School of Podcasting: Expert Tips for Launching and Growing Your Podcast

Dave Jackson
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You want to start a podcast, but you’re unsure where to start. You need advice on how to grow or monetize your show, and stop being so scared that it won’t work! I can help by showing you what mistakes NOT TO MAKE and much more. Subscribe to the show and soak in the 18+ years of podcasting experience from Podcaster Hall of Fame Inductee Dave Jackson.

  1. Inside Flight Cast: The Video-First Hosting Platform Behind Diary of a CEO

    2d ago

    Inside Flight Cast: The Video-First Hosting Platform Behind Diary of a CEO

    When I first heard about Flightcast on the Podbiz show, I thought, "I have to have Rox Codes on my show." I had Rox do a Flightcast demo for members of the School of Podcasting. Rox has worked for Mr. Beast, Microsoft, Facebook and many more. In this episode of the School of Podcasting, I sit down with Rox Codes, co-creator of Flight Cast, the video-first hosting platform built in partnership with Steven Bartlett from Diary of a CEO. If you’ve been thinking about getting more serious with video podcasting, YouTube growth, or centralizing your stats from multiple platforms, this one is for you. This content may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services I trust and believe will provide value to you. Thank you for your support! Got Feedback On This Episode? I'd love to hear what you thought about this episode. If you have a minute or two, it's less than five questions and works great on your phone or computer.  Share Your Thoughts What We Talk About in This EpisodeIn this conversation, we cover: What Flight Cast actually is (and who it’s for)Why it’s a video-first hosting platformHow “one upload, one dashboard” pushes your show to YouTube, Spotify, Apple, RSS, and audio platformsHow you can keep it simple or go crazy with customizationSimple upload, powerful customizationUpload one episode and:Send video to YouTube, Spotify, Apple, RSSSend audio everywhere elseSchedule different release times per platform (e.g., 6 AM audio, 8 AM YouTube)Use different titles, descriptions, and even different edits per platformUpload separate versions of the file (say “subscribe” in one, “follow” in another) Use AI to:Generate titles, descriptions, and chapters in your own styleAuto-format chapters correctly for each platformAll your stats in one placeHow Flight Cast pulls:YouTube viewsSpotify streamsRSS downloadsAnd rolls them up into a single “plays” metricAdditional analytics you get:Day-by-day performanceNew vs returning followersCross-platform uniquesBreakdown by platform, country, state, cityA built-in “giant spreadsheet” you don’t have to build yourselfAudience overlap (who listens to episode A and episode B)Using the built-in AI chat to answer questions like:“Rank all my episodes on YouTube in the last 6 months by views in the first 24 hours.”“What’s my 100-day average per episode?”Ads, programmatic, and retention data How Flight Cast handles:Geo-targetingProgrammatic adsDynamic ad slotsWhy retention graphs matter more than a single download numberHow to look at:Drop-off moments (what caused the skip?)Chapter jumps (what are people skipping to?)Rox’s “favorite stat” and why views still matter most in his worldClips, test channels, and experimentationLets you “always be testing” in the backgroundHow to ramp up clips:Start with 1 clip/daySlowly increase to 2, 3, then 4 maxWhy this kind of ongoing experimentation is like treating your show as a recipe, not a statueMoving from audio to video (without losing your mind) Rox’s core idea:Video isn’t a file format, it’s an algorithm On YouTube, TikTok, Reels, Shorts: publishing and discovery are the same thingThe big mindset shift:Audio podcasting = small optimization games (SEO, cross-promo, ads)YouTube = “get good” at a few big levers:ThumbnailsTitlesIdeasIntrosWhy the first 30 seconds, title, and thumbnail matter so much more than most of us want to admitTalking-head video vs fancy production Why talking heads are NOT bad content:Joe Rogan is talking headsDiary of a CEO is talking headsWhy audio quality is still 80% of the experience even on videoWhen 4K matters (and when it doesn’t):720 → 1080 is a big jump1080 → 4K is “nice to have,” not mandatoryFlight Cast’s support for full 4K, including Apple HLS video, and why they built it to “respect” creators who go the extra mile Who Flight Cast is for and pricingTarget user: serious video podcasters / “intermediate plus”Why Rox calls it a “jackhammer”—powerful, but you don’t always need that much powerPricing (at the time of this conversation):Starts around $50/month for everything except clipsHigher tiers ($100–$250/month) if you want more clips and higher download limitsBasic plan includes:Up to 50,000 downloads/monthFull 4K video, Apple HLS, no bandwidth chargesAround 3 TB of storage (which almost nobody hits) Learning YouTube: resources Rox recommendsApril Lynn Alter (YouTube channel)Patty Galloway (YouTube channel)Creator Hooks by Jake Thomas (newsletter) A dose of reality about YouTube and videoWe talk frankly about:People who spend days or even weeks perfecting a thumbnailThe sheer amount of time it can take to get good at YouTube My big point:It’s okay if you don’t have that timeJust understand what you’re up against so you don’t get discouraged My biggest fear:People add video to an already full plateBurn out on videoThen quit podcasting entirelyI want you to set realistic expectations Bonus: For audio-only podcasters who still want better statsPodAnalyst.com – in beta with their pro plan free for nowTracks:Listening completion at 25%, 50%, 75%, etc.How long people are actually listeningTo me, that’s the real “is my show any good?” metric:If people are only listening to 25% of an episode, that’s a signalYou can track up to 10 keywords, share stats with team members, and export data while they’re in beta. My TakeawaysHere’s what I want you to remember from this episode: If you go into video, YouTube is an algorithm game, not just a file format.You don’t need cinematic production; you do need:Strong audioA compelling titleA curiosity-driven thumbnailA sharp first 30 secondsTools like FlightCast can:Save you time by distributing everywhere from one uploadHelp you understand your audience by putting all your stats in one placeYou don’t have to “go full YouTuber” to benefit from thinking like one. And again, if you’re already overwhelmed with audio, please don’t feel like you “have to” add video. I’d rather you keep podcasting than burn out chasing an unrealistic video workload. Links MentionedI’ll have links to everything we...

