcasting Book Sample

Question of the Week From Kendra on Facebook Question: I'm really loving the new “Impactful Play" information on Blubrry. Are there any averages of this statistic? Trying to understand what is a good metric and goal for this number is. Answer: At this time we do not have an average we can share. Each show is different and as long as you don’t have a huge percentage dropping out before 75%, you are likely good. You have to look at that and decide if something you are doing in the content is causing a drop out earlier.  Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. ______________ Coming to you this week from the New Media Studio in Coldwater, Michigan & Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team. NEW! - Fill out our survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider 

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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As always, Blubrry is here to break down the finer technical details of podcasting, this time specifically on what is podcasting 2.0, coming from the Podcast Index team. Once again, we've got big news coming from the Blubrry team; we just released a new section in our podcast statistics that displays your audience survey results. Be sure to stick around to the end where we get into the differences on how publishing works and then served to directories, similar to the discussion with podcasting 2.0. News

The Podcast Show in London has announced the first round of speakers and sessions What is Podcasting 2.0? Co-founder Dave Jones explains. Daniel J. Lewis is celebrating 15 years of podcasting  Female podcast listener growth has gone up significantly since the beginning of the pandemic. Ohio University senior and podcaster lands full time job based on podcasting experience. Spotify’s podcast union ready to strike Archwell Audio is trying to trademark the word ‘archetypes’

Best Practice Plan your marketing strategy, don’t just wing it After you publish a new episode you can post it to Twitter and Instagram, etc. but you can’t expect that to automatically grow an audience. Follow up on these posts, see if they’re getting any traction, reach out for engagement, etc. You can never rely on luck for proper marketing.

Blubrry News

PowerPress 9.0 was released with changes to the onboarding process Audience survey results, now found in the podcast stats section, feature charts, and graphs to better understand your data. Please take our survey, to see what it’s all about! Thanks!  https://surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider  Another BIG release next week (if testing goes as planned) Stay tuned!

Blubrry Pro Tip Gaining Trust

Question of the Week Question: How long does it take for my episode to be shown on xxx app after I publish? Answer: It can vary wildly depending on the app or directory. Remember, podcasting is a PULL and not a PUSH. The different apps and directories pull your feed a few times a day at most. The rule of thumb is as follows:  Apple: 4-24 hours. Spotify: Normally less than 12 hours. Google: Once you are in there, nearly instantly if you are using Websub (PowerPress has it) otherwise, 4-24 hours. Overcast and a lot of other independent apps: As soon as your listener opens the app and refreshes. Others: Don’t worry unless it’s been more than 24 hours. Most update much quicker than that. Another tip… If you are having trouble with just one app or directory, first check with that app or directory’s support to see if something is going on. Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. ______________ Coming to you this week from the Blubrry Studio in Columbus Ohio & Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team. NEW! - Fill out our survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Are YouTube and podcasting finally coming together in a meaningful way? Leaked plans from YouTube about podcasting have come out this week and gotten some excitement out of the podcasting industry. A move that would effect the entire industry, we are curious to see where this one goes. Stick around for some news on additional upcoming releases from Blubrry, why you should do a giveaway and showing your credibility to the world, as a podcaster.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes. News

Leaked slides show YouTube’s podcasting plans? This comes after a somewhat lackluster session at Podcast Movement. RODE has released their first ever headphones, NTH-100. We imagine they'd pair nicely with a RODECaster Pro. Podnews’ Podcast Report Card results are here and EarBuds Podcast Collective is joining Podnews The podcast app, Overcast has been redesigned  The 2022 Podcast Hall of Fame class was inducted at Podcast Movement Evolutions. Congratulations to all of the inductees! The Webbys are launching a new podcast awards show. Freakonomics gets it’s own satellite channel on Sirius/XM 

Best Practice Host a giveaway on your show It's very easy and can still be cost effective. This giveaway can be exclusive content, merchandise, tickets to an event, etc. Engaging and interacting with your audience creates loyal listeners.

Blubrry News

Speaking of… we have a giveaway ending at midnight EST March 31, 2022 for a $150 Amazon gift card. Watch our podcast stats demo, comment and share on social and you’ll be entered to win! Blog post: Delegate it or Ditch It! - by Tara O’Brien New onboarding in PowerPress 9.0. Look for a blog post with more details on this soon. Coming soon, new graphics for the audience survey results

Blubrry Pro Tip Showing your credibility Question of the Week: Does Blubrry hosting work with Kajabi? (also applies to other website platforms). Answer:  Not exactly, but YES. Confused yet? Our PowerPress plugin for WordPress only works on the WordPress platform. Our hosting works anywhere because you have the option to generate your feed and a player embed from blubrry.com and then embedding or linking to it on your website.  Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. ______________ Coming to you this week from the New Media Studio in Coldwater, Michigan & Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Podcast Movement Evolutions is underway in LA.  Todd and MacKenzie are out there with Toby from Blubrry Pro Production.  Mike is joined this week by Kate, also from the Blubrry Pro team! Kate and Mike have all the normal things such as News, Best Practice, Blubrry News, A Pro Tip from Toby and the question of the week.  Thanks for listening!

News

Tom Webster, EVP at Edison Research, presented the infinite dial at Podcast Movement Evolutions Apple explains their charts \ More Apple:  Apple adds follower (subscriber) numbers to their internal stats Ambies were held LIVE in LA on Tuesday night.  AND the winners Google and PRX are doing another round of the Google Podcasts creator program. Signup starts March 29th Our own Toby Goodman has released his new book  Narrow Podcasting Remember WinAmp? - It’s back in June! 

Best Practice: An oldie, but a goodie -  Show Prep.  Be prepared before you hit the record button. It will make you sound smarter!

Blubrry News

Blog post: How to build a podcast buffer Todd, MacKenzie and Toby are in LA for Podcast Movement Evolutions. Stop by booth 17 and say hi! Be sure to follow @Blubrry or @Blubrry_podcasting on all the social media places.  Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.  Our social media team is keeping things fresh over there!

Blubrry Pro Tip: Intros!  (from LA this week)

______________

Question of the Week: What’s the best way to make sure the sound in my podcast is leveled if I don’t have professional production?

Answer: The best way is Auphic. You can find it here. There is an online service and a stand-alone version you can download and install on Windows, Mac or Linux.

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it.

______________

The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

______________

Coming to you this week from the Pro Production Studios in Tecumseh, Michigan & Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is:

Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Wishing you all a Happy St. Paddy's Day from Blubrry. Our team has had another lively week as we took a look back at all of our achievements over the past two years. With that in mind, remember we'll be at Podcast Movement Evolutions in LA next week, and Kate from our production team will be joining Mike on the mic and Toby gives his opinion on whether or not podcasters should attend live events.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

Live Facebook recording.

Apple Podcasts updated with the latest iOS update as of March 15, 2022

Robert Riggs from True Crime Reporter (and a Blubrry hosted show), is an indie podcaster turning his show into a TV show. Fox Nation will premiere the show this Friday. Freed to Kill is based on True Crime Reporter. Watch the trailer here.

Women Podcast Listeners: What We Know Right Now, from the team at Sounds Profitable. Lots of insights in this one.

Shure is currently having a sale on podcasting and gaming microphones and more.

Advertisers plan to spend more on podcasting. Your Business Should Have a Podcast, we certainly think so and some of those businesses can utilize private podcasting.

Best Practice Routine intros and outros. More than music, have a regular intro and outro that include a thank you and call to actions. Blubrry News

Blog post: Blubrry's Modernization and read the press release here. We're proud to share what we've accomplished.

Blubrry Pro Tip Should you go to live events? From Toby Goodman; check out his new book, Narrow Podcasting. He'll be at Podcast Movement Evolutions too. Question of the Week Question: I’m new at podcasting. How do I find interesting people to interview for my show?

Answer: Congrats.The best way is to hang out with the type of people you want to interview. On Forums, Groups on Facebook or in person groups and events around your niche. Also, don’t go into those groups and right away say “I have a podcast, do you want to be a guest?” without participating in the group and being useful first. You don’t want to look like a spammer by coming on too strong.

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it.

The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. ______________ Coming to you this week from The New Media studios in Coldwater, Michigan & Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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More announcements came this week, like the plan and service changes at Blubrry. We're giving our advanced hosting customers more monthly storage at no cost to them and we've released an updated audience survey for podcast listeners to fill out. But, we don't just talk about us this episode, we mention Podcast Movement Evolutions, a best practice and changing your podcast content into a book. Big thanks to Dr. Denise for joining Todd this time as she's our podcaster of the month and was a joy to have on the show.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know.

Live Facebook recording. News

Kai Chuk, Director of Partnerships at YouTube, will have a session at Podcast Movement Evolutions

YouTube paying up to $300k to get podcasters to do more videos

Spotify removing content from RT and Sputnik

Apple’s podcast app keeps getting worse says Fast Company

Only 1.22% of podcast episodes use chapters in any way

“Host read ads are the beachfront property of podcast advertising” - Tom Webster

Just how many podcasts are there anyway? 

Bill Maher is starting an independent podcast called Club Random

Best Practice Stick with it. Publish enough episodes to foster an audience or following. One or two episodes isn’t typically enough for a listener to know if they want to stick around regularly or subscribe. We tend to see that if podcasters make it past the 7 and then 15 or so episode mark, they’ll stick with it and the same can be said for audiences.

Blubrry News

Blog post: Podcaster of the Month, Dr. Denise McDermott, MD

We've got a revamped audience survey

Hosting plan changes are being made very soon!

Still more to come!

Blubrry Pro Tip Turn your podcast into a book

Interview Dr. Denise McDermott, MD - Podcaster of the Month

Question of the Week Question: If I want to have a guest on my podcast, do they need to sign a release form or anything legal like that? Answer: It’s not required, but it could greatly work in your favor to have them sign one, even a simple version. Most likely, all will go smoothly with your guest, however on the off chance that it doesn’t, something like this could assist in any trouble you run into with them. Gordon Firemark, a known podcast lawyer, has a downloadable one on his site. Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it.

The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. ______________ Coming to you this week from The New Media studios in Coldwater, Michigan & Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

• Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com • Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com • Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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One of the first things that you do when getting your podcast off the ground is creating and/or designing your podcast artwork. It begs the question... do you want to be the face of your own podcast? As in, have your own face on your podcast artwork. It's incredibly popular, but there are no rules when it comes to podcast artwork design - which is shown in each and every podcast directory - that says you should or shouldn't include your latest glamorous headshot.

Toby from the Pro-Production team weighs in on this topic, but not before Todd and Mike get into some industry news, and announcements from Blubrry, including some unsung heroes in podcasting that you might be familiar with.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know.

Live Facebook recording. News

New Luminary CEO has been announced Rishi Malhotra

Apple tells you how to more easily get your podcast promoted

NBC pushing for podcasting

New podcast from Salem Radio, The Dennis and Julie Podcast

The iHeart app added ‘Talk Back’, voice commenting to the hosts of radio shows

Will Twitter be adding podcasts?

Will Farrell is the opening keynote at PM Evolutions and Paris Hilton will be DJing the iHeart Party

Best Practice Check your bandwidth when recording remote guests/hosts.

Oftentimes podcast interviews are recorded via Zoom or another software that takes up a significant amount of internet bandwidth; which depending on your internet connection, can take a toll on your recording. Check your connection every time before you hit record, and if possible, use a connected option as opposed to wifi. Blubrry News

Blog post: Using Social Media to Locate Your Podcast Audience - by Kim Krajci

Tooting our own horns a little… We are honored to be included in Podcast Magazine’s ‘The 22 Unsung Heroes in Podcasting’ We will announce and interview our Podcaster of the Month for March in next week's episode! More to come, stay tuned!

Blubrry Pro Tip The face of your podcast… do you want your podcast artwork to feature your own face? Question of the Week Question: Why does album artwork need to be exactly square and small file size?

Answer: Short answer… because Apple wanted it that way. The better answer is that a square is the easiest shape to use in multiple places, i.e. apps and web pages. It is easier to scale to different sizes without worrying about aspect ratio. The small file size is so it loads fast and doesn’t take up too much space on people’s devices. Not as much of a problem now as it was 14 years ago, the device storage and speed are much much greater now.

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it.

The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. ______________ Coming to you this week from The New Media studios in Coldwater, Michigan & Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

• Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com • Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com • Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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As a podcast host, you wear many hats, including advertising team. And there will most likely come a day when you want to be prepared to share data about your show to someone else, and you'll need to create a podcast media kit, also known as a press kit. Hear from Todd and Mike some recommendations on what to include, when to get started and more. We've got lots more where that comes from, so stick around for Toby's pro tip of the week about email segmentation, mic quality and loads of podcast industry news.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know.

Live Facebook recording. News

Now that Podsights and Chartable are part of Spotify, Sounds Profitable points out they should no longer be considered 3rd party podcast statistics providers. Read here.

Libsyn’s AdvertiseCast has acquired PAR

LinkedIn jumping into podcasting in partnership with Verizon, creating original content for the platform

The hosts of BBC’s Americast are moving to rival platform, Global, for podcasting and radio

Podcast Moderation Challenges, from Reuters.

