
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


Taylor Swift just broke the internet again, and this time joining her fiancé, Travis Kelce, and his brother, Jason, on their New Heights podcast. At its peak on August 13th, over 1.3 million people tuned in live on YouTube, making it the most-watched podcast episode ever on the platform. The demand was so intense it briefly crashed at the 1:44 mark, and today the episode sits at more than 21 million views. Spotify also reported a 3000% surge in new listeners and millions of extra streams, proving the Swift effect is alive and well. Reflecting on this, we share our thoughts on what made the interview such a cultural moment, and we also explore what indie podcasters can learn from this media milestone. One thing is clear: this wasn’t just a fluke; this was a calculated strategy that is making podcast history.
Episode Highlights:
[01:41] Taylor Swift's Podcast Debut
[06:56] Impact of her Podcast Appearance
[11:25] Discussion on Podcasting Strategies
[21:13] Reflections on Celebrity Influence
[31:48] Insights on her Content Strategy
[35:56] Discussion on Replicating Podcasting Strategies
[44:51] Building Connection Through Authenticity and Shared Experience
[49:29]Reflecting on Podcasting’s Future After a Landmark Moment
Links & Resources:
Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:
www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting
Get Your Tickets for The Empowered Podcasting Conference:
www.empoweredpodcasting.com
New Heights:
https://www.youtube.com/@newheightshow
What We Can Learn From Taylor’s New Height’s Appearance ('Story On' podcast by Jonathan Howard):
https://bit.ly/47iTrC6
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
Would you trust a digital twin to produce all your content for you? Because that is now possible with Hey Gen's new "digital twin" feature. That’s just one of the hot headlines on today’s news day. We also break down Podcast Movement 2025’s headline-making merger with Sounds Profitable and what it means for creators, as well as the latest podcast charts, Google Gemini’s updates, and new AI video tools. We also tease Taylor Swift’s first-ever podcast appearance (more on this tomorrow) and community members share real talk from their experiences at one of this year’s largest podcasting events, Podcast Movement.
Episode Highlights:
[03:27] Podcast Charts and Statistics
[08:18] Upcoming Podcasting Events
[20:11] AI News and Innovations
[29:59] Digital Twins
[31:17] AI and Cybersecurity
[34:49] Personalization with AI
[39:53] Podcast Movement and Industry Changes
[45:34] Reflections on Podcast Movement Event
[55:28] Taylor Swift's Podcast Debut
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
Become Their Favorite Podcast Guest:
https://bit.ly/47PdUyt
Afros & Audio:
www.afrosandaudio.com
Hey Gen:
https://www.heygen.com/pricing
Flow:
https://bit.ly/467FmWW
New Heights:
www.youtube.com/@newheightshow
Sounds Profitable:
https://soundsprofitable.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
Have you ever had an experience that changed the way you show up in the world? One that reignited your passion and reminded you why you care so deeply? Today I return from a 19-day summer break after volunteering at Camp Footprint, a sleepaway camp for kids living with CMT (Charcot Marie Tooth Disease). I served on the programming staff and rediscovered “Little Marc,” the playful, present version of myself who still believes in the power of community. This experience reminded me that podcasting isn’t only about numbers or downloads...it’s about people. The kids at camp showed me what it means to feel seen, supported, and celebrated. What I brought home from camp wasn’t a gear review or new tech tip,it was candy runs, laughter, and a reminder that play builds community. And that’s exactly the spirit I want to bring back to this show.
Episode Highlights:
[01:26] Introducing the Team and Camp Footprint
[04:43] Song Swap Showdown Announcement
[14:45] Impact of Camp Footprint on Me
[22:57] Reconnecting with Little Marc
[27:56] Handling Unexpected Challenges
[29:20] The True Meaning of Community in Podcasting
[32:20] Incorporating Playfulness into Work
[45:45] Redefining Success in Podcasting
[55:00] Centering People Over Metrics
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
Episode Cover Photo taken by:
https://cieriphotography.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’s something about your current podcast that you would like to change? Would you adjust the format, switch up the frequency, or try something completely different? That’s the question that kicks off today’s episode. While Marc is away at Camp Footprint, Sid and the rest of the crew take the lead, steering a lively conversation about private podcasting and why creators are exploring it, and some creative ideas we’d love to try. We share insights on how it can add value for your audience and open up new possibilities for engagement. To wrap up the week, we share our wins and celebrate each other’s accomplishments.
PMC is taking a short end-of-summer break for the week of August 18th, and we will be back on August 26th. Please join us!
