Podcast Insider

Our favorite shows of 2025:

Mike  Midlife Pilot Experience

Dave Worlds Beyond Number

MacKenzie  Song Exploder

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 discussion and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call for a tech checkup with Mike. [email protected]

Change can be scary — especially when your podcast format is “working well enough.” But doing the exact same thing every week can lead to burnout, stale content, and flat growth. In this episode of Podcast Insider, Mike and Dave dig into how to experiment with your show format without confusing your audience, tanking downloads, or losing the core of what makes your show work.

Whether you’re thinking about shorter episodes, new segments, rotating co-hosts, or even a full refresh down the road, this conversation walks through how to test changes in a thoughtful, data-informed way over time.

If your show is “fine,” it can be tempting to leave it alone forever. But small experiments can:

Common worries podcasters have:

Breaking down the difference between:

💡 Blubrry helps: Use your Blubrry stats to compare performance before and after changes—episode downloads, trends over a few weeks, and listener behavior over time.

You don’t have to flip your show upside down to “try something new.” Mike and Dave walk through small, manageable experiments you can test over a few episodes:

Structure Experiments

Length & Pacing Experiments

Format Variations

They also talk about running experiments in “seasons” or short runs so changes feel intentional, not random.

💡 Blubrry helps: Tag your episodes clearly in titles and descriptions (e.g., “Quick Tip,” “Deep Dive,” “Listener Q&A”) so you can see which experiment types attract more plays over time.

Listeners are usually more flexible than podcasters think—as long as they’re not surprised in a bad way.

Communicate changes without sounding unsure or apologetic:

The power of framing:

💡 Blubrry helps: Link to your contact page, newsletter, or survey using Quicklinks so listeners always have an easy, one-click way to respond.

Experimenting without paying attention to results is just guessing. We break down what to watch once you start testing new ideas:

Core metrics:

Engagement signals:

Patterns over time:

Don’t panic over one “weird” episode—look at patterns, not outliers.

💡 Blubrry helps: Use episode comparison tools and long-term stats trends to see how format changes affect performance across multiple episodes, not just one.

Not every experiment will be a hit—and that’s okay.

Roll it back if:

Tweak and keep testing if:

Fully commit if:

Tell listeners when something worked:

Experimenting with your format doesn’t mean starting from scratch—it means refining what already works and letting go of what doesn’t.

When you:

…you can evolve your show in a way that feels natural for both you and your listeners.

The best place for all Blubrry support is our ticket system. A ticket gives the whole team access vs. direct emails and calls. General podcasting discussion 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 for a tech checkup with Mike ([email protected]).

Big audiences get the spotlight — but passionate, niche communities are where podcast success quietly thrives. In this episode of Podcast Insider, we dive into why smaller-focused shows are often more engaged, more loyal, and more profitable than broad, mass-appeal podcasts.

Whether your show is about vintage guitars, homeschooling twins, paranormal tourism, or the science of sleep — the beauty of podcasting is that there’s a niche for everything. We’ll explore how creators can grow strategically by going narrower, not broader.

When listeners feel like the show gets them, they become true fans.

A niche focus leads to:

💡 Blubrry helps: Our analytics tools show exactly which topics and episodes resonate most — so you can double down on content your niche loves.

You don’t need millions of listeners to earn real revenue.

Smart monetization strategies include:

The goal? High-value conversations with a clearly defined audience.

💡 Blubrry helps: With Podcasting 2.0 features like Value4Value and subscriptions (via compatible integrations), monetizing loyal listeners is easier than ever.

Instead of trying to reach everyone, reach your people.

Try:

Small ponds = easier to become the big fish.

💡 Blubrry helps: Use Quicklinks to give new listeners a simple way to subscribe everywhere your show is available.

If your show feels “too small,” that might be your superpower. When you speak directly to a specific group, your podcast becomes indispensable — and that’s what leads to lasting growth.

The best place for all Blubrry support is our ticket system. A ticket gives the whole team access vs. direct emails and calls. General podcasting discussion 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 for a tech checkup with Mike ([email protected]).

Podcasting isn’t just about entertainment — it’s a platform for change. Whether you’re raising awareness for an important issue, advocating for a marginalized community, or championing a nonprofit mission, a podcast can amplify voices and create real-world impact.

In this episode of Podcast Insider, we explore how creators can responsibly, authentically, and effectively use their shows to inspire action. From storytelling that sparks empathy to partnerships that fuel momentum, your mic can be a catalyst for something bigger.

Podcasts build trust — and trust leads to action.

Advocacy-driven shows succeed because they:

💡 Blubrry helps: Our detailed stats help you understand whether your message is reaching — and resonating with — the right audience.

With purpose comes responsibility.

Tips for telling stories ethically:

💡 Blubrry helps: Use show notes and episode descriptions to provide clear links to important resources and organizations your listeners can support.

You don’t have to lift the mission alone.

Strengthen advocacy by:

Even small efforts can lead to collective momentum.

💡 Blubrry helps: Quicklinks makes it simple to share subscription options and calls-to-action across every channel — so supporters can spread the word faster.

