In & Around Podcasting

Captivate

We love podcast industry podcasts - there are a lot of them and they're run by smart, passionate people who live and breathe podcasting and who are usually industry professionals. Sometimes though, they don't give the day-to-day enthusiast, creator or indie podcaster a platform to have their say, often taking "the view from the top" as delivered by the "podcasting professionals". In & Around Podcasting has been designed to respect and live alongside those shows and to be an accessible, inclusive podcast for every single podcaster; a show that allows everyone with an interest in the medium to have a fair, open and transparent view on the podcasting industry and how it affects them - this is your place to be heard. The podcasting industry belongs to us all, not just the elite and it doesn't matter how long you've been in the industry, your voice is valuable. Download the intro lyrics and more at https://www.inandaroundpodcasting.com. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

  1. MAY 5

    Is Video the End of Audio? Demystifying Apple's HLS, Podcast Accessibility, and Creative Freedom

    This episode opens with a major industry shift: Tim Cook’s announcement that he is stepping down as CEO of Apple in September 2026. The team discusses the transition plan, the elevation of John Ternus and Johny Srouji, and what this "hardware-first" leadership style might mean for the future of Apple devices and services. The conversation then pivots to the technical rollout of HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) video support on Apple Podcasts. Joined by OG co-hosts Mark Asquith and Danny Brown, the team breaks down how HLS differs from standard video files and open standards. They explain how adaptive bitrate streaming ensures listeners stay connected even on poor data connections and why audio-only creators shouldn’t feel pressured to pivot to video. Finally, the group tackles the nuance of accessibility and inclusion in podcasting. They compare listening to an audiobook to reading with your ears, emphasizing that the goal is always to deliver the message to the audience wherever they are. The team shares insights on the power of Apple's new video implementation and how it provides more expansive ways for audiences to engage with content. More Co-hosts!Mark Asquith: Founder of Captivate and original co-host of In & Around Podcasting.Danny Brown: Head of Support and Experience at Captivate and original co-host of In & Around Podcasting. Links to interesting things from this episodeEverything related to the Captivate Video Podcasting Support Rollout Publish Video Podcasts to Apple Podcasts: Captivate Video Support Overview Helpdesk Articles Apple HLS Video Podcasts: Help ArticleHow to Connect Apple's HLS Video Podcast Feature to Captivate: Connection GuideApple Podcasts HLS Frequently Asked Questions: HLS FAQHow to Publish Video Episodes via Captivate to Apple Podcasts Using HLS: Publishing GuidePricing for Apple HLS Video Podcasts: Pricing Details Blog Publish Video to Apple with Captivate: Blog PostApple Video Podcasting Best Practices: Best Practices Guide People & Shows Tim Cook: Apple Executive Chairman (formerly CEO - until Sept).John Ternus: Apple CEO (effective Sept 2026).Johny Srouji: Chief Hardware Officer at Apple.Marco Arment: Creator of Overcast and co-host of ATP.Accidental Tech Podcast (ATP): https://atp.fm/Robb Dunewood: Daily Tech News Network & The Tech JawnAnna DeShawn: Ambie Award winner and founder of The Qube App. https://theqube.app/ (If you are a Black or Brown podcaster submit your show!) Apps & Technology HLS (HTTP Live Streaming): Technical standard for video delivery.Apple Podcasts: Support for HLS video in iOS 26.4+.The Qube App: A database for Black and Brown podcasters. https://theqube.app/Captivate Growth Labs: Educational resources for podcasters. https://www.captivate.fm/growth-labs Articles & Episodes ATP 663: Defending the Honor of The Cheesecake Factory: The episode where the ATP team predicted Apple's leadership shift. https://atp.fm/663Why People Who Listen to Podcasts Are Suddenly Feeling Left Out (WSJ): An exploration of the audio-only listener experience in a video-centric market. https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/podcasts-video-armchair-expert-killer-stories-kristen-bell-0e07d0beThe Audio-to-Video Roadmap: Greg Willits: Luma session deep-dive on transitioning formats. https://luma.com/qiqd3odtThe Audio-to-Video Roadmap: Mignon Fogarty: Luma session focused on strategic video implementation. https://luma.com/y0bbjgbh In & Around Podcasting is a podcast industry podcast started by Mark Asquith and Danny Brown and now hosted by Elsie Escobar and Rob Walch, continuing its mission as an industry show that belongs to the whole community. If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave us a rating or review on your favourite podcast app! You can also drop us a tip at https://www.inandaroundpodcasting.com/support, too! If you're an independent creator who would like to co-host with us, please let us know by emailing the show! community@captivate.fm. Please tell your friends that the show is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, plus wherever else they may listen to their podcasts. If you'd like your podcast trailer featuring in our "Wave File" segment, submit it via this quick contact form, please. The podcast is also available at In & Around Podcasting. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

