Podcast Insider

Join Mike Dell and Dave Clements from the Blubrry team as they recount the most haunting experiences in podcasting in this Halloween special. From forgotten “record” buttons to complicated RSS feeds, each story offers insights and lessons that every podcaster can appreciate. Listen in for laughs, shivers, and valuable tips to help you avoid these common podcasting pitfalls.

Interview fail: forgot to hit record on a Geek This! interview with a filmmaker.

Unexpected guest struggles: a voice actor on PGwS was unprepared for her D&D role.

“Be Everywhere” strategy gone wrong: a customer juggling multiple podcast hosting platforms.

Unintended mishap: a major podcaster’s Apple listing went down due to keyword stuffing—just as he scored massive publicity.

What podcasting nightmare have you experienced that you can share with the team so that we can warn our podcast community?

Listen now to discover how to turn these horror stories into useful podcasting tips! 🎙️

Got a subject you would like us to cover on the show, Drop an email to [email protected] (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

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.

There are several common barriers that stop people from starting a podcast, ranging from technical concerns to personal fears. This podcasting paralysis stops many from finally getting their show out there and today, we are here to alleviate those anxieties and dissecting how to fix them.

By addressing these concerns—through education, planning, and embracing imperfections—potential podcasters can overcome these barriers and successfully launch their shows. We at Blubrry know that you can overcome podcasting paralysis.

Self Doubt and Fear of Negative Feedback

Overcome it by: Embracing imperfection, expecting small audiences at first, and viewing feedback as a growth opportunity.

Lack of Knowledge and Fear of Technology

Overcome it by: Starting with minimal equipment and learning as you go. Use free resources like tutorials and online communities.

Perceived Time Burden and Balancing Other Responsibilities

Overcome it by: Setting a manageable schedule, batching episodes, and outsourcing tasks when needed.

Cost of Equipment and Ongoing Subscription Fees

Overcome it by: Using affordable, entry-level equipment and free podcasting tools like Audacity to reduce initial costs.

Not Knowing What to Talk About and Lack of Audience Clarity

Overcome it by: Planning topics ahead and focusing on subjects you’re passionate about to create consistent, engaging content.

Striving for the Perfect Setup and Overplanning

Overcome it by: Taking action with what you have and understanding that improvement comes with practice, not perfection from the start.

Feeling Unqualified and Comparing to Established Podcasts

Overcome it by: Focusing on your unique perspective and understanding that everyone’s expertise grows with experience.

Stage Fright and Voice Insecurities

Overcome it by: Just do it. Practicing regularly and reminding yourself that content value matters more than having a “perfect” voice.

Expecting Instant Success and Ease of Growth

Overcome it by: Focusing on gradual growth and redefining success as personal improvement or audience connection rather than instant numbers.

Marketing Challenges and Limited Budget

Overcome it by: Starting with simple organic growth through social media and collaborations, and automating where possible.

Commitment Anxiety and Burnout Concerns

Overcome it by: Creating a sustainable routine and keeping your goals realistic to avoid burnout.

Thinking the Market is Saturated and Belief That Only Celebrities Succeed

Overcome it by: Focusing on what makes your podcast unique and seeing other podcasters as collaborators, not competitors.

No Collaborative Partners and Minimal Encouragement

Overcome it by: Joining podcasting communities or working with a partner for support, motivation, and collaboration.

Copyright Issues and Sponsorship and Monetization Rules

Overcome it by: Educating yourself on copyright laws and podcast monetization through free resources and legal guides.

Got a subject you would like us to cover on the show, Drop an email to [email protected] (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

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.

In today’s episode, we take a look at the world of podcasting gear! Covering equipment and podcast setups for those just starting out or those looking to upgrade. Mike and Todd talk about microphones, mixers, and video setups to help you achieve great audio (and video) quality without breaking the bank. Plus, at the end of this episode Mike chats with Fernando Pires, the inventor of Audiosigma products, about some exciting innovations in podcasting tech!

Podcasting gear can be expensive or cheap; your choice depends on how you plan to record your audio (or video). It’s much easier to get high-quality audio today than it was back in the day.

The first and most important thing you need as a podcaster is a microphone. Today, there are many options to consider. Here is a list of microphones and approximate cost (lowest to highest) that we recommend:

We emphasize not using condenser mics unless you have a professional recording environment. One suggestion to start with, do not use a condenser mic unless you really know what you are doing and have the right recording environment (quiet and soundproofed). And remember, friends don’t let friends podcast with a blue yeti.

You can get a USB interface for XLR mics. Just beware that some of the mics listed require quite a bit of pre-amp to drive them. If you are going to record with more than one person in the room or via zoom or something like that, you will want a bit more than just a USB interface.

Choosing the right interface or mixer depends on how many people are involved and your setup.

Mike’s conversation with Fernando Pires, the inventor of AudioSigma products, dives into his approach to creating simple yet powerful audio solutions for podcasters. Stick around for this insightful discussion at the end of the episode.

Like audio, video setups can be simple or elaborate.

Fernando Pires – Founder of Audiosigma

Got a subject you would like us to cover on the show, Drop an email to [email protected] (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

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.

