Podcast Insider

By Mike Dell, MacKenzie Bennett, Dave ClementsBusiness Technology Education How To Marketing

Podcast Insider episodes

June 29, 2023Home Office & Podcast Studio Setups – PCI 352
Creating a home office and podcast studio
As we say goodbye to the Columbus office and convert to 100% remote, we share our insights and experience in creating an at-home work environment and podcast studio setup. Creating this combination can be a fun challenge.
Today’s Hosts: MacKenzie Bennett, Mike Dell and Todd Cochrane
Greetings from all over the map! The entire Blubrry team is now fully remote. Our once bustling Columbus office is transitioning into a quiet relic of the past.
Being the 5th Thursday of June, we thought it would be a great opportunity to share with you some insights and tips on how our team has been designing their remote work stations. Not just relevant for the standard work-from-home setup, these tips can also help those of you setting up your own podcasting studios. You’ll find that a majority of us are integrating our podcasting spaces with our office spaces.
Some of the must-haves in any home office / studio are the following:
Quiet Environment
Sound treatment
But also… speakers for when you need that productivity playlist blaring
Comfortable chair
But not TOO comfortable 🙂
Enough desk space
More than one monitor
There was a study that said that you get more productivity with two monitors.
However, there is not much more of an advantage when adding a third monitor.
Good lighting
Good on-camera lighting for zoom calls or streaming
Good lighting in the office overall
Temperature control
It’s hard to work when you are hot or cold.
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.
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
[email protected] and [email protected]
22 min
June 22, 2023YouTube Podcasting – PCI 351
YouTube Podcasting Pros and Cons
The use of YouTube as a podcast platform has skyrocketed in recent years. While there are some misgivings about the definition of a podcast and what exactly it means to have a podcast on YouTube, we agree that it is undeniably a useful tool for growing an audience. Tune in for the pros and cons of YouTube podcasting.
Today’s Hosts: MacKenzie Bennett and Mike Dell
YouTube released a “podcast feature” or section.
Mike is more well-versed watching YouTube and, generally, watching all kinds of content on there, where as MacKenzie barely spends time on there unless she needs to.
Pros
Discoverability: YouTube is the second biggest search engine
Monetization: Automated monetization capabilities, their partner program, etc.
Build community: It’s an advantage to build a community on platforms that already have a huge use-base
Additional audience: Those that will never move to audio only
Cons
Video is complicated: Video production can be difficult and require lots of equipment and software that people are unfamiliar with
Expensive: Can get expensive quickly depending on editing and production
Visual medium: Visuals that are available on YouTube are not useful to those just listening to the audio podcast
Little listener/watcher engagement: Especially if you only have a static image
SEO: YouTube is the second largest search engine and could distract from potential traditional RSS feed listeners
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.
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
[email protected] and [email protected]
17 min
June 15, 2023Podcast History: Why Apple Has Dominated – PCI 350
Why Apple Podcasts has dominated for so long.
Mike and Todd discuss how and why Apple Podcasts has dominated the podcasting industry for so long and the new releases that they are working on currently.
Today’s Hosts: Todd Cochrane and Mike Dell
Before Apple added podcasts, there were new innovations coming every day to podcasting. When Apple introduced podcasts to iTunes in June 2005 with Version 4.9, most podcast “innovation” stopped. People were only concerned with iTunes (now Apple Podcasts) as it had the majority of the podcast listeners.
At the time of release, there were 3,000 free audio programs available on iTunes podcast directory. There are now 4 million – we have come a LONG way!
Remember, this was before iPhone, Android, social media, YouTube and many of the ways podcasters now promote their shows. They just defaulted to “Find us in iTunes.”
Apple made it easier to subscribe and listen to podcasts. That is why most podcasters promoted it over any other means of getting podcasts.
Then came iPhone and Android. Since a lot of new iPhone users were using iTunes to sync their podcasts to the iPod, the new iPhone was an easy transition. Android never kept up with the podcast apps. Google tried three or four times to get into podcasting in a compelling way and never quite got the traction enjoyed by Apple.
That is why Apple has dominated podcasting for so long. However, times are changing and new options abound. We’re excited about Podcasting 2.0 and how it is shaking up the industry! Stay tuned to Podcast Insider in the months ahead and we’ll keep you posted on the latest and greatest.
The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.
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
[email protected] and [email protected]
17 min
June 08, 2023Do You Need a Podcast Co-host? – PCI 349
Do you need (or want) a podcast co-host?
First off, you do not need a podcast co-host. The beauty of podcasting is that anyone can do it and the barrier to entry is incredibly low, this includes doing content by yourself. Here are some pros and cons of having a podcast co-host.
Today’s Hosts: Todd Cochrane and MacKenzie Bennett
Reviewing the pros and cons of having a podcast co-host
Pros
Content collaboration
Less stress involved in execution
A fun working relationship with a colleague, friend, etc.
Consistent tone and messaging coming from the show
Delegated responsibilities
Conversations and content flow better as opposed to speaking to yourself
Technology advancements have greatly changed multi person podcast capabilities.
Cons
Less creative control with a co-host
Sharing monetary earnings
No legal disputes over intellectual property and content if you do not have a co-host
Basically any kind of legal issue that may arise
How to end the show or part ways
Not everyone will be interested in having a podcast co-host and for good reason. Not all shows are meant to have that duo (or more) dynamic and that’s one of the great things about podcasting, you can forge ahead at your own pace and create a wonderful podcast all on your own.
The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.
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
[email protected] and [email protected]
16 min
June 05, 2023AI in Podcasting – PCI 348
AI in Podcasting
Using AI for podcasting can enhance various aspects of the podcasting process, from content creation to enhanced search engine results. In today’s episode we discuss some ways AI can be utilized in podcasting.
Today’s Hosts: Todd Cochrane and Mike Dell
Things you can do with AI
Help with writing show notes. Generate detailed show notes, summaries and more automatically.
Suggestions for episode titles.
Transcripts: Text-to-speech (TTS)
Social media: Check out our new partner, Momento AI
Clips: Endless content
AI can even become the host
Why to use AI
Quickly write show notes
Get fresh and useful ideas for titles and topics: using AI to brainstorm ideas is one of the most useful ways to refresh your podcast
Why you might not want to use AI
Sounds or reads like a machine created it
Wrong information (it is using existing info, even if it’s incorrect)
Plagiarism worries: Generated content always has an origin point
Bad for SEO: Google will be able to detect AI at some point
Not mentioned in this episode, Planet Money from NPR is working on a series of AI created podcast episodes. Learn more about that here and here.
While AI can bring numerous benefits to podcasting it’s essential to maintain a balance and to preserve the human touch. AI tools should enhance the podcasting process as opposed to replacing the human creativity and authenticity that make podcasts unique.
The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.
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
[email protected] and [email protected]
20 min
May 26, 2023What Is A Podcast? – PCI 347
We’re here to answer the question: what is a podcast? As podcast creators and listeners we have some strong opinions on what this means technically and creatively. Below are some examples of definitions from online and our team and expanded upon in today’s episode.
Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell and Todd Cochrane
From the dictionary:
Podcast – noun
noun: podcast; plural noun: podcasts
A digital audio file made available on the internet for downloading to a computer or mobile device, typically available as a series, new installments of which can be received by subscribers automatically.
We ask some team members here at Blubrry to give their definition of what a podcast is.
Dave Clements: From a non-technical side, a podcast is a collection of episodes, which can be audio or video, but audio is the most widely used form of media. It becomes a “podcast” when it’s distributed by an RSS feed.
Aaron Hope: A podcast is a digital broadcast about a topic or a series of topics.
Cyndee: A podcast is a storytelling tool.
Barry Kantz: Podcasting is a revolution, similar to Gutenberg’s invention of the printing press allowing the spread of the written word, whereas podcasting allows the spreading of the spoken word.
MacKenzie Bennett: On-demand (mainly audio) storytelling content.
From Chat GPT: Podcast (noun): A series of digital audio files in which people have passionate discussions about everything from true crime to potted plants, providing a perfect excuse to ignore your to-do list, procrastinate on chores, and avoid awkward small talk with strangers during commutes. Often mistaken for an invisible friend when listeners are caught laughing alone in public.
Interview
Tom Rossi from Buzzsprout and the Podcast Standards Project
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 (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.
Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider.
Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email [email protected]
Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email [email protected]
Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.
Our mailing address:
Blubrry – MacKenzie
150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180
Columbus, Ohio 43235
35 min
May 19, 2023 Podcast Artwork Dos & Donts – PCI 346
Your podcast's artwork plays a crucial role in attracting potential listeners and setting the right tone for your show. In today's episode we're exploring the essential dos and don'ts when it comes to creating captivating podcast artwork. Let's jump in with Blubrry's graphic designer.
Today’s Hosts: MacKenzie Bennett and Aaron Hope
Podcasters ask us questions about podcast artwork regularly. We decided it was time to bring on a more creative and experienced person to guide us through our tips.

