Arroe Collins Pod-Crashing

Episode 13: Podcast Stigmas

Bill Burr was one of Conan O’Brian’s early guests on this newfangled thing called Podcasting. Conan was extremely interested in why Bill’s never put heavy duty focus on having guests on the show. Without a blink in the moment the reply was heard, “I don’t want to deal with people that call you up at the last minute asking to move the show to a different day.”
Oh, I’ve been on that airplane ride. It’s a dull ache of reality sitting in your stomach. The show prep and time required weren’t wasted. Your image has taken a hit. The billboards and social media posts promoting the talk make you feel like you failed the listener. I have a very special stack of papers to my left. It’s my notes that were never used. I’ve learned to quickly shake it off and say to myself, “At least I was ready. If they rebook I’ll be even more prepared.”
To help calm future storms I keep every guest my tiny little secret. Nobody outside this studio needs to know who I’ve booked until it’s been physically brought to life and properly edited.
As a broadcast instructor I’m upfront with tomorrows Podcasters, “Do not race to find a partner! You’re asking them to live on your time clock. You’ll forgive them the first time. That serves as a permission slip to do it again and again. So why start? It’s your show. They are a guest while there. If they don’t make it. No hard feelings. It’s your show.
Conan popped off a joke about doing solo shows calling Bill Burr a narcissist. I thought that was kind of odd. Chelsea Handler’s podcast features her head doctor and he’s always telling her she’s far from being narcissistic.
Maybe it’s the radio guy in me but when I host with no guests I’ve still got someone on the show. The listener! I’ve created a connection with them and steer every conversation toward their extreme importance. Although I can’t see the listener I believe in the greater possibility of them being there even if it’s only one person named Mom.
One more thought about giving love to listeners. If your show is blessed with a solid team of players how often in your conversations do you direct your thoughts toward the listener to keep them activated? Interactive thinking builds a stronger foundation. Listeners feel included. The goal is to invite them to follow. To spread your presence across their social media. A very valuable tool to have.
Let’s get back to booking guests. Not friends and family. Content driven doctors, authors, actors, musicians and carpenters holding onto the latest hammers. Another stigma podcasters face on a weekly basis is, “My client doesn’t do podcasting.”
Quickly laugh it off! There’s still a huge number of people that see this sport as a training camp for future performers on the radio tower. I used to get pissed when promotors shot that line at me. Then I woke up. You dork! They have a product to sell and podcasting isn’t necessarily the marketing campaign they need to put immediate dollars in their pocket.
I’ve changed my booking approach. Stop chasing. As Podcasters we lose a lot of creative time endlessly explaining who we are, what city we’re broadcasting in and is this for the morning show? The stigma shouldn’t make you stagnant. Keep fresh by putting yourself in front of those who get it. It’s growing faster than ever. Have patients and stop chasing. You’ve got something they need. Reach!
I could go on all day about the pitfalls and bad smells associated with this incredible way to share content. A stigma that seems to be on the rise right now and I totally blame it on Netflix, Amazon and Hulu is a podcasting season. Creating only a certain amount of shows. Get listeners to binge listen. Then hope to God they rediscover you when you pop your turtle head out of that shell somewhere down the road.
I brought this very subject up with Jody and David from the Somebody Somewhere podcast. Their current series puts its entire self into the criminal investigation of a Seattle murder scene that left two homeless people dead. It took them a year to pull everything together. It’s their second season feature. I’m not afraid to ask questions, “How you gonna get listeners back for season three?” David laughed out loud and courageously said “That’s the million dollar question.”
I’ve noticed that iHeart Radio does a lot of podcast promoting. In fact Conan endorsed one. Cross pollenating would be an incredible way to not only support those braving the winter storm but it would warmly unite listeners in other places of healthy content. Almost like what iHeart does with their music format. We know you like the Eagles and believe you’ll enjoy Chris Stapleton as well.
I think we’re pretty far from podcasters coughing up a little space to talk about others. The stigma is it’s the rebirth of the Wild West and there aren’t enough sheriffs to enforce a little love. That’s another stigma! People latch onto podcasting because of the no rules approach to getting to listeners. It used to be that way at Netflix. Look at what they did in 2018. They mowed down and totally took out a lot of original early day play and replaced it with a guaranteed return to their investment.
So what’s the moral to this story? It’s pretty simple in all things broadcasting and podcasting there’s always going to be a stigma. Creative people and the freedom to do it anytime anywhere means there’s not enough toilet paper in the world to keep everything tidy and fresh smellen. Get used to the idea that podcasting seems large and in charge for those who live it and breathe it. Outsiders may never get why millions of us are giving our lives away with no pay.
I grew up in Montana and Wyoming and no matter what time of year it was the farmyard always smelled like fresh donkey butt. You’re never gonna get used to the idea that bookers and promoters see only the big names on the dial or podcasting. Hit them up with something I did in 2013, “I realize I can’t get Jay Z or Beyonce but somewhere on that list of yours is a total nobody that could use a little practice with their interview skills. Let me be that platform.
Redd out of Detroit was one such musician. I’ve never said no to the kid. He’s on a huge tour this summer. Randy Bachman wasn’t always the main attraction. He worked those radio stations and continues to support the industry that brought him to the stage.

