Managing Editor of Podcast Review (PodcastReview.org) Alice Florence Orr joins me to demystify how shows get discovered and judged. You’ll learn the fastest way to check “medium fit,” why your intro music may be costing you listeners, how to craft a cold open that hooks, where reviewers actually hang out, and the smartest places to focus your limited promo energy. Perfect for podcasters, founders, and experts who want their show to drive pipeline, not just downloads.

3) Show Notes with Timestamps

[00:01] Alice’s path from university listener to professional podcast reviewer

[02:09] The first filter: does this story belong in audio? (medium fit)

[03:30] Using archival audio to add texture, indie shows that stand out

[04:20] The “host who loves the format” advantage

[05:40] Escaping genre clichés and blending formats to feel fresh

[06:30] Why atmosphere and on-location sound still works (and when)

[08:44] How Alice evaluates quickly: 20-minute test + community checks

[11:04] Good vs. great: rapid thinking, natural articulation, and unique POV

[13:25] Standing out in saturated niches without cheap controversy

[13:53] Know your strengths: host, interviewer, producer—outsource the gaps

[15:34] The fastest improvement most shows can make: get a real mic

[17:43] Win the first two minutes: clarity of vision beats long theme songs

[18:49] Cold open formula Alice loves: 5-second tease → sting → intro

[20:35] How to get on a reviewer’s radar: press releases, LinkedIn, relevance

[22:58] Pitch like a pro: “for fans of…” and clear category fit

[24:51] Tooling that lowers friction: edit-like-a-doc workflows (e.g., Descript)

[26:49] One takeaway: find your audience where they actually are

[27:08] Focus your promo: fewer platforms, deeper relationships

[29:12] Where to find Alice’s reviews and how to reach out thoughtfully