    38 min
  2. The 4 Cs of a Standout Podcast: Clarity, Contrast, Consistency, Character

    Jun 8

    The 4 Cs of a Standout Podcast: Clarity, Contrast, Consistency, Character

    In this episode of the School of Podcasting, Dave Jackson shows you how to stop being “just another podcast” and start becoming someone’s favorite show (I love that line from Jay Acunzo). You’ll learn how to: Clarify what your podcast is actually about in one sentenceChoose (or tweak) your name and description so they signal your unique angleDeliver on the promise of your premise so listeners trust youUse your own stories, quirks, and background as an unfair advantage no AI can copy Whether you’re launching a new show or trying to revive an existing one, this episode will help you stand out in a crowded market. The Four C's of Building a Favorite Show1. You Need a Clear “What Is It?” Line (Clarity) If you can’t describe your show in one sentence, your listeners definitely can’t.Think of it like a movie logline:“A shark terrorizes a beach town.” → Jaws“A lawyer can’t lie for 24 hours.” → Liar LiarIf your answer sounds like “me and my buddy talking about stuff and stuff,” you have a clarity problem. 2. Your Name & Description Should Create Contrast If your show is called something generic like “Thinking Outside the Box,” you’re competing with dozens of identical names.Simple test: say your show’s name to someone and ask, “What do you think it’s about?”If their answer doesn’t match your actual content, your name isn’t doing its job.Your description should:Say who the show is forSay how it’s differentPromise what they get every episode - and then give it to themUse your listeners’ own words from reviews/emails to sharpen your description. 3. Deliver on the Promise of Your Premise (Consistency) Your title, artwork, and description are a promise. Your content has to deliver.Click‑baity titles and vague descriptions might get a first click, but if the episode doesn’t do what it says, you won’t get a second one. Examples: Joe Rogan: long-form, open-ended conversations where people actually talk through ideas.Podnews and Podnews Weekly Review: global podcast news with strong host chemistry and a predictable format. 4. Your Stories and Style Are Your Uncopyable Advantage (Character) AI can write scripts and headlines—but it doesn’t have your bike ride, your great nephew, or your specific regrets and realizations.You have stories, you just need to write them down. 5. Use “Homework for Life” to Capture Stories From Matthew Dicks’ Storyworthy: at the end of each day, ask:“What happened today that might be a story?”Write down one sentence—just enough to remind you later.Use any note tool (NoteJoy, Apple Notes, Google Keep, voice-to-text, etc.).Over time you build a story library you can draw from to explain concepts and stand out from AI‑generated, story‑less shows. Action Steps From This EpisodeBy the end of this episode, challenge yourself to: Write your one-sentence “What is it?” line. If you can’t say it clearly in one breath, cut it down. Ask 2–3 non-podcaster friends: Show them your title, cover art, and description.Ask, “What do you think this show is about?”If their answer doesn’t match your intention, revise your name/description. Search your show’s name in Google and major podcast apps. Is the name crowded? Already used?Is there a dormant show with the name you want? Consider reaching out and asking to take over/buy the feed. List 5 story moments from the last 30 days. Use “homework for life” style notes.Circle 1–2 you can use in upcoming episodes to explain a lesson. Rewrite your podcast description to: Say who the show is forSay how it’s differentPromise what they’ll consistently get each time they listen Resources MentionedStoryworthy by Matthew Dicks – Book on storytelling and “homework for life.”Notejoy captiring toolResearch Links Podcasting Morning ShowSave the Cat!: The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever NeedHot Ones' Guests Impressed by Sean Evans' Questions | Vol. 6 - YouTubePacino Arrests Everybody (Samuel L. Jackson Cameo) | Sea of Love - YouTubeHomework for Life | Matthew DicksHow Stories Happen: Creators and Entrepreneurs Dissect Their Signature Stories — Jay Acunzo - Jay always says, "Don't just be a podcast, be someone's FAVORITE podcast."Podcast Network Insights - A show About Podcasting networks.Podcast Momentum | Build Podcast Momentum – Geared towards businessesPedal Stomper Podcast. Podcasting Lessons from a Hall of Famer: 20 Years of Wisdom with Dave Jackson - YouTube Work With DaveIf you want help: Sharpening your “what is it?” lineChoosing or refining a podcast nameRewriting your description so it stands outAnd building a show that becomes someone’s favorite …then join the School of Podcasting and get step‑by‑step guidance, resources, and a community of podcasters just like you. You can also sign up for a single podcast strategy session. Mentioned in this episode: Have You Heard About the Podpage Assistant? Here's what it can do: Identify the best search keyphrase to target — The Assistant analyzes your episode and finds the keyphrase most likely to drive organic traffic. Generate optimized SEO titles and descriptions — Get search-friendly titles and meta descriptions written for each episode automatically. Expand your show notes — Turn brief show notes into detailed, search-friendly content that helps Google understand what your episode is about. Create SEO schema — Automatically generate structured data including FAQs and key takeaways, giving search engines even more context about your content. Generate episode transcriptions — If your podcast host doesn't provide transcripts, the Assistant can create them for you. Create companion blog posts — Each episode can get a dedicated blog post that supports your episode's SEO and gives listeners another way to find you. Automatically categorize episodes — Keep your episode library organized without lifting a finger. Start your 14 day trial at www.podpage.com/preview Podpage Join the School of Podcasting Mark from Practical Prepping had been podcasting for a while, but after joining the School of Podcasting, his podcast grew at a faster rate. His Facebook group has over 30,000 members! Join the School of Podcasting and get access to: Step-by-step tutorials An amazing podcast community Unlimited One-On-One Coaching Join today worry-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee! School of Podcasting Question of the Month This might be harder question to answer because when I ask people, the sometimes freeze. The question? How do you measure success for your podcast beyond download numbers? I need your answer by June 26th, 2026. Don't forget to tell us a little bit about your show and your website address so I can link to it in the show notes. Question of the Month Check Out Dave's Newsletter With Behind the Scenes Content In each issue of Podcasting Observations, I share my thoughts on what

