Podcast Insider

On this special tribute episode of Podcast Insider, we honor the life, legacy, and impact of Todd Cochrane — our co-host, Podcast Hall of Famer, founder of Blubrry and RawVoice, long-time host of Geek News Central, author of one of the very first podcasting books, creator of the People’s Choice Podcast Awards, and co-host of The New Media Show for more than 13 years.

Todd’s contributions to podcasting were immeasurable. From launching one of the earliest shows in 2004 to championing open RSS feeds, podcaster independence, and fair monetization, he shaped the modern podcasting landscape. His leadership and conviction inspired countless creators, and his generosity left a lasting imprint on the global podcasting community.

In this heartfelt conversation — originally recorded for The New Media Show — host Rob Greenlee (Podcast Hall of Famer) is joined by a panel of voices who knew Todd best and witnessed his extraordinary journey:

Together, they reflect on Todd’s path — from his Navy service to becoming a respected leader and advocate in podcasting. They share stories of his tireless work ethic, his unwavering belief in independent creators, his innovation in podcast monetization and measurement, and his vision for the future of the medium.

Todd’s final episode of Podcast Insider, recorded shortly before his passing, will be released soon as a lasting part of his voice and dedication to podcasters everywhere.

This episode is both a remembrance and a celebration of a man who helped build podcasting into what it is today. Todd’s voice may be gone, but the mission he dedicated his life to carries on.

💙 We invite the podcasting community to join us in honoring Todd’s memory by continuing to support open podcasting and independent creators, the causes he championed most.

What separates a casual podcast from a “professional” one—and does it really matter in 2025? In this episode of Podcast Insider, Todd, Mike, and MacKenzie break down what it means to be a professional podcaster, the different interpretations of the word “professional,” and how podcasters can level up their show without losing their authenticity. Whether you’re podcasting as a hobby or building a brand, we’ll help you understand the standards, expectations, and options available to you.

Being professional doesn’t necessarily mean making money or having sponsors. A professional podcast is:

It’s more about intention than income. Plenty of unpaid shows are professional because they’re well-crafted and focused.

💡 Blubrry helps: With built-in tools for scheduling, show notes, and publishing, our dashboard helps keep your workflow organized and consistent.

Audio quality is often the first thing people think of when they hear “professional”—and yes, it matters. But you don’t need a studio or high-end gear.

Professional quality can come from:

💡 Blubrry helps: We offer media mastering and transcripts that help polish your content for a more professional feel—without overcomplicating things.

This is where the “does it matter?” question comes in. If you’re just podcasting for fun, there’s no need to force yourself into a professional mold.

But if you want to:

…then it’s worth aiming for a more professional approach.

💡 Blubrry helps: We give you access to IAB-certified podcast statistics, a customizable podcast website, and monetization options like programmatic ads and subscriptions.

Let’s be clear: professional ≠ boring.

You don’t need to lose your personality or niche style to be taken seriously. The most memorable podcasts are:

Think of professionalism as a framework—not a muzzle.

💡 Blubrry helps: Our tools adapt to your show, not the other way around. Whether you’re niche, newsy, narrative, or nerdy—we’ve got you covered.

Promoting your podcast doesn’t have to feel awkward or salesy. In this episode of Podcast Insider, we share practical ways to talk about your show with confidence—whether you’re chatting with friends, posting on social media, or networking at events. You’ll learn how to highlight your purpose, use storytelling instead of pitches, and spark curiosity that leads people to want to listen—without ever sounding pushy.

When talking about your podcast, start with why it exists—not just where to find it. People connect with purpose and personality more than self-promotion.

Instead of saying, “Hey, check out my podcast!” try:

Letting the conversation flow from what you’re passionate about makes people more likely to ask follow-up questions—and then they open the door to you sharing your link.

💡 Blubrry helps: Use your free podcast website or custom episode URLs to easily share your show when people do ask for it.

Instead of promoting a new episode with just the title or a generic link, pull out a powerful quote, a surprising moment, or a quick teaser.

Some ideas:

Use visuals like audiograms, quote graphics, or a short reel to give people a taste before asking them to commit to listening.

💡 Blubrry helps: Easily create short video teasers with Pod2Vid, and share them on social with your custom links.

Whether you’re at a networking event or casually chatting online, focus on the person, not the pitch.

Ask them what kind of content they listen to.

This approach builds connection and curiosity—without forcing the conversation toward a download.

💡 Blubrry helps: Your listener analytics show what’s resonating most, so you’ll know what topics spark real engagement.

If your podcast name, description, or purpose is confusing or overly vague, it’s hard for people to share it on your behalf.

Refine your elevator pitch so you (and others) can describe your show in one sentence.

Example:

💡 Blubrry helps: Hosting with us means your show is listed across major directories, making it easy for new listeners to find you—especially when they hear about you from someone else.

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 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.