Think you're doing everything right with your podcast? Just in case... here are 8 Podcasting Mistakes to Avoid

Be sure to go fill out the first-ever Podnews Report Card for industry wide results

Best Practice Create a podcast media kit Especially if you’re looking to monetize your show, a media kit shows your dedication, timeliness and overall brand and reach, easier than you can explain.

Blubrry News

Blog post: Power Through Podcast Burnout by David Day

Blubrry Pro Tip Email Segmentation - thanks Toby!

Question of the Week Question: This came from the Podcasting Reddit topic. Should two hosts use the same type of mic, or can they use different kinds/types and end up with ok audio? Answer: It is a good idea for you and your co-host to sound similar in quality but we don’t think you need to have the exact microphones. But, if one host is on a $500 mic and the other host is on a stick mic that came with a laptop, well that isn’t going to sound great.  Most importantly, background noise levels need to be the same or as close as you can. Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. ______________ Coming to you this week from The New Media studios in Coldwater, Michigan & Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com

Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com

Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Have you taken a look at your Blubrry podcast statistics today? You'll find a whole new interface and for some users (advanced), a few new metrics. Many of you know we've been working on this user experience release for a long time and we could not be more excited to share it with you all. We start out the episode with some Blubrry news this time, and get to industry news after as well as a best practice -- research your titles -- and a pro tip about co-hosts.

A big thanks to Yndia Lorick-Wilmot for joining us as podcaster of the month and stick around for her interview with Todd. Thanks for listening and let us know what you think about the stats! You might just win a year's worth of hosting for doing so.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know.

Live Facebook recording. News

Spotify has acquired two podcast stats companies, Chartable and Podsights

Apple Podcasts adding new sorting features to their app

Guy Raz’s podcast, How I Built This, goes one week exclusive on Amazon / Wondery+

More radio people come to podcasting Mike & Jon in the Morning turns into a podcast

Best Practice Research your ‘perfect’ podcast title before you move forward. It could be the most clever and apt name for your podcast, but you never know who might have already thought of it, owns the domain, or how confusing it may be to a search engine.

Blubrry News

Our new podcast statistics user interface has been released. Read more here and here.

Blog posts: Valentine’s Day post A Time to Celebrate Our True Love, Podcasting by Meryl Klemow

Angelo Mandato, our long-standing chief information officer and co-founder, has left Blubrry

Blubrry Pro Tip Looking for a co-host?

Interview Podcaster of the Month: Dr. Yndia Lorick-Wilmot, PhD Education category - Talking Journeys of Belonging 2 Blackness

Question of the Week Question: What is the correct bitrate vs. file size for podcasting mp3’s? Answer: That is up to you, but the standard is 64kbps in mono or 128kbps in stereo. 64kbps will give you 1/2mb per minute of audio and you can double that for 128kbps. Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. ______________ Coming to you this week from The New Media studios in Coldwater, Michigan & Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com

Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com

Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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It's always a joy celebrating and congratulating creators for their hard work. Fortunately, after a break, one of podcasts most well-known and respected honors is back. The 2022 Podcast Hall of Fame inductees list has been released and the awards ceremony will be hosted at Podcast Movement Evolutions in Los Angeles in March later this year. Congratulations to all of the new inductees! We also catch you up on the latest in the ongoing Joe Rogan and Spotify story, the Ambies (another podcast awards show), and an easy way to get to know your podcast audience better.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know.

Facebook live recording. News

Podcaster Hall of Fame class of 2022 announced

70 episodes removed from The Joe Rogan Experience show on Spotify

Rumble offers $100 million for Joe Rogan to move to Rumble

How many ads are too many?

2022 Infinite Dial to be presented live at Podcast Movement Evolutions

Also, possibly, the New Media Show

Zoom settings for reasonable podcast recordings, a Twitter thread from our friend over at Buzzsprout.

Ross Mathews and Nikki Boyer to co-host the 2022 Ambies

Best Practice Get to know your audience We make this easy with an audience survey available within the Blubrry dashboard.

Blubrry News

Blog Posts: Podcaster of the Month: Yndia Lorick-Wilmot

Affiliate payments go out next week

Stats beta testers have been notified

Blubrry Pro Tip Networks

Question of the Week Question: What are the requirements to get on Apple Podcasts and Spotify? Answer: I see this generic question a lot on forums and groups. There are several, but they are mostly the same for ALL podcast apps, directories, and podcatchers. 

The first requirement is actually having a podcast. That means having at least one podcast episode published and having a podcast-compatible RSS feed to submit.

Correct artwork size

Media file in the designated format

Descriptions filled out

Category picked

Of course, Blubrry will help you with ALL these things. That is our job! And we have a simple set of instructions here in case you're more of a step by step learner. Learn how to Submit to Apple Podcasts here and to find instructions for many other directories here. Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. ______________ Coming to you this week from The New Media studios in Coldwater, Michigan & Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com

Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com

Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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There are many responsibilities that come with being a podcast host and creator. Some of which include: deciding on what type of content to publish, what platforms you’re comfortable being on, and this one can be more important than some think, the help you ask for along the way. We urge you to be wary when you begin working with or choose to hire a podcast consultant. Tune in for these topics and more on this episode of Podcast Insider. Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know.

No live show this week. News

Joe Rogan responds to ongoing controversy 

The hosts of Science Vs. go on hiatus over the Joe Rogan policy

There is a new Neil Young channel on SiriusXM satellite radio

Amazon paid $100 million for My Favorite Murder

Serial released a new season this week, set in Birmingham

Best Practice Be very careful who you hire as a podcast consultant. 

Blubrry News

Blog Posts: Build your audience with great podcast interviews - Part 1 and Part 2  by Kim Krajci

Final preparations are being made for stats beta coming next week!

Blubrry Pro Tip Conversations vs Soap Boxing

Question of the Week Question: Why are my stats reporting downloads? What about people hitting play on my page? Are those counted? Answer: To the server, plays and downloads are the same thing. Whether this is playing on a web page or downloading in an app. The only difference is when someone hits play on your page, the file is downloading AS it’s playing (you can’t tell the difference unless there is significant buffering). But to the server, it looks the same. So, they are counted the same. Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. ______________ Coming to you this week from Todd’s home in Southern Michigan and Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com

Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com

Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Not all podcast advertising is created equal, for instance, a new study says 30 seconds is the best length for an ad. However, depending on where the ad is in the show, it could be better to go longer or shorter. There is no solid rule of thumb. And our best practice encourages podcasters to choose wisely when deciding to partner with a sponsor. Mike and Todd chat about some recent changes to Youtube creators and Spotify artists as well. Looking for Advertising for your Podcast?

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know.

Live Facebook recording. News

Dan Bongino will no longer be on YouTube

Jad Abumrad is leaving Radiolab

Timber, a podcast hosting company, is shutting down. According to Podcasting Sucks with Tanner Campbell.

Spotify removes Neil Young’s music (at his request). Twitter is full of threads talking about other extremely popular artists on Spotify to take the same action in hopes of Spotify taking it more seriously, such as Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish.

A study says 30 seconds is the best length for an ad.

Podinbox launches a monetization feature

Best Practice Be picky about what you choose to advertise on your podcast. An advertiser is another representative of yourself and your show. Who you choose to identify with can seem minor but to a certain listener can be a major indicator of something they don’t agree with.

Blubrry News

Blog Post: Newsletters for Podcasters - by MacKenzie Bennett

Community newsletter went out today

Our first event of the year is Podcast Movement Evolutions, use the code Blubrry50 to get $50 of your ticket.

Blubrry Pro Tip Stop Strong

Interview Podcaster of the Month: Landis Wade

Question(s) of the Week Question: Thinking about buying a new microphone! Curious, what aspects do you consider before buying one? Answer: There are a few things to think about when choosing a microphone. 

Your recording environment.

Your voice.

Cost

XLR vs USB

Generally speaking, a dynamic microphone is more likely to work for most podcasters.  Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. ______________ Coming to you this week from the New Media Studio in Coldwater, Michigan and Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com

Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com

Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Have you worked on something new for your podcast lately? We know that email can seem drab, but it can be vital for reaching your audience in a way that they actually use or respond to. In this episode we share why running an email list for your podcast is important as a creator. And mention a newsletter for podcasters to keep them informed they can subscribe to. Before we get to that, we discuss issues with Anchor, a Spotify trademark case and more.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know.

Live Facebook recording. News

Anchor.fm is causing issues with downloads.

Spotify sues cannabis company “Potify” and wins in trademark case

Is BBC going away in 2027?

Congratulations to ABC for 1,000 episodes of Start Here

Podcash is giving away $100k to budding podcasters

Podcasting by the Moon - a woman-focused podcasting newsletter from Alexandra Cohl and her business, POD.DRALAND

BackUpMyPodcast.com is shut down.

Best Practice Use SEO to your advantage Those looking to expand their audience can focus on SEO tactics so that people are able to find your show more organically with a simple search. We recommend at least 300 words for your show notes, but more is definitely better. Learn here.

Blubrry News

Blog Post: Don’t Sabotage Your Show Before You Hit Record by Tara O’Brien

Podcaster of the Month: Landis Wade from the Charlotte Readers Podcast

Offering very limited private beta to our stats system. If you are a hosting customer, we will provide 5-10 users access to the new Blubrry Stats interface before anyone else. Email marketing@blubrry.com.

Blubrry Pro Tip Why running an email list is important. 

Question(s) of the Week Question: On my statistics report, I can see downloads but not the number of subscribers. Where can I find the number of subscribers to my podcast? Answer: Companies cannot claim to tell you the number of subscribers with any accuracy. The problem is that an app might hit your RSS feed 24 times a day (once an hour) and someone else might have their app set to hit your feed every 4 hours and some others might hit it every 10 minutes. There is no way to really know, BUT there are a couple of ways to garner a safe estimate.  

Look at an episode that is 30 days or so old. Click on the file name in our system, then click on "distribution" and look at the mobile app and podcatcher numbers. Add them together and that will get you close to 'subscribers'.

Look at the bump in the day-to-day trending graph on days you publish.  People that download/play it on the same day or the next day are more than likely subscribers.

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. ______________ Coming to you this week from the New Media Studio in Coldwater, Michigan and Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com

Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com

Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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As with any new year, so comes inevitable change, i.e things deciding to end things but also begin. This week we share stories on reviving the podcaster hall of fame, new podcasts and a few tales on how not everything lasts and the power of saying no.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know.

Live Facebook recording. News

Todd: CES show round up

Podcaster’s Hall of Fame back on for 2022

Podcasting hasn’t produced a hit in years! Welp.

Spotify Studio team laid off, last day is Jan. 21.

Is podcasting killing AM talk radio?

Dana Carvey and David Spade are doing a podcast called Fly on the Wall, an inside look at SNL.

Too busy (lazy) to podcast? Use AI. Bert Weiss to use synthetic voice to do promos, liners and podcasts.

A new podcast of radio vets swapping stories, Radio Daze

Is Facebook editing music out of your podcast?

Best Practice Active listening An interview can be used as a cheap and easy way to entertain your audience, but it requires your participation too to be done well. A question here and there doesn’t cut it.

Blubrry News

Blog Post: How I Use My Podcast’s Twitter Account As a Resource by Jen Thorpe

PowerPress 8.7.9 is out now, mostly bug-fixes.

Tell us why you should be Podcaster of the Month, submit under Other.

Be sure to check out our Facebook Group.  Blubrry Facebook Group and all the other social media platforms. Look for blubrry or blubrry_podcasting.

Blubrry Pro Tip When to say NO!

Question(s) of the Week Question: I looked at my feed and my posts are being cut short and at the end, it has “This post originally appeared on (link to my website).” How do I turn that off? Answer: It’s a setting in the Yoast SEO Plugin. Go to the SEO menu in your sidebar, click on “Search Appearance” and then click on the RSS tab. Blank out any boxes in there that have any code or text in them. Lastly, save your changes. Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. ______________ Coming to you this week from the New Media Studio in Coldwater, Michigan and Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com

Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com

Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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2021 was known for mass quitting and hiring, within many fields and industries and podcasting is no different. We discuss some host changes within popular podcasts, hosts quitting, and available jobs within the podcasting industry in what is known as the Great Resignation. Todd is out this week and will be back shortly; big thanks to Toby for starting us off this year with a pro tip focused on first impressions.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. News

Audie Cornish is leaving her position at NPR, co-host of All Things Considered, the latest in a long list of audio hosts that have quit in the past year or so and the Great Resignation. Leila Fadel joins All Things Considered and Up First podcast Podcaster ordered to hand over interviews that have not aired. Instead, they published them! Quite a few jobs listed on Podjobs.net currently The Podcast Host’s Podcaster Problems survey 2021 Public Domain Day

Best Practice Guest spotlight page on your podcast website Blubrry News

Working on final touches for some projects we’re planning to release shortly Todd is attending CES in Vegas and seeing some fun, new products Blog post: New Year’s Resolutions for Podcasters - by Meryl Klemow

Blubrry Pro Tip Podcast album art - first impressions Interview Shay Drinkwater from the buzzr pod

Website Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Question(s) of the Week Question: Should I be posting my new podcasts as "Posts or Pages" in WordPress?

