Send a question for 'Ask Megan'

Hey, Podcasters! Today, we're looking at how you can best prepare for podcast guests. 

​In this episode of Buzzcast​, the team shares how they research guests, build trust before recording, and find that balance between structure and spontaneity. 

Industry Insights

• Join us​ for a Buzzsprout Orientation hosted by our Podcaster Success Team on May 21st at 3:30 pm EST.
• Check out our latest YouTube short to see why now is a great time to be a podcaster!

Ask Megan

"Hi, Megan, do you have any tips for recording in an open space like an expo hall?"

We recommend using a dynamic microphone if you can, like the Samson Q2U or Shure MV7, and get nice and close to the mic. 

If the final audio needs a little polishing, ​Magic Mastering​ can help smooth it out and give it that finished sound without a ton of editing.

Have a question for Megan? Send a text!

That's all for this week! Thanks for listening & keep podcasting!

Send a question for 'Ask Megan'

Hey, Podcasters!

Buzzsprout Subscriptions now makes running a premium podcast effortless. Upload your podcast, select your listener perk, and we'll take care of everything else. Offer the premium podcast your listeners want, including: 

• Bonus episodes listeners won’t find anywhere else
• Ad-free listening without interruptions
• Subscriber-only shows created just for them
• Full archive access to your entire catalog
• Early access to your latest episode

Industry Insights

• Golden Globes are adding a Best Podcast of the Year
• Spotify introduces "plays", which shows podcast engagement

Ask Megan

"Hey there, can I use Buzzsprout Ads to promote a specific episode instead of my whole podcast?"

Yes, with ​Buzzsprout Ads​, you can choose to promote a specific episode, but it works best if your ad gives listeners a reason to check out your overall podcast! 

Have a question for Megan? Send a text!

That's all for this week! Thanks for listening & keep podcasting!

Send a question for 'Ask Megan'

Hey, Podcasters! Great content deserves great audio, even if you don’t have time to edit! 

​Magic Mastering​ helps by automatically balancing levels, improving clarity, and making your episodes sound great across every platform. We recently hosted a live event covering how it works, why it matters, and how to get the best results for your podcast. Watch Video

Learn and Grow

• ​For when your podcast needs music that won’t get you flagged
• ​For when you’re ready to monetize without selling out

Ask Megan

"Hey Megan! What’s the best way to share announcements with my podcast audience without editing every episode?"

Buzzsprout’s ​Dynamic Content​ feature is a great way to share announcements! You can record a short message and add it to the beginning or end of your episodes, all from your Buzzsprout account.

Have a question for Megan? Send a text!

That's all for this week! Thanks for listening & keep podcasting!

Send a question for 'Ask Megan'

Hey, Podcasters! Your podcast cover art is the first thing new listeners see—and it plays a big role in whether or not they hit play!

In our latest YouTube video, we’re breaking down everything you need to know to create clear, compelling artwork that stands out.

Watch Video

Creative Control vs. $100 Million:
Steven Bartlett, host of The Diary of a CEO, just turned down a $100 million deal. In this episode of Buzzcast, we’re breaking down what indie podcasters can learn from his decision! 

Learn and Grow:

• ​For when a good outline is your best co-host
• ​For when making money isn’t just for the top 1% of podcasters

Have a question for Megan? Send a text!

That's all for this week! Thanks for listening & keep podcasting!

Send a question for 'Ask Megan'

Hey, Podcasters! I’ve always believed that if something makes your day better, it’s worth supporting. And now there’s an easier way for your audience to support your show!

Pocket Casts Opens the Door for Listener Support
This week on Buzzcast, the team is breaking down how the funding tag works and what it means for podcasters. Listen wherever you get your podcasts! 

Maximize Your Buzzsprout Account
In this video, you’ll learn how to set up your Buzzsprout account, upload your first episode, and get listed on Apple Podcasts and Spotify—all in under five minutes. 

Learn and Grow:

• No, You Don't Have to Add Video to Your Podcast
• Deezer Gives Listeners Control Over Recommendations

Have a question for Megan? Send a text!

