Big Podcast Playbook - Grow Your Podcast. Build Your Audience.

In this episode of Build A Big Podcast, David Hooper discusses the importance of understanding and connecting with your podcast audience, strategies for podcasting success, and tools to help you grow, build community, and monetize your podcast.

Key Themes

• Audience Connection: Understanding and connecting with your listeners.
• Effective Marketing: Strategies for growing your audience and making money with your podcast.
• Audio Quality: Ensuring high-quality audio and the best ways to consume podcasts.
• Podcasting Tools: Using tools like Riverside and RSS Radio for enhancing podcasting experience.
• Funnel Strategy: Exploring the benefits of implementing a funnel to convert listeners into customers.
• What is Podcasting?: Defining what constitutes a podcast and the importance of respecting the audience's listening experience.

Topics covered in this episode:​

• The importance of understanding and connecting with podcast listeners on a deep level to serve as a "lifesaver" to them.
• Discussing the significance of focusing on the actual impact on listeners rather than being solely swayed by download numbers or popularity on social media platforms.
• Exploring the concept of podcast funnels, how they can be applied to attract and convert listeners into taking specific actions, and whether they are suitable for different types of podcasts.
• RSS Radio, with helpful features for podcast listeners, such as silence removal and audio quality enhancement.
• The importance of clearly defining the target audience for a podcast and communicating who the podcast is and isn't for.
• Discussing the debate about what constitutes as a podcast and emphasizing the necessity of clarity and accessibility of podcast content via RSS feed.
• Promoting tools and resources that can help podcasters grow their audience, create better podcasts, and monetize their content, such as AI-powered podcast summarization tools and website creation platforms for podcasts.

Episode Timestamps

• 06:43 Tips for making money.
• 08:11 Seeking and promoting the positive in life.
• 12:18 Using funnels to convert listeners into customers.
• 16:44 RSS feed essential for legitimate podcasting growth.
• 18:03 Dedicated website for podcasting with easy subscription.
• 20:38 Focus on the few.

The Newsletter for Podcasters

• Big Podcast Insider - Weekly Podcasting Newsletter ​

This episode of Build a Big Podcast is brought to you by Riverside ...​

Riverside is online recording software that makes it easy for podcasters to record studio-quality interviews from anywhere. Try it free and, if you like it, get 15% off any membership plan when you use the code BIGPODCAST.​​

About this episode of Build a Big Podcast:​

This is the audio companion to Issue 172 of Big Podcast Insider. If you're interested in more info on what I talk about on this episode and also links, that's where to go. On this episode, I dive into where the money is made in podcasting. how to get more reviews (and subscribers) for your podcast, podcast hosting, and more.   ​

Big Podcast Insider is a weekly newsletter on podcasting. If you like the content of this episode, you can subscribe here – it's free and you can unsubscribe at any time with a single click.​

Want more help growing your podcast audience?

• Big Podcast Extra - Podcasting Tips
• Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program)

In this episode of Build a Big Podcast, David Hooper discusses the importance of making your audience feel connected to your podcast, shares tips for naming and recording a podcast, and explores the benefits of co-hosting versus having guest appearances.

Key Themes

• Audience Connection: Making people feel you
• Branding: Importance of podcast names
• Marketing: Alternatives for voice over recordings
• Impactful Content: Effectively managing time zones
• Collaboration: Benefits of cohosting a podcast
• Tools and Resources: resources to help you build a better, more successful podcast
• Monetization: Big Podcast AMP coaching program

Topics covered in this episode:​

• The importance of making your audience feel your message and how it can impact your podcast's success.
• Challenges faced by unhoused individuals and how a local newspaper is addressing the issue to create awareness.
• Ways to avoid limitations by choosing specific names for a podcast and the impact it can have on its future options and growth.
• The concept of "Record This For Free," a subreddit where individuals can find or post free voice-over gigs, and how it can be beneficial for podcasters.
• An introduction to an alternative to Adobe Enhance, with features for audio and video recording and enhancement
• The significance of using Eastern Time for scheduling podcast interviews and managing time zones effectively
• Co-hosted podcasts as an alternative to working with guests, along with its benefits and considerations for success

