Big Podcast Playbook - Grow Your Podcast. Build Your Audience.

David Hooper
  • 4.4 (41)
  • Marketing
  • Updated Weekly

Want more listeners, better engagement, and real revenue? Each episode gives concise, actionable playbooks for podcast growth, marketing, and monetization. Get step‑by‑step tactics you can implement today.

  1. 3d ago

    Don't Let Bad Guests or Publicists Sabotage Your Podcast

    What happens when a guest tries to do a podcast interview entirely via email, and why you should always stay in control of your show in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode The guest who tried to do a podcast interview via email Publicists "spray and pray" guests—are you just content fodder? You are the gatekeeper, never cede podcast control One bad guest can ruin your show's credibility Why ditching demanding guests boosts your status Churn and burn guests? Why quality trumps quantity Publicists need you more than you need them Why You Should Listen The lazy podcaster's hack for cutting useless guests—without losing a wink of sleep The secret way to make overrated publicists beg for YOUR attention How to slap down guest demands before they hijack your precious mic time Why reading interview answers over email is podcasting's quickest death sentence The envious truth: Most podcasters let publicists walk all over them ... here's how to flip the script How to wield total control over your show ... even if you're buried under 30 guests a week The cunning "spray and pray" tactic bad publicists use to fill your inbox (and the one response that makes them disappear) The deadly sin that kills podcast quality ... are you guilty of trading quality for quantity? Simple tricks to spot an AI-generated pitch (before you embarrass yourself with a soulless guest) The ultimate power play: Why a single "no" to a publicist can make your show irresistible How to turn the tables so your podcast is a forbidden fruit every guest lusts after The obvious (but ignored) reason more is not better (and how one bad interview poisons your reputation) The greedy publicist's favorite manipulation ... and the sentence that makes them crumble The glutton's guide to harvesting endless high-quality guests while tossing the rest in the trash Want publicists to serve up their best guests on a silver platter? Here's the secret handshake they don't want you to know Episode Timestamps [00:01] The publicist trick that left me stunned ... and what podcasters need to watch out for [00:21] The wild reality of booking 30 guests a week and the surprising challenges that come with it [01:19] Why some publicists "spray and pray" and how AI-generated pitches may be slipping into your inbox [01:50] An outrageous guest request: conducting a radio interview entirely… via email?! [02:48] Why doing interviews by email is not just old-fashioned, but makes zero sense in podcasting today [04:08] The "churn and burn" myth: Why having more guests could actually hurt your show [05:06] The only thing better than more guests: David Hooper's secret for building a must-listen podcast You want these links ... Subscribe to Big Podcast Playbook See Big Podcast AMP for personalized podcast growth assistance The Newsletter for Podcasters Big Podcast Insider - Podcasting Newsletter ​ Big Podcast Insider is the newsletter on podcasting. If you like the content of this episode, you can subscribe here – it's free and you can unsubscribe at any time with a single click.​ Want more help growing your podcast audience? Big Podcast Extra - Podcasting Tips Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program) Click the icon below to listen.

