Podcast Insider

Todd Cochrane, Mike Dell & MacKenzie Bennett

3.5 (18)
TECHNOLOGY
UPDATED BIWEEKLY

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

3D AGO

Why 2025 is the Perfect Time to Start a Podcast (Even If It Seems Oversaturated)

2025 is a great time to start a podcast Thinking of starting a podcast in 2025? Worried the podcasting world is already too crowded? In this episode, we dive into the top reasons why launching a show now can be more advantageous than ever—even when it seems like “everyone” already has a podcast. From tapping into hyper-niche audiences to taking advantage of cutting-edge tech, you’ll learn why there’s plenty of space for fresh voices and unique ideas. Join us as we break down the key factors that make this an ideal moment to get behind the mic. Today's Hosts: Todd Cochrane, MacKenzie Bennett and Mike Dell The Myth of Oversaturation How the boom in podcasting can actually work in your favor Why today’s listeners crave more specialized and personal content Hyper-Niche Advantages Finding and serving a very specific audience How drilling down on a topic can create a more loyal listener base Monetizing and collaborating within niche markets Continued Technological Improvements Lowering production costs and simpler editing tools High-quality mobile recording options Better distribution and analytics platforms making it easier to track success Growing Global Listenership Why podcasts are still expanding into international markets Potential for multi-language or cross-cultural shows Opportunities to reach new demographics that weren’t listening before Evolving Monetization Models Sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and subscription-based models Using membership sites or premium content to create sustainable income Why brands are doubling down on podcasts as a marketing channel Standing Out with Authenticity The power of genuine storytelling and human connection Differentiating factors: personality, format, and unique angles Cultivating an engaged community vs. chasing large numbers Low Barrier to Entry, High Creative Freedom Podcasting as a playground for testing ideas and formats Multi-platform promotion: How social media and video can amplify your message Simple steps to get started with minimal equipment and upfront costs Future-Proofing Your Brand Positioning yourself as a thought leader in your niche Building relationships and networking through podcast interviews How consistent content output can evolve into new opportunities (speaking gigs, book deals, etc.) Key Takeaways for Listeners Despite a seemingly crowded market, there’s a massive appetite for new, specialized shows. Advances in tech and the global growth of podcasting create unique opportunities in 2025. Authenticity, hyper-niche content, and community-building can help your podcast stand out. Monetization models continue to diversify, making it easier to earn income and sustain your show. Starting now means you’ll be better positioned as the medium continues to evolve. Check out our Plans and Pricing online to see which Blubrry plan is meant for you. Listener Challenge What unique angle or niche do you have that would stand out in the podcasting world? Whether you’ve already got an idea or you’re still brainstorming, we’d love to hear from you. Share your concept or inspiration on social media with the hashtag #FuturePod2025, and let us know how you plan to make your mark in the world of podcasting! Thanks for listening to Podcast Insider, you can subscribe to new episodes out every Monday. The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls.