Answer: Posts. Pages are for more static content like About pages, welcome pages, pages you use for reference and that kind of thing. Not so much for ongoing dynamic content like podcasts or blog posts. Plus, Pages are never included in the RSS feed. You could (but it’s more complicated) use a Custom post type, but that is too much to go into on a podcast :)

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it.

The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

______________

Coming to you this week from the Blubrry Studio in Columbus, Ohio and Mike Dell’s World Studio in northern Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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For the last show to 2021, we asked our staff and on social what they think might happen in podcasting in 2022.  Today's show is a bit of a format break.  Have a happy new year!  See ya in 2022!

Carolyn Berry, from Adventures with Grammy,  says her show will double its listeners in 2022.  ( good plug! )

Maxwell Ivey Jr. from What’s Your Excuse network and the blind blogger says:  I predict even more people, companies, and organizations will launch podcasts. I predict Spotify and others will continue to try to win the podcasting world like it's a game of monopoly. And I predict that more people will be hosting with Blubrry.

Dave Keeshan from The Future is Not Set, I predict the option to open a payment stream to podcasts will increase. So far Patreon and buymeacoffee.com are sorta fits. The start of tipping, or lightning/crypto payments, or anything that can be done from a handheld device will become more common. This will hopefully happen as a result of people’s frustration with the increase of ads into their podcast experience. Hopefully, this will also lead to a more dynamic podcast, where they can be delivered with and without ads.

AND

There will be more live streaming like events/productions. Clubhouse, FIreside, Wisdom, are all chasing "something". The thing, live, interactive audio, which can be recorded and released later as a podcast, maybe as different as radio shows are to podcasts (which are also released after the fact as podcasts)

@checkheadpod  The CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast’s prediction for 2022 is that it will be the biggest year for podcast growth as more people turn to #podcasts for safe, enjoyable & free entertainment during #pandemiclife.

Josh fromTips of the Slung I wouldn't be surprised if some of the shows under the banners of bigger companies (in particular shows that were independent and successful prior to signing) try to break their contracts and go indie again. [ Josh - Tips of the Slung ]

Daniel J. Lewis from The Audacity to Podcast -  I expect we'll see another huge platform support podcasts—maybe Microsoft, Twitter, or LinkedIn. Also much bigger adoption of Podcasting 2.0.

Jim Malliard from The Malliard Report:  I predict Spotify will close the free version of anchor and try to recruit shows to only be on Spotify, only with free music accounts.

Articles:

HotPod / The Verge’s predictions (toward the bottom of this article)

Pacific Content’s Annual Prediction article

From the Team:

Toby Goodman from Blubrry Pro Production:  ​​There will be at least one best selling book about podcasting coming in late Feb! (hint: Toby is writing a book)  :)

Ultimately I say this... The industry will be split into even more subsections from a revenue-generating standpoint. I don't think paid subscriptions will grow wildly unless podcasters are prepared to give more than just... more audio away. ie: More in-person events, memberships…

Barry Kantz, RawVoice CFO -  I think the blockchain will have an impact on podcasting over the next couple of years.

Todd’s Predictions: 

Facebook will be #2 by end of 2022 More consolidation of conglomerates buying podcast companies More advertising opportunities for independent podcasters The growth of the podcast space will go back to pre-pandemic levels More companies will exercise private podcasting in their organizations Anchor will add another million dead show Apple will open up API submission to Apple Podcasts

Mike’s Predictions: 

Facebook WILL NOT be the #2 listening platform by the end of 2022. Soundcloud will still exist (even though I’ve been predicting its death for years). Feedburner will continue to be barely active with a slight update from Google. I will get a wild hair and start another podcast of some sort. NOT related to podcasting.  Joe Rogan will announce he is leaving Spotify as an exclusive and will return to being an independent podcaster/YouTuber.

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The big companies are buying more podcast assets. Todd and Mike talk about Captivate and Whooshkaa getting acquired. Today is a no-edit show. Everyone have a Happy Holiday!

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know.

News

Captivate acquired by Global, part of DAX. Congrats! Spotify has acquired Whooshkaa Brian Williams, former NBC/MSNBC anchor now has a podcast, We Interrupt This Broadcast, which made it to #1 on Apple Podcasts! Ten Percent Happier is starting its own podcast studio Spotify adds star ratings, you cannot rate unless you have listened

Best Practice: 3 steps to double-check your episode after you publish

Press play. By that we mean ensure it’s playing correctly. Click play on the player and make sure you hear it start playing. Check your RSS feed. Go to castfeedvalidator.com and run a validation check. Relax in the knowledge that your show will go out as normal!

Blubrry News

The team will be out the following days for the holidays:  December 24th and December 31st. Get your predictions in for our New Years Eve Eve show. Email mike@blubrry.com (Audio would be great but text is ok as well). Blog Post: The Value of Spending Marketing on Your Show by David Day

Blubrry Pro Tip - Pro team out for the rest of the year. 

Question(s) of the Week

Question: I have a really long interview that I recorded, it’s over 2 hours. Should I break it up into two episodes or should I just put it out full-length?

Answer:  In most cases, play the whole thing in one episode.  Maybe think of editing it down to less than 2 hours.  Make sure it's not boring! But, do not break things up into 2 parts if you can help it. ______________ Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. ______________ Coming to you this week from the New Media Studio in southern Michigan and Mike Dell’s World Studio in northern Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com

Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com

Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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The more mainstream podcasting becomes, the more insistent the need for transcripts are. We urge you (and ourselves) to consider including the podcast transcript when you publish your episodes. There are various softwares that provide this function including, Audioburst. Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Live Facebook recording. News

The minimum ad spend to get on Joe Rogan is $1million! (According to Ashley Carman from HotPod News)

Eric Nuzum predicts companies will switch from podcasting to video

Podcast host ShoutEngine shutting down Dec. 30th

If you need to migrate to Blubrry, drop us a ticket. We can get you two months free!

Podcasters at iHeart are unionizing

Podcast listeners are more likely to order food delivery

Gorge Noory and Premiere Networks are launching Coast to Coast AM Podcast Network

The New Media Show interviewed Adam Curry yesterday!

SiriusXM is being sued by the National Association for the Deaf

Best Practice A good FIRST impression goes a long way. Short and sweet podcast intros.

Blubrry News

Blog Post: You don’t have to monetize your podcast by Kim Krajci.

Affiliate payments including annual bonus will go out this week.

We will not be taking off any podcast release days for December, so expect episodes on the 23rd and 30th.

The team will be out the following days for the holidays: December 24th and December 31st.

Blubrry Pro Tip Sponsorships

Question(s) of the Week Question: When changing the name of your podcast, should you create a whole new account or just change everything on your current account and leave the old episodes? Answer: Depends… if the rebranded show is on the same subject (or close) then just renaming things and pressing on with all the old episodes still there is the way to go. If the show is majorly different, it’s likely better to kill the show (see last week’s blog post) and start a new one with a new RSS feed. ______________ Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. ______________ Coming to you this week from the New Media Studio in southern Michigan and Mike Dell’s World Studio in northern Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com

Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com

Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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We suggest you resist the urge to skip episode releases in December and to instead continue podcasting through the holidays. We don't plan on taking any weeks off for December and will continue with our normal publishing schedule. Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Live Facebook recording. News

Joe Rogan still #1 at Spotify

Edison Research report compares US/UK podcast listening

Chris Cuomo (cohost of the The Hand Off podcast) who was suspended from his CNN primetime show has been fired from CNN and is also leaving his Sirius/XM show.

Webby Awards entry deadline is Dec 17, 2021

CUMULUS MEDIA And Signal Hill Insights’ Podcast Download – Fall 2021 Report

Podcast Movement Evolutions in March 2022 will host the Edison Research Infinite Dial results

Best Practice Promote future episodes with a preview at the end of your current episode

Blubrry News

Blog: When is it time to kill a podcast? by Mike Dell

Affiliate payments including annual bonus will go out next week. Apply to be an affiliate here.

We will not be taking off any days for December, so expect episodes on the 23rd and 30th

Blubrry Pro Tip Do not take a break over the holidays! 

Question(s) of the Week Question: How can I easily schedule guests for my show without multiple emails back and forth to find a good time for both or more people? Answer: We highly recommend using some scheduling software, service, etc. We use Calendly for scheduling guests for this show as well as some client consults. It’s much easier for everyone involved and professional. Here is a list of recommendations. ______________

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. ______________ Coming to you this week from the New Media Studio in southern Michigan and the Blubrry Studio in Columbus Ohio. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com

Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com

Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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This week began a whole slew of end of the year lists, commemorating the beginning of the end of 2021, and podcasts lists were no different. Both Apple and Spotify revealed their most popular shows for listeners for the year of 2021. Infinite Dial released their findings on podcasting and media consumption, based in the UK. Students, don't miss out on NPR's annual podcast challenge and then tune into your childhood roots with the Bugs Bunny and Daffy podcast. Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Live Facebook recording. News

Apple Podcasts released their Best of 2021

Spotify Wrapped dropped yesterday and it includes podcasts

Chris Cuomo, co-host of the podcast The Hand Off, suspended by CNN for a breach of journalistic ethics

LiveOne expanding for connected vehicle listening

Podcasting has changed since the early days

NPR’s College Podcast Challenge is back with a chance to win $5k!

Infinite Dial UK findings are available today

Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck do a podcast!

Best Practice File names

Artwork file names Media file names Best practice

No spaces. Letters, numbers and dashes only.

Only numbers or letters at the end of the file name.

No periods in the file name OTHER than the .mp3 or .jpg.

Media File Example: PCI-2021-12-2.mp3 or pci271.mp3 Artwork file example: PCI1400.png or pci3000.jpg

Blubrry News

Blog: Livestream Your Show by Tara Jean O’Brien

Blog: How to Choose a Co-Host by David Day

Internal Affairs released their second episode recently.

Blubrry Pro Tip Are You Taking Full Advantage of Your Podcast Asset

Question(s) of the Week Question: How long should I spend on my podcast episodes? Answer: As long as you want. However long you feel is necessary to put out the level of quality you have in mind. I have heard 4:1. If you do a 1 hour long show, you could spend up to 4 hours working on it (prep, recording, editing and promotion, etc.). ______________ Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. ______________ Coming to you this week from the New Media Studio in southern Michigan and Mike Dell’s World Studio in northern Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com

Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com

Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Tempted to release mini podcast episodes? You're not alone, and companies and creators alike have the same idea. Mike and MacKenzie discuss the pros and cons of releasing mini podcast episodes, as in 90 second or so, as a whole new podcast or including them in your normal feed, and a new company taking this idea by storm. Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know.

News

Edison Research released the top 50 podcasts by audience size for Q3 2021

Podchaser partners with Critical Mention to track brands mentioned within podcasts

Asia Podcast Festival will culminate at the end of the month, awards submissions and accelerator lab are going on currently.

Racket, like TikTok but for 99 second audiograms.

Navy Yard, a DC neighborhood, has a new apartment complex in development, featuring a studio for musicians and podcasters.

Rick Flair teaming up with Mare Madden for a new podcast.

Best Practice Interact with your social media following

Blubrry News

Blog Post: Barriers to Podcasting by Kim Krajci. Essentially a part two of her blog post in September.

November Podcaster of the Month: Alan Petersen, Meet the Thriller Author

Off next week for Thanksgiving

Working hard on our stats update

Here is your weekly PowerPress update. 8.7.7 was recently released, fixing a long-standing bug.

Blubrry Pro Tip The value of replays.

Question(s) of the Week Question: From a Facebook Group I have a recommendation from a buddy that grew a podcast quite successfully. I release episodes weekly (35-60 minutes depending on guests). His recommendation is to release daily short episodes (60-90 seconds) with a daily snapshot, daily update on a topic of interest to my audience. Has anyone done this? Answer: I have a long time ago on one of my shows. To be honest, it didn’t do much for my listenership. In fact, I would say it annoyed some of my listeners. Frankly I would be annoyed if I am expecting a 30 min show and I get a 90 second show. Personally, I pick shows by length when I set up a playlist for a particular listening session. A bunch of short shows is ok grouped up, but I wouldn’t listen daily.  ______________

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. ______________ Coming to you this week from the Blubrry Studio in central Ohio and Mike Dell’s World Studio in northern Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com

Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com

Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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There are numerous podcast apps and they are all in slight competition with one another. The question is: what podcast app market share does each one hold. Todd and Mike provide their theories on who will come out on top in the future in this episode of Podcast Insider. Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Live Facebook recording. News

Apple Podcasts has brought back the 'refresh feed’ button

Podcasts becoming people’s go-to for news

Pew Fact Sheet

Molly Wood is leaving APM’s Daily Show.

Edison Research and NPR presented the ‘Spoken Word’ audio report today, catch a replay here.

Podcaster listenership is rising among Black Americans.

On the New Media Show, yesterday Todd said Facebook will be the #2 podcast listening platform in a year.

Best Practice Figuring out who your target audience is so you can be where they are. Blubrry News

Blog Post: Blubrry’s March for Show Growth, written by Todd Cochrane

PowerPress 8.7.6 is out, with security and bug fixes.

Be sure to follow us on social. Blubrry or Blubrry Podcasting on all of the platforms.

Blubrry Pro Tip What Sort of Podcaster Are You?

