from the podcast studio glasgow

psg

conversations recorded in the podcast studio glasgow, with co-founder Mark Hunter

  1. Why Everyone Can Start a Podcast in 2026 (But Most People Don't)

    16 MARS

    Why Everyone Can Start a Podcast in 2026 (But Most People Don't)

    In 2005, when I started my first podcast, smartphones didn't even exist. Getting your voice online back then required a high tolerance for technical glitches, expensive hardware, and a massive amount of patience. Fast forward to 2026: the barriers are gone. The tech is simple, the platforms are free, and the audience is global. So, why is it that so many people think about starting a podcast but never actually hit record? It usually comes down to one thing: they don’t understand the "plumbing," so they never turn on the tap. In this guide, I’m stripping away the jargon to show you exactly what it takes to build a show that lasts longer than three episodes. The "RSS" Myth: What Actually Makes a Podcast? Most people think a podcast is just an audio file you upload to the internet. That’s only half right. The thing that separates a podcast from a YouTube video or a voice note is the RSS Feed. Think of RSS as your delivery driver. It’s the mechanism that automatically pushes your new episodes to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and every other directory the moment you hit publish. Without it, you just have a recording; with it, you have a syndicated show that people can actually subscribe to. "A podcast without an RSS feed is just a recording. It’s the syndication that makes it a show." The Trap of Low Friction In 2026, you can be on Spotify within hours of your first recording. But while starting is easy, sustaining is the real challenge. We see millions of "zombie podcasts" that stop after episode four. The difference between a failed launch and a successful brand isn't talent—it's discipline. Pick a Schedule: Whether it’s weekly or fortnightly, stick to it. Respect the Audience: Once you break your schedule, you lose the trust of your tribe. Choosing Your Topic: The Only Decision That Matters You can get the audio slightly wrong. You can have a "DIY" cover art. You can even mess up the marketing. But if your topic is wrong, no amount of 4K video or AI editing will save you. The Two Rules of Topic Selection: Pick something you know. Pick something specific. In 2005, you could be broad. In 2026, the broad topics are overcrowded. The narrower your niche, the higher your chance of building a loyal audience. Don't start a "sports podcast"—start a "Glasgow-based youth football development" podcast. Should You Start a Podcast? If you’re looking for "quick, easy money," the answer is no. Podcasting is long-form. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. But if you want to: Build a personal or professional brand. Share genuine expertise. Create a high-trust relationship that TikTok simply can't offer. ...then 2026 is the best year yet to get started. Podcasts provide Trust, and trust is the only currency that builds a business. "Podcasting is about room to breathe. It’s a different relationship with an audience than a 15-second video can ever give you."