38 min
FEB 24

Split Decision: How to End a Podcast Co-Host Partnership Gracefully

Breaking up with a co-host can feel like navigating a delicate and deeply personal crisis—especially when you’ve invested time, energy, and your creative efforts into building a podcast together. But like any partnership, misalignments in goals, scheduling, or creative vision can arise, sometimes leaving you little choice but to respectfully part ways. Today, we explore the signs that it may be time to move on, how to plan an amicable separation (if possible), and the best ways to handle shared branding, intellectual property, and audience communication. We’ll also dive into the emotional side of a co-host breakup—discussing how to maintain positive relationships, practice self-care, and explore your rebranding options (or even launching a new show from scratch). From updating artwork and bios to establishing legal boundaries and dividing ownership, we’ve got you covered with a comprehensive checklist to ensure a smooth transition. By the end of this episode, you’ll feel more confident about not only ending things on good terms but also moving forward stronger—whether you choose to continue the show solo or embark on an entirely new and different venture. Today's Hosts: MacKenzie Bennett and Mike Dell How to End a Podcast Co-Host Partnership Gracefully 1. Signs It’s Time to Part Ways with Your Co-Host Recognizing misalignment in goals, schedules, or creative vision Listener feedback and declining engagement as red flags Gut-check questions to ask before making the decision 2. Planning an Amicable Separation Setting up a proper meeting to discuss the break and next steps Reviewing your initial agreements (verbal or written) Keeping communication clear, professional, and empathetic 3. Handling Branding, Ownership, and Intellectual Property Deciding who owns the show name, social channels, and website Dividing past content archives fairly (music, artwork, etc.) Legal considerations: written contracts vs. verbal agreements 4. Managing the Transition with Your Audience How and when to announce the change to your listeners Crafting a consistent message across all platforms (podcast episodes, social media, newsletter) Maintaining listener trust and loyalty during transitional episodes 5. Navigating Emotional and Personal Fallout Handling personal feelings of loss or disappointment Best practices for preserving a positive relationship if possible Strategies for self-care and avoiding burnout amid major podcast changes 6. Rebranding the Show (or Starting Fresh) Deciding whether to continue the existing show or launch a brand-new podcast Building a new brand identity (name, artwork, format) Retaining loyal fans while attracting new listeners 7. Technical and Administrative Checklists Updating show artwork, host bios, and RSS feed details Removing or transferring hosting credentials and account access Adjusting distribution channels (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.) 8. Lessons Learned: How to Build Partnerships That Last Setting up co-host agreements from the start Understanding each other’s goals, strengths, and schedules Creating a regular feedback loop to spot and resolve issues early 9. Success Stories from Podcasters Who Went Solo Highlighting podcasters who parted ways but thrived on their own Challenges of solo hosting vs. co-hosting Tips to keep content engaging without another voice to bounce ideas off 10. Next Steps: What Comes After the Split? Future growth strategies for the newly solo (or restructured) show

19 min
FEB 17

Using Video to Elevate Your Podcast Promotion

In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the power of video for podcasters. First, we’ll discuss why adding a visual component to your podcast promotion can skyrocket listener growth and brand recognition. Then, we’ll get hands-on with tips for setting up a budget-friendly or professional-quality video studio—without sacrificing great audio. You’ll learn how to transform your existing podcast content into scroll-stopping short clips, “audiograms,” and highlight reels perfect for YouTube, Instagram Reels, TikTok, and beyond. We’ll also explore YouTube’s incredible potential for podcast discoverability, plus the ins and outs of live streaming your show to foster real-time engagement. If you’ve ever wanted to document the behind-the-scenes of your recording process, we’ll share strategies for building trust and a personal brand through transparency. From embedding video clips on your website and using them in email newsletters, to leveraging Blubrry’s tools for hosting and managing video, we’ve got you covered. Finally, we’ll discuss exciting ways to monetize your new video content, such as sponsorships, exclusive membership offerings, and paid video courses. Today's Hosts: Todd Cochrane and Mike Dell Using Video for Podcast Promotion 1. Why Video Matters in Podcast Promotion Benefits of adding a visual component to your marketing How short video clips capture attention on social media Impact on listener growth and brand recognition 2. Lights, Camera, Podcast: Setting Up Your Video Studio Equipment essentials: cameras, lighting, backdrops Budget-friendly vs. professional setup options Tips for achieving high-quality audio while filming 3. Repurposing Audio Content into Scroll-Stopping Video Clips Best practices for editing standout promotional clips Tools for turning audio snippets into visual “audiograms” Strategies for hooking viewers in the first few seconds 4. YouTube as a Discovery Engine for Podcasters Why YouTube is essential for discoverability Optimizing titles, descriptions, and tags for SEO Converting audio episodes into full-length video or highlight reels 5. Short-Form Video Strategies: Instagram Reels, TikTok, and Beyond Deciding which platform(s) best fit your show’s demographics Engaging your audience on mobile-first platforms Cross-posting and scheduling to maximize reach 6. Going Live: Streaming Your Podcast for Real-Time Engagement Live streaming on YouTube, Facebook, and other platforms Pros and cons of live video vs. edited video Driving listener participation and Q&A sessions 7. Behind the Scenes: Documenting Your Podcast Journey on Video Day-in-the-life style videos for deeper audience connection Showcasing prep, recording, and post-production on video Building trust and a personal brand through transparency 8. Integrating Video Into Your Podcast Website and Email Newsletters Best practices for embedding video clips on your site Strategic placement in blog posts and show notes Using animated GIFs and teaser clips in email newsletters 9. Blubrry Tools & Tips: Hosting and Managing Video for Podcasters Blubrry platform features that streamline video hosting Analyzing video metrics and engagement Balancing audio and video production without burning out 10. Monetizing Your Video Content Sponsorship and ad opportunities for video Premium or exclusive video content for members or Patreon supporters Generating additional revenue streams with video courses or webinars

29 min
JAN 31

Building a Profitable Podcast Strategy for Businesses

Special Edition of Podcast Insider ft. Paul Colligan In this special edition of Podcast Insider, Todd welcomes longtime friend and podcast industry veteran Paul Colligan. Together, they dive deep into how businesses—small or large, local or global—can leverage podcasting as a powerhouse marketing and sales tool. From identifying the exact goal of your show, to repurposing content for social media, to measuring real ROI (not just downloads), Paul and Todd share proven strategies and case studies that will help any business make podcasting an integral part of its growth plan. Today's Hosts: Todd Cochrane ft. Paul Colligan What Are You Trying To Do With the Show? There’s no “wrong” goal—maybe you want to build brand authority, bring in local clients, or expand globally. Just be crystal clear on your specific objective. Paul’s Four-Question Framework What do you want the show to do? How will you know it’s doing it? Is it doing it? How do we make it better? This simple system keeps you laser-focused on results rather than just cranking out episodes. Niche vs. Broad Podcasting Example: If you only sell Nevada real estate, call it the “Nevada Real Estate Show.” Hyper-local can mean high-quality leads and conversions. Monetizing Without Major Downloads Case study: A financial advisor’s show with fewer than 1,000 downloads per episode generated higher-quality leads—converting 1 out of every 3 calls. Interview vs. Solo Formats Learn how JJ Virgin shifted from interview-centric episodes to a solo Q&A style—resulting in better listener retention and less production hassle. Production & Branding Match your show’s production level to the story you’re trying to tell. “Caveman branding”: Your podcast title and artwork should immediately signal what the show is about. Repurposing Content Turn one Q&A livestream into multiple short podcast episodes, YouTube clips, Instagram Reels, and more—maximizing content reach while minimizing extra work. Choosing the Right Consultant & Tools Avoid the pitfall of “podcast consultants” who overpromise. Seek hosting and measurement solutions (like Blubrry) that have a proven track record and can align with your specific goals. Takeaways Set Clear Goals Before You Launch Whether it’s lead generation, brand awareness, or direct revenue, define success metrics from Day One. Don’t Obsess Over Downloads High downloads don’t always translate into high conversions. Focus instead on engaging the right audience. Leverage Multichannel Repurposing Recording live Q&A or interviews once can yield multiple clips for social media, YouTube, and emails. Vet Your Advisors & Platforms Work with experts who understand your business model—and choose reliable hosting/statistics solutions. More from Paul Colligan Podcast Partnership X - @colligan Be Featured on Our YouTube Channel Know of an expert in the podcast field that wants to be featured on Blubrry’s YouTube channel? Contact Todd@blubrry.com. Thanks for listening to Podcast Insider, you can subscribe to new episodes out every Thursday. The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussions and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group. Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike at todd@blubrry.com and mike@blubrry.

1h 3m
JAN 23

Unpacking Podfest: Insights and Encounters

Podfest 2025 Was a Blast After an incredible few days at Podfest 2025—one of the year’s best gatherings for podcasters, creators, and audio aficionados—we’re back and ready to share all the highlights. We unpack the most exciting trends, tools, and questions that caught our attention. Don't miss these takeaways from the show floor and beyond. We’ll get started by discussing the things we see differently, given Dave has never attended before and Todd has been to almost every single Podfest Expo. Today's Hosts: Todd Cochrane and Dave Clements Comparing and Contrasting the First Timer Experience and a Conference Extraordinaire Experience You never forget your first podcast conference! Todd Cochrane Dave Clements Todd’s AI Session The importance of AI in podcasting. Where You Can Find Us Later This Year While Podfest Expo 2025 was fun, we can't wait for these upcoming events as well! TravelCon - Tucson, AZ in mid March Podcast Movement Evolutions - Chicago at end of March The Podcast Show - London, England - End of May Podcast Movement - Dallas - Mid August Have an Event You’d Like to See Us At? Contact the team - send us your pitch - MacKenzie@blubrry.com will review and share with the team and hopefully we’ll see you there! Be Featured on Our YouTube Channel Know of an expert in the podcast field that wants to be featured on Blubrry’s YouTube channel? Contact Todd@blubrry.com. Thanks for listening to Podcast Insider, you can subscribe to new episodes out every Thursday. The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussions and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group. Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike at todd@blubrry.com and mike@blubrry.com Stay tuned for more episodes and visit our website for the latest updates and resources.