    47 min
  3. What the Death of Late Night Teaches Podcasters.

    Jun 1

    What the Death of Late Night Teaches Podcasters.

    Why Joe Rogan Beat Late Night TVWhen I was a kid, hearing Johnny Carson’s theme music meant it was time for bed. Today, nobody has to stay up for anything. And that one shift explains a huge part of why late night is fading and why your podcast has to work harder to earn attention. Conversation vs Promotional AppearancesIn the early years of Johnny Carson, the show was 90 minutes and they actually had conversations as apposed to the "tell me about your family vacation, and let's roll the clip" interviews we see on late night shows Appointment Viewing is DeadThe days of "must see tv" on Thursday night died with the VCR and DVR. I haven't watched live TV in years. So now the audience that is staying up to watch live is much older (somewhere between age 60-70), and is about HALF of the audience comparing it to the days wheh David Letterman get almost 7 million a night. The Celebrity Mystique is GoneI once stayed up to watch B.B. King on the tonight show. Why? Because I couldn't hear him on the radio. I was too young to go to a concert. If I did that today and wanted to see Joe Bonamassa I wouldn't need to wait to see him on TV. I could see him on his YouTube channel, or multiple interviews on podcasts. #1 in Late Night is a Big Fish in a Much Smaller PondKeep in mind that Steven Colbert being #1 in late night in 2026 is way different than being #1 in late night in 1993. Late-night TV revenue has reportedly fallen from about $400 million a year to $200 million a year—a 50% decline—while some shows that once drew 7–8 million nightly viewers now struggle to reach 3 million. YouTube Doesn't Pay the SameAccording to one report, YouTube pays one tenth of what a network ad spot would go for. When you audience is cut in half, you have less advertisers. When the advertisers you have are paying you 90% less and your expenses stay the same that is a problem. Keep Control of Your ContentRemember big companies with big payouts WANT CONTROL. Conan focused on owning his content and that resulted in a 150 million dollar payout. Only Amazing Content Will Stand OutIf you want podcast growth, you need to make sure you are doing as many of the following as possible. Make them: laughcrythinkgroan Make Sure The Content EducatesEntertainsSaves the audience timeSaves them moneyMakes them FEEL something If it's information you can get any place else, even better. A great podcast can be boiled down to content and delivery. So this episode is focused on content. Be Ready to PromoteWhen someone says, "Oh, you do a podcast?" be ready to explain what it is, what its about, and how people benefit from consuming your content (and say your website). We hear how Macaulay Culkin dropped the ball so bad on the Ellen show. Housekeeping: How to Pitch a PodcastI am still preparing to launch this show and I'm accepting stories. I had some things pop up that are taking my attention as they are time sensitive. It's coming... Mentioned in this episode: Live Appearances I will be at the Empower Podcasting Conference (Year 3!) in Charlotte North Carolina. This is my favorite type of conference with a cap at 250 people, it's a great crowd without being overwhelming. Great speakers, great networking, and a great location. Where Will I Be? Join the School of Podcasting Today Ralph Estep Jr has over 100K Subscribers on YouTube and has FOUR shows at askralph.com. Ralph credits his success to the skills and network he has has built at the School of Podcasting. Join worry free with a 30-day Money Back Guarantee. Use the coupon code "listener" on a monthly, quarterly, or yearly subscription. Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/join School of Podcasting Question of the Month This might be harder question to answer because when I ask people, the sometimes freeze. The question? How do you measure success for your podcast beyond download numbers? I need your answer by June 26th, 2026. Don't forget to tell us a little bit about your show and your website address so I can link to it in the show notes. Question of the Month Have You Heard About the Podpage Assistant? Here's what it can do: Identify the best search keyphrase to target — The Assistant analyzes your episode and finds the keyphrase most likely to drive organic traffic. Generate optimized SEO titles and descriptions — Get search-friendly titles and meta descriptions written for each episode automatically. Expand your show notes — Turn brief show notes into detailed, search-friendly content that helps Google understand what your episode is about. Create SEO schema — Automatically generate structured data including FAQs and key takeaways, giving search engines even more context about your content. Generate episode transcriptions — If your podcast host doesn't provide transcripts, the Assistant can create them for you. Create companion blog posts — Each episode can get a dedicated blog post that supports your episode's SEO and gives listeners another way to find you. Automatically categorize episodes — Keep your episode library organized without lifting a finger. Start your 14 day trial at www.podpage.com/preview Podpage

