Podcasting Morning Show | Podcast Growth, Launch and Strategy for Indie Podcasters

Is copying in podcasting a cardinal sin or a necessary step towards finding your unique voice?

Today, we’re plunging into the murky waters of inspiration vs. imitation. We explore how new podcasters can learn from established shows without becoming carbon copies, and when 'borrowing' ideas crosses the line. Featuring a thought-provoking clip from Matt Bliss's 'Rethinking Podcasting,' we dissect what makes content truly original in a medium where 'there's nothing new under the sun.' We challenge the notion of prescriptive advice and discuss how pushing through the discomfort of learning leads to authentic creativity.

Episode Highlights: 

[02:19] Upcoming Empowered Podcasting Conference

[09:07] Amanda Yoa's Magazine Feature

[13:08] Discussion on Copycat Culture in Podcasting

[34:28] Incorporating Best Practices from Other Podcasters

[40:44] The Continuous Process of Growth and Learning

[42:27] The Value of Sharing Knowledge and Free Advice

[44:01] The Uniqueness of Personal Delivery in Podcasting

[53:04] Exploring New Questions and Strategies for Engagement

Links & Resources: 

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Get Your Tickets for The Empowered Podcasting Conference:

www.empoweredpodcasting.com

Rethinking Podcasting with Matthew Bliss: 

https://open.spotify.com/show/39Vd4K2xuzj85EP1FqVWrE

FAIK:

https://bit.ly/4gKw9b3

Amanda Yoa’s Feature in Philly Current: 

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOopWq6Ek4E/?igsh=MW9tdzc1c2h5NHoxag==

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

Why did you start your podcast? Was it for money, passion, or both? Today, we play a TikTok clip from the Okay Sister Pod that lays out three honest tips for launching a show. Their takes sparked a lively debate. Some agreed that podcasting shouldn’t begin with money as the goal, while others argued that it is possible to earn if you approach it with a clear plan and treat it like a business. We also discuss the reality of low early downloads, why consistency matters more than a weekly schedule, and how to reframe your analytics. To close out the week, we keep our Friday tradition alive by sharing and celebrating wins from our community.

Episode Highlights: 

[03:21] TikTok Clip: Okay Sister Pod Launch Tips

[06:00] Don’t Do It for the Money Debate

[09:00] Business Plans, Sponsorships, and Monetization

[13:00] Why Podcasting Is Harder Than It Looks

[26:00] Slow Growth and Managing Expectations

[36:00] Consistency and Communication 

[41:00] Friday 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

Clip From Okay Sister Pod:

www.tiktok.com/@okaysisterpod/video/7362940797903310122

It’s Amanda Yoa:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/its-amanda-yoa/id1646444562

ReThinking Podcasting by Matt Bliss:

https://rethinkingpodcasting.com/episode/alive-internet-theory-and-actually-seeing-your-listeners

Late Bloomer Living by Yvonne Marchese:

https://www.latebloomerliving.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 

Today is a hard day for many. On this September 11th, we pause to honor the lives lost, the families forever changed, and the first responders who gave everything. And as podcasters, it raises a question: when a day of such magnitude arrives, is it right to step outside your niche and acknowledge it?

Today, we wrestle with that tension between staying on brand and honoring history. We ask whether podcasters should break format to reflect, and how our platforms can serve as an aural history for future generations. We talk about balancing emotion with responsibility, the importance of pausing before reacting, and how to use our voices to share hope, gratitude, and positivity on days marked by tragedy. We wrap up early with a moment of silence, remembering September 11th while reflecting on the power we have as podcasters to hold space for collective memory.

Episode Highlights: 

[2:31] Acknowledging the Sensitivity of 9/11

[5:48] Personal Reflections and Podcasting Responsibilities

[8:18] Balancing Podcast Content and Sensitivity

[30:34] Aural History and Documenting Events

[30:54] Moment of Silence in Remembrance of 9/11

Links & Resources: 

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Get Your Tickets for The Empowered Podcasting Conference:

www.empoweredpodcasting.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

YouTube creators are sounding alarms as views mysteriously plummet, with some losing up to 25% overnight. Could it be an algorithm glitch, a crackdown on AI content, or something bigger? We break down what’s happening and what it could mean for podcasters using the platform. In today’s news roundup, we also cover Spotify’s fastest-growing category, Patreon’s new design tools, Daniel J. Lewis’ PodChapters release, and fresh upgrades to Google Gemini that could reshape your podcast workflow.

We also pause to honor Todd Cochrane, CEO of Blubrry and a true pioneer of podcasting, whose sudden passing leaves a lasting impact on the indie community he championed. The Empowered Podcasting community would like to express our deepest condolences. 

Episode Highlights: 

[2:30] Podcast Genre Top Five and Upcoming Events

[11:00] Podcasting Awards and New Tools

[15:42] Patreon Updates and PodChapters Tool

[26:28] Tribute to Todd Cochrane and AI News

[47:34] YouTube Views Disappearing 

[58:00] Community Growth Stories, and Why Showing Up Matters

Links & Resources: 

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Get Your Tickets for The Empowered Podcasting Conference:

www.empoweredpodcasting.com

Meet Up & Match Up Event: 

https://lu.ma/k02gz8li

Houston Podcasters Meetup:

https://podnews.net/event/houston-podcasters-meetup

Pod Summit YYC:

https://podnews.net/event/podsummit-yyc-2025

The Ambies: 

https://www.ambies.com/

Winning Strategies for Podcast Awards with Dominic Lawson: 

https://www.podpage.com/pmc/winning-strategies-for-podcast-awards-with-dominic-lawson

Travis and Jason Kelce Wondery Deal: 

https://www.podcastnewsdaily.com/news/podcast-news-bites-travis-and-jason-kelce-carlos-king-jared-stillman-patreon/article_0aea1ac2-78c2-4916-bd0b-62419a82fa6b.html

PodChapters:

https://podchapters.com

What makes or breaks an interview podcast, the guest or the host? That’s where today’s debate begins. We launch a new segment featuring hot takes from experienced podcasters, starting with a clip from audio engineer Bek Johnson, who insists the focus should stay squarely on the guest. From there, the crew weighs in: Is it better to have a brilliant guest with a bland host, or a dynamic host who can extract gold from any conversation? We explore how hosts can guide, share, and build rapport without overshadowing their guests, and when interjecting personal stories adds value or takes away from the moment. The discussion unfolds into a larger question about credibility, authority, and what listeners truly come for. In the end, one thing is clear: mastering the art of balancing a conversation is at the heart of great podcasting.

Episode Highlights: 

[2:07] Empowered Podcasting Conference Update

[3:38] Improv Workshop

[10:46] Bek Johnson’s Hot Take On Guests

[11:02] Icebreaker Question: Would you rather listen to a brilliant guest with a bland host, or a brilliant host with a bland guest?

​​[15:00] Why Listeners Stay for the Host

[27:00] Should Hosts Share Their Own Stories?

[34:00] Keeping Expert Guests Relatable

[41:29] Handling Inside Jokes

[54:07] Becoming a Better Interviewer

Links & Resources:

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Get Your Tickets for The Empowered Podcasting Conference:

www.empoweredpodcasting.com

Bek Johnson:

www.tiktok.com/@bek_johnson

Todd Cochrane: 

https://podnews.net/update/todd-cochrane-rip

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

Should you put the word podcast in your podcast title…or does it just make you sound outdated? In this milestone episode of Podcasting Morning Chat (number 365, meaning you could binge us every day for a full year!), the crew digs into two classic branding dilemmas. First up: the long-running debate over whether adding “podcast” to your show’s name is helpful for clarity or just plain cringey. Then we turn our attention to cover art. Does featuring a microphone make your brand instantly recognizable, or is it a tired cliché that wastes valuable design space? To wrap up the week, we share personal wins and celebrate the victories that keep us going.

Labor Day Sale! Empowered Podcasting Conference tickets are 50% off this week only! Visit https://www.empoweredpodcasting.com click “Buy Ticket,” and use code EPCLD50 before Friday night, September 5th.

Episode Highlights:

[2:28] Empowered Podcasting Conference Sale

[6:57] Takeaways from the 365 Episodes of PMC

[12:05] Debate on Using "Podcast" in Podcast Titles

[24:59] Should you ever use "show" instead?

[29:38] Microphone in Podcast Logos: Cliche or for Clarity?

[48:23] Wins from the Week

Links & Resources: 

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Get Your Tickets for The Empowered Podcasting Conference:

www.empoweredpodcasting.com

Alive with Steve Burns: 

https://www.youtube.com/@AlivewithSteveBurns

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

Is your podcast too boring? It’s a question that makes even seasoned hosts squirm, but for beginner and intermediate podcasters, it’s the elephant in the recording studio. Today, we dive headfirst into the uncomfortable truth: most podcasts lose listeners not because of bad audio or lack of guests, but because they’re just plain dull. We break down the subtle signs your show might be putting people to sleep, as well as the reasons why even passionate creators fall into the “boring” trap. Midway through, we shift gears to dissect a headline that’s got the podcast world buzzing: author Amie McNee’s recent appearance on Jay Shetty’s “On Purpose” podcast. She went on to promote her book, but the response? Crickets. Was this a mismatch for her community, or a bold marketing experiment? We unpack the risks, the strategy, and what it means for creators everywhere.

Labor Day Sale! Empowered Podcasting Conference tickets are 50% off this week only! Visit https://www.empoweredpodcasting.com click “Buy Ticket,” and use code EPCLD50 before Friday, September 5th.

Episode Highlights:

[02:37] The #1 Podcast Killer Revealed

[03:04] Why Are Podcasts Boring?

[09:29] The Power of a Strong Intro

[22:07] Amie McNee’s Jay Shetty Appearance

[25:24] Was It the Wrong Show or a Bold Move?

[41:51] Lessons for Podcasters & Creators

[55:34] Tomorrow’s Hot Topic: Do Podcast Titles and Cover Art Really Matter?