    42 min
  2. APR 14

    OpenAI TBPN Acquisition: Comms Strategy, Spotify AI Playlists & Summer House!

    OpenAI recently acquired TBPN (Technology Business Programming Network). Rob and Elsie discuss the relationship between Sam Altman and TBPN’s John Coogan, the network's high production value, and what it means for OpenAI’s public-facing brand as they head toward an expected IPO. Elsie takes a moment to celebrate Frank Racioppi’s recent Forbes piece, giving him his well-deserved flowers for his thoughtful advocacy and committed support of the independent community. While the article is titled "There's A War Of Independents In Podcasting," Elsie highlights how Frank successfully name-checks the creators and shows that mainstream media often ignores. She suggests that while the "war" framing reflects the struggle against celebrity-driven network dominance, the real story is the robustness of middle-tier creators who are building sustainable, profitable businesses on their own terms. Finally, the episode looks at Spotify’s rollout of AI-prompted playlists for podcasts and the ongoing friction of cumbersome guest intake forms. Come to hang out with us! ⭐️ Apple Podcasts Video Q&A, with Elsie Escobar - YouTube Links to interesting things from this episode:People & Shows John Coogan & Jordi Hays: Hosts of TBPN (Technology Business Programming Network).Frank Racioppi: Owner of Earworthy and Forbes contributor.Cynthia Bemis Abrams: Host of Advanced TV History.Ciara Miller: Reality TV superstar highlighted in the Flattering Ram.Bitch Is BetterBravo! We're BlackMorally Corrupt - YouTubeDumpster Dive Snark BaitSo Bad It's Good with Ryan Bailey Apps & Technology Scooter Labs RSS to CSV: scooterlabs.com/hacks/rss2csv.phpSpotify AI Prompted Playlists: creators.spotify.com/resources/news/prompted-playlistsCaptivate WordPress Plugin Sync: wordpress.org/plugins/captivatesync-trade/ Articles & Episodes OpenAI acquires TBPN | OpenAIThere’s A War Of Independents In PodcastingDAX Expands Into Podcasts Targeting The ‘Missing Middle’ As Ad Demand Grows. | News | podcastnewsdaily.comTop podcast advertisers | Magellan AI — Podcast advertising analyticsIn & Around Podcasting Episode 25: Featuring Frank Racioppi.Everything you need to know in the 'Summer House' scandal which exploded this week In & Around Podcasting is a podcast industry podcast started by Mark Asquith and Danny Brown and now hosted by Elsie Escobar and Rob Walch, continuing its mission as an industry show that belongs to the whole community. If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave us a rating or review on your favourite podcast app! You can also drop us a tip at https://www.inandaroundpodcasting.com/support, too! If you're an independent creator who would like to co-host with us, please let us know by emailing the show! community@captivate.fm. Please tell your friends that the show is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, plus wherever else they may listen to their podcasts. If you'd like your podcast trailer featuring in our "Wave File" segment, submit it via this quick contact form, please. The podcast is also available at In & Around Podcasting. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

