Interviews are at the heart of many great podcasts — but asking the right questions takes more than reading from a list. In this episode of Podcast Insider, MacKenzie and Dave share tips for crafting thoughtful, engaging conversations that draw out your guest’s best stories and insights. Whether you’re new to interviewing or looking to refine your technique, you’ll learn how to prepare with purpose, stay present in the moment, and guide discussions that truly connect with listeners.

A good interview starts with genuine curiosity. Instead of racing through a list of questions, focus on listening and reacting.

Tips to improve your flow:

💡 Blubrry helps: With our hosting tools and episode scheduling, you can plan interviews with confidence and stay focused on the conversation instead of the tech.

Avoid yes/no questions and lean into prompts that invite storytelling and reflection.

Try starting with:

These questions lead to real, memorable answers that keep listeners hooked.

💡 Blubrry helps: Use your show notes and episode descriptions to highlight key takeaways — helping new listeners find your best moments fast.

Most new hosts rush to fill silence, but short pauses can be powerful. They give your guest space to think — and often lead to deeper responses.

Try waiting a full beat after your guest finishes speaking. You might be surprised what they add next.

💡 Blubrry helps: Our post-production options like Media Mastering and transcripts make editing smooth and professional while keeping those natural pauses intact.

The best interviewers sound like they’re discovering the story with their audience.

Be conversational, but intentional:

Your job is to keep listeners engaged while helping your guest shine.

💡 Blubrry helps: Whether you’re publishing through WordPress or our Blubrry Dashboard, our tools make it easy to present your content with polish and personality.

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 discussion 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 for a tech checkup with Mike ([email protected]).

The post Interviewing Skills: How to Ask Better Questions and Get Better Answers – PCI 459 appeared first on Blubrry Podcasting.

Every podcast has a voice, but the most memorable ones have a personality. In this episode of Podcast Insider, Mike, Dave, and MacKenzie break down how your voice, tone, and delivery shape your show’s identity. From finding your natural rhythm to maintaining authenticity without losing polish, we’ll help you understand what keeps listeners coming back — and how to make every episode sound like you.

Your “voice” is more than just what comes out of the microphone. It’s your presence, rhythm, and the way you approach your topics and guests.

Ask yourself:

Your voice is the thread that ties every episode together — it’s what listeners recognize and come back for.

💡 Blubrry helps: From hosting to websites, our platform helps you define and share your podcast identity — the way you want it heard.

Tone is the emotional layer of your show. Whether you’re lighthearted, educational, or serious, being intentional with your tone keeps listeners engaged.

Listeners return when they feel comfortable and connected. A consistent tone builds trust — even subtle shifts can make a big difference.

💡 Blubrry helps: With detailed episode notes and show descriptions, you can set the tone before a listener ever hits play.

The podcasts people fall in love with have one thing in common — personality.

Your quirks, humor, or unique way of explaining things make your show stand out. That authenticity is what turns casual listeners into loyal fans.

Be genuine, not scripted:

💡 Blubrry helps: Our Pod2Vid tool lets your personality shine across platforms by turning your episodes into engaging, shareable videos.

Being authentic doesn’t mean being unprepared. You can sound natural and still respect your listener’s time.

Tips to balance both:

Sounding like yourself is what keeps listeners coming back — sounding bored or unfocused is what drives them away.

💡 Blubrry helps: With Media Mastering and streamlined publishing tools, you can stay authentic while sounding your best every time.

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 discussion 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 for a tech checkup with Mike ([email protected]).

The post Voice, Tone, and Personality: What Keeps Listeners Coming Back – PCI 458 appeared first on Blubrry Podcasting.

This was Todd’s last episode of Podcast Insider, recorded on September 4th. Todd poured his heart into Blubrry’s show and into serving the podcasting community, and we’re honored to share his final conversation here. We’ll be returning to the podcast most likely around mid-October. In the meantime, we want to thank all of our listeners for standing with us as we grieve, reflect, and decide the best way to move forward with the show.

Some podcasters, like Todd, prefer not to use seasons because they’ve seen how it can disrupt listener habits—especially with shows tied to weekly news or current events. But for many podcasters, seasons can provide structure, creative focus, and built-in opportunities to reset or experiment without losing momentum. The key is knowing your audience and your show’s format, then deciding whether a seasonal approach will help you deliver content more consistently and sustainably.

Before you dive into episode ideas, take a step back and ask:

Seasons don’t have to be 10 or 12 episodes—some are just 3 to 6. The key is to choose a structure you can stick with and that your audience will appreciate.

💡 Blubrry helps: Use your Blubrry stats to look back at past performance. What topics resonated most? What formats kept listeners around? Let your data guide your next season.

