How To Episodes

What’s the one thing you’ve always wanted to try on your podcast, but never dared to do? Today, we dusted off the mailbag and found some inspiration in a question from a fellow podcaster: “What’s one thing every podcaster should try at least once?” This got us thinking about all the ways we can break out of our routines and breathe new life into our shows. Today we share the experiments and challenges that have made the biggest difference for us. For some, it’s trying a new storytelling style, o...

Today, we’re digging into the mailbag to tackle a guest mix-up scenario and how to handle podcast miscommunications with clarity and professionalism. We explore smart ways to stand out in a saturated niche, like leaning into your unique voice and building collaborations. We also debate the Golden Globes' new Best Podcast category and what it means for independent creators. We also revisit imposter syndrome with honest reflections and empowering insights to help you push past self-doubt. Plus, Ma...

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? ...

Have you ever stepped out of your comfort zone because you knew it could lead to a breakthrough? Recently, I performed in an improv showcase, and after this experience, I realized how much I've learned from the class translates into the podcasting space and vice versa. This revelation inspired this conversation on how trying new things, like performing, skating, or stand-up comedy, can enhance your creativity. Through our discussion, we share the unconventional activities we have been trying and...

Today, flight attendants Drew & Rich are launching their brand new podcast called “Two Guys on a Plane.” Join us as we chat with the minds behind the show and dive into their launch strategies, how they engage their 128K Instagram followers, and the behind-the-scenes challenges they face. Our regular crew also offers invaluable advice for making their podcast successful while staying true to their vision. Be sure to show your support and follow Two Guys on A Plane! Episode Highlights: [04:53] M...

Have you ever listened to a podcast where the host gives too much away in the intro? Could this be putting a wall between you and your audience, or will listeners stick around after a heavy intro? Today we explore this idea through Mel Robbins’ introduction of Jay Shetty and what indie podcasters can learn from it. We also examine an intro from Jay Clouse where opinions were mixed, and share tips for making your own intros stronger and more inviting. Episode Highlights: [03:31] Jonathan’s Conve...

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 ...

What do you do when the first piece of negative feedback hits you right in the feels? Today’s episode dives into the emotional sting of criticism — especially for podcasters — and how to process it without derailing your confidence. We dig into real-life stories, practical mindset shifts, and the power of “Let Them Theory” to help you build resilience and stay focused on your podcasting purpose. Plus, we wrap the week with some wins from our community... Episode Highlights: [02:51] Exploring t...

Today, I kick things off with an underrated listener growth strategy that came from a simple Facebook Groups thread. From there, we get into a lively conversation about podcast promotion, engagement tactics, and why small steps can lead to big community wins. We also touch on a spike in female podcast listenership, the latest AI-generated image trend (and how to create your own) Nick Nalbach is trying to start, and a midweek meltdown from Spotify (and Zoom) that had creators and listeners scrat...

Curious how to kick off your podcast with confidence? Today, we dig into a mailbag question about how to launch your podcast and be prepared. We share tips on hyping your show before it drops, knowing your podcast’s purpose, and why starting with more than one episode can make an enormous difference in growing your bond with your audience. Then, we switch gears to share weekly wins and set new goals that keep us moving forward together. Episode Highlights: [02:06} Upcoming “What’s a Podcast?” D...

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...

When the cat’s away, the mice will play, and that’s just what happens today! With Marc out, longtime contributors Sid and Billy lead a fun-filled takeover episode. We kick things off by celebrating Marc’s “Top 50 Over 50” podcast win and share our ways to mark a big achievement. From there, we offer “wrong answers only” advice for new podcasters, then wrap it up with a round of overrated or underrated, covering everything from the Shure SM7B mic to podcast networks and teaser trailers. Episode ...

If you're feeling stretched thin, pulled in too many directions, or teetering on the edge of podfade, this one's for you. Today we talked boundaries—not just the buzzword kind, but the kind that can protect your time, energy, creativity, and podcasting! I opened the show inspired by a conversation I had over the weekend with co-host, DR Fay about setting boundaries with clients. Her story was incredibly relatable (especially if you’ve ever said yes when you wanted to say “maybe later”). We exp...

In this episode, I opened up a conversation about how we can keep podcasting fun—not because it’s hard, but because it should be fun. We talked about breaking routines, trying new creative projects, and giving ourselves permission to explore, pause, or even switch directions with intention. From community wins to personal stories, it was a powerful reminder that podcasting is more than being consistent... it’s about curiosity, joy, and creating something that lights us up. Episode Highlights: [...

If you had to follow ONE golden rule for podcasters, what would it be? Today, we share our ideas for the one rule we believe every podcaster should follow. We cover several opinions provided by, long-time podcasters. Plus, to wrap up the week, we share wins and celebrate each other’s progress. Episode Highlights: [4:46] Debating the Golden Rule of Podcasting [5:27] Active Listening in Interviews [17:18] Preparation and Authenticity [31:15] Niching Down and Knowing Your Boundaries [42:16] Ce...

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 been trying to monetize your podcast? You’ve put in the work, and you’ve gained a small, respectable following, but now you feel like it is time to start turning your efforts into compensation. But how do you start connecting with brands that align with your podcast’s mission statement? After a couple of questions from the community, the Empowered Podcasting team digs in and shares strategies for pitching, pricing, and how you can turn brand sponsorships into lasting relationships when ...

One of the best things about the Empowered Podcasting Community is when our members get the chance to meet face-to-face. That’s exactly what happened this past weekend when several of our community members gathered in Detroit, Michigan. The meetup was filled with laughter, long hugs, and the realization that the people we connect with online are often just as genuine in real life. Not all of us were able to attend, so today we’re welcoming those who were part of the impromptu meetup to share the...

Since you’ve been on your podcast journey, have you ever found yourself in the situation where you are on the home stretch, the recording has been done, and the final edits have been made, but you just can’t bring yourself to publish the episode? What emotion is behind that resistance? This is a place even podcast professionals find themselves in, and today, our community steps up to the plate to help with overcoming the fear of launching a podcast by sharing personal anecdotes dealing with perf...

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...

Are the “rules” of podcasting helping you or holding you back? Today, we challenge some of the biggest myths in podcasting and break down whether they’re worth following—or just fear-based tactics. I'm joined today by PMC co-host and podcast producer Matthew Bliss to dive into topics like AI tools, SEO myths, audience engagement, and why questioning the status quo could be the key to podcasting success. Episode Highlights: [4:19] The “rules” of podcasting—do they really matter? [9:16] The trut...

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...

What would you do if you were invited to be a guest on a podcast but you show up to the interview and the host is nowhere to be found? In other words, you've been ghosted. Would you give them another chance or would you not allow for a second opportunity? Today we’re discussing a vent post from our facebook group with our takes on how we would handle the situation. Would you call out the host on social media? Or would you let it go? In the second half of the show, we shift gears and share our pe...