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

What makes a podcast feel like you? With Marc traveling, Jonathan leads us in a conversation on signature style, what it is, why it matters, and how to build it. We talk about personal branding, consistency, and ways to stand out without starting from scratch. Plus, we answer a mailbag question about whether your podcast needs its own Instagram or YouTube account. Because at the end of the day, nobody else can bring what you bring to the mic.

Episode Highlights: 

[01:49] Signature Style in Podcasting

[03:54] Unique Podcast Practices

[05:37] Live Podcasting Challenges

[08:45] The Importance of Authentic Conversations

[13:38] Branding and Podcasting

[20:27] SEO and Podcast Promotion

[27:53] Challenges with Social Media Names

[29:41] Podcast Integration and Website Design

[32:06] Signature Style in Podcasting

[35:22] Engaging Podcast Elements

[46:27] Signature Style Through Guest Selection
Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Why Your Podcast Needs a Signature Style: 

https://bit.ly/3GJKJ4m

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 7am 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/172987989

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and while Marc is away on vacation, the Podcasting Morning Chat crew steps up and takes on the hard conversations around mental health and taboo topics in podcasting. Hosted by award-winning podcaster Dominic Lawson, this episode explores how podcasters can approach sensitive subjects with care, honesty, and respect. The team explores how personal stories build connection, why community care matters, and what it takes to shift stigma in podcasting.

Episode Highlights: 

[02:01] Mental Health Awareness Month

[02:50] Celebrating Communicator Award Winners

[04:59] Discussing Sensitive Topics in Podcasting

[07:14] Approaching Tough Conversations with Curiosity

[09:42] Directness in Addressing Mental Health Issues

[26:00] Community Care in Podcasting

[30:40] The Importance of Self-Care in Podcasting

[32:08] Empathy and Human Connection

[36:49] Support Systems and Emotional Support

[44:39] The Role of Responsibility in Podcasting

[46:23] Personal Stories of Overcoming Challenges

​​Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Mental Health Rewritten: 

https://www.instagram.com/mentalhealthrewrittenpodcast/p/DAiuXNzx2fR/

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 7am 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 ever thought about how much your favorite podcasts have taught you? What lessons have truly stuck? While Marc enjoys his travels, the rest of the crew holds it down with a conversation on the podcasts that have shaped us, including our own. We talk about improving our interview skills, learning by doing, planning ahead, and the communicators who’ve inspired us along the way. No matter where you are in your podcasting journey, this episode is a reminder that podcasts are one of the best tools out there for learning and growth.

Episode Highlights:

[02:18] Why Did You Start Your Podcast?

[04:11] Learning from Podcasts

[08:33] Effective Storytelling in Podcasts

[13:57] Leadership and Learning

[18:10] The Art of Interviewing

[20:04] Combining Learning and Practice

[26:44] CrossFit and Podcasting: Drawing Parallels

[32:30] Best Practices and Pitfalls in Podcasting

[41:56] Sound Design

[49:19] Providing Constructive Feedback

​​Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

How Leaders Lead:

https://howleaderslead.com/

Mel Robbins Podcast:

https://www.melrobbins.com/podcast

Body Electric by Manoush Zomorodi: 

https://www.npr.org/series/1199526213/body-electric

AI for Humans:

https://www.aiforhumans.show/

The Wonder of Stevie: 

https://highergroundmedia.com/podcasts-archive/thewonderofstevie

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 7am 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

Looking for better ways to monetize your podcast? While our fearless leader Marc, is traveling, co-host Sid leads a striking conversation about creative strategies for turning your podcast into a real income stream. We’re not talking about boring “Mid-roll ad spots.” This episode shines a light on fresh ideas like segment sponsors, branded giveaways, paid newsletters, and more. If you're open to thinking outside the box, this conversation will spark new ways to build a podcast ecosystem that truly supports you and your goals.

Episode Highlights:

[01:47] Marc’s Clip on Monetization

[03:26] Icebreaker Question: How would you describe your target audience?

[04:20] Audience Descriptions and Sponsorship Opportunities

[11:25] Essentials for Attracting Sponsorships

[23:37] Debate: Sponsorships vs. Other Monetization Strategies

[27:50] Understanding Your Audience Metrics

[28:25] Exploring Monetization Strategies

[28:49] Real-Life Monetization Examples

[30:12] Maximizing Your Ecosystem for Brand Deals

[33:18] The Impact of Ads on Listener Experience

[34:05] Leveraging Affiliate Links

[34:35] Thinking Beyond Podcast Sponsorships

[39:32] Innovative Monetization Ideas

[45:29] Email Marketing and Monetization

[51:29] Engaging Your Community with Sponsored Content

​​Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Sponsor Magnet by Justin Moore: 

https://www.sponsormagnet.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 7am 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

Why is it harder to share your podcast with friends than with strangers? Even after years of creating, I still feel that fear. Today, we’re unpacking Imposter Syndrome and how to move past the fear of being judged. Before I say bon voyage for vacation, we’ll celebrate our wins from the week. And next week, the Empowered Podcasting Team will take the reins with fresh conversations that will inspire you!

Episode Highlights: 

[01:20] Vacation Plans and Excitement

[08:11] Facing the Fear of Sharing Your Podcast

[11:28] Dealing with Imposter Syndrome

[37:21] Imposter Syndrome in Hollywood

[38:18] Personal Stories of Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

[40:50] The Role of Racism in Imposter Syndrome

[44:37] 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

How did you get over impostor syndrome while starting your podcast?

https://www.reddit.com/r/podcasting/comments/1kb1bp1/how_did_you_get_over_imposter_syndrome_with/

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 7am 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 ever stepped out of your comfort zone because you knew it could lead to a breakthrough? Recently, I performed in an improv showcase, and after this experience, I realized how much I've learned from the class translates into the podcasting space and vice versa. This revelation inspired this conversation on how trying new things, like performing, skating, or stand-up comedy, can enhance your creativity. Through our discussion, we share the unconventional activities we have been trying and how pushing through introversion and reservations can lead to a stronger stream of creative thought.

Episode Highlights:

[4:32] Lessons from Improv and Podcasting

[10:00] Book Recommendations and Personal Growth

[11:42] Sharing Unconventional Growth Strategies

[22:28] In-Person Coaching and Community Building

[33:53] Overcoming Fears and Pushing Comfort Zones

[43:27] Delegation and Asking for Support

​​Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga:

https://a.co/d/5sdx5qQ

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 7am 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

Spotify reports paying out over $100 million to podcasters in Q1 2025, driven by growth in video shows and new monetization tools. Today, for news day, we break down what that means. We also talk about Netflix exploring video podcasts, Descript’s AI editing upgrades, Instagram’s new Edits app, the latest podcast charts, and upcoming events for creators. With so much changing so fast, the real question is, are we watching podcasting progress in a way no one expects?

Episode Highlights: 

[04:55] Improv Tips and Tricks

[17:54] Upcoming Events 

[20:55] Top Podcasts and Trends

[28:24] Spotify's Monetization Program

[29:50] Analyzing Spotify's Payouts

[31:28] Challenges with CPM Rates

[40:07] Netflix's Foray into Video Podcasts

[52:20] Descript's New AI Features

Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Close More Deals with Lex Friedman

https://podnews.net/event/close-more-deals-with-lex-friedman

Podnews:

www.Podnews.net

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

What Audio Producers Really Need to Know About Video Podcasting: 

https://www.soundpath.co/course/video-podcasting-2025

Empowered Podcasting Conference 2:

https://Empoweredpodcasting.com/

New Spotify Podcast Charts: 

https://podcastcharts.byspotify.com

Netflix Video Podcast Platform:

https://www.fastcompany.com/91319401/netflix-is-eyeing-video-podcasts-as-it-expands-beyond-tv-and-film

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 7am 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

Today, flight attendants  Drew & Rich are launching their brand new podcast called “Two Guys on a Plane.” Join us as we chat with the minds behind the show and dive into their launch strategies, how they engage their 128K Instagram followers, and the behind-the-scenes challenges they face. Our regular crew also offers invaluable advice for making their podcast successful while staying true to their vision. Be sure to show your support and follow Two Guys on A Plane!

Episode Highlights: 

[04:53] Meet Rich & Drew

[05:56] Advice for New Podcasters

[07:11] Behind the Scenes: Working Together

[21:07] Podcast Launch Strategy

[26:13] Social Media Success and Future Plans

[32:39] Content Strategy and Trends

[37:37] Live Sessions and Audience Interaction

[40:41] Patreon and Community Building

[42:52] Balancing Social Media and Personal Life

[46:09] Maintaining Anonymity and Recognition

[52:16] Brand Consistency and Tools

[55:21] Podcasting Tips and Goals

​​Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Watch Two Guys on a Plane on Youtube: 

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

Listen to Two Guys on a Plane: 

https://twoguysonaplane.com/podcast

Follow Two Guys on a Plane on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/twoguysonaplane/#

Two Guys on a Plane Links: 

https://twoguysonaplane.com/linkinbio

Pod Gun T-Shirt:

https://ironickpodcasting.myshopify.com/products/pod-gun-t-shirt

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 7am 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 ever listened to a podcast where the host gives too much away in the intro? Could this be putting a wall between you and your audience, or will listeners stick around after a heavy intro? Today we explore this idea through Mel Robbins’ introduction of Jay Shetty and what indie podcasters can learn from it. We also examine an intro from Jay Clouse where opinions were mixed, and share tips for making your own intros stronger and more inviting.

Episode Highlights:

[03:31] Jonathan’s Convention Experience

[07:23] Empowered Podcasting Conference Announcement

[10:21] Icebreaker Question: What five words describe your podcast?

[20:58] Guest Intros: Dos and Don'ts

[30:41] Corporate vs. Independent Podcasting

[33:47] Strategies and Opinions

[41:58] Balancing Content Length and Quality

[45:47] Intro Example with Jay Clouse

​​Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Empowered Podcasting Speaker Application: 

www.empoweredpodcasting.com/speakers

The Mel Robbins Podcast: 

https://www.melrobbins.com/podcast/

Creator Science with Jay Clouse:

https://creatorscience.com/author/jayclouse/

Jay Shetty:

https://www.jayshetty.me/

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 7am 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 ever listened to your old episodes and can barely get through them? Do you cringe when you hear your voice or how you presented yourself? This is a situation even the most experienced podcasters find themselves in, and today we tackle the dilemma of whether or not to delete episodes that make us tense up inside. Inspired by fellow podcaster Meredith from 'Meredith for Real,' who worries about sponsors seeing her early work, we weigh the pros and cons, hear from experienced podcasters, and explore how authenticity and growth can influence these decisions. To wrap up this amazing week, we celebrate some wins and set intentions for the week ahead.

Episode Highlights: 

[03:58] Debate on Deleting Old Episodes

[05:36] Meredith's Dilemma

[07:45] Pros and Cons of Removing Episodes

[09:58] Personal Experiences with Episode Removal

[14:18] Audience Engagement and Analytics

[33:14] The Weight of Analytics in Sponsorship Deals

[33:49] Balancing Personal Feelings with Podcast Growth

[34:57] Reflecting on Early Content and Growth

[36:22] The Importance of Content Context

[37:52] Handling Old Content and Sponsorships

[43:27] The Value of Keeping Cringe Content

[47:57] Sharing Wins and Setting Goals

​​Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Meredith For Real: 

www.meredithforreal.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 7am 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