Ask the Podcast Coach

Dave Jackson, Jim Collison
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Dave Jackson has been helping people launch podcasts since 2005 and every Saturday he is joined by Jim Collison to is runs the Average Guy Network. Together they have 20 years of podcasting experience and coaching.

  1. Is It a Podcast Without an RSS Feed? The Great Debate

    5D AGO

    Is It a Podcast Without an RSS Feed? The Great Debate

    Send us feedback/questions via Text Welcome to another episode of Ask the Podcast Coach! I’m Dave Jackson from School of Podcasting, joined by podcasting legend Rob Greenlee from the New Media Show. In today’s episode, we dive into a ton of topics ranging from the definition of a podcast to AI-generated content, and industry trends.  Sponsors: PodcastBranding.co - They see you before they hear you Basedonastruestorypodcast.com - Comparing Hollywood with History? Video Version (unedited) Mentioned In This Episode School of Podcasting https://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/join Podpage http://www.trypodpage.com New Media Show https://www.newmediashow.com Podcaster Hall of Fame https://www.podcasthof.com Pod SEO https://www.podseo.com (use coupon schoolofpodcasting ) Answer Socrates https://answersocrates.com?via=sop Answer the Public https://www.answerthepublic.com Featured Supporter: Shane from Spybrary We interview spy authors, espionage historians and fans of spy books, spy movies and spy TV series! Check it out at https://spybrary.com/ Podcast Hot Seat Black Friday Deal Not happy with your downloads? Get some honest, constructive, feedback to get your show going in the right direction AND get a free month at the School of Podcasting (now through the end of the year). Take advantage of this black friday deal and get your podcast going in the right direction. Go to podcasthotseat.com Leave Your Question Go to askthepodcastcoach.com/voicemail and leave your message to be answered on the next show. Support the show BE AWESOME! Thanks for listening to the show. Help the show continue to exist and get a shout-out on the show by becoming an awesome supporter by going to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome

    1h 29m
  2. New Tip Legislation May save you Big in taxes

    DEC 15

    New Tip Legislation May save you Big in taxes

    Send us feedback/questions via Text On this episode, I was joined as always by Jim Collison, and we had the pleasure of welcoming Ralph Estep from AskRalph.com—the Content Creators' Accountant—to dive into recent changes in how the IRS handles tips for content creators. Ralph walked us through the new law allowing up to $25,000 in tip income (like Super Chats, Buy Me a Coffee, etc.) to be excluded from income taxes in 2025, provided you track it properly. We talked about the importance of keeping tip income separate from memberships or other payments where the customer receives something tangible or access in exchange. We also took questions and comments from our live chat about accounting software, prepping for taxes, and even how certain types of Patreon support could possibly qualify as tax-free tip income under this new law (with a big emphasis on always consulting your own accountant!). Whether you’re using Super Chats, Patreon, or other support methods, this tax year might look a little different. Sponsors: PodcastBranding.co - They see you before they hear you Basedonastruestorypodcast.com - Comparing Hollywood with History? Video Version (unedited) Mentioned In This Episode School of Podcasting https://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/join Podpage http://www.trypodpage.com Home Gadget Geeks https://www.homegadgetgeeks.com Content Creator's Accountant https://www.contentcreatorsaccountant.com/ Podcaster Hall of Fame https://www.podcasthof.com Featured Supporter: Shane from Spybrary We interview spy authors, espionage historians and fans of spy books, spy movies and spy TV series! Check it out at https://spybrary.com/ Podcast Hot Seat Black Friday Deal Not happy with your downloads? Get some honest, constructive, feedback to get your show going in the right direction AND get a free month at the School of Podcasting (now through the end of the year). Take advantage of this black friday deal and get your podcast going in the right direction. Go to podcasthotseat.com Leave Your Question Go to askthepodcastcoach.com/voicemail and leave your message to be answered on the next show. Featured Supporter: SpybraryIf you love all things spies, this podcast is for you. Say hello to Shane Whaley for us.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show BE AWESOME! Thanks for listening to the show. Help the show continue to exist and get a shout-out on the show by becoming an awesome supporter by going to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome

    1h 32m
  3. The Truth About Podcast Guesting in 2025 (And AI Pitch Slaps)

    DEC 6

    The Truth About Podcast Guesting in 2025 (And AI Pitch Slaps)