    8 min
  2. Why Your Best Podcast Episodes are Invisible

    9 MARS

    Why Your Best Podcast Episodes are Invisible

    This episode reveals how podcasters can significantly boost their audience growth by focusing on social media clips and content repurposing, rather than just improving episode quality. It emphasises the importance of recording with clips in mind, using AI tools for efficient editing, and understanding the discovery process in today's social media-driven landscape. 00:00 - Welcome to the Episode00:01 - Why Podcasts Struggle with Discovery in Apps00:30 - The Power of Short Clips on TikTok & Reels00:59 - Busting the "Discovery Myth"01:29 - Benefits of Video in Podcasting01:58 - You're Not Losing Listeners Due to Episode Quality02:29 - Think of Your Podcast Holistically02:40 - One Hour of Recording = Multiple Pieces of Content03:08 - You've Already Recorded the Gold03:39 - Importance of Strong Framing04:06 - Key Equipment Considerations for Quality04:37 - Challenges Without Good Gear05:05 - Why Captions Boost Clip Performance (30-50%)05:35 - A Clip Without Captions Isn't Really a Clip06:03 - How AI Helps with Captions & Moments06:17 - Best Tools for Caption Quality & Style06:46 - AI for Finding Highlight Moments07:16 - Record with Clips & Video in Mind07:44 - Common Growth Challenges for Podcasters08:12 - Your New Audience Is Already on TikTok “I’m being consistent, my audio is crisp, and my guests are incredible—so why aren't my download numbers moving?” If you’ve asked yourself this, you’re not alone. Most podcasters in Glasgow are spinning their wheels trying to make "better" episodes, but here is the cold, hard truth: People don’t discover new podcasts inside podcast apps. Think about your own habits. When was the last time you went to Spotify or Apple Podcasts and searched for a random keyword to find something new? It doesn't happen. Discovery happens where people already spend their time: social media. If you aren't visible on the "scroll," you don't exist. In this post, I’ll show you how to stop losing listeners before they even press play. KEY TOPICS COVERED: Social media clips as a growth driverRecording with clips in mindAI tools for efficient editingThe importance of captions and framingReady to turn your one-hour recording into a month of content? Book a 15-minute Discovery Call with us at Podcast Studio Glasgow. We don't just record audio; we build your engine. Further Reading & Resources Why Video Podcasts Convert 25x Better Than Audio-Only What to Do With Your Video Podcast Files: A Practical Repurposing Guide Why Glasgow Businesses Should Launch a B2B Podcast in 2026

    9 min
  3. 5 MARS

    Podcast Show Notes: What They Are, How to Write Them, and Why They Matter for SEO

    You're recording great episodes. You're putting in the time, booking the guests, and doing the editing. And then you spend five minutes copying your episode title into a text box, adding a couple of bullet points, and hitting publish. That five-minute shortcut is costing you every listener who would have found you through a search. Show notes are not a formality. They are the single most underused SEO asset in podcasting—and most podcasters treat them like a chore. In this episode, Mark Hunter, co-founder of Podcast Studio Glasgow, breaks down exactly what great show notes look like, where they should live, and how to write them in a way that compounds your search traffic episode after episode. What show notes actually are — and what they're not A two-line description on Spotify is not show notes. That's metadata. Real show notes include a proper episode description, guest credentials, timestamped segments with actual detail, key takeaways, every resource and tool mentioned, and a clear call to action. The difference between good and great comes down to one thing: searchability. Why podcast apps are the wrong place to host them Most podcasters publish on Spotify or Apple Podcasts and leave it there. That hands all the SEO value to someone else's platform. The right move is to host your show notes on your own website as a blog post, with the podcast player embedded. Your domain builds the authority. Your internal links keep visitors exploring. And when a listener wants to sign up to your list or download your guide, they're already there — no friction, no detour. One line worth remembering: podcast algorithms change. Search traffic from your own website doesn't. The mistakes most podcasters are making right now Treating show notes as promotional copy. Only publishing on podcast platforms. Writing timestamps that don't answer anything. Forgetting internal links. Not formatting the core answer clearly near the top, where Google can find it. Timestamps: 00:00 Why your show notes are silently killing your podcast growth 00:42 What real show notes look like — and why Spotify descriptions don't count 01:36 Why hosting your show notes on your own website changes everything for SEO 03:01 The seven-step framework for writing show notes that rank on Google 05:02 How to get a full transcript from your recording — and why it's SEO gold 05:41 Five SEO benefits that compound with every episode you publish 06:45 The mistakes most podcasters are making right now (and how to stop) 07:40 Where to start today — one episode, 30 days, measurable results Ready to take your podcast to the next level? When you record at Podcast Studio Glasgow, you receive a full text transcript of your entire session — quotes, timestamps, and all the raw material you need for great show notes, ready to go. Book your session at podcaststudioglasgow.com Not ready to book yet? Head to the blog for free resources, guides, and our full library of podcasting tips — including the detailed written version of everything covered in this episode. Visit the blog → Download our free eBooks for podcasters Free resources → Full show notes guide — the detailed written version of this episode, including the seven-step workflow table, tool recommendations, and SEO benefits breakdown AI tools for podcast transcription and editing — the article covering AI transcription tools referenced in the episode Getting the most from your podcast recording — a broader guide to maximising what you produce from every studio session Scotland's longest-running professional podcast facility, based at 279 Abercromby Street, Glasgow's East End. Multi-camera setups, cinema-grade cameras, full transcripts included, and post-production packages available so your team doesn't have to handle any of it. podcaststudioglasgow.com · 0141 459 0956 What's in This EpisodeKey TakeawayTake the Next StepReferences and Further ReadingAbout Podcast Studio Glasgow

