Practical Podcasting

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A podcast where we examine all the practical issues behind podcasting. You don't want to take the long road; you don't want to take the short road; you want to do it right, and this is how we look at things inside of Practical Podcasting. Paul Colligan, Podcasting Hall of Fame inductee, is your host.

Episodes

  1. 1D AGO

    Look at me with my second HLS episode

    I published my first HLS episode a few minutes ago. It was just a video I recorded on my phone, so the proportions were off and all that. It looks like it needed a minute or two to convert, but it works. What's kind of fun is that it also works on the web version of Apple Podcasts. So on the web, it works. Captivate doesn’t work. On the pod page, I think it will work—I haven’t tested it yet. But this is definitely kind of fun.

    1 min

  2. 1D AGO

    A quick insert - and my first HLS posting?

    This should be fascinating. This is my first attempt at an HLS video podcast. It's just a wrongly framed video of me talking about a discovery I had. Let's see how this goes.

    1 min

  3. APR 28

    First Mic Check: New Podcast Tech Test!

    Episode SummaryTune in for a quick, behind-the-scenes peek as we conduct our very first test recording with our new podcast setup. This episode captures a brief audio check, ensuring everything is in place for exciting future content. Key TakeawaysFirst technical test of new podcast equipment.Behind-the-scenes look at setup and preparation.Ensuring quality for upcoming episodes. Timestamps[00:00] Initiating the test record with new setup. [00:06] Brief audio capture and media check.

    14 sec

  4. MAR 5

    SEO-Driven Podcast Show Notes: Keyword Research and AI Editing Tips For the Smart Podcaster

    When you treat podcast show notes as a growth asset—not an afterthought—you give your episode a longer shelf life, stronger search visibility, and a clearer path from discovery to listen. In this episode, “SEO-Driven Podcast Show Notes: Keyword Research and AI Editing Tips,” we break down how to write show notes that align with what your audience is actively searching for, why “clever” copy can hurt your podcast SEO, and how to use AI for show notes responsibly—without letting it dilute your message or miss search intent. Episode OverviewGreat show notes do two jobs at once: they serve listeners with a clear summary and they serve search engines with relevant, intent-driven language. The core message of this episode is simple: start with keyword research, then build your podcast title and show notes around the exact topics your audience wants—clearly, directly, and without trying to be cute. When you do this consistently, you make it easier for new listeners to find you, and you set better expectations for what they’ll get from the episode. Topics CoveredHow to approach podcast show notes for clients (and why clarity matters)Keyword research fundamentals for podcast episodes and content marketingWriting titles and descriptions for search intent, not clevernessDelivering on what you promise in your episode summaryUsing AI tools to draft show notes and the importance of human review Why Keyword Research Should Lead Your Show NotesA recurring theme is that your show notes should be shaped by the words your audience already uses. Rather than inventing creative phrasing, the episode encourages you to research the terms your audience is looking for and then build: The episode titleThe show notes summarySupporting subtopics and phrasing …around those terms. This is the foundation of SEO-driven show notes: matching language to demand. When your copy reflects real search queries (e.g., “keyword research for podcasts,” “how to write podcast show notes,” or “AI editing tips for content”), you increase the odds your episode appears in relevant searches and attracts the right listener. Don’t Be Cute: Optimize for Clarity and IntentThe episode makes a strong case for straightforward writing. In show notes, being “coy” or overly clever can create friction—especially for new listeners who are scanning. The guidance here is to produce the very thing the audience is asking for: Say exactly what the episode coversAvoid vague promises or gimmicky phrasingKeep the headline and description aligned with listener intent This approach improves both listener experience and SEO performance, because clarity helps search engines understand your page—and helps humans decide quickly whether to press play. Use AI for Show Notes—But Edit Like a StrategistAI can speed up drafting, but it can’t fully understand your niche, your audience, or your offer without guidance. The episode emphasizes an important workflow: use AI to assist, then double-check everything. Specifically, review for: Whether the keywords match your audience’s actual search intentWhether the summary reflects what the episode truly deliversWhether the language is accurate, specific, and relevant to your brand In other words, AI is a tool—not a replacement for editorial judgment. Treat AI output as a first draft that needs strategic refinement. Key TakeawaysLead with keyword research to align your podcast show notes with audience demand.Write titles and show notes for search intent and clarity, not cleverness.Make sure your show notes deliver on what they promise to maintain trust.AI can help draft show notes, but human editing is essential for accuracy and relevance. Final ThoughtsIf you want more organic growth from every episode, treat show notes as part of your content strategy: research what people search, write with precision, and edit with intention—especially when using AI. If this episode helped you rethink your approach to SEO-optimized podcast show notes, subscribe for more growth-focused guidance and share it with a creator or marketer who wants their podcast to be easier to find—and easier to choose.

    1 min

  5. MAR 5

    Why Apple at Podcast Movement Signals New Legitimacy for Podcasting

    Apple’s decision to speak at Podcast Movement isn’t just another conference booking—it’s a signal that the podcast industry has crossed an important threshold. For years, Apple has largely stayed out of public-facing roles at American podcasting events, even as its platform helped define podcast distribution. In this episode, we unpack why Apple’s first official appearance at Podcast Movement matters, what it says about the professionalization of podcast conferences, and why creators and industry leaders should view this as a growth moment for the entire podcasting ecosystem. Episode Overview: Apple’s Presence as a Legitimacy MilestoneThis episode argues that Apple speaking at Podcast Movement represents a meaningful shift in how major platforms view the U.S. podcast conference circuit. While Apple has reportedly attended a European event (PodShow London, as noted by PodNews) and has occasionally made quieter appearances behind the scenes in the U.S., it has never participated in an official, public way at an American podcast event—until now. That distinction matters. When a company as risk-aware and brand-protective as Apple decides an event is “worth putting our name on,” it reflects more than schedule availability. It reflects a recalibration of the industry’s credibility—and a recognition that Podcast Movement has matured into a professional, platform-relevant venue. Why Apple Has Historically Stayed AwayThe conversation highlights two forces that likely contributed to Apple’s previous absence from U.S. podcasting conferences: Apple’s cautious public posture. Apple rarely participates in industry events unless there’s clear strategic value and minimal brand risk.The uneven professionalism of past events. Many earlier podcast gatherings, while community-driven and energetic, didn’t always present the level of polish, consistency, or business relevance that major platforms require before associating publicly. From this lens, Apple’s participation isn’t an endorsement of a single session or theme—it’s an endorsement of the event category finally meeting enterprise expectations. “Don’t Complain If It’s Corporate”—Why That’s the Wrong LensA core message in the episode is a reframing for creators: if Apple’s session feels corporate, structured, or “pitch deck” oriented, that’s not a problem—it’s the point. Big platforms showing up typically bring official messaging, product priorities, and strategic narratives. That may not always be immediately exciting to every independent podcaster, especially if topics like video podcasting feel misaligned with audio-first workflows. But the bigger takeaway is that platform participation elevates the entire American podcasting scene. It drives: more sponsorship and advertiser confidencegreater industry standardizationincreased media attention and deal flowstronger infrastructure for creators seeking sustainable growth In other words, corporate presence is often the price of legitimacy—and legitimacy unlocks scale. The Bigger Signal: Platforms “Playing the Event Game”Apple showing up is positioned as part of a broader trend: when companies like Apple, Spotify, and YouTube invest publicly in podcast conferences, it indicates the medium is no longer treated as a niche creator hobby or an experimental distribution channel. It’s treated as an industry. That shift matters for anyone building a podcast brand, growing an audience, selling ads, pursuing partnerships, or expanding into video podcasting and multiplatform distribution. When the largest platforms engage, everyone downstream benefits from increased attention, improved tooling, and a more established market. Topics CoveredApple’s first official appearance at Podcast Movement and why it’s newsworthyHow conference professionalism impacts platform participationWhat “legitimacy” looks like for the American podcast industryWhy corporate sessions can still be a net win for creatorsThe broader impact of Apple, Spotify, and YouTube showing up publicly Key TakeawaysApple speaking at Podcast Movement signals new legitimacy for podcasting in the U.S.Platform participation often reflects rising conference quality and industry maturity.Even “corporate” content can be a positive indicator of long-term ecosystem growth.When Apple, Spotify, and YouTube engage publicly, creators benefit from stronger market confidence. Final ThoughtsThis episode is a timely reminder to zoom out: Apple’s presence at Podcast Movement isn’t about whether a single session caters to every creator—it’s about what happens when the biggest names in podcasting decide the industry is worth showing up for. If you care about podcast growth, audience development, and the future of the creator economy, this is the kind of signal you don’t ignore. If you found this perspective useful, subscribe for more industry analysis and share this episode with a fellow podcaster or operator who’s building for the long game.

