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How many times have the gurus advised you to niche down and narrow the focus of your show? But do you feel this is the right advice, or are you being put in a box? After hearing indie podcaster Jacqueline Monroe push back on the “niche rule,” we dove headfirst into the debate. Some of us see niching as a growth strategy and a path to monetization. Others argued that building your brand and finding your voice matter more than fitting into a neat category. Along the way, we asked hard questions: Can “just being yourself” really be a strategy? Is it possible to grow broad and still connect deeply? And does every podcast need to monetize to be successful? This conversation isn’t about rules; it’s about what works for you. When it comes to podcasting, the only box that matters is the one you decide to build.
Episode Highlights:
[02:26] Segment Introduction
[05:39] Jacqueline Monroe's Philosophy
[07:17] Discussion: Is Niching Down Necessary?
[15:54] Reframing the Niche Debate
[29:43] Niching Down vs. General Topics
[46:10] Examples of Non-Niched Podcasts
[50:21] New Segment Idea: Clip Discussions
Links & Resources:
Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:
www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting
The Jacqueline Monroe Show:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFsUX8YeuRQcuQgcE37T4Ag
Empowered Podcasting Conference 2 Retrospective:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0bBC8m2syE
Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.
Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w
Or Join us on Chatter: https://preview.chattersocial.io/group/98a69881-f328-4eae-bf3c-9b0bb741481d
Live on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marcronick
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
How much AI is too much AI in podcasting? With OpenAI’s surprise release of Sora 2, creators can now build digital clones of themselves in seconds. Riverside is also jumping into the mix, rolling out chat-based editing that promises to cut hours of work with a single command. But are these tools helpful breakthroughs or just shiny distractions? Beyond the tech, the industry has plenty more to buzz about: Mel Robbins topping the “how-to” charts despite ad-heavy episodes, the Black Podcasting Awards going live for the first time in Baltimore, and Rode’s Creator of the Year competition offering a $200K prize pool. And in a twist only podcasting could deliver, an indie host and a celebrity both launched shows called Rock Bottom—sparking a bigger conversation about identity, trust, and what it really takes to stand out.
Episode Highlights:
[03:43] Podcast Statistics and Updates
[14:35] Upcoming Events and Awards
[18:43] AI News and Developments
[25:25] Veo 3 Storyboard Feature and Fluid Video Creation
[27:20] Riverside's Chat-Based Editing Announcement
[35:18] People's Choice Podcast Awards Update
[36:51] Buzzsprout's Podcast Name Generator
[42:15] Trademarking and Protecting Podcast Names
[47:30] YouTube's AI-Powered Music Hosts and Collaborator Features
Links & Resources:
Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:
www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting
Rode Creator of the Year:
https://creatorawards.rode.com/
Black Podcasting Awards:
https://blackpodawards.com
Speke Fest:
https://podnews.net/event/speke-fest-night-of-the-living-pod
Afros & Audios:
https://podnews.net/event/7th-annual-afros-audio-podcast-festival-uniting-black-podcasts
Matchup & Mixup Use Promo Code PMC to Get In Free:
https://bit.ly/4nxjvP7
What is Sora 2?:
https://openai.com/index/sora-2
Podnews:
www.podnews.net
Podcast Name Generator:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/podcast-name-generator
Podcast People’s Choice Awards:
https://www.podcastawards.com
Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.
Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w
Or Join us on Chatter: https://preview.chattersocial.io/group/98a69881-f328-4eae-bf3c-9b0bb741481d
Live on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marcronick
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 an unforgettable weekend in Charlotte! I’m sincerely on cloud 9! Today, we’re sharing the stories, strategies, and breakthroughs we brought home and the conversations that turned strangers into family. I want to thank everyone who made this gathering possible: our speakers who gave with open hearts, our volunteers who kept things moving, and every single attendee who showed up ready to learn, connect, and lift one another up. You are the reason this community is so special. One moment that stays with me is watching someone on stage replace “I am not worthy” with “I am worthy.” That mindset shift, witnessed by most of us, is a reminder of why we do this work: podcasting changes lives. And when we come together, those sparks grow into something unstoppable.