Episode 12: What Makes You Original On The Over Saturated Stage?

You know what’s fun about doing this Pod-Crashing thing? It’s about being real. Having a generic attitude of community rather than burying yourself inside the four walls of a major conglomeration trying to dominate a ratings war.
I’ve been there. Oh the stress. The endless amount of meetings that normally went nowhere except to agree to meeting again next week. It was never my career. It was their music, liner cards and listener giveaways. In reality I’m shocked they didn’t ask me to bring back every radio station t-shirt, jacket or cap.
Keep in mind it wasn’t my radio career. The only thing I owned was the choice to stay.
I’m gonna be upfront and honest. I didn’t get into podcasting because there was this huge bolt of lightning shot through space. I was in that place where the broadcasting business didn’t know what they hell to do with me. I quit market hopping which meant the scent of my performance was making me come across as that old guy that’ll probably die with the ship.
Coming off the air to do imaging and commercial production was a stinger. You think you’ve got the strength to maintain a healthy lifestyle cuz it’s all connected but wow that’s like telling Paul McCartney he’s got a new job on the road. The roadie.
I fell into the podcasting hole by total accident. I happen to be walking down and hall and heard someone talking to the morning show, “You guys need to look at putting your best of shows up on the internet. New technology puts you on the listener’s smart phone. Listening on demand.”
My lost dreams suddenly shot to life. WTF? The morning show wanted nothing to do with it. My radio driven soul wanted to Rock n Roll. Then Bob Pitman of iHeart Media mentioned in a meeting that podcasting was a brave new beginning that required real radio people to bring its quality to the game.
Oh my God I was on my way! Yeah right. I had no clue what I was doing! More importantly what could I write, produce and perform all in the name of being attractive to global ears? I’ve always been addicted to being original. So original that it earned me a radio freak label. He’s too weird, too wild, un-coachable.
I just knew it was a performance. The question I faced in 2013 is no different today. What am I going to do that isn’t already being done?
I’m the exact opposite of Randy Bachman’s quote, “You only see my hits not my misses.”
In this stage of the podcast game there’ve been so many swings at the plate that I’ve taken on the image of a drone. Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh! Thank God I’ve got a big fat ego. It’s the only thing keeping me grounded.
Let me ask the question again, “What Makes You Original On The Over Saturated Stage?”
I don’t do sports. TMZ has tired the world out with gossip. Music updates are ok but not unique enough for this wild new digital frontier. I know! I’ll do interviews! I’ll talk with anyone that says yes. What I needed was practice. Podcast listeners make a huge choice to somehow someway find their way onto your platform. The goal is to get them to keep coming back.
For that to happen those content consuming junkies need a relationship with a payoff. It was time for me to become them. How could I build a bigger better show if I wasn’t wearing the same shoes? It was time to drop tower radio listening and hook up the blue tooth!
I know what I like and I know what I’ll never return to. Digital on Demand has turned me into a spoiled snot. Give me what I want! I need my fix. Honestly the cool thing about being a podcast listener is the variety of choice. It doesn’t bother me to see there are 8 billion movie review channels. Toss in another 12 zillion medical and murder mystery adventures. There’s so much out there that I feel like the space shuttle busting tail through all those stars.
What Makes You Original On The Over Saturated Stage?
Exactly that! Keep searching. Bust open a can of overworked with no pay and play the game like it’s your last day on the planet. Warning. I know you like certain things in life and love to share the journey but don’t back into a stereotyped image. Let me give you an example. I jocked on a few Adult Contemporary radio stations from 1985 to 2012. The Classic Rock and New Rock stations wouldn’t give me an on-air shift because my name was connected to Michael Bolton, Rod Stewart and Phil Collins.
With podcasting what makes you an original will be your original way of bringing a ton of content to life. Study the path that Mike Rowe has taken. The dude has his hands in everything.
So what’s the moral of the story? The only person that can invite originality to your podcast is you and it’s probably not going to come in the shape of what we already do. Through wide open space practicing and commitment combined with loyalty you’ll find your voice. It’s not going to happen overnight.
Never stop testing the waters. Create several different podcast platforms and cross-pollinate. Through show prep and careful planning one single interview can be featured on several different shows. Every time I talk with YouTube sensation JoJo Siwa our conversations go to my Kids show, music as well as writing. If she’s marketing something or talks about food those shows get the upload as well.
It’s no different than Taylor Swift hitting every music format. Your podcast can do it too!

Episode 11: When Will The Newness Wear Off?

With iHeart Radio claiming to have 250,000 podcasts and Spotify announcing they want to be the Netflix of podcasting. The one time hidden away not always talked about rap sessions are quickly becoming a global fashion.
When you talk to those labeled pioneers, they’ll tell you that even I was amazingly late getting into the groove. That was 2012. Back when the decision makers in radio knew I was up to something in the production room but they couldn’t figure out how to sink their money loving fingers into it.
Seven years deep into podcasting and I still feel this new age of generating content hasn’t budged from the core of my creative womb. It’s still an infant with no real date set for delivery.
To be a great podcaster I think you have to do what authors do. Participate with the process. Authors have read and continue to read a lot of other people’s work. Podcasting should not be different. You should be digesting two to three shows a day. All from different talent.
There’s a ton of one on one conversation podcasts. Two to five yackers cackling up a storm like the battered and tattered old hen house on the farm. I’m not knocking it! It just seems to be the go to sport of the moment. To layout your openness without having to write a blog.
When will the newness of this podcast style wear off? Actors, comedians, bankers and whomever else are locked in on asking everybody in the room a bunch of questions.
Here’s why I feel it’s not the typical and why it may get old much quicker than anticipated. In the real world without a microphone and recording device, when you’re with friends and family, are you sittin around talking about taking drugs, masturbating, massively hating your job, openly discussing your failures while wishfully thinking about having fantasy sex with dot dot dot?
I know that’s going overboard and looks like an object that crosses the line. Let me remind you that this is podcasting and it seems like everybody’s on this kick to be extremely open about their lives knowing they’d never be that way unless they’re on the show.
Sports shows are posted with last night’s scores. I love the emotion but in two days all of that work will be wasted space. It’s like a pizza that sat out all weekend. The stories are dried up and nobody’s red hot on the idea of devouring what you served.
I do enjoy actors talking to actors. Always bringing up how they’ve been friends for years. Hmm if it were anyone else, you know like a no name, they’d barely have a following because two friends chumming it up gets a little too inside.
An old radio term that still works. Don’t go too inside. It causes a disconnection.
The newness of that kind of podcasting might wear out the newby listeners that checked in cuz someone hit the share button.
Every How To Podcast book and website says to get a guest. It makes the show interesting. Let me ask one question. Is it a guest if you already know each other’s dirty little secrets? Bantering works when the content gets the listener mentally involved.
What I do find funny is how Conan O’Brian and Dax Shepard endlessly invite guests to the microphone who are completely clueless as to what podcasting is. That tells me that we’ve got years of discovery still ahead. Both guys are supremely talented with the gift to gab and know when it’s time to get off the subject.
Then again they both have real producers and we don’t know what ends up on the cutting room floor. You should see how much I yank off the podcast before its broadcast. During the conversation I’ll bring boring stuff up that gets the guest more involved. I hear it in their voice. Then I’m off again. Jotting down notes to remind myself later to edit edit edit.
I’d love to hear Chelsea Handler do her podcast without people in the room. The girl is so brilliantly gifted that she could get a huge new audience based on the fact that she’s speaking directly to them.
Michael Rappaport is doing his podcast on a paid site. As much as I love his chance taking extremely too loud attitude, I’ve got to get a least six to ten shows in me before I decide if it’s worth the investment.
Paying for podcasting will get real old to many people because it seems television with all of its apps are starting to dig into the wallet as well. Nickle and diming your fans and followers better have an everyday payoff or the tune out will be an explosion of destruction that looks more like AM stereo and HD Radio.
Both of those truly sounded pretty good but the consumer didn’t buy into it.
So what’s the moral of the story? It’s pretty simple. There’s a lot of talking going on but it’s all starting to sound the same. A bunch of chumming around with no real TMZ nastiness. Have several ideas in mind when you bring the second and third voices in. Show prep is a brilliant tool.
I learned that trick when legendary Rocker Leslie West called me out in the middle of a conversation. He knew I was winging it. To this day I wish he would’ve hung on me. The impact was big on my heart but it needed to an all-out get out of my face action. It kinda told my listeners that I didn’t truly care about the time they were putting in by being there. Changed me forever.