On this show we’ve had a few different versions of artwork and with each major change to the show we’ve updated the artwork. In that time, we’ve done our best to follow our own advice.
Dos

Meet the minimum requirements from Apple and other podcast directories. Not following these specs will get your podcast rejected from directories until errors have been corrected.
Let it breathe. Your artwork should be easy to read and understand with a quick glance. Anything more is most likely to get lost in the crowd.
Check out some of the current shows in directories, derive inspiration and figure out what not to do and ensure you’re not directly copying someone else.

Don'ts

If you’re not comfortable creating your own artwork, hire someone else to do it for you. As the old adage goes, people will judge a podcast by its cover.
Don’t create artwork before you do a deep dive into your listener persona / future audience.
Keep it legible! Don’t combine colors, fonts, and too small text together. This is especially important because your artwork is most often shown on a phone/mobile device.
Stay away from explicit content, intellectual property, branding, etc.

Get feedback from your friends and family during this process. You’ll likely have more than 1 iteration (you should!). Give yourself enough time before your podcast launch to make adjustments and get it just right.

Some examples discussed in this 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 (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email [email protected]
Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email [email protected]
Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address:
Blubrry – MacKenzie
150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180
Columbus, Ohio 43235
28 min
May 11, 2023 Popular Podcast Formats – PCI 345
Popular Podcast Formats and Styles
Early on in your podcast, you'll make a decision on the format and style of your podcast. On today's episode we explain the differences between the two and provide the most popular examples of different types of podcast formats. What type of podcast format did you choose for your show?
Today’s Hosts: Todd Cochrane and MacKenzie Bennett
Format: Delivery method - Interview podcast
Structure: Content within said method - Intro, interview segment, outro

These decisions are some of the first you’ll make when you’re working on your podcast. It may come to you immediately and you know exactly what you want to do, but it could be a larger discussion and come from lots of brainstorming to finalize your best idea on releasing your content.

Listen to podcasts with all of these formats to help you make an informed decision.
Podcast Formats
Interview

Host a guest on the show to speak on a specific topic, riff and/or join you in whatever type of discussion you’d like.

Solo

Speak from the heart or plan it all out with a script. Pick the style you’re most comfortable with, because you only have yourself to rely on.

Co-Hosts

Takes off a lot of the pressure of solo shows and puts more focus on the relationship than interviews.

Journalistic/Education - Storytelling

Exploded in the past 8-9 years, with true crime, investigative reporting, etc.

Fiction/Drama - Storytelling

Oftentimes original content; can be scripted, off the cuff, etc. Lots of ways to go about this, but it’s all focused on immersing the audience in entertainment.

Panel

Grab new guests each episode to discuss a specific topic, used on all genres, easy to keep things going.

