Episodes

Is listening to podcasts at double speed harming your cognitive function? A new study says it might be. Today, one of our news stories highlights recent research on cognitive overload and its implications for the way we consume content. We also take a moment to honor the life and legacy of Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who recently passed away in a tragic accident. His final podcast episodes and a heartfelt video message remind us of the power of showing up for others. Later in the show, we explore how ...

You're at the start of recording a podcast episode. You ask your guest a question, and they go on a 10-minute tangent; you can't get a word in! What do you do? Today's question is inspired by our virtual mailbag, and we’re giving our takes on how to manage conversations with guests and also know when to make edits to clean up the message for our audience. We cover how to redirect a rambling guest and what we've done in our personal experience when this happens. We also touch on the crutch words ...

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...

When it comes to promoting your podcast, do you post and pray? In other words, after you’ve edited, uploaded, and published your episode, do you just drop a link on social media and hope for the best? This morning’s conversation was sparked by a Reddit post from a podcaster stuck in that exact situation, and we’re sharing wiser, more realistic ways to grow your show without burning out. We also cover a real use case where AI voice cloning helped a podcaster update her intro after life got in the...

Did you know nearly half of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential Creators are podcasters? In this morning’s News Edition, we cover who made the list and what it says about podcasting’s growing cultural power. We also spotlight new tools for podcasters, including Buzzsprout’s AI-powered audio enhancement features and MowPod’s expanded chart tracking for Spotify and Apple. We wrap with a look at Age of Audio, a new documentary capturing the ups and downs of indie podcasting. Podcasting isn’t merel...

How do you run a daily podcast and newsletter every single day without burning out? Today we’re joined by James Cridland, founder of Podnews, to find out how he keeps up with the fast-paced podcast industry while staying committed to an open ecosystem. We ask him about his daily workflow, why he chooses to self-host, and how he builds custom tools to simplify his process. James also elaborates on Podcasting 2.0, explaining new features like funding tags, Podroll recommendations, and cross-app co...

What would you do if you accidentally left your verbal consent disclaimer in a published episode? Would you take it down or let it slide? That’s the question we’re tackling today from the listener mailbag. We weigh the pros and cons of verbal versus written consent, and share tips on editing videos after the fact. We touch on playlist fixes and how much order matters in your uploads. As always, we wrap up the week with our wins from the week and celebrate every bit of momentum that moved us forw...

Will AI Take Over Podcasting by 2030? Is your favorite podcast safe from automation? Today, we're fast-forwarding to 2030 and analyzing an interesting article that lays out where podcasting might be headed in the not-so-distant future. We also share a clip from a recent Joe Rogan interview with an AI expert who claims that advanced models may already be smarter than they let on, and could be pretending to be less capable just to gain our trust. We talk about how these shifts could impact creator...

Did you know most listeners only stick around for 7–8 minutes on YouTube? It's News and Comment Day, and we’re breaking down new data from PodMatch, and we’re raising questions about what “top platform” honestly means. We lightly debate whether podcast retention stats sincerely tell the full story, or are there other factors to consider based on consumption. We also cover Spotify’s return of PodLink, a new ad marketplace for indie creators. Lastly, we give you an inside look at some of the best ...

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 was one thing you said yes to that brought you where you are today? That’s the question of the day. Today, we share about the moments that move us forward and how one yes can lead to new paths and creative growth, and we reflect on how decisions shape our journeys. So this is your sign if you're thinking about a new project or looking back on what got you to where you are currently, this conversation will inspire you. Thank you for your support. In observation of Independence Day in the US...

Spotify wants YouTubers. Apple’s celebrating 20 years of podcasting. And Gen Z? They're tuning in! It’s news day, and we’re breaking down Apple’s “20 Podcasts We Love” list, surprising Gen Z listening habits, and YouTube’s AI-powered upgrades that could shift how audiences search and watch. We also give you the scoop on a leaked Spotify strategy that includes $5K ad credits for video creators. Is this enough to tempt video creators to make the move? We also talk about Jeremy Enns’ 2025 Podcast M...

How long does it take you to edit your podcast? Do you spend hours cutting every filler word, placing transitions, or do you take a more relaxed approach? Editing isn’t one-size-fits-all when it comes to podcasting, and today we’re here to share how we each approach post-production. We compare notes on the tools in our arsenals, the techniques we’ve learned to be more efficient, and the different workflows for audio and video podcasts. Editing your podcast doesn’t have to be a mind-numbing exper...

