Podcast Insider

Todd Cochrane, Mike Dell & MacKenzie Bennett
Podcast Insider

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

  1. 20 HR. AGO

    Overcoming Podcasting Paralysis: Tips and Tricks

    Today's Hosts: Mike Dell and MacKenzie Bennett There are several common barriers that stop people from starting a podcast, ranging from technical concerns to personal fears. This podcasting paralysis stops many from finally getting their show out there and today, we are here to alleviate those anxieties and dissecting how to fix them. By addressing these concerns—through education, planning, and embracing imperfections—potential podcasters can overcome these barriers and successfully launch their shows. We at Blubrry know that you can overcome podcasting paralysis. Here’s a succinct list combining the common barriers to starting a podcast and ways to overcome them: 1. Fear of Failure or Rejection Self Doubt and Fear of Negative Feedback Overcome it by: Embracing imperfection, expecting small audiences at first, and viewing feedback as a growth opportunity. 2. Technical Challenges Lack of Knowledge and Fear of Technology Overcome it by: Starting with minimal equipment and learning as you go. Use free resources like tutorials and online communities. 3. Time Commitment Perceived Time Burden and Balancing Other Responsibilities Overcome it by: Setting a manageable schedule, batching episodes, and outsourcing tasks when needed. 4. Financial Concerns Cost of Equipment and Ongoing Subscription Fees Overcome it by: Using affordable, entry-level equipment and free podcasting tools like Audacity to reduce initial costs. 5. Content Uncertainty Not Knowing What to Talk About and Lack of Audience Clarity Overcome it by: Planning topics ahead and focusing on subjects you're passionate about to create consistent, engaging content. 6. Perfectionism Striving for the Perfect Setup and Overplanning Overcome it by: Taking action with what you have and understanding that improvement comes with practice, not perfection from the start. 7. Imposter Syndrome Feeling Unqualified and Comparing to Established Podcasts Overcome it by: Focusing on your unique perspective and understanding that everyone’s expertise grows with experience. 8. Fear of Being on the Microphone Stage Fright and Voice Insecurities Overcome it by: Just do it. Practicing regularly and reminding yourself that content value matters more than having a “perfect” voice. 9. Lack of Immediate Results Expecting Instant Success and Ease of Growth Overcome it by: Focusing on gradual growth and redefining success as personal improvement or audience connection rather than instant numbers. 10. Uncertainty About Promotion Marketing Challenges and Limited Budget Overcome it by: Starting with simple organic growth through social media and collaborations, and automating where possible. 11. Fear of Consistency Commitment Anxiety and Burnout Concerns Overcome it by: Creating a sustainable routine and keeping your goals realistic to avoid burnout. 12. Misconceptions About the Podcasting Space Thinking the Market is Saturated and Belief That Only Celebrities Succeed Overcome it by: Focusing on what makes your podcast unique and seeing other podcasters as collaborators, not competitors. 13. Lack of Support No Collaborative Partners and Minimal Encouragement Overcome it by: Joining podcasting communities or working with a partner for support, motivation, and collaboration. 14. Legal Concerns Copyright Issues and Sponsorship and Monetization Rules Overcome it by: Educating yourself on copyright laws and podcast monetization through free resources and legal guides. By addressing these concerns with the right strategies, aspiring podcasters can confidently launch and gro...