    56 min
  3. APR 1

    The Podcasting Gods Were Not Done With Us

    Rob Walch and Elsie Escobar reunite to host together for the first time in 159 days! They look back at their own "episode 28" milestones from 2005 to 2014 and share stories from other creators who found their rhythm at the same point in their journey. The conversation covers the launch of HLS video support in Apple Podcasts. Rob explains how this adaptive streaming works, why it matters for listeners who switch between audio and video, and why you might not need it yet if you are an audio-first creator. You will also hear about Rob’s time at SXSW in Austin, including his experience with Tesla's robotaxis and the growing influence of the city on the podcast industry. Finally, Elsie tries to break down the engineering behind Marco Arment’s new transcription system for Overcast and why it is a win for listeners. Guest contributors & insight in this episode: Danny Brown (Five Random Questions), Carolyn Kiel (Beyond Six Seconds), Stacey Sims (Diabetes Connections), Kristen Sundin Brandt (Cycling Together), and Steve Stewart (SteveStewart.me). Links to interesting things from this episodePeople & ShowsDanny Brown – Five Random QuestionsCarolyn Kiel – Beyond Six SecondsStacey Sims – Diabetes ConnectionsKristen Sundin Brandt – Cycling TogetherSteve Stewart – SteveStewart.meVictor Cajiao – Typical Mac UserGrant Baciocco – The Radio Adventures of Dr. FloydJim Louderback – (Video/Media Expert mentioned at SXSW)Valentina Kaledina at Castbox – (Mentioned for her SXSW summary)Marco Arment – Creator of Overcast and host of ATP Apps & TechnologyOvercast – (Specifically for the new transcript feature)Unwatched – (The YouTube queue app Elsie recommended)Captivate Announced as Day One Launch Partner for Apple Podcasts’ New HLS Video Release – (The specific support/FAQs page)Apple introduces a new video podcast experience on Apple Podcasts – (Specifically regarding the iOS 26.4 update) Articles & EpisodesATP (Accidental Tech Podcast) Episode 683 – (The story of building the transcript system)Grit Daily News Article – (The piece about power players at SXSW where Rob was quoted)Valentina’s SXSW Summary – (The industry perspective from Castbox)Elsie's Yoga Class Episode 28 In & Around Podcasting is a podcast industry podcast started by Mark Asquith and Danny Brown and now hosted by Elsie Escobar and Rob Walch, continuing its mission as an industry show that belongs to the whole community. If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave us a rating or review on your favourite podcast app! You can also drop us a tip at https://www.inandaroundpodcasting.com/support, too! If you're an independent creator who would like to co-host with us, please let us know by emailing the show! community@captivate.fm. Please tell your friends that the show is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, plus wherever else they may listen to their podcasts. If you'd like your podcast trailer featuring in our "Wave File" segment, submit it via this quick contact form, please. The podcast is also available at In & Around Podcasting. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

    52 min
  4. 06/17/2025

    Understanding the Legalities of Podcasting with Gordon Firemark

    When it comes to podcasting, many indie creators (and some bigger ones, too) don't consider the legalities that might come up, especially since their podcast might start out as just a hobby. But that can lead to a lot of issues down the line, and ones that not only might see content taken down, but large lawsuits coming into effect too. So what can you do to negate this? Join Danny Brown and guest co-host Gordon Firemark as they discuss the legalities around podcasting and why you should take notice of them. Guest co-host this episode: Gordon Firemark Gordon Firemark, The Podcast Lawyer™ is an attorney, educator, and coach who helps creative professionals and entrepreneurs get the legal and business stuff handled—so they can focus on the message and make the impact, influence, and income they deserve. With over three decades of legal experience and a long history as a podcaster and YouTuber himself, Gordon has become the go-to resource for creator who want to protect and grow their shows without legal headaches. He’s the author of The Podcast, Blog & New Media Producers’ Legal Survival Guide, and creator of the Easy Legal for Podcasters™ program, which empowers independent creators with the tools, templates, and knowledge they need to run professional, legally sound podcasts, blogs, YouTube channels and more. Gordon's Website Gordon's Facebook group Gordon's Facebook page @gordonfiremark on Instagram Gordon on YouTube Links to interesting things from this episode Unlimited podcast hosting • Best podcast platform • Captivate.fmSounds ProfitablePodcast IndexPodnews podcasting news In & Around Podcasting is a podcast industry podcast started by Mark Asquith and Danny Brown and now hosted by Elsie Escobar and Rob Walch, continuing its mission as an industry show that belongs to the whole community. If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave us a rating or review on your favourite podcast app! You can also drop us a tip at https://www.inandaroundpodcasting.com/support, too! If you're an independent creator who would like to co-host with us, please let us know by emailing the show! community@captivate.fm. Please tell your friends that the show is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, plus wherever else they may listen to their podcasts. If you'd like your podcast trailer featuring in our "Wave File" segment, submit it via this quick contact form, please. The podcast is also available at In & Around Podcasting. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