Episode Nine: How Real Is Too Real?

I find myself laughing at how sterilized radio and television people continue to be inside this world of reality this and Big Brother that. Incredibly entertaining was Game of Thrones getting busted twice this season for not properly clearing the set of modern day water bottles and more. Some have said that was done on purpose because when the masters of the craft make mistakes a lot of free press pushes a show forward.
There are several different shapes and shades of Podcaster’s. Those that take it too serious versus the casual conversationalist that doesn’t mind keeping the studio door open to allow the atmosphere of the moment to pass through the microphone.
In a recent conversation with Conan O’Brian comedian Mark Maron coached the late night host on how to relax and let the show happen. He has no problem inviting the sounds of real life to his mind blowingly successful show. He says the greatest shows are those that you can build.
I totally agree. I’m convinced that Podcast listeners don’t mind being taken somewhere. NPR has been doing it for how many decades? Hell I’ll go hangout at the patio at Panera Bread and do four to seven interviews with garbage trucks marching by. I love the gentle roar of someone else’s conversation in the background.
I did an episode with Dennis Quaid at Panera. He was handwashing dishes while I was stretched out across that hardcore metal table.
I’ve hosted conversations while sitting in the lobby of several different movie theaters. I always want to be ready for any call. Before checking into a movie premiere I’ll be laughing up a storm with Pat Benatar’s husband. I’ve been know to pull of some pretty awesome shows while driving from town to town. Pop the recorder on and start digging in.
Producers on the other side aren’t always warm to the idea of having sound in the background. My response has been gentle and caring. I just say, “Your side of the answers meeting the questions is all out perfect while my side can always been re-recorded in the studio.
Everything I do is left and right handed. Actors, musicians, authors and others are always in the left ear and there I am in the right. At production time I have full control of each side which is a heck of a lot better than dumping the recyclables with the other trash. Only to be forced to separate it on pickup day.
I first got hooked up with this plan and purpose while doing an interview with Yoko Ono. She was calling in at 12 noon. I was to be in my hotel room in Raleigh, NC at the time. I totally screwed up on the journey up there and 2 hours into the drive I had to rush back home to Charlotte. The talk with Yoko totally went off on time. Me sitting in my driveway just talking away about life with John and all things connected to her art shows.
This sort of thinking opens your heart and imagination to reach way way out of the box. Don’t wait for your guest to come to the sterilized studio, take your equipment to them and paint that background like no sound effects library can.
KISS Alive 1 was a huge hit because it was a real crowd whereas Elton John’s Bennie and The Jets was made up to sound live. Be real with the sound and be real to your listeners. Let them know up front where you are. Then get on with the episode because listeners only have so long before they begin to tune out.
If you’ve got to live the perfect life and need all things crystal clear and squeaky clean. You can still take a portable studio outside the normal joint. The front seat of your car is the best soundproof on the planet. One issue and it’s very important to keep in mind. Air conditioning and heater sounds can almost sound like blowing wind into your microphone.
What’s the more of the story? Have fun while keeping a firm grip on quality. You can be anywhere you want to be and bring the atmosphere of the moment to life but be aware of what too much sound can do. Make sure you’ve got great microphones. We’ve come a long way. Adweek has labeled Podcasters the new influencers.
Keep up the good fight.

Does anybody really know what time it is?

