
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


You finally book a guest you’re excited about. You press the record button, you’re off… and suddenly the answers drift into promotion, your guest goes on irrelevant tangents, and the episode never seems to find its legs. Many podcasters learn this lesson the hard way. Today, we talk about one of the simplest ways to protect the listener experience before the recording ever starts. Today, our conversation is about the role of the pre-interview and why it can make the difference between a scattered interview and a focused, engaging episode. We look at how a short conversation ahead of time can help shape the story, set expectations, and make sure both host and guest are ready to serve the audience. Then we take it a step further. Instead of just talking about the idea, we demonstrate it. We improvise a couple of mock pre-interviews so you can hear what the process actually sounds like and how it helps set up a stronger episode.
Episode Highlights:
[02:46] Why pre-interviews matter
[05:56] Vetting guests and protecting audience fit
[15:20] Tech checks, links, and logistics before recording
[17:35] The anti pre-interview perspective
[26:38] Matt and Sid roleplay session
[34:23] Setting interview guardrails
[36:39] Improv scenario with audio issues
[39:53] Handling unprepared or promotional guests
[41:15] Debrief on coaching language and jargon
[52:07] Name pronunciation and final prep
Links & Resources:
The Podcasting Morning Chat:
www.podpage.com/pmc
Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:
www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting
Book A Free Call With Me:
https://calendly.com/ironickmedia/freestrategycall
Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:
www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting
Application To Submit Your Show For Evaluation:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U57S-XgoA/viewform?usp=header
Riverside Connectivity Tester:
https://test-connectivity.riverside.fm
Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to the podcasting community.
Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w
Live on YouTube: http://podcastingmorningchat.com/joinus
Brought to you by iRonickMedia.com
Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!
--- Send in your mailbag question at: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ or [email protected]
Want to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here:
https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
Have you ever listened to a podcast and wondered why some episode openings pull you in right away while others take too long to get going? While Marc is out, Ralph Estep Jr. and Jonathan Howard lead us through an appreciation of Swindled and the storytelling choices that make it so effective. What starts as a close look at one show becomes a practical conversation about stronger intros, emotional hooks, and the storytelling devices that make listeners lean in. As the panel studies how the episode opens, the bigger lesson becomes clear: a strong beginning does more than introduce the topic. It sets the tone, creates emotion, sparks curiosity, and shapes the full listener journey. Along the way, this episode becomes a mini masterclass in how to open stronger, create emotional pull, and use storytelling devices with more intention.
Episode Highlights:
[01:38] Why Swindled works as an obsession-worthy format
[05:20] Breaking down the long prologue and pattern priming
[07:24] The host’s deadpan delivery style
[10:16] Audience reactions and emotional response
[24:43] Setting up the receipts
[29:48] Evidence-first storytelling and show notes depth
[35:44] Why the episode structure works
[41:57] Hooks, curiosity gaps, and belief flips
Links & Resources:
The Podcasting Morning Chat:
www.podpage.com/pmc
Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:
www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting
Book A Free Call With Me:
https://calendly.com/ironickmedia/freestrategycall
Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:
www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting
Application To Submit Your Show For Evaluation:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U57S-XgoA/viewform?usp=header
Swindled:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-formula-nestl%C3%A9-boycott-of-1977/id1308717668?i=1000428016046
Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to the podcasting community.
Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w
Live on YouTube: http://podcastingmorningchat.com/joinus
Brought to you by iRonickMedia.com
Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!
--- Send in your mailbag question at: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ or [email protected]
Want to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here:
https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
What really makes a great podcaster stand out? It is not always the flashy stuff like gear, editing tricks, or knowing every tool. Today, we ask a bigger question: what is the most underrated skill a podcaster can have? The answers go deeper than the usual advice as we talk about vocal technique, active listening, and the kinds of skills that help you keep a conversation alive. Then the discussion shifts into another big question: which matters more, technical or creative editing skills? That opens the door to a thoughtful conversation about craft, instinct, and why strong podcasting often asks for both. Regardless if you are brand new to podcasting or have been doing this a while, we invite you to think beyond the basics and look at what really helps a show land with your audience. To wrap up the show, we close out the week with a quick nod to wins worth celebrating.
