Podcast Insider

Mike Dell, MacKenzie Bennett, Dave Clements

3.5 (19)
TECHNOLOGY
UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Blubrry’s official podcast where we talk about the podcasting industry, Blubrry news and interview podcasters on why they started their podcast.

2D AGO

Going Global: Grow Your Podcast Beyond Borders (Replay)

Podcasting doesn’t stop at borders — and chances are, your audience doesn’t either. In this replay of Podcast Insider, hosts Mike Dell and Dave Clements break down how podcasters can expand beyond their home country and reach listeners around the world. If you’ve ever wondered how to grow your show internationally, understand where your audience is coming from, or make your content more accessible globally — this episode is for you. Whether you’re just getting started or already seeing downloads from other countries, going global isn’t about starting over — it’s about making smarter, more intentional decisions with the content you’re already creating. Why your podcast likely already has a global audience How international listeners can accelerate your growth Simple ways to make your content more globally relevant The role of transcripts in discoverability and accessibility How to promote your podcast beyond your local market Tools and strategies to understand where your listeners are tuning in from 🌎 Why Going Global Matters Expanding your reach isn’t just about bigger numbers — it’s about better opportunities. Connect with listeners from different cultures and perspectives Open the door to international guests and collaborations Increase your potential for sponsorships and partnerships Build a stronger, more diverse community Podcasting is inherently global — leaning into that can help your show grow faster and more sustainably. 🎯 Make Your Podcast Work Anywhere You don’t need to change your show — just make it easier for more people to connect with it. Keep language clear and avoid region-specific slang Focus on topics that translate across cultures Provide context when referencing local ideas or locations Be mindful of time zones for releases and live events Small adjustments can make a big difference in how your content resonates worldwide. 📝 Accessibility = Growth If you want a global audience, accessibility is key. Transcripts help non-native speakers follow along They improve SEO and discoverability They make translation into other languages possible Making your content easier to consume is one of the fastest ways to expand your reach internationally. 🚀 Promote Beyond Your Home Country Growth doesn’t stop at publishing — it expands with how you promote. Submit your podcast to global directories Use region-specific hashtags and communities Share clips or quotes that can be translated Collaborate with creators in other countries The more visible your show is globally, the more opportunities you create. 🔑 The Takeaway You don’t need a separate strategy to “go global.” You just need to: Understand where your audience already is Remove friction for new listeners Make your content accessible and relatable Your next listener might not be in your city — or even your country. And that’s exactly where your growth can come from.