    53 min
  4. Podcasters Share Best and Worst Platforms for Interviews

    May 25

    Podcasters Share Best and Worst Platforms for Interviews

    So many people need remote recording for co-hosts and guests. Yet in the 20+ years of podcasting once we get a solid solution, they upgrade the software and we're back to always having a backup "Just in case." So I reached out to my audience to see what they used and they chimed in. The HistoryBlog Talk Radio (now gone) was an EASY choice but sounded like the phone. There was Skype (also gone), but everyone needed an account, and for the technically challenged, it was intimidating. Squadcast came on with a winning strategy with a firm understanding of what podcasters needed. Make it simple. Make it reliable. Then Video Entered the PictureThen tools like Squadcast added video, and while I never had an issue I know people who spoke of "Drift" where the audio didn't line up with the video (making it look like a bad Godzilla movie). There are tools like Evmux (browser based), Ecamm (Mac Only), Descript (browser based), and Streamyard (brwoser based). Text Based EditingWhen Descript entered the picture with text based editing (you edit the transcript, and it edits the audio) it became impressive after a few years. They purchased Squadcast, but haven't implemented all the tech from Squadcast (like being able to schedule a future episode in their "Rooms."). All in One SolutionsThis is one of the symptoms of a "All in one" solution. They do most things about 75%, but the details in that last 25 is what makes the difference. Riverisde started as remote recording, added text based editing, clip generation, and recently podcast hosting (the podcast hosting is very basic see video as of May 2026). It May Not Be All Riverside's FaultI wrote a blog post about all the things podcasters could do to be ready to make great recordings with Riverside. If you want Riverside to work, don’t overcomplicate it: Solid internetUpdated browserDecent computerEnough disk spaceDon’t rush the upload That’s it. Do those things, and suddenly Riverside becomes “magically reliable.” What I Use For Live Streaming and RecordingBefore moving to a Mac computer, I use Streamyard, and loved it. When I got a Mac Mini, I switched to Ecamm. It's amazing and much you have more control over how things look. If you have a Streamdeck, you can do some pretty magical things. Worth that said, I'm considering going back to Streamyard even though it's $5 more a month (I used Ecamm for making recording for the School of Podcasting, but I now do those in Tella). What is The Most Reliable?For me, after talking with the School of Podcasting members and now hearing from the audience I would say Ecamm (mac only) and Streamyard (browser based). That doesn't mean Riverside, Evmux, Squadcast are not reliable, but I feel Ecamm and Streamyard are more reliable. They also are primarily focused on one thing RECORDING (although streamyard just added clip generation). So What If I Don't Want an All In One?Then you record with something like Ecamm or Streamyard, if you need clips, there is Opus Clip. There is free video software like Davinci Resolve, and free audio editing like Audacity. Thanks to The ContributorsFrank Bravo From Your Tech Makeover Todd the Gator from Gaurdian Downcast Chris From Cool Cars with Chris Ed from the Days Dumpster Fire Tim from My Solo MS Journey Mentioned In This EpisodeStreamyard Ecamm Riverside Descript EvMux Cleanfeed Zencastr OBS Project VDO Ninja Podtrack P4Next Zoom H6 Samson Q2U Microphone Opus Clip Boomer Bunker War Room Online Journal Takeaways:Remote recording can be a total pain if you don't have solid internet; trust me, I know.Zoom works great for audio-only shows but struggles with video quality when the internet hiccups.Streamyard's simplicity makes remote recording a breeze; just send a link and boom, done!Clean Feed is solid for high-quality audio, especially for those who want to keep it simple.For video, Riverside sounds fancy but can be hit or miss; make sure it meets your needs first.Discord is free and surprisingly powerful for remote recordings, even if you're not a gamer. Mentioned in this episode: Live Appearances I will be at the Empower Podcasting Conference (Year 3!) in Charlotte North Carolina. This is my favorite type of conference with a cap at 250 people, it's a great crowd without being overwhelming. Great speakers, great networking, and a great location. Where Will I Be? Question of the Month This might be harder question to answer because when I ask people, the sometimes freeze. The question? How do you measure success for your podcast beyond download numbers? I need your answer by June 26th, 2026. Don't forget to tell us a little bit about your show and your website address so I can link to it in the show notes. Question of the Month Podcast Hot Seat Attention podcasters! Are you ready to take your show to the next level? Introducing Podcast Hot Seat, the ultimate resource for podcasters who want to elevate their game. Just like a friend who tells you you've got spinach in your teeth, we're here to give you the honest feedback you need to shine. At podcasthotseat.com, we specialize in helping good podcasts become great. Hall of Fame podcaster Dave Jackson will identify your strengths and show you how to leverage them to keep your audience hooked. Don't let small oversights hold you back from podcasting stardom. Visit podcasthotseat.com today and put your show in the hot seat. Your listeners will thank you! Order now and get a free month at the School of Podcasting included in your purchase. Podcast Hotseat Podpage is Now Included with Blubrry Hosting Blubrry Podcasting — one of the longest-running podcast hosting platforms in the industry — has chosen Podpage to replace their built-in website tool entirely. That means every Blubrry hosting customer gets a professional, automatically updated podcast website powered by Podpage, included with their hosting plan. For Podpage, this is more than a partnership announcement. It’s validation that podcast websites deserve dedicated website tools built specifically for podcasters. Podpage