    2 min

  6. MAR 1

    Podcast Movement Manhattan 2026: Affordable Strategies and Industry Access

    Podcast Movement Manhattan 2026 isn’t a “sellout” move—it’s a strategic opportunity for growth-minded podcasters who know how to be resourceful. In this episode, the host makes a practical, pro-industry case for why bringing Podcast Movement to New York City can actually *increase* access for independent creators, not reduce it. From competitive airfare across three major airports to abundant budget lodging and transportation options, Manhattan can be surprisingly doable for the “lean machine” podcaster. More importantly, the city’s gravity attracts the people who can accelerate your show: media, buyers, brands, and decision-makers. ## Episode Overview: Why Manhattan Changes the Game The episode challenges the narrative that Podcast Movement in Manhattan is no longer viable for scrappy, independent podcasters. Instead, it argues that NYC’s scale creates *more* flexibility—more ways to get there, more places to stay, and more low-cost options once you arrive. The host frames this as a creativity and research problem, not a price problem—especially for podcasters, whose core skill set includes digging for solutions. Beyond logistics, the bigger point is positioning: Manhattan elevates Podcast Movement’s credibility and visibility as an industry event. A major media hub naturally makes it easier for press, brands, and podcast business stakeholders to attend—unlocking networking and partnership opportunities that can be harder to generate in remote venues. ## Topics Covered - **The “lean podcaster” objection:** Addressing concerns that NYC pricing makes attendance unrealistic - **Affordable travel strategy:** Leveraging airport competition and flexible timing for cheaper flights - **Budget lodging and commuting:** Using NYC’s hotel volume, Airbnb options, and public transit to reduce costs - **Industry access and attention:** Why Manhattan increases the presence of media, buyers, and companies - **Maximizing the NYC experience:** Free and low-cost activities that make the trip more valuable overall ## Key Points and Insights A core theme is that New York City rewards flexibility. With three major airports and constant flight competition, podcasters willing to research routes and travel times can often find deals that rival—or beat—costs to smaller, less connected locations. The same goes for accommodations: Manhattan and the broader NYC area offer a huge range of hotels and short-term rentals, and the subway makes it realistic to stay farther out without sacrificing access. The host also highlights an under-discussed advantage: **industry legitimacy**. When Podcast Movement is held in a globally recognized media market like Manhattan, it becomes easier for press and business leaders to participate. That means more potential exposure, more serious business conversations, and better proximity to podcast networks, agencies, advertisers, and tech platforms. In other words, the location can directly influence the quality of connections and opportunities available to attendees. Finally, the episode encourages listeners to embrace the trip as an experience—without overspending. From free walking tours to no-cost museum options and even free TV show audience tickets, NYC offers plenty of ways to add value without adding major expense. ## Key Takeaways - Manhattan can be a **cost-manageable** Podcast Movement location if you approach flights, lodging, and timing strategically. - NYC’s transportation infrastructure makes it realistic to **stay outside the immediate venue area** and commute efficiently. - Hosting Podcast Movement in New York increases the likelihood of **media coverage and industry participation**, which can fuel podcast growth. - The city’s scale creates more options—meaning podcasters who do their homework can **optimize for budget without missing access**. ## Closing Thoughts This episode is a clear call for podcasters to think like builders: stay resourceful, focus on opportunity, and use the Manhattan setting to expand your industry access. If you’re serious about podcast growth, networking, and leveling up your visibility, Podcast Movement Manhattan 2026 may be the most strategically valuable—and surprisingly affordable—version yet. If this perspective helped you reframe what’s possible, subscribe for more growth-focused podcast strategy and share this episode with a fellow creator who’s on the fence about attending.