Episode Highlights:
[02:53] Icebreaker: Changes to Your Podcast
[08:31] Personal Stories and Podcasting Impact
[17:43] Podcasting as a Business and Community
[23:17] Private Podcasts: The VIP Experience
[24:09] Types of Private Podcasts
[28:26] Ideas for Private Podcasts
[33:34] Monetizing Private Podcasts
[39:52] Sharing Wins for 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
Hello Audio:
https://helloaudio.fm/
Just A Moment:
https://rss.com/podcasts/just-a-moment-podcast/1946440
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
Taylor Swift just shook up the podcasting world…again. While Marc is away at Camp Footprint serving as a counselor, DR and the crew take the wheel to unpack Swift’s surprise reveal of The Life of a Showgirl on Travis Kelce’s New Heights podcast, the surge in engagement it sparked, and what it means for the Kelce brand. We also look at a new study showing most listeners only make time for three podcasts each week and how creators can earn a place in that lineup. Then, we break down AUSHA’s newly opened PSO control panel, now giving indie podcasters access to tools once reserved for big networks. To wrap things up, we explore the legal risks of selective editing and share our own stories about when cutting content crosses the line.
Episode Highlights:
[02:19] Daily Habits for Podcasters
[05:28] Taylor Swift's Surprise Album Drop
[10:35] Podcast Listening Habits Study
[15:08] Job Openings in Podcasting
[16:48] New PSO Tools for Podcasters
[21:54] Legal Risks in Podcast Editing
[35:41] Trust and Boundaries with Podcast Guests
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 Job Listings:
www.podnews.net
Swift’s 12th Album Surprise Announcement:
https://bit.ly/414fJ6B
How Editing Can Create Legal Risks:
https://bit.ly/4mfGHAz
Ausha’s New Version Of PSO Panel:
https://podnews.net/press-release/ausha-pso-open
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
Google may be forced to give up Chrome, and that’s just the start of today’s headlines. While Marc is away at Camp Footprint DR and the community lead the conversation on podcasting’s most profound news. We cover the $34 billion Chrome bid from Perplexity AI, what users are saying about Chat-GPT5, and the unusual lawsuit pitting Mattel against a podcaster named Ken. Add in Shondaland’s podcast division closing, Patreon’s $10 billion payout milestone, and YouTube’s latest updates, and we've got a can’t-miss news round-up just for you!
Episode Highlights:
[02:21] Podcast Stats and Rankings
[04:51] Upcoming Podcasting Events
[06:59] True Crime Podcast Awards
[09:20] Spotify and Pod Link Updates
[10:29] Howard Stern's Possible Retirement
[13:10] Google Chrome and AI News
[24:29] Google's Monopoly and User Experience
[26:08] GPT-5: User Experience and Updates
[32:22] Social Media Updates: Instagram and Chatter
[36:10] Intellectual Property Rights and Branding
[39:55] Patreon: Sustainability and Competitors
[44:09] YouTube Updates: Multi Audio Tracks and More
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
Podcast Strategy Weekly:
https://podcaststrategy.substack.com
Podcasting Directory Meets Every Thursday:
https://lu.ma/22kyg389
Ten-True Crime Award Nominees:
https://bit.ly/45eWTw3
Podlink:
https://bit.ly/45CD9l7
Mattel Lawsuit:
https://bit.ly/3Jg0EZy
Patreon Crosses $10B Payout:
https://bit.ly/45KaCuZ
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
Are you using Spotify for Creators to its full potential? If not, you’re in for a treat. While Marc is away at camp, podcast producer Chris Stone of The New Statesman joins us to share powerful, lesser-known tools hidden inside the Spotify for Creators platform. Spoiler: you don’t need to host with Spotify to unlock them. Chris reveals his favorite features for boosting engagement, including interactive polls and customizable episode previews, as well as the SEO tactics that can help your show get discovered. We also explore which tools still need improvement, why he’s cautious about Spotify video, and how these insights can apply no matter where you host your podcast. Chris even gives us a peek into his Podcast Strategy newsletter on Substack and his upcoming venture, Podcast Crew, a service that connects busy podcasters with an ideal producer.
Episode Highlights:
[01:42] Meet the Guest: Chris Stone
[06:14] Spotify's Rise in Podcasting
[10:23] Engagement Tools on Spotify
[12:40] Challenges and Opportunities with Spotify Video
[15:33] Customizing Your Podcast on Spotify
[18:28] Analyzing Spotify's Analytics
[25:16] Areas for Improvement on Spotify
[26:13] Guest Tagging and Recommendations on Spotify
[28:51] Optimizing Podcast Titles and Descriptions
[35:52] Using Substack for Newsletters
[45:13] Introducing Podcast Crew
Links & Resources:
Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:
www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting
Get Your Tickets for The Empowered Podcasting Conference:
www.empoweredpodcasting.com
Podcast Strategy Weekly:
https://podcaststrategy.substack.com
The Daily Statesman:
www.newstatesman.com/author/chris-stone
Podcast Crew:
https://www.podcastcrew.co.uk
Every Way To Market Your Podcast On Spotify:
https://podcaststrategy.substack.com/p/how-to-grow-a-podcast-on-spotify-get-more-listeners
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
When trailblazing AI news drops, we talk about it. Today, Sid Meadows takes the host chair while Marc travels, and we open with the launch of ChatGPT-5. We look at what’s changed, how the update works, and the creative ways people might use its app-building features. The conversation flows into the real highs and lows of content creation. We share our experiences bringing ideas to life and the challenges of staying centered and avoiding burnout. We also unpack what authenticity could mean in an age of AI. To wrap up our week, we share wins and cheer each other on for the progress we’ve made.
