🎧 A Podcast That Listens Back? Steve from Blue’s Clues Is Doing It.

👋Hey there Podcaster!

Ever wonder what it means for a podcast to listen back? 🎧 Steve from Blue’s Clues is doing just that with a new show that’s all heart, all presence, and maybe a hint of magic. In this issue, we’re diving into what makes his upcoming podcast Alive so different and why it just might change the game. Plus, we tackle the age-old video podcaster’s dilemma: does reading from a script kill your vibe? 📜 We’ve got tips to sound natural without losing your place. You’ll also meet our Pride Month spotlight 🎉, Two Guys on a Plane, who are bringing bold, beautiful storytelling from the skies. And we’re thrilled to welcome our new conference sponsor, PodMatch 🚀, the ultimate shortcut to booking great podcast guests. Let’s go!

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🎧 A Podcast That Listens Back? Steve from Blue’s Clues Is Doing It.

Steve Burns, the original host of Blue’s Clues, is launching a podcast. But not just any podcast. It's called Alive… and Steve says it “listens back.”

Let that sink in for a second.

At first glance, it might sound like a poetic tagline. But if you’ve ever stumbled across Steve’s viral TikToks, you know exactly what it means. He doesn’t perform. He connects. He looks into the camera with gentle eye contact, tilts his head, gives a small nod… and just holds space. He listens without saying a word and millions of people watch, cry, and feel seen.

Now, he’s bringing that same presence to podcasting. Alive will explore the hard, unfiltered realities of life: grief, debt, love, anxiety, and the everyday weirdness of being human. Produced by Lemonada Media, it’s a show about adulting with empathy.

Here’s the twist: it’s being described as the first podcast to truly “listen back.” That’s Steve’s entire ethos. The connection. The pause. That feeling that someone is actually with you.

And the internet is ready. The teaser video on YouTube racked up thousands of heartfelt comments overnight. People said things like:
🗨️ “You quietly asked me how I was and no one ever asks me.”
🗨️ “Let’s talk about what we need as children in adult skin.”

In a world filled with shouting shows and hot takes, Steve’s quiet style stands out. It’s about feeling human.

So here’s the big question for all of us in podcasting:

What would it look like to make a show that listens back? Not just heard, but felt. Not just content, but connection.

Reply and let me know:
🎤 Have you ever listened to a podcast that made you feel truly heard?

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📜 Scripted Podcast? How to Nail Your On-Camera Vibe as a Podcaster

Does reading from a script kill your on-camera vibe? That’s the question that sparked a lively discussion on this week’s Podcasting Morning Chat. If you’re moving from audio to video, you’ll want to hear this one.

Listener Olivia from Tampa asked what so many podcasters are wondering:

“I’m better at writing than talking off the cuff. But on camera, reading makes me look like I’m not connecting. What do I do?”

In this episode, we covered:

• Why bullet points beat word-for-word scripts
  
• How rehearsal (yes, out loud!) builds natural delivery
  
• Tricks like eye-line hacks, using B-roll, and low-tech teleprompters
  
• A creative idea: write a few questions and answer them conversationally to sound more like yourself on camera
  
  

💡 One standout takeaway: Confidence comes from preparation, not memorization. Whether it’s bolding your script, practicing like karaoke, or just pretending you’re talking to your best friend, your energy is what connects. Not the words on the page.

🎧 Missed it? Catch the full convo from Podcasting Morning Chat, June 24, 2025. Bring your on-camera presence to life without losing your voice.

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🏳️‍🌈 Pride Month Podcast Spotlight: Two Guys on a Plane

In celebration of Pride Month, we’re spotlighting a standout episode from Two Guys on a Plane, an iRonick Media podcast hosted by married couple and flight attendants Rich and Drew, who serve up travel stories, real talk, and plenty of heart.

🎧 Episode: “Being LGBTQ+ in Aviation: Why Are So Many Flight Attendants Gay?”
In this episode, Rich and Drew tackle one of the questions they get asked all. the. time. Why does it seem like so many flight attendants are gay?

They break down the stereotypes and share the realities of life in the sky as a queer couple, reflecting on their personal journeys in aviation. From uniform policies and cultural experiences to the freedom of anonymity and the challenge of being truly seen, this episode covers it all with openness, humor, and heart.

They also explore how the airline industry became a space where they could show up as their loudest, proudest selves—and how it continues to evolve for LGBTQ+ folks today. Whether you’re part of the community or just curious about flight attendant life, this conversation is full of insight, laughs, and love.

✈️ Listen now: Being LGBTQ+ in Aviation
🌍 About the show: Two Guys on a Plane is all about life, travel, and navigating the world together—served with sass, sincerity, and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Learn more at TwoGuysOnAPlane.com

📰 As seen in TIME: Rich and Drew were recently featured in TIME Magazine, sharing their take on in-flight etiquette with their signature humor and experience!

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🚨 New Sponsor: PodMatch—Podcast Guesting Made Easy

We’re excited to welcome PodMatch as a sponsor of the Empowered Podcasting Conference!

Think of PodMatch as the “dating app” for podcast interviews. Founded by podcast host Alex Sanfilippo, PodMatch automatically matches podcast hosts with ideal guests (and vice versa), while taking care of all the behind-the-scenes admin like scheduling, bios, and booking links.

With a streamlined platform and powerful automation, PodMatch helps creators spend less time chasing guests and more time creating great conversations.

Thanks for supporting the podcasting community, PodMatch!
👉 Check them out at PodMatch.com

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🎙️Podcasting Morning Chat Highlights🌅

Welcome to your essential morning brew of ideas and insights, the "Podcasting Morning Chat" is a daily show that's by creators, for creators. A dynamic team of experienced podcasters, entrepreneurs, and producers hosts the PMC. Each episode peels back the curtain on the art of podcasting and content creation. The conversation is a mix of insights, stories, and strategies, tailor-made to keep your content fresh, your audience engaged, and your creative spark alive. 

Recorded live every weekday at 7 AM EST on Clubhouse and available via podcast at 7 AM PST, our show has become a cornerstone for podcasters worldwide, offering a unique blend of expert advice, real-world success stories, and innovative ideas. Whether you're here to enhance your content, expand your audience, or just soak in the collective wisdom of fellow content creators, the PMC is your source for inspiration, empowerment and connection in the podcasting world. 

Catch up with the latest episodes and join our global community of creators to kick-start your day with creativity, strategy, and insight.

• June 24, 2025: Episode #327: Should I Read from a Script on My Podcast?
• June 25, 2025: Episode #328: Is Streaming Harming the Planet? Podcast News & Industry Commentary
• June 26, 2025: Episode #329: Steve from Blue’s Clues is Back with a Podcast for Adults
• June 27, 2025: Episode #330: Podcasting Hills You'd Die On?

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I’m so grateful to be connected with you and a part of your podcast journey. 

All My Best,

👋Marc Ronick

This content was composed with assistance from OpenAI

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