Podcast Editors Mastermind

#105: What makes a podcast episode truly engaging - and keeps listeners coming back? The importance of maintaining a structured yet flexible format can’t be stressed enough by our guest, Wendy Wawrzyniak.

Our discussion, no matter which way we turned, ended up landing on one form of consistency or another. Consistency not only enhances a listener’s enjoyment but can also promote sustainability and growth.

Guess what: Consistency also benefits Podcast Editors like you too!

Key topics covered:

• Why predictability in podcast formats keeps audiences engaged and builds community
• The role of podcast editors as managers and consultants to improve show structure and format
• Tips to streamline production and make better podcasts

Key moments:

(00:00) "Podcast Consistency Over Structure"

(06:07) Keeping listeners engaged mid-episode

(07:20) Consistency: The way to earn Trust with an audience

(10:38) When a podcast changes their episode format

(12:37) Using a compelling clip as a “cold open”

(14:55) How consistency during recording benefits the Podcast Editor

(18:31) Insight on Directing a Podcast

About Wendy Wawrzyniak:

Wendy is an experienced educator, speaker, and consultant, specializing in AP History instruction and content creation strategies. As the founder of AP History Help, she provides online courses, tutoring, and resources to help students excel in AP History courses.

With a background in virtual teaching and curriculum development, Wendy has also created The World is Your Classroom, where she has expanded her expertise to the podcasting world, speaking twice at Podfest and serving as an education consultant for conferences.

She is now leveraging her experience to help podcasters improve their show structure, audience engagement, and presentation skills.

Find her at https://TheWorldisYourClassroom.net

• Connect with Wendy on Instagram
• Connect with Wendy on Facebook
• Connect with Wendy on LinkedIn

Let's have some fun!

• Can you find the content edit points? Send Steve an email with the timestamp(s)
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Tools:

*Riverside.fm to record

We used Riverside to record this episode. Use code Yetis at *https://creators.riverside.fm/Yetis for 15% off a membership plan.

*Castmagic.io for show notes

Castmagic assisted in the crafting of this episode description. Of course, we removed the phrases “Join us as we dive into”, “Uncover the secret behind” and “elevate your podcasting game” - because we also edit our copy!

*Captivate.fm for media hosting

We use Captivate to host the audio episodes. Captivate offers amazing features for a low monthly price, including full control of dynamic insertion, embedded chapters, and Blocks/Shortcodes to quickly add content to show notes (either static or dynamically!)

Use of the above affiliate links may earn us a commission, which is used to support the efforts of this show. Thank you in advance for your support!

Episode Notes: https://podcasteditorsmastermind.com/episode/is-consistency-more-important-than-a-great-show-format

Mentioned in this episode:

Benfits in the Podcast Editor Academy

The Podcast Editor Academy offers all kinds of benefits - including odd ones we can't really share (because we don't know they're coming). Enjoy our Private Podcast, Weekly Challenges via email, , and monthly Office Hours.

Podcast Editor Academy

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

#104: What are the consequences of hiring the wrong client? What if you need to make money but don't have any good clients yet? Do you start with UpWork or Fiverr?

Ashley Dickerson-Ellison shares some great stories about leaving her teaching job when they moved overseas for a couple years. She starting her podcast editing business and did what many of us do: Offered services on UpWork.

Make sure you stay to the end for the story about the guy who interrupted her trip, then came back and asked if she had references. It's a horrible, but funny story I think we can all relate to.

Key Discussion Points

• The cost of lower-value clients on commodity job websites
• The mental shift from an employee to self-employed mindset
• Building a personal brand with a podcast and website
• The importance of getting help

Episode Notes: https://podcasteditorsmastermind.com/episode/the-mental-health-of-hiring-the-wrong-client

Our guest: Ashley Dickson-Ellison

Ashley Dickson-Ellison has been in the podcasting world since 2018 with the launch of Unabridged, a podcast about books.

She has 17 years of working in education before transitioning to full time podcast work in 2021.

Ashley founded and runs Unabridged Digital Media Solutions, LLC, where she supports podcast launches, offers podcast consultations and strategy support, and provides ongoing podcast management with a full suite of services for several partners.

In her free time, you'll find Ashley exploring the world and spending time outside with her life partner and two daughters. Find her at https://www.ashleydicksonellison.com

Connect with Ashley:

• https://www.ashleydicksonellison.com

Mentioned in this episode:

The Podcast Editor Academy

Get access to 35+ years of small business experience from Steve Stewart and decade of learning inside the Podcast Editor Academy. PLUS: Weekly Challenges via email, Windshield University with our Private Podcast, and monthly Office Hours.