No matter how focused you feel as a writer, voice over talent, radio personality or every day average Joe, is there such a thing as Time within the scattered limits of a podcast?
Time is a huge subject. In more ways than one! The time it takes to prep a show, to the time the PR department demands as to when the show will hit the air.
What about the time required for post-production? Social networking time and the amazing amount of time you spend telling yourself how much this all sucks because the payoff isn’t coming quick enough. I mean you always have to make time for that!
I really don’t want to get into how long an episode should run? I’ve shattered some pretty good friendships over this very subject. Nobody’s ever right. It just feels good to win a peeing contest.
During my early podcast years, the personal battles I even picked with myself were based solely on not my time but how much time was a wandering listener willing to give up just to hear something that fell off my truck?
I became addicted to shorter shows because I wanted bigger analytic numbers. Like songs played on the radio, if you liked what you just heard you’d stick around for another one. Then another and another. I figured if you did an hour long show you get one bonk. Four fifteen minute shows four bonks.
I’ve spent way too much time studying those numbers and does anyone outside of our ego care about downloads and plays?
It would be awesome if the makers of documented listening came up with a way that shows how many times we put a podcast on hold then came back to it. For instance, it takes me pretty much all day to get through Conan O’Brians podcast.
I don’t have the time to sit and listen to the entire process. I feel guilty about the pausing because no matter how many times I return to the episode he’s still only getting one bonk.
Probably one of the most misunderstood sides of time is when the PR departments controlling the flow of your guests want to know what time will the conversation air? To add fuel to the fire in what city will it air?
I literally burst out in laughter when they ask both questions. Podcasting isn’t about a daypart. And the mere mention of what city will it be airing means they’ve not bathed in the luxury of on demand listening. It’s a lifestyle.
I program the episodes of my shows. It’s my sick old fashioned radio self-trying to super serve the listener. If you liked that interview maybe you’ll like this one and this one. Programming takes time. You’ve got to have flow. A book author can’t go into another book author. Don’t put a major medical breakthrough at the Mayo clinic next to ZZ Top. Buzz kill podcasting.
I’m blessed with the opportunity to talk with a lot of people about a lot of things. The secret to a winning conversation? Don’t ever think you’re the expert. Always be the consumer. You’ve got questions and the podcast listeners are vicariously living through your moment of now.
I had a PR person tell me, “I don’t care if you don’t drink wine. I’d rather listen to the questions of a novice then someone trying to dominate my author over whether it’s proper to put ice in with the juice.”
Hey I’ve talked with CIA agents to Dr. Drew. Kidz Bop to family members trying to keep their famous parents name alive and growing forward. To do all of this takes time. Time I shouldn’t have but somehow the hands on the clock have opened and allowed me to grow on a platform that’s been around since the 80’s but it’s just coming into the forefront of what listeners need. It’s called consuming content.
So what’s the moral of the story? It’s pretty simple. No matter how many days or years you’ve been doing interviews always take really good care of the PR people. The more PR connections you have the greater the experience. It just takes time to build up those relationships.
If you aren’t putting time into every episode of your podcast you’re not going to be called out. Listeners just won’t tune in. Time management is essential. Be a disciplined entertainer. Again that takes time. It’s not going to happen overnight.
iHeart Media is bragging about having over 250,000 podcasts on their platform. Take the time to know what you’re reaching for then create the greater show. There are way too many people in this universe of conversation. Taking the time to fine tune your instrument will help shape a more visible path.
Time to get to work!

Ten Reasons Why People Stop Podcasting
Four times a year I’m blessed with the opportunity to spend two weeks lecturing on the importance of not only creating but maintaining a solid podcast vision.
Seems pretty easy right. Latch onto a USB microphone or four. Hook it up to lap top. Tap into Adobe Audition, Garage Band or utilize the free recording systems on Anchor.fm and Spreaker. Invite the friends over and start talking.
Yeah, that’s pretty much how a lot of podcasts start. Seems like a pretty fun hobby. Almost like turning your Saturday nights into B Movie Nights or breaking out board games. Just something fun to do and the rest of the world gets to jump in.
During these two week lectures. Those who’ve chosen to attend aren’t fresh faces. We’ve pretty much hung out for five weeks. I know their walk before they take the first step.
Most of them are burning and itching at the idea of being a podcast host that features several different players. I laugh with them and worry a lot when they’re not around. I podcast to win. It’s still a toy to them. A fragile toy that usually ends up broken on their street of dreams.
Several weeks after the lecture I bump into most of them in the real world. They playing field has changed at this point. I’m not the instructor. I’m the Broadcaster. A totally different game is played. I’m paid to lecture. Not so true when bumped into. I waste no time cutting through podcast reality.
They wanna know why they lost interest. They’re hurt, bent out of shape, angry at themselves and feel like someone fibbed on their visions and hopes. It all seemed so easy.
The one thing you can’t do is go into podcasting thinking like a podcaster. Reaching 40 years in radio didn’t happen because I only did the work when I was in the mood. I battled the storms. I reinvented the paths of choice. I reached out endlessly to those that inspired me. I practiced everyday then and even now.
I’ve come up with ten reasons why most people drop the ball and quit podcasting.
1. Too much hard work with no pay
2. Lack of listener numbers. Not growing fast enough
3. Post production laziness
4. Partners on the show quit showing up
5. Lack of uniqueness
6. Constantly changing the show
7. No promotional knowledge
8. Difficult to book top notch guests
9. No new ideas for each episode
10. Too hard on yourself
The moral of the story is simple. My entire life every Tom, Dick and Harry has said that being on the radio looks like a fun and they’d do anything to be part of it. Just like anything else it’s a job!
Podcasting is a job! It becomes a huge heavy weight chore when you’re no longer in the mental state to give give give to those chiming in. It’s called consuming content. Listeners love great information but the makers of the podcast moment can’t keep up with the demand.
You’ll never catch me telling you that you can’t do a podcast. I will though question your dedication, loyalty, determination and respect for podcast listeners. That head and heart of yours are full of bright new ideas that require a lot of attention. In no time your creative energy will be locked up and empty!
Without fear and doubt you’ve got to get back up and do 200 more episodes for show! It may take you a year or two but at least you met the goal.