Question(s) of the Week Question: Why am I only getting 7% of my downloads from Spotify, and 50% from Apple, but ‘everyone’ says Spotify has way more market share than that?   Answer: We can only show what actually happens. NOT what gets reported elsewhere. Across all the shows that Blubrry tracks, we see anywhere from 2-10% market share for Spotify. Other platforms may see higher or lower depending on a lot of factors. Demographics, geography, show type, target audience and many other factors. You are doing nothing wrong. ______________ Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. ______________ Coming to you this week from the New Media Studios in southern Michigan and Mike Dell’s World Studio in northern Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com

Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com

Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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One of the greatest benefits of audio shows is the ability of remote podcast recording. The ability to bring any hosts, guests, etc. together for a podcast is easily one of the most advantageous factors of the medium. And it can be quite easy. We recommend some tips for any remote recording you'll be doing for your show. Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Live Facebook recording. News

Headliner now helps you post to YouTube automatically. Remember, they're a partner of ours!

Amazon Music launches synchronized transcripts for podcasts

Almost half of podcast listeners in the U.S listen to an indie podcast at least once a week 

Congratulations to Bradley Tirpak, the new CEO of Libsyn Inc.

National Podcast Posting Month is going on for the month of November, http://napodpomo.org. (Mike is doing it this year with Mike Dell’s World)

Best Practice Remote recording of podcast guests (or if you are a guest) 

Do not use Bluetooth or wifi to record interviews. Use a wired connection to a computer.

Wifi can lag in time causing uncomfortable gaps and talking over each other.

Do not use Apple AirPods or any other Bluetooth microphone or headset.

Bluetooth lag can be as bad as wifi lag

Use a USB microphone if possible.

Some hosts have a couple of mics they will send out to guests before interviews.

Or call in using a cell phone, the audio will be better that way. Be sure to do a quick test record.

Blubrry News

Blog post: How to be a great podcast guest - by Meryl Klemow

Our next webinar, Podcasting With WordPress and PowerPress is Nov. 30th at 3:30pm

Getting closer to the big stats update! Stay tuned.

PowerPress 8.7.5 is out. More bug fixes

Be sure to follow us on social. Our interns Mandy and Chau are knocking it out of the park on Instagram and TikTok (and all the rest).

Blubrry Pro Tip It’s all about cross-promotion.

Question(s) of the Week Question: How can I get a PowerPress shortcode to work on the WordPress web page to show a list of the recent episodes? Answer: First, Enable the “PowerPress Playlist” in the advanced menu of PowerPress settings. Then, put shortcode on the page you want to use it on. That will, by default, give you a list of the last 10 episodes. You can change the number of episodes and a few other things by adding to the shortcode. Information about all the options are on this page. Bonus Support Topic: Put your email in your feed settings.  ______________ Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. ______________ Coming to you this week from the New Media Studios in southern Michigan and Mike Dell’s World Studio in northern Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com

Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com

Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Lots changing here for those working in podcasting. Personnel changes in podcasting are a hot topic this week and Mike (solo this week!) dives in to these new roles at multiple platforms. He also points out that sometimes, an old way is still a great way to promote your podcast. Cross promotion between podcasters is a great way to not only gain new listeners but develop a relationship with fellow creators. Tune in for these topics and more. News

FTC warns podcasters about endorsement ads

Sony Music has appointed two executives for podcasting efforts

Blake Thompson named EVP at Ramsy

PRX adding two new roles in their podcasting division

Think having a podcast is, a lot? You're right. The average podcaster does five different jobs for the podcast

Did Spotify overtake Apple Podcasts in the US?

Best Practice: Promoting your show the old fashioned way, cross-promotion.

Swap promos with other podcasters in your niche

Promote your show on your other show (if you have more than one)

Have other podcasters in your niche on your show

Go on other podcasters shows in your niche

Join a loose network in your niche (like Tech Podcasts Network)

Years ago, this was much more common

Blubrry News

Todd is traveling home from the SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) event in Austin Texas today

Blog Post: There are Times You Want to Keep It Private Your Company can Secure Content for Exclusive Audiences

MacKenzie is looking for podcasters of the month for the rest of the year. Email her, MacKenzie@blubrry.com

Internal Affairs, a new podcast from our marketing interns, Chau and Mandy, here at Blubrry.

We are looking for a savvy digital marketer to join the Blubrry team! If you are or you know of someone who is, we will have the full job description and a job posting soon. Stay tuned!

Blubrry Pro Tip Interview techniques and the open-ended question

Question(s) of the Week Question: Why are all the directories and apps so picky about podcast artwork? I’m having a hard time getting mine to pass the size requirements.  Answer: Most apps and directories have optimized their apps over the years for images that are exactly square. 1400x1400px (up to 3000px). Even one pixel off from that size will cause most directories to reject your feed. The requirements:

1400x1400 pixels (square) RGB color space PNG or JPG format Under 500kb (½ of 1 MB in file size)

You can edit images in Photoshop, Photoshop Express App (Free), Canva and many others. Or you can have a designer make your podcast artwork for a lost cost on fiverr.com. ______________ Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. ______________ Coming to you this week from Mike Dell’s World Studio in northern Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com

Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com

Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Podcast show prep can be as detailed or as open as the host would like it to be. For example, this show uses a document with bullets outlining the topics, but not much of the commentary. Other shows might be completely written ahead of time and simply recorded until they should just right. There is no right or wrong way to conduct podcast show prep. Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know.

News

Chelsea White and Irena Lam from Facebook were on the New Media Show yesterday.  Video Replay: https://youtu.be/MpY_VYbq5sE

See our article about Facebook’s Podcasting system here.

Audacy will acquire WideOrbit’s streaming tech for $40 million.

Apple explains how auto-downloads work on Apple Podcasts.

Jordan Harbinger signed a “high seven figure” contact to stay at Podcast One.

Stephen Colbert starts a new podcast The Late Show Pod Show (audio-only version of the CBS talk show).

Kerri Hoffman (PRX Chief) thinks exclusive podcasts could hurt the podcasting industry.

Best Practice: Podcast Show Prep There are many ways to go about preparing for your episodes. 

Hit record and wing it Outlines Scripts

Blubrry News

We're looking for podcasters of the month for the rest of the year. Email MacKenzie@blubrry.com.

ShePodcasts recap from MacKenzie: It was not only nice to see some old friends but to meet so many new podcasters. 2020 was a very big year for women/non-binary, etc. podcasters, they came into this event strong on knowing what they want to learn more about and confident in what they are doing well. An incredible group of creators and event organizers.

Affiliate payments coming soon.

Podcaster of the month (and our guest last week), Natty Bumpercar.

Don’t forget to check us out on social! Our social team is hard at work keeping everyone updated over there.

Blubrry Pro Tip All About Episode Titles

Question(s) of the Week Question: If I post my episode in the Blubrry dashboard, does it immediately upload to Apple podcasts or do I still need to go into my Wordpress to make it go to Apple podcast? Answer:  If you are using PowerPress on a WordPress site, that is where Apple (and everyone else) looks to PULL your new episodes. If you publish an episode post at Blubrry (which you should not be able to do if you have it set up correctly) it won’t go anywhere other than the Blubrry.com directory. You need to setup how you publish with Blubrry. From the Blubrry Publisher (dashboard) OR from A WordPress site using PowerPress. Never both! Of course, if you need help setting that up, let us know blubrry.com/support/ ______________

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. ______________ Coming to you this week from Blubrry Studio in central Ohio and Mike Dell’s World Studio in northern Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com

Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com

Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Todd is back this week! We talked about how Blubrry won't kick you off if you get too popular and how we want your show to grow. We also did the normal news and best practices, then interviewed Natty Bumpercar, the winner of our feedback contest a while back and our forthcoming Podcaster of the Month (post to come on that). Enjoy the show! Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know.

News

The 26th annual Webby Awards are open for early registration. Facebook Audio hub for Podcast, Live Audio and more is live now. Let’s Encrypt Root Certs expired a while back. Could have caused trouble with your podcast. The Last Podcast on the Left is no longer Spotify Exclusive after February 2022. ‘She Podcasts Live’ is going on now in Scottsdale, Arizona -  MacKenzie and Aaron from the Blubrry team are there!

Best Practice: Simpler is sometimes the better choice

Podcasting is an AUDIO format (for the most part) and what your site LOOKS like is not as important as its function. A nice-looking site (but simple) is great.

Function follows form in this case. It’s better that it works than if it looks fabulous.

Do not worry about the small stuff. Show notes will not look as good on the platforms as it does on your site. Spending a lot of time getting on a particular platform may not be the best use of your time.  Some platforms are not used by many listeners. It is good to “Be Everywhere” but spending a lot of time for two or three listeners could be time not well spent. Pick your battles!

Blubrry News

We are in between big releases, but are working behind the scenes tweaking what we have and getting ready for the next BIG update.  Stay tuned! Blog post:  Become a Headliner by Tara O’Brian Facebook Releases Special Tools for Podcasters: Facebook for Creators Again, MacKenzie and Aaron are at She Podcasts this weekend. If you are there, go visit them to say HI and get some swag!

Blubrry Pro Tip: Toby has the week off.  

Interview: Natty Bumpercar - The Bumperpodcast

Question(s) of the Week

Question: My podcast host is asking me to leave because I’ve become too popular. HELP!

Answer:  Come to Blubrry!  (What did you expect us to say?) Blubrry does not kick someone off because they’re popular. We want you to GROW your podcast.

If you want to keep track of all your ratings and reviews from every country on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Podchaser and Castbox, all in one place . . . check out My Podcast Reviews -  https://mypodcastreviews.com/

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Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it.

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The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

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Coming at you this week from New Media Studio in southern Michigan and Mike Dell’s World Studio in northern Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is:

Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Never one to shy away from encouraging podcasters to have a website of their own, we did a deep dive into why podcasters should take control of their podcast on all levels. Kate joined Mike to discuss what exactly a podcast is - the ins and outs - as well as the numerous benefits of having your own website, with a significant example from earlier this week. Special guest host: Kate from Blubrry Pro Production Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know.

News

Congratulations to the winners at the People’s Choice Podcast Awards 

The great Facebook outage of 2021

Why do we call it a ‘Podcast’?

From Ashley at HotPod, Gimlet’s Heavyweight is becoming a Spotify exclusive in November.

Find the next big podcast star! PodcastOne, a leading podcast platform and a subsidiary of LiveXLive Media, has set its award winning panel of judges to select the winner of Self Made Podcast Edition, an audio competition to find the next big podcast star for the network giant. Can you really know what the “next big hit” will be? What constitutes a “hit” to one is a “flop” to many. For instance... many didn't expect the success of Sleep With Me (https://www.sleepwithmepodcast.com); and hosting on it's own site, links, resources, etc available independently regardless of social or directories.

Is a YouTube “podcast” really a podcast?

Yes and no. While you can certainly repurpose any audio content and add it to your RSS feed to make it into an actual podcast, a video on Youtube is not a ‘podcast’ any more than a music video is a podcast. An actual podcast requires an RSS feed. There is quite a bit of value in putting your RSS based podcast on YouTube with a static or even a series of images that match the content and loading that up for additional listenership that drives your listeners/viewers to your website and yes, I’m going to circle back once again because it cannot be said too much, if you don’t have everything on your own website, your own .com or dot, then you don’t actually own your intellectual property or the land on which it lives and you could be shut down and offline in a second.

Best Practice Piggybacking off the Facebook outage, a best practice for any business, especially podcasters, is to have your own website where your content will never go off line. While we beat this like an old dead horse, we do that for a reason. Hundreds of thousands of businesses who only have a ‘Facebook website’ lost untold dollars of revenue when the platform went down and customers didn’t have an actual website to visit. Best practice of the day is to always have your own website for your podcast and your business and avoid being at the mercy of someone else's bad tech.

Blubrry News

Blog post: Boost Listenership with Special Series of Episodes

Winner of the free year for giving us feedback on the new dashboard changes has been selected.  We will have him on Podcast Insider next week.

PowerPress 8.7.4 is out, minor bug fixes and a typo fix.

Follow our Instagram account to keep up on blog posts and releases, podcaster of the month, etc.

Blubrry Pro Tip Why Only Using Social Media is Dangerous and How to Fix That DB Link

Question(s) of the Week Question: Are ratings and reviews on Apple Podcasts important? Answer: Yes and no. Yes, they can be good for social proof. They can be great for indicating what you are doing right (and wrong). It’s a good ego boost that you might need to keep going if you don’t get a lot of other feedback. No, it will not help your rankings at Apple podcasts or anywhere else we know of. The system isn’t global and the ratings and reviews only show up in the native country. The AI Apple uses is no longer tied to the R&R and are geographically limited. Now, The Sound Guys disagree with me and say that success begets success and that ratings and reviews push visibility. I disagree with that,

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Congratulations to all podcasters today, and give yourself a pat on the back, because it's International Podcast Day! Learn a little about how people celebrate and lots of announcements that have come out this week. The People's Choice Podcast Awards are being hosted Thurs. Sept. 30, watch this evening to celebrate. News

Happy International Podcast Day!

NPR’s Car Talk is leaving the radio after 54 years (seven years after one of the co-hosts passed away). It continues as a 2x weekly podcast.

Podcast SOP, a new app for podcasters to organize their show’s workflow.

