Episodes

Is the recent 15% drop in podcast listens a sign of trouble for the industry? Acast points to Apple’s iOS 17 update, which disables automatic downloads, as the culprit. In this episode, we dig into what this means for podcasters and how it could impact listener habits. We'll explore how 'The Talk Show AI' could sharpen your interview skills, check out the latest podcast charts, and share other key updates from the podcasting world. Tune in for insights, trends, and tools to keep you ahead of the...

Got burning questions about podcasting? We're answering them today! We're revisiting our mailbag to answer questions from the Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group. We cover everything from optimizing YouTube thumbnails, comparing strategies for repurposing episodes that could use more spotlight, and how to improve your show notes format. Tune in to find out if we tackled your question and pick up some valuable podcasting tips! Episode Highlights: [2:08] Upcoming MINVO Procast [4:11] Certificati...

How much time do you spend on your podcast? Are you an early riser or a night owl? Today, we discuss the challenges and time investments involved in podcast workflows. Additionally, we explore steps to manage projects more efficiently. We share our experiences juggling multiple commitments and handling the pressures of podcast preparation while sharing insights for new podcasters as they map out their processes. If you need solid advice on time management and task prioritization, this episode is...

Think podcasting is solely about making money? Think again. Today, we explore the fringe benefits, relationships we've made, skills we've learned, and opportunities we didn't see coming that make podcasting worth every minute behind the mic. We share our experiences of building lasting relationships, content creation skills, and even making a difference in our local communities. Today's episode celebrates the heart of why we keep coming back to the mic. To wrap up the week, we share our weekly w...

Happy Halloween! Today, we’re joined by a spine-tingling guest—or should we say phantom intruder from the dark side of podcasting to join us for more podcast news headlines. Did you know that 80% of podcast listeners prefer niche content and often follow hosts across platforms? This was found in Acast’s latest report. We also discuss Spotify’s new comment moderation tools which provide options for podcasters to manage inappropriate comments with blocklists and engagement insights. This leads to ...

Have you heard that Netflix is launching a new feature that lets users save and share specific scenes from their favorite shows and movies on social media? This is one of the exciting updates we discuss in this week's midweek podcasting news. We also talk about how AI agents could help with work, such as automating video editing, generating content ideas, and managing social media posts. We discuss the latest on the Rabbit R1, which is a handheld AI device that can do tasks like creating videos ...

Have you ever received a guest pitch that gave you the ick? Did their pitch leave you wondering if the person inquiring to be on the show has listened to one episode or if they have even engaged with your content? Today we share our experiences with awful guest pitches and what we consider to be red flags. We also cover strategies to improve your pitches, lead with value, and put your best foot forward. If you're drawing a blank on how to connect with podcast hosts to land yourself a guest spot,...

Today, I sit down with Alex Sanfilippo, founder of PodMatch, to tackle some of the big questions our community has around podcast networks: Are they really beneficial for independent podcasters? Can PodMatch’s new network model, focused on community and creator support, genuinely add value without sacrificing independence? After the interview, our community dives into a live discussion, unpacking insights and sharing honest reactions to Alex’s vision. Join us as we explore the potential pros and...

What if you could have a conversation with a younger version of yourself on a podcast? What advice and encouragement would you share? Today, we're having a reflective conversation on this topic, focusing on personal growth. We're revisiting passions from past seasons in our lives, sharing deeply personal reflections, discussing transcending our limiting beliefs, and celebrating our wins as a community. If you want to be motivated by heartfelt stories and the power of community, this episode is f...

We're back with more podcast headlines! Is it okay for a podcast host to challenge a guest when they dodge a probing question? Should a podcast have to edit out sections if the guest asks? That's what happened to Nilay Patel of the Decoder podcast when he interviewed Intuit CEO Sasan Goodarzi. Today, we share our views on how this situation should be handled ethically, focusing on transparency and honesty. We also share more stories like CBS Anchor Tony DeCoppel getting fired. Want to find out w...

Did you know that the global podcast industry’s annual revenue is estimated at $3.94 - $4.75 billion in 2024? This shows how massive and rapidly growing the podcast space is! Today, we're bringing you several podcast industry headlines. We cover the latest podcast charts and how Notebook LM users can create content using AI voices. We also preview upcoming podcast meetups in the US and abroad. We also discuss new features for Podpage's elite tier, which syncs video podcasts with YouTube. Additio...

You've heard it before: you need a niche to define your topic and target audience. But does this limit your podcast growth or leave you creatively stifled? Today, we discuss if niching down helps podcast growth or holds us back while sharing our personal successes and challenges with niching to determine whether it's essential or restrictive. Additionally, we cover the importance of authenticity in expanding a niche, how collaboration can open new doors, and the value of staying flexible. Episo...