Episode Timestamps

• 00:00 Grow your podcast, attract new audience, profit.
• 06:16 Connect with neighbors, engage authentically, don't shy away.
• 08:11 Empower your audience and engage in discussion
• 12:44 Volunteer work helps audio projects (including yours) get made
• 15:38 Enhance sound with AI, improve clarity
• 19:09 Podcasting trend: co-hosted shows, rotating casts
• 23:21 Audio monetization program and personalized coaching

The Newsletter for Podcasters

• Big Podcast Insider - Weekly Podcasting Newsletter ​

This episode of Build a Big Podcast is brought to you by Riverside ...​

Riverside is online recording software that makes it easy for podcasters to record studio-quality interviews from anywhere. Try it free and, if you like it, get 15% off any membership plan when you use the code BIGPODCAST.​​

About this episode of Build a Big Podcast:​

This is the audio companion to Issue 171 of Big Podcast Insider. If you're interested in more info on what I talk about on this episode and also links, that's where to go. On this episode, I dive into where the money is made in podcasting. how to get more reviews (and subscribers) for your podcast, podcast hosting, and more.   ​

Big Podcast Insider is a weekly newsletter on podcasting. If you like the content of this episode, you can subscribe here – it's free and you can unsubscribe at any time with a single click.​

Want more help growing your podcast audience?

• Big Podcast Extra - Podcasting Tips
• Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program)

Discover what podcasters can learn from dog training, how to triple your podcast reviews, and why quality content trumps quality recording in the latest episode of Build A Big Podcast.

Key Themes

• Podcasting Impact: Creating a podcast that attracts and helps people.
• Quality Content: The importance of content in a world of unlimited choices.
• Engagement vs. Perfection: Balancing care and effort with micromanagement.
• Reviews Matter: Understanding the impact of reviews and strategies to increase them.
• Accessibility of Quality Recording: The ease of obtaining quality audio at a low cost.
• Crime Podcast Success: Analyzing the dominance of true crime podcasts in reviews.
• Backing Up Recordings: The importance of backup recorders during interviews.

Topics covered in this episode:​

• Podcasting lessons from the dog park and the parallels between dog owner behavior and podcaster behavior
• The importance of being invested, showing up, and caring about your podcast, and not just pretending to be a podcaster
• Strategies to triple your podcast reviews, including creating a short, memorable podcast link, showing the apps for podcast listening, and giving specific instructions on leaving reviews
• The significance of quality audio recording being available to everyone and how content matters more than ever with the abundance of listener choices
• Insights from analyzing 20,000,000 podcast reviews, including the domination of the true crime genre in terms of ratings, and how explicit podcasts tend to garner more reviews
• The affordability and features of the Zoom F3 and H4 recorders for backup recording during interviews, and the importance of running a backup recorder to avoid losing important content.
• The connection between the listener's engagement and the genre of podcasts, and the considerations when pursuing reviews as part of the growth and marketing strategy for a podcast

Episode Timestamps

• 00:00 High-quality virtual studio for podcast recording.
• 03:03 Learning from dog trainer about human behavior.
• 08:46 Podcast reviews matter for sponsors and guests.
• 12:13 Want more podcast reviews? Create tutorials for leaving podcast reviews on apps.
• 13:11 This will help you get more podcast reviews on specific podcasting platforms.
• 17:26 Easy-to-use 32-bit float recorder for backup.
• 19:46 Seek reviews to boost podcast ratings effectively.
• 23:07 Big Podcast shares stats on true crime.

The Newsletter for Podcasters

• Big Podcast Insider - Weekly Podcasting Newsletter ​

This episode of Build a Big Podcast is brought to you by Riverside ...​

Riverside is online recording software that makes it easy for podcasters to record studio-quality interviews from anywhere. Try it free and, if you like it, get 15% off any membership plan when you use the code BIGPODCAST.​​

About this episode of Build a Big Podcast:​

This is the audio companion to Issue 170 of Big Podcast Insider. If you're interested in more info on what I talk about on this episode and also links, that's where to go. On this episode, I dive into where the money is made in podcasting. how to get more reviews (and subscribers) for your podcast, podcast hosting, and more.   ​

Big Podcast Insider is a weekly newsletter on podcasting. If you like the content of this episode, you can subscribe here – it's free and you can unsubscribe at any time with a single click.​

Want more help growing your podcast audience?