24 min
MAR 9

Podcasting 101: The Terms Every Podcaster Needs to Understand

Podcasting has its own language — and if you’re new to the space, it can feel like everyone already knows what all the terms mean. RSS feeds, hosting, CPM, downloads, distribution… it’s easy to get lost in the jargon. Blubrry breaks down some of the most common podcasting terms in plain English. Whether you’re just starting your show or looking to better understand how the podcasting ecosystem works, this episode will help make sense of the terminology that powers podcast publishing, distribution, and monetization. Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell & MacKenzie Bennett General Podcasting Terms 1. Basic Terms The basic terms can be the hardest to understand. They seem basic, but when talking about your Podcast, clarity can make all the difference. Podcast – An episodic show (mostly delivered by RSS) Interchangeable with the word show Episode – An individual entry in your overall podcast One episode is not a PODCAST or POD, it’s a podcast episode Feed – When talking about a podcast, this is the RSS feed Not to be confused with a show listing on an app or directory. “My Apple feed…” YouTube Channel – NOT a feed, there are no feeds coming OUT of YouTube Upload – In publishing episodes, you have to upload that episode to a podcast host You do not UPLOAD to Apple Podcasts. Blubrry and other hosts do not upload to Apple. Apple PULLS your episode in via your RSS feed. They do not host the file, the file stays where it is and they LIST your episodes. 2. RSS Feed – Really Simple Syndication An RSS feed is the distribution engine for a podcast. It’s a file that contains the core information about your show, including: Episode titles Descriptions Audio files Artwork Publish dates Podcast apps like Apple Podcasts and Spotify read this feed and display the show inside their apps. When a new episode is published, the RSS feed updates. Podcast apps check the feed and automatically pull in the new episode. 3. Podcast Hosting Podcast hosting is where the media files for a podcast are stored. When an episode is uploaded to a host such as Blubrry Podcasting, the platform: Stores the audio file Generates the RSS feed Delivers the file when listeners press play Podcast directories do not store the audio themselves. They simply read the RSS feed from the hosting platform. Hosting is the foundation that makes podcast distribution possible. 4. Podcast Directories / Apps Podcast directories are the platforms where listeners discover and play podcasts. Examples include: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music These platforms do not host the podcast files. Instead, they pull the show information from the RSS feed and display it inside their apps. Once a podcast is submitted to a directory, new episodes appear automatically whenever the RSS feed updates. 5. Downloads vs Listens In podcasting, the primary measurement used for analytics is downloads. A download occurs when a podcast app requests the audio file from the host. This means the episode was delivered to a device. It does not necessarily mean the listener played the entire episode. Downloads are the industry standard measurement used for podcast analytics and advertising reporting. 6. CPM CPM stands for Cost Per Mille, which means cost per 1,000 downloads. It is one of the most common pricing models used in podcast advertising. Example: $20 CPM 5,000 downloads That would equal roughly $100 for that advertisement placement. CPM helps advertisers estimate campaign costs and helps podcasters estimate potential ad revenue. 7. Pre-Roll, Mid-Roll, and Post-Roll These terms describe where an advertisement appears within an episode. Pre-roll: Ad plays at the beginning of the episode Mid-roll: Ad appears in the middle of the episode Post-roll: Ad plays near the end Mid-roll placements are often the most valuable because listeners are already engaged with the episode. 8. Dynamic Ad Insertion Dynamic Ad Insertion allows advertisements to be added to episodes automatically during playback. Instead of permanently editing ads into the audio file, the ads are inserted when the episode is streamed or downloaded. This allows: Ads to change over time Different ads to play for different listeners Campaigns to run across older episodes 9. Episode Artwork Episode artwork is an image attached to an individual podcast episode. It can highlight: A specific topic A guest A theme or series within the podcast Episode artwork is optional but can make episodes more visually engaging across podcast apps and websites. 10. Podcast Landing Page A podcast landing page is a simple webpage that displays podcast episodes and listening links in one place. These pages typically include: Podcast artwork Episode list Embedded players Links to listen in podcast apps They provide a shareable home for the podcast outside of podcast apps. 11. Publishing vs Distribution Publishing refers to releasing an episode inside a podcast hosting platform. Distribution is what happens afterward — when podcast apps detect the new episode in the RSS feed and display it for listeners. Once a podcast is approved in directories, new episodes are distributed automatically when they are published. The Big Takeaway Podcasting terminology can feel complicated at first, but most of the concepts describe simple parts of the same system. The basic process looks like this: Upload an episode to a podcast host The RSS feed updates Podcast apps read the feed Listeners receive the episode Once these fundamentals are understood, the rest of podcasting terminology becomes much easier to navigate. For the best support, please use our Blubrry ticket system so our full team can help. Join the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook Group for general podcasting discussion. Share your feedback at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider. Blubrry hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one tech checkup with Mike (mike@blubrry.com)

33 min
MAR 2

Behind the Scenes as a Podcast Hosting Company

Behind the scenes at a podcast hosting company, you start to notice patterns. Not just in downloads or dashboards — but in behavior, expectations, burnout, growth, and momentum. In this episode, we’re sharing what we consistently see across thousands of shows: why some podcasts quietly fade out, why others steadily grow, where creators get tripped up, and what actually builds longevity. This isn’t promotional — it’s observational. If you’ve ever wondered what separates the podcasts that last from the ones that stall, this conversation pulls back the curtain. Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell, MacKenzie Bennett & Dave Clements 1. Why Shows Stop Publishing Most podcasts don’t stop because of tech issues. They stop because of: Lack of a clear goal Unrealistic expectations Burnout (which is typically caused by the first two) Life getting busy The shows that last usually have simple workflows and a clear purpose. Consistency beats intensity every time. 2. Common Tech Mistakes A lot of support questions come down to basics: Confusion about distribution timing Not understanding what hosting controls vs. directories Small publishing setting errors Podcasting has layers, and when you don’t understand how RSS and distribution work, it can feel chaotic. A little foundational knowledge prevents a lot of stress. 3. Stats Misconceptions We often see creators discouraged by their numbers. Usually because they’re: Comparing to unrealistic claims Ignoring industry averages Focusing on one episode instead of long-term trends Healthy growth is often gradual. Audience quality matters more than viral spikes. 4. Monetization Misunderstandings Many podcasters assume monetization means ads. Behind the scenes, we see missed opportunities like: Not leveraging services or expertise Undervaluing niche audiences Waiting until they feel “big enough” Monetization works best when it aligns naturally with your audience — not when it’s forced. 5. Growth Myths That Add Pressure There’s pressure to: Do video immediately Be on every platform Use every new tool But the shows that grow sustainably usually: Stay consistent Serve a clear audience Improve gradually Growth comes from focus — not from doing everything. The Big Pattern Most podcast challenges come down to: Unrealistic expectations Over-complication Comparison And most solutions come down to: Clarity Consistency Patience For the best support, please use our Blubrry ticket system so our full team can help. Join the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook Group for general podcasting discussion. Share your feedback at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider. Blubrry hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one tech checkup with Mike (mike@blubrry.com)

