Engagement And Growth Strategies Episodes

What if your podcast could reach listeners in their native language with your own voice? With Marc traveling today, co-host Sid Meadows takes the lead as we unpack YouTube’s new AI dubbing tool and what it could mean for creators. Nick explains how it works, and the rest of us weigh the pros and cons, asking the big question: Will any of us actually use it? We then explore Riverside’s move into podcast hosting and whether an all-in-one platform is truly beneficial for podcasters. As always, we e...

What if you could build deeper connections with your audience by starting a real two-way conversation? Today, we explore how to move past downloads and begin creating a real community around your podcast. We discuss using Clubhouse, Facebook groups, Discord, YouTube Community, Substack, and others to create spaces where listeners can connect with you and with each other. We also give you an overview of ChatGPT’s new AI agents and how podcasters might use them to handle online tasks and free up t...

Every podcaster has a task that zaps their energy. It can be editing, writing show notes, wrangling guests, or managing social media. Today, we share the parts of podcasting that wear us down and how to handle them before burnout hits us like a ton of bricks. We cover outsourcing, beneficial tools, and what to do when your go-to tools fail. If something in your workflow has you grinding your teeth, you’re not alone…There are ways to make it enjoyable again. Episode Highlights: [03:06] Podcast A...

What makes for an outstanding intro? How do you kick off your podcast? Today, we’re answering a listener’s question from the virtual mailbag and sharing our visions of what an ideal podcast intro should sound like. We provide tips on the duration of your intro, whether to include background music or not, and how much background information can be shared about a guest without losing your audience in the first few minutes. If you’ve been thinking of ways to keep your audience hooked from the get-g...

Do you rely on listener content for your podcast, and how did you get your listeners to contribute? Today, we give our thoughts on this mailbag question, share smart ways to connect with your audience, and cover a few news stories. Remember, your next big idea might come from your biggest fan! Plus, we cover more podcasting news including new features from Spotify for Creators and Acast to an expected outage you may want to prepare for... Episode Highlights: [04:09] Strategies for Listener Enga...

Podcast charts might not mean what you think they do! Today, we break down how rankings work on various platforms. Five-star reviews might not matter as much as you’ve heard. You may be asking yourself What does matter? Today, in our conversation, we cover aspects such as completion rates and actual listening time. Remember, charts aren’t everything. We also explore what real podcast growth looks like outside the rankings. That means listener loyalty, consistent engagement, and showing up for th...

Today, we're diving deep into our mailbag to answer your pressing podcasting questions. Whether you're wrestling with co-host dynamics, considering when it's time to pull the plug, or navigating how far ahead to schedule guest interviews, we’ve got you covered. We share candid insights about balancing workload, setting clear expectations, and discovering if your podcast truly resonates with your intended audience. Plus, we explore innovative solutions for podcasters who find themselves with an ...

This morning, we asked, “Is there a place for comedy on a business podcast?” With Marc on vacation, stand-up comedian and podcaster Amanda Yoa joins us to share how humor helps podcasters connect, keep things fresh, and stay true to themselves. She talks about her journey from chasing trends to finding her voice, offers tips on developing a character like her signature “Pam from Port Richmond,” and explains why letting loose might be the smartest move you make behind the mic. Episode Highlights...

Would you ever promote your podcast with a sign at a coffee shop? Dan, one of our community regulars and today’s guest co-host, did exactly that—and it sparked a lively conversation on creative ways to grow your show beyond social media. With Marc traveling, DR and Dan lead the discussion as we swap ideas like custom coasters, podcast t-shirts, library partnerships, and NFC keychains. It’s a brainstorm full of fun, doable ways to get your show in front of new listeners. What will you try first? ...

Today, we’re discussing strategies and the impact of incorporating mini episodes into our shows. We examine the potential advantages, such as boosting downloads and enhancing listener engagement, while acknowledging the potential drawbacks, including diluting the impact of the main episodes. Additionally, we share personal experiences and strategies for successfully implementing mini episodes, engaging with listeners, and establishing podcast authority. Episode Highlights: [03:55] The Value of ...

Imagine you're stuck in an elevator. Someone hands you a mic and says, “Go live!” What’s your podcast episode about? That’s the question we dive into, inspired by Taylor Cartago’s viral video podcast, Anything Can Be a Podcast, filmed entirely in a busy elevator. It's a bold idea that raises a timely question in a space that’s always trying to define what a podcast really is. We each share what we’d say in a spontaneous elevator podcast, and things get creative, funny, and even a little heartfel...

It’s April Fool's Day, but this is no joke. I’m in the hot seat today! We kick off with a behind-the-scenes look at my recent “Top 50 Over 50” award, including how I found out and how it felt to give my acceptance speech. Then we unpack a listener mailbag question about how we go about recording our podcast intros. We share our various thoughts on teasers vs intros, best practices, and how critically acclaimed podcasts can teach us how to hook the audience from the start. Episode Highlights: [4...