A new podcast audio checking service has been launched, Vib3s.

The People’s Choice Podcast Awards ceremony is tonight at 9 PM EST.

Shure MV7x costs about $180 ($250 for the USB/XLR version).

Podcast Movement Evolutions is accepting speaker proposals. 

PlutoTV fined $3.5 million for breaking closed captioning rules. 

Best Practice Merchandise and swag for your podcast

Blubrry News

We’re continuing to work on UI/UX updates, but have nothing to release currently, more coming soon (later this year). Want a sneak preview of new stats? Email Todd.

Blog post: How to create a more inclusive space in podcasting by Tara O’Brian Podcasting with WordPress Webinar today at 3:30pm eastern (for the live viewers). YouTube link will be sent out after the webinar so sign up even if you can’t attend live.

Blubrry Pro Tip How monitoring with headphones makes a huge difference in your show. 

Question(s) of the Week Question: Where can I find my RSS feed? (Blubrry’s new dashboard) Answer: For Blubrry publisher users, it’s found in Dashboard under show and then Manage. In PowerPress, go to the feeds menu of PowerPress settings and it’s right at the top of the page. Question 2:  When is it time to pod-fade a show? How would I go about doing that? Answer 2: When it’s no longer fun, profitable, or you have no time to do a good show. When you have run out of motivation is also a good time to kill a show.  How? Easy, just stop doing it. If you want to remove it from the internet, good luck! Once something is out there, it’s going to be hard to make it go away completely. You can turn off your hosting though. May be time to release a goodbye episode and leave that up for some time. I also have a feed you can redirect your show to that explains that this show is no longer available.  Feel free to use it.  Just redirect your feed to: https://feeds.blubrry.com/feeds/deadshow.xml  ______________ Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. ______________ The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. ______________ Coming at you this week from Blubrry Studios in southern Michigan and northern Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com

Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com

Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Spotify vs. Apple Podcasts, a seemingly never-ending debate in the podcast world. As the number of podcasts launched and released has gone up in the past few years, as had the number of podcast listeners. One analyst recently claimed Spotify is catching up to Apple Podcasts, when it comes to podcast directory and we (MacKenzie filling in for Mike) just don't see it. Tune in to hear why. Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Recorded live in central Ohio and southern Michigan; here’s Podcast Insider. Live Facebook recording.

We used Riverside to record this episode, and we're partners with them. Learn more here and get a discount. News

One analyst says Spotify is close to Apple in the number of podcast users. We know this is not true.

A starter course designed for journalists looking to enter into podcasting.

Africa Podfest: The Road to Africa Podcast Day 2022.

The Ambies are open for entries. 

Best Practice Paying for and/or obtaining podcast art. Be careful who you choose.

Blubrry News

Enhanced hosting plans at Blubrry! See more here.

Blog Post: Jobs in podcasting you never knew existed by Meryl Klemow

Our interns are working on a podcast of their own, will be released shortly called Internal Affairs.

Blubrry Pro Tip Don’t worry about Spotify or Apple picking up your episodes if you are doing it the Blubrry way! by Toby Goodman

Question(s) of the Week Question: Does Blubrry support video podcasting? Answer: Yes! Files are larger so you will need to be on an advanced plan or Pro Hosting. All the functionality is there in all of our hosting plans for video, it just depends on your file storage needs. ______________ Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. Last week Mike went live on Facebook to debate whether shows should be recorded live; you be the judge. Be sure to Subscribe or Follow at PodcastHelpDesk.com.  This show is where Mike gets to geek out on the tech side of podcasting and do a deep dive into it. The best place for any Blubrry support is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). This gives the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. ______________ Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com

Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com

Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180, Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Starting a podcast is very exciting and nerve wracking, but there is something else you need to consider: managing your podcast expectations. There are plenty of tales out there from podcast hosts about how they made it big with an audience and sponsors right away. Be wary of those special cases and take a realistic look at what you can expect when you are a podcast. News

NABShow 2021 is canceled, will be back in person in April 2022

Brad Smith, creator of Simplecast and bought by SiriusXM, is now Head of Podcast Products at SiriusXM

Samsung’s “Free” app is out now: https://www.samsung.com/us/apps/samsung-free/

You can add your show here: https://developer.samsung.com/podcasts

LiveXLive is rebranding to LiveOne

Podcasters remember late comedian, Norm McDonald

Mailchimp to be acquired by Intuit

Best Practice Manage Your Podcast Expectations: Know what to expect when starting a podcast

Podcasts start slowly (unless you are already have a large following) If you really want to make a go of it, be consistent for at least two years

You will become an expert and subject matter expert in your niche (if you are not already)

Money won’t come right away. Podcasting is definitely not a get-rich-quick thing

You just might become famous in your niche Prepare for some tech, whether you’re learning a little, or paying someone else to do it

Blubrry News

New Dashboard: Let us know what you think! We’re making tweaks and fixing some things people have pointed out aren’t working correctly, they can’t find, etc. More to come! Trust us, we are touching everything in our system! Blubrry Podcaster of the Month! Lisa Duff - PenDust Radio Blog post: Are There Still Barriers To Podcasting? by Kim Krajci Focus on Features: PowerPress Plugin In other words, there is a lot going on at PodcastInsider.com

Blubrry Pro Tip After Party - Get the most out of your best episodes.

Question(s) of the Week Question: I want my podcast to be ordered with the first episode at the top of the list. How would I do that? Answer: Let me talk you out of it! I wouldn’t do that. Podcasts are episodic content, meaning it’s ongoing and traditionally the latest episode first and the rest in descending order. Podcast listeners are used to that and to turn that around would be both confusing and would cause everyone to listen to episode one and take a long, long time to get you your new episodes. ______________

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it.

Be sure to Subscribe or Follow at PodcastHelpDesk.com. This show is where Mike gets to geek out on the tech side of podcasting and do a deep dive into it.

This week, some alternate (geeky) ways of setting up WordPress for your podcast.

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The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

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Coming at you this week from Blubrry Studios in northern and southern Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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It's a day of celebration at Blubrry, our new dashboard has been released and we're so excited for users to start using it on a regular basis. Modernization, simplification, piece of cake. Whatever you want to call it, we hope any user enjoys Blubrry's new dashboard and we talk about some of the features included and more on this episode. Check it out now! Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Recorded live in northern and southern Michigan; here’s Podcast Insider. Live Facebook recording. News

PodFest Origins November 4-5th in Tampa in person

Hotpod has been acquired by VOX Media. Hotpod will be taken over at Vox and headed up by Ashley Carman, who recently wrote an eye opening update on Joe Rogan switching to Spotify

Salem Media joins the morning daily news segment with Daybreak Insider

Podcast growth in New Zealand!

Podcasts are ALWAYS the next big thing

Best Practice Preparing the whole team (if you have a team) for your episode

Make sure the hosts have a plan (show outline or at least the topics you want to cover)

Anyone helping with social media, let them in on what you are planning for your episode so they can plan to promote it

Blubrry News  

New Dashboard: It's out there, let us know what you think!

Blog post: Limitations of an explicit podcast by Troy Price

Interview Meet the team, Mandy Moore - Marketing Intern

Question(s) of the Week Question: (from the Facebook group) My show has 800 episodes. I can only send up 300 max to be available. And old episodes DO get listened to. I'm thinking of making a 2nd podcast channel - called maybe The Chris Voss Show Archives? So I can have a feed of the older stuff? What do you think? I swear I heard of someone doing this? Answer: 90% of shows globally deliver 90% of their lifetime download within the first 96 hours so it’s really a matter are you truly getting significant downloads for that old catalog. It’s very very rare for a show to have that type of organic long tail reach. The 300 is a practical limit, not a true hard limit but I’m going to guess if you set it to 800 or 1000 the feed would be too large for any app to pull effectively.   For those shows with long-tail, this gives your listeners a reason to go to your site. ALL your episodes are available on your site. ______________ Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. Last week Mike went live on Facebook to debate whether shows should be recorded live; you be the judge. Be sure to Subscribe or Follow at PodcastHelpDesk.com.  This show is where Mike gets to geek out on the tech side of podcasting and do a deep dive into it. The best place for any Blubrry support is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). This gives the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. ______________ Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com

Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com

Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180, Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Um, uh, so, ya know? We all have crutch words we use in podcasting and there are ways to combat this small issue. While it won't kill your show, excessive use of crutch words in podcasting aren't appreciated by listeners. MacKenzie fills in for Todd this week and she chats with Mike about some industry news, Blubrry releases and tries to help explain caching in a non-tech way. Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Recorded in central Ohio and northern Michigan; here’s Podcast Insider.

News

Delta Airlines bringing (expanding) podcasts to their in-flight entertainment

Zack Reneau-Wedeen has left Google Podcasts. He’s been heading Google Podcasts for the past few years. Google Podcasts getting a fresh UI All the sessions from PM21 in Nashville are now all available on the PM virtual platform

Evo Terra released his podcast listening app manifesto

Jon Stewart is coming to podcasting! The Problem with Jon Stewart

Best Practice Crutch words in podcasting. Um, don't use them?

Blubrry News

New Dashboard: The beta is out; check it out at the top of the dashboard. Let us know what you think!

Todd is at Dragon Con in Atlanta this weekend. If you are in the area, check it out!

Blog Post: Are Women Dominating Podcasting? By Tara O’Brien

PowerPress 8.7.2 is out, taking care of a few minor bugs and more importantly, we added a video to the readme on WordPress.org. See a copy here: https://youtu.be/xdoc0VaAZt)

Blubrry Pro Tip Having your podcast on your website, The Blubrry Way!

Question(s) of the Week Question: What is caching? Why, as a podcaster, should I care? Answer: Without getting too geeky, caching is a web technology that allows dynamically generated webpages to load quicker. It generates the webpage and stores it in memory for a time and serves it up to all visitors instead of generating the page every time. This also works for RSS feeds. When you change something in your RSS feed (add an episode) the RSS feed may be cached without the new episode. Once the cache is cleared, your new episode will be in the feed. ______________ Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. Podcast Help Desk, the companion podcast to this one, will resume this Saturday at 2PM EST Mike will record live on Facebook and/or Youtube. Follow @mgdell on Twitter for the link to the live show. Be sure to Subscribe or Follow at PodcastHelpDesk.com.  This show is where Mike gets to geek out on the tech side of podcasting and do a deep dive into it. The best place for any Blubrry support is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). This gives the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. ______________ Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com

Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com

Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180, Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Blubrry Podcasting is moving quickly and within the next several days Blubrry Podcasters will get the opportunity to test our new modern dashboard. We look forward to getting your feedback as well. The entire Blubrry team has been involved in its creation and we are excited to show it off.

News:

Joe Rogan losing influence after going exclusive on Spotify Reply All apologizes for a US Military recruitment spot in their show Podcast Addict (Android App) has added a cool alarm clock feature Melbourne Podcast Fest will not go on this year Having trouble naming your new podcast?   Try this AI Based podcast naming site    We put in “Podcast from the insiders at Blubrry Podcasting talking about podcasting”  and got some good ones.  “Podcast from the insiders at Blubrry” “Blubrry Podcasting Insider Podcast“ and the ever-popular “Podcast Insider”

Best Practice:  If your show is published from WordPress, Don’t let a “Web Designer” move you off WordPress! 

Be careful about who you hire to build you a website. Do they know ANYTHING about Podcasting? If in doubt contact your podcast host before doing anything to your website Wix, Squarespace, and Kajabi CAN do podcasting, but it’s not their focus. PowerPress by Blubrry IS 100% focused on Podcasting.

Blubrry News:

New Dashboard - Beta coming very soon.  Watch the top of the Podcaster Dashboard at Blubrry for a link to try out the new Dashboard. Pro services management -  You can now order AND manage your pro account yourself.  No contact with Blubrry’s staff is required. (adding shows, billing, adding services) Blog Post: Negative comments Podcaster of the Month - LaJoy Mercer from the Brown Girl Radiance Podcast This podcast is being recorded using Riverside.fm 

Blubrry Pro Tips: ‘sound design’ by Toby

Interview:  LaJoy Mercer from the Brown Girl Radiance Podcast

Question(s) of the Week

Question: Why can’t I find my podcast in Apple Podcasts search?  

Answer:  Apple is a hardware company, not a search engine company.   :)    It can take a few days or weeks for your show to show up in search results in Apple.  Note, the only thing that Apple searches (currently) is the Title of the overall Podcast, Episode titles and the Author tag.   (DO NOT STUFF THESE WITH KEYWORDS)

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Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it.

Podcast Help Desk, the companion podcast to this one, will resume the first week of September. Be sure to Subscribe or Follow at PodcastHelpDesk.com.  This show is where Mike gets to Geek out on the tech side of podcasting and do a deep dive into it. 