Once you’ve locked in your season theme or focus, start brainstorming topics. Don’t overthink it—jot down everything that fits.

Then organize your ideas by:

Batch planning gives you a head start, so you’re not scrambling week to week.

💡 Blubrry helps: With built-in episode drafting and scheduling tools, your podcast dashboard makes it easy to prep ahead and stay consistent.

If your season includes interviews, start reaching out to guests as early as possible. Provide a general timeline and ask about their availability over the next few weeks.

If you’re doing a solo season, block out time to record multiple episodes at once. This is key for staying on track.

💡 Blubrry helps: Need to find guests? Use Guest Match Pro, Blubrry’s creator connection platform, to match with qualified guests and message them directly.

Decide when your season will launch, how often episodes will drop (weekly, biweekly, etc.), and when it will wrap up.

Then share that schedule with your audience. This builds trust and anticipation—and it gives you clear milestones to work toward.

💡 Blubrry helps: Auto-publishing tools let you schedule your season in advance so episodes go live even when you’re not at your desk.

A season isn’t just the episodes—it’s also the buzz you build around it.

Plan content like:

💡 Blubrry helps: Tools like Pod2Vid and your free podcast website help you create and share that extra content without starting from scratch.

Thanks for listening to Podcast Insider, you can subscribe to new episodes out every Monday.

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 tech checkup with Mike at [email protected]

Stay tuned for more episodes and visit our website for the latest updates and resources.

The post From Idea to Execution: Planning Your Next Podcast Season – PCI 457 appeared first on Blubrry Podcasting.

On this special tribute episode of Podcast Insider, we honor the life, legacy, and impact of Todd Cochrane — our co-host, Podcast Hall of Famer, founder of Blubrry and RawVoice, long-time host of Geek News Central, author of one of the very first podcasting books, creator of the People’s Choice Podcast Awards, and co-host of The New Media Show for more than 13 years.

Todd’s contributions to podcasting were immeasurable. From launching one of the earliest shows in 2004 to championing open RSS feeds, podcaster independence, and fair monetization, he shaped the modern podcasting landscape. His leadership and conviction inspired countless creators, and his generosity left a lasting imprint on the global podcasting community.

In this heartfelt conversation — originally recorded for The New Media Show — host Rob Greenlee (Podcast Hall of Famer) is joined by a panel of voices who knew Todd best and witnessed his extraordinary journey:

Together, they reflect on Todd’s path — from his Navy service to becoming a respected leader and advocate in podcasting. They share stories of his tireless work ethic, his unwavering belief in independent creators, his innovation in podcast monetization and measurement, and his vision for the future of the medium.

Todd’s final episode of Podcast Insider, recorded shortly before his passing, will be released soon as a lasting part of his voice and dedication to podcasters everywhere.

This episode is both a remembrance and a celebration of a man who helped build podcasting into what it is today. Todd’s voice may be gone, but the mission he dedicated his life to carries on.

💙 We invite the podcasting community to join us in honoring Todd’s memory by continuing to support open podcasting and independent creators, the causes he championed most.

The post New Media Show Remembers Todd Cochrane appeared first on Blubrry Podcasting.

What separates a casual podcast from a “professional” one—and does it really matter in 2025? In this episode of Podcast Insider, Todd, Mike, and MacKenzie break down what it means to be a professional podcaster, the different interpretations of the word “professional,” and how podcasters can level up their show without losing their authenticity. Whether you’re podcasting as a hobby or building a brand, we’ll help you understand the standards, expectations, and options available to you.

Being professional doesn’t necessarily mean making money or having sponsors. A professional podcast is:

It’s more about intention than income. Plenty of unpaid shows are professional because they’re well-crafted and focused.

💡 Blubrry helps: With built-in tools for scheduling, show notes, and publishing, our dashboard helps keep your workflow organized and consistent.

Audio quality is often the first thing people think of when they hear “professional”—and yes, it matters. But you don’t need a studio or high-end gear.

Professional quality can come from:

💡 Blubrry helps: We offer media mastering and transcripts that help polish your content for a more professional feel—without overcomplicating things.

This is where the “does it matter?” question comes in. If you’re just podcasting for fun, there’s no need to force yourself into a professional mold.

But if you want to:

…then it’s worth aiming for a more professional approach.

💡 Blubrry helps: We give you access to IAB-certified podcast statistics, a customizable podcast website, and monetization options like programmatic ads and subscriptions.

Let’s be clear: professional ≠ boring.

You don’t need to lose your personality or niche style to be taken seriously. The most memorable podcasts are:

Think of professionalism as a framework—not a muzzle.

💡 Blubrry helps: Our tools adapt to your show, not the other way around. Whether you’re niche, newsy, narrative, or nerdy—we’ve got you covered.