Combination

A little bit of everything. Throw in the ability to do anything you’d like at the time of recording. Can be fun, but potentially difficult to cultivate a loyal audience as they never know what to expect.

Changing Your Format and/or Structure

Don’t be afraid to change your mind if something isn’t working.

Over the years we have changed the format and the structure of Blubrry’s company show, what you’re listening to now as Podcast Insider. Our most recent format AND structure change happened just a few months ago.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email [email protected]
Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email [email protected]
Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address:
Blubrry – MacKenzie
150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180
Columbus, Ohio 43235
26 min
May 04, 2023 Private and Premium Podcasting – PCI 344
Private and Premium Podcasting Use Cases
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.
Today’s Hosts: Todd Cochrane and Mike Dell
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.
Should You Do It
Private podcasting offers a highly secure method for communicating with your team members effectively.
Use cases:

Proprietary business information for companies and organizations
Employee communication (instead of memos)
Membership information for an organization or club
Training videos and other information for onboarding employees or members

Pros:

More secure
Dedicated app for listening/viewing content
Dedicated page (PWA) for listening/viewing content
More control over who listens

Cons:

Higher cost
The inability to subscribe in “normal” podcast apps

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:

To monetize a show that is popular without the need for advertising
You can offer ad free versions of your show to subscribers
You can have early access for subscribers
Publish bonus content for your free podcast if people subscribe

Pros:

Less costly than private
Ability to subscribe in podcast apps
Can be done on your own domain
More control of the look and feel

Cons:

Less secure
Harder to manage (in most cases)
Requires another plugin (membership plugin) to implement on WordPress

Both 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 (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email [email protected]
Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email [email protected]
Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address:
Blubrry – MacKenzie
150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180
Columbus, Ohio 43235
16 min
April 27, 2023 Should I Start or Join a Podcast Network?
The Ins and Outs of Podcast Networks

A podcast network is a collection of podcasts, associated to one another via production, distribution and/or monetarily. Chances are, you listen to a podcast involved in a podcast network. Today, we discuss the pros and cons of joining or starting a podcast network of your own.
Today’s Hosts: MacKenzie Bennett and Mike Dell
We review the pros and cons associated to participating in a podcast network.
Joining a podcast network
Pros

Access to a built-in audience: joining a podcast network can give you access to a wider audience, as the network may already have an established listener base.
Advertising and sponsorship opportunities: networks can negotiate advertising and sponsorship deals with brands that would be difficult to secure as an individual podcaster.
Professional support: some networks offer professional support, such as sound engineering and editing services, which can improve the overall quality of your podcast.
Cross-promotion: being part of a network means that your podcast can be cross-promoted on other shows within the network, increasing visibility and potential listenership.

Cons

Limited creative control: joining a podcast network often means adhering to the network's branding and editorial guidelines, which can limit creative freedom.
Sharing revenue: networks often take a cut of revenue generated from sponsorships and advertising.
Less independence: being part of a network means being part of a larger organization, which may come with obligations and responsibilities outside of podcasting.

Starting a podcast network
Pros

Increased revenue potential: by starting a network, you can generate revenue from multiple podcasts, rather than just one.
Creative control: as the founder of the network, you have complete creative control over the branding and editorial guidelines of the network.
Ability to curate content: as the network grows, you can curate the content to create a cohesive brand and target audience.
Collaborative opportunities: by building a network, you can collaborate with other podcasters and build relationships within the industry.

Cons

High startup costs: starting a network requires a significant investment in equipment, software, and personnel.
Administrative work: as the founder of the network, you will be responsible for administrative tasks such as accounting, legal work, and marketing.
No established audience: starting a network from scratch means building an audience from the ground up, which can take time and effort.
Risk of failure: as with any opporunity, there is a risk that the network may not succeed.

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 (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email [email protected]
Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email [email protected]
Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address:
Blubrry – MacKenzie
150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180
Columbus, Ohio 43235
29 min