In this episode, we explore our latest innovation, Pod2Vid, a tool designed to convert your podcast into a compelling video format. Whether you’re aiming to reach a broader audience on YouTube or other video platforms, Pod2Vid simplifies the process by transforming your audio episodes into engaging video content with just a few clicks. Todd, Mike and MacKenzie cover how it works, its advantages for podcasters looking to expand their audience, and share tips on maximizing its potential. Tune in to discover how Blubrry’s Pod2Vid (part of the Thrive Bundle) can enhance your podcasting journey!

With YouTube ranking as the second largest search engine globally, the shift toward video content is undeniable. More and more consumers are increasingly turning to YouTube for entertainment, information, and podcasts. By converting their audio content to video, podcasters can access a wider audience, opening the door to countless new listeners and viewers.

Thanks for listening! We hope you will give Pod2Vid a try with the Thrive Bundle. Our last piece of advice is to subscribe to our show on your favorite podcast app and be sure to come back next week for another episode!

Got a subject you would like us to cover on the show, Drop an email to [email protected] (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

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.

Consider what can be done to improve your podcast – whether that is for you the host and person behind the scenes making it all happen or for your listeners. Choose which of today’s recommendations would work best for you and your podcast to not only be easier for you but better for your audience.

It’s the beginning of a the last quarter of the year, now is the time to start doing a handful of quarterly podcast tasks to ensure your podcast success.

Evaluate Episode Performance: Analyze download numbers, listener engagement, and retention rates. Identify the most popular episodes and those that underperformed to understand what resonated with your audience.

Check Listener Demographics: Look at listener demographics and geographic data. This helps in tailoring content to the audience and identifying potential areas for growth.

Identify Trending Topics: Based on audience feedback and the broader podcasting landscape, decide whether you need to adjust your content focus or introduce new segments.

Review Guest Feedback: If you feature guests, evaluate the success of guest episodes and consider whether different types of guests or topics could engage listeners more.

Create a Content Calendar: Outline upcoming episodes for the next quarter, focusing on relevant themes, holidays, or seasonal trends.

Prepare for Special Episodes: If milestones, holidays, or events are coming up, plan special episodes around these topics to attract new listeners and engage current ones.

Gather Feedback: Use social media polls, listener surveys, or direct feedback channels to get insights into what your audience likes or wants more of.

Engage More Actively: Reassess your interaction with your audience across platforms, like responding to listener comments, email newsletters, or live Q&A sessions.

Review Marketing Efforts: Examine the effectiveness of your marketing strategies over the last quarter. What brought in new listeners? Where did you see the most engagement? Double down on the successful methods.

Collaborate and Cross-Promote: Reach out to other podcasters for guest appearances, cross-promotion, or joint ventures to tap into new audiences.

Experiment with Ads: If you haven’t already, consider paid advertising or promotional partnerships to grow your audience.

Assess Sponsorships: Review current sponsorships or ads to see if they’re meeting expectations. Reach out to new potential sponsors if your audience size has grown.

Evaluate Merchandise or Donations: If you’re using listener support methods like Patreon or merchandise sales, assess their performance and look for new ways to enhance this revenue stream.

Improve Show Notes and SEO: Review your show notes, titles, and descriptions to ensure they’re optimized for search engines and discovery on podcast directories.

Refresh Artwork and Branding: Consider updating your podcast cover art, logo, or branding elements if necessary to keep your podcast visually fresh and appealing.

Evaluate Equipment and Software: Check if any part of your recording setup needs upgrading, whether it’s hardware (microphones, headphones) or software (editing tools, hosting services).

Assess Workflow: Streamline your recording and editing processes to make them more efficient. Consider automation tools or outsourcing if tasks are taking up too much time.

Growth Goals: Set specific and measurable goals for the next quarter, such as increasing downloads by a certain percentage, engaging more on social media, or growing email subscribers.

Content Goals: Challenge yourself to try new types of content, formats, or guest appearances to keep the show evolving.

Attend Webinars or Conferences: Stay engaged with the podcasting community by attending industry events or listening to podcasts about podcasting for fresh ideas.

Follow Updates on Podcasting Platforms: Keep an eye on changes or updates to podcast directories (like Apple Podcasts, Spotify) to ensure your podcast remains compliant with best practices.

Got a subject you would like us to cover on the show, Drop an email to [email protected] (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

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.

In this special episode of Podcast Insider, Todd Cochrane and the Blubrry team celebrate 20 years in podcasting a little early for International Podcasting Day. Join Todd, Barry Kantz, Brian Yuhnke, Cathy Beuten, and Mike Dell as they reflect on the early days of podcasting, the founding of Blubrry, and how the industry has evolved over the years. Hear stories of how Blubrry was built by podcasters for podcasters, from the first days of podcast monetization to the growth of podcast hosting and statistics services.

The team shares their thoughts on the future of podcasting, the role of AI, and the importance of authentic storytelling. Whether you’re a seasoned podcaster or just starting out, this episode is packed with insights, lessons, and inspiration from the pioneers of the podcasting world.