    26 min
  2. Essential Podcasting Gear for 2024: What You Need and What You Don't

    OCT 17

    Essential Podcasting Gear for 2024: What You Need and What You Don't

    Audiosigma's Podmobile In today's episode, we take a look at the world of podcasting gear! Covering equipment and podcast setups for those just starting out or those looking to upgrade. Mike and Todd talk about microphones, mixers, and video setups to help you achieve great audio (and video) quality without breaking the bank. Plus, at the end of this episode Mike chats with Fernando Pires, the inventor of Audiosigma products, about some exciting innovations in podcasting tech! Today's Hosts: Mike Dell and Todd Cochrane, featuring an interview with guest, Fernando Pires Podcasting gear can be expensive or cheap; your choice depends on how you plan to record your audio (or video). It’s much easier to get high-quality audio today than it was back in the day. Microphones The first and most important thing you need as a podcaster is a microphone. Today, there are many options to consider. Here is a list of microphones and approximate cost (lowest to highest) that we recommend: Samson Q2U / Audio Technica ATR 2100 USB/XLR: $50-80 Can use USB or XLR RØDE PodMic USB: $199 Can use USB or XLR Shure MV7+ USB/XLR: $275 Can use USB or XLR Electrovoice RE320 XLR only: $299 Requires an XLR mixer or interface Heil PR40 XLR only: $349 Requires an XLR mixer or interface Shure SM7B XLR only: $399 Requires an XLR mixer or interface Requires a decent pre-amp Electrovoice RE20 XLR only: $450 Requires an XLR mixer or interface Requires a decent pre-amp We emphasize not using condenser mics unless you have a professional recording environment. One suggestion to start with, do not use a condenser mic unless you really know what you are doing and have the right recording environment (quiet and soundproofed). And remember, friends don't let friends podcast with a blue yeti. Mixers and Interfaces You can get a USB interface for XLR mics. Just beware that some of the mics listed require quite a bit of pre-amp to drive them. If you are going to record with more than one person in the room or via zoom or something like that, you will want a bit more than just a USB interface. Choosing the right interface or mixer depends on how many people are involved and your setup. Focusrite Solo - 1 Microphone XLR to USB Focusrite also makes 2 mic interfaces and more Good for simple use of XLR mics on the computer with USB Does not work well with high powered mics without an additional pre-amp like the Cloudlifter or Fethead Mackie (or other) analog mixers You will need an Analog to USB adaptor to work with a computer VERY flexible with mixing in different sources A lot of wires! A bit of a learning curve but still an excellent option for some users Rodecaster - all three models. Rodcaster Pro, Rodcaster Pro II and Rodcaster Duo Full mixer board plus onboard recorder, cart rack, USB interface and more Much simpler to operate Amps are good enough for all mics. No need for an external pre-amp Zoom PodTrak P4 Very portable Simple to use Up to 4 XLR mics Built-in recorder MikeHero DSP by AudioSigma Simple, VERY high quality sound for 1 mic USB interface Works with iPhone, iPad, or computer (likely Android too) Great pre-amp PodMoble DSP by AudioSigma Simple, VERY high quality sound for 2 mics

    51 min
  3. Unlocking the Power of Visual Podcasting with Pod2Vid

    OCT 10

    Unlocking the Power of Visual Podcasting with Pod2Vid

    In this episode, we explore our latest innovation, Pod2Vid, a tool designed to convert your podcast into a compelling video format. Whether you're aiming to reach a broader audience on YouTube or other video platforms, Pod2Vid simplifies the process by transforming your audio episodes into engaging video content with just a few clicks. Todd, Mike and MacKenzie cover how it works, its advantages for podcasters looking to expand their audience, and share tips on maximizing its potential. Tune in to discover how Blubrry’s Pod2Vid (part of the Thrive Bundle) can enhance your podcasting journey! Today's Hosts: Mike Dell, MacKenzie Bennett and Todd Cochrane With YouTube ranking as the second largest search engine globally, the shift toward video content is undeniable. More and more consumers are increasingly turning to YouTube for entertainment, information, and podcasts. By converting their audio content to video, podcasters can access a wider audience, opening the door to countless new listeners and viewers. Why Use Pod2Vid? Broaden Your Audience: Cater to both audio and visual content consumers by offering dual-format availability. Enhance Engagement: Video content, complemented by relevant visuals, captivates audiences and enhances the listening experience. Boost Visibility: Tap into YouTube’s extensive user base and enhance your podcast’s discoverability. Affordable and Accessible: Exclusively available to Blubrry Thrive Bundle customers, Pod2Vid is an economical solution for podcasters at any stage. How Pod2Vid Works Upload Your Audio: Begin by uploading your podcast audio to Pod2Vid. The platform supports all standard audio formats, ensuring a smooth start. Select Your Images: Enhance your podcast by choosing images that align with each chapter. Options include: Use Blubrry’s AI: Leverage Blubrry’s AI to generate relevant images based on your podcast's content. Upload Your Own: Add specific images that capture the essence of your content. Access Unsplash: Choose from a vast library of high-quality, royalty-free images through Pod2Vid’s integration with Unsplash. Customize Your Video: Pod2Vid automatically synchronizes your selected images with your podcast's audio, allowing for seamless transitions between chapters. Preview your video, make adjustments, and finalize it for export. Publish to YouTube and Beyond: Once your video is ready, Pod2Vid streamlines the process of publishing it to YouTube or other video-sharing platforms so you can focus on creating compelling content. Thanks for listening! We hope you will give Pod2Vid a try with the Thrive Bundle. Our last piece of advice is to subscribe to our show on your favorite podcast app and be sure to come back next week for another episode! Got a subject you would like us to cover on the show, Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group. 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.