Podcast Editor Academy

Benfits in the Podcast Editor Academy

The Podcast Editor Academy offers all kinds of benefits - including odd ones we can't really share (because we don't know they're coming). Enjoy our Private Podcast, Weekly Challenges via email, , and monthly Office Hours.

Podcast Editor Academy

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

#103: The word for 2024 in podcasting was "CHANGE". We had the rise of AI, the increasing importance of video, and key industry leaders leaving their roles.

Podcast Editors Club members emphasized the need to sound natural and not scripted, navigate the complications of offering video editing, and the significance of knowing how to use dynamic ad insertion.

We particularly highlight the importance of staying adaptable and diversifying income streams to maintain staying power. Podcast Editors like you can enhance your value by offering SEO services, collateral for social media, and media host management. Most importantly, Podcast Editors need to effectively communicate the value of these services to their clients to ensure continued growth and success in the evolving podcasting landscape.

Key Discussion Points

• Rise of AI tools and the significance of sounding natural
• Importance of video components and challenges in video editing
• Dynamic ad insertion as a valuable skill for editors
• Staying adaptable and diversifying income streams
• Effective communication of the value of additional services

Note: Ai was used to generate the basis of this episode summary.

Special thanks to Podcast Editors Club community members:

• Joshua Liston
• Roy Garcia
• Sarah Decker
• Matthew Bliss
• Dave Jackson
• Mike Wilkerson

Episode Notes: https://podcasteditorsmastermind.com/episode/whats-critical-for-a-podcast-in-2025

Join the Podcast Editors Club newsletter for free:

https://PodcastEditorAcademy.com/newsletter

Mentioned in this episode:

The Podcast Editor Academy

Get access to 35+ years of small business experience from Steve Stewart and decade of learning inside the Podcast Editor Academy. PLUS: Weekly Challenges via email, Windshield University with our Private Podcast, and monthly Office Hours.

Podcast Editor Academy

Benfits in the Podcast Editor Academy

The Podcast Editor Academy offers all kinds of benefits - including odd ones we can't really share (because we don't know they're coming). Enjoy our Private Podcast, Weekly Challenges via email, , and monthly Office Hours.

Podcast Editor Academy

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

You are a podcast editor, otherwise why are you listening to this show?

You wanna know how to make it as a podcast editor, whether professionally, or as a serious side hustle, or if you just want to get better at editing your own podcast.

If you're a Podcast Editor, Manager, or Producer...this is the show for you!

And since you're a Podcast Editor/Manager/Producer, I don't need to tell you how to follow this show in your favorite podcast app 😉.

However, to stay in touch with other information that can help Podcast Editors like you, subscribe for free to the https://www.PodcastEditorAcademy.com/newsletter.

We will see YOU on the other side of the mic!

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

#102: Are you charging enough?

Do you charge more or less than your peers?

What can you do to earn more for your podcast editing efforts?

Find out as we reveal the rates and effective hourly rates being charged by indie podcasters just like you!

Episode Notes: https://podcasteditorsmastermind.com/episode/the-2024-podcast-editor-industry-survey-reveal-

Key Discussion Points

• Editors charged $199 USD for an average hour-long episode
• They spent less time to complete the task, making their effective hourly average rate higher!
• We also discuss which additional services seem to impact what editors charge for their audio editing projects

Links And Resources

• Get the survey slides by signing up for the free Podcast Editor Academy newsletter
• Receive special access and benefits by joining The Mastermind

Our Podcast Editor

This episode of the Podcast Editors Mastermind was edited by Alejandro Ramirez. You can find him on LinkedIn if you're interested in talking with him about editing your show.

Mentioned in this episode:

Benfits in the Podcast Editor Academy

The Podcast Editor Academy offers all kinds of benefits - including odd ones we can't really share (because we don't know they're coming). Enjoy our Private Podcast, Weekly Challenges via email, , and monthly Office Hours.

Podcast Editor Academy

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

#101: The Podcast Editors Mastermind Show has entered a new season.

In this episode. Steve Stewart and Mark Deal lay out for you what’s new in Season 2.

We share what the show will be about, the benefits for all Podcast Editors everywhere, and how YOU can be involved!

Episode Notes: https://podcasteditorsmastermind.com/episode/whats-new-for-season-2-of-the-podcast-editors-mastermind-show

This episode of the Podcast Editors Mastermind was edited by Steve Stewart. Why? Because it's been years since he has podcasted and needed to review his performance. #experiencepoints

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Episode #100!!! Celebrate with us in this milestone Mastermind Show!

Yeti Bryan and Yeti Jennifer reflect on what we got right, what could have been done better, and things that were "not so good".

Joining us is Steve Stewart and Mark Deal from the Podcast Editor Academy - WITH A BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!