Whether you’re just starting out or refining your setup, great audio is the foundation of a great podcast. In today’s episode of Podcast Insider, we share practical tips for getting professional-sounding results—covering mic choice, positioning, background noise reduction, recording formats, and techniques to boost your on-mic confidence. Follow these steps and you’ll sound clearer, warmer, and more engaging to your listeners.

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 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 of Podcast Insider, host Mike Dell talks with Vern Hume, creator of the long-running science fiction podcast Makeshift Stories. Since 2008, Vern has been crafting original, clean-rated audio stories that captivate listeners of all ages. Now releasing episodes monthly, Vern shares his passion for storytelling, the evolution of his show, and the technical craft behind creating immersive audio experiences.

Vern is our August Podcaster of the Month, where we explored the mysterious and imaginative worlds he creates in Makeshift Stories. Known for blending science fiction, fantasy, and the surreal, Vern’s stories invite listeners to fill in the gaps with their own imagination—earning him praise as “a slightly gentler but equally insightful Twilight Zone.”

Makeshift Stories is a monthly science fiction podcast featuring original tales that blend creativity, imagination, and high-quality production. Initially launched as a bi-monthly show for kids, it has evolved into content for an adult audience while remaining family-friendly. With over 300 episodes produced, Vern has recently scaled back to focus on both the podcast and his book project.

Vern’s love for audio storytelling began in childhood, inspired by radio dramas. His podcasting journey has been shaped by:

A commitment to original, high-quality audio fiction

Collaboration with multiple narrators to bring characters to life

A clean rating for accessibility to all listeners

Technical dedication to sound quality, using tools like an RME interface, ribbon mics, SM7B, and Isotope RX for post-production polishing

Vern prefers working with narrators rather than voicing stories himself, ensuring each episode meets his exacting production standards.

In the conversation, Vern and Mike explore:

The evolution of podcasting gear and software over the years

How AI is becoming part of creative processes (including Vern’s AI-inspired flash fiction)

The importance of focusing on content and audience over download stats

Why niche audiences can be more rewarding than chasing mass listenership

Vern encourages new creators to:

Prioritize storytelling and audience connection over numbers

Invest in quality audio setups and learn editing techniques

Be consistent but realistic with publishing schedules

Measure success in ways that matter personally, not just by metrics

We’re proud to recognize Vern Hume as our Podcaster of the Month. His dedication to storytelling and the podcasting craft is an inspiration to creators everywhere. Read our blog post about it here.

🎧 Listen to Makeshift Stories at makeshiftstories.com

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 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.

Guest Match Pro beta is now live!

In this episode of Podcast Insider, we introduce Guest Match Pro, Blubrry’s new platform built to connect creators, guests, and agencies. Whether you’re a podcaster, coach, author, or media pro, Guest Match Pro helps streamline the process of finding and booking interviews across industries. We’re diving into what it does, who it’s for, and why now is the perfect time to join the beta—especially if you’re looking to grow your reach and collaborate more efficiently.

Today’s Host: Todd Cochrane, MacKenzie Bennett, & Mike Dell

Guest Match Pro is Blubrry’s new creator connection platform designed to make it easier for people to collaborate. That includes:

It’s not just for podcasters—it’s for anyone who uses interviews to build content or visibility. You can search by category, content type, or niche, and match with relevant creators or guests in minutes.

Guest Match Pro will very soon be available in beta, which means you’ll be able to:

Agencies can manage multiple clients from a single dashboard, and individuals can toggle between guest and creator roles. And if you’re a Blubrry hosting customer, Guest Match Pro is already integrated into your dashboard—no extra logins or setup required.

This is just the beginning. During beta, all creators can join for free—and Blubrry hosting customers will continue to get Guest Match Pro at no cost after the beta ends.

We’re also actively collecting feedback from beta users. Your experience and suggestions will help shape future features and improvements, including enhancements to filtering, matching accuracy, and collaboration tools.

Now’s your chance to explore the platform, grow your network, and be part of building the next great tool for creators.

Guest Match Pro is open to all types of creators:

If interviews, exposure, or audience-building is part of your strategy—Guest Match Pro was built with you in mind.

We want to make this as seamless as possible, so please, if you’re using the Guest Match Pro beta, fill out our feedback form so we can fix bugs, make changes and get the general feel for the user experience.

Provide feedback here.

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 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.

As podcasting becomes more competitive, a dedicated website isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s a vital tool. In today’s episode of Podcast Insider, Mike Dell and Todd Cochrane revisit why having a podcast website can help you grow your audience, strengthen your brand, and create monetization opportunities.

In 2024 and beyond, a well-designed, functional website can set your show apart — but we’ll also cover reasons why you might not want one, depending on your goals and bandwidth.

Your Show’s Central Hub – Your Moonbase Alpha

It’s the best place to send your listeners.

If your show disappears from podcast apps, fans still know where to find you.

SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

Helps your show get discovered when people search for your topics or guests.

Lets you create more detailed, searchable show notes.

Branding

Total control over the look, feel, and voice of your brand.

Audience Engagement

Include a forum, contact form, or email signup to build community and keep in touch.

Monetization

Promote sponsors, sell merch or services, and even run ads like AdSense.

Bonus Content & Resources

Add blogs, video content, transcripts, and links to additional resources.

Web Analytics

Use tools like Google Analytics to understand your audience’s behavior.

A Place for Everything

Podcast players

Episode archive or playlist

Contact info

Announcements

Merch store

Ads and sponsor details

Your services and products

Time Constraints

Keeping a website updated does take effort.

Technical Skills

Not everyone is comfortable building a website — but it’s easier than you might think.

Cost

Domain registration and web hosting come with a price.

However, Blubrry includes a free podcast website with hosting.

Focus on Core Content

If you’d rather focus purely on the audio, that’s okay too.

Keeping It Simple

Sometimes simplicity is the best route.

Social Media Presence

If most of your audience engagement already happens on social media, a separate website may not be necessary.

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 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.

You don’t need a big team or a huge ad budget to market your show—you just need the right plan. So today’s episode is divided into two paths: one for podcasters who are already publishing, and another for those who are still in the planning or pre-launch phase.

These strategies help you understand where to invest, even if your budget is modest—and how to use Blubrry tools to amplify your results.

1. Start With a Monthly Budget That Works

What can you realistically commit to spending each month?

💡 Blubrry helps: Your free podcast website, publishing tools, and included support already cover key basics—so more of your budget can go toward outreach.

2. Set Specific Goals for Each Quarter

Your spending should support a measurable goal.

💡 Blubrry helps: IAB-certified podcast stats let you track downloads by episode, geography, and listening platform—so you’ll know what’s working.

3. Use Free Marketing First

Before paying for exposure, focus on consistency and visibility.

💡 Blubrry helps: Custom episode URLs and your podcast website make sharing your content super easy and trackable.

4. Stick With One or Two Platforms

Don’t spread yourself thin—put your time (and money) where your audience is.

💡 Blubrry helps: You can monitor where listeners are coming from using your dashboard analytics.

5. Track ROI With Simple Tools

You don’t need fancy reporting—just a way to check if your spend is helping.

💡 Blubrry helps: Your hosting dashboard makes it easy to see what content is gaining traction after promotion with the event tracker.

These strategies help you lay a strong foundation before you publish—and use your pre-launch time to build interest.

1. Create a Pre-Launch Budget

Even if your show isn’t live, a small monthly budget can go toward:

💡 Blubrry helps: Your Blubrry website is ready from day one—no extra web hosting costs.

2. Define a Simple Goal Before Launch

What’s your #1 objective before episode one drops?

💡 Blubrry helps: You can publish a trailer episode across directories using Blubrry, even if your show isn’t fully launched.

3. Engage Where Your Future Audience Is

Join online communities, follow hashtags, and interact with potential listeners.

💡 Blubrry helps: Your teaser content and podcast website can be shared directly into conversations to start building hype.

4. Start Growing Your Email List

Use your pre-launch period to collect emails.

💡 Blubrry helps: Embed a signup form right on your included podcast website.

5. Use a Trailer to Test and Promote

You don’t need a full episode to start building momentum.

💡 Blubrry helps: Blubrry lets you distribute your trailer to Apple, Spotify, and other platforms—all from your dashboard.

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 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.

Thinking about moving your podcast website from WordPress to another platform? Before you make the switch, there are some crucial things you need to know — especially about your RSS feed. In this episode, we’re tackling one of the most common (and frustrating) issues podcasters face when migrating their site: broken podcast feeds. We’ll walk you through how to protect your feed, handle media files, preserve your SEO, and make a smooth transition without losing your audience in the process.

We often hear from podcasters who say something like, “My web designer moved my website from WordPress to [insert platform], and now my feed doesn’t work!” Hopefully, in this episode, we will explain what you need to think about and plan for when moving your website, so you don’t run into the same problem.

There are two common approaches:

If you’ve been hosting audio files on your WordPress server, you’ll need to:

Of course, we recommend Blubrry.  Contact us for help migrating your show.

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 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, we’re spotlighting Michelle Aronson, host of True Stories at Work and Blubrry’s Podcaster of the Month! Michelle joined Mike Dell to share her journey from a silent retreat to the world of podcasting, how her HR background fuels her unique storytelling format, and why workplace tales are often stranger—and funnier—than fiction.

Hear how podcasting unexpectedly opened doors in her coaching business, the value of audio storytelling in an increasingly digital world, and what it takes to uncover those unforgettable moments from the office. Michelle also shares one of her wildest listener-submitted workplace confessions—and why she’s always on the hunt for more.

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 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.