    Don't Let Bad Guests or Publicists Sabotage Your Podcast

  2. Jul 23

    How to Handle Demanding Guests and Pushy Publicists

    What do you do when big name guests and their publicists try to script your show and control the narrative? Why you should stay in charge and how to handle it in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode Secret scripts: when guests control your questions Are you running the show ... or is your guest? Publicists gone wild: relentless follow-ups exposed Podcast credibility destroyed by letting others script How big name guests risk your authenticity "Softball questions" ruin your listener's trust Guard your mic: publicists crave the power Why You Should Listen Why letting big name guests dictate your podcast is the ultimate power move … for them — and how to reclaim control The secret script that publicists are slipping hosts—do you dare drop it for total creative freedom? How to spot when a guest is more hype than substance (before they embarrass your brand) The hidden tactic publicists use to ensure their mediocre clients look like superstars Why following a guest-provided question list can siphon away your hard-won audience (and what to do instead) How some "influencers" are weaponizing their fame to make you a background extra on your own show The real reason A-listers run from unscripted conversations — and how to make them sweat Ever feel like a puppet? Discover the subtle way to cut the strings and run your interviews your way Want instant envy from other podcasters? Here's how standing your ground with publicists puts you in the driver's seat The dirty little truth: When you ask the same questions as everyone else, your podcast becomes instantly forgettable Why letting a guest's "team" monitor your interview could spell disaster (and how to shut the door, fast) How to avoid being just another notch on a guest's media belt — and command true exclusivity for your audience What publicists secretly fear about live, unedited interviews — and how that nervousness can fuel your advantage The "William Hung Effect": When hype outpaces talent, how to keep your show from becoming a viral punchline Protect your authority — the proven way to never hand over your mic or your message again, no matter who's knocking Episode Timestamps [00:00] The shocking truth about booking big name guests (and how their team tries to script you) [00:01] Why high-profile guests want to control your questions—and what that really means for your show [00:02] The aggressive publicist: 16 suggested questions, follow-up overload, and demanding your cell number [00:03] "You have autonomy with your podcast. You are in charge." — how to reclaim your power from pushy guests [00:04] Inside David Hooper's bold (and blunt) email reply to a controlling publicist [00:07] The dark side of influencer guests: William Hung, hype, and the facades publicists pay to maintain [00:09] What REALLY happens when publicists try to sit in on your interviews—and why you should never let them You want these links ... Subscribe to Big Podcast Playbook See Big Podcast AMP for personalized podcast growth assistance The Newsletter for Podcasters Big Podcast Insider - Podcasting Newsletter ​ Big Podcast Insider is the newsletter on podcasting. If you like the content of this episode, you can subscribe here – it's free and you can unsubscribe at any time with a single click.​ Want more help growing your podcast audience? Big Podcast Extra - Podcasting Tips Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program) Click the icon below to listen.

    How to Handle Demanding Guests and Pushy Publicists

  3. Jul 18

    Stop Wasting Time on Difficult Podcast Guests

    When a publicist makes booking a guest harder than it should be, David breaks down why you should never settle for difficult guests or bad processes and how standing your ground keeps your podcast strong in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode Never give guests advance interview questions—take control Publicists begging for access: who really holds the power? Beware "experts" with weak email credentials The silent killer draining your podcast booking sanity Dropping high-maintenance guests guilt-free: pure freedom Your small audience is a weapon—use it Behind every "celebrity" expert: a desperate need for you Why You Should Listen The sneaky red flag that instantly reveals a "publicist" you should never trust with your guest bookings The single biggest mistake rookie podcasters make—hint: it kills your control and ruins your show How to make high-powered experts beg for a spot on your podcast ... even if you've got just 100 listeners The shocking truth about sending advance questions and why it secretly signals you're desperate and weak The "company email" hack: how one overlooked detail exposes amateurs (and keeps your show first-class) Why refusing to "baby" guests gives you magnetic power (and attracts true talent to your mic) The real reason script-readers will sabotage your reputation—banish them forever with one simple rule How envy infects publicists and how you can leverage it to secure only A-listers on your show The hidden dangers of letting strangers pick interview slots and how to never get burned again Greedy experts who crave your audience: how to spot them and turn that hunger into podcast gold The one question you must ask every potential guest before they ever hear "recording is live" How to ignite laziness in your competition ... while your episodes sound like you run NPR out of your garage The secret to effortless scheduling: control the process, or get played by time-wasters and tire-kickers Why you NEVER have to settle for a "meh" guest ... a surefire way to trigger guest lust and fill your inbox The underground mentality that flips the script: why experts and publicists need YOU more than you'll ever need them Episode Timestamps [00:01:00] The telltale sign a publicist isn't legit ... and why that matters for your podcast [00:02:52] Why you should never let a publicist pick a guest time slot before you know the guest [00:04:25] The blood program you've never heard of ... this is what I wanted to talk about [00:05:17] The case against pre-written questions for your guest and why true experts don't need them [00:07:04] Why even a podcast of "just" 100 listeners is more powerful than you think [00:08:08] The harsh truth: Why guests and their publicists need you more than you need them [00:10:19] Why you should never waste time "babying" difficult publicists (no matter who their guest is) You want these links ... Subscribe to Big Podcast Playbook See Big Podcast AMP for personalized podcast growth assistance The Newsletter for Podcasters Big Podcast Insider - Podcasting Newsletter ​ Big Podcast Insider is the newsletter on podcasting. If you like the content of this episode, you can subscribe here – it's free and you can unsubscribe at any time with a single click.​ Want more help growing your podcast audience? Big Podcast Extra - Podcasting Tips Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program) Click the icon below to listen.

