👋Hey there Podcaster!

This week’s newsletter is a little different. Normally I share two or three articles about podcasting, but today I want to share an experience that changed me and how I podcast. My wife Amy and I just returned from volunteering at Camp Footprint, a week-long overnight camp for kids living with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT). CMT is a rare neurological condition that affects the nerves in the arms and legs, often leading to muscle weakness and difficulty walking. 

I didn’t leave with new podcasting tips or gear reviews. I left with something even more valuable: a reminder of what community really looks like and why it matters so much... not just at a summer camp, but in podcasting too.

------------------------------

The Power of Camp Footprint

From the moment the kids arrive to Camp Footprint, you can see the transformation. They immediately feel proud, free, and deeply connected. Everyone belongs. Everyone is celebrated. Many of the kids (and adults) even say they’re grateful for CMT, because without it, they would never have found this community.

That sense of belonging is powerful. It reminded me that the same foundation is what keeps podcast communities strong: not flashy strategies or algorithms, but people feeling like they’re part of something they can call their own.

-----------------------------

The Candyman Can

While Amy served as a counselor, I was part of the programming staff. I also took on a fun “side gig” as Candyman; something new I brought to the camp this year.

Think ice cream truck, but on a golf cart with candy… and free. Once or twice a day, I cruised around the camp, loaded with candy, stopping at different activities. Kids would line up behind me, waiting their turn to place an order. At first it was just smiles and treats. Then it turned into something much bigger. They’d sing, dance, or get a little silly to earn extra candy, and suddenly it was less about the candy and more about connection, laughter, and moments that felt unforgettable.

That shift, from simple candy runs to shared memories, showed me how small, creative touches can create culture. In podcasting, it’s often the little things (a unique segment, a personal story, a playful moment) that bring people closer and give them something to rally around.

(More on my experience and learnings after this brief reminder about our upcoming podcasting conference…)

------------------------------------

The Empowered Podcasting Conference is Almost Here 🎙️

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.

Whether you’re building your brand or finally launching that idea you’ve been sitting on, EPC is the place to learn directly from creators who have walked the path before you.

Spotlight Speaker: Dave Jackson 🎧

We’re thrilled to welcome Dave Jackson, Hall of Fame podcaster, author, coach, and the voice behind School of Podcasting. With two decades of podcasting experience and a track record of helping thousands of creators launch and grow their shows, Dave knows exactly what it takes to build a podcast that lasts.

At EPC, Dave will be sharing insights on why your podcast isn’t growing. Expect a mix of practical strategies, industry wisdom, and Dave’s signature style that makes learning both engaging and fun. If you’ve ever thought about leveling up your show or starting one the right way, this is a session you don’t want to miss.

Other Voices You’ll Hear From:

• Alex Sanfilippo – Getting the results you want from podcasting (and business) 
• Danny DelVecchio – named one of LinkedIn’s top creators and creator of the founder-led content blueprint: become a go-to industry leader and attract dream clients without being an influencer
• Lloyd George – the UGC guru will share practical monetization tactic for podcasters
• Junaid Ahmed – Your studio is your signature: how to upgrade your video setup without breaking the bank
• Kacey Johnson – How to reach and build the right community

🎟️ Grab your ticket before we sell out: empoweredpodcasting.com
👉 Use coupon code EPCGUEST15 for 15% off your ticket!

----------------------------

Friendship, Leadership, and “Little Marc”

This week at Camp Footprint reconnected me with little Marc, the kid inside of me who loves play, laughter, and curiosity. I realized how important it is to keep him close in everything I do, not just at camp but in my work and in every role I play such as podcaster, entrepreneur, husband, father, son, and friend.

It also meant the world to share this with my best friend Jonah Berger (check out his podcast, He Walks Like a Cowboy), who directs the camp. Camp is where my friendship began with Jonah MANY years ago, and to stand alongside him while he led with such heart and vision was unforgettable. Along with his co-directors and team, he created a place where kids feel seen, celebrated, and empowered.

Watching Jonah lead reminded me of what’s possible when people dedicate themselves to building community. That spirit carried through the entire week, and it showed up in the new friendships I built too.

Those new friendships reminded me of why podcasting feels so meaningful too. Podcasting is more than just downloads or metrics. It’s about the connections, collaborations, and community that grow from sharing stories and showing up authentically.

------------------------

Closing Thought

Camp Footprint reminded me that real community is about creating spaces where people feel celebrated, connected, and free to be themselves. That’s true for kids at camp, and it’s true for podcasting.

As podcasters, it’s easy to get caught up in gear, downloads, and algorithms. But audiences don’t remember the numbers, they remember how you made them feel. Have you given them a place to laugh, learn, or feel less alone?

When people feel seen and celebrated, they open up, share their voice, and build lasting connections. That’s the opportunity we have with every episode.

So as you plan your next one, focus less on metrics and more on people. Ask yourself: How can I make my listeners feel like they belong here?I’d love to hear from you: How have you built community around your podcast? Hit reply and share your story.

---------------------

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

Some of the links in this newsletter may be affiliate links, meaning we earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them at no extra cost to you.