Episodes

OpenAI’s new image generator is here, and it’s made major improvements! We talk about how GPT-4o now creates cleaner images, realistic hands, and even gets text right most of the time. We also dig into a new poll trying to name the top 100 podcasts of all time and share our picks. Then we explore which celebrity podcasts are most popular by state (some results surprised us!). Finally, we question if podcasting will someday replace terrestrial radio, or will AM/FM always have a place? Episode Hi...

It’s a loaded news day, and we’ve got the highlights ready for you! YouTube may be testing dynamic ads and we’ve got questions. What could this mean for creators? How might it compete with traditional podcast ad tools? We also dig into Podcasting 2.0’s latest features and some factors for what may be holding it back. We also share a round-up of upcoming virtual and in-person events you should know about! Episode Highlights: [7:17] Lou Mongello's LinkedIn Post and Key Takeaways [16:05] Podcast ...

Have you tried Buzzsprout’s new fan mail feature yet? It lets your listeners text you directly, making it easier than ever to build real connections with your audience. Inspired by a mailbag question on how to take advantage of this feature, we kick things off with a conversation about how to use this tool AND OTHER TOOLS to boost engagement. From there, we explore creative ways to elevate your video branding using intentional visual elements that help your podcast stand out. In the second half ...

If you're feeling stretched thin, pulled in too many directions, or teetering on the edge of podfade, this one's for you. Today we talked boundaries—not just the buzzword kind, but the kind that can protect your time, energy, creativity, and podcasting! I opened the show inspired by a conversation I had over the weekend with co-host, DR Fay about setting boundaries with clients. Her story was incredibly relatable (especially if you’ve ever said yes when you wanted to say “maybe later”). We exp...

In this episode, I opened up a conversation about how we can keep podcasting fun—not because it’s hard, but because it should be fun. We talked about breaking routines, trying new creative projects, and giving ourselves permission to explore, pause, or even switch directions with intention. From community wins to personal stories, it was a powerful reminder that podcasting is more than being consistent... it’s about curiosity, joy, and creating something that lights us up. Episode Highlights: [...

How does a community find the strength to rebuild after an unimaginable disaster? In this special ‘Podcasthon’ episode, I’m joined by my guest Marilyn Ball who shares the resilience of Asheville, North Carolina, in the wake of hurricane Helene, celebrating a city whose history, culture, and unbreakable spirit refuse to be washed away. Together, we reflect on personal stories of devastation and hope, showing how neighbors became lifelines and strangers became friends. Despite the massive obstacl...

It’s a big news day in the podcasting world! In today’s episode, we’re breaking down the latest headlines, including: [03:36] Who’s topping the podcast charts? – Apple & Spotify’s latest #1 shows [10:42] Podcasting events & industry meetups – Upcoming networking and learning opportunities [14:12] Gen Z’s podcast preferences – Do younger audiences really prefer video, or is audio still king? [18:46] Edison Research’s Infinite Dial 2025 – What to expect from the latest podcast industry report ...

Curious about the best tools for creating a podcast? Today, we’re breaking down the tech stacks our community uses. We talk about everything from recording software and editing tools to hosting platforms. We share what works, what doesn’t, and how our setups have evolved over time. If you’re new to podcasting, don’t worry! This episode is an inside look at how podcasters choose their tools and why it’s best to start with what works for you, especially the ones that make the creative process enjo...

What was the moment you knew you were a podcaster? Was it your first episode? Your first listener? Or the moment someone asked for your advice? Today, we’re reflecting on the milestones that made us feel like real podcasters. Then, inspired by a question from a Facebook group, we shift to an in-depth conversation about podcast growth what’s realistic, and how to stay motivated when downloads feel slow. Plus, we analyze key success metrics beyond downloads and why they matter. Episode Highlights...

If you had to follow ONE golden rule for podcasters, what would it be? Today, we share our ideas for the one rule we believe every podcaster should follow. We cover the value of active listening, clear audio, and knowing your audience. To wrap up the week, we share wins and celebrate each other’s progress. Episode Highlights: [4:46] Debating the Golden Rule of Podcasting [5:27] Active Listening in Interviews [17:18] Preparation and Authenticity [31:15] Niching Down and Knowing Your Boundarie...

Are you showing up entirely as yourself on your podcast or are you holding back? Today, we tackle a question from longtime listener Izzy, who’s ready to shed the ‘professional filter’ and embrace her unapologetic self behind the mic. But how do you break through hesitation and show up in a more genuine way without alienating your audience? Today we explore why podcasters hold back, how authenticity impacts audience connection, and steps to gradually bring more of your true self into your show. ...

YouTube defines podcasting as “listenable content that’s video-optional,” but what does that really mean for creators? It’s news day, and today we’re bringing you many headlines, including YouTube’s changing role concerning podcasting, new research from Edison revealing where most listeners tune in, and an AI tool that can separate overlapping voices in audio recordings. We also discuss whether podcasters should rethink how they share links, the rise of audiobooks as an alternative for busy list...