Episode Highlights:
[02:23] Reflections on the Empowered Podcasting Conference
[05:37] Acknowledging Key Contributors
[11:00] Memorable Takeaways
[36:42] Connecting with the Community
[39:41] Insights and Reflections
[55:16] Improv Workshop Highlights
[01:00:00] Gratitude
Links & Resources:
Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:
www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting
Jason Cercone's EPC Recap Episode (Oct 1, 2025):
www.bombtrackmedia.com/letsblowthisup
Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.
Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w
Or Join us on Chatter: https://preview.chattersocial.io/group/98a69881-f328-4eae-bf3c-9b0bb741481d
Live on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marcronick
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 Empowered Podcasting Conference is officially here! We’re live from the Hyatt Centric in Charlotte with community friends, including Dave Jackson of School of Podcasting. To kick off the festivities, we dive into what it takes to get the most out of a conference. We share networking tips that are great for keeping your energy up when excitement and nerves collide. Dave reflects on 20 years of podcasting wisdom, sharing insights on how to avoid common mistakes, why community matters, and the biggest pitfalls new and seasoned podcasters face. We wrap up by celebrating wins that highlight both growth and gratitude, a perfect reminder of why this community matters so much.
Episode Highlights:
[02:01] Pre-Conference Excitement
[03:53] Interview with Dave Jackson
[07:03] Challenges and Mistakes in Podcasting
[21:04] Conference Networking Tips
[27:40] Behind the Scenes of Event Planning
[37:46] Importance of Audio in Podcasting
[44:07] Sharing Wins
Links & Resources:
Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:
www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting
Get Your Tickets for The Empowered Podcasting Conference:
www.empoweredpodcasting.com
Dave Jackson School Of Podcasting:
https://schoolofpodcasting.com
Volley A-sync Video Messaging:
https://www.volleyapp.com
Humanize Your Brand:
www.HumanizeYourBrand.com
Home Studio Mastery:
https://homestudiomastery.com
Bombtrack Media:
https://www.bombtrackmedia.com
Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.
Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w
Or Join us on Chatter: https://preview.chattersocial.io/group/98a69881-f328-4eae-bf3c-9b0bb741481d
Live on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marcronick
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
Did podcasting only succeed because it was a break from video? Today, we dissect podcaster Rachel Corbett's claim and consider whether audio was truly an 'antidote' to visual media. Our conversation ranges from debating the evolution of podcasting, the guilt of binge-watching YouTube, and the accountability of podcasters for past statements. We also discuss how powerful listeners have become in shaping podcast content. Don't miss this conversation as we gear up for the Empowered Podcasting Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Episode Highlights:
[04:22] Icebreaker Question: If you had to choose forever only podcasts or only YouTube, which would you pick?
[12:47] Clip Introduction: Rachel Corbett's Take on Podcasting
[17:01] Debate: The Evolution of Podcasting
[31:08] Personal Preferences in Media Consumption
[35:33] Reading vs. Listening
[43:42] Accountability for Past Statements
[46:28] Evolving Opinions and Public Perception
Links & Resources:
Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:
www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting
Get Your Tickets for The Empowered Podcasting Conference:
www.empoweredpodcasting.com
Rachel Corbett on Podcasting:
https://bit.ly/486uiLn
Rode Video Podcast EP1:
https://youtu.be/uaXRpg4_O9M?si=UCMEs9cMKwoOJ7pq
Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.
Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w
Or Join us on Chatter: https://preview.chattersocial.io/group/98a69881-f328-4eae-bf3c-9b0bb741481d
Live on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marcronick
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 do Michelle Obama, John Stewart, and the Kelce brothers have in common with our own community? They’re all finalists in this year’s Signal Awards, and so are long-time community members Dominic and Kenda Lawson, who together scored six nominations across three shows. Beyond the awards spotlight, we cover AudioBoom’s $325M creator payout, Apple Podcasts’ quiet rollout of new availability controls, and the surging growth of podcast audiences in Brazil and Canada. We also flag a dangerous new scam that preys on podcasters with fake celebrity invites, and break down Podscribe’s push to shift the industry’s focus from vanity metrics to true engagement.
Episode Highlights:
[03:46] Icebreaker: What essentials do you bring to a conference?