    9 min
  4. 4 MARS

    YouTube Just Gave Podcasters Three Minutes — Are You Using Them?

    You've been cutting your podcast clips down to 59 seconds and wondering why they're not getting traction. Here's the thing: the rule you've been working around no longer exists. Since October 2024, YouTube Shorts accepts videos up to three full minutes — and if you haven't adjusted your content strategy yet, you're leaving your biggest discovery opportunity on the table. In this episode, Mark — co-founder of Podcast Studio Glasgow and one of Scotland's most experienced podcasters — breaks down exactly what changed, why it matters, and how to act on it today. Timestamps: 00:00 YouTube Shorts Update 00:49 What Changed to 3 Minutes 01:51 Why It Matters for Podcasts 03:00 The 60 Second Problem 03:56 Three Minute Clip Advantage 04:19 Four-Step Shorts Workflow 05:01 Algorithm and Discovery Boost 05:54 Services and Free Resources 06:32 Wrap Up and Contact The rule change (and why most podcasters missed it)On 15 October 2024, YouTube quietly tripled the maximum length of Shorts from 60 seconds to three full minutes. Any vertical or square video up to three minutes now automatically qualifies as a Short and enters the algorithm-driven Shorts feed — on desktop, in the browser, and in the app. Why YouTube is the platform you can't ignoreYouTube isn't just a video hosting site. It's the world's number one podcast discovery platform, and the numbers back that up: 34% of weekly podcast listeners say YouTube is their most-used podcast platform — ahead of Spotify and Apple Podcasts1 in 3 podcast listeners say YouTube is where they first found a show they went on to follow1 billion+ monthly podcast viewers worldwide400 million hours of podcast content are watched on TV screens every month in 202484% of Gen Z listeners discovered new podcasts on YouTubeWhy 60 seconds was killing your clipsGetting a genuinely useful podcast moment down to 60 seconds meant stripping out all the context that made it worth watching in the first place. You'd lose the setup, the build, the punchline. What you were left with was a promotional clip — something that told people your show existed, but didn't make them want to listen. Three minutes changes that entirely. The four-step workflow — every episode Pull the best three minutes — the moment, the exchange, the bit that made you lean forward in the editExport vertical at 9:16 — if you record multi-camera, this is minutes of workUpload as a Short with a strong title, thumbnail, and link to the full episode in the descriptionLet the algorithm work — completion rate is the signal, and three minutes of genuinely engaging content completes far better than a truncated 59-second clipThe barrier to being found on the world's biggest podcast discovery platform has dropped. Record something good. Pull three minutes. Edit it vertically. Upload it. If you're already recording video, you're sitting on the raw material right now. Read the full blog post: YouTube Just Gave Podcasters Three Minutes — Are You Using Them?Our post-production package — we handle the clip creation, vertical export, and Short optimisation for you. Details at podcaststudioglasgow.comFree resources on the blog:Scotland's longest-running professional podcast facility is based at 279 Abercromby Street in Glasgow's East End. Multi-camera setups, cinema-grade cameras, and professional post-production — so every session produces content that's ready to publish, clip, and distribute. podcaststudioglasgow.com

    7 min
  5. How to Repurpose a Video Podcast Episode Into Weeks of Content

    19 FÉVR.

    How to Repurpose a Video Podcast Episode Into Weeks of Content

    In this episode, Mark, co-founder of Podcast Studio Glasgow, shares a powerful workflow for turning a single video podcast episode into weeks of valuable content. Perfect for Scottish business podcasts, business owners, and personal brands looking to maximise reach and impact with minimal extra effort. He breaks it down into five practical steps that transform one recording session into a full marketing engine: Publish the full polished episode — Upload the completed video to YouTube as your “anchor” content, while distributing the cleaned audio version across major podcast platforms. Create short-form highlight clips (30–90 seconds) — Craft engaging snippets with strong hooks, captions/subtitles, and post them on LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. Extract standout quotes — Use a timestamped transcript to pull powerful lines and turn them into eye-catching quote graphics for social sharing. Repurpose the transcript — Convert it into blog posts, LinkedIn articles, email newsletter sections, and SEO-optimised show notes complete with timestamps. Tools like Descript or Riverside make this quick and efficient. Provide guests with a promo pack—supply 3–5 ready-to-post clips (with captions) — so they can easily share the content with their own audience, dramatically expanding your reach. Mark recommends tried-and-tested tools, including Headliner, Descript, and Opus Clip, to streamline the process. He stresses that repurposing is the ultimate “smart work” — turning roughly an hour of recording into a sustained content machine that drives visibility, SEO, and growth. He also shares current recording rates at Podcast Studio Glasgow: £75 per hour for a single-camera setup £120 per hour for a three-camera setup For more details or to book a session, visit podcaststudioglasgow.com. Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Repurpose One Video Podcast Into Weeks of Content (Intro) 00:56 – Why Repurposing Matters: Reach, SEO & Growth 01:35 – Step 1: Publish the Full Episode (YouTube + Audio Platforms) 02:44 – Step 2: Create Short-Form Highlight Clips (Hooks, Lengths, Subtitles) 04:23 – Step 3: Pull Quotes & Make Shareable Graphics 05:04 – Step 4: Turn Transcripts Into Blogs, Newsletters & SEO-Rich Show Notes 06:56 – Step 5: Send Guests a Promo Pack to Expand Reach 07:20 – Tools & Workflow Tips: Descript, Headliner, Opus Clip 07:54 – Smart Work + Studio Options, Pricing & Final Takeaway Ready to make your podcast work harder for you? Give it a listen and start repurposing today! 🎙️

    10 min
  6. Pre-Podcast Recording Checklist & How to Ask Amazing Questions

    11/12/2025

    Pre-Podcast Recording Checklist & How to Ask Amazing Questions

    Your Night-Before Checklist and How to Ask Better Questions Hi, I’m Mark, co-founder of Podcast Studio Glasgow. After more than 20 years of presenting, hosting and producing podcasts, I’ve learned that great episodes don’t happen by accident. They happen because you prepare with intention. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:37 Pre-Recording Checklist 01:05 Finalizing Your Three Points 01:59 Choosing Your Opening Sentence 03:13 Preparing the Recording Environment 03:50 Hydration and Voice Quality 04:56 Importance of Sleep 05:08 Recap of Pre-Recording Checklist 05:37 Crafting Great Interview Questions 06:09 Avoiding Closed Questions 06:56 Effective Interview Techniques 07:50 Handling Silence During Interviews 09:17 Conclusion and Contact Information In this episode, I share a simple, practical night-before checklist that helps new and experienced hosts walk into the studio confident and ready. I also break down exactly what makes an interview question great and how to ask questions that open honest conversations rather than shut them down. • The Rule of ThreeWhy outlining your three main points (not scripting them) keeps your episode sharp, structured and satisfying for listeners. • Choosing Your Opening LineYour first sentence sets the tone. I explain how to nail it, and why recording your intro after the conversation often works best. • Creating a Comfortable Guest ExperienceHow to ease guests in, why casual pre-chat matters, and how we handle discreet “thumbs-up” recording cues in the studio. • Checking Your Recording EnvironmentIf you’re recording remotely, I offer quick wins to reduce echo and improve sound quality without buying new gear. • Hydration and Voice PrepThe drinks to avoid, the one thing your voice always needs, and the (true) story of a guest who recorded with a Polo mint in their mouth. • Sleep, Fatigue and Sounding ConfidentWhy rest is both a performance enhancer and a confidence booster. I walk you through a simple formula for crafting questions that spark insight: Context → Tension → Invitation This structure gives your guest something meaningful to respond to, creates anticipation for the listener and leads to richer, more natural conversation. You’ll learn: • Why yes/no questions kill momentum• How to frame questions that invite storytelling• Why silence is your friend—not something to fill• The moment to pause and let your guest think Great podcasts aren’t just well-recorded; they’re well-hosted. This episode helps you prepare your mindset and your microphone. For more podcasting support or to book studio time, visit podcaststudioglasgow.com.

    9 min
  7. Meet Our Newest Team Member at psg

    08/12/2025

    Meet Our Newest Team Member at psg

    We’re delighted to announce that Fergus Reid is joining Podcast Studio Glasgow as a director, bringing with him decades of experience in PR, stakeholder communications, community storytelling and multimedia production. It marks a full-circle moment for a partnership that began back in 2019 and has quietly shaped some of the most meaningful projects we’ve worked on. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Announcement 01:34 Meeting Fergus Reed and Early Collaborations 02:23 The Rise of Podcasting 04:35 Impact of COVID-19 on Projects 05:59 Authentic Storytelling in PR 12:41 Reconnecting and Future Plans 14:56 The Power of Networking and Collaboration 15:32 Expanding into Videography and PR 17:03 Community and Grassroots Sports Initiatives 17:42 Charity Work and Community Impact 21:29 The Value of Podcasting for Businesses 23:04 Reflecting on Experience and Future Plans 24:55 Team Dynamics and Future Projects Mark and Fergus first crossed paths when Fergus was looking for help to save a podcast attached to a decommissioned programme. One coffee in North Kelvinside turned into a long friendship and a series of projects that blended Fergus’s background in PR and community storytelling with Mark and Cam’s technical skill and podcasting experience. Over the years they’ve collaborated on: The Craft Gin Podcast — recorded just weeks before the COVID lockdowns paused the project Documentary-style storytelling for First Bus, capturing the real voices of young drivers Community-based work with activists, charities and youth organisations Brand-focused content for businesses looking to communicate with authenticity and heart What united all of it was a shared belief: the best content comes from real people, telling real stories, without scripts or corporate filters. Fergus brings an invaluable mix of skills to Podcast Studio Glasgow: A deep storytelling instinct, shaped by over 40 years in communications and PR A huge network built across agencies, public bodies, charities, sport and grassroots organisations A passion for community work, particularly football and youth programmes A strategic understanding of how podcasting fits into modern comms and marketing A natural ability to talk to clients and open doors, something the studio benefits from enormously As Mark puts it, Fergus has the grounded, approachable communication style that complements the studio’s creative focus. Cam remains the face of the production side — but Fergus brings the reach, relationship-building and sector experience that will help take the studio’s training, videography and podcasting services to new audiences. With podcasting now recognised as one of the most powerful tools for brand storytelling, lead generation and internal communication, Fergus joins the team at exactly the right time. His priorities as director will include: Expanding the studio’s network across business, sport, charity and the public sector Helping organisations understand how podcasting can support both external and internal comms Supporting our growing training offering — from in-studio courses to on-site production Developing new partnerships in videography and documentary-style content Launching new original shows, including community and sport-focused formats Mark, Cam and Fergus all agree this partnership has been years in the making. As Fergus said during recording: “It just feels like the right time to bring this back to life again.” We couldn’t agree more. Welcome to the team, Fergus. Big things ahead. A Collaboration Years in the MakingWhy Fergus Is Joining the Leadership TeamThe Future: 2026 and BeyondA Natural Homecoming

    27 min

À propos

conversations recorded in the podcast studio glasgow, with co-founder Mark Hunter