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Dave Jackson flies solo this week (with special guest appearances from Randy Black and Ralph Estep Jr.) to tackle this challenging question and more. Randy shares a heart-wrenching story about losing his podcast co-host and friend, reminding us of the human connections that make this medium so powerful. His emotional recounting serves as a poignant reminder that beyond analytics and strategies, podcasting creates meaningful relationships that transcend the microphone.

The conversation takes a practical turn when Ralph joins to break down the differences between LLC and sole proprietorship structures for podcasters. His expertise reveals that proper business structuring can save significant money on self-employment taxes while providing liability protection—with benefits potentially kicking in at just $8,000 of annual podcast income.

A cautionary tale emerges about platform dependence when Dave shares the story of a podcaster who lost 168 episodes overnight when Spotify deleted their entire catalog over a single music-related terms of service violation. The lesson? Always back up your content and understand platform policies before it's too late.

Sponsors:
PodcastBranding.co - They see you before they hear you
Basedonastruestorypodcast.com - Comparing Hollywood with History?

Video Version

Mentioned In This Episode

School of Podcasting
https://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/join

Podpage
http://www.trypodpage.com

Home Gadget Geeks
https://www.homegadgegeeks.com

Featured Supporter: Shane from Spybrary
We interview spy authors, espionage historians and fans of spy books, spy movies and spy TV series! Check it out at https://spybrary.com/

Podcast Hot Seat
Grow your podcast audience with Podcast Hot Seat. We help you do more of what is working, and fine tune those things that need polished. In addition to the podcast audit, you get a FREE MONTH at the School of Podcasting (including more coaching). Check it out at https://www.podcasthotseat.com/store
Your Audience Will Thank You!

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How do you find guests when your podcast covers extremely niche topics? It's a challenge many creators face, especially when starting out. Dave Jackson and Jim Cullison tackle this question head-on, providing practical strategies that go beyond the standard advice. Rather than endless online searching, they suggest going directly to where your potential guests gather, leveraging existing connections, and most importantly, asking current guests for recommendations.

The episode takes a heartfelt turn as the hosts pay tribute to podcasting pioneer Todd Cochran, founder of Blubrry, who recently passed away. Todd's unwavering commitment to open RSS, transparent business practices, and advocacy for podcasters has left an indelible mark on the industry. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, Dave and Jim highlight how Todd's principled approach to business and genuine care for the podcasting community set a standard that continues to influence the medium today.

Sponsors:
PodcastBranding.co - They see you before they hear you
Basedonastruestorypodcast.com - Comparing Hollywood with History?

Video Version

Mentioned In This Episode

School of Podcasting
https://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/join

Podpage
http://www.trypodpage.com

Home Gadget Geeks
https://www.homegadgegeeks.com

Featured Supporter: Shane from Spybrary
We interview spy authors, espionage historians and fans of spy books, spy movies and spy TV series! Check it out at https://spybrary.com/

Podcast Hot Seat
Grow your podcast audience with Podcast Hot Seat. We help you do more of what is working, and fine tune those things that need polished. In addition to the podcast audit, you get a FREE MONTH at the School of Podcasting (including more coaching). Check it out at https://www.podcasthotseat.com/store
Your Audience Will Thank You!

Support the show

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Thanks for listening to the show. Help the show continue to exist and get a shout-out on the show by becoming an awesome supporter by going to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome

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The boundaries between legal protection and audience engagement blur when we confront one of podcasting's persistent questions: do you need release forms from your guests? This episode dives deep into this conundrum, revealing why adding friction to your listener experience might actually sabotage your growth efforts.

Sponsors:
PodcastBranding.co - They see you before they hear you
Basedonastruestorypodcast.com - Comparing Hollywood with History?

Video Version

Mentioned In This Episode

School of Podcasting
https://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/join

Podpage
http://www.trypodpage.com

Home Gadget Geeks
https://www.homegadgegeeks.com

Featured Supporter: Shane from Spybrary
We interview spy authors, espionage historians and fans of spy books, spy movies and spy TV series! Check it out at https://spybrary.com/

Podcast Hot Seat
Grow your podcast audience with Podcast Hot Seat. We help you do more of what is working, and fine tune those things that need polished. In addition to the podcast audit, you get a FREE MONTH at the School of Podcasting (including more coaching). Check it out at https://www.podcasthotseat.com/store
Your Audience Will Thank You!