    51 min
  5. How to Make Podcast Money Without Fame

    May 18

    How to Make Podcast Money Without Fame

    So many people think the only way you can have a successful podcast is to be famous. Today we have a quick Interview with Jordan Blair from the Dreamful podcast and the Buzzsprout podcast Buzzcast. Jordan share all the straggles she is using to monetize her show. Jordan's Been Podcasting For Seven YearsThis didn't happen overnight, but you will hear where Jordan recommends starting monetization efforts from day one. This way your family and friends who want to support the show can actually chip in, and the audience gets used to hearing you ask for support. If you feel weird asking for value in return for the value you have given to the audience, keep in mind PBS has been doing this for decades. Where Do You Start?Jordan recommends starting off with enabling donations (technically a tip not a donation, unless you're a non-profit). Buzzsprout has this built in or you could use buy me a coffee, and many others. If you start with subscriptions, as you're just starting the show, it may be a little overwhelming and you end up making extra content for an audience that doesn't exist (yet). Just realize if you want people to chip in, you have to ask. You can see Jordan's support page here. Affiliate Links Are a Great TestWe talked about tools for using affiliate links in a previous episode. Affiliate links enable you to make a commission on a sale from someone using your special link. This is a great test and practice to get used to doing calls to action, promoting a product, and seeing what products your audience is interested The Pros and Cons of MerchJordan shares how she created some swag for her audience, setup a store and received absolutely zero sales. This is when she realized she should ask her audience what they want first before making swag. For more on merch sales check out my interview with Jayna Marie. First Person Endorsements Deliver Tons of ValueJordan's show is for kids who are trying to go to sleep. She found some puzzles and bought them and tried them. She knew this would resonate with her audience, and talked about her own experience with the puzzles and the affiliate links came flowing in. You Might Have to Take Partners to SchoolJordan explains that her first sponsor knocked on her door, and provided an offer. Jordan had to explain to them how partnerships work in podcasting (this isn't radio, and we have a much stronger connection with our audiences). She renogiated and came up with a dela that worked for everyone. She Didn't Plan on Making MoneyJordan started the Dreamful stories podcast as a resource for her own children. She launched it, and focused on delivering value and connecting with her audience. She found out what they wanted and delivered the show they wanted. This lead to her show's downloads escalating while she was on a break! Check out Jordan's ShowsDreamful Stories Buzzcast Got Feedback On This Episode? I'd love to hear what you thought about this episode. If you have a minute or two, it's less than five questions and works great on your phone or computer.  Share Your Thoughts Other Items MentionedPodnews Weekly Review How to Turn Your Podcast Into Passive Income (With Tools I Actually Use) Big Lash Energy: One Million Downloads Fueled by Coffee and Compliments Profit From Your Podcast Book (by Dave) This Old Marketing Show Sponsor Magnet Book by Justin Moore Mentioned in this episode: Live Appearances I will be at the Empower Podcasting Conference (Year 3!) in Charlotte North Carolina. This is my favorite type of conference with a cap at 250 people, it's a great crowd without being overwhelming. Great speakers, great networking, and a great location. Where Will I Be? Build the Website You Want with Podpage Podpage is flexible. If you want to promote something you can put it in the sidebar, on the front page, or at the bottom of every episode (not to mention the navigation bar, the footer and more). Podpage is designed specifically for podcasts. Quit trying to squeeze your podcast into a website made for a yoga studio. Start your free trial at podpage.com/preview Podpage Question of the Month This might be harder question to answer because when I ask people, the sometimes freeze. The question? How do you measure success for your podcast beyond download numbers? I need your answer by June 26th, 2026. Don't forget to tell us a little bit about your show and your website address so I can link to it in the show notes. Question of the Month Podcast Hot Seat Attention podcasters! Are you ready to take your show to the next level? Introducing Podcast Hot Seat, the ultimate resource for podcasters who want to elevate their game. Just like a friend who tells you you've got spinach in your teeth, we're here to give you the honest feedback you need to shine. At podcasthotseat.com, we specialize in helping good podcasts become great. Hall of Fame podcaster Dave Jackson will identify your strengths and show you how to leverage them to keep your audience hooked. Don't let small oversights hold you back from podcasting stardom. Visit podcasthotseat.com today and put your show in the hot seat. Your listeners will thank you! Order now and get a free month at the School of Podcasting included in your purchase. Podcast Hotseat

    48 min
  6. Apple Video: Smart Move or Time Sink?

    May 11

    Apple Video: Smart Move or Time Sink?