Blubrry Podcasting – Explore Blubrry’s suite of podcasting services

Got a subject you would like us to cover on the show, Drop an email to [email protected] (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

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.

Mike and MacKenzie from Blubrry are here to dissect some of the worst podcasting advice out there – but of course include the better ways to treat yourself and your podcast instead. Each don’t comes with a side of what to do instead and please remember, each podcaster is different.

Take this as seriously as you’d like – but we’re here to explain exactly why the following pieces of advice are simply bad for you and your podcast. Without further ado, join us as we discuss the top 10 worst pieces of advice for your podcast.

Todays Hosts: Mike Dell and MacKenzie Bennett

Why it’s bad: Yes, passion is crucial, but listeners can tell if you’re recording with a low-quality microphone or in a noisy room. Bad audio is a quick way to lose listeners.

Why it’s bad: Releasing multiple episodes every week won’t matter if the content isn’t good. Quality over quantity is the key to success.

Why it’s bad: While authenticity is important, long pauses, filler words, or awkward moments aren’t entertaining. Editing helps tighten the flow and keep listeners engaged.

Why it’s bad: Show notes and a website improve searchability, provide additional resources, and make your podcast more professional. Ignoring them means missing out on growth.

Why it’s bad: Simply launching a podcast doesn’t mean people will magically find it. Marketing, promotion, and networking are essential to grow your audience.

Why it’s bad: Jumping into monetization without a solid listener base can turn off potential fans. Ads on day one can feel forced and inauthentic.

Why it’s bad: Trying to mimic the format, style, or content of other successful podcasts rarely works. Listeners want originality and authenticity, not a poor imitation of their favorite shows.

Why it’s bad: Chasing virality often leads to gimmicky content that doesn’t retain a loyal audience. A single viral moment doesn’t guarantee long-term success.

Why it’s bad: Trying to appeal to everyone often means your content is too broad and doesn’t resonate with a specific audience. A niche is key to growing a dedicated following.

Why it’s bad: While content is king, marketing is essential to getting that content in front of listeners. Without marketing, even the best podcast can go unnoticed.

Thanks for listening! Our last piece of advice is to subscribe to our show on your favorite podcast app and be sure to come back next week for another episode!

Got a subject you would like us to cover on the show, Drop an email to [email protected] (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

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.

Today, the Blubrry team provides their perspective on the art and science of content repurposing to elevate your podcast strategy. Discover how to take your existing podcast episodes and transform them into valuable assets across various platforms, reaching new audiences and maximizing your podcast’s potential. Use these tips to create a smarter, more efficient workflow. Tune in and learn how to breathe new life into your podcast episodes with strategic repurposing!

• If you make video content, it is an efficient use of that video in some way for your audio podcast.

• Webinars or Live Streams (long-form content).

• Audio Quality Matters: Please do not ignore this in your video! Ensure good audio quality in the original video.

• Software options for converting video to audio (like Audacity, Descript).

• Tell the audience in the video and audio versions that the episode exists in both formats and how to find each.

• Ignoring audio quality in video recordings.

Thanks for listening! We will be back next week with another Podcast Insider and it’s going to be a good one!

Got a subject you would like us to cover on the show, Drop an email to [email protected] (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

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.

We think private and premium podcasting are so important and helpful in today’s landscape of podcasting formats that we’re rerunning this episode for you.

Keeping a podcast limited to a certain group of listeners gained popularity in recent years, especially due to a major switch to remote working. Blubrry offers a wonderful option for those interested in keeping a podcast secure and private, set to an audience of your discretion. Today, we go over when it’s best to use private or premium.

We review the use cases for private and premium podcasting and when is the best time to utilize these publishing options. Read here to learn more about Blubrry’s private and premium podcasting. Check out our Private Podcasting and Premium Podcasting offerings on our website.

Private podcasting offers a highly secure method for communicating with your team members effectively.

Use cases:

Pros:

Cons:

Premium podcasting caters to those seeking to monetize their shows by offering exclusive content for purchase by the public, or providing clubs and group members with special access to unique material.

Use cases:

Pros:

Cons:

Both private and premium podcasting are great solutions to navigating online relationships with listeners, necessary in a remote world.

Got a subject you would like us to cover on the show, Drop an email to [email protected] (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

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.

In this encore episode of Podcast Insider, we review best practices when navigating industry events. In this retro-but-still-relevant episode, hosts Todd Cochrane, Mike Dell and MacKenzie Bennett share their extensive experiences and practical tips about attending industry conferences. The episode opens with Dell briefly introducing their experience at the Podcast Movement conference in Washington, D.C. last week.

Recent Experience – Mike opens with insights from the Podcast Movement conference in Washington, D.C.

Flexibility at the Event – Todd underlines the value of adaptability for spontaneous engagements and social events at conferences.

Real-Life Examples

Building Credibility and Network

Practical Tips for Industry Events

Networking Importance

Production and Content Creation Insights

Advice for New Conference Attendees

Looking Forward

Episode Conclusion – Todd encourages maximizing conference experiences for personal and podcast growth.

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.