    Send us feedback/questions via Text Welcome to this holiday edition of Ask the Podcast Coach! I’m Dave Jackson, flying solo with special guest Chris Stone from Castahead.net. In this lively episode, we kick things off debating the most overplayed Christmas songs (sorry, Mariah Carey!), slide into podcast mic setups—covering everything from phantom power to Cloudlifters and USB/XLR combos—and share our biggest podcast merch mistakes.  Sponsors: PodcastBranding.co - They see you before they hear you Basedonastruestorypodcast.com - Comparing Hollywood with History? Video Version (unedited) Mentioned In This Episode School of Podcasting https://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/join Podpage http://www.trypodpage.com Chris' Podcast Production Castahaed.net Dealcasters https://www.podpage.com/dealcasters Home Gadget Geeks https://www.homegadgegeeks.com Podmatch Guesting Tool https://supportthisshow.com/podmatch Fourth Wall Merch https://supportthisshow.com/fourthwall Podcast Hot Seat (Podcast Audits) https://www.podcasthotseat.com Featured Supporter: Shane from Spybrary We interview spy authors, espionage historians and fans of spy books, spy movies and spy TV series! Check it out at https://spybrary.com/ Podcast Hot Seat Black Friday Deal Not happy with your downloads? Get some honest, constructive, feedback to get your show going in the right direction AND get a free month at the School of Podcasting (now through the end of the year). Take advantage of this black friday deal and get your podcast going in the right direction. Go to podcasthotseat.com Leave Your Question Go to askthepodcastcoach.com/voicemail and leave your message to be answered on the next show. Support the show BE AWESOME! Thanks for listening to the show. Help the show continue to exist and get a shout-out on the show by becoming an awesome supporter by going to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome

    1h 27m
  4. Rechargeable vs. Alkaline: Best Batteries for Podcasting Gear

    DEC 1

    Rechargeable vs. Alkaline: Best Batteries for Podcasting Gear

    Send us feedback/questions via Text Welcome to this week’s episode of Ask the Podcast Coach! I’m Dave Jackson, and I’m excited to be joined by my good friend Jim Collison as we kick back after Thanksgiving and dig into everything from surviving power outages as a podcaster to getting serious about connecting with your audience. We’ll swap stories from behind the mic, share practical tips for managing your listeners, debate the best batteries for your gear, and tackle questions about websites, live show feedback, and the ever-changing world of podcast tech. Let’s get into it! Sponsors: PodcastBranding.co - They see you before they hear you Basedonastruestorypodcast.com - Comparing Hollywood with History? Video Version (unedited) Mentioned In This Episode School of Podcasting https://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/join Podpage http://www.trypodpage.com Home Gadget Geeks https://www.homegadgegeeks.com Kit Email List Tool https://partners.kit.com/wcqdcqy9cu40 Substack Email Platform https://substack.com/refer/davejackson Aweber Email List Tool https://podcastcoach.aweber.com/ Beehiv Email List Tool https://www.beehiiv.com/?via=Dave-Jackson Pabbly Automation Tool https://supportthisshow.com/pabbly Zapier https://zapier.com/ ElfSight (Faq and other Scripts) https://supportthisshow.com/elfsight RSS.com Media Hosting https://supportthisshow.com/rssdotcom Captivate Media Hosting https://supportthisshow.com/captivate Buzzsprout Media Hosting https://supportthisshow.com/buzzsprout Whisper Link WordPress Plugin https://supportthisshow.com/linkwhisperer EBL Batteris on Amazon (affiliate) Featured Supporter: Shane from Spybrary We interview spy authors, espionage historians and fans of spy books, spy movies and spy TV series! Check it out at https://spybrary.com/ Podcast Hot Seat Black Friday Deal Not happy with your downloads? Get some honest, constructive, feedback to get your show going in the right direction AND get a free month at the School of Podcasting (now through the end of the year). Take advantage of this black friday deal and get your podcast going in the right direction. Go to podcasthotseat.com Leave Your Question Go to askthepodcastcoach.com/voicemail and leave your message to be answered on the next show. Support the show BE AWESOME! Thanks for listening to the show. Help the show continue to exist and get a shout-out on the show by becoming an awesome supporter by going to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome

    1h 29m
  5. Has Podcasting Become Just Like Radio? Surviving the Age of Ads and Consolidation

    NOV 22

    Has Podcasting Become Just Like Radio? Surviving the Age of Ads and Consolidation