    4 min

  7. FEB 18

    Working with retainer clients

    In this episode, I reflect on the nuances of working with retainer clients and the distinct advantages this model provides for fostering productive, strategic collaborations. I’ve recently had a conversation with one of my retainer clients who prompted me to connect with their PR representative to explore promotional opportunities for their podcast. This interaction underscored the importance of being intentional and strategic about promotional efforts, rather than simply implementing them for the sake of doing so. We delve into the different facets of promotional opportunities, stressing that not all are created equal. I express my frustrations when great ideas, like beautifully designed art or captivating clips, fail to gain the attention they deserve simply because they are poorly positioned or lack a compelling call to action. In many cases, content that is shared on various platforms often neglects to direct audiences back to the podcast itself. I draw a parallel with movie trailers, highlighting the danger of giving away too much in promotional material, which can sometimes diminish the audience's motivation to engage with the full content. Understanding your goals is crucial in any promotional endeavor. If you're targeting a specific demographic, such as seniors nearing retirement, it’s essential to craft promotional strategies that resonate with them, instead of just following trends on platforms that may not reach your intended audience. I emphasize the need to align promotional efforts with clear objectives, as fuzzy expectations can lead to disappointing results and wasted investitures. The essence of effective PR lies in clarity; without a clear objective, it becomes challenging for PR professionals to deliver tangible results. I advocate for open communication with PR representatives, urging podcasters to clearly articulate what they're hoping to achieve—be it increased book sales, more speaking engagements, or reliable audience metrics. We unpack the necessity of asking PR professionals about their previous successes and the results they can realistically guarantee, creating a more informed partnership. The unpredictable nature of current affairs can complicate promotional efforts, and I acknowledge that such variables are often beyond our control. However, I stress the importance of having a solid plan that is adaptable to shifting circumstances. A well-executed PR strategy should not be seen as an ancillary project, but a vital contributor to your podcast's growth. By engaging with PR thoughtfully and strategically, podcasters can harness the power of external promotion effectively. As we conclude, I express my enthusiasm for seeing my listeners' podcasts thrive and gain recognition. There's immense potential in every podcast, and with the right approach to PR and promotion, I’m eager to witness the great things that can emerge from our collective efforts.