That's all for this week! Thanks for listening & keep podcasting!

Send a question for 'Ask Megan'

Hey, Podcasters! With Buzzsprout’s Instagram Stories sharing feature, it’s easy to turn your episodes into vertical slides that drive engagement and grow your show. 

Check out ​this video​ to see how it works!

Key Takeaways from Podcast Movement Evolutions: In this episode of ​Buzzcast​, the team shares their Evolutions takeaways and reflects on where podcasting is headed!

Learn and Grow:

• ​For when your audience isn’t where you’ve been looking
• ​For when you want polished audio without the post-production headache

Have a question for Megan? Send a text!

That's all for this week! Thanks for listening & keep podcasting!

Send a question for 'Ask Megan'

Hey, Podcasters! Your podcast deserves a great home! With Buzzsprout’s ​custom podcast websites​, you can easily create a site that looks great and reflects your show’s personality right from your Buzzsprout account. 

Learn & Grow:

• Is Starting a Podcast Still Worth It in 2025?
• Podcast Bloopers - Join the discussion on Reddit! 
• Buzzsprout Live: Magic Mastering - Join us on April 17th at 2:00 PM EST on the Buzzsprout YouTube Channel

Ask Megan: 

"Is there a way for our Buzzsprout listeners to leave comments and reviews, etc. for our podcast?"

Buzzsprout has a feature called ​Fan Mail​ that’s perfect for this.

Have a question for Megan? Send a text!

That's all for this week! Thanks for listening & keep podcasting!

Send a question for 'Ask Megan'

Hey, Podcasters! Podcasting has officially crossed into the mainstream! For the first time ever, more Americans listen to podcasts monthly than those who don’t.

In the latest episode of Buzzcast, the team dives into the latest Infinite Dial findings and what they mean for podcasters today. Listen ​wherever you get your podcasts.

Learn and Grow

• Buzsprout Live: Magic Mastering Going live on April 17th and 2pm EST.
• Podcasting Made Simple Live

Ask Megan

"What’s the difference between 'downloads in the first 7 days' and total downloads?"

Downloads in the first 7 days show ​how many downloads​ your episode had within the first week after it was published.

​Total downloads include every download that episode has ever gotten, whether it was the day it launched or two years later.

Have a question for Megan? Send a text!

That's all for this week! Thanks for listening & keep podcasting!

Send a question for 'Ask Megan'

Hey, Podcasters! Audio quality can make or break a podcast, and post-production often takes more time than recording! That’s where Magic Mastering comes in—it automatically balances levels, reduces noise, and optimizes your audio to meet industry standards.

Watch this video to see Magic Mastering in action, then give it a try on your next episode!

Learn & Grow:

• Podcasting Made Simple Live
• Buzzsprout Orientation
• Submit Your Podcast to Apple Podcasts

Ask Megan:

"Hey Megan, I am buying a new microphone. Which one should I get?"

Getting a new microphone is always so exciting! But, it can also be overwhelming with all of the options. Our go-to recommendations are the Samson Q2U or the RODE PodMic

We discuss this more on Reddit, so check it out to see how you can make any microphone sound better!

Have a question for Megan? Send a text!

That's all for this week! Thanks for listening & keep podcasting!

Send a question for 'Ask Megan'

Hey, Podcasters! Podcast stats are a valuable tool, but they shouldn’t be the only way you measure success! 

​In this episode of Buzzcast, Buzzsprout cofounder Tom Rossi shares why stats are helpful for understanding trends and refining your show—but also why they’re not the most important part of podcasting. 

Industry Insights

• Pocket Casts' Web Player is now accessible to all
• How much personal info do you share on your podcast?

Ask Megan

"Hi, Megan, how can I add mid-rolls to my podcast?"

If you’re using Buzzsprout Ads or Dynamic Content, just head to the Episodes tab, click on an episode, and select Manage Mid-Roll Placements. 

We'll walk you through it in our help guide!

Have a question for Megan? Send a text!

That's all for this week! Thanks for listening & keep podcasting!