    Stop Wasting Time on Difficult Podcast Guests

  4. Jul 3

    Real Podcast Growth From the Trenches

    Why shortcuts like AI might make your podcast easier but could cost you your unique voice—and why embracing the grind matters in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode Seth Rogen's process obsession: embrace your craft AI shortcuts: boost output, but kill your edge Volume vs. quality: don't confuse busywork for greatness "One-man" content machine—envy or exhaustion? Unfiltered stories: only real rep counts Outwork "celebrity" podcasters with gritty interviews Make fewer things, earn deeper impact Why You Should Listen The secret all successful podcasters have and how it fuels envy from those trying to game the system with automation What every podcaster who dreams of power should learn about Seth Rogen's controversial "process" quote How hustling through endless editing and booking guests can secretly give you the edge over lazy, plug-and-play competitors When you're tempted to feed your gluttony for "more episodes, more clips, more everything"—here's why most burn out … and what masters do instead The dark allure of AI-generated episode notes (and one dirty reason top creators let the robots handle the boring stuff) Why the vast majority of podcast "growth hacks" are lying to you (and the proven ritual that guarantees a podcast no one will ever forget) How to turn the chaos and noise of content overload into a vault of loyal, obsessed listeners who crave your next episode Why lazy "celebrity interview" formats lull hosts into mediocrity, while real power and control goes to those bold enough to wrangle difficult, untrained guests The shocking reason more isn't always better: why endless content floods leave most podcasters penniless (and a method for multiplying your results with less) How the ancient art of "sitting with your subject" can instantly shatter bland, AI-powered podcasts—and fuel lust for your show in thousands of listeners The ugly truth about podcast groupthink—and how following random Facebook advice can obliterate your earning potential overnight How to weaponize your upbringing (that weird phrase, that unique accent) into a personal brand that machines can never copy The secret pleasure and greedy pride you can't buy with shortcuts (it's only earned by slogging through bad drafts, hijacked interviews, and rejection) What nearly every "AI podcast author" gets dead wrong—while real creators savor the taste of their own blood, sweat, and tears … and smile all the way to the bank Episode Timestamps [00:03:07] The uncomfortable truth about AI in podcasting ... does more efficiency actually make your show better? [00:06:19] The relentless pressure to pump out more content: why the shortcut is so tempting and what it's really doing to creators [00:09:58] Why more content doesn't mean better content ... real talk about the difference between volume and quality in podcasting [00:13:17] The hidden superpower you gain from struggling through tough podcast interviews (and why celebrity hosts have it easier) [00:17:02] The myth of "celebrity" interviews ... and why gritty, real-world stories might matter more for your listeners [00:21:00] How AI-generated books and podcasts are flooding the market ... and the big problem with the "10 tips, 10 strategies" formula [00:38:02] Why making fewer things with more care could be the secret you need for podcasting satisfaction and audience growth You want these links ... Subscribe to Big Podcast Playbook See Big Podcast AMP for personalized podcast growth assistance The Newsletter for Podcasters Big Podcast Insider - Podcasting Newsletter ​ Big Podcast Insider is the newsletter on podcasting. If you like the content of this episode, you can subscribe here – it's free and you can unsubscribe at any time with a single click.​ Want more help growing your podcast audience? Big Podcast Extra - Podcasting Tips Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program) Click the icon below to listen.