The post What Makes a Podcast “Professional”? (And Does It Matter?) – PCI 456 appeared first on Blubrry Podcasting.

Promoting your podcast doesn’t have to feel awkward or salesy. In this episode of Podcast Insider, we share practical ways to talk about your show with confidence—whether you’re chatting with friends, posting on social media, or networking at events. You’ll learn how to highlight your purpose, use storytelling instead of pitches, and spark curiosity that leads people to want to listen—without ever sounding pushy.

When talking about your podcast, start with why it exists—not just where to find it. People connect with purpose and personality more than self-promotion.

Instead of saying, “Hey, check out my podcast!” try:

Letting the conversation flow from what you’re passionate about makes people more likely to ask follow-up questions—and then they open the door to you sharing your link.

💡 Blubrry helps: Use your free podcast website or custom episode URLs to easily share your show when people do ask for it.

Instead of promoting a new episode with just the title or a generic link, pull out a powerful quote, a surprising moment, or a quick teaser.

Some ideas:

Use visuals like audiograms, quote graphics, or a short reel to give people a taste before asking them to commit to listening.

💡 Blubrry helps: Easily create short video teasers with Pod2Vid, and share them on social with your custom links.

Whether you’re at a networking event or casually chatting online, focus on the person, not the pitch.

Ask them what kind of content they listen to.

This approach builds connection and curiosity—without forcing the conversation toward a download.

💡 Blubrry helps: Your listener analytics show what’s resonating most, so you’ll know what topics spark real engagement.

If your podcast name, description, or purpose is confusing or overly vague, it’s hard for people to share it on your behalf.

Refine your elevator pitch so you (and others) can describe your show in one sentence.

Example:

💡 Blubrry helps: Hosting with us means your show is listed across major directories, making it easy for new listeners to find you—especially when they hear about you from someone else.

Thanks for listening to Podcast Insider, you can subscribe to new episodes out every Monday.

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 [email protected] and [email protected]

Stay tuned for more episodes and visit our website for the latest updates and resources.

The post How to Talk About Your Podcast Without Sounding Salesy – PCI 455 appeared first on Blubrry Podcasting.

Whether you’re just starting out or refining your setup, great audio is the foundation of a great podcast. In today’s episode of Podcast Insider, we share practical tips for getting professional-sounding results—covering mic choice, positioning, background noise reduction, recording formats, and techniques to boost your on-mic confidence. Follow these steps and you’ll sound clearer, warmer, and more engaging to your listeners.

Thanks for listening to Podcast Insider, you can subscribe to new episodes out every Monday.

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 [email protected] and [email protected]

Stay tuned for more episodes and visit our website for the latest updates and resources.

The post 🎙️ Microphone Tips for Your Best Podcast Sound – PCI 454 appeared first on Blubrry Podcasting.

In this episode of Podcast Insider, host Mike Dell talks with Vern Hume, creator of the long-running science fiction podcast Makeshift Stories. Since 2008, Vern has been crafting original, clean-rated audio stories that captivate listeners of all ages. Now releasing episodes monthly, Vern shares his passion for storytelling, the evolution of his show, and the technical craft behind creating immersive audio experiences.

Vern is our August Podcaster of the Month, where we explored the mysterious and imaginative worlds he creates in Makeshift Stories. Known for blending science fiction, fantasy, and the surreal, Vern’s stories invite listeners to fill in the gaps with their own imagination—earning him praise as “a slightly gentler but equally insightful Twilight Zone.”

Makeshift Stories is a monthly science fiction podcast featuring original tales that blend creativity, imagination, and high-quality production. Initially launched as a bi-monthly show for kids, it has evolved into content for an adult audience while remaining family-friendly. With over 300 episodes produced, Vern has recently scaled back to focus on both the podcast and his book project.

Vern’s love for audio storytelling began in childhood, inspired by radio dramas. His podcasting journey has been shaped by:

A commitment to original, high-quality audio fiction

Collaboration with multiple narrators to bring characters to life

A clean rating for accessibility to all listeners

Technical dedication to sound quality, using tools like an RME interface, ribbon mics, SM7B, and Isotope RX for post-production polishing

Vern prefers working with narrators rather than voicing stories himself, ensuring each episode meets his exacting production standards.

In the conversation, Vern and Mike explore:

The evolution of podcasting gear and software over the years

How AI is becoming part of creative processes (including Vern’s AI-inspired flash fiction)

The importance of focusing on content and audience over download stats

Why niche audiences can be more rewarding than chasing mass listenership

Vern encourages new creators to:

Prioritize storytelling and audience connection over numbers

Invest in quality audio setups and learn editing techniques

Be consistent but realistic with publishing schedules

Measure success in ways that matter personally, not just by metrics

We’re proud to recognize Vern Hume as our Podcaster of the Month. His dedication to storytelling and the podcasting craft is an inspiration to creators everywhere. Read our blog post about it here.