We are wrapping up Season 1 of the Podcast Editors Mastermind Show, and Season 2 will be hosted by Steve & Mark (with appearances from the founders too, of course).

Key Discussion Points

• The story behind how the Mastermind started
• Year 1 and Year 2: What changed?
• What we got RIGHT: Community, the need for a show like this, "editing practice" for new Podcast Editors
• What we didn't get right: No clear monetization strategy, inconsistency, stopping our off-camera mastermind meetings
• The transition to Season 2
• Everybody hates change, and here's why change is needed (listen to the episode to hear more)

Links And Resources

• Podcast Editor Academy: https://podcasteditoracademy.com
• Podcast Atlanta: https://podatl.com
• Article by The College Investor: https://thecollegeinvestor.com/47758/google-ai-misleads-in-43-of-finance-related-searches

Favorite Episodes

• Bryan's fave: Ep 82 - How Virginia Elder Went From Accounting to Owning a Podcast Production Company
• Jennifer's fave: Ep 90 - Darrell Darnell's Journey to Build a Podcast Editing Team
• Steve's fave: Ep 11 - Britany Felix: Attract the RIGHT Clients for Your Business

The First Client Series

Feed (to subscribe): https://feeds.captivate.fm/podcast-editors-mastermind/first-client-stories

Playlist Link: https://player.captivate.fm/collection/96ecac6b-0152-49ab-912e-78727f644efd

Our Editor

This episode of the Podcast Editors Mastermind was edited by Alejandro Ramirez. You can find him on LinkedIn if you're interested in talking with him about editing your show.

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Are your podcast clients getting bad audio and video from themselves or their guests? We share tips on how to address the issue, whether you're there to help them or not.

Episode Notes: https://podcasteditorsmastermind.com/episode/keys-to-helping-podcast-clients-look-and-sound-great

• Follow the Podcast Editors Mastermind
• Rate or Review the Podcast Editors Mastermind
• Send us a message or comment for the show!

We're sharing some of the keys to helping your podcast clients sound and look great. It might feel uncomfortable initially, but it offers great benefits for your clients, their audience, and you.

We'll explore how to help them create a good recording space for success, whether it's an audio studio or a video set. Then we'll talk about the thing we ALL love to obsess over - the GEAR!

Of course, it doesn't stop there, because having a great studio with great gear won't get the results your clients are looking for if they don't use it right. Or if they let their guests set the standard for what should be considered "good."

Editors can assist by encouraging clients to speak up if guests aren't performing well or by stepping in for the host during live recordings.

Riverside.fm

This episode is sponsored by Riverside.fm, the leading tool for podcast and video recordings. Visit riverside.fm and use code Yetis to start recording studio quality sound and video and get 15% off a membership plan.

https://creators.riverside.fm/Yetis

Key Discussion Points

• The importance of a controlled space
• How to bring up the discussion of quality with clients
• What is more important than expensive cameras and mirophones
• Recognizing that sometimes clients have different expectations, and we can't always "fix" everything

Links And Resources

• Zoom PodTrak P4 Portable Multitrack Podcast Recorder
• Rode RCP2 RODECaster Pro II Integrated Audio Production Studio
• sE Electronics V7 Handheld Supercardioid Dynamic
• Sennheiser e 835 Cardioid Handheld Dynamic Microphone
• RODE PodMic USB and XLR Dynamic Broadcast Microphone
• Shure MV7+ Podcast XLR/USB Microphone
• Samson Q9U XLR/USB Dynamic Broadcast Microphone
• ATR2100x-USB
• Samson Q2U
• CapCut
• OpusClip
• Boomcaster
• Zoom
• Microsoft Teams

Join Us Live!

We stream live to our Facebook page and to YouTube every other week.

Our Editor

This episode of the Podcast Editors Mastermind was edited by Alejandro Ramirez. You can find him on LinkedIn if you're interested in talking with him about editing your show.

Be a Guest

If you're a podcast editor, we'd love to see if you'd be a fit for a future episode. Fill out this form to let us know you're interested, and we'll contact you to see if it's a good fit.

Your Yetis Are

• Daniel Abendroth | Roth Media
• Carrie Caulfield | Carrie.Land
• Bryan Entzminger | Top Tier Audio
• Jennifer Longworth | Bourbon Barrel Podcasting

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Carrie, Bryan, and Jennifer talk about succeeding in a competitive market. They discuss how to handle geeky clients and the use of AI in podcasting.

Episode Notes: https://podcasteditorsmastermind.com/episode/starting-over-from-square-two-as-a-proven-podcast-editor

• Follow the Podcast Editors Mastermind
• Rate or Review the Podcast Editors Mastermind
• Send us a message or comment for the show!

