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

Dave Jackson
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  • Updated Weekly

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. How Long Should Your Podcast Be? (and where to find the answer)

    2d ago

    How Long Should Your Podcast Be? (and where to find the answer)

    Nobody shares a video they didn't watch. Nobody shares a podcast they didn't listen to, so how do we get people to listen? This week we follow up form last week's episode about measuring success without downloads and today I talk about completion percentage in Apple, Spotify, as well as Google Analytics. Josh Liston explains how he and his co-host from the SAKÉ THIS show. How Long Should My Podcast Be?The stand ard answer is "as long as it needs to be an not a minute longer." However, another way of looking at this is to ask, "How long can you hold someone's attention?" You Can See How Far People Listen to Your ShowThe Apple Dashboard: https://podcastsconnect.apple.com The Spotify Dashboard: https://creators.spotify.com Takeaways:How Dave thinks about episode length (and why “as long as it needs to be” actually works in practice)How to use Apple Podcasts Connect and Spotify for Podcasters to measure completion percentage and attention, not just downloadsWhy video and YouTube completion rates look so much worse than audio—and how not to let that crush your egoHow to use Google Analytics or Fathom to see which episodes and pages really resonateA behind-the-scenes look at the audio tools Dave uses (Accentize DX Revive, Dialog Enhance, and the free DX Level plugin) to make listener submissions sound more consistentAn update on the “free version” experiment of the School of Podcasting and why future focus is shifting to live cohort-style classes Dave also shares a listener contribution from Josh Liston of the SAKÉ THIS podcast, with two non-download ways he measures success for his Japan-focused comedy show. Mentioned in this episode: 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 Help When You Don't Know Where To Start I get it. I talk to people looking to launch or grow their podcast. "“There’s too much gear/software — I don’t know what I need.” Microphones, mixers, hosting platforms, editing software — it’s easy to get lost. Analysis paralysis kicks in fast. I help podcasters. I've been doing it 20 years. Let me help. Dave Jackson schoolofpodcasting.com/join School of Podcasting Check Out Dave's Newsletter With Behind the Scenes Content In each issue of Podcasting Observations, I share my thoughts on what is happening in the podcasting space, my latest content, and things that have caught my eye. I also may ask for your opinion. Join the free community Podcasting Observations Question of the Month So you find out someone is a podcaster, what book would you recommend that they read. Obviously this could be a book about podcasting, or business, or storytelling, or, or... you get the idea. You find out someone is a podcaster, what is the book you recommend (audio or video). I need your answer by July 24th. Don't forget to say a little bit about your show and your website address (so I can add it to the show notes). Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/question Question of the Month

    31 min
  2. How do you measure the success of your podcast that is NOT downloads

    Jun 29

    How do you measure the success of your podcast that is NOT downloads

    How do you measure the success of your podcast that is NOT downloads?You’ll hear from a wide range of podcasters in different niches—storytelling, history, prepping, finance, faith, recovery, TV rewatch shows, local podcasts, health, creativity, and more—sharing how they really gauge success. Their answers include: Direct listener feedback & real‑life impact (behavior change, decisions, staying sober, safer driving, adopting, spending time with Jesus, handling conversations differently)Engagement & community (emails, voicemails, social comments, active groups, email lists, live events, guest offers, collaborations)Actions taken (lead magnet signups, newsletter growth, memberships, classes, affiliate links, donations and financial support)Enjoyment, fun, and personal growth (being excited about the next episode, getting better on the mic, becoming more confident and creative)Alignment with purpose & service (sticking to your “why,” serving a niche community, “who many” vs. “how many,” “one life at a time”)Legacy & memory (building an audio/video archive for family, preserving loved ones’ stories, creating a personal record you can revisit) Along the way, Dave adds commentary on why downloads alone are a poor North Star, how to re‑center on who you serve and why you podcast, and how podcasting can be a tool for service, community, and legacy—not just stats. Participants In This EpisodeScott from What Was That Like? Kate from Drafting in the Past Mark from Practical Prepping Nancy from Family Food Stories Buck Ralph From Content Creator's Accountant Steve from Podcast Editor's Mastermind Trip From Home Brewed Christianity Podcast Spencer from The Recovery Show Travis from Bestie Approved Ashriel from Called and Curious Podcast Dave Interviewed Jesus Zo from Back Look Cinema Jen from Women in Podcasting Marc from Solo Talk and Podcast Branding Chris from Cool Cars with Chris Howard from AA Recovery Interviews Ray from Around the Layout York from Welcome to Earth Stories Rob from Softball Central Dan from Based on a True Story Tim from Create Art and My Solo MS Journey Kim from the Pharmacist's Voice and the Perrysburg Podcast Dave from Fix My Podcast Mentioned in this episode: You Have A Message That Needs to Be Heard You have a message that needs to be shared. Discover the art of podcasting at the School of Podcasting. We teach you to shine a light on your stories, inspiring others one episode at a time. Let your voice be your legacy. Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/join School of Podcasting 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 So you find out someone is a podcaster, what book would you recommend that they read. Obviously this could be a book about podcasting, or business, or storytelling, or, or... you get the idea. You find out someone is a podcaster, what is the book you recommend (audio or video). I need your answer by July 24th. Don't forget to say a little bit about your show and your website address (so I can add it to the show notes). Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/question Question of the Month Live Appearances I love to meet people when I'm on the road. I'm going to be at Empowered Podcasting Conference in Charlotte NC Podcast Movement in NYC Podindy in Indianapolis In. For more information and links, go to schoolofpodcasting.com/where To have me speak at your event, reach out at schoolofpodcasting.com/contacnt Where Will I Be?