    14 min
  4. Quarterly Tasks For Your Podcast Success

    OCT 4

    Quarterly Tasks For Your Podcast Success

    Consider 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 today's recommendations would work best for you and your podcast to not only be easier for you but better for your audience. Today's Hosts: MacKenzie Bennett and Todd Cochrane It's the beginning of a the last quarter of the year, now is the time to start doing a handful of quarterly podcast tasks to ensure your podcast success. 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 Growth Goals: Set specific and measurable goals for the next quarter,

    20 min
  5. SEP 26

    Blubrry's Milestone: Two Decades of Podcast Industry Leadership

    In this special episode of Podcast Insider, Todd Cochrane and the Blubrry team celebrate 20 years in podcasting a little early for International Podcasting Day. Join Todd, Barry Kantz, Brian Yuhnke, Cathy Beuten, and Mike Dell as they reflect on the early days of podcasting, the founding of Blubrry, and how the industry has evolved over the years. Hear stories of how Blubrry was built by podcasters for podcasters, from the first days of podcast monetization to the growth of podcast hosting and statistics services. The team shares their thoughts on the future of podcasting, the role of AI, and the importance of authentic storytelling. Whether you're a seasoned podcaster or just starting out, this episode is packed with insights, lessons, and inspiration from the pioneers of the podcasting world. Today's Hosts: Todd, Barry, Brian, Cathy and Mike The Biggest Takeaways: Blubrry (originally RawVoice Inc.) was built by podcasters for podcasters, with a focus on supporting creators from day one. The podcasting industry has grown dramatically, and Blubrry has evolved along with it, offering tools like PowerPress, podcast stats, and hosting services. AI is becoming a significant part of the podcasting landscape, but the human voice and authentic storytelling remain crucial. Blubrry continues to innovate while staying true to its roots, providing flexible, creator-focused services without external investment. Blubrry Podcasting Resources: Blubrry Podcasting - Explore Blubrry’s suite of podcasting services Podcast Insider Blog - Stay up to date with Blubrry’s latest news and insights PowerPress Plugin - A WordPress plugin for podcast publishing Todd Cochrane’s Geek News Central site - A personal reflection from Todd on Blubrry’s journey Got a subject you would like us to cover on the show, Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group. 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.

  6. SEP 19

    Top 10 Worst Pieces of Podcast Advice and Why

    Replacing the Bad Podcast Advice with the Good Mike and MacKenzie from Blubrry are here to dissect some of the worst podcasting advice out there - but of course include the better ways to treat yourself and your podcast instead. Each don't comes with a side of what to do instead and please remember, each podcaster is different. Take this as seriously as you’d like - but we’re here to explain exactly why the following pieces of advice are simply bad for you and your podcast. Without further ado, join us as we discuss the top 10 worst pieces of advice for your podcast. Todays Hosts: Mike Dell and MacKenzie Bennett #10: “All You Need is Passion, Equipment Doesn’t Matter” Why it’s bad: Yes, passion is crucial, but listeners can tell if you’re recording with a low-quality microphone or in a noisy room. Bad audio is a quick way to lose listeners. Better advice: Invest in at least decent equipment and learn basic soundproofing techniques to keep your passion sounding professional. #9: “More Episodes = More Success” Why it’s bad: Releasing multiple episodes every week won’t matter if the content isn’t good. Quality over quantity is the key to success. Better advice: Stick to a manageable release schedule that allows you to create quality content consistently. #8: “Don’t Bother with Editing, Raw is Real” Why it’s bad: While authenticity is important, long pauses, filler words, or awkward moments aren’t entertaining. Editing helps tighten the flow and keep listeners engaged. Better advice: Edit for clarity and flow, even if you want to keep it conversational. #7: “You Don’t Need Show Notes or a Website” Why it’s bad: Show notes and a website improve searchability, provide additional resources, and make your podcast more professional. Ignoring them means missing out on growth. Better advice: Always include detailed show notes and have a basic website to direct listeners for more information. #6: “If You Build It, They Will Come” Why it’s bad: Simply launching a podcast doesn’t mean people will magically find it. Marketing, promotion, and networking are essential to grow your audience. Better advice: Have a solid marketing plan, including social media, collaborations, and consistent outreach to grow your listener base. #5: “Monetize Right Away!” Why it’s bad: Jumping into monetization without a solid listener base can turn off potential fans. Ads on day one can feel forced and inauthentic. Better advice: Focus on growing your audience before considering monetization strategies, and make sure the ads fit your content and audience. #4: “Just Copy What’s Popular” Why it’s bad: Trying to mimic the format, style, or content of other successful podcasts rarely works. Listeners want originality and authenticity, not a poor imitation of their favorite shows. Better advice: Find your unique voice and perspective; that’s what will draw in listeners. #3: “Focus on Going Viral” Why it’s bad: Chasing virality often leads to gimmicky content that doesn’t retain a loyal audience. A single viral moment doesn’t guarantee long-term success. Better advice: Focus on creating consistent, high-quality content that builds a loyal following over time, rather than aiming for a viral hit. #2: “Make Your Podcast for Everyone” Why it’s bad: Trying to appeal to everyone often means your content is too broad and doesn’t resonate with a specific audience. A niche is key to growing a dedicated following. Better advice: Focus on a clear niche or target audience. Being specific will help attract the right listeners. #1: “Don’t Bother with Marketing—Just Focus on the Content” Why it’s bad: While content is king, marketing is essential to getting that content in front of listeners. Without marketing,

    32 min
  7. Enhance Your Podcast Strategy with Smart Content Repurposing

    SEP 12

    Enhance Your Podcast Strategy with Smart Content Repurposing

    Best practices for repurposing your video for your podcast Today, the Blubrry team provides their perspective on the art and science of content repurposing to elevate your podcast strategy. Discover how to take your existing podcast episodes and transform them into valuable assets across various platforms, reaching new audiences and maximizing your podcast's potential. Use these tips to create a smarter, more efficient workflow. Tune in and learn how to breathe new life into your podcast episodes with strategic repurposing! Why Repurposing Video for Podcasting is a Smart Strategy • If you make video content, it is an efficient use of that video in some way for your audio podcast. • Using your video content for audio podcasting will expand your distribution to all of the podcasting platforms and apps where it would not be available if just video on YouTube or Rumble or Twitch. • Creating multiple touchpoints for your brand. • Enhancing SEO through video and audio formats. Types of Video Content to Repurpose • Webinars or Live Streams (long-form content). • YouTube or Rumble videos (how-to guides, tutorials). • Interviews, guest appearances, and virtual panels. • Social media videos (Instagram Lives, TikTok, Facebook, etc.). Best Practices for Converting Video to Podcast Audio • Audio Quality Matters: Please do not ignore this in your video! Ensure good audio quality in the original video. • Editing for Audio-Only: Remove any visual-dependent content (cut sections that don’t translate well to audio) • Add New Intros/Outros for the audio version • Add custom context for podcast listeners who weren’t part of the video experience. • Adapt Content for an audio Podcast Audience • Describe any visuals that may not make sense in an audio format. • Keep pacing in mind—video might move slower because it’s visual; adjust for audio listeners. Tools and Techniques for Efficient Repurposing • Software options for converting video to audio (like Audacity, Descript). • Using AI tools to generate show notes, transcriptions, or social media posts based on video content. Repurposing Beyond Just the Audio • Tell the audience in the video and audio versions that the episode exists in both formats and how to find each. • Share clips on social media platforms (short video snippets or audio teasers). • Include both formats in newsletters. • Encourage cross-promotion between video and audio platforms. Common Pitfalls to Avoid • Ignoring audio quality in video recordings. • Leaving too much visual-dependent content in the audio version. • Not tailoring the content for the podcast audience (assuming they can see what video viewers can). • Over-editing or under-editing the original video content. Thanks for listening! We will be back next week with another Podcast Insider and it’s going to be a good one! Got a subject you would like us to cover on the show, Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group. 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.

    22 min
  8. SEP 5

    When to Use Private and Premium Podcasting

    We think private and premium podcasting are so important and helpful in today's landscape of podcasting formats that we're rerunning this episode for you. Private and Premium Podcasting Use Cases Keeping a podcast limited to a certain group of listeners gained popularity in recent years, especially due to a major switch to remote working. Blubrry offers a wonderful option for those interested in keeping a podcast secure and private, set to an audience of your discretion. Today, we go over when it’s best to use private or premium. Today’s Hosts: Todd Cochrane and Mike Dell We review the use cases for private and premium podcasting and when is the best time to utilize these publishing options. Read here to learn more about Blubrry’s private and premium podcasting. Check out our Private Podcasting and Premium Podcasting offerings on our website. Why You Should Use Private or Premium Podcasting by Blubrry Private podcasting offers a highly secure method for communicating with your team members effectively. Use cases: Proprietary business information for companies and organizations Employee communication (instead of memos) Membership information for an organization or club Training videos and other information for onboarding employees or members Pros: More secure Dedicated app for listening/viewing content Dedicated page (PWA) for listening/viewing content More control over who listens Cons: Higher cost The inability to subscribe in “normal” podcast apps Premium podcasting caters to those seeking to monetize their shows by offering exclusive content for purchase by the public, or providing clubs and group members with special access to unique material. Use cases: To monetize a show that is popular without the need for advertising You can offer ad free versions of your show to subscribers You can have early access for subscribers Publish bonus content for your free podcast if people subscribe Pros: Less costly than private Ability to subscribe in podcast apps Can be done on your own domain More control of the look and feel Cons: Less secure Harder to manage (in most cases) Requires another plugin (membership plugin) to implement on WordPress Both private and premium podcasting are great solutions to navigating online relationships with listeners, necessary in a remote world. Got a subject you would like us to cover on the show, Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group. 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.

    15 min
3.5
out of 5
18 Ratings

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

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