We're diving deep into the business side of podcast editing—the gritty, no-nonsense reality behind the glamorous facade. Carrie Caulfield is sharing advice on how to attract the perfect, slightly nerdy but passionate client who wants to learn about podcasting. She's no fairy godmother; think more hard work, less magic formula.

We remember what it was like starting between 2015-2017, share a few technical challenges we're psyched to have tackled, and chat about the struggles of staying on top of our games. Oh, and we can’t forget Daniel’s absence—he’s busy, but we miss him tons.

Stick around as we share some laughter, business insights, and heartfelt moments, all while being exceptionally thankful for you tuned-in masterminds. Ready to boost your podcasting prowess? Let’s get into it!

Riverside.fm

This episode is sponsored by Riverside.fm, the leading tool for podcast and video recordings. Visit riverside.fm and use code Yetis to start recording studio quality sound and video and get 15% off a membership plan.

https://creators.riverside.fm/Yetis

Key Discussion Points

• What led to Carrie's current situation
• How Carrie is approaching building her business up differently the second time
• A couple of ways that AI can help us serve our clients better
• Why it's important to really be focused on the fundamentals
• Will AI steal our jobs?

Links And Resources

• iZotope RX 11
• Descript
• ChatGPT
• LinkedIn
• Opus Clip
• CapCut

Join Us Live!

We stream live to our Facebook page and to YouTube every other week.

Our Editor

This episode of the Podcast Editors Mastermind was edited by Alejandro Ramirez. You can find him on LinkedIn if you're interested in talking with him about editing your show.

NOTE: Don't blame Alejandro for the video version. Bryan is learning how to edit video and Alejandro has already given him some constructive feedback. Thanks, Alejandro!

Be a Guest

If you're a podcast editor, we'd love to see if you'd be a fit for a future episode. Fill out this form to let us know you're interested, and we'll contact you to see if it's a good fit.

Your Yetis Are

• Daniel Abendroth | Roth Media
• Carrie Caulfield | Carrie.Land
• Bryan Entzminger | Top Tier Audio
• Jennifer Longworth | Bourbon Barrel Podcasting

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

It seems like everybody is talking about video in the podcasting space. Is it worth it? How should we help our clients set their expectations? Listen for more!

Episode Notes: https://podcasteditorsmastermind.com/episode/is-video-the-big-gamechanger-podcast-editors-hope-for

• Follow the Podcast Editors Mastermind
• Rate or Review the Podcast Editors Mastermind
• Send us a message or comment for the show!

Rick Sellnow from Lexington Public Library will talk about video podcasts, including the importance of quality, using platforms like YouTube, Instagram Reels, and TikTok, and managing costs and time.

We'll also answer a fun AI-generated question: If you could have any animal as a tame miniature pet, which one would you choose and why? Our answers might surprise you.

Join us as we explore taking your podcast to the next level in the age of video. Let’s GOOOO!

Riverside.fm

This episode is sponsored by Riverside.fm, the leading tool for podcast and video recordings. Visit riverside.fm and use code Yetis to start recording studio quality sound and video and get 15% off a membership plan.

https://creators.riverside.fm/Yetis

Key Discussion Points

• Is it really a podcast? (Just kidding - we talk about it, but we don't go crazy.)
• Why high-quality tools and software matter
• Working with limited budgets
• The importance of setting expectations
• What exponential reacn REALLY means and how video plays into that
• The dark side of algorithm-driven exponential reach

Links And Resources

• Storyblocks
• The YouTube Formula
• Wikimedia Commons
• Pixabay
• Podcast Editor Academy

About Rick Sellnow

Rick Sellnow is a keen observer of the digital media landscape, particularly the blending of podcasts and video content. He notes YouTube's recent shifts, emphasizing its roots in talking head shows and highlighting the undeniable influence of major figures like Joe Rogan. Rick underscores the significance of this convergence, showcasing his deep understanding of the evolving interplay between audio and visual media.

Connect with Rick Sellnow

• LinkedIn

Join Us Live!

We stream live to our Facebook page and to YouTube every other week.

Our Editor

This episode of the Podcast Editors Mastermind was edited by Alejandro Ramirez. You can find him on LinkedIn if you're interested in talking with him about editing your show.

Also, special thanks to Carrie Caulfield for her help in shaping the content.

Be a Guest

If you're a podcast editor, we'd love to see if you'd be a fit for a future episode. Fill out this form to let us know you're interested, and we'll contact you to see if it's a good fit.

Your Yetis Are

• Daniel Abendroth | Roth Media
• Carrie Caulfield | Carrie.Land
• Bryan Entzminger | Top Tier Audio
• Jennifer Longworth | Bourbon Barrel Podcasting

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy