In & Around Podcasting

Analyzing the high-profile fallout between Alex Cooper and Alix Earle and some of the drama, evaluating how business disputes masquerade as personal betrayal and some other drama surrounding Call Her Daddy and the Unwell Network. The discussion contrasts the realities of content creation with the performance issues plaguing network-backed shows.

Examining how Apple Podcasts and Spotify handle search engine optimization. They explain the mechanics of search ranking, detailing why smaller feeds with exact-match keywords might outrank older, larger catalogs.

Finally, the episode reviews a recent Podstock study showing that Spotify video episodes drive higher consumption times than YouTube. They explain how background audio playback shapes listener behavior and discuss Amazon Music's new video roll-out and YouTube's curiosity focusing on audio-only consumption.

• Captivate's YouTube Channel
• The Audio-To-Video Roadmap with Greg Willits
• The Audio-To-Video Roadmap with Mignon Fogarty

• Call Her Daddy
• Alix Earle - Hot Mess
• Grammar Girl - Mignon Fogerty
• Rosary Army - Greg Willits
• Tropical Podcasting
• Roger Wilmut

• Alitu
• The Podcast Host

• Alitu and The Podcast Host Have a New Home
• The Music DNA of Podcast Search: Why Apple and Spotify Still Rank Like Record Stores | PodSEO Blog
• Spotify Streams Drive 1.5x More Consumption Time Than YouTube for Podcasts, New Podstock Data Shows
• AdTech Has Mispriced YouTube And Audio Is Why | by Alan Ronis | Apr, 2026 | Medium
• Roger Wilmut - Wikipedia
• Elsie on Que Esta Pasando en el Podcasting from Tropical Podcasting

In & Around Podcasting is a podcast industry podcast started by Mark Asquith and Danny Brown and now hosted by Elsie Escobar and Rob Walch, continuing its mission as an industry show that belongs to the whole community.

If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave us a rating or review on your favourite podcast app! You can also drop us a tip at https://www.inandaroundpodcasting.com/support, too!

If you're an independent creator who would like to co-host with us, please let us know by emailing the show! [email protected].

Please tell your friends that the show is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, plus wherever else they may listen to their podcasts.

If you'd like your podcast trailer featuring in our "Wave File" segment, submit it via this quick contact form, please.

The podcast is also available at In & Around Podcasting.

This episode opens with a major industry shift: Tim Cook’s announcement that he is stepping down as CEO of Apple in September 2026. The team discusses the transition plan, the elevation of John Ternus and Johny Srouji, and what this "hardware-first" leadership style might mean for the future of Apple devices and services.

The conversation then pivots to the technical rollout of HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) video support on Apple Podcasts. Joined by OG co-hosts Mark Asquith and Danny Brown, the team breaks down how HLS differs from standard video files and open standards. They explain how adaptive bitrate streaming ensures listeners stay connected even on poor data connections and why audio-only creators shouldn’t feel pressured to pivot to video.

Finally, the group tackles the nuance of accessibility and inclusion in podcasting. They compare listening to an audiobook to reading with your ears, emphasizing that the goal is always to deliver the message to the audience wherever they are. The team shares insights on the power of Apple's new video implementation and how it provides more expansive ways for audiences to engage with content.

• Mark Asquith: Founder of Captivate and original co-host of In & Around Podcasting.
• Danny Brown: Head of Support and Experience at Captivate and original co-host of In & Around Podcasting.

• Publish Video Podcasts to Apple Podcasts: Captivate Video Support Overview

• Apple HLS Video Podcasts: Help Article
• How to Connect Apple's HLS Video Podcast Feature to Captivate: Connection Guide
• Apple Podcasts HLS Frequently Asked Questions: HLS FAQ
• How to Publish Video Episodes via Captivate to Apple Podcasts Using HLS: Publishing Guide
• Pricing for Apple HLS Video Podcasts: Pricing Details

• Publish Video to Apple with Captivate | Captivate Podcast Hosting
• Learn Podcasting: Blogs, Resources & Education from Captivate

• Tim Cook: Apple Executive Chairman (formerly CEO).
• John Ternus: Apple CEO (effective Sept 2026).
• Johny Srouji: Chief Hardware Officer at Apple.
• Marco Arment: Creator of Overcast and co-host of ATP.
• Accidental Tech Podcast (ATP): https://atp.fm/
• Rob Dunwood: Daily Tech News Network contributor.
• Anna DeShawn: Ambie Award winner and founder of The Qube App. https://theqube.app/

Apps & Technology

• HLS (HTTP Live Streaming): Technical standard for video delivery.
• Apple Podcasts: Support for HLS video in iOS 26.4+.
• Boomcaster: Remote recording platform used for this episode.
• The Qube App: A database for black and brown podcasters. https://theqube.app/
• Captivate Growth Labs: Educational resources for podcasters. https://www.captivate.fm/growth-labs

Articles & Episodes

• ATP 663: Defending the Honor of The Cheesecake Factory: The episode where the ATP team predicted Apple's leadership shift. https://atp.fm/663
• Why People Who Listen to Podcasts Are Suddenly Feeling Left Out (WSJ): An exploration of the audio-only listener experience in a video-centric market. https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/podcasts-video-armchair-expert-killer-stories-kristen-bell-0e07d0be
• The Audio-to-Video Roadmap: Greg Willits: Luma session deep-dive on transitioning formats.
• The Audio-to-Video Roadmap: Mignon Fogarty: Luma session focused on strategic video implementation.

In & Around Podcasting is a podcast industry podcast started by Mark Asquith and Danny Brown and now hosted by Elsie Escobar and Rob Walch, continuing its mission as an industry show that belongs to the whole community.

If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave us a rating or review on your favourite podcast app! You can also drop us a tip at https://www.inandaroundpodcasting.com/support, too!

If you're an independent creator who would like to co-host with us, please let us know by emailing the show! [email protected].

Please tell your friends that the show is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, plus wherever else they may listen to their podcasts.

If you'd like your podcast trailer featuring in our "Wave File" segment, submit it via this quick contact form, please.

The podcast is also available at In & Around Podcasting.

OpenAI recently acquired TBPN (Technology Business Programming Network). Rob and Elsie discuss the relationship between Sam Altman and TBPN’s John Coogan, the network's high production value, and what it means for OpenAI’s public-facing brand as they head toward an expected IPO.

Elsie takes a moment to celebrate Frank Racioppi’s recent Forbes piece, giving him his well-deserved flowers for his thoughtful advocacy and committed support of the independent community. While the article is titled "There's A War Of Independents In Podcasting," Elsie highlights how Frank successfully name-checks the creators and shows that mainstream media often ignores. She suggests that while the "war" framing reflects the struggle against celebrity-driven network dominance, the real story is the robustness of middle-tier creators who are building sustainable, profitable businesses on their own terms. Finally, the episode looks at Spotify’s rollout of AI-prompted playlists for podcasts and the ongoing friction of cumbersome guest intake forms.

Come to hang out with us!

⭐️ Apple Podcasts Video Q&A, with Elsie Escobar - YouTube

People & Shows

• John Coogan & Jordi Hays: Hosts of TBPN (Technology Business Programming Network).
• Frank Racioppi: Owner of Earworthy and Forbes contributor.
• Cynthia Bemis Abrams: Host of Advanced TV History.
• Ciara Miller: Reality TV superstar highlighted in the Flattering Ram.
• Bitch Is Better
• Bravo! We're Black
• Morally Corrupt - YouTube
• Dumpster Dive
• Snark Bait
• So Bad It's Good with Ryan Bailey

Apps & Technology

• Scooter Labs RSS to CSV: scooterlabs.com/hacks/rss2csv.php
• Spotify AI Prompted Playlists: creators.spotify.com/resources/news/prompted-playlists
• Captivate WordPress Plugin Sync: wordpress.org/plugins/captivatesync-trade/

Articles & Episodes

• OpenAI acquires TBPN | OpenAI
• There’s A War Of Independents In Podcasting
• DAX Expands Into Podcasts Targeting The ‘Missing Middle’ As Ad Demand Grows. | News | podcastnewsdaily.com
• Top podcast advertisers | Magellan AI — Podcast advertising analytics
• In & Around Podcasting Episode 25: Featuring Frank Racioppi.
• Everything you need to know in the 'Summer House' scandal which exploded this week

In & Around Podcasting is a podcast industry podcast started by Mark Asquith and Danny Brown and now hosted by Elsie Escobar and Rob Walch, continuing its mission as an industry show that belongs to the whole community.

If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave us a rating or review on your favourite podcast app! You can also drop us a tip at https://www.inandaroundpodcasting.com/support, too!

If you're an independent creator who would like to co-host with us, please let us know by emailing the show! [email protected].

Please tell your friends that the show is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, plus wherever else they may listen to their podcasts.

If you'd like your podcast trailer featuring in our "Wave File" segment, submit it via this quick contact form, please.

The podcast is also available at In & Around Podcasting.

Rob Walch and Elsie Escobar reunite to host together for the first time in 159 days! They look back at their own "episode 28" milestones from 2005 to 2014 and share stories from other creators who found their rhythm at the same point in their journey.

The conversation covers the launch of HLS video support in Apple Podcasts. Rob explains how this adaptive streaming works, why it matters for listeners who switch between audio and video, and why you might not need it yet if you are an audio-first creator.

You will also hear about Rob’s time at SXSW in Austin, including his experience with Tesla's robotaxis and the growing influence of the city on the podcast industry. Finally, Elsie tries to break down the engineering behind Marco Arment’s new transcription system for Overcast and why it is a win for listeners.

Guest contributors & insight in this episode: Danny Brown (Five Random Questions), Carolyn Kiel (Beyond Six Seconds), Stacey Sims (Diabetes Connections), Kristen Sundin Brandt (Cycling Together), and Steve Stewart (SteveStewart.me).

• Danny Brown – Five Random Questions
• Carolyn Kiel – Beyond Six Seconds
• Stacey Sims – Diabetes Connections
• Kristen Sundin Brandt – Cycling Together
• Steve Stewart – SteveStewart.me
• Victor Cajiao – Typical Mac User
• Grant Baciocco – The Radio Adventures of Dr. Floyd
• Jim Louderback – (Video/Media Expert mentioned at SXSW)
• Valentina Kaledina at Castbox – (Mentioned for her SXSW summary)
• Marco Arment – Creator of Overcast and host of ATP

• Overcast – (Specifically for the new transcript feature)
• Unwatched – (The YouTube queue app Elsie recommended)
• Captivate Announced as Day One Launch Partner for Apple Podcasts’ New HLS Video Release – (The specific support/FAQs page)
• Apple introduces a new video podcast experience on Apple Podcasts – (Specifically regarding the iOS 26.4 update)

• ATP (Accidental Tech Podcast) Episode 683 – (The story of building the transcript system)
• Grit Daily News Article – (The piece about power players at SXSW where Rob was quoted)
• Valentina’s SXSW Summary – (The industry perspective from Castbox)
• Elsie's Yoga Class Episode 28

In & Around Podcasting is a podcast industry podcast started by Mark Asquith and Danny Brown and now hosted by Elsie Escobar and Rob Walch, continuing its mission as an industry show that belongs to the whole community.

If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave us a rating or review on your favourite podcast app! You can also drop us a tip at https://www.inandaroundpodcasting.com/support, too!

If you're an independent creator who would like to co-host with us, please let us know by emailing the show! [email protected].

Please tell your friends that the show is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, plus wherever else they may listen to their podcasts.

If you'd like your podcast trailer featuring in our "Wave File" segment, submit it via this quick contact form, please.

The podcast is also available at In & Around Podcasting.

When it comes to podcasting, many indie creators (and some bigger ones, too) don't consider the legalities that might come up, especially since their podcast might start out as just a hobby.

But that can lead to a lot of issues down the line, and ones that not only might see content taken down, but large lawsuits coming into effect too. So what can you do to negate this?

Join Danny Brown and guest co-host Gordon Firemark as they discuss the legalities around podcasting and why you should take notice of them.

Guest co-host this episode: Gordon Firemark

Gordon Firemark, The Podcast Lawyer™ is an attorney, educator, and coach who helps creative professionals and entrepreneurs get the legal and business stuff handled—so they can focus on the message and make the impact, influence, and income they deserve. With over three decades of legal experience and a long history as a podcaster and YouTuber himself, Gordon has become the go-to resource for creator

Gordon's Website

Gordon's Facebook group

Gordon's Facebook page

@gordonfiremark on Instagram

Gordon on YouTube

Links to interesting things from this episode

• Unlimited podcast hosting • Best podcast platform • Captivate.fm
• Sounds Profitable
• Podcast Index
• Podnews podcasting news

In & Around Podcasting is a podcast industry podcast started by Mark Asquith and Danny Brown and now hosted by Elsie Escobar and Rob Walch, continuing its mission as an industry show that belongs to the whole community.

If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave us a rating or review on your favourite podcast app! You can also drop us a tip at https://www.inandaroundpodcasting.com/support, too!

If you're an independent creator who would like to co-host with us, please let us know by emailing the show! [email protected].

Please tell your friends that the show is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, plus wherever else they may listen to their podcasts.

If you'd like your podcast trailer featuring in our "Wave File" segment, submit it via this quick contact form, please.

The podcast is also available at In & Around Podcasting.

In this special bonus episode, Mark and Danny share their thoughts on The Podcast Show London - what worked, what didn't work, and some ideas for future shows.

Links to interesting things from this episode

• The Gerry Anderson Podcast - from Thunderbirds to Space 1999
• Podcast Industry Keynote: The Year That Was - And The Year To Come In Podcasting - Podcast Show 2025
• The Podcast Show London

In & Around Podcasting is a podcast industry podcast started by Mark Asquith and Danny Brown and now hosted by Elsie Escobar and Rob Walch, continuing its mission as an industry show that belongs to the whole community.

If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave us a rating or review on your favourite podcast app! You can also drop us a tip at https://www.inandaroundpodcasting.com/support, too!

If you're an independent creator who would like to co-host with us, please let us know by emailing the show! [email protected].

Please tell your friends that the show is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, plus wherever else they may listen to their podcasts.

If you'd like your podcast trailer featuring in our "Wave File" segment, submit it via this quick contact form, please.

The podcast is also available at In & Around Podcasting.

With this year's Infinite Dial report from Edison Research now in the wild, and co-presented at Podcast Movement Evolutions in Chicago, it's the perfect time to have one of the presenters, James Cridland, on the show to dive into the findings.

From online audio listening preferences to the opportunities for creators and brands, James walks us through some of the nuances of the report.

James also dives into the Podnews Report Card 2025, where podcasters and creators get to share their feedback directly with the teams behind podcast apps and platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and more.

Join regular co-host Danny Brown and James in this very enlightening episode!

Guest co-host this episode: James Cridland

James Cridland is Editor of Podnews, the daily podcast newsletter. He is a radio futurologist - a writer, consultant and public speaker on radio’s future.

James's Website

@JamesCridland on X

Links to interesting things from this episode

• The Infinite Dial 2025 - Edison Research
• Podcasting 2.0 with Dave Jones and Adam Curry
• Pocket Casts - listen to podcasts with the best free podcasting app. Built by listeners, for listeners.
• iHeartMedia purchased podcast plays to game their download numbers and the IAB says it's ok!? John Spurlock talks OP3.dev and how it could help filter this bad practice.
• Adam Curry - curryirc.com (@adamcurry) / X
• James Cridland | James Cridland - radio futurologist
• The Podnews Report Card 2025 Results

In & Around Podcasting is a podcast industry podcast started by Mark Asquith and Danny Brown and now hosted by Elsie Escobar and Rob Walch, continuing its mission as an industry show that belongs to the whole community.

If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave us a rating or review on your favourite podcast app! You can also drop us a tip at https://www.inandaroundpodcasting.com/support, too!

If you're an independent creator who would like to co-host with us, please let us know by emailing the show! [email protected].

Please tell your friends that the show is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, plus wherever else they may listen to their podcasts.

If you'd like your podcast trailer featuring in our "Wave File" segment, submit it via this quick contact form, please.

The podcast is also available at In & Around Podcasting.

As podcasting continues to see a mix of large investments and ad spend, it also continues to see layoffs across the industry. Many point to some of these large investments as being a cause, with money being spent on large networks and celebrity podcasts.

Is this a sign that the industry needs to take a different approach, with perhaps more indie creator-led networks, or is it an unfortunate realism of an industry growing beyond its small beginnings?

Join regular co-host Danny Brown and guest co-host Frank Racioppi as they discuss this interesting topic.

Guest co-host this episode: Frank Racioppi

After 38 years as a speechwriter and editor for a Fortune 50 company, Frank retired and indulged his love of podcasting, starting and managing a successful podcast review online publication -- Ear Worthy. He started it in 2017 and has enjoyed connecting with indie podcasters and anyone who supports podcasting. Frank and his brother Paul had a podcast four years ago called False Facts, but it was difficult to keep a regular recording schedule.

Frank's Website

@podcastreports on X

@earworthy141 on Instagram

Links to interesting things from this episode

• Broadway Podcast Network - The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul
• Every Single Sci-Fi Film Ever | Science Fiction Movie Podcast
• Gastropod - Food with a Side of Science & History
• Filmspotting Movie Podcast
• Top US Podcast Publishers & Networks - Podtrac
• Mercury hits 2 million delivered ads
• Bobbi Althoff joins Studio71's podcast network with The Really Good Podcast
• How celebrity podcasts are influencing a new era of tabloid media
• Celebrity Podcasts Roundtable: Challenges and Opportunities | Podcast Movement
• These Brands SHOULD Sponsor These Independent Podcasts
• The Marketing Swarm Around Indie Podcasters
• Independent Podcasting Needs More Networks Like Mercury

In & Around Podcasting is a podcast industry podcast started by Mark Asquith and Danny Brown and now hosted by Elsie Escobar and Rob Walch, continuing its mission as an industry show that belongs to the whole community.

If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave us a rating or review on your favourite podcast app! You can also drop us a tip at https://www.inandaroundpodcasting.com/support, too!

If you're an independent creator who would like to co-host with us, please let us know by emailing the show! [email protected].

Please tell your friends that the show is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, plus wherever else they may listen to their podcasts.

If you'd like your podcast trailer featuring in our "Wave File" segment, submit it via this quick contact form, please.

The podcast is also available at In & Around Podcasting.

The Podcasting 2.0 initiative has been around since 2020, and is a way for the traditional RSS feed to be more interactive both for podcasters and listeners. This means offering features like transcripts, chapters, credits for talent on podcasters, funding your favourite shows, and more.

It's also meant to keep the RSS system open and "protect" it from the walled garden approach of Spotify, YouTube, and - to a lesser degree - Apple Podcasts.

Bit despite being the brainchild of the podcast OG Adam Curry, and lots of vocal support from certain parts of the industry, it seems that Podcasting 2.0 is still struggling to gain a real foothold. So why hasn't Podcasting 2.0 taken off, and has the boat sailed for this initiative?

Join regular hosts Mark and Danny, with guest co-host Claire Waite Brown, as they dive into this much-vaunted but sometimes equally-maligned topic.

This week's guest co-host: Claire Waite Brown

Indie podcaster - Creativity Found, 2020 to present; Podcasting 2.0 in Practice Jan 2025 to present

Claire's Facebook group

Claire's Facebook page

@podcasting2.0inpractice on Instagram

Claire on YouTube

Claire's Website

Links to interesting things from this episode

• MIC's (virtual/in-person) Podcast Club for global podcasters
• Is Podcasting 2.0 Pointless? - In & Around Podcasting
• The Podfather launches a new, open podcast directory
• Best Host for Podcasting 2.0 - Find Out How! | Captivate
• Podcast Index Podcasting 2.0 Statistics, visualized
• Podcasting 2.0 V4V Stats Uptake
• Podcasting 2.0 Namespace Adoption
• Apps | Podcastindex.org
• Podcasting 2.0 - Making podcasts better for everyone!

In & Around Podcasting is a podcast industry podcast started by Mark Asquith and Danny Brown and now hosted by Elsie Escobar and Rob Walch, continuing its mission as an industry show that belongs to the whole community.

If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave us a rating or review on your favourite podcast app! You can also drop us a tip at https://www.inandaroundpodcasting.com/support, too!

If you're an independent creator who would like to co-host with us, please let us know by emailing the show! [email protected].

Please tell your friends that the show is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, plus wherever else they may listen to their podcasts.

If you'd like your podcast trailer featuring in our "Wave File" segment, submit it via this quick contact form, please.

The podcast is also available at In & Around Podcasting.

The episode provides an insightful recap of the recent PodFest event, a significant gathering in the podcasting industry, characterized by its inclusive atmosphere and focus on community building. Mr. Mark and co-host Chris delve into the origins of PodFest, tracing its inception back to grassroots meetups aimed at supporting podcasters in their journey. Through their dialogue, they reveal how PodFest has grown organically, driven by the collective needs of its attendees, resulting in a unique event that is both educational and supportive. Chris shares anecdotes from the event, illustrating the relationships that have formed over the years and the nurturing environment that PodFest fosters.

The discussion transitions to the evolving landscape of podcasting, with both hosts reflecting on the challenges and opportunities faced by indie creators. They emphasize the significance of networking and collaboration in the industry, noting how PodFest serves as a hub for podcasters of all levels to connect and share experiences. The hosts highlight specific sessions and interactions from PodFest, showcasing the diverse range of content and learning opportunities available to attendees. They convey a sense of optimism about the future of podcasting, underlining the role of events like PodFest in shaping the industry and supporting the next generation of creators.

In concluding remarks, Mark and Chris reiterate their commitment to fostering a spirit of inclusivity and support within the podcasting community. They invite listeners to engage with PodFest and consider attending future events, emphasizing the value of being part of a community that celebrates creativity and collaboration in podcasting. The episode serves as a compelling testament to the power of community in the podcasting realm, encouraging listeners to take part in this vibrant ecosystem.

In & Around Podcasting is a podcast industry podcast started by Mark Asquith and Danny Brown and now hosted by Elsie Escobar and Rob Walch, continuing its mission as an industry show that belongs to the whole community.

If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave us a rating or review on your favourite podcast app! You can also drop us a tip at https://www.inandaroundpodcasting.com/support, too!

If you're an independent creator who would like to co-host with us, please let us know by emailing the show! [email protected].

Please tell your friends that the show is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, plus wherever else they may listen to their podcasts.

If you'd like your podcast trailer featuring in our "Wave File" segment, submit it via this quick contact form, please.

The podcast is also available at In & Around Podcasting.