Podcast Insider

Todd Cochrane, Mike Dell & MacKenzie Bennett

3.5 (18)
TECHNOLOGY
UPDATED WEEKLY

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

6 DAYS AGO

Celebrating Gratitude and Community in Podcasting

It is unofficially the holiday season and today we're here to discuss the ways in which podcasters can participate in any way they can. Giving back to the community around Thanksgiving is a meaningful way for a podcast to show appreciation to listeners, guests, and supporters. Today's Hosts: Mike Dell, Todd Cochrane and MacKenzie Bennett Here are some ideas to create a Thanksgiving Give-Back theme: 1. Charity Shoutouts and Partnerships: Highlight Local or Relevant Charities: Dedicate an episode to featuring charities or organizations that resonate with your podcast’s niche. Share their stories, invite representatives to speak, and encourage listeners to donate or get involved. Charity Sponsorship or Matching Donations: Pledge a portion of your podcast’s sponsorship revenue for the month to a chosen charity, or match listener donations up to a certain amount. Announce the initiative and encourage listeners to join in, creating a collective effort to make a difference. Create a Donation Drive: Collaborate with your listeners to raise funds for a specific cause. Provide incentives, like shoutouts on the show, for those who donate, or set a community goal and celebrate together if it’s reached. 2. Give Back Through Special Listener Content: Audience Appreciation Episodes: Host an episode dedicated to thanking your listeners. Include shoutouts, listener-submitted stories, or even “fan of the year” awards. Show your gratitude for the community that keeps your podcast going. Listener Q&A or Story Submission Episode: Invite listeners to submit questions, stories, or ideas and feature them in a special episode. This could be stories of gratitude, memorable Thanksgiving moments, or reflections on your podcast’s theme. Fan-Generated Content: Let listeners take part in the show by submitting their own clips, answering a question, or sharing a message. Compile these into a community-driven episode that highlights the diversity and voices of your audience. 3. Thanksgiving Giveaways and Contests: Gratitude Giveaway: Run a giveaway for loyal listeners, featuring prizes that relate to your podcast’s niche or audience interests. This could be exclusive podcast merchandise, gift cards, or a chance to be a guest on your show. “Nominate a Friend” Contest: Encourage listeners to nominate someone they think deserves a reward, whether it’s a small cash prize, a gift card, or a custom podcast shoutout. This promotes community spirit and allows listeners to support each other. Share-the-Love Challenge: Set up a “pay it forward” challenge encouraging listeners to do something kind in their community. Have them share their acts of kindness on social media with a unique hashtag, and share some of the best on your show. 4. Host a Thanksgiving-Themed Livestream or Virtual Gathering: Virtual Thanksgiving Meetup: Host a live-streamed Thanksgiving hangout where you and your listeners can chat, share stories, and express gratitude. Invite special guests, answer listener questions, and make it an interactive event. Live Charity Stream: Set up a live charity stream where listeners can donate in real-time to a cause while enjoying a special Thanksgiving-themed podcast episode or Q&A. This is also a great chance to feature notable guests, making the event feel special. Host a “Friendsgiving” Roundtable: Bring together past guests or members of your podcast community for a Friendsgiving episode. Each guest can share something they’re grateful for in podcasting, creating an atmosphere of appreciation and warmth. 5. Community Projects and Volunteering: Organize a Local Volunteer Event: If your podcast has a strong local following, consider organizing a volunteer day where you and listeners can give back together,

13 min
NOV 8

Boost Your Video Podcast Quality with Expert Editing Tips

Podcasters know that video podcasting is quickly growing and they want to be part of the hype, but how does one jump on this effectively? Today, the Blubrry team goes into detail on to not only create video episodes but to do so well. From recording to editing to publishing, we take you through 15 tips on how to get your best video episode yet! Today's Hosts: Mike Dell and Todd Cochrane Editing a video podcast involves balancing both audio and visual elements to create a polished and engaging final product. Here are some tips to streamline the process and enhance the quality of your video podcast: 1. Prioritize Clean Audio First Audio Cleanup: Start by cleaning up the audio track, as clear sound is essential for podcast listeners. Remove background noise, reduce echo, and apply EQ and compression to balance levels. Sync Audio and Video: If you recorded audio separately, sync it to the video right away to avoid drift. Use claps, hand movements, or syncing markers for easy alignment in the editing software. 2. Choose Simple, User-Friendly Software Select an All-in-One Tool: Programs like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and DaVinci Resolve offer powerful editing capabilities for both video and audio. For simpler edits, tools like iMovie or Descript (which has both video and audio editing features) can work well. Use Templates or Presets: Many editing software options come with built-in templates for intros, lower thirds, and transitions, which can save time and ensure a consistent look across episodes. 3. Use Multi-Cam Editing for Multiple Angles Switch Angles for Engagement: If you have multiple camera angles, use your editing software’s multi-cam feature to easily switch between shots. Changing angles keeps the viewer’s attention and creates a more dynamic viewing experience. Emphasize Reactions: Switch to close-up angles during key moments, like when someone laughs or makes an impactful point, to capture facial expressions and enhance engagement. 4. Add Visual Interest with Graphics and Overlays Include Lower Thirds for Speaker Names: Adding lower thirds with speaker names or topic headers makes it easy for viewers to follow who is speaking or understand the segment focus. Use Animated Overlays for Emphasis: Use simple graphics or animations (like arrows, text pop-ups, or icons) to highlight key points, jokes, or important moments. Keep them subtle and relevant to avoid distracting viewers. 5. Incorporate B-Roll and Visuals to Enhance the Story Use B-Roll to Illustrate Points: B-roll footage, images, or screen recordings relevant to the conversation add visual depth and context. For instance, if a guest mentions a specific event, you can overlay relevant visuals to keep viewers engaged. Add Text Overlays or Key Quotes: Highlight essential points or quotes with on-screen text, reinforcing key takeaways for viewers. 6. Keep Transitions Simple Stick to Clean Cuts or Fades: For a polished, professional look, use simple cuts or crossfades between scenes. Avoid fancy transitions like star wipes or 3D effects, as they can look dated and distract from the content. Use Jump Cuts Sparingly: Jump cuts (where you cut to different parts of the same shot) can help trim unnecessary pauses or filler words, but overuse can make the video feel choppy. Use them only when they improve pacing. 7. Optimize for Different Platforms Consider Aspect Ratios: Most platforms (like YouTube) use a 16:9 ratio, but shorter clips for Instagram Reels or TikTok should be in a vertical 9:16 format. Edit shorter, engaging highlights in these formats to promote on social media. Create Engaging Thumbnails: Design a thumbnail that features your podcast logo,

25 min
NOV 1

Tales from the Podcast Crypt: Navigating Nightmares in Podcasting

Happy Halloween from Podcast Insider! Join Mike Dell and Dave Clements from the Blubrry team as they recount the most haunting experiences in podcasting in this Halloween special. From forgotten "record" buttons to complicated RSS feeds, each story offers insights and lessons that every podcaster can appreciate. Listen in for laughs, shivers, and valuable tips to help you avoid these common podcasting pitfalls. Dave's Podcasting Missteps Interview fail: forgot to hit record on a Geek This! interview with a filmmaker. Unexpected guest struggles: a voice actor on PGwS was unprepared for her D&D role. Mike's Customer Horror Stories "Be Everywhere" strategy gone wrong: a customer juggling multiple podcast hosting platforms. Unintended mishap: a major podcaster’s Apple listing went down due to keyword stuffing—just as he scored massive publicity. Lessons Learned Always check your equipment before recording. Stick with a single, consistent RSS feed to avoid confusion and delays. If moving to a new website platform, consult Blubrry support for a smooth transition. What podcasting nightmare have you experienced that you can share with the team so that we can warn our podcast community? Listen now to discover how to turn these horror stories into useful podcasting tips! 🎙️ 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.

31 min
OCT 24

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
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
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
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
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.

See All (53)

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!