Who Owns Your Podcast?

The more popular podcasting gets and the more money that’s generated ownership of the show or shows is going to become a bigger issue. Not only on the digital server circuit but radio and television companies that are enforcing talent to begin a journey through this ever changing atmosphere of free talk.
Which should be a serious eye opener for the talent. All of that planning, performing, producing and promoting looks good on the site but look deeper into the plan you signed with Spreaker, Soundcloud, iTunes, Anchor.fm, Podomatic and others.
Each time you upload an episode you’re pretty much giving your art away. They can use it any way they want. Which includes attaching commercials to beef up their revenue. They have the final say as to who gets to play game and who’s forfeiting the team jersey because all that was agreed upon was broken.
It happened to me with Soundcloud. I have conversations with musicians all day. Rather than upload dry vocals, the goal was to create full shows that feature song hooks. Three to seven seconds. Soundcloud took the show down. Although I was interviewing the artists that created the music. In their eyes and ears I was breaking copyright laws. The mission was to generate a connection with listeners who’d buy the music. Because my email address had changed I wasn’t getting their warnings therefore they assumed I was ignoring them. Gone! I’ve tried to reach out numerous times to plead my case and to this day nobody from Soundcloud has returned an email or physical call.
Look at the small print Podcasters! They’re trying to be fair to the artists and other creative people.
Does this mean they own your show? They own the data space you’re using up. You’re on their playground which means they can take the ball and tell you to go home.
Ownership of the podcast has turned me into a monster. It’s no different than Metallica dropping tracks for a new album and by the time they get home it’s already on the internet. Sadly though we’ve evolved into this era of all things belong to everyone.
Which is why I strongly suggest that you locate as many digital outlets to post your shows. Don’t just shoot for the big ones like iHeart, Spotify and Pandora. Plant those vocal vibes on every page you can find and don’t get pissed off is someone doesn’t ask for permission to post your creations.
Your one and only job is to get those numbers up. To push your show into the deep end of the pool. I’d say the only thing you truly own is the choice to do another episode.
If you stop showing up. So will your followers.
It wouldn’t surprise me if the giants of podcasting don’t one day soon pull of what Netflix recently did with a huge list of their original shows. If you don’t have the numbers and or interest to get better not on my time or dime.
Another type of ownership issue that could very easily ruff up some feathers is between the radio and television talent with their parent companies. If you’re voicing and producing your podcast within their four walls and it’s being posted to their pages. That pretty much says it belongs to them. If there’s a break up in the marriage they can keep the name and you’ve got to start over again.
Pay close attention to your station contract. If it’s not already happening, I’m sure we’re within inches of GM’s and PD’s telling the talent that their daily expectations include a fully produced podcast and we’re not talking a best of show.
iHeart Radio has posted in big bright letters how they’re the number one place for podcasts. When I started doing mine in 2012 inside their beautiful studios such behavior was looked upon as being an object we can’t explain don’t let it get in the way of your real job. Bob Pitman and company have done a fine job lifting the level of the podcast performance.
But who owns Will Ferrell’s podcast show? What about Chelsea Handler? As entertainers, creators, messengers and providers we’re gonna have to pay close attention to this ever changing platform. That wide open space once free of big business and decision makers is quickly shaping a new frontier and with it comes rules and consultants that could very easily start controlling how you deliver your word. If you don’t like their approach? It’s their platform.
The moral of today’s story is simple… Go into every episode knowing once you put it up, it belongs to world. My download numbers are totally rocking it. One side of my ego is digging the attention while the other side is injured cuz everybody’s getting it free.
Remember. When it comes to ownership. The only thing you control is the decision to do another episode.