Podcasting is personal — and that’s what makes it powerful. When you speak up for something that matters, you can inspire your community to take action, learn more, and make a difference.

Find episode extras and past shows at podcastinsider.com. And if you’re ready to grow a mission-driven podcast, visit blubrry.com — we’re here to support you every step of the way.

🎧 Keep advocating. Keep storytelling. Keep making an impact.

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 discussion 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 for a tech checkup with Mike ([email protected]).

Podcasting connects people everywhere — and chances are, you already have listeners tuning in from around the world. Whether it’s Canada, the UK, India, or beyond, international audiences bring new perspectives and opportunities for growth. In this episode, Dave Clements and Mike Dell talk about how to expand your reach beyond your home country, understand your international audience data, and make your podcast more accessible — no matter where your listeners are tuning in from.

Expanding your reach can help your show grow faster and feel more connected:

Blubrry helps: Our IAB-certified podcast statistics show listener data by country and metro area — so you can see exactly where your audience is growing and tailor your outreach accordingly.

A few simple adjustments can help your content resonate worldwide:

Blubrry helps: With flexible publishing tools, you can schedule releases at times that work for multiple regions — keeping your show consistent and accessible no matter the listener’s location.

Accessibility is key to growing your global reach — and transcripts are a major part of that.

Blubrry helps: Our Transcripts Add-On automatically generates accurate episode transcripts that can be easily translated — making your podcast discoverable and inclusive, even for audiences who don’t speak your language.

To reach and retain international listeners, try:

Blubrry helps: With Blubrry’s platform, you can easily update episode metadata, add transcripts, and ensure your show looks professional and discoverable worldwide.

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 discussion 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 for a tech checkup with Mike ([email protected]).

Even the most passionate podcasters hit a wall sometimes — especially around the holidays. Between planning episodes, keeping up with publishing schedules, and juggling real-life responsibilities, it’s easy to lose steam. In this episode, we talk about how to recognize burnout before it hits, practical ways to refresh your creativity, and why taking a short break (like over Thanksgiving!) can actually help your show thrive in the long run.

If podcasting starts to feel like a chore, you might be heading toward burnout. Common signs include:

💡 Blubrry helps: With tools like episode scheduling and WordPress publishing, you can plan ahead — giving yourself time off without breaking your release rhythm.

When inspiration dips, try changing things up:

💡 Blubrry helps: Use our show notes and statistics tools to track which topics resonate most — helping you build new episodes around what’s working best.

Taking a holiday hiatus doesn’t mean you’re quitting — it means you’re recharging.

💡 Blubrry helps: With hosting and scheduling tools, you can prep episodes in advance or pause your publishing plan without losing consistency.

Podcasting is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s okay to take a break — your audience will still be there when you return. Thanksgiving is the perfect reminder to slow down, reflect, and refuel your creative energy.

💡 Blubrry helps: Our support team is here year-round, and our platform makes it easy to keep your show on track — even when you take time to rest.

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 discussion 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 for a tech checkup with Mike ([email protected]).

As the podcasting landscape evolves, creators are navigating an ever-growing list of listening platforms — each with its own tools, quirks, and agendas. From Apple’s reliable open ecosystem to Spotify’s algorithm-driven discovery and YouTube’s growing push into podcasts, there’s plenty to celebrate… and plenty to question.

In this episode, Mike Dell and Dave Clements break down what these platforms are doing right, what they’re getting wrong, and how independent podcasters can stay in control no matter where their audience listens.

Apple Podcasts – The Classic Choice

Spotify – Great for Discovery, But Closed

YouTube – The New Contender

💡 Blubrry helps: Our hosting integrates seamlessly with all platforms. Your feed stays open and flexible — so you never lose ownership or audience control.

💡 Blubrry helps: With IAB-certified stats, open distribution, and reliable hosting, you get accurate data and full control — no matter where your listeners are.

As platforms evolve, creators have to stay informed. The more you understand what’s happening behind the scenes, the better you can position your show for long-term success.

💡 Blubrry helps: Our mission has always been to keep podcasting open. Your feed, your brand, your audience — always yours.

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 discussion 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 for a tech checkup with Mike ([email protected]).

Interviews are at the heart of many great podcasts — but asking the right questions takes more than reading from a list. In this episode of Podcast Insider, MacKenzie and Dave share tips for crafting thoughtful, engaging conversations that draw out your guest’s best stories and insights. Whether you’re new to interviewing or looking to refine your technique, you’ll learn how to prepare with purpose, stay present in the moment, and guide discussions that truly connect with listeners.

A good interview starts with genuine curiosity. Instead of racing through a list of questions, focus on listening and reacting.

Tips to improve your flow:

💡 Blubrry helps: With our hosting tools and episode scheduling, you can plan interviews with confidence and stay focused on the conversation instead of the tech.

Avoid yes/no questions and lean into prompts that invite storytelling and reflection.

Try starting with:

These questions lead to real, memorable answers that keep listeners hooked.