• Big Podcast Daily - Daily Podcasting Tips
• Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program)

In this episode of Build A Big Podcast, David Hooper shares valuable insights on pitching sponsors, using free music for social media content, the potential for earning $500,000 from a podcast, and the importance of consistency and establishing stature to grow your audience.

Key Themes

• Podcast Security: There is no security in podcasting.
• Pitching Sponsors: A guide to approaching sponsors for your podcast.
• Free Music: Accessing royalty-free music for social media content.
• Earning Potential: Discussing a podcaster's $500,000 revenue milestone.
• Consistent Publishing: The importance of consistency in releasing podcast episodes.
• Established Reputation: The benefits of being a known figure in podcasting.
• Publishing Frequency: 2 episodes per week as a recommended pace.

Topics covered in this episode:​

• The unpredictable nature of success and maintaining tenacity in podcasting and other endeavors
• Advice for podcasters approaching sponsors, including when to consider it, how to determine download thresholds, what to include in a pitch, and what proof sponsors look for
• Utilizing free music for Facebook and Instagram content due to restrictions on using major label music
• The flexibility and challenges of skipping podcast episodes as well as strategies for maintaining consistent episode releases
• A success story of a podcaster and newsletter creator who earns over $1 million per year through podcasting and has a high-frequency publishing schedule
• The importance of stature and establishing a known presence in podcasting, along with the benefits of a consistent publishing frequency
• An AI tool for automating podcast writing summaries and articles

Episode Timestamps

• 04:29 Learning about editing changed everything for me.
• 09:29 Leverage sponsorship for legitimacy in podcasting.
• 10:17 Consider non-monetary forms of compensation for sponsorships.
• 15:32 Podcast sponsorships rely on your value, relationships.
• 17:08 Big Podcast Insider - Web Edition
• 20:36 Radio hits bring royalties, but live performance is essential.
• 24:09 Live events, speaking engagements, experience grow podcast. Reputation, audience building aid podcast growth. Two episodes weekly, balanced publishing frequency.

The Newsletter for Podcasters

• Big Podcast Insider - Weekly Podcasting Newsletter ​

This episode of Build a Big Podcast is brought to you by Riverside ...​

Riverside is online recording software that makes it easy for podcasters to record studio-quality interviews from anywhere. Try it free and, if you like it, get 15% off any membership plan when you use the code BIGPODCAST.​​

About this episode of Build a Big Podcast:​

This is the audio companion to Issue 169 of Big Podcast Insider. If you're interested in more info on what I talk about on this episode and also links, that's where to go. On this episode, I dive into where the money is made in podcasting. how to get more reviews (and subscribers) for your podcast, podcast hosting, and more.   ​

Big Podcast Insider is a weekly newsletter on podcasting. If you like the content of this episode, you can subscribe here – it's free and you can unsubscribe at any time with a single click.​

Want more help growing your podcast audience?

• Big Podcast Daily - Daily Podcasting Tips
• Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program)

In this episode of Build A Big Podcast, David Hooper shares insights on effective podcast guest management, co-hosting agreements, and strategies to grow your podcast audience and make more money.

Topics covered in this episode:​

• The importance of creating a message that people care about
• Attracting an audience through podcasting
• Sending questions to guests before interviews and the pros and cons of doing so
• Tips for conducting successful interviews with guests, including the benefits of pre-interviews and providing a list of topics to cover
• Key strategies for growing and promoting a podcast, including utilizing the network effect, promoting to existing groups, and cross-promotion with other podcasters
• Advice on managing co-host relationships and partnership agreements to ensure a smooth and successful podcasting experience.
• Tips for maintaining control of your podcast and making key decisions as a podcaster, including setting expectations for guests and technical requirements for remote sessions
• Insights on the value of publishing content frequently and the benefits of building a strong podcast audience

Episode Timestamps:​

• 00:00 Audience attraction and engagement through podcasting
• 03:47 Interviewing challenges: staying present, scripted interaction struggles
• 08:32 Michael Jackson and stories
• 11:56 Fame helps, but there are other options for podcasting success
• 15:17 Find influential people to share your content
• 16:36 Cross promotion, network effect, frequency of publishing
• 22:22 Unforeseen co-host issues, co-hosting agreements
• 25:50 Podcast growth toolkit - The Swiss Army Knife for podcasting
• 26:45 Scan QR code for instant podcast access