    Real Podcast Growth From the Trenches

  5. Jun 14

    Audacity 4 is Out ... Sort of: Hands-On with Cloud, Spectral Editing, and More

    Is paying for podcast recording software eating into your budget? Discover the latest features of Audacity 4 Beta, how it compares to pricier options, and whether it's ready for your show in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode Stop wasting $360/year on software now Free, pro-level Audacity 4: disrupt the paid giants Audacity's colorful new look—envy your workflow Power move: cloud editing unlocks remote collabs Sneak VST plugins into your free setup Legendary podcasters still love "entry-level" gear Why You Should Listen A zero-dollar recording secret: why most podcasters are actually wasting thousands every year—without realizing it The $100 setup that delivers pro sound to even the laziest beginner Color up your control: how Audacity 4's wild tracks can help you dominate the chaos of multi-track madness The one "label hack" inside Audacity that will let you slice, dice, and leap through episodes—so your edits are effortless (while others slave for hours) How to surgically erase embarrassing background noises—without leaving a trace (the secret to covering up your messiest slip-ups) Cloud projects exposed: discover how to let your editor fix your podcast while you binge Netflix (yet look supremely productive!) Episode Timestamps [00:00] The shocking truth about the thousands of dollars you might be wasting on podcast recording software [00:27] Audacity 4 is out — why switching to free software could change everything for your podcast budget [01:17] How the new, colorful Pro Tools-inspired Audacity interface could transform your editing workflow [02:19] The powerful new feature that lets you label tracks and instantly pinpoint magic podcast moments [02:56] The secret weapon for removing unexpected background noise — even a fire engine blaring outside your window [03:09] Cloud projects in Audacity: How to edit your show simultaneously with team members anywhere in the world [05:15] The surprising reason people may stop making fun of you for using Audacity — and why it's finally cool You want these links ... Subscribe to Big Podcast Playbook See Big Podcast AMP for personalized podcast growth assistance The Newsletter for Podcasters Big Podcast Insider - Weekly Podcasting Newsletter ​ Big Podcast Insider is the newsletter on podcasting. If you like the content of this episode, you can subscribe here – it's free and you can unsubscribe at any time with a single click.​ Want more help growing your podcast audience? Big Podcast Extra - Podcasting Tips Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program) Click the icon below to listen.