Episode Highlights:
[02:15] Preview of next week’s episodes
[11:16] Framing the underrated skills conversation
[13:56] Vocal technique and delivery awareness
[16:09] Active listening and conversational presence
[20:31] Asking better questions and building trust
[24:36] Improvisation, flexibility, and punctual courtesy
[34:34] Journey stories that motivate listeners
[36:39] Creativity versus technical editing skills
[40:52] Imposter syndrome, play, and continued learning
[51:42] Community milestones and growth updates
Links & Resources:
The Podcasting Morning Chat:
www.podpage.com/pmc
Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:
www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting
Book A Free Call With Me:
https://calendly.com/ironickmedia/freestrategycall
Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:
www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting
Application To Submit Your Show For Evaluation:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U57S-XgoA/viewform?usp=header
Obsession Worthy Podcast Preview:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-formula-nestl%C3%A9-boycott-of-1977/id1308717668?i=1000428016046
Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to the podcasting community.
Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w
Live on YouTube: http://podcastingmorningchat.com/joinus
Brought to you by iRonickMedia.com
Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!
--- Send in your mailbag question at: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ or [email protected]
Want to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here:
https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
Have you ever been in the host seat, excited to interview your guest, but internally you cringe because nearly all their replies drift too heavily into promotion? Today’s listener question goes right at that awkward moment, and we share our own experiences with guests who can’t help but slide back into pitch mode. Toward the end of the show, we hit podcast news and talk about a big AI caution flag: we know that some AI tools out there can turn source material into a “podcast-style” show, but tests show they can miss key details, shift meaning, and even generate made-up quotes...
Episode Highlights:
[01:43] Tech glitches and maintaining the right mindset
[09:58] Mailbag: handling over-promotional guests
[20:52] Calling it out mid-interview when needed
[33:16] Pre-interviews without killing the magic
[37:29] Tech checks and guest preparation
[38:25] Podcast News: AI-generated podcasts and accuracy risks
[42:33] Ethics and monetizing low-quality AI content
[46:26] Human review, prompt design, and quality control
[51:30] AI as a tool and the host’s responsibility
Links & Resources:
The Podcasting Morning Chat:
www.podpage.com/pmc
Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:
www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting
Book A Free Call With Me:
https://calendly.com/ironickmedia/freestrategycall
Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:
www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting
Application To Submit Your Show For Evaluation:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U57S-XgoA/viewform?usp=header
Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to the podcasting community.
Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w
Live on YouTube: http://podcastingmorningchat.com/joinus
Brought to you by iRonickMedia.com
Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!
--- Send in your mailbag question at: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ or [email protected]
Want to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here:
https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
Today’s episode didn’t go as planned.
It was supposed to be our Podcast News and Comment edition, but my internet had other ideas. Most of the show didn’t make it. What did survive was the opening few minutes, and that’s what you’re getting here!
I kicked things off with a question that sounds incredibly creepy at 7am. I promise there was a reason for it! The team rolled with it, and what followed was one of those unscripted moments that perfectly captures the personality of this community.
Live content comes with risk. Tech fails. Internet drops. Plans change.
What doesn’t change is the chemistry, the humor, and the willingness to roll with it. This episode is a reminder that connection beats perfection every time!
We’re back tomorrow at 7am Eastern. Watch live or catch the archived video or audio at:
podcastingmorningchat.com/joinus
Content editing is the skill we don’t see … but we’ve all felt. If you’ve ever finished an episode and thought, “It’s fine… but it’s not hitting,” this conversation is for you. Last week, we briefly touched on the practice of content editing, and Vicky wrote in with a question that opened a much bigger door: What’s the difference between production editing and content editing? We talk through our interpretations of content editing and why it goes way beyond removing “ums” and tightening pauses. We also dig into how the role changes depending on your situation. Regardless if you edit your own show, hire an editor, or manage a team, how hands-on you should be to protect the message without smothering the process. Ultimately, editing isn’t just cleaning audio… It's helping you tell your story.