32 min
FEB 24

Behind the Mic: Building Confidence as a Podcast Host

If you’ve ever hit record and immediately felt your heart race, you’re not alone. Sitting behind a microphone can feel surprisingly vulnerable — even if you’re completely comfortable talking in everyday life. The truth is, confidence in podcasting doesn’t magically appear. It’s built over time, shaped by repetition, structure, and a willingness to grow in public. In this episode, we’re breaking down what actually creates confidence behind the mic — and why feeling a little awkward at first isn’t a red flag… it’s part of the process. Today’s Hosts: Dave Clements and MacKenzie Bennett Building Confidence as a Podcast Host 1. Confidence Isn’t a Personality Trait — It’s a Skill A lot of people assume confident hosts are naturally outgoing or extroverted. That’s not always true. Some of the most confident podcasters are actually introverts who simply learned how to get comfortable in their format. Confidence grows from repetition and familiarity. What actually builds it: Clear episode structure Recording often enough that it stops feeling “new” Regular publishing cadence The mic feels intimidating when it’s unfamiliar. It feels normal when it’s routine. 2. Your First Episodes Are Supposed to Feel Awkward There’s this pressure to sound polished immediately. But early episodes are where you discover: Your pacing Your tone Your rhythm Your transitions If you wait to feel confident before publishing, you’ll wait forever. What actually works: Accepting that improvement happens publicly Measuring progress over perfection Letting your audience grow with you No one starts smooth. They become smooth. 3. Structure Reduces Nerves Most hosting anxiety comes from uncertainty. “What do I say next?” “Am I rambling?” “Did that make sense?” A simple outline can eliminate most of that. What actually works: Bullet points instead of paragraphs A defined beginning, middle, and end Knowing the purpose of the episode before recording When you know your direction, your delivery improves automatically. 4. Stop Performing — Start Talking Many hosts tense up because they think they need to “sound like a podcaster.” But your audience isn’t looking for a performance. They’re looking for connection. What actually works: Imagining one listener instead of a crowd Using conversational language Letting small imperfections stay in The more you sound like yourself, the more confident you’ll feel. 5. Confidence Comes From Consistency You don’t build confidence in a single episode. You build it by showing up repeatedly. The more episodes you record: The less you overthink The less you second-guess The more you trust your instincts Over time, the microphone stops feeling like a spotlight and starts feeling like a tool. And that’s when confidence really settles in. For the best support, please use our Blubrry ticket system so our full team can help. Join the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook Group for general podcasting discussion. Share your feedback at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider. Blubrry hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one tech checkup with Mike (mike@blubrry.com)

19 min
FEB 16

Monetization Myths: What Actually Works for Independent Podcasters

Your podcast doesn’t need to be massive to make money — but it does need a strategy. Monetization isn’t one-size-fits-all, and most independent podcasters are building income in smarter, more diversified ways than people realize. Podcast Monetization Myths 1. Myth: You Need Huge Downloads to Make Money A common misconception is that monetization only starts when you hit tens of thousands of downloads per episode. In reality, smaller, niche podcasts often monetize more effectively because they serve a highly specific audience. Advertisers, sponsors, and even your own products perform better when your listeners are clearly defined and highly engaged. A focused audience of 500 loyal listeners can be more valuable than 5,000 passive ones. What actually works: Niche positioning Audience trust Clear listener intent 2. Myth: Sponsorships Are the Only Way to Monetize When most people think “podcast monetization,” they think ads. But independent podcasters are generating revenue through multiple streams: Listener support (memberships, donations, premium content) Affiliate marketing Selling their own services (coaching, consulting, speaking) Courses or digital products Events and community access For many shows, sponsorships are just one piece of the puzzle — not the foundation. What actually works: Diversifying income instead of relying on a single source. 3. Myth: Monetization Should Happen Immediately There’s pressure to “make money fast,” especially for new podcasters. But monetization works best when it’s built on trust. If your audience doesn’t yet understand who you are and why you matter, revenue efforts will feel forced. The most sustainable monetization happens after: Consistent publishing Clear messaging Audience feedback and engagement What actually works: Building value first. Monetizing second. 4. Myth: More Ads = More Revenue Overloading episodes with ads can damage listener trust — especially for independent creators. Listeners stick around because they trust you. If monetization disrupts the listening experience, it can hurt long-term growth. What actually works: Relevant sponsorships Honest endorsements Clear alignment with your audience Quality beats quantity. 5. The Real Monetization Formula for Independent Podcasters Successful independent podcasters usually follow this pattern: Define a clear audience Build consistent, valuable content Identify what that audience already spends money on Align monetization with that need Monetization works best when it feels like a natural extension of your show — not an interruption. Your podcast isn’t just content. It’s a relationship. And relationships are what create revenue opportunities. 🧠 Bottom line: Monetization isn’t about chasing trends or copying big shows. It’s about understanding your audience, building trust, and choosing revenue streams that fit your strengths. For the best support, please use our Blubrry ticket system so our full team can help. Join the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook Group for general podcasting discussion. Share your feedback at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider. Blubrry hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one tech checkup with Mike (mike@blubrry.com)

27 min
FEB 10

Branding Your Podcast: Standing Out With Purpose and Personality

Branding Your Podcast Your podcast brand is the story you’re telling before a listener ever hears your voice. It’s built through your artwork, your title, your description, and the tone you use everywhere your show shows up. Today, Blubrry discusses how, when and why you should change up your podcast branding. Today’s Hosts: MacKenzie Bennett and Aaron Hope 1. Branding Is More Than Just Artwork Your cover art is important — but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Your show name, episode titles, descriptions, and even how you introduce yourself all contribute to your overall brand. When those elements work together, your podcast feels intentional and trustworthy. 2. Consistency Builds Recognition Strong brands feel familiar. Using consistent colors, fonts, language, and tone helps listeners recognize your show instantly — whether they see it in a podcast app, on social media, or on your website. Consistency isn’t about being boring; it’s about being memorable. 3. Your Podcast Should Have a Personality Every podcast has a personality — even if it’s accidental. The key is making sure that personality matches your content and your audience. Is your show conversational or polished? Playful or serious? Educational or storytelling-driven? Your branding should set the right expectations from the start. 4. Standing Out Doesn’t Mean Following Trends Trends come and go, but clarity lasts. You don’t need flashy design or gimmicks to stand out. The most effective podcast brands clearly communicate who the show is for, what it’s about, and why someone should care — at a glance. 5. When to Refresh Your Podcast Brand If your show has evolved, your branding should evolve too. A refresh might make sense if your audience has changed, your topic has narrowed or expanded, or your current artwork no longer reflects the quality of your content. 🧠 Bottom line: Podcast branding isn’t about perfection — it’s about alignment. When your visuals, messaging, and tone all point in the same direction, it becomes easier for the right listeners to find you, trust you, and stick around. For the best support, please use our Blubrry ticket system so our full team can help. Join the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook Group for general podcasting discussion. Share your feedback at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider. Blubrry hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one tech checkup with Mike (mike@blubrry.com)

19 min
FEB 2

Podcast SEO in 2026: How Listeners Find Your Show

🔍 Podcast SEO in 2026: How Listeners Find Your Show Podcast SEO still matters in 2026, but it’s no longer about gaming algorithms. It’s about clarity, structure, and helping the right listeners find your content across search engines and podcast platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify. In this episode of Podcast Insider, we break down what actually moves the needle when it comes to podcast discoverability. 🎧 Podcast SEO Basics (Quick Version) Podcast SEO works because platforms rely on written context, not audio alone. That means: Clear show and episode titles Descriptive show notes Clean, accurate RSS feeds Transcripts when possible Each episode should stand on its own as searchable content. 🧠 Keywords, Titles & Show Notes Focus on real listener questions and topics Use natural language, not keyword stuffing Front-load clarity in episode titles Use the first lines of show notes to explain the episode clearly Break descriptions into short sections or bullets 📝 Transcripts & Your Website Transcripts improve accessibility and search visibility A dedicated podcast page gives you full SEO control Fast load times, mobile-friendly design, and embedded players all help 📡 Platforms, Reviews & Promotion Keep your RSS feed clean and up to date Choose accurate categories Encourage ratings, reviews, and shares Repurpose episodes across blogs, email, and social media 📊 Keep Improving Track downloads and listener behavior Review which episodes get discovered most Refresh older titles and descriptions when needed Podcast SEO is ongoing—but small improvements add up. For the best support, please use our Blubrry ticket system so our full team can help. Join the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook Group for general podcasting discussion. Share your feedback at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider. Blubrry hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one tech checkup with Mike (mike@blubrry.com)