    Audacity 4 is Out ... Sort of: Hands-On with Cloud, Spectral Editing, and More

  6. Jun 7

    Stop Wasting Time on Useless Podcast Guests

    What happens when publicists pitch the wrong guests for your show (and how to protect your podcast and audience from off-topic interviews) in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode How bad guests ruin your podcast's reputation Publicists will twist any guest  Don't let desperate guests hijack your show Resist the urge to fill slots with "anyone" Saying yes puts you on the "sucker list" Why most "number one" books are a scam (and other guest tricks) Loyalty to your audience beats pleasing guests Why You Should Listen Why saying "yes" to bad pitches could destroy your podcast's reputation—before you even realize it's happening The sneaky way PR people cram their clients into your show—even when there's zero fit (most podcasters fall for this!) 3 red flags that scream "waste of time" guest—spot them in seconds and never get stuck in a pointless interview again The "Franchise CEO" trick: how people with no relevant expertise hijack your audience's attention for their hidden agenda The shocking truth about supplement pushers—and how they turn your show into their personal sales funnel How lazy, copy-paste PR pitches end up making YOU look desperate (and get you blacklisted by smart listeners) Why you must ruthlessly protect your platform—even if it means making enemies in the industry The one "favor" publicists ask that can land you on everyone's sucker list (here's how to dodge it and take control) How envy for "big" guests could lead you to take on dead-weight nobodies—killing your growth and credibility The destructive mindset that leads podcasters to accept "just anyone" instead of demanding guests that deliver value Why being "nice" to publicists can secretly rob you of time, energy, and the A-list interviews you crave The embarrassing awards and titles PR flacks invent—and why you must never be seduced by their false authority How to tell if a guest only wants to plug their product and will never provide real value to your listeners (power move: how to shut them down before they drain your airtime!) What really happens when you let fear and laziness dictate guest selection—prepare for dwindling downloads The "never release" secret: Why you should spike more interviews than you air (and how this power move actually boosts your show's reputation and audience loyalty) Episode Timestamps [00:01:22] Why publicists will pitch you guests that make zero sense for your show (and how they try to force-fit them anyway) [00:02:42] The franchise executive "Men's Health" guest pitch that misses the mark—and the sly tactics behind it [00:05:29] The secret reason supplement CEOs keep showing up in your inbox (and what they're really after) [00:06:21] When every conversation with a guest somehow circles back to their product—exposed! [00:09:14] The "Taco Bell" Pitch—how guest pitches recycle the same credentials in endless disguises [00:10:42] The fatal mistake podcasters make by engaging with bad pitches (and what it's really costing you) [00:12:10] The single filter that matters when choosing a guest—none of the awards or titles mean a thing! You want these links ... Subscribe to Big Podcast Playbook See Big Podcast AMP for personalized podcast growth assistance The Newsletter for Podcasters Big Podcast Insider - Weekly Podcasting Newsletter ​ Big Podcast Insider is the newsletter on podcasting. If you like the content of this episode, you can subscribe here – it's free and you can unsubscribe at any time with a single click.​ Want more help growing your podcast audience? Big Podcast Extra - Podcasting Tips Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program) Click the icon below to listen.

    Stop Wasting Time on Useless Podcast Guests

  7. May 31

    How to Eliminate Scheduling Confusion

    Time zones can make or break your remote podcast sessions, and David shares the simple broadcasting trick that keeps interviews and collaborations running flawlessly in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode Beat your competition with a single time zone Avoid calendar chaos—never miss another deadline Why national networks trust Eastern time only The deadly half-hour time zone trap Unify your crew for flawless remote interviews Schedule like the President—control your clock Eliminate confusion, command your podcast workflow Why You Should Listen The "single reference clock" secret TV and radio insiders use to crush chaos (and how it can unlock unfair power for your podcast) Why billion-dollar broadcast empires banish time zone confusion—and how to steal their trick for envy-inducing professionalism How missing a remote interview by just 5 minutes can send your reputation careening into podcast purgatory (and the bulletproof fix nobody uses) The invisible mistake almost every podcaster makes when scheduling guests—fix it and watch your interviews run smooth as silk How adopting the "Eastern Time Law" liberates you from endless micro-managing, timezone headaches, and guest drama Why top media pros secretly despise "being polite" with local times—and why following their ruthless example brings ultimate control The lazy podcaster's way to schedule sessions from anywhere—whether you're on a beach or broadcasting from Bangkok The single time zone that wallops the others for commanding attention from advertisers, publicists, and big media decision makers The decadent beauty of living life by an industry clock—and leaving your competition looking like clueless amateurs Why obsessing over everyone else's time zones will keep you broke, overwhelmed, and endlessly apologizing The sneaky force that makes major press conferences, embargoes, and market windows work like secret weapons for those "in the know" How cruise ships and the President himself exploit timezone discipline to keep armies of staff and fans perfectly in line The hidden "herding instinct" that top podcasters use to bend remote guests to their will (without ever seeming pushy) Why a unified clock isn't just about convenience—but about crushing chaos and skyrocketing your perceived authority How a simple calendar habit can let you outmaneuver timezone traps, dodge disastrous mix-ups, and keep every deadline—without even trying Episode Timestamps [00:01] Why national broadcast networks ignore their local time zones—and why you should do the same [00:02:19] The secret advantage of using Eastern Time—even if you don't live anywhere near it [00:03:21] The real reason scheduling tools can sabotage your next important collaboration [00:04:23] The chaos caused by "half time zones" (and what to do if you work with someone in India or Pakistan) [00:05:11] Why trying to be considerate with time zones can actually destroy collaboration [00:06:12] The hidden power of Eastern time—for getting embargoed information, press, ratings, and more You want these links ... Subscribe to Big Podcast Playbook See Big Podcast AMP for personalized podcast growth assistance The Newsletter for Podcasters Big Podcast Insider - Weekly Podcasting Newsletter ​ Big Podcast Insider is the newsletter on podcasting. If you like the content of this episode, you can subscribe here – it's free and you can unsubscribe at any time with a single click.​ Want more help growing your podcast audience? Big Podcast Extra - Podcasting Tips Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program) Click the icon below to listen.

    How to Eliminate Scheduling Confusion

  8. May 3

    Cheap Mic Episode

    David shares why you don't need expensive gear to sound pro, reveals a behind-the-scenes radio launch, and dishes out quick audio upgrade tips in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode $100 mic hacks: sound rich on a budget Presidential secrets: steal POTUS-level audio Audio cleanup tools pros don't want you using Why I ghosted this podcast (and why you might, too) Behind the curtain: launching a national radio show The daily show grind: pressure that breaks creators Make your podcast so good, sponsors beg you Why You Should Listen Why a $100 microphone can sound better (and make you the envy of fancy gear snobs) than models costing 5x as much The "presidential" microphone trick that guarantees your voice will be heard The under-the-radar tool for cleaning up your podcast audio — even if you record in your cluttered kitchen How to wield professional-grade audio software at a fraction of the price (and make your competitors jealous of your sound) How to make "imperfect" recording spaces sound studio-grade, even if you're surrounded by chaos The simple upgrade most podcasters ignore that can turn average episodes into "can't-turn-it-off" audio The behind-the-scenes stress of daily radio production and what it reveals about true creative discipline (prepare to feel lazy) A proven "doubling up" technique from the Oval Office that protects your message from embarrassing technical disasters Why you DON'T need to lust after the $500+ microphones—outperform them by using this little-known setup The real danger of thinking expensive gear equals a great podcast—and how it steals your chances at podcasting glory Steal these software secrets and slice hours off your editing time (so you can actually enjoy your weekends) The "one secret slider" inside a cheap monthly app that lets you erase background noise and make yourself sound rich How to leverage the power of urgent deadlines—radio-style—to force yourself to launch, even if you're always procrastinating The dirty little secret why missing deadlines in radio will cost you everything—what you can learn to stay in control and always deliver Episode Timestamps [00:37] The presidential mic secret: why the U.S. President always has two mics (and which one it is) [01:11] The surprising #1 and #2 most popular microphones in the world revealed [01:44] What stand-up comics, rock stars, and the President all have in common onstage [02:28] The $100 gear hack: how to sound like a pro podcaster without breaking the bank [03:32] The real reason there's been a delay in new Big Podcast Playbook episodes—behind-the-scenes of launching a national radio show [04:42] The brutal reality of daily shows: what happens if you're even one second late on-air [05:23] How the Big Podcast Launch Plan audiobook will make you "feel like a rich man" and what's actually inside that will help you get sponsors and make money You want these links ... Subscribe to Big Podcast Playbook See Big Podcast AMP for personalized podcast growth assistance The Newsletter for Podcasters Big Podcast Insider - Weekly Podcasting Newsletter ​ Big Podcast Insider is the newsletter on podcasting. If you like the content of this episode, you can subscribe here – it's free and you can unsubscribe at any time with a single click.​ Want more help growing your podcast audience? Big Podcast Extra - Podcasting Tips Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program) Click the icon below to listen.

    Cheap Mic Episode
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Want more listeners, better engagement, and real revenue? Each episode gives concise, actionable playbooks for podcast growth, marketing, and monetization. Get step‑by‑step tactics you can implement today.

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