    A Dialogue with Justin Jackson and Alban BrookeJust in Jackson from Transistor.fm is so enthusiastic about Apple's new way to add video to their platform (called HLS). I have felt "Meh" about it since it was announced (I'm worried about using API's instead of using the RSS feed). So I wanted to see if I was missing something that might lead me to feel more like Justin. Later that same week Alban Brook from Buzzsprout reached out and so I combined the interviews to show multiple points of view about Apple's HLS implementation not that more hosts are being approved to connect to Apple via their API. Justin's View is Based On Younger PeopleWhile I have no children Justin has a few and he explained how watching them he sees them move from watching video to switching to audio. So the HLS video in Apple supports this (and it's already available on YouTube music, and Spotify. This explains why Justin would have a viewpoint different than mine. Dialogues are amazing, and you just might learn something. Try one today. They are free! Alban's View on The "Give People What They Want" focus of Apple PodcastsWhen you go to YouTube, they drown you in options as they try to get you to click on anything. With Apple's new video options, when you log into Apple, you primarily see the shows that you've told Apple you want to see. Consequently, it may be a better experience. Kevin Finn on the Buzzcast show compared YouTube and the horrible experience to going to the movies, where everything is overpriced and the floor is sticky. The experience isn't as good. Don't Take on Too MuchIf you're a video creator already, adding your show to YouTube seems like a no brainer, and Alaban and Just both mentioned that when people signed up to be beta testers, many of the people chomping at the bit were already video creators. Justin mentions that much like coloring, you start with three colors and learn how to keep people engaged. Then start adding more colors. With podcasting it may make more sense to start with audio, and then add video. We are in a Wait and See PeriodWe don't actually know if this is going to take off. While we don't expect Apple to topple YouTube, we are interested to see just how many people jump on board. Both companies mentioned the benefits of being an early adopter. Pricing for HLS HostingTransistor offers HLS video on any package of of $49 and higher. Buzzsprout offers 6 hours a month for $30 ($25 if you purchase yearly). Captivate is $19/month with an additional $12 for video. Keep in mind Transistor and Captivate operate on a "As many shows and episodes as you want (but you bill goes up depending on downloads/traffic). Buzzsprout's model is a "per show" fee, but you can have as many downloads as you want. For more information on other hosts as they are added see this article on Podnews. The Bridge Podcast on YouTubeJustin shared the story of The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge a former Candaian broadcaster who has now moved to YouTube who is having great success without amazing Thumbnails and fancy studios. Acquired Charges Millions for SponsorshipThere are always shows that break the mold, and Acquired is one of them. They do limited shows that engage a certain audience (CEOs), and consequently are charging millions for sponsor a season (and are already sold out). They describe their show as, "We (Ben and David) personally invest 100+ hours each to research and produce a ~4 hour "conversational audiobook,” telling a company's complete history and strategy. Spotify's Video Options are BlurryI am always cautious about Spotify. We all know they are not fans of RSS, and they like to make features that only work in Spotify. In a recent article at Podnews, Jame Cridlan explains how uploading a video from your media host into Spotify may lock you into using the media host (where an RSS enables you to redirect the feed). There is talk that Spotify may manually be able to switch your show back to RSS (with consequences). My point is we currently don't know so if you plan on posting video to Spotify, you might setup a free hosting account and uplaod the video there. ( I do that for my "Ask the Podcast Coach" show). Mentioned In the ShowSchool of Podcasting Podcasting in Six Weeks Transistor Media Hosting Buzzsprout Media Hosting Captivate Media Hosting The Video Podcast Show Podcast Marketing Trends Explained The Panel Podcast Buzzcast Podcast Research Links Video podcast host pricing - comparisons from PodnewsBeware Spotify's video lock-in from Podnews Mentioned in this episode: Question of the Month This might be harder question to answer because when I ask people, the sometimes freeze. The question? How do you measure success for your podcast beyond download numbers? I need your answer by June 26th, 2026. Don't forget to tell us a little bit about your show and your website address so I can link to it in the show notes. Question of the Month Podcast Hot Seat Attention podcasters! Are you ready to take your show to the next level? Introducing Podcast Hot Seat, the ultimate resource for podcasters who want to elevate their game. Just like a friend who tells you you've got spinach in your teeth, we're here to give you the honest feedback you need to shine. At podcasthotseat.com, we specialize in helping good podcasts become great. Hall of Fame podcaster Dave Jackson will identify your strengths and show you how to leverage them to keep your audience hooked. Don't let small oversights hold you back from podcasting stardom. Visit podcasthotseat.com today and put your show in the hot seat. Your listeners will thank you! Order now and get a free month at the School of Podcasting included in your purchase. Podcast Hotseat Podpage is Now Included with Blubrry Hosting Blubrry Podcasting — one of the longest-running podcast hosting platforms in the industry — has chosen Podpage to replace their built-in website tool entirely. That means every Blubrry hosting customer gets a professional, automatically updated podcast website powered by Podpage, included with their hosting plan. For Podpage, this is more than a partnership announcement. It’s validation that podcast websites deserve dedicated website tools built specifically for podcasters. Podpage Live Appearances I will be at the Empower Podcasting Conference (Year 3!) in Charlotte North Carolina. This is my favorite type of conference with a cap at 250 people, it's a great crowd without being overwhelming. Great speakers, great networking, and a great location. Where Will I Be?