Today, we asked ourselves: what's a podcasting hill we're willing to die on? For some of us, it's editing out every “um” and “like.” For others, it’s insisting you don’t need video to succeed. We also touched on naming shows with intention, pushing past perfectionism, and whether you need to have a podcast to coach podcasters. After trading hot takes, we ended the week on a high note by sharing wins, big and small, from our podcasting journeys. *Quick Announcement! During the summer, we’ll be t...

What if the host of Blue’s Clues was about to launch the most emotionally supportive podcast of the year? Steve Burns just announced Alive, a new show for grown-ups coming this fall, and we’re unpacking what it could be. Steve shares that his podcast will be “a podcast that listens back,” and we explore what that might look like, who it’s for, and why it's likely to be a success. We also share some more news headlines, Apple now requires new hero art to be considered for features, and CapCut’s n...

Did you know your Spotify binge could be leaving a bigger carbon footprint than you think? It's news day, and we’re digging into the astounding environmental impact of streaming, especially as Spotify shifts to video. We also test out Auphonic’s new “cut coughs” tool, share the latest on podcasting events you won’t want to miss, and explore BlueSky's team-up with 'Chatter Social' to make social audio more connected (and profitable). Episode Highlights: [02:30] Listening Habits [13:17] Data and...

To script or not to script…that is the question. Today, we answer a mailbag question about whether podcasters should write scripts, especially when moving from audio to video. Should you? It depends. We share ways to structure your content using the bullet point approach to writing full scripts. We include tips to help you feel more confident on camera. We also recommend tools that can make the process easier for you. Remember, appearing natural on video takes practice, but with time, you will d...

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...

YouTube just added a community tab for creators, and we think it’s a real advancement! It’s news day, and we’re bringing you the latest podcast industry headlines! We share our takes on platform updates, shifting charts, upcoming events (including the Empowered Podcasting Conference), and what the latest Cumulus study reveals about listener behavior. We’re also joined by friends Simona Costantini and Taly Melo to share their new podcast management system, North Flow. Designed for solo podcasters...

Your thumbs are hovering over the skip button. You hear the ad start. Do you skip or do you listen through? When it comes to your podcast…what makes you skip an ad and what makes you stay? Today, we’re exploring how podcast ads actually land with listeners. Did you know that 46% of weekly listeners make purchases after hearing a podcast ad, and 88% take action! We also talk about how storytelling in ad reads builds trust with your audience, and why podcasters should consider promoting their own ...

Have you been looking for ways to amplify the quality of your audio-video set-up on a budget? Well, you’re in luck because today we’re sharing our suggestions on how to maximize the potential of a single-camera setup, including the best audio interfaces to use, as well as what lighting is and is not essential for a successful production. We also discuss the social audio app Chatter, which offers many audio and video features, such as streaming to multiple platforms, 4 K video, and more. Lastly, ...

Ready for more podcast buzz? This episode kicks off with a can’t-miss roundup of the latest stories shaking up the audio world. Heads up! Marc is a bit under the weather today, but don’t worry - the co-hosts are back and stepping up to the plate, bringing their energy and fresh takes to keep you in the loop. We’re digging into the newly released list of the world’s richest podcasters. We break down Google Gemini’s new AI video tools and scheduled automations, and talk about Congress’s new Creato...

Big congratulations to our very own community member, Dominic Lawson, whose podcast Mental Health Rewritten is now featured on Apple Podcasts! Dominic shares the strategy that made this come together, including the duration of the process, why timing is crucial, and what it was like working with Apple’s editorial team. After celebrating that huge win, we cover this week’s top podcasting headlines: Apple’s new listening features, YouTube’s push for more ads in their music app, Walmart’s surprisin...

The tables are turned today, and I opened up about something that’s been weighing on me…securing sponsorships for the Empowered Podcasting Conference this September. We’ve been reaching out all year, but so far, no one’s signed on. It’s been stressful, and honestly, tough to stay optimistic. The team stepped in with ideas, encouragement, and ways to reframe how I’m looking at the situation. We talked strategy, timing, and how to plan ahead for future events. Toward the end of the show, we answer...