Have you tried Buzzsprout’s new fan mail feature yet? It lets your listeners text you directly, making it easier than ever to build real connections with your audience. Inspired by a mailbag question on how to take advantage of this feature, we kick things off with a conversation about how to use this tool AND OTHER TOOLS to boost engagement. From there, we explore creative ways to elevate your video branding using intentional visual elements that help your podcast stand out. In the second half ...

What was the moment you knew you were a podcaster? Was it your first episode? Your first listener? Or the moment someone asked for your advice? Today, we’re reflecting on the milestones that made us feel like real podcasters. Then, inspired by a question from a Facebook group, we shift to an in-depth conversation about podcast growth what’s realistic, and how to stay motivated when downloads feel slow. Plus, we analyze key success metrics beyond downloads and why they matter. Episode Highlights...

Are you showing up entirely as yourself on your podcast or are you holding back? Today, we tackle a question from listener Izzy, who’s ready to shed the ‘professional filter’ and embrace her unapologetic self behind the mic. But how do you break through hesitation and show up in a more genuine way without alienating your audience? Today we explore why podcasters hold back, how authenticity impacts audience connection, and steps to gradually bring more of your true self into your show. Episode H...

Have you ever had an intriguing interview, only to wonder during editing if the episode might be too long for your listeners? Will your audience stay engaged, or will they tune out? If you release the episode in multiple parts, will they come back to hear the continuation? This topic was inspired by a question from the mailbag, and we’re weighing the pros and cons of splitting long episodes into multiple parts versus keeping them whole. We analyze listener habits, discuss how to prepare your aud...

What would you do if someone repurposed your content without permission? Would you be flattered or offended? This recently happened to me when a video editor on LinkedIn repurposed a recent clip of mine, tagged me and the guest, and didn’t bother to ask my permission. This led me to wonder how the community would react in this situation, which leads to a rich conversation with many perspectives. We also address the question, “Do podcasts have an expiration date?” Many podcasters go through burno...

Want to amplify your LinkedIn presence? You’re in for a treat! Today, we’re delighted to welcome our special guest, Coach Rich Perry, who teaches people the intricacies of LinkedIn through a program at John Hopkins University. During our discussion, Coach Rich gives accessible advice on optimizing your LinkedIn profile and effectively utilizing its features, and strategies for crafting effective newsletters and gaining consistent engagement. Episode Highlights: [2:49] Overcoming Personal Challe...

YouTube’s CEO says big changes are coming for podcasters but will it be a real win or just more talk? Spotify made big promises last year but didn’t deliver as expected. Now, YouTube is stepping in with plans to improve podcast discovery and monetization. But can they be trusted to follow through? Today is news day and this is just one of the stories we cover. Keep listening to find out which country podcast listening is hitting new records. We also test out Meta’s new AI tool for creating audio...

We’re starting the weekend with an engaging game of ‘What Would You Do?’ and explore thought-provoking scenarios related to guests, sponsorships, and content choices. We discuss the ethical implications of sensationalizing content while maintaining authenticity and examine the appropriateness of promoting a product without personal experience. To wrap up the week, we celebrate our community wins, including powerful Black history moments, podcast launches, and inspiring community and personal gro...

Have you always wanted to feel a deeper connection with your audience? Do you feel like they engage with your content but do not fully know your story? Do you ever wonder if your audience truly understands you and your values? This topic was inspired recently by a question from the community about what happens when the tables turn and you become the guest on your own podcast and we discuss how to prepare for the hot seat and share best practices for choosing the right interviewer, preparing them...

Have you ever been excited for an interview, only to feel the energy drop the moment you hit record? You’re not alone. We have all been there and today we’re sharing our cringe-worthy moments when interviews didn’t go as planned—and how we turned them around. Today we’re talking about improving your interview skills by setting your guest up for success by crafting better questions, keeping the conversation flowing, and how to use editing to preserve your guest’s message while creating a seamless...

Did you know that fake podcast clips are circulating on social media, spreading misinformation and deceiving millions? Even more shocking, there are LinkedIn articles that teach people how to create them! If this raises your eyebrows, you're in the right place because We're back with the latest podcasting headlines, which is a hot topic. We also analyze the generational shift toward spoken word audio, particularly podcasts among young people, and explore how this trend impacts monetization strat...

Have you ever grappled with growing your podcast audience or monetizing your show? You’ve poured your heart into creating engaging content, but it feels like you’re spinning your wheels without seeing the growth you deserve. You’re in for a treat! We’re bringing back Tyler Perry, host of Believing the Bizarre, to break down his strategies for building an engaged audience and monetizing his niche podcast. Join us and find out how his cost-effective ad strategy and authentic approach paved the way...