💡 Blubrry helps: Use your show notes and episode descriptions to highlight key takeaways — helping new listeners find your best moments fast.

Most new hosts rush to fill silence, but short pauses can be powerful. They give your guest space to think — and often lead to deeper responses.

Try waiting a full beat after your guest finishes speaking. You might be surprised what they add next.

💡 Blubrry helps: Our post-production options like Media Mastering and transcripts make editing smooth and professional while keeping those natural pauses intact.

The best interviewers sound like they’re discovering the story with their audience.

Be conversational, but intentional:

Your job is to keep listeners engaged while helping your guest shine.

💡 Blubrry helps: Whether you’re publishing through WordPress or our Blubrry Dashboard, our tools make it easy to present your content with polish and personality.

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 discussion 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 for a tech checkup with Mike ([email protected]).

Every podcast has a voice, but the most memorable ones have a personality. In this episode of Podcast Insider, Mike, Dave, and MacKenzie break down how your voice, tone, and delivery shape your show’s identity. From finding your natural rhythm to maintaining authenticity without losing polish, we’ll help you understand what keeps listeners coming back — and how to make every episode sound like you.

Your “voice” is more than just what comes out of the microphone. It’s your presence, rhythm, and the way you approach your topics and guests.

Ask yourself:

Your voice is the thread that ties every episode together — it’s what listeners recognize and come back for.

💡 Blubrry helps: From hosting to websites, our platform helps you define and share your podcast identity — the way you want it heard.

Tone is the emotional layer of your show. Whether you’re lighthearted, educational, or serious, being intentional with your tone keeps listeners engaged.

Listeners return when they feel comfortable and connected. A consistent tone builds trust — even subtle shifts can make a big difference.

💡 Blubrry helps: With detailed episode notes and show descriptions, you can set the tone before a listener ever hits play.

The podcasts people fall in love with have one thing in common — personality.

Your quirks, humor, or unique way of explaining things make your show stand out. That authenticity is what turns casual listeners into loyal fans.

Be genuine, not scripted:

💡 Blubrry helps: Our Pod2Vid tool lets your personality shine across platforms by turning your episodes into engaging, shareable videos.

Being authentic doesn’t mean being unprepared. You can sound natural and still respect your listener’s time.

Tips to balance both:

Sounding like yourself is what keeps listeners coming back — sounding bored or unfocused is what drives them away.

💡 Blubrry helps: With Media Mastering and streamlined publishing tools, you can stay authentic while sounding your best every time.

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 discussion 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 for a tech checkup with Mike ([email protected]).

This was Todd’s last episode of Podcast Insider, recorded on September 4th. Todd poured his heart into Blubrry’s show and into serving the podcasting community, and we’re honored to share his final conversation here. We’ll be returning to the podcast most likely around mid-October. In the meantime, we want to thank all of our listeners for standing with us as we grieve, reflect, and decide the best way to move forward with the show.

Some podcasters, like Todd, prefer not to use seasons because they’ve seen how it can disrupt listener habits—especially with shows tied to weekly news or current events. But for many podcasters, seasons can provide structure, creative focus, and built-in opportunities to reset or experiment without losing momentum. The key is knowing your audience and your show’s format, then deciding whether a seasonal approach will help you deliver content more consistently and sustainably.

Before you dive into episode ideas, take a step back and ask:

Seasons don’t have to be 10 or 12 episodes—some are just 3 to 6. The key is to choose a structure you can stick with and that your audience will appreciate.

💡 Blubrry helps: Use your Blubrry stats to look back at past performance. What topics resonated most? What formats kept listeners around? Let your data guide your next season.

Once you’ve locked in your season theme or focus, start brainstorming topics. Don’t overthink it—jot down everything that fits.

Then organize your ideas by:

Batch planning gives you a head start, so you’re not scrambling week to week.

💡 Blubrry helps: With built-in episode drafting and scheduling tools, your podcast dashboard makes it easy to prep ahead and stay consistent.

If your season includes interviews, start reaching out to guests as early as possible. Provide a general timeline and ask about their availability over the next few weeks.

If you’re doing a solo season, block out time to record multiple episodes at once. This is key for staying on track.

💡 Blubrry helps: Need to find guests? Use Guest Match Pro, Blubrry’s creator connection platform, to match with qualified guests and message them directly.

Decide when your season will launch, how often episodes will drop (weekly, biweekly, etc.), and when it will wrap up.

Then share that schedule with your audience. This builds trust and anticipation—and it gives you clear milestones to work toward.

💡 Blubrry helps: Auto-publishing tools let you schedule your season in advance so episodes go live even when you’re not at your desk.

A season isn’t just the episodes—it’s also the buzz you build around it.

Plan content like:

💡 Blubrry helps: Tools like Pod2Vid and your free podcast website help you create and share that extra content without starting from scratch.

Thanks for listening to Podcast Insider, you can subscribe to new episodes out every Monday.

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 tech checkup with Mike at [email protected]

Stay tuned for more episodes and visit our website for the latest updates and resources.