    Send us feedback/questions via Text In this episode of Ask the Podcast Coach, Dave Jackson and Jim Collison dive into the evolving world of podcasting where authenticity wrestles against the growing pressures of monetization and consolidation. Are podcasts losing their unique spirit and turning into just another version of radio? Dave and Jim reflect on the rise of dynamic ads, syndication, and free hosting, dissect the pitfalls of “following the money,” and urge podcasters to stay true to their voices. They also share hard-earned insights on: The realities of switching hosting platforms and how to avoid common trapsBuilding and engaging a supportive communityMotivation and consistency tips during slow growth phasesSmart file management and backup strategiesHow to handle listener feedback, sponsorships, and measuring podcast success beyond downloadsSponsors: PodcastBranding.co - They see you before they hear you Basedonastruestorypodcast.com - Comparing Hollywood with History? Video Version (unedited) Mentioned In This Episode School of Podcasting https://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/join Podpage http://www.trypodpage.com Home Gadget Geeks https://www.homegadgegeeks.com Other Websites Mentioned Ralph Estep's New Show https://www.contentcreatorscontent.com Jodi Krangle https://voiceoversandvocals.com/ Riverside - Remote Recorder, Editor, and Hosting(?) 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! Featured Supporter: Shane from Spybrary We interview spy authors, espionage historians and fans of spy books, spy movies and spy TV series! Check it out at https://spybrary.com/ Podcast Hot Seat Black Friday Deal Not happy with your downloads? Get some honest, constructive, feedback to get your show going in the right direction AND get a free month at the School of Podcasting (now through the end of the year). Take advantage of this black friday deal and get your podcast going in the right direction. Go to podcasthotseat.com Leave Your Question Go to askthepodcastcoach.com/voicemail and leave your message to be answered on the next show. Support the show BE AWESOME! Thanks for listening to the show. Help the show continue to exist and get a shout-out on the show by becoming an awesome supporter by going to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome

    1h 29m
  6. Getting More From Your Podcast Guests: Sharing, Branding, and Engagement

    NOV 15

    Getting More From Your Podcast Guests: Sharing, Branding, and Engagement

    Send us feedback/questions via Text First up, I share some behind-the-scenes updates, including my recent move from a lifetime video hosting deal that went south to Voomly, and how AI tools like ChatGPT are helping me generate show notes and summaries more efficiently. We also discuss the mysterious rise of EM dashes in AI-generated writing—did anyone use them before AI took over our grammar? We talk about what’s happening at Libsyn, including some big changes in leadership and strategy, and my insider thoughts about their direction and features (or lack thereof). If you’re as confused about Descript’s new billing system as I am, you’re not alone! We chat about the challenges podcasters are facing as media hosts race to add features and AI tools—sometimes at the expense of clarity or affordability. Our special guest, Ray Arnott from Around the Layout, comes on to ask how to best encourage guests to promote their episodes. Jim and I brainstorm practical ways to make it easier for your guests—everything from pre-written social posts to follow-up routines and even link tracking so you know who your real MVPs are. Sponsors: PodcastBranding.co - They see you before they hear you Basedonastruestorypodcast.com - Comparing Hollywood with History? Video Version Mentioned In This Episode School of Podcasting https://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/join Podpage http://www.trypodpage.com Home Gadget Geeks https://www.homegadgegeeks.com Other Websites Mentioned Voomly - Video Hosting Descript Buzzsprout Captivate Libsyn Riverside AI Goes to College Featured Supporter: Shane from Spybrary We interview spy authors, espionage historians and fans of spy books, spy movies and spy TV series! Check it out at https://spybrary.com/ Podcast Hot Seat Black Friday Deal Not happy with your downloads? Get some honest, constructive, feedback to get your show going in the right direction AND get a free month at the School of Podcasting (now through the end of the year). Take advantage of this black friday deal and get your podcast going in the right direction. Go to podcasthotseat.com Leave Your Question Go to askthepodcastcoach.com/voicemail and leave your message to be answered on the next show. Support the show BE AWESOME! Thanks for listening to the show. Help the show continue to exist and get a shout-out on the show by becoming an awesome supporter by going to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome

    1h 29m
  7. No Engagement? Maybe You Should Check Your Website

    NOV 1

    No Engagement? Maybe You Should Check Your Website

    Send us feedback/questions via Text Ever wonder if daily podcasting helps or hurts? We break down how to use November-style challenges to build reps without burning yourself out, and why the best consistency is consistently delivering value. From there, we get real about “reality” podcasts: celebrity banter can skate by on fame, but most shows need a promise listeners can feel—make them laugh, teach them something, or save them time. If your friends love hanging out, great. If strangers stick around, you’ve got a show. We also dive deep into AI as a workflow multiplier. Show notes, chapters, and summaries can be generated in seconds, but they’re drafts you must refine. We share practical prompts, why FAQs boost discoverability, and the non-negotiable habit of checking links AI invents. Then we zoom out into platform hygiene: remove dead Google Podcasts links, test your contact form, and make your subscribe page obvious. Quiet fixes compound growth. Sponsors: PodcastBranding.co - They see you before they hear you Basedonastruestorypodcast.com - Comparing Hollywood with History? Video Version Mentioned In This Episode School of Podcasting https://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/join Podpage http://www.trypodpage.com Home Gadget Geeks https://www.homegadgegeeks.com Other Websites Mentioned Pod Indy (Podcasting Event) URL: podindy.comCDN – Bunny.net (for self-hosting media files) URL: bunny.netPodcast stats – OP3 URL: op3.devPOD Chapters (Daniel’s chaptering tool) URL: podchapters.comBible Bites (Randy Black’s podcast) URL: bible-bytes.comShooting It Straight (Randy Black’s podcast) URL: shootingitstraight.netContent Creators Accountant (Ralph’s show) URL: contentcreatorsaccountant.comPodcast Hot Seat (Dave’s feedback/review sFeatured Supporter: Shane from Spybrary We interview spy authors, espionage historians and fans of spy books, spy movies and spy TV series! Check it out at https://spybrary.com/ Podcast Hot Seat Black Friday Deal Not happy with your downloads? Get some honest, constructive, feedback to get your show going in the right direction AND get a free month at the School of Podcasting (now through the end of the year). Take advantage of this black friday deal and get your podcast going in the right direction. Go to podcasthotseat.com Leave Your Question Go to askthepodcastcoach.com/voicemail and leave your message to be answered on the next show. Support the show BE AWESOME! Thanks for listening to the show. Help the show continue to exist and get a shout-out on the show by becoming an awesome supporter by going to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome

    1h 31m
  8. Three Years Till We're All Replaced?

    OCT 25

    Three Years Till We're All Replaced?

    Send us feedback/questions via Text What happens when your listener’s device can generate a personalized podcast on command—your voice, their preferences, zero friction? We dig into a bold forecast from Joe Pulizzi and use it as a springboard to map what creators must do now to stay essential. The headline: you have time, but not to waste. The next three years will reward human connection, not just output. We break down why live shows build a moat AI can’t cross: people show up to participate, not just consume. That interaction turns casual listeners into community, and community into staying power. We also get real about costs. AI features rarely come free; they come with higher monthly bills and massive energy needs. From new data centers to rising rates, we unpack how an “AI bubble” could reshape tools and pricing—and why consolidation doesn’t mean the end, just a different landscape. Sponsors: PodcastBranding.co - They see you before they hear you Basedonastruestorypodcast.com - Comparing Hollywood with History? Video Version Mentioned In This Episode School of Podcasting https://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/join Podpage http://www.trypodpage.com Home Gadget Geeks https://www.homegadgegeeks.com Conent Inc Episode https://www.contentinc.io/hey-content-creators-our-three-year-window-is-here-518/ Podcast Clothes www.podcastclothes.com AI Goes to College www.aigoestocollege.com Live Well and Flourish www.livewellandflourish.com Become and Awesome Supporter (Starting a $5/month) https://podcastcoach.supercast.com/ Podcast Hot Seat Grow your podcast audience with Podcast Hot Seat. We help you do more of what is working, and fine tune those things that need polished. I Featured Supporter: Shane from Spybrary We interview spy authors, espionage historians and fans of spy books, spy movies and spy TV series! Check it out at https://spybrary.com/ Podcast Hot Seat Black Friday Deal Not happy with your downloads? Get some honest, constructive, feedback to get your show going in the right direction AND get a free month at the School of Podcasting (now through the end of the year). Take advantage of this black friday deal and get your podcast going in the right direction. Go to podcasthotseat.com Leave Your Question Go to askthepodcastcoach.com/voicemail and leave your message to be answered on the next show. Support the show BE AWESOME! Thanks for listening to the show. Help the show continue to exist and get a shout-out on the show by becoming an awesome supporter by going to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome

    1h 32m
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4.3
out of 5
56 Ratings

About

Dave Jackson has been helping people launch podcasts since 2005 and every Saturday he is joined by Jim Collison to is runs the Average Guy Network. Together they have 20 years of podcasting experience and coaching.

Information

  • Creator
    Dave Jackson, Jim Collison
  • Years Active
    2013 - 2025
  • Episodes
    542
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 2025 School of Podcasting
  • Show Website
    Ask the Podcast Coach

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