I call it The Unlucky Seven Dark Spot…
Seven seems to be the magical number that newcomer podcasters reach before they move onto something a little less time consuming.
The first few shows everybody’s checking out your brand new vibe. The analytics are popping which makes you feel great about you create.
By the time you get the gang back together for show number 8, someone’s got a new reason to spoil the season. They can’t make it because they aren’t feeling it to man I can’t get a babysitter.
Which I can’t help but believe is the reason why multiple podcasters set aside a Saturday or Tuesday night at 6pm to throw down several shows.
I’m not saying it’s wrong. I just know that listening habits can pick up on the tiring of vocals and the lack of fresh ideas. Especially if you’ve hooked yourself up to a 30 to 60 minute show.
Nothing creatively injures a podcaster more than those annoying days after you think you killed it but the numbers aren’t proving it.
So how do you get past The Unlucky Seven Dark Spot?
If you’ve teamed up with others to make your magic work and they decide to be no show, let them know how much it put a dent in your dedication.
Here’s a better idea. Whoever is the ruler of the kingdom it’s your show. Those that post a no show are only guests. Howard Stern always reminds his team of dedication whack packers and producer of whose name is on the show.
I get it. Life gets in the way. But don’t let the The Unlucky Seven Dark Spot… suck the wind out of your sails.
Even when you aren’t in the mood to spin your wheels on a fresh set of recording tracks. Get into that studio and lay out a map. Don’t wing it man. Leave that for the Wing Shack with their 8,000 different flavors.
I do kind of chuckle when other podcasters reach out to me to brag about how they’ve finally made it to 10 shows. Look, I love you for the endless supply of dreaming while supplying listeners with the unique behavior of the voice.
Podcasting to me is no different than being the chosen voice over talent to read and authors book. The phone call rocks your planet. Page one is still a rush. Then you realize the book is 235 pages in length. You can’t stop. You’ll lose the money.
Oh speaking of that. Money. That five letter word has a huge push on knocking your creative butt off the podcasting path. A ton of wasted energy and no sponsors again today. That dull ache of never getting lost time back eats away at your every attempt to do a great show.
So… You try a new idea. Oh look! Your podcast can be heard on iHeart Radio, Spotify and iTunes! 2nd level motivation is a party animal in a box. You feel like you’re more famous than Mario Lopez. ESPN who?
What you don’t realize is now you’ve hot even a bigger problem. You took your podcast to a biggest platform and they need your content to put their sponsors on. If you aren’t delivering what happens next? You’re taking up valuable space on their expression of art.
I guess the moral of the story is to be ready to sink your teeth into a bison sized burger and expect to swallow wind.
Not a negative! Be aware of what to expect with high hopes that those who’ve been living this past for years and thousands of shows have the willingness to lean into your game and say, “Winning is a choice.”
Podcasts that I’ve put on my daily diet include Tony Robbins who does a huge job on interviewing his famous guests in a truly heart felt motivational way. I’m also digging Conan O’Brien who has honestly had a blast poking fun at the idea of inviting people over to the studio all in the name of wanting to be his friend.
Trust me, the two of them are using the digital platform to sell their material.
Maybe that’s what you’re missing from your show. Sell something. Make it sound larger than life! That’s what Wolfman Jack did on that monster of an AM station in Mexico. He was always selling something!
I’m Arroe and that’s Pod-Crashing

I’m quite anxious about the future of podcasting as we grow closer to the 2020 U.S. Presidential election.
The majority of today’s Broadcast outlets are owned and operated by huge corporations controlling the world of news. Yeah, I said it. Radio and television are connected to ratings and those making the decisions and or consulting do all they can to keep the line of content communication focused what the company supports and delivers.
Right now we’re seeing the largest number of Democrats announcing their candidacy for the highest position on the planet. The best way to get the word out will be through the power of podcasting. There are no program directors, news directors or CEO’s laying claim to how this reporter didn’t fit the image they’re trying to project to the viewing and listening audience.
Even bigger… Those hosting podcast shows want to talk to candidates and will give them ample time and space without charging a dime for air time. As of now there are no equal amount time rules for the vote chasers. Podcasters can pick one team and stick to it like gum on a shoe without ever sharing the same digital delivery with the challenger.
Embrace it people! Radio and television will be bogged down with 30 and 60 commercials of every side causing a disconnection with people sick of hearing the mudslinging. In the world of podcasting you’ll have to power of choice. Yes I want to hear this person’s journey through politics or hell no we aren’t touching that wild monster on Capitol Hill.
As a Podcaster I’ll say yes to every Tom, Dick or Harry running for public office. I feel it’s my job to get the entire story or someone will write it for them.
Podcaster’s have the opportunity to truly educate the community and or poison it. Just remember, during these modern times of political silence the appearance of any candidates name on your podcast list can instantly turn your show into a moment of judging a book by its cover.
Been there done that a few thousand times. Content is a beautiful thing especially when it brings a fresh approach to variety. A good idea might be to create a completely different podcast with the politics headed this way. I have many different shows because it separates subjects. I’d never put Hobby Discovery interview on a podcast show that’s focused on Hollywood actors and movies.
The listener bee bops by and it’s like what? Why would my entertainment to the world connection be hooked up with a boat building show?
A good example is you’re a hardcore sports announcer that knows the game and can pull off any sports replay like it was yesterday. On your sports podcast something appears on the show about a political candidate that’s not too hot in the numbers but you’re just trying to push them out there a bit. You take the hit. Suddenly the really good sports guy is wearing a different hat.
Rock stars appear on my show View From The Writing Instrument because they write music. Chef also appear on the show because they come with cookbooks. A NASCAR driver promoting Home Depot won’t get the time on the show. That means I still won’t talk to the dude that keeps taking left hand turns. Content wins!
The moral of this week’s story is to participate with what’s about to walk through that door in the podcast world. Politicians! You’ll always have the choice to pick which ones get airtime. You are the President and CEO of ME Inc.
Don’t be shocked if the groups that are against certain candidates don’t reach out as well. You’ll need to have true leadership in who gets into your area of delivery. If your choice is to support one side and from your lips come words that go up against the other side, expect them to call out your name and identity.
Be nice to all podcasters. Don’t be slinging things at other hosts doing what they’ve been blessed to share. Grab the content and watch your numbers increase or decrease.
Everybody has something to sell. Get to their mission quickly then get back on your winning path. Never forget it’s always your podcast show. If the guest tries to dominate the conversation reach over and shut off the microphone. Wish them good luck. Give em a buck for the campaign then get on with your day.

