🎙️ Niche or Not? The Podcasting Debate That Won’t Quit

👋Hey there Podcaster!

Recently on Podcasting Morning Chat, we tackled some of the biggest questions podcasters face today, from whether niching down still matters in 2025, to whether guests are doing you a favor or joining you in collaboration, to the latest highlights and takeaways from our daily live conversations. You’ll hear insights from creators who are rethinking what it means to grow authentically, tips for creating smoother guest experiences that lead to real connection, and a roundup of recent episodes packed with lessons on platform changes, community building, and AI-driven creativity.

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🎙️ Niche or Not? The Podcasting Debate That Won’t Quit

Is niching down still the smartest move for podcasters, or has the game changed? That question lit up last week’s Podcasting Morning Chat, and the conversation pulled no punches.

Some podcasters swear you don’t need a niche at all. Personality and passion can be enough to hook an audience. Others argue niching down remains the clearest path to growth and monetization. And then there’s the middle ground—using niches more like flexible pillars instead of rigid boxes, giving room for creativity without confusing your listeners

Here’s how it broke down:

✅ No niche needed
“Be yourself. Talk about what excites you. Your personality is the hook.” Independent creator Jaclyn Monroe shared how she built nearly 400 episodes of her podcast without ever locking herself into one subject. For her, freedom fuels consistency, and consistency keeps her audience coming back.

✅ Niche is still king
“Clarity builds audience and trust. It makes monetization easier and growth faster.” Producers and strategists in the room noted that new podcasters, in particular, benefit from choosing a clear focus. A defined niche helps identify your audience, build credibility, and attract sponsors

✅ The middle ground
“Niche doesn’t mean box. Think of it as pillars tied to your brand. You can give variety without confusing your audience.” Several podcasters reframed “niche” as topical or brand-driven. Instead of locking into one subject, focus on your voice, your brand, and the themes your audience values. That gives flexibility to cover current events, personal stories, or broader conversations without losing your core identity

So where did we land?

Niche is a tool, not a cage. For new podcasters, niching down can help you define your voice and attract your first listeners. Over time, once you understand your audience, you can loosen the walls and still keep the room engaged.

👉 If you were starting a podcast today, would you niche down first, or go broad and let your audience shape the direction?

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🎙️ “A Favor or a Collaboration?” The Great Guest Debate That Got Podcasters Talking

Podcast guests are doing you a favor by joining your show.

That line came from a podcaster in a TikTok clip we played during a recent Podcasting Morning Chat, and it opened a can of worms in the best possible way. The creator was talking about how to stop guests from ghosting you, and her main point was that smaller shows often ask too much: the pre-interview, the scheduling back-and-forth, the prep calls. Her advice? Make it simple. Send all the details in one message so the guest can book on the spot.

That statement “they’re doing you a favor” sparked one of the liveliest discussions we’ve had.

Some agreed, especially when it comes to securing well-known guests. Others pushed back, saying that every guest appearance is an exchange, not charity.

I shared my perspective: when a guest joins your show, it’s a collaboration. They bring their story, credibility, and audience. You bring your platform, preparation, and energy as the host. When both sides see it that way, outreach feels confident instead of apologetic, and interviews feel like partnerships instead of performances.

From there, the conversation took off:

• 🎧 Pre-interviews or not? Some podcasters (like Yvonne and Sid) say a quick pre-call builds rapport and ensures a smooth recording. Others prefer skipping it to respect the guest’s time.
• 💡 Set expectations early. Whether it’s sharing promotional assets, keywords, or checklists, Renee reminded us that making things easy and on-brand for guests increases the chance they’ll share your episode.
• 💬 Energy exchange matters. Lindsay pointed out that there’s a difference between inviting someone versus them applying to be on your show — and that clarity helps set the tone for promotion and collaboration.
• 🙌 Curate the experience. Sid emphasized focusing on how guests feel throughout the process — from the first message to the thank-you email. When the experience is memorable, guests naturally want to share.

By the end, the takeaway was clear: the best guest relationships come from mutual respect, gratitude, and clarity. No one’s “doing a favor.” Both sides are co-creating something that can reach new ears and make an impact.

How do you see it? Are guests doing you a favor, hosts doing them a favor, or is it something else entirely? Reply and share your take, this conversation is far from over.

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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 Monday-Friday 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.

• October 6, 2025: Episode #382: How to Recover When Meta Shuts You Down
• October 7, 2025: Episode #383: Meet The Voices in Our Community of Creators
• October 8, 2025: Episode #384: Steven Bartlett’s New Platform, Cinema Pods, and the AI DJ Revolution
• October 9, 2025: Episode #385: Why Your Guest Outreach Is Getting Ignored
• October 10, 2025: Episode #386: Podcast Tools We Love: AI and Beyond

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

👋Marc Ronick

This content was composed with assistance from OpenAI

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All My Best,