Have you been trying to monetize your podcast? You’ve put in the work, and you’ve gained a small, respectable following, but now you feel like it is time to start turning your efforts into compensation. But how do you start connecting with brands that align with your podcast’s mission statement? After a couple of questions from the community, the Empowered Podcasting team digs in and shares strategies for pitching, pricing, and how you can turn brand sponsorships into lasting relationships when ...

One of the best things about the Empowered Podcasting Community is when our members get the chance to meet face-to-face. That’s exactly what happened this past weekend when several of our community members gathered in Detroit, Michigan. The meetup was filled with laughter, long hugs, and the realization that the people we connect with online are often just as genuine in real life. Not all of us were able to attend, so today we’re welcoming those who were part of the impromptu meetup to share the...

Podcasting isn’t solely about hitting the record button. It’s full of unexpected life lessons as well. After a day of frustrating tech setbacks, I was reminded of the importance of patience and reaching out for support. This reminder sparked today’s topic which led to an insightful discussion centered around the lessons we have learned from our podcasting journeys. To wrap up the week, we reflect on our wins and celebrate each other’s progress. Episode Highlights: [3:11] Mac Mini Setup and Init...

Have you ever considered charging guests to be on your podcast? It’s a bold monetization strategy that’s gaining attention! Today, we’re excited to welcome Victoria Meyer, host of The Chemical Show, to share her journey of shifting from traditional sponsorships to treating her podcast as a media company with a business mindset. In our conversation, Victoria will discuss the advantages of this approach, the challenges she faced, effective guest communication strategies, and how to leverage media ...

Since you’ve been on your podcast journey, have you ever found yourself in the situation where you are on the home stretch, the recording has been done, and the final edits have been made, but you just can’t bring yourself to publish the episode? What emotion is behind that resistance? This is a place even podcast professionals find themselves in, and today, our community steps up to the plate to help with overcoming the fear of launching a podcast by sharing personal anecdotes dealing with perf...

Is video podcasting really the key to discoverability, or is it just another myth? In this episode, we’re diving into one of the biggest, ongoing debates in podcasting: Do you need to be on YouTube and Spotify (video) to succeed? I’m joined once again by PMC co-host and podcast producer Matthew Bliss to unpack the realities of video podcasting, workflow sustainability, and the role mindset plays in your success. Plus, we tackle whether you really need to edit out every "um" and "ah" in your podc...

Have you ever had an intriguing interview, only to wonder during editing if the episode might be too long for your listeners? Will your audience stay engaged, or will they tune out? If you release the episode in multiple parts, will they come back to hear the continuation? This topic was inspired by a question from the mailbag, and we’re weighing the pros and cons of splitting long episodes into multiple parts versus keeping them whole. We analyze listener habits, discuss how to prepare your aud...

Have you ever thought about what you want to leave behind when you leave this planet? How do you want people to remember you? How would you describe the legacy you want to leave behind? Today, we are reflecting on our legacies and the impact we make every day. Earlier this week, the Podfest community suffered the tragic loss of fellow creator Neil Gallarte. He was so much more than a creator, he was a husband, a father, and a friend to many and the mark he made is undeniable. We take the opportu...

What would you do if someone repurposed your content without permission? Would you be flattered or offended? This recently happened to me when a video editor on LinkedIn repurposed a recent clip of mine, tagged me and the guest, and didn’t bother to ask my permission. This led me to wonder how the community would react in this situation, which leads to a rich conversation with many perspectives. We also address the question, “Do podcasts have an expiration date?” Many podcasters go through burno...

Listen Notes just purged nearly 2,000 AI-generated podcasts! Will other platforms follow suit? Today, we unpack this move, and we also share Apple’s long-awaited update to podcast submissions and the latest trends in the podcasting charts. We also look at must-attend podcasting events and some hot podcast-related job listings! This episode is dedicated to the memory of Niel Guilarte, a dedicated podcast professional and long-time active member of the PodFest Community and the Empowered Podcastin...

Are the “rules” of podcasting helping you or holding you back? Today, we challenge some of the biggest myths in podcasting and break down whether they’re worth following—or just fear-based tactics. I'm joined today by PMC co-host and podcast producer Matthew Bliss to dive into topics like AI tools, SEO myths, audience engagement, and why questioning the status quo could be the key to podcasting success. Episode Highlights: [3:02] The “rules” of podcasting—do they really matter? [9:43] The truth...

Have you questioned the validity of your podcast rankings? Today, we address a Facebook Group question about the platform ‘Listen Notes’ and question the accuracy of our scores, and how much these scores may or may not matter. Later we spin the wheel of topics and discuss our attitudes regarding negative reviews and tackle a question many podcasters face: should you continue despite losing passion, even with a loyal following? Join us for strategies for handling the negativity, and knowing when ...