[06:37] Pro Tips for Conference Networking
[14:58] Podcasting News and Updates
[16:41] Top Podcasts and Genre Highlights
[19:38] Upcoming Events and Conferences
[23:13] Signal Awards and Listener's Choice
[33:20] Audio Boom's Success and Ad Marketplace
[36:06] Apple Podcasts Update and Brazil's Podcast Market
[39:40] Canada's Podcasting Boom and New AirPods Features
[43:20] Scams Targeting Podcasters
[48:28] PodScribe's Engagement Scores and Advertising
Links & Resources:
Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:
www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting
Get Your Tickets for The Empowered Podcasting Conference:
www.empoweredpodcasting.com
Speke Fest:
https://podnews.net/event/speke-fest-night-of-the-living-pod
Afros & Audios:
https://podnews.net/event/speke-fest-night-of-the-living-pod
Denver Podcast Happy Hour:
https://podnews.net/event/denver-podcast-happy-hour
The Signal Awards:
https://www.signalaward.com
Black Is America:
https://www.blackisamericapodcast.com
The B* Word:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-word/id1733859539
Audioboom Surpasses $325 Million in Payouts:
https://podnews.net/press-release/audioboom-325
Brazil: The Digital Giant The Podcast Industry Keeps Underestimating:
https://podnews.net/article/ignoring-brazil
Tech Support Scammers Send Phony Podcast Invites:
https://blog.knowbe4.com/alert-tech-support-scammers-send-phony-podcast-invites
Podscribe:
www.podscribe.com
Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.
Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w
Or Join us on Chatter: https://preview.chattersocial.io/group/98a69881-f328-4eae-bf3c-9b0bb741481d
Live on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marcronick
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 countdown to the Empowered Podcasting Conference is on, and Jonathan Howard joins us to share a taste of his presentation on creating an Obsession Worthy Podcast. His opening challenge: stop being boring and predictable. Too many shows fade into the background because they never take risks or show personality. Jonathan reminds us that the podcasts listeners can’t put down are the ones that feel bold, real, and alive. And that’s only the first step! We go through most of them on the show, but six more are waiting for those who catch his talk at the conference. This preview offers inspiration and a practical spark for anyone who wants their podcast to be louder than the rest of the noise.
Episode Highlights:
[03:45] Seinfeld Podcast Clip
[09:18] Creating Obsession-Worthy Content
[18:15] Engaging Your Audience with Unique Content
[30:35] Unpolished Content: The Heart and Soul of Your Brand
[43:22] Mistakes Podcasters Make
[48:41] Be Yourself: Authenticity in Podcasting
Links & Resources:
Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:
www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting
Get Your Tickets for The Empowered Podcasting Conference:
www.empoweredpodcasting.com
Seinfeld Podcast Parody:
https://www.tiktok.com/@joeymulinaro
The Story Lab Podcast with Jonathan Howard:
https://thestorylabpodcast.buzzsprout.com
Really No Really:
https://reallynoreally.com
Amanda Yoa:
https://amandayoa.com/podcast
Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.
Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w
Or Join us on Chatter: https://preview.chattersocial.io/group/98a69881-f328-4eae-bf3c-9b0bb741481d
Live on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marcronick
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
One podcaster’s history show is connecting with both parents and kids. But now comes the hard part: should they launch a separate kids’ podcast or add child-friendly episodes to their existing feed? We dig into discovery, audience habits, and the challenge of serving two groups without creating double the work. We share creative ways to test ideas, and we also talk about the importance of listening to your audience and treating their feedback as a gift that can guide your next move. Since it’s Friday, we wrap up with community wins, celebrating achievements both big and small.
Episode Highlights:
[02:32] Empowered Podcasting Conference Countdown
[10:30] Mailbag: Creating a Kid-Friendly Podcast
[25:46] Debating Podcast Audience Strategies
[28:57] Balancing Content for Different Audiences
[31:44] Celebrating Weekly Wins
[33:23] Navigating Podcasting Tools and Costs
[43:53] Letting Go and Leaning Forward
Links & Resources:
Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:
www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting
Get Your Tickets for The Empowered Podcasting Conference:
www.empoweredpodcasting.com
History Fix Podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/show/1k3juS6O3OegH0Gjm1vSaC
Multiple Feeds on Buzzsprout:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/help/54-add-a-new-podcast
KidsPod:
https://kidspod.app
Captivate:
www.Captivate.fm
Red Circle:
https://redcircle.com
The Loud Quiet:
https://www.theloudquiet.com
Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.
Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w
Or Join us on Chatter: https://preview.chattersocial.io/group/98a69881-f328-4eae-bf3c-9b0bb741481d
Live on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marcronick
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
Steve Burns’ new podcast Alive grabbed attention with a teaser clip, and it got us thinking: what makes some stories stick instantly? We break down why his moment connected, whether audio flaws matter as much as we believe, and why relatability often outweighs production polish. We also highlight a case study from community member Sid, who is testing a website redesign to see if it shifts listener engagement. The conversation ends with a more significant question: when your show changes, is it really the branding that matters, or the way you let your audience see more of who you are?
Episode Highlights:
[02:03] Empowered Podcasting Conference
[06:05] Analyzing Steve Burns' Podcast Clip
[09:48] Discussion on Audio Quality in Podcasts
[25:11] Amanda's TikTok Journey
[27:49] Sid's Website Analytics Discovery
[30:24] Website Changes and Podcast Analytics
[43:14] Deciding on Podcast Rebranding
[51:20] Character and Authenticity in Podcasting
Links & Resources:
Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:
www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting
Get Your Tickets for The Empowered Podcasting Conference:
www.empoweredpodcasting.com
Steve Burns with Hospice Nurse Julie:
www.instagram.com/reel/DOra66kAYB-/?igsh=aTJ0dzNjNG9uaGt6
Alive With Steve Burns:
https://lemonadamedia.com/show/alive-with-steve-burns
Amanda Sharp on TikTok:
www.tiktok.com/@amandaannsharp?_t=ZT-8zpRa3Gv1Re&_r=1
The Trend Report with Sid Meadows:
www.sidmeadows.com/episode163
Unconventional Leaders with Heather Parady:
www.heatherparady.com/podcast
Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.
Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w
Or Join us on Chatter: https://preview.chattersocial.io/group/98a69881-f328-4eae-bf3c-9b0bb741481d
Live on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marcronick
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
YouTube is stepping up with its most powerful features yet, offering podcasters collaboration tools, flexible ads, auto dubbing, and smarter testing options. In this episode, we also look at Apple’s new podcast features, Vimeo’s acquisition by Bending Spoons, and the impact of Amazon teaming up with SiriusXM. Riverside’s latest marketing guide sparks debate on strategy versus burnout, while the role of SEO comes into question yet again. With TikTok facing big changes in the U.S., creators are reminded that the only constant is the fight for visibility.
Episode Highlights:
[03:49] Podcast Data and Trends
[05:17] Top Podcasts on Apple and Spotify
[11:06] Webby Awards and Other Events
[15:00] Apple Podcasts iOS 26 Updates
[21:33] Riverside's Podcast Marketing Guide
[25:04] YouTube's Major Creator Upgrades
[29:47] Discussing Collaborations on YouTube
[30:58] Gary V's Investment in Social Media
[38:56] TikTok's Future in the US
[49:44] Podcast Authority Score
Links & Resources:
Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:
www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting
Get Your Tickets for The Empowered Podcasting Conference:
www.empoweredpodcasting.com
Podnews:www.podnews.net
30th Annual Webby Awards:
https://podnews.net/class-click/3046/2025-09-12
The Power of Collectives:
https://podnews.net/event/the-power-of-collectives-exploring-the-benefits-of-community-and-collaboration
Meet & MatchUp Event Use Promo Code PMC
https://bit.ly/3KoOTjU
The Future of YouTube:
https://blog.youtube/news-and-events/colin-samir-favorites-made-on-youtube
PodEngine:
https://www.podengine.ai/podcast-authority-score?u=515146796&ch=P9n56gyX
Stempede Social:
https://www.stampede.social
StanStore:
www.stanstore.com
Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.
Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w
Or Join us on Chatter: https://preview.chattersocial.io/group/98a69881-f328-4eae-bf3c-9b0bb741481d
Live on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marcronick
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