Support the show

BE AWESOME!
Thanks for listening to the show. Help the show continue to exist and get a shout-out on the show by becoming an awesome supporter by going to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome

Send us feedback/questions via Text

Ever wondered what's lurking in your podcast stats? This week, we tackle a mysterious surge in ThinkBot downloads that has creators scratching their heads. When this web crawler suddenly outpaces even Apple Podcasts in your analytics, it's time to investigate—and we'll walk you through exactly what to do when bots inflate your numbers.

For Android users struggling to find their perfect podcast companion, we compare the top apps with Pocket Casts emerging as our favorite for its seamless cross-device synchronization. Whether you're listening on your phone, tablet, or desktop, we explain how to create the most satisfying listening experience without getting lost between devices.

Sponsors:
PodcastBranding.co - They see you before they hear you
Basedonastruestorypodcast.com - Comparing Hollywood with History?

Video Version

Mentioned In This Episode

School of Podcasting
https://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/join

Podpage
http://www.trypodpage.com

Home Gadget Geeks
https://www.homegadgegeeks.com

Empowered Podcast Conference
https://www.empoweredpodcasting.com/

Keep the Flame Alive
https://www.flamealivepod.com

Blubrry Hosting
https://supportthisshow.com/blubrry

Captivate Hosting
https://supportthisshow.com/captivate

Buzzsprout
https://supportthisshow.com/buzzsprout

Podhome Hosting
https://www.podhome.fm/

Context Rot Article
https://aigoestocollege.substack.com/p/context-rot-from-notebooklm

AI Goes to College
https://www.aigoestocollege.com

Featured Supporter: Shane from Spybrary
We interview spy authors, espionage historians and fans of spy books, spy movies and spy TV series! Check it out at https://spybrary.com/

Podcast Hot Seat
Grow your podcast audience with Podcast Hot Seat. We help you do more of what is working, and fine tune those things that need polished. In addition to the podcast audit, you get a FREE MONTH at the School of Podcasting (including more coaching). Check it out at https://www.podcasthotseat.com/store
Your Audience Will Thank You!

Support the show

BE AWESOME!
Thanks for listening to the show. Help the show continue to exist and get a shout-out on the show by becoming an awesome supporter by going to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome

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In today's show Dave is back from Podcast Movement 2025 in Dallas and shares some of the things he saw. We are joined by Marty and get an inside scoop of podcasting blind.

Sponsors:
PodcastBranding.co - They see you before they hear you
Basedonastruestorypodcast.com - Comparing Hollywood with History?

Video Version

Mentioned In This Episode

School of Podcasting
https://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/join

Podpage
http://www.trypodpage.com

Home Gadget Geeks
https://www.homegadgegeeks.com

Tuulie AI Tools
https://tuulie.com/

Empowered Podcast Conference
https://www.empoweredpodcasting.com/

Featured Supporter: Shane from Spybrary
We interview spy authors, espionage historians and fans of spy books, spy movies and spy TV series! Check it out at https://spybrary.com/

Podcast Hot Seat
Grow your podcast audience with Podcast Hot Seat. We help you do more of what is working, and fine tune those things that need polished. In addition to the podcast audit, you get a FREE MONTH at the School of Podcasting (including more coaching). Check it out at https://www.podcasthotseat.com/store
Your Audience Will Thank You!

Support the show

BE AWESOME!
Thanks for listening to the show. Help the show continue to exist and get a shout-out on the show by becoming an awesome supporter by going to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome

Send us feedback/questions via Text

What truly builds podcast audiences - authentic connections or inflated metrics? This episode explores the fascinating contrast between Taylor Swift's approach to audience building and questionable industry practices like buying fake downloads.

When Taylor Swift recently proclaimed "I'm in the business of human emotion" on a podcast, she revealed the secret behind her massive success - creating genuine connections with fans through carefully crafted experiences. Meanwhile, a Hollywood Reporter article exposes how some podcasters resort to purchasing downloads and subscribers, revealing a fundamental misunderstanding of sustainable audience growth. Dave and Jim unpack this revealing contrast and why emotional connection always trumps numerical shortcuts.

Sponsors:
PodcastBranding.co - They see you before they hear you
Basedonastruestorypodcast.com - Comparing Hollywood with History?