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The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

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Promo code INSIDER for a free month at Blubrry.com

Coming at you this week from Blubrry Studios in northern and southern Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com

Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com

Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is:

Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Many podcast listeners are dedicated to one specific podcast listening app. But, is it time to try a new podcast app? This goes for any podcast listener. Many changes have been made to apps recently and the true function of the RSS feed and subscribing have been changing in the past few years. No better time than now to encourage your listeners, friends, family, etc to try out a new podcast app. Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Recorded live in northern and southern Michigan; here’s Podcast Insider. Live Facebook recording. News

Podcast Companies (producers) are not liking Apple Podcasts Subscriptions very much

Media Monitors launches podcast monitoring service

Outlier Podcast Festival has been postponed

WWE Podcasts to become Spotify exclusive

Snipit.fm, short form podcasting network 

Podnews.net’s editor, James Cridland kicked off of Fireside Chat for pointing out anti-creator terms

Best Practice Encourage your listeners to to try another podcast app With Apple Podcasts now delaying the release of new episodes, even to “Followers” of your podcast, maybe it’s time to try another app and encourage your listeners to do the same. Apps like Overcast for iOS are direct subscribing apps that allow you to get the episodes as soon as they are released instead of waiting the 4-24 hours or more that it takes Apple to update.

Blubrry News

Podcast stand-alone apps

New onboarding at Blubrry with free 30 day trial

Pro hosting management is now easier

Blog Post: Did you attend PM 2021? By Troy Price

PowerPress update, 8.7.1 with bug fixes

Affiliate payments go out this week

New Blubrry Dashboard beta is coming soon

Blubrry Pro Tips: Considering Your Show Format by Toby

Interview Steve Webb Question(s) of the Week Question: How early ahead of time should I submit my podcast to Apple, Spotify, etc if we have a specific launch date? Answer: Apple says 1-5 business days, Spotify isn't specific but if submitted though Blubrry, it will be up within 2 days. What I would suggest is do you trailer or episode zero and submit the feed to all places at least 7 days ahead. ______________ Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. Podcast Help Desk, the companion podcast to this one, will resume the first week of September. Be sure to Subscribe or Follow at PodcastHelpDesk.com.  This show is where Mike gets to geek out on the tech side of podcasting and do a deep dive into it. The best place for any Blubrry support is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). This gives the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. ______________ Promo code INSIDER for a free month at Blubrry.com Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com

Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com

Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180, Columbus, Ohio 43235

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As sound is the main part of your show, the podcast audio can make or break a podcast sometimes. The importance of podcast audio can not be understated, it affects the show in many ways and can also be managed in many ways. We discuss how to get certain sounds and why it's so important in the first place. Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Recorded live in northern and southern Michigan; here’s Podcast Insider. Live Facebook recording. News

Todd and Mike Recap of Podcast Movement last week

Nielsen says podcast listening is growing because of smart speakers

James Boggs has left Apple Podcasts

Lucille Ball has a podcast?

Google Podcast changes: You must have the tag in your RSS feed (back to your website) to be recommended in Google Podcasts.

International Podcast Day announces BIG changes for 2021

Best Practice YouTube: How do you use YouTube for your podcast?

Direct upload or live with true video

Headliner videos, better than a still shot video

Audio with still shot

Full length or snippet

Blubrry News

From our blog: What is your call to action? by Kim Krajci

Focus on Features: Blubrry Advanced Stats

Blubrry Office Hours, Thursday August 19th @ 5-7PM eastern. Blubrry users, sign up here.

Email Marketing@blubrry.com for a $25 gift card.

Blubrry Pro Tips Have a Sound Focus: Why Good Sound is Important from Toby, on the Blubrry Pro team.

Question(s) of the Week Question: What’s the best way to cut down on background noise/extra sounds when you don’t have an official sound booth? Answer: Toby talked about the WHY in the pro tip, this question gets to the how. Do your best to record in a quiet place or a quiet time of the day. You can try some of these things:

Use a dynamic microphone. Condensers are for a ‘soundproof booth’ Dynamics are for the rest of us.

Turn off any noise makers you don’t need. Such as heat, A/C, fans, laptops, or anything else that makes noise in the room.

Use the noise gate function if your setup has one.

You can turn down the gain of your mic and get much closer.

Edit the levels and add noise gate in post production (editing).

Don’t worry about them and call it ambiance :)

The noise filters in most audio editing software are not great. Most will make you sound underwater if you use it too much. ______________ Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. The best place for any Blubrry support is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). This gives the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. ______________ Promo code INSIDER for a free month at Blubrry.com Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com

Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com

Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180, Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Short and sweet, the Blubrry team recorded live on the Podcast Movement expo floor. We've had a great time meeting new podcasters, catching up with old friends and attending some new and exciting sessions.

Todd's session, Growing Your Podcast with Five Actionable Steps went over very well with podcasters who are looking for real ways to move forward with their show in the future. It'll be available with Podcast Movement later on. Check out our social media for more pictures, including our new TikTok account!

We'll see you next year at Podcast Movement! Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know.   ______________ Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. The best place for any Blubrry support is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). This gives the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. ______________ Promo code INSIDER for a free month at Blubrry.com Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com

Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com

Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180, Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Every successful podcast has a few things in common. One, great content, and two, a call-to-action. A podcast host wants listeners to do something, whether that's join their email list, recommend the show to a friend or subscribe; but something must be done. Most likely, they won't do it without your recommendation and polite encouraging. News

Spotify “opens” their premium podcasting service to some publishers and platforms.

Descript released “Studio Sound” in beta.

Major changes coming to Feedburner next month.

Fireside Chat (not the podcast host) has some crazy terms of service.

Podsauce. What is that?

Shattered Glass gets a new name after indie podcaster sends a cease and desist letter.

Best Practices Call-to-Actions (CTAs) A specific call-to-action mentioned in a podcast can have a direct effect on the growth and progress of a podcast. We recommend mentioning these call-to-actions regularly, because often times people do not hear something once and then take action, it needs to be repeated.

Blubrry News

Next week there will be no live show but we will try to record an episode from the booth on the show floor at Podcast Movement. Make sure you subscribe or follow at PodcastInsider.com so you don’t miss that episode.

Podcast words you should know, by Troy Price

Blubrry Pro Tip Do you own your content? By Kate

Question(s) of the Week  Question: What is the best way to build my email list?  Answer: In my opinion the best way is to ask your listeners in your show’s CTA (see best practice). Make sure you have an easy to find signup on your website.  Do not, necessarily use a popup, pop under, slider or anything like that. Some say they work, but my contention is that for every person that puts in their info, you have at least one that will leave your site to never return. ______________ Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. ______________ Promo code INSIDER for a free month at Blubrry.com Coming at you this week from Blubrry Studios in northern and southern Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com

Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com

Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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As we prepare to head to Podcast Movement in a few short weeks, we go over some tips whenever you attend podcast trade shows. While very fun, informative and invigorating, conferences can also be extremely tiring and perhaps not turn out to be what you hoped for. Tune in to hear what you should do to get the most out of any conference or trade show you attend. News

Pocket Casts acquired from NPR, by Automatic Inc.

iOS 14.7 fixes the Apple Podcasts download bug

She Rates Dogs co-host Mat George killed in a hit and run in LA

Airplane Geeks “Editor at Large” Brad “Launchpad” Marzari killed in an airplane crash 

Morning Wire launched on Monday, a new podcast to compete in the daily news category

For car people, TheDetroitBureau.com launched a new podcast called The Headlight News

Best Practice: Trade shows

Drink lots of water. You wont' regret it.

Pick your sessions you want to go to before the show starts.

Pick an alternative just in case the one you want to see is not what you thought it was.

Most of the networking happens after-hours or in the hallways or on the show floor, not in the sessions.

Have fun but don’t drink too much.

Take notes or get business cards (if they use them) from people you meet.

Visit the booths on the show floor, you might learn something new.

Visit the small venders as well. Someday, they might be big and you may have made a good contact.

Blubrry News

Recent Blog Post: Do you really need a co-host? By Meryl Klemow.

PowerPress 8.5.7 was released this week. Mostly bug fixes for our network features.

Todd is speaking live at Podcast Movement (twice). If you are going to be there, check it out!

Mike will be speaking at Podcast Movement on the virtual track: “Why you need a website for your podcast”. Even if you can’t go to Nashville next month, check out the virtual version.

Blubrry Pro Tips Preparing Your Guests by Kate from The Blubrry Pro team. Find the prep list on their website.

Interview Edwin K. Morris Because You Need to Know Podcast Twitter LinkedIn Pioneer Knowledge Services

Question(s) of the Week Question: I want to stop podcasting. Do I have to pay my podcast host to keep my episodes online? Answer: Yes, Blubrry and most other hosts will remove your episodes after you cancel your hosting plan. It’s just like the electric bill, you still have a minimum payment even if you never turn on a light that month. In podcast hosting, you have to keep the plan open to keep the files stored online. Most hosts (Blubrry included) allow you to switch to the lowest plan and ALL your back episodes will stay online. ______________ Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. Be sure to follow or subscribe to the companion show to this one, Podcast Help Desk where Mike goes a little deeper into the geeky and techy side of podcasting. https://www.podcasthelpdesk.com ______________ The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. ______________ Promo code INSIDER for a free month at Blubrry.com Coming at you this week from Blubrry Studios in northern and southern Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com

Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com

Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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It's important to take care of your podcast gear, regardless of the original cost. Podcasters should take the time to clean, properly store and travel with their podcasting gear such as microphones, headphones, mixers, recorders, etc. News

Apple info: Todd got an email from an Apple Podcasts employee with some info about what Apple is doing with PodcastsConnect.apple.com 

Netflix hires first head of podcasts

How do people find your show in the podcast apps?  This is a study by Podnews about which apps search what about your podcast.

Newsweek launches its first podcast, The Debate

Bring your podcast to Samsung devices

British Podcast Awards winners announced

Best Practice Studio Hygiene, how to take care of your gear.

Keep it clean (dust free is best!)

If you have to set it up to do your show every time, find a good place to store your gear. A protective case, dedicated drawer or shelf, a towel or cloth cover never hurt.

Cables are fragile. Don’t roll them too many times.

If it’s in a set location, limit access to that location. Keep pets, kids, significant others and coworkers away from it if at all possible.

You can also tape down cables so they don’t move around or get caught by someone.

Double check your settings on everything before you record. Never assume that it will always hold settings and that it will always work the same way. Do a 10 second record test before you start your show to make sure you’re getting a good capture.

Power down anything you can while not in use.

Blubrry News

Let your audience do the content creation for you by David Day

2021 Mid Year Podcast Report from Troy Price

Try out our new Android app! (iOS coming soon)

PowerPress webinar replay here: https://youtu.be/iGcNR8J3cXg Next one is on July 20th at 3:30pm EST, sign up here.

Write up about Todd’s panel with Rob Walch at Radio Inc.

Mike will be speaking at Podcast Movement on the virtual track: Why podcasters need a website for their podcast. Even if you can’t go to Nashville next month, check out the virtual version. Is RSS going away? From the New Media Show this week.

Blubrry Pro Tips What to do next? Giving your listeners specific actions to take after listening to your podcast, most importantly sending them to your website.

Interview: Meet the Team Jeff Levine, Marketing Manager 

Question(s) of the Week  Question: David asks, “There was a typo in the post title of my latest episode. I just fixed it on WordPress. How long does a change like that typically take to filter out to the podcast apps?” Answer: It depends on the app. As with everything RSS based, it will refresh on the app or directory the next time that app or directory (or your listener) pulls the feed. Sometimes things like that can take longer than a new episode. If it doesn’t change in a reasonable time (day or so), It will the next time you publish an episode. This goes for any publishing platform, not just WordPress / PowerPress. ______________ Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. Be sure to follow or subscribe to the companion show to this one, Podcast Help Desk where Mike goes a little deeper into the geeky and techy side of podcasting. https://www.podcasthelpdesk.com ______________ The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. ______________ Promo code INSIDER for a free month at Blubrry.com Coming at you this week from Blubrry Studios in northern and southern Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com

Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com

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Happy National Blueberry Day! Here at Blubrry Podcasting, we love to shed light on any 'holidays' related to our beloved fruit. Often times if people have trouble pronouncing or spelling our name, we tell them it's like the fruit, but without the ee's is all. Anyways, we have lots of podcasting news and topics, including a new segment on the show - pro tips from our Pro-Production team. Catch Toby and Shawn's interview this episode. Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Recorded live from two well-separated and socially distanced podcast studios in northern and southern Michigan; here’s Podcast Insider. Live Facebook recording.

Industry News

Apple is still having issues with their latest release

Apple seems to have changed things again as far as show notes. Now links work in the description tag (simple ones). And the good news is, this matches Spotify and Google. The doubling thing is still an issue in some views in AP.

Zoom bought an AI company working on real-time translation

Audacity 3.0 looks like spyware 😳

Insightful Twitter thread that popped up this week about rates for podcast jobs and how much a professionally produced podcast costs

Really simple tool to see how ‘loud’ your podcast is (in LUFS)

Best Practice How to find a co-host

Someone you already know

Another podcaster that is in the same niche

Professional colleague.

Blubrry News

It’s National Blubrry Blueberry day!

Make sure to check out PodcastInsider.com in between shows. We have articles and news going on there several times a week.

Follow us on social. @blubrry in most places and @blubrry_podcasting on Instagram.

Podcast Movement is less than a month away. PowerPress webinar replay here: https://youtu.be/iGcNR8J3cXg Next one is on July 20th at 3:30pm EST, sign up here. Newsletter went out this week. Read it here.

Blubrry Pro Tips: Why Your Recording Environment is Critical by Toby

Interview Shawn Thorpe - Support team

Question(s) of the Week  Question: I want to do simple editing of my podcast recordings.  Nothing too deep, but I want to be able to clip the ends, add in the intro and do the basic stuff. What do you suggest for editing audio? Answer: There are a couple of good ‘free’ ways to edit audio.  If you are on a Mac, Garage Band is good enough for simple edits. Audacity is good but a little hard to learn. We use Adobe Audition, which is a subscription software, and our Blubrry Pro team also uses Audition; Shawn uses Reaper. There are others at various costs and learning curves. ______________ Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. Be sure to follow or subscribe to the companion show to this one, Podcast Help Desk where Mike goes a little deeper into the geeky and techy side of podcasting. https://www.podcasthelpdesk.com This week a bit of a soap box. There is more to podcasting than ad revenue? There seems to be a push for more ad tech, more ways to track and attribute you across apps and a push for more ads. What is this doing to the indie podcaster that isn’t in this for the money? They are in it for fun, the craft, the community and just as a hobby. ______________ The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets gives the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls. ______________ Promo code INSIDER for a free month at Blubrry.com Coming at you this week from Blubrry Studios in northern and southern Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com

Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com

Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE...

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After many schedule, title, host and content changes over the years, we are happy to celebrate episode 250 of Podcast Insider, a podcast from Blubrry Podcasting team members. After a quick pat on the back we dive right into some podcaster news along with a podcast best practice on formatting show notes and blogs and excerpts. Read more: https://podcastinsider.com

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Podcast studios need adjustments and tuning up every once in a while, and definitely at least once every 15 months, which is what we did at the Blubrry studio. Todd made his first trip back to the Columbus office and not only fixed all of the mistakes MacKenzie made moving microphones, but gave it a nice cleaning. Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Recorded live from two well-separated and socially distanced podcast studios in northern and southern Michigan; here’s Podcast Insider. No live recording this week.

News:

Mark Cuban will virtual keynote at Podcast Movement 2021

New from Facebook: podcasts and live audio chatrooms

Mobile media usage to grow slowly in 2021

Podcasting winners and losers during pandemic

Podcast Choice Awards nominations open on July 1st

Best Practice: Stay positive and upbeat on your show. Be excited to be there.

Blubrry News:

The PowerPress webinar will be June 29th at 3:30pm EST. Sign up here.

Blog Post: 3 keys to develop your podcast content, by Kim Krajci.

Affiliate payments going out this week

Follow us on Social! We are active on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Follow our Instagram at blubrry_podcasting to keep up with the most recent news, updates, podcast tips and trends as well as giveaways. We would love to connect with more members of the Blubrry family on social media and give you a shoutout. Also, once a month, we have the Podcaster of the Month to highlight one of our customers and their podcast. Let us know if you are interested in being a Podcaster of the Month.

Interview: Meet the Team -  Dave Clements Dave’s podcast, Playing Games with Strangers 

Question(s) of the Week  Question: From Facebook: Anyone podcast while they travel with a co-host in a different location? What software do you use? Answer: Riverside.fm, Zoom (meeting software), Skype (with call recorder), or Streamyard. Bring a decent mic with you when you travel. Also, don’t forget the headphones! Todd uses an ATR2100 USB microphone and Mike uses an SM58 with a Zoom H5 recorder as an audio interface. Those work with the above software to record. ______________ Be sure to follow or subscribe to the companion show to this one, Podcast Help Desk where Mike goes a little deeper into the geeky and techy side of podcasting. https://www.podcasthelpdesk.com What are show notes anyway? ______________ If you have a question you would like us to answer on the show, drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio or text or even video if you want) and we may use it on the show. The best place for support with any Blubrry product/service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Sending a ticket gives the whole team access to the question rather than direct emails or direct phone calls. ______________ Promo code INSIDER for a free month at Blubrry.com Coming at you this week from Blubrry Studios in northern and southern Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com

Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com

Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Paying for podcasts, while uncommon is now also available directly through Apple Podcasts. The latest Apple update released channels and subscriptions for podcasts this week and we're anxious to see how many podcasters and listeners choose to dip their foot into the deep end. Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Recorded live from two well-separated and socially distanced podcast studios in northern and southern Michigan; here’s Podcast Insider. Live Facebook recording. News:

Anchor is making RSS optional

Apple Podcasts channels and subscriptions are LIVE

Luminary launches channel on Apple Podcasts

People’s Choice Podcast Awards (the original podcast awards) nominations open in 2 weeks

International Women’s Podcast Awards is looking for nominations

Call Her Daddy is going exclusive on Spotify, who paid $60 million

EU changes to copyright guidelines

Podcasting is open to ridicule

Best Practice: Should you have separate social media accounts for your podcast? Pros and cons

Blubrry News:

Blubrry Developer Resources

Get more listeners with a podcast website! by Troy Price

Question(s) of the Week  Question: Hi Blubrry! How are you going to be supporting the Apple Podcasts paid subscriptions? I don’t see anything about it on your site. Answer: Subscriptions in Apple Podcasts are 100% on Apple. Your website and your podcast host (no matter who it is) has nothing to do with this. Think of it like YouTube (sort of). You don’t upload or do anything outside of YouTube to publish a video, it’s 100% on their platform. This is Apple’s version of this and its audio and/or video. The difference is people have to have a paid subscription to listen or watch your content on that system. Short answer is no, we will not be doing anything for Apple Subscriptions (or Spotify or Patreon or any other closed system). It’s a different distribution method, technically, not a traditional podcast. All other podcasts work mostly like they used to. Apple pulls them in via RSS and people can listen and “FOLLOW” (instead of subscribe) just like before. ______________ If you have a question you would like us to answer on the show, drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio or text or even video if you want) and we may use it on the show. Be sure to follow or subscribe to the companion show to this one, Podcast Help Desk where Mike goes a little deeper into the geeky and techy side of podcasting. This week I will be talking about the results of my show notes test and talking about show notes in general. ______________ The best place for support with any Blubrry product/service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Sending a ticket gives the whole team access to the question rather than direct emails or direct phone calls. ______________ Promo code INSIDER for a free month at Blubrry.com Coming at you this week from Blubrry Studios in northern and southern Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com

Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com

Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Advertising is a vital part of keeping the podcast industry alive, however, there are a few misconceptions about how advertising works concerning downloads and delivery. The Blubrry team clears up any confusion and clarifies how it works exactly.  Are you looking for Podcast Advertising for your show? Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Recorded live from two well-separated and socially distanced podcast studios in northern and southern Michigan; here’s Podcast Insider. Live Facebook recording. News:

In an email to podcasters, Apple has set a new launch date for “Subscriptions” in Apple Podcasts, June 15th.

Dear Podcast Creator, 

We’re pleased to share that Apple Podcasts Subscriptions and channels will launch worldwide on Tuesday, June 15. 

To prepare for launch, follow these tips so that your podcast subscriptions and channels shine:

Use artwork that is simple, recognizable, and legible. Clearly communicate the benefits you are offering subscribers. Ensure you are uploading enough subscriber-only audio to provide a premium experience.

Learn about subscription best practices, guidelines, and more at Apple Podcasts for Creators.

Ear Hustle, a very popular podcast by RadioTopia, is becoming a book, This is Ear Hustle.

Are podcasters are replacing our real friends?

How long should a podcast ad be?

Submit Your Tiny Podcast to My RØDECast Contest, deadline June 26th.

Ad delivery vs. downloads in podcast Adtech.

Best Practice: Who owns your podcast? Some recommended reading here from Tom Webster.

Blubrry News:

Yet another PowerPress Update, some housecleaning and bug fixes - PowerPress 8.6.6. We’re always improving!

Podcasting Crosses the Generational Divide by Tara Jean O’Brien

If you would like to write for Podcast Insider, like Tara does, email marketing@blubrry.com. We especially would love to have some Blubrry podcasters write for us.

Podcast Movement is less than 2 months away! We will be there with some fun new stuff at our booth. Come see us! You can also see us at Dragon Con, NAB and She Podcasts.

Question of the Week: Question: I have a show transcript. Now what? Answer: Transcripts aren’t good for SEO but those with context are. Often times transcripts contain too many filler words. We don’t talk the same way we write (or read). DO NOT use a full transcript as your show notes (blog post).  What I suggest is get the transcript and make it into a PDF or plain text file.  Upload that file to your media spot on your server and put a link to it in your blog post. PDFs are highly accessible for the visually impaired and are a good way for any hearing impaired people to read (more or less) what you say on your show.  This is not the same as captioning. You can also put that URL in the transcript box in the post if you are using PowerPress. Be sure to subscribe to the unofficial companion show to this one, Podcast Help Desk where Mike goes a little deeper into the geeky and techy side of podcasting. This week, I talked to Dave Jones from the Podcast Index project. We clear up some things about PodPing and other podcasting stuff. A tad on the geeky side, but it was a lot of fun! https://www.podcasthelpdesk.com ______________ If you have a question you would like us to answer on the show, drop an email to mike@blubrry.com  (Audio or text or even video if you want) and we may use it on the show. The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Sending a ticket gives the whole team access to the question rather than direct emails or direct phone calls. ______________ Promo code INSIDER for a free month at Blubrry.com Coming at you this week from Blubrry Studios in northern and southern Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

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Not everything about podcasting is fun and creative; but it's useful to keep up on a handful of tips, for example, a podcast best practice: file naming conventions. Todd and Mike discussed what's currently going on at Amazon Prime and Apple, as well as something a little more simple, like how podcasting will save the open web.

And don't miss the interview in the middle with Teri Wellbrock and talking about her show, The Healing Place Podcast. Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Recorded live from two well-separated and socially distanced podcast studios in northern and southern Michigan; here’s Podcast Insider. Live Facebook recording. News:

Amazon Prime Day this June will include podcasts

How podcasting will save the open web.

Check out these apps for listening to podcasts that are independent of the big tech companies.

Apple delays Paid Subscriptions for podcasts. Headspace to offer a paid “channel” on Apple Podcasts

Headspace and Sesame Street will release a podcast series on Headspace called “Goodnight World” for kids.

Congratulations to Marco Arment, maker of Overcast for being inducted into the iOS App Hall of Fame!

Best Practice: File naming conventions - media files and artwork

Pick a naming convention for your media files and stick to it.

Example: Podcast Help Desk files are named phd001.mp3 and so on.  The number is to make sure the files are all named differently.

This show uses dates. Example: PCI-2021-6-3.mp3 will be the file name for this episode.

I’ve seen others use something like serial-s1e4.mp3 (for Serial Season 1, Episode 4)

Keep it consistent so YOU know how it works.

Only use numbers, letters, - (dash) or _ (underscore) in file names for anything on the web. Not just your media but artwork and other files that are downloadable.

Also, do not start or end a file name with anything but a letter or number.

No periods in the file name except for the extension (.mp3, .mp4, .m4a or .jpg). We say this over and over, but PLEASE do not make your file names complicated or long. This does nothing for SEO and will clutter up your hard drive with crazy long names.

Do not do this: Indusrties4Now_Episode_1-L_industrie_4_0_n_est_pas_une_option_pour_l_e_conomie_Canadienne_mais_une_ne_cessite_la_crise_provoque_e_par_le_Covid_19_est_a_l_origine_de_plusieurs_changements_Quels_sont_les_de_fis_qui_attendent_le_secteur_Man_.mp3

Blubrry News:

We did a couple of webinars yesterday, covering Category Podcasting and Podcast Channels in PowerPress. The replay videos are here: Category Podcasting and here: Podcast Channels

Blog post: What We Owe Our Podcast Listeners by Bill Meeks - https://blubrry.com/podcast-insider/2021/06/01/what-we-owe-our-podcast-listeners/

If you want to write for Podcast Insider Blog, like Bill does, contact marketing@blubrry.com

We can’t let an episode go by without mentioning PowerPress, and that means 8.6.5 is out today featuring bug fixes and small tweaks.

Interview: Teri Wellbrock -The Healing Place Podcast 

Question(s) of the Week  Question: There are somewhere between 2 and 3 million podcasts out there.  Is it still worth getting into podcasting? Answer: Yes! There are far less shows that are active. (we don’t have exact numbers) Besides that, none of those millions of shows has YOU in it. As 2010, there were 129,864,880 books ever published, yet millions are published every year and people keep writing them and selling them. Podcasts are no different. If you have something you are passionate about and think that podcasting is the way to get it out there, then go for it. The water is warm, jump in! Besides, it’s a fun hobby if nothing else.

Connect with Teri here...

Website Facebook LinkedIn Instagram

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As a podcast hosting company, we know the finer details of how podcasting works and the importance of the technical side of podcasting, first and foremost the RSS feed. That's why this episode we brought in Angelo Mandato, Blubrry's CIO, for a Meet the Team segment, where he and Mike dive into the ways in which even those not technically advanced can help keep their podcast in tip top shape. Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. No live recording included this episode.

News:

Apple's new podcast subscription service is available (latest iOS).

Apple has changed out 'following' (formerly subscribing) works. It no longer updates directly from the RSS feed to the user’s phone. The feed has to update in Apple’s directory before a new episode will be downloaded to the user. A fundamental change! This can cause several hour delays after publishing. We will do some testing to see exactly how this works and what it means for the podcaster.

PodPing, a new project to help apps update podcast episodes quicker. Watch live updates here: https://podping.watch

Google Podcasts gets some UX updates.

Podcast Index has launched a project to list private feeds in a blocklist.

Welcome To The Machine: Are Synthetic Voices The Next Frontier For Podcasting?

Best Practice: Keep your site up-to-date and free of extras.

Always update your plugins and themes

And, always update WordPress

Remove any unused plugins

Brass tacks, keep everything up-to-date and remove any unused plugins and themes to keep everything clean on your site. There is no need to bog it down with additional plugins, etc. Staying up-to-date also keeps you from being hacked by a known flaw in outdated plugins or themes.

Blubrry News:

Join us for two webinars on June 2nd

Category Podcasting at 1pm EST - register here

Podcast Channels at 2pm EST - register here

Four Easy (and Mostly Free) Ways to Spice Up Your Podcast by Meryl Klemow If you want to write for Podcast Insider Blog, like Meryl does, contact marketing@blubrry.com

Interview: Angelo Mandato Meet the team - Angelo Mandato, CIO Blubrry Question(s) of the Week Question: I’m using Cloudflare on my website. CastFeed Validator tells me that Cloudflare may cause issues with podcasting. Why is that? Answer: Web Application Firewall services (WAF) can inadvertently block podcasting apps and should be avoided for podcast websites. CastFeedValdiator, a free podcast validation service by Blubrry Podcasting, identifies these potential issues that can cause harm to podcasts’ distribution and prevent users from playing episodes. ______________ Be sure to subscribe to the unofficial companion show to this one, Podcast Help Desk where Mike goes a little deeper into the geeky and techy side of podcasting. https://www.podcasthelpdesk.com ______________ If you have a question you would like us to answer on the show, drop an email to mike@blubrry.com  (Audio or text or even video if you want) and we may use it on the show. The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Sending a ticket gives the whole team access to the question rather than direct emails or direct phone calls. ______________ Promo code INSIDER for a free month at Blubrry.com Coming at you this week from Blubrry Studios in northern and southern Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-address stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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The Ambies are considered to be one of the first major awards shows for podcasting and kicked off this past weekend. Guesting on the podcast this week, Barry Kantz from the team discusses multiple podcasting awards shows and interview techniques. Last but not least, get to know a bit more about category podcasting and channel podcasting and how you can really learn the difference between the two in our upcoming webinars. Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. No live recording included this episode. News:

The first Ambies Awards were given out on Sunday by the Podcast Academy. 

The Webbys Podcast category winners

And yet MORE awards, the Headliner Awards.

Jim Harold published episode 500 of Campfire, congratulations Jim! 38% of Canadians listen to podcasts, based on Edison Research Infinite Dial Canada.

Google testing an RSS ‘Follow’ button for Chrome. Seems eerily similar to Google Reader anyone.

Best Practice: Interview Prep and Technique

Outlines, are guests participating in creating said outline?

Quick conversation before recording starts Let the conversation happen Big thing, listen to the answers from your interviewee, just in case there is a follow up question that makes more sense than what you have written down.  People want to hear your guest talk, not you :)

Blubrry News:

PowerPress Webinar next Thursday at 3pm EST. If you can’t make it live, sign up here.

We are planning and getting ready to go to live events again.  What events are YOU going to or thinking of going to? Podcast Movement, Podfest, She Podcasts, NABShow or others? We plan on being at all of these. Where else would you think we should go? Let us know!  Marketing@blubrry.com

Blog post: Secrets of the Podcaster’s Mindset by Troy Price.

If you want to write for Podcast Insider Blog, like Troy does, contact marketing@blubrry.com

Interview: Meet the Team Barry Kantz, CFO and General Counsel Home Based Travel Agent Show Question(s) of the Week  Question: I want to do two podcasts from one WordPress site using PowerPress, preferably using either Channels or Category Podcasting. What is the difference between Category Podcasting and Podcast Channels and which one should I use? Answer:  

Podcast Channels are great if you want to do a video version and an audio version of the same show.  Also, it’s good for 1 or 2 extra shows. The disadvantage is that it doesn’t scale well.  Any more than about 5 channels gets really hard to keep things separate.

Channels can also be used for doing a paid podcast using 3rd party membership plugins (so your show isn’t stuck on one platform)

Category Podcasting is great if you are going to do a BUNCH of podcasts or a small/medium network of more than 3 or 4 shows. The disadvantage of Category podcasting is the main podcast feed from the site has ALL the episodes (that might be an advantage) but it’s not a good way to add 1 more show as you have to move the main show to a category feed to keep them separate.

Interesting fact, We have a PowerPress user that has 750+ category feeds from one WordPress site (and some say WordPress can’t handle podcast feeds…) Check out our two new webinars early June, on Category and Channel Podcasting. Look for sign up links soon.

______________ Be sure to subscribe to the unofficial companion show to this one, Podcast Help Desk where Mike goes a little deeper into the geeky and techy side of podcasting. https://www.podcasthelpdesk.com ______________ If you have a question you would like us to answer on the show, drop an email to mike@blubrry.com  (Audio or text or even video if you want) and we may use it on the show. The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Sending a ticket gives the whole team access to the question ra...

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How would you define yourself as a podcast host? Are you an indie podcaster? Or are you doing this for your career or leapt into what some might consider a professional podcaster? It's up to you as the host or creator to put such label on yourself if you want, but here at Blubrry, we know that most podcasters are labeled independent and would claim as such.

Don't let our discussion on indie vs. professional stop you from learning about the industry as a whole, for example, IAB recently stated that they think podcast advertising revenue will reach 2 billion by 2023. When you hear of Dax Shepherd's podcast going exclusive soon and that Wondery+ is also going to do podcast subscriptions as well, it's not hard to believe.

Live Facebook recording. Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Recorded live from two well-separated and socially distanced podcast studios in northern and southern Michigan; here’s Podcast Insider.

News:

IAB predicts $2 billion in ad revenue by 2023

Coming soon: New tweaks for Apple Podcasts app

SiriusXM, Pandora, and Stitcher Advertising is now SXM Media

Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert is going Spotify exclusive July 1st

Wondery+ (owned by Amazon) is going to join Apple Podcasts Subscriptions

CNN bringing the The Handoff to Apple Podcasts Subscriptions

Outlier Podcast Festival is coming up May 27-28th, for free!

Is RSS dead?

Topic of discussion: Are you an indie podcaster? As podcasters, most of us start off doing everything for our shows.  Show prep, hosting/talent, recording, editing, publishing, ad sales, program manager and chief bottle washer. This way of doing things gives you control; for your brand, your editorial (you can say what you want) and any revenue your show brings in. Some of us farm out parts of the above roles. Like having help for show prep or having an editor, but for the most part, it’s still independent.

Blubrry News:

PowerPress 8.6.2 has been released.

Sticking to a Podcast Schedule by David Day

If you want to write for Podcast Insider blog, like David does, contact marketing@blubrry.com

Question(s) of the Week: Question: I started a podcast two weeks ago in audio format and film it for YouTube. Then we edit the video part and add in photos and some special effects. It’s so much work to do it this way. Would have been way easier to just do the audio format. For those of you with experience, am I wasting my time filming and editing and putting it on YouTube? Answer: No, it’s not a total waste of time, but editing the video may be overkill. For this show, we stream live on all the platforms so when we are done, we have a YouTube video already there and a Facebook video, however we do not edit the video. We record the audio separately which we have professionally edited by the Blubrry Pro Production team. ______________ This week Mike will be sharing his finding on his show notes experiment. As in how show notes display in each directory or app. I have a part two of this experiment running on a different podcast and I will be able to get a bit deeper later on. https://www.podcasthelpdesk.com ______________ If you have a question you would like us to answer on the show, drop an email to mike@blubrry.com  (Audio or text or even video if you want) and we may use it on the show. The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Sending a ticket gives the whole team access to the question rather than direct emails or direct phone calls. ______________ Be sure to subscribe to the unofficial companion show to this one, Podcast Help Desk where Mike goes a little deeper into the geeky and techy side of podcasting. This week, going to start an experiment to find out how show notes are shown on all different apps and directories. Mike would love to hear what you see in your app f...

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At the end of the day, a podcaster will be happy that they have listeners, regardless of where or how they are listening to their podcast. As a hosting provider, we wonder, how do you listen to podcasts and do podcast creators and hosts care where their audience listens?

News: * Apple changed the way “episode notes” are handled. James Cridland from Podnews.net goes over what he found. * Canada’s Infinite Dial will be released on May 13th, watch live at 2pm EDT. * RØDE is doing “My RØDEcast” contest again, a chance to win prizes! Prize list here. * How The Daily becomes Radio Ready. * Ricky Gervais will launch a new podcast, Absolutely Mental, with neuroscientist and philosopher Sam Harris. It will cost $14.99 for the season. * Riverside.fm (a podcast remote recording service, and our team has used it) has raised $9.5 million in funding and released its “Magic Editor.” * Tom Webster on the origins of podcasting.

Best Practice: Should you care where people listen to your podcast?

We know, this is more of a question than a best practice, we’d love to hear your opinion.

• Should you promote a particular podcast listening app for your listeners?
• Do you promote an app?
• Are single show apps a good thing?

Have you checked out any of these apps? https://podcastindex.org/apps

Blubrry News: * PowerPress 8.6 is finally out! This release adds a redesigned stats widget to the WordPress dashboard and a bunch of under the hood tweaks. * Blog post: Traditional Marketing Practices That Will Work For Your Podcast by Troy Price. * If you want to write for Podcast Insider Blog, like Troy does, contact marketing@blubrry.com

Question(s) of the Week: Question: I’m following (subscribed to) my own podcast in Apple Podcasts. It used to show up right away after I published. Now it takes several hours. What is going on?

Answer: Apple changed the way Apple Podcasts updates Followed (no longer Subscribed) podcast episodes. Used to be you were directly subscribed to the RSS feed. Now Apple’s crawler has to update your listing on Apple Podcasts before the file will be delivered to you and your subscribers, it can take four to five hours or longer. There is nothing wrong with your feed or anything you are doing (or your podcast host is doing). It’s the new way Apple does things.

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If you have a question you would like us to answer on the show, drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (Audio or text or even video if you want) and we may use it on the show.

The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Sending a ticket gives the whole team access to the question rather than direct emails or direct phone calls.

______________

Be sure to subscribe to the unofficial companion show to this one, Podcast Help Desk where Mike goes a little deeper into the geeky and techy side of podcasting.

This week, going to start an experiment to find out how show notes are shown on all different apps and directories. Mike would love to hear what you see in your app for this upcoming episode, and a surprise announcement!

https://www.podcasthelpdesk.com

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Promo code INSIDER for a free month at Blubrry.com

Coming at you this week from Blubrry Studios in northern and southern Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

• Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com
• Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com
• Send us your podcast sticker and a self-address stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is:Blubrry – MacKenzie

150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180

Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Off to a somewhat bumpy start, Apple and Spotify are going to offer premium aka paid for podcast subscriptions. Apple promised an update in their latest iOS that would feature new functionality for premium shows, however they’re still having major directory issues at the moment. Spotify has announced their premium option for creators to make paid for content, but we haven’t heard much more about when this will become widely available. And last but not least, Facebook is working on a podcast player. That’s certainly not the last of all we talk about on today’s episode.

Live Facebook recording.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know.

Recorded live from two well-separated and socially distanced podcast studios in northern and southern Michigan; here’s Podcast Insider.

News: * Spotify is also adding premium podcasting. * Facebook is adding a podcast player to it’s app * 99% Invisible bought by Sirius XM. Congrats! * Podcasts Connect and more at Apple still not working for some users. Read more about their premium podcasting woes and the latest botched update. * Macmillan is looking for a script editor for podcasts.

Best Practice: Show notes: Appearance in directories and apps

• Each app or directory shows what they want from what you put in your show notes (blog post). There really isn’t a way to control it to look exactly the same everywhere.
• Not all apps show links or photos you put in the blog post
• Write your show notes for Google

Blubrry News: * PowerPress 8.6 beta is available now. Get it here if you want to test. * Podcast Monetization, from our site. * If you want to write for Podcast Insider blog, contact marketing@blubrry.com

Question(s) of the Week Question: Is PowerPress compatible with Divi (theme and page builder)?

Answer: Yes, the Divi theme works with PowerPress, which is also true on 99.999% of WordPress themes. The Divi builder doesn’t work well with RSS and therefore, doesn’t work well with PowerPress or podcasting in general. One problem is show notes.

Divi builder does not put the text in the right places for the podcasting apps to pick up correctly. There is also a bug in the builder that removes the enclosure from the feed for all but the last episode.

If you are going to use Divi, do not use Divi builder (or any other page builder) for your podcast posts. Revert to the stock WordPress editor, and use the builder for the rest of the pages and posts on the site.

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If you have a question you would like us to answer on the show, drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (Audio or text or even video if you want) and we may use it on the show.

The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/) Sending a ticket gives the whole team access to the question rather than direct emails or direct phone calls.

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Be sure to subscribe to the unofficial companion show to this one, Podcast Help Desk where Mike goes a little deeper into the geeky and techy side of podcasting.