21 min
JAN 17

Quarterly Tasks For Your Podcast Success

(Originally aired Oct. 2024) Are you thinking about changing things up for your podcast in 2025 and not sure what you can do different or better? We've got a whole list of quarterly tasks for your podcast success. Learn what can be done to improve your podcast – whether that is for you the host and person behind the scenes making it all happen or for your listeners. Choose which of these recommendations would work best for you and your podcast to not only be easier for you but better for your audience. Hosts: MacKenzie Bennett and Todd Cochrane Quarterly Podcast Tasks 1. Review Analytics Evaluate Episode Performance: Analyze download numbers, listener engagement, and retention rates. Identify the most popular episodes and those that underperformed to understand what resonated with your audience. Check Listener Demographics: Look at listener demographics and geographic data. This helps in tailoring content to the audience and identifying potential areas for growth. 2. Reassess Content Strategy Identify Trending Topics: Based on audience feedback and the broader podcasting landscape, decide whether you need to adjust your content focus or introduce new segments. Review Guest Feedback: If you feature guests, evaluate the success of guest episodes and consider whether different types of guests or topics could engage listeners more. 3. Plan Future Content Create a Content Calendar: Outline upcoming episodes for the next quarter, focusing on relevant themes, holidays, or seasonal trends. Prepare for Special Episodes: If milestones, holidays, or events are coming up, plan special episodes around these topics to attract new listeners and engage current ones. 4. Engage with Your Audience Gather Feedback: Use social media polls, listener surveys, or direct feedback channels to get insights into what your audience likes or wants more of. Engage More Actively: Reassess your interaction with your audience across platforms, like responding to listener comments, email newsletters, or live Q&A sessions. 5. Optimize Marketing and Promotion Review Marketing Efforts: Examine the effectiveness of your marketing strategies over the last quarter. What brought in new listeners? Where did you see the most engagement? Double down on the successful methods. Collaborate and Cross-Promote: Reach out to other podcasters for guest appearances, cross-promotion, or joint ventures to tap into new audiences. Experiment with Ads: If you haven’t already, consider paid advertising or promotional partnerships to grow your audience. 6. Monetization Check Assess Sponsorships: Review current sponsorships or ads to see if they’re meeting expectations. Reach out to new potential sponsors if your audience size has grown. Evaluate Merchandise or Donations: If you’re using listener support methods like Patreon or merchandise sales, assess their performance and look for new ways to enhance this revenue stream. 7. Update Your Podcast Platform Improve Show Notes and SEO: Review your show notes, titles, and descriptions to ensure they’re optimized for search engines and discovery on podcast directories. Refresh Artwork and Branding: Consider updating your podcast cover art, logo, or branding elements if necessary to keep your podcast visually fresh and appealing. 8. Technical and Production Review Evaluate Equipment and Software: Check if any part of your recording setup needs upgrading, whether it’s hardware (microphones, headphones) or software (editing tools, hosting services). Assess Workflow: Streamline your recording and editing processes to make them more efficient. Consider automation tools or outsourcing if tasks are taking up too much time. 9. Set New Goals