Episode Highlights:
[03:12] Mailbag question: content editing vs. production editing
[07:49] Defining content editing
[17:23] Where content editing ends and production begins
[22:22] Who should handle content editing decisions
[25:57] Editor versus producer roles
[28:44] Creative editors and shaping story
[31:51] Starting with workflow before tools
[39:45] Multi-pass editing for long-form episodes
[42:50] Narrative editing begins in pre-production
Links & Resources:
The Podcasting Morning Chat:
www.podpage.com/pmc
Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:
www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting
Book A Free Call With Me:
https://calendly.com/ironickmedia/freestrategycall
Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:
www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting
Application To Submit Your Show For Evaluation:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U57S-XgoA/viewform?usp=header
Friday’s Episode:
https://www.podpage.com/network/themediacasters/show/the-podcasting-morning-chat/463-lessons-learned-from-the-scrubs-rewatch-podcast/
Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to the podcasting community.
Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w
Live on YouTube: http://podcastingmorningchat.com/joinus
Brought to you by iRonickMedia.com
Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!
--- Send in your mailbag question at: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ or [email protected]
Want to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here:
https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
The most addictive podcasts don’t just inform you, they make you feel like you’re sitting at the table. In this Obsession Worthy episode, while Marc is out, cohosts Ralph Estep Jr and Jonathan Howard take the reins to lead a discussion on No Such Thing As a Fish and what you can take away for your own show. We break down why the banter works and how inside jokes keep people listening. We also talk about how the cast builds momentum with quick turns, clear roles, and a format that lets them cover a lot without feeling scattered. You’ll hear why that “talking back to your phone” feeling matters, and how to create it without trying to be funny on command. The big takeaway is simple: you can experiment with topics, but your structure has to carry the weight. Then we try a fun “bring a fact” segment to test the method in real time.
Episode Highlights:
[01:18] Meet the panel
[02:58] Universal doorways and why absurdity hooks listeners
[07:07] Why controlled chaos creates energy
[19:37] Listener talk-back moments and knowing your audience
[21:18] How creators actually find their audience
[24:03] Entertainment first as a guiding principle
[32:50] Testing formats before committing
[38:24] The fact challenge game begins
[39:14] The origin of the word “podcast.”
[44:05] The silence podcast debate
Links & Resources:
The Podcasting Morning Chat:
www.podpage.com/pmc
Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:
www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting
Book A Free Call With Me:
https://calendly.com/ironickmedia/freestrategycall
Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:
www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting
Application To Submit Your Show For Evaluation:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U57S-XgoA/viewform?usp=header
No Such Thing As a Fish:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZB6NvXuWk4k
Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to the podcasting community.
Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w
Live on YouTube: http://podcastingmorningchat.com/joinus
Brought to you by iRonickMedia.com
Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!
--- Send in your mailbag question at: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ or [email protected]
Want to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here:
https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
Scrubs is getting a TV reboot, and that revival has a lesson for podcasters who want listeners to come back. Today, we look at how the Scrubs rewatch podcast keeps fans engaged and what it teaches us about building a show people stick with over time. We also talk about when a rewatch format works and how to borrow the idea for your own podcast. Then I share the exact AI prompt I used to pull a tight highlight from a clip we played from that Scrubs companion show, trimming it down into something clean and post-ready. We wrap the week sharing wins and celebrating our accomplishments.
Episode Highlights:
[03:21] Monday’s Obsession Worthy preview
[04:47] Scrubs reboot clip and pop culture context
[19:51] Reviewing your own back catalog for improvement
[21:48] Coaching, feedback, and self-critique
[30:39] Learning to love your own voice
[35:14] Building or finding an uplifting community
[36:27] Cutting clips with ChatGPT: the 3-minute to 32-second workflow
[42:12] Hallucinations, human QA, and quality control
[46:49] Wins of the week
Links & Resources:
The Podcasting Morning Chat:
www.podpage.com/pmc
Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:
www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting
Book A Free Call With Me:
https://calendly.com/ironickmedia/freestrategycall
Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:
www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting
Application To Submit Your Show For Evaluation:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U57S-XgoA/viewform?usp=header
Riverside:
https://www.riverside.fm/?via=0676da
My Content Editing Chat GPT Prompt:
https://chatgpt.com/share/69a18136-06b0-8004-9ce7-736c5d43232e
No Such Thing As a Fish:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZB6NvXuWk4k
Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to the podcasting community.
Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w
Live on YouTube: http://podcastingmorningchat.com/joinus
Brought to you by iRonickMedia.com
Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!
--- Send in your mailbag question at: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ or [email protected]
Want to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here:
https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
Ever get something “free” for your podcast or creator work and think, awesome, no cost, no problem, then find out later why the IRS sent you a bill? Maybe it’s a “gifted” product, a free month of a tool, a comped hotel for an event, or a brand sending you gear in exchange for a mention. Today, we dig deeper into one of yesterday’s questions, inspired by a news story shared by our co-host Ralph Estep Jr., and we get real about what counts as income for creators, even when no cash hits your bank account. We talk about fair market value and what “reasonable” write-offs look like. Go back to Episode 461 to hear the full story and our initial conversation, then stick around as we keep the mailbag rolling with practical questions about gear and setup choices, including how to think about what’s actually worth buying when you’re building your show on a budget.
Episode Highlights:
[05:32] When wardrobe is actually tax-deductible
[15:27] Swag, lotteries, donations, and documentation
[21:17] Mailbag: beginner podcast setup question
[25:41] Testing your camera setup before committing
[31:08] Start simple before upgrading gear
[40:00] Consultation and planning advice
[43:19] Riverside AI YouTube thumbnail generator preview
Links & Resources:
The Podcasting Morning Chat:
www.podpage.com/pmc
Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:
www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting
Book A Free Call With Me:
https://calendly.com/ironickmedia/freestrategycall
Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:
www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting
Application To Submit Your Show For Evaluation:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U57S-XgoA/viewform?usp=header
Here’s What You Need To Report to the IRS and Why:
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/content-creation-profitable-gig-irs-140000780.html
Junaid’s Gear Guide:
https://homestudiomastery.com/gear-guide
Ralph Estep Jr:
www.contentcreatorsaccountant.com
The Estep Group Commercial (2005):
https://youtu.be/zoefGJmPVEQ?si=reW-eO757CW4Lp94
Rodecaster Pro 2:
https://amzn.to/41h9yuN
Riverside:
https://www.riverside.fm/?via=0676da
Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to the podcasting community.
Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w
Live on YouTube: http://podcastingmorningchat.com/joinus
Brought to you by iRonickMedia.com
Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!
--- Send in your mailbag question at: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ or [email protected]
Want to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here:
https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
Apple’s video announcement is stirring the pot again, and it’s funny because the gurus will remind you Apple always had video; that is true, but it just wasn’t widely used, or easy to roll out at scale. What’s changed now is the path feels more built out for creators, and the playback experience is more familiar for listeners. We’ve got some spicy hot takes about what Apple gets right, and why the hype can be louder than the reality. We also share a smart money reminder for creators: freebies, barter, gifts, and even prizes can be taxable income, whether a 1099 shows up or not. We also hit a headline about a major late-night name saying podcasting grew their reach beyond TV, and we close with quick Ambies highlights worth studying.
Episode Highlights:
[03:03] Weekly podcast publishing stats
[06:14] Spotify and Apple top charts
[08:15] Upcoming podcasting events and conferences
[11:32] Ralph’s business bite on creator taxes
[15:26] Gifts, barter deals, and deductible expenses
[23:37] Video hype versus audio reality
[37:39] HLS streaming and what’s actually new
[41:41] Conan O’Brien and podcast audience power
[47:24] 2026 Ambies highlights and notable moments
Links & Resources:
The Podcasting Morning Chat:
www.podpage.com/pmc
Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:
www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting
Book A Free Call With Marc Ronick:
https://calendly.com/ironickmedia/freestrategycall
Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:
www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting
Application To Submit Your Show For Evaluation:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U57S-XgoA/viewform?usp=header
PodNews:
www.Podnews.net
Here’s What You Need To Report to the IRS and Why:
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/content-creation-profitable-gig-irs-140000780.html
Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to the podcasting community.
Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w
Live on YouTube: http://podcastingmorningchat.com/joinus
Brought to you by iRonickMedia.com
Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!
--- Send in your mailbag question at: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ or [email protected]
Want to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here:
https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
From the publisher's feed