19 min
JAN 26

Making the Most of Your Podcast Back Catalog

Give Your Podcast Catalog New Life Your podcast back catalog is one of the most powerful tools you already have — even if you don’t always think about it that way. Those older episodes aren’t outdated. New listeners are finding your show every day, and for them, everything in your archive is brand new. Today’s Hosts: MacKenzie Bennett and Mike Dell In this episode of Podcast Insider, we share practical ways podcasters can reuse, promote, and even monetize their existing episodes to grow their audience without burning out on constant new content creation. Why Your Podcast Back Catalog Matters Once an episode is published, it doesn’t stop being useful. Evergreen topics, interviews, and educational episodes can continue attracting listeners months or even years later. Your back catalog is more than an archive — it’s a searchable library of content that can: Bring in new listeners through SEO and podcast app discovery Keep listeners engaged longer by encouraging binge-listening Highlight your expertise and authority in your niche If your show covers timeless topics instead of breaking news, your older episodes may still be just as valuable today. How to Bring Old Podcast Episodes Back Into the Spotlight You don’t always need to create brand-new episodes to grow your show. Instead, try: Resharing older episodes when they become relevant again Updating show notes with fresh keywords, links, and summaries for better SEO Mentioning past episodes in new episodes (“If you liked this topic, check out episode…”) Creating playlists or collections of your best or most important episodes for new listeners These small steps help listeners discover more of your content and stay subscribed longer. Refresh, Revisit, or Rerun — The Right Way Mike shares important technical tips for rerunning episodes: Always resave or rename audio files before reposting Add a short new intro explaining why the episode is being shared again Retitle reruns clearly so podcast apps accept them properly Instead of replaying an episode exactly as-is, consider recording a short update or revisiting the topic with new insights. Monetizing Your Podcast Back Catalog Your archive can also become a source of revenue. In this episode, MacKenzie and Mike discuss ideas like: Turning transcripts into a book or digital guide Creating a premium feed with older episodes behind a paywall Promoting older episodes that already include ads or sponsorships None of these are instant success strategies — but over time, they can reduce burnout, increase lifetime listener value, and create steady long-term growth. Use Your Data to Guide Future Episodes Pay attention to which older episodes continue getting downloads. Those topics often reveal: What your audience cares about most Which formats work best Where future content opportunities exist Your back catalog can become one of your best planning tools. 🧠 Bottom Line Your back catalog isn’t old content — it’s an ongoing opportunity. With a little intention, your existing episodes can: Save you time Grow your audience Increase listener engagement Support monetization Help new listeners fall in love with your show faster If there’s an episode you’re especially proud of, give it another moment in the spotlight. For the best support, please use our Blubrry ticket system so our full team can help. Join the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook Group for general podcasting discussion. Share your feedback at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider. Blubrry hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one tech checkup with Mike (mike@blubrry.com)

12 min

See All (53)

3.5

out of 5

19 Ratings

Pretty good, but…

12/02/2023

App Rover

Content is usually good and helpful for podcasters. But newest episode is an interview with a podcaster which slowly becomes too focused on the content of their podcast (not useful to other podcasters) rather than the production and marketing of their podcast (useful to other podcasters). Do be careful about this with future interviews that “feature” a podcaster. Thanks!
Podcasting news from podcasting experts

02/05/2021

The Blind Blogger

Accurate up to date news about podcasting from three top experts in our world. They give the news straight, to the point, with heart and warmth. And they aren’t above mentioning people or shows they find have value. These three people are some of the most knowledgeable in the industry, and I’m glad they choose to take the time to collect this information and share it with us. Thanks, Maxwell
Podcasters Podcast

10/11/2018

Bigredrobot

For those who are podcasters, I think the topics and industry news is valuable. Other reviews say its not flashy but coming from a video podcaster, no audio podcast is going to have as much production value. The audio is clear and polished. If I could give any feedback, make your guests review on iTunes to help water down bad reviews.
Great show with a Great Host

02/23/2018

Me 

PowerPress team is the best!