Video Version

Mentioned In This Episode

School of Podcasting
https://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/join

Podpage
http://www.trypodpage.com

Home Gadget Geeks
https://www.homegadgegeeks.com

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:35 Technical Difficulties and Recording Tips

01:30 Sponsorship Shoutouts

03:58 Podcasting Tips and Listener Questions

07:04 YouTube Channel Strategies

13:26 Taylor Swift and Podcasting Insights

14:55 Advertising and Monetization in Podcasting

33:50 Promotional Strategies and Awards

41:02 Podcast Cruise Ship Deals

41:27 Freebies and Perks for Podcasters

44:03 Mark Maron's Podcast Retirement

47:20 Scripted vs. Bullet Points in Podcasting

52:58 Monetizing Your Podcast Audience

59:13 Networking at Podcast Events

01:09:16 Engaging with Your Audience

01:13:54 Wrapping Up and Upcoming Events

Featured Supporter: Shane from Spybrary
We interview spy authors, espionage historians and fans of spy books, spy movies and spy TV series! Check it out at https://spybrary.com/

Podcast Hot Seat
Grow your podcast audience with Podcast Hot Seat. We help you do more of what is working, and fine tune those things that need polished. In addition to the podcast audit, you get a FREE MONTH at the School of Podcasting (including more coaching). Check it out at https://www.podcasthotseat.com/store
Your Audience Will Thank You!

Support the show

BE AWESOME!
Thanks for listening to the show. Help the show continue to exist and get a shout-out on the show by becoming an awesome supporter by going to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome

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Ever wonder if your podcast title is helping or hurting your discoverability? We unpack a fascinating case study of "Booked on Planning" – a podcast about city planning that highlights the tension between creative naming and searchability. As one listener aptly notes: "What are people typing in trying to find your show?" This question alone could transform your approach to podcast branding.

Sponsors:
PodcastBranding.co - They see you before they hear you
Basedonastruestorypodcast.com - Comparing Hollywood with History?

Video Version

Mentioned In This Episode

School of Podcasting
https://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/join

Podpage
http://www.trypodpage.com

Home Gadget Geeks
https://www.homegadgegeeks.com

One Minute Blog
https://shaan.beehiiv.com/p/one-minute-blog-how-to-win-podcasting-in-2025

The Audience Is Listening - Book By Tom Webster
https://geni.us/tomwebsterbook

Speaking opportunities and media appearances represent powerful pathways to podcast growth, but they don't happen by accident. We explore practical strategies for securing these opportunities, including when to consider hiring a publicist and how thorough preparation creates the foundation for authentic, engaging presentations. As one host emphasizes: "When you're overprepared, it allows you to be spontaneous and still be authentic."

For new podcasters pursuing those crucial first 100 downloads, we share actionable guerrilla marketing tactics that don't require massive budgets – from strategic business card placement to creating QR codes for in-person events. Yet we also challenge the metrics-obsessed mindset: "I wanted individuals who get real value out of this...the quality matters more than the quantity."

Perhaps most valuably, we explore what makes content inherently shareable, that elusive quality that compels listeners to tell friends about your latest episode. With research indicating 70% of podcasts are discovered through word-of-mouth, creating moments that listeners want to discuss migh

Featured Supporter: Shane from Spybrary
We interview spy authors, espionage historians and fans of spy books, spy movies and spy TV series! Check it out at https://spybrary.com/

Podcast Hot Seat
Grow your podcast audience with Podcast Hot Seat. We help you do more of what is working, and fine tune those things that need polished. In addition to the podcast audit, you get a FREE MONTH at the School of Podcasting (including more coaching). Check it out at https://www.podcasthotseat.com/store
Your Audience Will Thank You!

Support the show

BE AWESOME!
Thanks for listening to the show. Help the show continue to exist and get a shout-out on the show by becoming an awesome supporter by going to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome

Send us feedback/questions via Text

Welcome to our show, where we dive deep into the secrets of growth and why your favorite shows might not be hitting the big time.

Are lackluster plots or poor marketing to blame? We'll analyze the common pitfalls and obstacles that keep shows from expanding their viewership.

Hear from Dave, Jim and the chat room as we share behind-the-scenes knowledge on what it really takes to make a show succeed and what the common missteps are.
Is there a lost connection with the audience? We discuss how audience engagement and feedback play a crucial role in a show's growth.

We'll look at case studies of shows that failed to grow versus those that soared, understanding the key differences between them.
Stay tuned for practical tips on how you can help your favorite shows grow or avoid common growth pitfalls if you're a content creator yourself.