20 min
JAN 9

Podcast Criticism into Growth: Managing Feedback & Boosting Your Podcast

Maneuvering Your Podcast Criticism and Feedback into Podcast Growth It's a new year and time for a new outlook on your podcast feedback. If you've ever run into criticism and what you'd consider negative feedback about your podcast, we're here to help you not only manage that feedback but how you can boost your podcast brand with a PR strategy. Today's Hosts: MacKenzie Bennett, Cathy Beuten, Cyndee Harrison, Erika Brooks and Rachael Amato 1. How to Handle Negative Feedback: Understanding the difference between constructive criticism and unhelpful negativity. Steps to take when receiving critical feedback: Stay calm and avoid a defensive reaction. Evaluate the validity of the criticism. Turn feedback into actionable steps for improvement. Stories of podcasters who successfully turned negative feedback into positive outcomes. 2. Common Feedback Podcasters Face: Issues with audio quality, content structure, or engagement style. Listener preferences versus staying true to your creative vision. How to balance competing opinions while staying authentic. 3. When Feedback Becomes Something More: Criticism is an opportunity to grow and refine your podcast. Crises are moments where a response is essential to protect your brand and relationships. 4. Using PR to Boost Your Brand: How public relations can shape your podcast’s narrative. Building your brand image through consistent messaging and strategic partnerships. Tips for handling public relations crises or controversies gracefully. 5. Engaging Your Audience: Strategies to encourage constructive feedback and dialogue with listeners. Creating a feedback loop that involves your audience in your podcast’s growth journey. Using polls, surveys, and social media to crowdsource ideas and gauge listener sentiment. 6. Crafting a Positive Public Persona: Building a reputation as a responsive, audience-first podcaster. Turning your challenges into relatable stories that humanize your brand. Leveraging guest appearances and collaborations to bolster your credibility. 7. Success Stories & Lessons Learned: Examples of podcasts that overcame early criticism and became stronger. "The Rest Is History": Hosted by Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook, this podcast faced initial skepticism for its irreverent take on historical events. However, their unique approach resonated with younger audiences, leading to 11 million monthly downloads and significant YouTube views. Case studies of how smart PR moves propelled a podcast into the spotlight. Wondery's "Over My Dead Body": Wondery utilized a comprehensive PR strategy, including organizing a listening premiere in New York City and engaging with local press. This approach led to extensive media coverage and high download numbers, surpassing previous hits like "Dr. Death" and "Dirty John." Read this Wondery case study. Lessons learned from your own experience or that of your guests. Thanks for listening to Podcast Insider, you can subscribe to new episodes out every Thursday. The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussions and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group. Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike at todd@blubrry.com and mike@blubrry.com
12/26/2024

Innovative Podcast Tools You Didn’t Know About at Blubrry – PCI Rerun

As we take some time off for the holidays we figured it's time for rerun episode on that focuses on some of the best tools that Blubrry has to offer. Tune in to find out if there's any cool features you didn't know we offer that you can use in the upcoming New Year! Blubrry’s Innovative Podcast Tools Hosting and Publishing Podcast Hosting: Various plans from Standard to Pro, including unlimited storage and advanced tools. WordPress Integration: PowerPress plugin for seamless management from WordPress. Private Podcasting: Secure podcasts for designated listeners. Vid2Pod: Converts YouTube playlists into audio podcasts. Monetization Programmatic Advertising: Automatically inserts ads into your podcasts. Dynamic Ad Insertion: Allows sophisticated ad campaigns for both new and existing episodes. Premium Podcasting: Provides options for ad-free, bonus content, and early releases. Value4Value: Accepts donations in Bitcoin and traditional currency. Analytics and Growth Podcast Statistics: Detailed analytics including geo, apps, and devices. Audience Surveys: Collects demographics directly from listeners. Media Kit: Creates a comprehensive overview for potential advertisers. Additional Features Podcast AI Assistant: Assists with planning, production, and promotion. Thrive Bundle: Enhanced tools including advanced stats and ad insertion. Pro-Production: Professional assistance for podcast launch and regular publishing. blubrrypro.com. Concierge Service: Full setup assistance for your podcast. Transcription and Closed Captioning: Makes podcasts accessible with transcriptions. Media Mastering: Professional audio processing by Auphonic. Podcasting 2.0 support: Blubrry is the #1 podcast hosting company for supporting Podcasting 2.0 features. Learn more at podcastindex.org. Blubrry offers a robust set of tools and services to support podcasters from inception to monetization and growth, making it a comprehensive platform for both new and experienced podcasters. The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussion and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group. Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike. todd@blubrry.com and mike@blubrry.com

21 min

See All (51)

3.5

out of 5

18 Ratings

Pretty good, but…

12/02/2023

App Rover

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

02/05/2021

The Blind Blogger

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

10/11/2018

Bigredrobot

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

02/23/2018

Me 

PowerPress team is the best!