June 23, 2025

🔍The Discoverability Myth in Podcasting

🔍The Discoverability Myth in Podcasting

đź‘‹Hey there Podcaster!

This week we’re busting two myths wide open. What really makes a podcast and whether or not video is still king. Plus, meet one of our Empowered Podcasting 2 sponsors, Podnews, your daily edge in staying ahead of industry trends. And if you missed any of last week’s Podcasting Morning Chat episodes, we’ve got highlights and links to keep your creative momentum going. Let’s get into it!

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🔍 One of the Biggest Myths in Podcasting

Let’s talk about one of the biggest myths in podcasting:

 

Discoverability.

 

We’re told that if we just play the algorithm, crack the SEO code, and chop up our long-form content into 37 viral clips… the audience will come.

 

But if you’ve been at this for a while, you’ve probably realized:

 

You can do all of that...and still feel invisible.

 

That’s because podcasts aren’t discovered.

They’re shared.

 

By a friend or coworker.

An influencer on social media.

A news article or TV segment.

Someone who says,

“You’ve gotta hear this.”

 

So if you want your podcast to grow, the question isn’t: How do I get discovered?

It’s: How do I make this worth sharing?

That means:

  • Conversations that genuinely matter
  • Guests with something real to say
  • Episodes that feel like a gift, not a sales pitch

Because shareable content doesn’t just beat the algorithm.

It feeds it.

 

Think about the last podcast you recommended to someone.

What made it stand out?

And how can your show do the same?

 

Hit reply and let me know. I’d love to hear what you’re working on.

Or forward this to someone deep in the “do all the things” phase.

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🎧 Data Shows Audio Is Still King

Everyone says podcasting is going "video first."

 

But the data tells a different story.

 

This week on the Podcasting Morning Chat, we dug into the CUMULUS MEDIA & Signal Hill Insights Spring 2025 Report and the findings were clear:

 

Audio is still king.

🔊 96% of engaged podcast consumers LISTEN in some for

🎧 That’s nearly 70% of all weekly podcast consumers

📺 Even on YouTube, 45% podcast consumption happens without watching.

 

So why the relentless push for video?

 

Yes, video has its place. Yes, podcasting is growing on platforms like YouTube.

 

But let's not confuse format with function.

 

Audio is intimate. It's flexible. It builds trust in a way few other mediums can.

 

If you're an indie podcaster feeling pressure to pivot your entire strategy toward video…

You’re not behind. 

You’re not outdated. 

You’re not alone.

You’re just focused on what the audience is actually doing.

 

So tell me, what are YOU seeing in your listener data?

More video views or more audio downloads?

 

Reply to this email and let me know!

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🚨 New Sponsor: Your Daily Dose of Podcasting

We’re thrilled to announce one of our Empowered Podcasting  Conference partners: Podnews!

If you're not already subscribed, Podnews is the daily briefing trusted by podcasters. It was created by audio industry pro James Cridland, where he delivers podcasting news, job listings, trends, and insider insights straight to your inbox.

Podnews has over 33,000 engaged subscribers and a sharp global perspective of podcasting. They keep us informed, inspired, and ready to grow

Thanks for your support, Podnews! 👉 Check them out

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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 (new 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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