    42 min
  5. 04/29/2025

    The State of Podcasting in 2025 with James Cridland

    With this year's Infinite Dial report from Edison Research now in the wild, and co-presented at Podcast Movement Evolutions in Chicago, it's the perfect time to have one of the presenters, James Cridland, on the show to dive into the findings. From online audio listening preferences to the opportunities for creators and brands, James walks us through some of the nuances of the report. James also dives into the Podnews Report Card 2025, where podcasters and creators get to share their feedback directly with the teams behind podcast apps and platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and more. Join regular co-host Danny Brown and James in this very enlightening episode! Guest co-host this episode: James Cridland James Cridland is Editor of Podnews, the daily podcast newsletter. He is a radio futurologist - a writer, consultant and public speaker on radio’s future. James has worked in audio since 1989 as an award-winning copywriter, radio presenter, and internet strategist. One of the organisers of Next Radio, the UK radio ideas conference, James has worked with the world’s largest radio conference, Radiodays Europe, since its inception. He’s also part of the programming team for Radiodays Asia and Podcast Day 24. James's Website @JamesCridland on X Links to interesting things from this episode The Infinite Dial 2025 - Edison ResearchPodcasting 2.0 with Dave Jones and Adam CurryPocket Casts - listen to podcasts with the best free podcasting app. Built by listeners, for listeners.iHeartMedia purchased podcast plays to game their download numbers and the IAB says it's ok!? John Spurlock talks OP3.dev and how it could help filter this bad practice.Adam Curry - curryirc.com (@adamcurry) / XJames Cridland | James Cridland - radio futurologistThe Podnews Report Card 2025 Results In & Around Podcasting is a podcast industry podcast started by Mark Asquith and Danny Brown and now hosted by Elsie Escobar and Rob Walch, continuing its mission as an industry show that belongs to the whole community. If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave us a rating or review on your favourite podcast app! You can also drop us a tip at https://www.inandaroundpodcasting.com/support, too! If you're an independent creator who would like to co-host with us, please let us know by emailing the show! community@captivate.fm. Please tell your friends that the show is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, plus wherever else they may listen to their podcasts. If you'd like your podcast trailer featuring in our "Wave File" segment, submit it via this quick contact form, please. The podcast is also available at In & Around Podcasting. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

    1h 2m
  6. 03/04/2025

    The Future of Podcast Networks

    As podcasting continues to see a mix of large investments and ad spend, it also continues to see layoffs across the industry. Many point to some of these large investments as being a cause, with money being spent on large networks and celebrity podcasts. Is this a sign that the industry needs to take a different approach, with perhaps more indie creator-led networks, or is it an unfortunate realism of an industry growing beyond its small beginnings? Join regular co-host Danny Brown and guest co-host Frank Racioppi as they discuss this interesting topic. Guest co-host this episode: Frank Racioppi After 38 years as a speechwriter and editor for a Fortune 50 company, Frank retired and indulged his love of podcasting, starting and managing a successful podcast review online publication -- Ear Worthy. He started it in 2017 and has enjoyed connecting with indie podcasters and anyone who supports podcasting. Frank and his brother Paul had a podcast four years ago called False Facts, but it was difficult to keep a regular recording schedule. He's loved writing his entire life and wrote for print magazines in the 80s from New Jersey Monthly, The Pet Dealer, American Health, The Sewing Circle, etc. He's also published five novels and four non-fiction books in the last four years. The novels range from a romance about two people bonding over the love of reading called For The Love Of Books to Least Best Employee, a novel about surviving as middle management in Corporate America. His most popular nonfiction book was called The COVID Hotel. Frank's Website @podcastreports on X @earworthy141 on Instagram Links to interesting things from this episode Broadway Podcast Network - The Art of Kindness with Robert PeterpaulEvery Single Sci-Fi Film Ever | Science Fiction Movie PodcastGastropod - Food with a Side of Science & HistoryFilmspotting Movie PodcastTop US Podcast Publishers & Networks - PodtracMercury hits 2 million delivered adsBobbi Althoff joins Studio71's podcast network with The Really Good PodcastHow celebrity podcasts are influencing a new era of tabloid mediaCelebrity Podcasts Roundtable: Challenges and Opportunities | Podcast MovementThese Brands SHOULD Sponsor These Independent PodcastsThe Marketing Swarm Around Indie PodcastersIndependent Podcasting Needs More Networks Like Mercury In & Around Podcasting is a podcast industry podcast started by Mark Asquith and Danny Brown and now hosted by Elsie Escobar and Rob Walch, continuing its mission as an industry show that belongs to the whole community. If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave us a rating or review on your favourite podcast app! You can also drop us a tip at https://www.inandaroundpodcasting.com/support, too! If you're an independent creator who would like to co-host with us, please let us know by emailing the show! community@captivate.fm. Please tell your friends that the show is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, plus wherever else they may listen to their podcasts. If you'd like your podcast trailer featuring in our "Wave File" segment, submit it via this quick contact form, please. The podcast is also available at In & Around Podcasting. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