Sponsors:
PodcastBranding.co - They see you before they hear you
Basedonastruestorypodcast.com - Comparing Hollywood with History?

Video Version

Mentioned In This Episode

School of Podcasting
https://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/join

Podpage
http://www.trypodpage.com

Home Gadget Geeks
https://www.homegadgegeeks.com

This podcast uses chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Greetings
00:51 Sponsorship Shoutouts
02:49 Listener Questions: Growing a Faith-Based Podcast
04:48 The Importance of Content Quality
08:29 Personality and Podcast Success
13:00 Listener Questions: Podcast Frequency and Engagement
27:16 Listener Questions: Podcast Awards and Contests
43:40 The Value of Credibility and Exposure
45:24 Challenges of Managing a High-Volume Podcast
45:56 The Importance of Backend Systems
47:10 Automating Guest Management
49:22 Debating the Worth of Podcast Awards
50:24 Engaging with the Audience and Community
56:32 Effective Podcast Coaching and Consistency
01:14:23 Finding and Managing Podcast Guests
01:21:23 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans

Featured Supporter: Shane from Spybrary
We interview spy authors, espionage historians and fans of spy books, spy movies and spy TV series! Check it out at https://spybrary.com/

Podcast Hot Seat
Grow your podcast audience with Podcast Hot Seat. We help you do more of what is working, and fine tune those things that need polished. In addition to the podcast audit, you get a FREE MONTH at the School of Podcasting (including more coaching). Check it out at https://www.podcasthotseat.com/store
Your Audience Will Thank You!

Support the show

BE AWESOME!
Thanks for listening to the show. Help the show continue to exist and get a shout-out on the show by becoming an awesome supporter by going to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome

Send us feedback/questions via Text

Is there something podcasters are doing that is a waste of time, and if so, what should we doing instead?

Sponsors:
PodcastBranding.co - They see you before they hear you
Basedonastruestorypodcast.com - Comparing Hollywood with History?

Video Version

Mentioned In This Episode

School of Podcasting
https://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/join

Podpage
http://www.trypodpage.com

Home Gadget Geeks
https://www.homegadgegeeks.com

Vid IQ
https://supportthisshow.com/vidiq

Dave's New Luggage
https://amzn.to/4f45hls

Amazon Smart Plugs from TPLink
https://amzn.to/40ubcKt

Riverside Remote Recording
https://supportthisshow.com/riverside

This content may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services I trust and believe will provide value to you. Thank you for your support!

Featured Supporter: Shane from Spybrary
We interview spy authors, espionage historians and fans of spy books, spy movies and spy TV series! Check it out at https://spybrary.com/

Podcast Hot Seat
Grow your podcast audience with Podcast Hot Seat. We help you do more of what is working, and fine tune those things that need polished. In addition to the podcast audit, you get a FREE MONTH at the School of Podcasting (including more coaching). Check it out at https://www.podcasthotseat.com/store
Your Audience Will Thank You!

Support the show

BE AWESOME!
Thanks for listening to the show. Help the show continue to exist and get a shout-out on the show by becoming an awesome supporter by going to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome

Send us feedback/questions via Text

Jim has 12 monitors, and the chat room can't get over it. He explains how he uses them and if it keeps him warm in the winter. Check the chapters for other topics.

Sponsors:
PodcastBranding.co - They see you before they hear you
Basedonastruestorypodcast.com - Comparing Hollywood with History?

Video Version

Mentioned In This Episode

School of Podcasting
https://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/join

Podpage
http://www.trypodpage.com

Home Gadget Geeks
https://www.homegadgegeeks.com

Vid IQ

https://supportthisshow.com/vidiq

Featured Supporter: Shane from Spybrary
We interview spy authors, espionage historians and fans of spy books, spy movies and spy TV series! Check it out at https://spybrary.com/

Podcast Hot Seat
Grow your podcast audience with Podcast Hot Seat. We help you do more of what is working, and fine tune those things that need polished. In addition to the podcast audit, you get a FREE MONTH at the School of Podcasting (including more coaching). Check it out at https://www.podcasthotseat.com/store
Your Audience Will Thank You!

Support the show

BE AWESOME!
Thanks for listening to the show. Help the show continue to exist and get a shout-out on the show by becoming an awesome supporter by going to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome