Episodes

Today, I kick things off with an underrated listener growth strategy that came from a simple Facebook Groups thread. From there, we get into a lively conversation about podcast promotion, engagement tactics, and why small steps can lead to big community wins. We also touch on a spike in female podcast listenership, the latest AI-generated image trend (and how to create your own) Nick Nalbach is trying to start, and a midweek meltdown from Spotify (and Zoom) that had creators and listeners scrat...

In this News & Comment episode, we kick things off with the latest chart data (hello again, Mel Robbins 👀), then unpack what’s fueling the continued rise of true crime shows and why certain podcast genres dominate the charts but not the conversation. Plus, we hear firsthand from cohost, Dominic Lawson about what it’s really like to be nominated for a major award — and not take it home. Also on deck: the rise of book-style audio content and why not all “read aloud” shows are eligible for monetiz...

Curious how to kick off your podcast with confidence? Today, we dig into a mailbag question about how to launch your podcast and be prepared. We share tips on hyping your show before it drops, knowing your podcast’s purpose, and why starting with more than one episode can make an enormous difference in growing your bond with your audience. Then, we switch gears to share weekly wins and set new goals that keep us moving forward together. Episode Highlights: [02:06} Upcoming “What’s a Podcast?” D...

AI technology is moving fast! Are you keeping up? It’s news day, and today, we explore the latest updates, like Gemini’s new workflow builder that acts like a virtual team. We also uncover social media shifts, including Instagram’s 2025 growth tips from its CEO. Later in the show, we dig into podcast discoverability with fresh insights on what show notes really do for your reach and some considerations to take into account with the progression of AI-powered search engines. Episode Highlights: [...

Imagine you're stuck in an elevator. Someone hands you a mic and says, “Go live!” What’s your podcast episode about? That’s the question we dive into, inspired by Taylor Cartago’s viral video podcast, Anything Can Be a Podcast, filmed entirely in a busy elevator. It's a bold idea that raises a timely question in a space that’s always trying to define what a podcast really is. We each share what we’d say in a spontaneous elevator podcast, and things get creative, funny, and even a little heartfel...

You’re putting your heart into your content, but the algorithm isn’t showing it any love! Ever find yourself asking, "What is even happening?"Today, we trade notes and swap theories about what might actually be working on social media right now. We share why some of us believe view duration beats out likes and comments, as well as repurposing old content to give it a second life. We also talk about how different content formats may boost visibility depending on the platform and audience. Episod...

If someone gave you $500 to upgrade your podcast setup, what would you spend it on? Today, we swap ideas on the gear we believe improves our podcasting workflows, and some of our picks might surprise you. We share our favorite lighting, mobile power stations, cable organizers, and even standing desks. Join us as we cover the tools that help us stay creative, consistent, and comfortable behind the mic in just about any environment. Episode Highlights: [03:36] Diving into Podcasting Gear [06:37]...

Have you ever stopped to ask yourself why you really podcast? Today, we explore how our purpose evolves over time and what keeps us showing up. We share personal stories about podcasting through pain and rediscovering joy through storytelling. To wrap up the week, we share our wins and celebrate each other’s progress. Episode Highlights: [02:02] Community Shoutouts and Appreciation [05:29] Reflecting on Your 'Why' [06:46] Personal Stories and Evolution of Purpose [10:59] Audience Engagement ...

Have you ever felt drained? Have you ever questioned your passion? Today, I opened up about my struggles with low motivation and adjusting to a new season of life. With my co-hosts by my side, we shared honest reflections on surviving the times that challenge us most and the steps we take to find the energy to keep going. One of the ideas that came up was creating a playlist of uplifting songs to help carry us through those inward battles and moments of self-doubt. So if you’re in a slump or jus...

Did you know only half of the top 250 podcasts post full episodes on YouTube? Its news day and we’re talking about the latest platform trends, chart rankings, and tools changing how we podcast. This includes Google's new AI features and the Rabbit Intern assistant. Plus, we touch on use cases for the Rabbit R1, thumbnail tips, and wrap with the heartwarming story of 90-year-olds starting a podcast to fight loneliness and show us why podcasting still matters at any age. Episode Highlights: [2:37...

It’s April Fool's Day, but this is no joke. I’m in the hot seat today! We kick off with a behind-the-scenes look at my recent “Top 50 Over 50” award, including how I found out and how it felt to give my acceptance speech. Then we unpack a listener mailbag question about how we go about recording our podcast intros. We share our various thoughts on teasers vs intros, best practices, and how critically acclaimed podcasts can teach us how to hook the audience from the start. Episode Highlights: [4...

When the cat’s away, the mice will play, and that’s just what happens today! With Marc out, longtime contributors Sid and Billy lead a fun-filled takeover episode. We kick things off by celebrating Marc’s “Top 50 Over 50” podcast win and share our ways to mark a big achievement. From there, we offer “wrong answers only” advice for new podcasters, then wrap it up with a round of overrated or underrated, covering everything from the Shure SM7B mic to podcast networks and teaser trailers. Episode ...

I was recently nominated for the 50 Over 50 Podcast Awards, and to get in the spirit, I'm bringing out the Wheel of Topics and invite our community to play along with some fun hypothetical questions about winning podcast awards. What skill would you win an award for even if it’s totally made up? Who plays the best supporting role in your podcasting journey? And what episode would you choose to represent your show at an awards ceremony? We highlight supportive friends and family and wrap things u...

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. ...