Links & Resources: 

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Get Your Tickets for The Empowered Podcasting Conference:

www.empoweredpodcasting.com

Substack:

www.substack.com 

Is Your Podcast Just Boring?:

http://podnews.net

Amie McNee’s Substack Article:

https://amiemcnee.substack.com/p/i-went-on-one-the-biggest-podcast?r=20z401&utm_medium=ios&triedRedirect=true

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

Imagine a Netflix-style platform where you don’t just watch shows, you create new episodes, alternate endings, and even step into the story yourself. That’s the vision behind Fable, an AI company pushing the idea of “playable shows,” and it could change how we think about entertainment. It's podcast news day, so we also dig into YouTube’s new collaboration tools for creators, LinkedIn’s pivot toward video, and our thoughts on this move. As creators, we’re standing at the intersection of opportunity and overload. The big question is, with AI, shifting platforms, and evolving audiences, are we keeping pace or getting left behind?

Labor Day Sale! Empowered Podcasting Conference tickets are 50% off this week only! Visit https://www.empoweredpodcasting.com click “Buy Ticket,” and use code EPCLD50 before Friday, September 5th.

Episode Highlights: 

[2:32] Podcast Data & Charts 

[6:41] Podcast Naming Strategies and Discoverability

[13:49] Upcoming Podcasting Events and Conferences

[18:52] AI-Powered Playable Shows and Content Creation

[35:45] YouTube's New Features for Smaller Creators

[41:17] LinkedIn's Shift to Video and Content Strategy

[48:09] Buffer's Analysis on LinkedIn Posting Frequency

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

Empowered Podcasting Conference Preview Article: 

https://bit.ly/46ktile

Kane Kallaway: 

https://www.instagram.com/kallaway/?hl=en

Fable AI:

https://www.tiktok.com/@kanekallaway/video/7535082054816501022

LinkedIn: www.Linkedin.com 

Podcast Day Asia:

https://podnews.net/uploads/podcast-day-asia-2025.pdf

Pod Summit NYC:

https://podnews.net/event/podsummit-yyc-2025

Promote Videos with Expanded Hype Tool:

https://bit.ly/3JLmpko

LinkedIn Podcast Network:

https://members.linkedin.com/creators/linkedin-podcast-network

YouTube Collab Feature:

https://bit.ly/4lWzqow

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

If you could only choose one social media platform to promote your podcast, which would it be and why? We debate cases for using Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube, Substack, and more because each choice sparks stories about reach and helps form closer connections with our communities.  Midway, we flip the script: if you could only monetize your podcast in one way, which path would you choose? Would you take the membership route, ads, or another strategy entirely? Our conversation goes beyond strategies and sinks into what podcasters want to build and why it matters.

Labor Day Sale! Empowered Podcasting Conference tickets are 50% off this week only! Visit https://www.empoweredpodcasting.com click “Buy Ticket,” and use code EPCLD50 before Friday, September 5th.

Episode Highlights: 

[02:48] Empowered Podcasting Conference News

[09:31] Powerball and Podcasting Dreams

[19:56] Pick One: Social Media Platform for Podcast Promotion

[29:30] Platform-Specific Content Strategies

[30:57] The Neurochemical Reactions to Authentic Content

[37:26] LinkedIn for Business

[44:03] Monetizing Your Podcast: Strategies and Platforms

[56:01] Tomorrow’s Episode Preview

Links & Resources: 

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Get Your Tickets for The Empowered Podcasting Conference:

www.empoweredpodcasting.com

Go High Level: 

https://www.gohighlevel.com/14-day-trial-home

Substack:

www.substack.com 

LinkedIn: www.Linkedin.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

Is it ethical to charge podcast guests to “jump the line,” or is it simply a clever way to bring in extra income? That’s the question of the day. The crew weighs in on long release queues, pay-to-play options, and whether this practice feels fair…or a little questionable.

Midway through, we pause for a heartfelt moment to celebrate Chris and Amanda, two longtime members of our community. After five years of co-hosting Song Swap Showdown, Amanda is stepping away on good terms, while Chris looks ahead with a new co-host. Listen in to find out who it is! Their updates are a reminder that life takes us in different directions, and we’re excited to see what each of them does next.

Since it’s Friday, we close the week by sharing wins and accomplishments. In observation of Labor Day and our summer schedule, there will be no show on Monday.

Labor Day Sale! Empowered Podcasting Conference tickets are 50% off this week only! Visit https://www.empoweredpodcasting.com/ click “Buy Ticket,” and use code EPCLD50 before Friday, September 5th.

Episode Highlights:

[01:38] Special Announcement: Empowered Podcasting Conference Sale

[03:42] A Guesting Dilemma

[06:16] Holding Podcast Episodes

[20:00] Debating Guest Pay-to-Play and Long Release Delays

[28:56] Transitioning Hosts: Song Swap Showdown

[34:01] Balancing Life and Creative Pursuits

[36:05] Continuing the TikTok Journey

[36:59] Advice for Podcasters in Transition

[44:34] Celebrating Wins and Looking 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

Song Swap Showdown:

www.songswapshowdown.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