    47 min
  7. Podcasting in Six Weeks: My $1 Class to Get Your Going

    May 4

    Podcasting in Six Weeks: My $1 Class to Get Your Going

    Today we are talking about your show that just won't grow. It's time for a podcast experiment. I often say "You podcast is a recipe - not a statue." Well here is the good news. You know how to build a podcast to the current level you are at. The bad news is you've been here for a bit and it's time to try something to break you out of your plateau. You Either Win Or You LearnWhen you try something new with your podcast we often feel like everyone will leave immediately, and that just doesn't happen. Have you ever gone to a concert of a band you grew up listening to? They say "Here is one from our new album!" and half the theater goes for a beer, but most of them stay because they like the band. What If My Numbers Goes Down?So if you previously had 200 downloads an episode, and now you have 180 you learned something not to do. You've know how to grow a show to 200, so do that and try again. Start With a SurveySpeaking of mistakes, I once did a survey that I talked about bear the end of my show. One of the questions was, "Do you think the show is too long?" Well, if you think about it (being near the end of the show) anyone who thought it was too long had already left. Announce the survey, and really push it and explain how the audience will benefit. It could be as simple as: Did you listen to the end of the episode?If not where did you stop and why?How likely are you to share it with a friend on a scale form 1-10? You can use the built in survey with Podpage, or something like Tally forms. Smart Experiments: One Step at a TimeWhen you test new parts of your show, change ONE thing only. If you change three things and one of them works, you won't know which one. I would start with your episode titles, your opening two minutes (have a good hook), and get to the content ASAP. My Current Experiment: Podcasting in Six WeeksI tried this class about six months ago, and only told my email list. That was a dumb idea, but I learned to use ALL of my outlets when promoting a product or service. The course starting June 3rd will be once a week covering the following topics: Week 1: Concept & Planning Define your unique angle and target audience Choose your format and episode structure Create your content calendar for the first 10 episodes Develop your show name and description Week 2: Equipment & Setup Essential equipment recommendations for every budget. Recording space optimization (even in noisy environments). Software setup and configuration Audio quality testing and troubleshooting Week 3: Recording Techniques Professional recording techniques. Interview skills and guest management. Solo episode strategies. Overcoming "mic fright" and speaking naturally. Week 4: Editing & Post-Production Editing basics that save time and sound professional. Intro/outro creation and music selection File management and organization systems Quality control checklists Week 5: Hosting & Distribution Choosing and setting up your podcast host Submitting to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms RSS feeds and technical requirements Show artwork and metadata optimization Week 6: Marketing & Growth Launch strategies that actually get listeners. Social media promotion and repurposing content Building relationships with other podcasters Long-term growth strategies and monetization EXCLUSIVE BONUSES: BONUS #1: "Podcast Equipment Starter Kit Guide" (Value: $97) No more confusion about what to buy. Get our curated equipment list with specific product recommendations for three different budgets – beginner, intermediate, and professional. BONUS #2: "First 10 Episodes Content Planner" (Value: $67) Never stare at a blank screen wondering what to talk about. This detailed planner gives you proven episode templates and topic ideas to keep your content engaging from day one. BONUS #3: "Podcast Launch Checklist" (Value: $47) A step-by-step checklist ensuring you don't miss any crucial steps during your launch. From technical setup to promotional tasks – it's all cover Six hours of consulting with me would be $1200, but as we try this experiment it's only $1. Why not free? Because we wanted people who would at least believe in themselves enough to spend $1 to help improve themselves. In full transparency we hope you join the School of Podcasting when the class is over, but it is a free standing class. The sessions will be recorded. Sign Up For the Class TODAY! Got Feedback On This Episode? I'd love to hear what you thought about this episode. If you have a minute or two, it's less than five questions and works great on your phone or computer.  Share Your Thoughts Resources Mentioned in Episode 1034School of Podcasting Pod SEO use sop10 to save 10% Ausha SEO Pod Analyist Research Links Dave Jackson #661 - New Media ShowInsight on Business - Dave Jackson InterviewSwitchy Link ShortenerStuck at 800 downloads per ep for almost a year. what actually moves the needle : r/podcastingPodAnalyst - Podcast Measurement and Analytics For GrowthMy Worst Takes & Mistakes Over 500 Episodes - Author MediaPodcasting Truth & Myths Learned Over 500 EpisodesWhat are examples that were accidents that turned out to be great? Mentioned in this episode: Live Appearances I will be at the Empower Podcasting Conference (Year 3!) in Charlotte North Carolina. This is my favorite type of conference with a cap at 250 people, it's a great crowd without being overwhelming. Great speakers, great networking, and a great location. Where Will I Be? Question of the Month This might be harder question to answer because when I ask people, the sometimes freeze. The question? How do you measure success for your podcast beyond download numbers? I need your answer by June 26th, 2026. Don't forget to tell us a little bit about your show and your website address so I can link to it in the show notes. Question of the Month Unlock Exclusive Insights: Subscribe to 'Podcasting Observations' Newsletter! Get a look into the world of podcasting like never before with "Podcasting Observations," your go-to source for trends, tips, and transformative insights tailored just for podcasters. You also get "behind the scenes" info from the School of Podcasting Don't miss out on staying ahead of the game—join the 1700+ people who are already reading Podcasting Observations today! Podcasting Observations Have You Heard About the Podpage Assistant? Here's what it can do: Identify the best search keyphrase to target — The Assistant analyzes your episode and finds the keyphrase most likely to drive organic traffic. Generate optimized SEO titles and descriptions — Get search-friendly titles and meta descriptions written for each episode automatically. Expand your show notes — Turn brief show notes into detailed, search-friendly content that helps Google understand what your episode is about. Create SEO schema — Automatically generate structured data including FAQs and key takeaways, giving search engines even more context about your content. Generate episode transcriptions — If your podcast host doesn't provide transcripts, the Assistant can create them for you. Create companion blog posts — Each episode can get a dedicated blog post that supports your episode's SEO and gives listeners another way to find you. Automatically categorize episodes — Keep your episode library organized without lifting a finger. Start your 14 day trial at www.podpage.com/preview Podpage

