Sept. 2, 2025

🎤 Building a Personal Brand That Actually Resonates

🎤 Building a Personal Brand That Actually Resonates

đź‘‹Hey there, Podcaster!

This week’s newsletter kicks off with big news about the Empowered Podcasting Conference 2025. We’re just weeks away from gathering in Charlotte for connection, growth, and inspiration…and you’ll want to keep reading for details on our biggest sale of the year happening all week long. Then we dig into Taylor Swift’s record-shattering New Heights debut and uncover the takeaways podcasters can put into practice right now. And to wrap things up, Chris Stone shares why building a brand that truly resonates goes far beyond logos and colors…

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⏰ 50% off the Empowered Podcasting Conference for a Limited Time

Charlotte, NC • Sept 26–28, 2025

We’re just weeks away from the Empowered Podcasting Conference! A weekend built for independent podcasters who are ready to grow, connect, and collaborate.

Build your brand or finally launch that idea you’ve been sitting on, at EPC with other creators who have been in your shoes.

You’ll hear from voices like:

  • Alex Sanfilippo – Founder of PodMatch & host of Podcasting Made Simple
  • Danny DelVecchio – Video On Easy Mode, named the #1 Video Marketing Creator on LinkedIn
  • Lloyd George – Creator of Cre8tor Hub and The Coffee Date Podcast
  • Junaid Ahmed – Host of Hacks & Hobbies and founder of Home Studio Mastery
  • Kacey Johnson – Brand & Sound Strategist, co-host of Brand Your Voice

🎟️Grab your ticket before we sell out: empoweredpodcasting.com

👉Labor Day Week-Long Sale! Use coupon code EPCLD50 for 50% off your ticket through September 5th

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🎤 Taylor Swift’s Podcast Debut: Lessons from a Global Moment

Taylor Swift went on the New Heights podcast.
And the internet melted.

  • 1.3M people watched live

  • 21M+ views in two weeks

  • Spotify saw a 3,000% spike in new listeners

  • Streams jumped 2,500%

  • 600,000 new female listeners joined the platform

  • She announced a new album

  • The engagement news followed days later

A media circus, fueled by a single episode.

But here’s the question:
Did it actually change anything for podcasters?

On last Thursday’s Podcasting Morning Chat, we broke it down.

What Taylor Did Right

Taylor’s appearance was a masterclass in control and strategy.

👉 She knows her audience and delivers with precision. Every story was calculated for maximum connection.
 👉 She didn’t overshare. Each detail from, learning football to reclaiming her 6 records, had purpose.
 👉 She felt at ease. Chemistry with the hosts made the interview flow. Being with her fiancé and brother-in-law created a relaxed space where she opened up in ways traditional media never sees.
 👉 She held back the biggest reveal. The engagement wasn’t mentioned on the show, keeping focus on the album launch. As Marc noted, too many big announcements in one moment can dilute the impact.

The Limits of the Moment

Not everyone agreed it was transformative for podcasting.

⚠️ Not every podcast moment scales. Most creators can’t replicate a Taylor Swift-level seismic event.
 ⚠️ Celebrity impact ≠ indie playbook. Her community is unmatched, and it moves markets far beyond podcasting.
 ⚠️ Virality isn’t retention. Millions tuned in, but the real story will be whether listeners stick with New Heights long term.

The Takeaway for Podcasters

Yes, this was a milestone moment.
But it’s also a reminder to zoom out.

  • Keep content fresh when you guest on shows don’t recycle the same stories everywhere.

  • Focus on chemistry with hosts and guests. Comfort translates to authenticity.

  • Save big announcements for the right platforms and timing.

  • Build community first. Numbers come later.

Taylor Swift’s podcast debut will go down as a landmark in podcasting history. The bigger lesson? Success leaves clues but not shortcuts.

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🎤 Building a Personal Brand That Actually Resonates

Chris Stone knows firsthand the power of a strong personal brand. As a content creator, coach, strategist (and recent guest on our Podcasting Morning Chat), he’s seen how intentional brand building can open doors and create lasting connections. In his recent conversation, he shared how aligning your content, values, and messaging builds trust with your audience and makes your brand more memorable. He emphasized that branding is more than a logo or a color scheme. It is about the consistent story you tell through every interaction, from your social media posts to the way you engage with your community.

Chris highlighted that the most effective brands are built with clarity and purpose. You need to understand who you are speaking to, what they care about, and how you can provide value in a way that feels authentic. That clarity shapes everything; your tone, your topics, your visual identity, and even the platforms you choose. When your message stays consistent over time, you naturally attract the right audience while building loyalty and trust.

He also stressed the importance of experimenting without losing focus. Try new content formats, explore emerging platforms, and adapt to changes in technology and culture. At the same time, keep your core message and values as your anchor. This balance of creativity and consistency is what keeps a brand relevant without losing its identity.

Chris encourages creators to think beyond the short term. Building a recognizable and trusted brand is a long game, requiring patience and persistence. Every post, conversation, and piece of content is a brick in the foundation of your reputation. Over time, those bricks add up to something that stands out in a crowded digital space and resonates with people on a deeper level.

Hear more from Chris Stone on episode 354 of the Podcasting Morning Chat: podpage.com/pmc/s1e354

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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 Tuesday-Friday (temporary summer schedule) 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.

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

 

All My Best,

đź‘‹Marc Ronick

This content was composed with assistance from OpenAI

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