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

Today, we asked ourselves: what's a podcasting hill we're willing to die on? For some of us, it's editing out every “um” and “like.” For others, it’s insisting you don’t need video to succeed. We also touched on naming shows with intention, pushing past perfectionism, and whether you need to have a podcast to coach podcasters. After trading hot takes, we ended the week on a high note by sharing wins, big and small, from our podcasting journeys.

*Quick Announcement!  During the summer, we’ll be taking Mondays off! Please tune in every Tuesday-Friday and let’s talk all things podcasting!*

Episode Highlights: 

[00:16] Podcasting Hills We’ll Die On

[02:16] Diving into Podcasting Opinions

[07:07] Amanda's Advice: Just Start

[12:39] Editing and Naming Your Podcast

[21:09]Being a Podcast Consumer

[22:03] Debate: Do You Need to Have a Podcast to Teach Podcasting?

[33:16] Discussion on Authority and Experience

[35:59] Various Perspectives on Expertise

[39:37] Coaching and Training Insights

[43:45] Sharing Weekly Wins

Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Empowered Podcasting Conference:

https://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

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 if the host of Blue’s Clues was about to launch the most emotionally supportive podcast of the year? Steve Burns just announced Alive, a new show for grown-ups coming this fall, and we’re unpacking what it could be. Steve shares that his podcast will be “a podcast that listens back,” and we explore what that might look like, who it’s for, and why it's likely to be a success. We also share some more news headlines, Apple now requires new hero art to be considered for features, and CapCut’s new terms give the app broad rights to your content. We believe these stories are part of a broader conversation about how podcasting is evolving and what creators should consider.

Episode Highlights: 

[01:37] Steve from Blues Clues Returns

[03:09] Steve's TikTok Success and New Podcast

[05:20] Analyzing Steve's Podcast Concept

[15:28] Comparisons to Other Iconic Figures

[20:10] Challenges and Potential of Steve's Podcast

[28:39] Target Audience and Adulting

[29:30] Debating the Success of Audio Podcasts

[37:50] Apple’s New Art Requirements

[43:05] CapCut's Controversial Update

Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Empowered Podcasting Conference:

https://www.empoweredpodcasting.com

PodNews:

www.Podnews.net

Steve Burns Podcast Announcement:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71bDllC5OyA

Apple Hero Artwork Requirements: 

https://podcasters.apple.com/artwork-guide

Capcut Terms Of Service:

https://www.capcut.com/clause/terms-of-service

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

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 you know your Spotify binge could be leaving a bigger carbon footprint than you think? It's news day, and we’re digging into the astounding environmental impact of streaming, especially as Spotify shifts to video. We also test out Auphonic’s new “cut coughs” tool, share the latest on podcasting events you won’t want to miss, and explore BlueSky's team-up with 'Chatter Social' to make social audio more connected (and profitable).

Episode Highlights: 

[02:30] Listening Habits

[13:17] Data and Trends

[20:53] Spotify's Environmental Impact

[29:22] Smart Decisions for Energy Conservation

[31:00] Mindful Content Consumption

[32:17] Water Usage and Technology

[33:29] Auphonic’s New Audio Enhancing Features

[44:12] Call Her Alex: A Docuseries Review

[53:41] Exploring Blue Sky and Chatter

Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Empowered Podcasting Conference:

https://www.empoweredpodcasting.com

PodNews:

www.Podnews.net

Spotify’s Rising Carbon Footprint:

https://podnews.net/press-release/spotify-video-environment

Auphonic’s Cough Cut Feature: 

https://auphonic.com/blog/2025/06/23/automatic-cough-cutting/

Chatter Social:

https://www.chattersocial.io/

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

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

To script or not to script…that is the question. Today, we answer a mailbag question about whether podcasters should write scripts, especially when moving from audio to video. Should you? It depends. We share ways to structure your content using the bullet point approach to writing full scripts. We include tips to help you feel more confident on camera. We also recommend tools that can make the process easier for you. Remember, appearing natural on video takes practice, but with time, you will deliver your message authentically and with ease.

Episode Highlights: 

[02:39] Digital Creator Showdown Trivia

[13:04] Mailbag Question: Script or No Script?

[19:21] Solo Episode Script Tips

[20:32] Rehearsing and Practicing

[24:11] Using Bullet Points Effectively

[25:11] Eye Contact and Teleprompters

[36:29] Karaoke and Confidence

Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Empowered Podcasting Conference:

https://www.empoweredpodcasting.com

Riverside Teleprompter: 

https://www.riverside.fm/?via=0676da

Elgato Teleprompter

https://www.elgato.com/us/en/p/prompter

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

Live on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marcronick

Brought to you by⁠ ⁠iRonickMedia.com⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠NextGenPodcaster.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 makes for an outstanding intro? How do you kick off your podcast? Today, we’re answering a listener’s question from the virtual mailbag and sharing our visions of what an ideal podcast intro should sound like. We provide tips on the duration of your intro, whether to include background music or not, and how much background information can be shared about a guest without losing your audience in the first few minutes. If you’ve been thinking of ways to keep your audience hooked from the get-go, we’ve got you covered. To wrap up another fantastic week, we each take a turn sharing our wins and celebrating each other’s accomplishments.

*Quick Announcement!  During the summer, we’ll be taking Mondays off! Please tune in every Tuesday-Friday and let’s talk all things podcasting!*

Episode Highlights: 

[03:35] Podcast Intro Tips: Length and Music

[05:58] Choosing the Right Music for Your Podcast

[08:46] Effective Podcast Intros: Dos and Don'ts

[22:59] Storytelling in Podcast Intros

[30:53] Onboarding Your Listeners

[32:49] Consistency in Podcast Intros

[33:57] Sharing Wins

[47:51] Upcoming Events and Announcements

Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Empowered Podcasting Conference:

https://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

Brought to you by⁠ ⁠iRonickMedia.com⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠NextGenPodcaster.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 just added a community tab for creators, and we think it’s a real advancement! It’s news day, and we’re bringing you the latest podcast industry headlines! We share our takes on platform updates, shifting charts, upcoming events (including the Empowered Podcasting Conference), and what the latest Cumulus study reveals about listener behavior. We’re also joined by friends Simona Costantini and Taly Melo to share their new podcast management system, North Flow. Designed for solo podcasters, agencies, and networks, it helps streamline everything from guest booking to episode planning and team collaboration. If your workflow feels clunky or chaotic, this might be what you’ve been looking for.

In observance of Juneteenth, there will be no episode on June 19th. We’ll be back Friday, June 20th.

Episode Highlights: 

[02:09] Podcasting News and Trends

[03:26] Top Podcast Charts

[08:44] ASMR in Podcasting

[10:12] Upcoming Events and Workshops

[15:50] Introducing North Flow

[24:23] Q&A: Inviting Team Members to North Flow

[26:00] Managing Client Access and Privacy

[30:08] Apple's New Podcast: Easy Money

[36:18] Spotify's Podcast Transcripts

[37:35] YouTube's New Features for Creators

[42:39] Podcast Consumption Trends

[51:27] Upcoming Schedule

Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Empowered Podcasting Conference 2: 

https://www.empoweredpodcasting.com

Podnews:

www.Podnews.net 

Vidcon:

https://www.vidcon.com/anaheim/

Build Your Podcast Media Kit Workshop: 

https://podnews.net/event/build-your-podcast-media-kit-workshop-2

Protect your podcast legally with Gordon Firemark Workshop: 

https://podnews.net/event/protect-your-podcast-with-easy-affordable-legal-strategies-3

Pod North Community Picnic: 

https://podnews.net/event/pod-the-north-community-picnic-hamilton-on

North Flow Podcast Management System: 

https://northflow.io/blog/how-to-manage-multiple-podcasts-without-burnout-(or-chaos)