Are you using the right SEO tools to get your podcast noticed? Find out how to incorporate various tools and smart content planning into your SEO strategy, which could boost the discoverability of your show. Today, while our lead host Marc Ronick is traveling, the rest of the crew takes over to talk about tools like Google Keyword Planner, SEM Rush, and Answer the Public. We also discuss whether AI is the best tool to improve your podcast's SEO and reach more listeners. Stay tuned until the end ...

YouTube Shorts just got longer with a new 3-minute feature, allowing creators to share more detailed content. Will this change audience engagement? Today we're covering Podcast news that will get your wheels turning! Adobe Max's event made waves in the AI world, revealing new tools for creating images and videos. Plus, The Economist and This American Life are adding a premium subscription model. We discuss if this strategy could also work for smaller podcasts. Listen in to learn about content cr...

Did you hear that Walmart is changing its ad strategy by using influencers to make podcast ads that feel more personal? These new ads aim to capture the attention of younger audiences by tapping into their passions and partnering with influencers they admire, making each message feel authentic and genuinely exciting. Could Walmart be changing the game for other major retailers? In this week's midweek news, the crew talks about which shows are topping the charts, and we also learn how The Good, T...

Is chasing 10,000 downloads really the key to Success, or are you missing something more important? Today, we're rethinking popular podcasting advice, especially the focus on download numbers. Is this really the best way to grow? Or could other metrics—like how long your listeners stay tuned in or how engaged they are—work even better? By the end of this episode, you'll be ready to connect with your audience and create content that truly matters. Want to grow your podcast? Focus on your listener...

On September 26th, 2024, Asheville NC and the surrounding areas were devastated by Hurricane Helene. Days before the hurricane hit, I along with my wife Amy retreated from the area. Witnessing the devastation from afar, we jumped into action to contribute, ultimately raising over $10,000 and bringing a truckload of essential items to the people of Asheville in need. In this episode, I'll share the challenges, triumphs, and touching moments of this journey, highlighting how the community continue...

Headliner has entered the short form video space. While our fearless leader Marc Ronick is helping with vital resources for Hurricane Helene victims, the rest of the crew takes the wheel to cover podcast headlines and share stories about which major platforms' new features are shaping the future of podcasting! From Headliner’s new video clip integration, to Apple and Spotify podcast charts, we explain why these updates are important for podcasters. We also discuss the latest YouTube Shorts updat...

Are you looking to refine your content strategy and build genuine connections with your audience? We've got just the conversation for you. While our lead host Marc Ronick is on the road delivering essential items to those affected by Hurricane Helene, the community shares a dynamic discussion on how to balance authenticity with content strategy across platforms. In this panel-style conversation, we explore different approaches to content creation, how to effectively use various platforms, and sh...

If you've ever thought, "Social media is too overwhelming for me, " this episode is for you. While our fearless leader Marc Ronick delivers essential items to Hurricane Helene victims in Asheville, North Carolina, Jonathan Howard and the crew take the mic to tackle one of the most prevalent challenges podcasters face: making social media work for you in a way that is less overwhelming. In this episode, we discuss using social media to engage your target audience and methods to repurpose your con...

Adam Carolla's move to Substack has sparked many conversations. Could this platform open the gates for discoverability and opportunities to monetize for an exclusive community? This is just one of the headlines we are covering today. We will also discuss the increasing demand for video podcasts and the various strategies podcasters can use to improve the discoverability of their shows. Additionally, the team will provide advice and support to our community member, Alexandra, as she considers how...

What's generating a buzz in the podcast industry? Join us as we cover the most important headlines for independent creators. If you're interested in the latest AI advancements, we're exploring the groundbreaking Rabbit R1 device and its potential to revolutionize content creation. But hold on, because there's a big change on the horizon. Charitable is soon to become obsolete. What does this mean for those who love creating short links and tracking their analytics? Don't worry; we have some alter...

Can a podcast offer hope during the darkest of times? After Hurricane Helene caused widespread devastation from Florida and Georgia through East Tennessee and the Carolinas, leaving behind a trail of destruction, entire towns have been destroyed, resulting in numerous fatalities and hundreds of people still missing. In this episode, the community discusses the challenges faced by the locals of Marc's hometown of Asheville, North Carolina, including the lack of adequate media coverage, the effort...

Today is International Podcast Day, and we are celebrating our most valuable asset - our voices. Voice coach and expert Nic Redman joins us from across the pond and shares insightful tips on vocal health, overcoming self-consciousness, and sounding more natural. No matter where you are in your podcasting journey, this episode will help you discover your vocal potential and embrace the unique qualities that make your voice shine. Episode Highlights: [6:38] Support for Hurricane Helene Victims [...