    9 min

  8. FEB 17

    Navigating the Complexities of Podcast Monetization

    The primary focus of this inaugural episode of Practical Podcasting is the exploration of podcast monetization, particularly the prevalent model of utilizing advertisements. While advertisements undoubtedly present a viable avenue for generating revenue, we contend that aspiring podcasters must approach this method with a discerning eye, particularly regarding its limitations and the requisite scale of listener engagement. We delve into the intricacies of the cost-per-mille (CPM) framework, elucidating how it operates and the financial returns it may yield based on audience size. Furthermore, we highlight the importance of realistic expectations, especially for those new to the podcasting landscape, as the actual monetary benefits can often be modest relative to the effort invested. Throughout this discourse, we encourage listeners to consider alternative monetization strategies that may prove more advantageous in the long term. This lecture explores the complexities of podcast monetization, particularly focusing on traditional advertising methods. While many people initially think of ads as the primary means to profit from podcasting, the lecturer emphasizes that this approach comes with significant limitations. The discussion begins with an examination of the CPM model, which stands for cost per mille—essentially the cost per one thousand downloads. This monetization structure allows podcasters to generate revenue based on their audience size, but it also poses challenges regarding both financial returns and the restrictions on how quickly and where advertising can be sold. The lecture outlines that, typically, advertisements are sold under strict guidelines that often limit the effective window for earning revenue to the first 45 days post-release. This means that downloads occurring after this period do not contribute to earnings through CPM, significantly affecting potential income for evergreen content—episodes that continue to receive downloads over time. The speaker shares anecdotes highlighting the discrepancies in ad effectiveness, noting that while some individuals may receive substantial sums for their content, this is not the norm for most podcasters. Often, the actual earnings from each thousand downloads are quite low, especially after accounting for cuts taken by agents and advertising platforms. Delving into the numbers, the lecturer mentions that the average CPM rate is around $20, which can translate to modest earnings unless a podcast has a large and engaged audience. The discussion underscores that the true value of podcast monetization lies not solely in ad revenues but also in the potential for podcasters to connect their audiences with specific products or services that may yield higher profits per individual conversion. For example, referring listeners to high-ticket items, such as real estate, could significantly enhance the financial prospects of a show compared to traditional ad placements. Furthermore, the lecturer emphasizes the challenges of competing in a crowded media landscape. Many podcasters may overestimate their popularity, only to find significant competition not just within podcasting but also across various online platforms such as YouTube. This situation makes relying solely on CPM-based advertising a risky and often unproductive strategy. The insights presented consider the long-term sustainability of ad revenue and suggest that podcasters should carefully assess their realistic download numbers and the nature of their content before committing fully to this monetization method. The talk culminates in the idea that while advertising can be a viable income stream, it requires extraordinary download numbers and audience engagement to be truly profitable. The speaker hints at the next options for monetization, suggesting that podcasters might explore alternative methods or even collaborative approaches that could yield better financial returns in the long run. This balanced view encourages creators to weigh their options critically and remain open to exploring diverse revenue models beyond traditional advertising. Commencing our exploration into the realm of podcast monetization, we address the prevalent notion that advertisements serve as the quintessential revenue stream for podcasters. However, while it is undeniable that ads represent a significant opportunity for monetization, they are not without their drawbacks and intricacies. The conversation intricately dissects the CPM (cost per mille) model, wherein earnings are calculated based on the number of downloads, or more precisely, per thousand listens. This framework, while seemingly straightforward, is laden with restrictions that podcasters must understand to navigate the complex terrain of monetization successfully. A critical aspect of this discussion revolves around the inherent limitations of the CPM model, notably the temporal restrictions that often confine revenue generation to the initial 45 days following an episode's release. This short window poses challenges for podcasters aiming to cultivate evergreen content that resonates with audiences over time. Furthermore, the average CPM rate of approximately $20 translates to modest earnings, as illustrated by the example of generating $100 from 5,000 downloads. Such figures compel podcasters to reevaluate their monetization strategies and consider whether relying solely on ad revenue is a sustainable long-term approach. The dialogue further emphasizes the importance of realistic expectations regarding audience engagement and the competitive landscape of podcasting. Podcasters must recognize the saturation of general topics within the medium and the necessity of differentiating their content to stand out. As we embark on this journey of monetization, it becomes evident that exploring alternative models, potentially involving direct sales or partnerships, may yield greater financial rewards and foster deeper connections with audiences. Thus, as we delve into the intricacies of podcast monetization, we must remain vigilant in our pursuit of strategies that not only generate revenue but also enhance the value proposition of our content. Takeaways: Monetization of podcasts often centers around advertisements, which can provide financial returns based on audience engagement.Cost per thousand downloads, commonly referred to as CPM, is a prevalent metric used for determining ad revenue in podcasts.The effectiveness of CPM is limited to a 45-day window following the episode's release, imposing constraints on revenue generation.While advertisements are a common monetization method, they require substantial audience numbers to yield significant income for podcasters.

    9 min
  • 8 Episodes

About

A podcast where we examine all the practical issues behind podcasting. You don't want to take the long road; you don't want to take the short road; you want to do it right, and this is how we look at things inside of Practical Podcasting. Paul Colligan, Podcasting Hall of Fame inductee, is your host.

Information

  • Creator
    Podcast Partnership
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Podcast Partnership
  • Show Website
    Practical Podcasting