🎧 Listen to Makeshift Stories at makeshiftstories.com

Thanks for listening to Podcast Insider, you can subscribe to new episodes out every Monday.

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 [email protected] and [email protected]

Stay tuned for more episodes and visit our website for the latest updates and resources.

The post The Journey of Makeshift Stories with Vern Hume – PCI 453 appeared first on Blubrry Podcasting.

Guest Match Pro beta is now live!

In this episode of Podcast Insider, we introduce Guest Match Pro, Blubrry’s new platform built to connect creators, guests, and agencies. Whether you’re a podcaster, coach, author, or media pro, Guest Match Pro helps streamline the process of finding and booking interviews across industries. We’re diving into what it does, who it’s for, and why now is the perfect time to join the beta—especially if you’re looking to grow your reach and collaborate more efficiently.

Today’s Host: Todd Cochrane, MacKenzie Bennett, & Mike Dell

Guest Match Pro is Blubrry’s new creator connection platform designed to make it easier for people to collaborate. That includes:

It’s not just for podcasters—it’s for anyone who uses interviews to build content or visibility. You can search by category, content type, or niche, and match with relevant creators or guests in minutes.

Guest Match Pro will very soon be available in beta, which means you’ll be able to:

Agencies can manage multiple clients from a single dashboard, and individuals can toggle between guest and creator roles. And if you’re a Blubrry hosting customer, Guest Match Pro is already integrated into your dashboard—no extra logins or setup required.

This is just the beginning. During beta, all creators can join for free—and Blubrry hosting customers will continue to get Guest Match Pro at no cost after the beta ends.

We’re also actively collecting feedback from beta users. Your experience and suggestions will help shape future features and improvements, including enhancements to filtering, matching accuracy, and collaboration tools.

Now’s your chance to explore the platform, grow your network, and be part of building the next great tool for creators.

Guest Match Pro is open to all types of creators:

If interviews, exposure, or audience-building is part of your strategy—Guest Match Pro was built with you in mind.

We want to make this as seamless as possible, so please, if you’re using the Guest Match Pro beta, fill out our feedback form so we can fix bugs, make changes and get the general feel for the user experience.

Provide feedback here.

Thanks for listening to Podcast Insider, you can subscribe to new episodes out every Monday.

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 [email protected] and [email protected]

Stay tuned for more episodes and visit our website for the latest updates and resources.

The post The Future of Connections: Guest Match Pro Unveiled – PCI 452 appeared first on Blubrry Podcasting.

As podcasting becomes more competitive, a dedicated website isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s a vital tool. In today’s episode of Podcast Insider, Mike Dell and Todd Cochrane revisit why having a podcast website can help you grow your audience, strengthen your brand, and create monetization opportunities.

In 2024 and beyond, a well-designed, functional website can set your show apart — but we’ll also cover reasons why you might not want one, depending on your goals and bandwidth.

Your Show’s Central Hub – Your Moonbase Alpha

It’s the best place to send your listeners.

If your show disappears from podcast apps, fans still know where to find you.

SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

Helps your show get discovered when people search for your topics or guests.

Lets you create more detailed, searchable show notes.

Branding

Total control over the look, feel, and voice of your brand.

Audience Engagement

Include a forum, contact form, or email signup to build community and keep in touch.

Monetization

Promote sponsors, sell merch or services, and even run ads like AdSense.

Bonus Content & Resources

Add blogs, video content, transcripts, and links to additional resources.

Web Analytics

Use tools like Google Analytics to understand your audience’s behavior.

A Place for Everything

Podcast players

Episode archive or playlist

Contact info

Announcements

Merch store

Ads and sponsor details

Your services and products

Time Constraints

Keeping a website updated does take effort.

Technical Skills

Not everyone is comfortable building a website — but it’s easier than you might think.

Cost

Domain registration and web hosting come with a price.

However, Blubrry includes a free podcast website with hosting.

Focus on Core Content

If you’d rather focus purely on the audio, that’s okay too.

Keeping It Simple

Sometimes simplicity is the best route.

Social Media Presence

If most of your audience engagement already happens on social media, a separate website may not be necessary.

Thanks for listening to Podcast Insider, you can subscribe to new episodes out every Monday.

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 [email protected] and [email protected]

Stay tuned for more episodes and visit our website for the latest updates and resources.

The post Rerun Episode: Do You Need a Website for Your Podcast? – PCI appeared first on Blubrry Podcasting.