    1h 15m
  3. Are You Getting the Most Out of RSS?

    Jun 22

    Are You Getting the Most Out of RSS?

    Are you getting the most out of your RSS feed?To figure out if you are, you first have to understand how a podcast workflow works, which means you need to understand: what an RSS feed ishow you make onewhere you get the best feedand how you make sure you're getting the most out of it Don't Make These MistakesIn this episode, I'm going to explain some of the mistakes I see people making with RSS feeds, especially when it comes to getting the most out of transcripts. In some cases, people aren't putting their transcripts into their media host, which means their transcripts aren't going into their feed. That is not something the best way to maximize your show. Where Do I Get an RSS Feed?Your RSS feed comes from your media host. For me, the best RSS feeds come from dedicated media hosts. Places like Captivate, Buzzsprout, rss.com, and Blubrry. All of these do one thing: they host your files, they provide an RSS feed, and they provide statistics. Make Sure Your Transcripts are In Your RSS FeedWhile having transcripts on your website is good, you are missing another opportunity by having them in your feed (which can be used in Podcast apps). When it comes to Podpage, having the transcript in your feed put it into a place where Podpage can grab it and put it on your site. Don't Hire Your Dentist to Work On Your CarOther places like Riverside are trying to be a jack-of-all-trades and a master of none. I don't want someone who's not a master of the RSS feed. The RSS feed is like the blood in your veins; it is your veins, and you don't want your veins to be Scotch-taped together. You want an RSS feed that is fully compatible with all the features available for podcasters. Directing People To Your SiteWhen I recently tested Riverisde, you could not direct people at the episode level to your site. This is a missed opportunity. This means that, when somebody is consuming your content in an app, usually there is a link to go to the website, which takes them to, (if you're doing it correctly) your website. On the episode page, I'm offering the ability to follow the show easily on Spotify, Apple, Pocket Cast, etc. If you don't have that link, you're missing an opportunity to send the audience where you want them to go. I need to email Riverside because this just reeks of a company who doesn't really understand podcasting getting into podcasting. Consequently, I know it's nice to have everything under one login, but how hard is it to login to more than one account (especially if you have 1password). No RSS No PodcastPeople keep asking what a podcast is. I'm not sure why. It's audio, video delivered via RSS. This means YouTube is not a podcast. It's a show. Radio is not TV. Both are content. When we blur the definition it messes up all of our reports. People have asked, "Well, the audience thinks YouTube is a podcast are we supposed to tell them they are wrong?" The answer is yes. Then we could have separate reports on YouTube vs Podcasts. If someone hears me listening to the band Sum 41, and says, "I love blink 182," I would say, "That's not Sum 41, it's blink 182. You're helping them not look stupid in the future. You would do the same thing if they called a banana an apple. Other Hosts I Don't RecommendSpotify: From their lying to their original partners, to making features that only work inside of Spotify (ignoring the open podcast system), and often eliminating features shrtly after they launch (never worldwide). I could go on for hours. Yes, it's free but so is RSS, Buzzsprout, and Red Circle. Soundcloud: Soundcloud, to the best of my knowledge hasn't implement features that were introduced in 2017. You can buy soundcloud plays (Google it) so consquentially you will never have sponsors while you use Soundcloud. Mailbag: AMP 30 Second RuleThanks to Mark for pushing back on my math. In the end (as of this date) AMP can't decide what their definition is (As they've already changed it). Also one of their "hidden" companies was YouTube. I'm sorry, if you're not doing anything wrong, why are you doing it in secret? Defined in their original press release as “30 seconds of content played, audio or video, once per user per session”, the corrected text drops any definition of a session length, becoming just “30 seconds of content played, audio or video”. - source Podnews. Mailbag: How Are Your Updating Your Question of the Month?Rob from Softball Central asked how I was having the current question of the month appear in episodes that are years old. For the last two years I've hosted on Captivate. I love their business model (Multiple shows for the same price - and their super flexible dynamic content system). Dynamic content doesn't always have to be ads. Here are examples Question of the monthWhere will I be (live appearances)A pre-roll that mentioned that I had given out a wrong episode number. They also allow me to tag the current promotional mp3 so later I can easily take all the "questions of the month" and update them with the new, current months question. Click Here to watch me show this off. Mentioned in This EpisodeThe 4 Cs of a Standout Podcast: Clarity, Contrast, Consistency, Character Sponsor Magnet Book by Justin Moore Captivate Media Hosting Buzzsprout Media Hosting RSS.com Media Hosting Practical Prepping Show Softball Central School of Podcasting Podpage - Build the Website your show Deserves 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 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 Don't...

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

    Jun 15

    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
  5. 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
  6. 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 love to meet people when I'm on the road. I'm going to be at Empowered Podcasting Conference in Charlotte NC Podcast Movement in NYC Podindy in Indianapolis In. For more information and links, go to schoolofpodcasting.com/where To have me speak at your event, reach out at schoolofpodcasting.com/contacnt 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
  7. 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 love to meet people when I'm on the road. I'm going to be at Empowered Podcasting Conference in Charlotte NC Podcast Movement in NYC Podindy in Indianapolis In. For more information and links, go to schoolofpodcasting.com/where To have me speak at your event, reach out at schoolofpodcasting.com/contacnt 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
  8. 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 love to meet people when I'm on the road. I'm going to be at Empowered Podcasting Conference in Charlotte NC Podcast Movement in NYC Podindy in Indianapolis In. For more information and links, go to schoolofpodcasting.com/where To have me speak at your event, reach out at schoolofpodcasting.com/contacnt 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
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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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