The Newsletter for Podcasters

• Big Podcast Insider - Weekly Podcasting Newsletter ​

This episode of Build a Big Podcast is brought to you by Riverside ...​

Riverside is online recording software that makes it easy for podcasters to record studio-quality interviews from anywhere. Try it free and, if you like it, get 15% off any membership plan when you use the code BIGPODCAST.​​

About this episode of Build a Big Podcast:​

This is the audio companion to Issue 168 of Big Podcast Insider. If you're interested in more info on what I talk about on this episode and also links, that's where to go. On this episode, I dive into where the money is made in podcasting. how to get more reviews (and subscribers) for your podcast, podcast hosting, and more.   ​

Big Podcast Insider is a weekly newsletter on podcasting. If you like the content of this episode, you can subscribe here – it's free and you can unsubscribe at any time with a single click.​

Want more help growing your podcast audience?

• Big Podcast Daily - Daily Podcasting Tips
• Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program)

Dive deep into the art of podcasting with David Hooper of Big Podcast as he delivers potent insights on improving content quality, leveraging college radio's legacy, and mastering Spotify for audience growth ...

Topics covered in this episode:​

• Maximizing podcast impact
• Importance of college radio (and what podcasters can learn from it)
• Effective podcasting strategies
• Content creation and attention to detail
• Emphasizing audience needs in production
• Leveraging Spotify's audience reach
• Podcast growth and monetization

Episode Timestamps:​

• 00:00 70 million copies sold.
• 05:55 "Tape" used to be acetate, now it's digital
• 09:43 College radio launched careers—today we do this with podcasting
• 14:15 Authenticity on and off the microphone matters.
• 19:05 Be selective, your content may have other uses.
• 22:28 Man loses, learns, rebuilds, and repeats
• 24:06 Listener attention is more valuable than awards.
• 28:46 Upcoming episodes, subscribe now!

The Newsletter for Podcasters

• Big Podcast Insider - Weekly Podcasting Newsletter ​

This episode of Build a Big Podcast is brought to you by Riverside ...​

Riverside is online recording software that makes it easy for podcasters to record studio-quality interviews from anywhere. Try it free and, if you like it, get 15% off any membership plan when you use the code BIGPODCAST.​​

About this episode of Build a Big Podcast:​

This is the audio companion to Issue 167 of Big Podcast Insider. If you're interested in more info on what I talk about on this episode and also links, that's where to go. On this episode, I dive into where the money is made in podcasting. how to get more reviews (and subscribers) for your podcast, podcast hosting, and more.   ​

Big Podcast Insider is a weekly newsletter on podcasting. If you like the content of this episode, you can subscribe here – it's free and you can unsubscribe at any time with a single click.​

Want more help growing your podcast audience?

• Big Podcast Daily - Daily Podcasting Tips
• Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program)

In this episode of Build a Big Podcast, host David Hooper discusses the importance of letting moments breathe and allowing guests to share their story without interruption, drawing parallels to a Super Bowl play-by-play debacle.

Topics covered in this episode:​

• Super Bowl analysis: Discussion of the final play and the importance of letting moments breathe in broadcast media.
• The importance of letting guests speak: Advice on how to avoid talking over guests and giving them the space to express themselves.
• How to minimize filler words and embrace comfortable silence when facilitating interviews.
• The impact of editing: Insights into the role of editing in crafting a storytelling experience for the audience.
• The importance of experienced broadcasters and the potential implications of hijacking moments during live events.

The Newsletter for Podcasters

• Big Podcast Insider - Weekly Podcasting Newsletter ​

Want more help growing your podcast audience?

• Big Podcast Daily - Daily Podcasting Tips
• Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program)

Thoughts on growing your podcast audience, turning your audio podcast into promo videos, fear of public speaking, and more ...

Topics covered in this episode:​

• Your podcast in my new book on podcasting
• Overcoming fear of speaking and improving public speaking skills
• Automated podcast mastering to enhance audio quality
• Generating ideas and inspiration for podcast creation
• Transforming audio podcasts into promotional videos
• Addressing the issue of flooding the market with low-quality content
• Tools and resources for podcast management and content creation

Episode Timestamps:​

• 04:27 Newsletter showcases ways to grow podcasts effectively.
• 07:07 When a panic attack happens on stage ...
• 12:09 Feeling pressure when speaking or podcasting?
• 16:10 Podcasting inconsistency can be solved.
• 17:38 Finding and nurturing ideas.
• 20:02 A ban on podcasting? No ... this is a joke.

The Newsletter for Podcasters

• Big Podcast Insider - Weekly Podcasting Newsletter ​

This episode of Build a Big Podcast is brought to you by Riverside ...​

Riverside is online recording software that makes it easy for podcasters to record studio-quality interviews from anywhere. Try it free and, if you like it, get 15% off any membership plan when you use the code BIGPODCAST.​​

About this episode of Build a Big Podcast:​

This is the audio companion to Issue 166 of Big Podcast Insider. If you're interested in more info on what I talk about on this episode and also links, that's where to go. On this episode, I dive into where the money is made in podcasting. how to get more reviews (and subscribers) for your podcast, podcast hosting, and more.   ​

Big Podcast Insider is a weekly newsletter on podcasting. If you like the content of this episode, you can subscribe here – it's free and you can unsubscribe at any time with a single click.​

Want more help growing your podcast audience?

• Big Podcast Daily - Daily Podcasting Tips
• Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program)

Topics covered in this episode:​

• Optimizing your LinkedIn profile
• Types of influencers and trust
• Overcoming the fear of failure
• Modifying equipment for podcasting
• The importance of recording and documenting podcast content
• Snowed in (and podcasting)
• Counterfeit microphones

Episode Timestamps:​

• 00:00 Tips for podcasting success 
• 03:22 Why Dan Miller was one of my first radio guests ...
• 06:47 Boost podcast revenue with Big Podcast AMP
• 11:58 52% trust online and in-store brand advice.
• 14:02 Deep engagement with audience
• 17:22 Zoom F3: 32-bit float recorder with amazing quality.
• 22:20 Countfeit microphones
• 23:53 Access to high-quality, royalty-free music.

The Newsletter for Podcasters

• Big Podcast Insider - Weekly Podcasting Newsletter ​

This episode of Build a Big Podcast is brought to you by Riverside ...​

Riverside is online recording software that makes it easy for podcasters to record studio-quality interviews from anywhere. Try it free and, if you like it, get 15% off any membership plan when you use the code BIGPODCAST.​​

About this episode of Build a Big Podcast:​

This is the audio companion to Issue 165 of Big Podcast Insider. If you're interested in more info on what I talk about on this episode and also links, that's where to go. On this episode, I dive into where the money is made in podcasting. how to get more reviews (and subscribers) for your podcast, podcast hosting, and more.   ​

Big Podcast Insider is a weekly newsletter on podcasting. If you like the content of this episode, you can subscribe here – it's free and you can unsubscribe at any time with a single click.​

Want more help growing your podcast audience?

• Big Podcast Daily - Daily Podcasting Tips
• Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program)

Topics covered in this episode:​

• Quick and dirty podcasting success
• Uploading audio-first podcast to YouTube with RSS feeds
• Length of podcasts and attention spans
• How to tell better stories on your podcast
• A 2-minute burnout checkup for podcasters
• Transforming gut feelings into words
• Burnout in podcasting

Episode Timestamps:​

• 00:00 Ways to grow your podcast and monetize
• 04:47 Advice columnists and marketing characters
• 12:39 2-minute burnout checkup: recognizing exhaustion, cynicism, disassociation.
• 16:47 Get the tape!
• 17:44 Expressing unspoken truths can be powerful.

The Newsletter for Podcasters

• Big Podcast Insider - Weekly Podcasting Newsletter ​

This episode of Build a Big Podcast is brought to you by Riverside ...​

Riverside is online recording software that makes it easy for podcasters to record studio-quality interviews from anywhere. Try it free and, if you like it, get 15% off any membership plan when you use the code BIGPODCAST.​​

About this episode of Build a Big Podcast:​

This is the audio companion to Issue 164 of Big Podcast Insider. If you're interested in more info on what I talk about on this episode and also links, that's where to go. On this episode, I dive into where the money is made in podcasting. how to get more reviews (and subscribers) for your podcast, podcast hosting, and more.   ​

Big Podcast Insider is a weekly newsletter on podcasting. If you like the content of this episode, you can subscribe here – it's free and you can unsubscribe at any time with a single click.​

Want more help growing your podcast audience?

• Big Podcast Daily - Daily Podcasting Tips
• Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program)