Easy Money: The Charles Ponzi Story: 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/easy-money-the-charles-ponzi-story/id1805962115

Product Stickers, and Community Tab  on YouTube: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBNC8y47FpI&t=5s

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

Brought to you by⁠ ⁠iRonickMedia.com⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠NextGenPodcaster.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

Your thumbs are hovering over the skip button. You hear the ad start. Do you skip or do you listen through? When it comes to your podcast…what makes you skip an ad and what makes you stay? Today, we’re exploring how podcast ads actually land with listeners. Did you know that 46% of weekly listeners make purchases after hearing a podcast ad, and 88% take action! We also talk about how storytelling in ad reads builds trust with your audience, and why podcasters should consider promoting their own offers. Just remember, the right ad, delivered the right way, can be just as powerful as the podcast itself.

Episode Highlights: 

[02:56] Ad Strategies and Podcast Advertising

[04:31] Audience Engagement and Poll on Ads

[07:57] Effectiveness of Podcast Ads

[10:09] Host Red Ads vs. Recorded Ads

[22:17] Programmatic Ads and Platforms

[30:03] Challenges with Dynamic Ad Insertions

[31:59] Building Relationships with Sponsors

[34:01] Effective Ad Placement and Control

[38:41] Knowing Your Audience

[49:44] PMC Schedule Updates

Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Empowered Podcasting Conference 2: 

www.empoweredpodcasting.com

Apply to Speak at Empowered Podcasting Conference 2: 

www.empoweredpodcasting.com/speakers

Podcast Monetization Opportunities with Podcorn:

https://app.creators.audacy.com/login

Host Read Ads with Gumball:

https://gumball.fm

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

Brought to you by⁠ ⁠iRonickMedia.com⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠NextGenPodcaster.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 been looking for ways to amplify the quality of your audio-video set-up on a budget? Well, you’re in luck because today we’re sharing our suggestions on how to maximize the potential of a single-camera setup, including the best audio interfaces to use, as well as what lighting is and is not essential for a successful production. We also discuss the social audio app Chatter, which offers many audio and video features, such as streaming to multiple platforms, 4 K video, and more. Lastly, we share our community wins and celebrate each other’s accomplishments. Join us next week for more conversations surrounding podcasting and how you can grow! 

*Quick Announcement!  During the summer, we’ll be taking Mondays off! Please tune in every Tuesday-Friday and let’s talk all things podcasting!*

Episode Highlights: 

[02:04] Migraine Discussion and Remedies

[05:12] Summer Schedule Announcement

[10:17] Chatter App Overview and Features

[20:36] Mailbag: Upgrading Podcast Setup

[30:22] Explaining Mix Minus

[32:33] Video Setup for Multi-Person Podcast

[35:10] Using iPhones for Video Recording

[41:18] Lighting Tips for Video Podcasts

[42:59] Sharing Wins from the Week

Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Empowered Podcasting Conference 2: 

www.empoweredpodcasting.com

Apply to Speak at Empowered Podcasting Conference 2: 

www.empoweredpodcasting.com/speakers

Rodecaster Pro II: 

https://amzn.to/41h9yuN

LED Lights: 

https://amzn.to/46Y95yG

Riverside: 

https://www.riverside.fm/?via=0676da

Rode Wireless Go Mics: 

https://a.co/d/ening3y

Zoom P4: 

https://a.co/d/3WdwslK

Zoom P8: 

https://a.co/d/1QksYDU

Yamaha MG10Xu:

https://a.co/d/6hihWHz

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

Brought to you by⁠ ⁠iRonickMedia.com⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠NextGenPodcaster.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

Ready for more podcast buzz? This episode kicks off with a can’t-miss roundup of the latest stories shaking up the audio world. Heads up! Marc is a bit under the weather today, but don’t worry - the co-hosts are back and stepping up to the plate, bringing their energy and fresh takes to keep you in the loop. We’re digging into the newly released list of the world’s richest podcasters. We break down Google Gemini’s new AI video tools and scheduled automations, and talk about Congress’s new Creators’ Caucus that could change the game for digital creators. So grab your headphones, settle in, and join us for an insightful and always entertaining look at what’s new in podcasting.

Episode Highlights: 

[01:21] Dealing with Unexpected Absences

[02:48] Backup Plans and Suggestions

[05:19] Banking Episodes and Workflow Tips

[06:53] Richest Podcasters in the World

[12:19] AI News and Updates

[27:38] Congressional Support for Digital Creators

[29:48] IAB Tech Lab's New Containerization Project

[36:27] Self-Hosting Podcasts: Pros and Cons

[42:01] Podcast Attribution and Measurement Insights

Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Empowered Podcasting Conference 2: 

www.empoweredpodcasting.com

Apply to Speak at Empowered Podcasting Conference 2: 

www.empoweredpodcasting.com/speakers

The Podcast Lawyer Gordon Firemark:

www.gordonfiremark.com/the-podcast-lawyer

Podnews:

www.Podnews.net

Podcast Rebrands with Every Life Milestone:

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/jamie-laing-sophie-habboo-interview-new-power-couple-9znnx8mhn?

Congress Moves To Treat Creators Like Entrepreneurs:

https://bit.ly/43Yidnw

Meet The Wealthiest Voices in Podcasting: 

https://bit.ly/3FWfUJN

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

Brought to you by⁠ ⁠iRonickMedia.com⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠NextGenPodcaster.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

Big congratulations to our very own community member, Dominic Lawson, whose podcast Mental Health Rewritten is now featured on Apple Podcasts! Dominic shares the strategy that made this come together, including the duration of the process, why timing is crucial, and what it was like working with Apple’s editorial team. After celebrating that huge win, we cover this week’s top podcasting headlines: Apple’s new listening features, YouTube’s push for more ads in their music app, Walmart’s surprising move into in-store podcast studios, and Spotify’s first podcast awards in Mexico.

Episode Highlights: 

[03:19] Amanda's TikTok Chicken Update

[07:34] Podcast News and Updates

[12:53] Dominic's Podcast Feature on Apple

[23:51] Upcoming Events and Workshops

[24:43] Content Editing Insights

[31:21] Podcast Awards and Events

[34:42] YouTube and Walmart's Podcasting Moves

[40:46] Apple's Podcast App Updates

[49:46] Threads and Social Media Updates

Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Empowered Podcasting Conference 2: 

www.empoweredpodcasting.com

Apply to Speak at Empowered Podcasting Conference 2: 

www.empoweredpodcasting.com/speakers

Ask Me About My Podcast T-Shirt: 

https://ironickmedia.com/merchandise

The Podcast Lawyer Gordon Firemark:

www.gordonfiremark.com/the-podcast-lawyer

Four Tips For Getting Featured on Apple Podcasts: 

https://podcasters.apple.com/support/1993-optimize-your-request-for-promotion?

The Art Dialogue of Editing: 

https://radiobootcamp.org/classes/the-art-of-dialogue-editing-6/

Spotify First Ever Podcast Awards: 

https://www.podcastnewsdaily.com/news/comedy-comes-out-on-top-as-spotify-holds-its-first-ever-podcast-awards/article_a6462b33-dbd2-401d-bbd5-d87272225503.html

Marc Maron Blames Himself For the Rise of Joe Rogan: 

https://www.thedailybeast.com/marc-maron-blames-himself-for-the-rise-of-joe-rogan/?

Create It Studios: 

https://www.create-it-studios.com/

Create It Studios Walmart Tour: 

https://www.tiktok.com/@changingcourses11/video/7513647084411637023?_r=1&_t=ZP-8x6CDCzSWKN

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

Brought to you by⁠ ⁠iRonickMedia.com⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠NextGenPodcaster.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