🎧 How to Find a Podcast Studio Without Getting Ripped Off

👋Hey there Podcaster!

This week’s lineup is packed with insights to sharpen your skills, spark new ideas, and connect with the podcasting community. We’re kicking things off with a reality check on renting a podcast studio. Know the key questions to ask, red flags to watch for, and surprising alternative spaces that might work in a pinch. Then we get into the creative freedom of short-form podcasts and why they’re quick to produce, easy to share, and perfect for testing fresh ideas outside your niche. And with the Empowered Podcasting Conference just weeks away, you’ll get the details on who’s speaking, what’s happening, and how to grab your ticket before it sells out. Plus, catch up on recent Podcasting Morning Chat highlights that bring you real-world strategies, breaking industry news, and daily inspiration to fuel your next episode.

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🎧 How to Find a Podcast Studio Without Getting Ripped Off

Ever walk into a business and feel like they’re trying to sell you on stuff you don’t need?

That’s exactly what happened to one of my clients this week.

She just wanted a quiet space with good mics. Instead, every studio tried to tack on full-service editing, post-production, and marketing packages she didn’t even ask for. One even claimed she couldn’t get her own raw files because they record in a “unique format” no one else could use. (Big red flag.)

In last week’s Podcasting Morning Chat, we dove into the real-world process of renting a podcast studio and how to avoid falling into those upsell traps. A little prep can save you money, headaches, and your creative control.

Here’s what we covered:

🎙️ The single most important question to ask before you book a studio
🎙️ How to spot sneaky red flags in a studio’s pitch or pricing
🎙️ The pros and cons of booking in a pinch
🎙️ Why libraries, Walmarts, and co-working spaces might be better than     you think
🎙️ The lowdown on what “full-service” actually means (and when it’s worth it)

The right podcast studio should feel like a creative partner, not a pushy salesperson. You should leave with your files, your vision intact, and your budget still breathing.

Pro tip: Always ask for their file format, cancellation policy, and whether you can bring your own gear if needed. And never sign on the spot if something feels off.

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🎙️ Big Ideas in 10 Minutes or Less: Why Short-Form Podcasts Are Your Creative Secret Weapon

Want to dip your toe into podcasting without the pressure of launching a massive new show?
Start a short-form podcast.

In a recent Podcasting Morning Chat, we asked:

“If you had to start a podcast under 10 minutes and outside your niche, what would it be about?”

The answers were fun, but the real insight came from what short-form unlocks:

✅ Easier production → Less stress, less polish pressure
✅ Clearer messaging → One main takeaway per episode
✅ Faster feedback → Quickly see what’s hitting home
✅ More discoverable → Perfect snack-sized content for social sharing
✅ Creative freedom → Play with new voices, topics, and formats without rebranding your main show

One person called it a “low-stakes playground for ideas,” and the group lit up with possibilities:

• Daily camping tips
  
  
• Foodie adventures
  
  
• Hyper-local event roundups
  
  
• Health hacks for women over 50
  
  
• Even personal journal-style updates to stay accountable
  
  

The beauty of short-form is that you can experiment without overhauling your whole content strategy. It’s quick to produce, easy to share, and ideal for testing fresh ideas with your audience.

And here’s the kicker…creators are finding that short-form formats aren’t just side projects. They’re doorways to new audiences, more engagement, and sometimes even their next big hit.

So if you’ve been feeling stuck, curious, or ready to shake things up, ask yourself:

If you launched a short-form podcast this week, what would it be about?
No niche limits. No rules. Just 10 minutes or less.

Hit record, see what happens, and maybe share your title idea with the community.

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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.

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 number one 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

👉Use coupon code EPCGUEST15 for 15% off your ticket!

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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.

• August 5, 2025: Episode #350: Tips for a Beginner Podcaster
• August 6, 2025: Episode #351: Amazon Lays Off Wondery Team, ElevenLabs Bets on AI Audio
• August 7, 2025: Episode #352: Renting a Podcast Studio: What You Need to Know
• August 8, 2025: Episode #353: Our Favorite Podcasts and First Takes on GPT-5

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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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