    50 min
  7. Has Podcasting 2.0 Failed?

    02/18/2025

    Has Podcasting 2.0 Failed?

    The Podcasting 2.0 initiative has been around since 2020, and is a way for the traditional RSS feed to be more interactive both for podcasters and listeners. This means offering features like transcripts, chapters, credits for talent on podcasters, funding your favourite shows, and more. It's also meant to keep the RSS system open and "protect" it from the walled garden approach of Spotify, YouTube, and - to a lesser degree - Apple Podcasts. Bit despite being the brainchild of the podcast OG Adam Curry, and lots of vocal support from certain parts of the industry, it seems that Podcasting 2.0 is still struggling to gain a real foothold. So why hasn't Podcasting 2.0 taken off, and has the boat sailed for this initiative? Join regular hosts Mark and Danny, with guest co-host Claire Waite Brown, as they dive into this much-vaunted but sometimes equally-maligned topic. This week's guest co-host: Claire Waite Brown Indie podcaster - Creativity Found, 2020 to present; Podcasting 2.0 in Practice Jan 2025 to present Creativity Found podcast inspired me to build a directory of creative activities for adults, all taught by independent small business owners who are members of the Creativity Found Collective. Became interested in 2.0 through listening to podcasts about podcasting and meeting proponents at podcast live events. Friends with many indie podcasters who feel they 'should' know what 2.0 is, but not sure where to start, or if they should bother! Teach a dance fitness class, edit books, member of a parents' street dance crew!! Claire's Facebook group Claire's Facebook page @podcasting2.0inpractice on Instagram Claire on YouTube Claire's Website Links to interesting things from this episode MIC's (virtual/in-person) Podcast Club for global podcastersIs Podcasting 2.0 Pointless? - In & Around PodcastingThe Podfather launches a new, open podcast directoryBest Host for Podcasting 2.0 - Find Out How! | CaptivatePodcast Index Podcasting 2.0 Statistics, visualizedPodcasting 2.0 V4V Stats UptakePodcasting 2.0 Namespace AdoptionApps | Podcastindex.orgPodcasting 2.0 - Making podcasts better for everyone! In & Around Podcasting is a podcast industry podcast started by Mark Asquith and Danny Brown and now hosted by Elsie Escobar and Rob Walch, continuing its mission as an industry show that belongs to the whole community. If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave us a rating or review on your favourite podcast app! You can also drop us a tip at https://www.inandaroundpodcasting.com/support, too! If you're an independent creator who would like to co-host with us, please let us know by emailing the show! community@captivate.fm. Please tell your friends that the show is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, plus wherever else they may listen to their podcasts. If you'd like your podcast trailer featuring in our "Wave File" segment, submit it via this quick contact form, please. The podcast is also available at In & Around Podcasting. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

    50 min

Trailer

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

We love podcast industry podcasts - there are a lot of them and they're run by smart, passionate people who live and breathe podcasting and who are usually industry professionals. Sometimes though, they don't give the day-to-day enthusiast, creator or indie podcaster a platform to have their say, often taking "the view from the top" as delivered by the "podcasting professionals". In & Around Podcasting has been designed to respect and live alongside those shows and to be an accessible, inclusive podcast for every single podcaster; a show that allows everyone with an interest in the medium to have a fair, open and transparent view on the podcasting industry and how it affects them - this is your place to be heard. The podcasting industry belongs to us all, not just the elite and it doesn't matter how long you've been in the industry, your voice is valuable. Download the intro lyrics and more at https://www.inandaroundpodcasting.com. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

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