Episode Highlights:
[02:01] Launch of Chat GPT-5
[04:16] Building Apps with Chat GPT-5
[08:23] Discussion on Chat GPT-5 Features
[16:51] Preferred Podcast Platforms and Shows
[22:40] Pros and Cons of Being a Content Creator
[28:08] AI in Content Creation
[29:35] Human Touch in AI Content
[31:30] Ethics and Authenticity in AI Content
[36:57] Thought Leadership and AI
[46:41] Weekly 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
The Story Lab:
https://open.spotify.com/show/3SbFTWpFM0rnFcrWw15cCz
Twenty Thousand Hertz:
https://www.20k.org/about
Debate The News:
https://debatethenews.com
The Feed:
https://libsyn.com/the-feed
The Business Podcast Spotlight:
https://onestonecreative.net/spotlight
The Podcast Manager Show:
https://open.spotify.com/show/1NRODtVBXzMrujK2PDXNyv
How Leaders Lead:
https://howleaderslead.com/podcast
Finding Mastery:
https://findingmastery.com
Rocky Mountain Marketing:
https://bit.ly/4mu5u3z
Marketing Trends Now:
https://bit.ly/40VKRoT
The Faster Freedom Show:
https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/fasterfreedom
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 should you look for when renting a podcast studio? With more studios popping up in big cities, it’s an exciting step, but how do you know what’s worth the money? Today, we break down what to ask before you book, red flags to watch for, and how to tell if a studio offers real value or just fancy lights. We also discuss pricing, gear, camera setups, and what studios often don’t tell you upfront. So if you’re considering recording outside your home, this conversation will help you show up prepared. If you’re interested in the cheatsheet I referred to in the episode, please email me at [email protected]
Episode Highlights:
[04:27] Instagram's Major Update for Content Creators
[12:33] YouTube's New Features for Creators
[14:59] Mail Pod: Turning Emails into Podcasts
[20:02] Renting a Podcast Studio: What to Look For
[28:46] What to Expect in a Podcast Studio
[30:53] Challenges in Finding Studio Space
[32:47] Pricing and Options for Studio Rentals
[37:30] Red Flags When Renting a Podcast Studio
[43:00] Navigating Studio Policies and Asking Smart Questions
[52:58] Family Time and Atlantic City Sunshine
Links & Resources:
Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:
www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting
Get Your Tickets for The Empowered Podcasting Conference:
www.empoweredpodcasting.com
PeerSpace:
www.peerspace.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
Amazon just laid off 110 people at Wondery and is folding parts of it into Audible and Amazon Music. That’s one of the big stories we’re talking about on today’s podcast news day. We also share that Descript dropped new tools that could make your workflow easier, ElevenLabs is getting into AI music with licensing options, and Buzzsprout’s latest numbers give you a better idea of where your show stacks up. We also discuss Edison’s new top podcast badges and why your thumbnail and title might matter more than ever on YouTube.
Episode Highlights:
[02:48] Addressing Sound Differences
[07:08] Podcasting News and Data
[09:24] Top Podcasts and Buzzsprout Stats
[12:22] Upcoming Events and Networking Opportunities
[18:30] New Features from Descript
[22:24] Viral Podcast Mix-Up
[24:57] Podcast Awards and Recognition
[28:28] People's Choice Podcast Awards
[30:34] AI News: Chat GPT and Google Indexing
[48:00] Amazon's Layoffs at Wondery
[49:58] Edison Research's New Podcast Badges
[52:26] Thumbnails and Social Media for Podcasts
[55:15] Upcoming Discussion on Podcast Studios
Links & Resources:
Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:
www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting
Get Your Tickets for The Empowered Podcasting Conference:
www.empoweredpodcasting.com
Podcast Movement:
https://podcastmovement.com/
Luma Podcast Meetup:
https://lu.ma/fio5x1dx
Brazillian Author Accidently Guests on Wrong Podcast:
https://bit.ly/4mzdNLO
Nominees for Earworthy Podcast Awards:
https://podcastreports.blogspot.com/2025/07/announcing-nominees-for-ear-worthy.html
Amazon Cuts Wondery:
https://podnews.net/update/amazon-cuts-wondery
New Podcast Playbook:
https://bit.ly/3Ho5y6b
How To Know Which AI Model to Use:
https://www.tiktok.com/@nate.b.jones/video/7514727939200601375?_r=1&_t=ZP-8yeVRfen9zS
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