    39 min
  8. How do you feel about the future of podcasting in 2026?

    Apr 27

    How do you feel about the future of podcasting in 2026?

    In this episode, we answer a question I know has been on the minds of so many podcasters: Where is podcasting headed? What We CoveredSpotify, YouTube, and AI Slop: I kicked things off sharing my concerns about immoral creators, content exclusivity, and how blurry the definition of a “podcast” is getting.Optimism vs. Pessimism: We heard from multiple voices on whether the future looks bright or grim, and what keeps each of us going.Video, Discoverability, and Content Overload: How YouTube’s dominance and the rise of video (and AI-generated "slop") is shifting the landscape, sometimes making things more confusing than ever.Monetization Woes and the Hopes for Crowdfunding: Many noted frustration with ads and the current monetization system, with hope for easier, more integrated crowdfunding in the future.Government Regulation and Freedom of Speech: A Canadian listener shared real concerns about government overreach and its chilling effect on creators.Defining Your “Why” and Staying True to Your Mission: Several contributors reminded us to focus on passion, purpose, and connecting with our audience.Staying Resilient: Through all the changes—algorithm shakeups, new platforms, and shifting formats—what matters most is keeping your audience at the heart of what you do. ParticipantsSteve Stewart (Podcast Editors Mastermind, Podcast Editor's Academy, Steve's Site)Kim Newlove (The Pharmacist’s Voice Podcast, Perrysburg Podcast )Todd the Gator ( Guardian Down Roundtable, 50 Years Experience Required, Lessons in the RearviewLeslie Marting (Greatland Media)Ralph Estep Jr. ( AskRalph.com )Podcasting Morning ShowYork Welcome to Earth StoriesCool Cars with Chris Mentioned In This EpisodeJJJAck Film's Video on youTube Demonetization New Media Show Rob Greenlee and Brendan Monaghan Podcasting 2.0 on the Slop Factory at Spreaker Podnews on More AI than Human Shows Profit From Your Podcast Book Thanks for SharingThis episode became a great sharing of opinions, experiences, and predictions. Some worry about gatekeepers and algorithmic noise, while others find hope in podcasting’s unique intimacy and power to connect. No matter where things go, staying true to your purpose, your “why,” and serving your audience will always be the foundation. Keep your ears open, your content honest, and your passion high. Thanks to everyone who contributed, and as always: if you loved this conversation, hit that share button and keep the School of Podcasting growing! Mentioned in this episode: Give Your Podcast A Home When you look at our podcasting pieces, your media host is the engine. But your website is the home. It’s where your audience learns who you are, explores your episodes, and decides to subscribe. At Podpage, we build podcast websites that are fast, reliable, and designed to convert visitors into listeners. Every episode is automatically published, SEO-optimized, and structured for growth—so you can focus on creating, not managing your site. If your media host powers your podcast, Podpage gives it a place to live—and a place to grow. Start building your podcast’s home with Podpage by going to www.podpage.com/preview and start your 14 day free trial today. Podpage Question of the Month This might be harder question to answer because when I ask people, the sometimes freeze. The question? How do you measure success for your podcast beyond download numbers? I need your answer by June 26th, 2026. Don't forget to tell us a little bit about your show and your website address so I can link to it in the show notes. Question of the Month Get Your Podcast Up and Going in Six Weeks Dreaming of starting your own podcast but not sure where to begin? Podcasting in Six Weeks gives you a clear, step-by-step path to go from idea to launch with confidence. This practical course is designed to help you create, record, edit, publish, and promote your podcast in just six weeks. Whether you're starting from scratch or feeling overwhelmed by the technical side, you'll get the guidance, structure, and tools you need to launch a podcast that sounds professional and reaches the right audience. Ready to stop overthinking and start podcasting? Join Podcasting in Six Weeks today and turn your voice, ideas, and expertise into a show people want to hear. The best part? It's only $1 Classes Start June 3rd Podcasting in Six Weeks Live Appearances I will be at the Empower Podcasting Conference (Year 3!) in Charlotte North Carolina. This is my favorite type of conference with a cap at 250 people, it's a great crowd without being overwhelming. Great speakers, great networking, and a great location. Where Will I Be?

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You want to start a podcast, but you’re unsure where to start. You need advice on how to grow or monetize your show, and stop being so scared that it won’t work! I can help by showing you what mistakes NOT TO MAKE and much more. Subscribe to the show and soak in the 18+ years of podcasting experience from Podcaster Hall of Fame Inductee Dave Jackson.

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