The one thing I’ve noticed since the inception of Podcast is the amazing amount of egos that drive this digital ship.
Now I see why radio and television finally decided to hire program directors and consultants.
When it comes to podcasting, everybody has their point of direction. I get that lets not rip down the house we’re trying to build by throwing people under the bus.
The best way to get into a professional wrestling cage match without joining the WWE is to walk up to another Podcaster and tell them what they’re doing wrong.
There are no written rules. Amy Schumer sounds like her podcast is recorded in a kitchen, Will Farrells Ron Burgandy is so dry and pointless at times that it’s actually quite funny and unforgettable.
Everywhere I travel I have my recording equipment with me. When I attend movie premieres to hosting lectures, every chance you get is a reason to record incredible content.
Well get into the portable studio on different show.
For the longest time I wanted to host a show that served the community like movie critics and reviewers.
The more I thought about it the harder it became for me to grow a pair of balls to tell someone to raise the bar on quality.
How can I say that? There are podcasts planted every day whose sound is far worse than taking an old fashioned cassette deck to a construction site to record interviews or birds farting. And the owner of the show pulls in over 25,000 and more hits and downloads.
In this moment of fads and the freedom to be who you want to be wherever you want to bring it to life- podcasting is the sport that boys and girls 6 to 90 years old are choosing to do.
We should be spending more time helping them by not criticizing their efforts. Offering support by liking or sharing the show begins a building process. Once they realize that you are a regular to the show. Use the moment to suggest a new idea.
Hey I like it when you guys do this… would love to hear your side of this view.
Podcasting a beast. It’s time consuming and turns you into an analytics addict. People Google newer ways to strengthen product. Chances are taken while more perfectionists drop off the podcast map.
There is no magical number you have to reach when it comes to how many episodes a single show has. My Unplugged and Totally Uncut show presently has 9,059 episodes.
Six years of determined dedication to be on that microphone at 5:30 every morning.
Which is why I get so easily offended when from out of nowhere another podcaster says I’m doing it all wrong.
Doing what wrong? I wouldn’t even listen to Joe Rogen if he offered a suggestion. Not unless he’s willing to jot down a couple of my experiences.
This is what the feature is about. The community needs to be stronger.
Yeah I know there are conventions and iHeart Radio just hosted the first ever Podcast awards.
The irony of that? Those who won the awards and get to go to the conventions can afford it. Its radio companies trying to capitalize on monetizing a new level of listening habits. The majority of today’s podcasters are making two cents with those add on commercials that came with 800 pages you had to read in order to earn a few bucks just being yourself.
Let’s wrap this up. Quit telling people they’re doing their podcasts wrong. Not unless you’re gonna jump onto their pirate ship and help them fire the cannons and drink the whiskey.
You’ll never catch me throwin down air check sessions with the Breakfast Club with Charlamagne, Angela Yee and DJ Envy.
We are a community of Broadcasters podcasting without rules. Invite creative energy don’t silence it.
I’m Arroe and that’s Pod-crashing