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

Imagine you're stuck in an elevator. Someone hands you a mic and says, “Go live!” What’s your podcast episode about? That’s the question we dive into, inspired by Taylor Cartago’s viral video podcast, Anything Can Be a Podcast, filmed entirely in a busy elevator. It's a bold idea that raises a timely question in a space that’s always trying to define what a podcast really is. We each share what we’d say in a spontaneous elevator podcast, and things get creative, funny, and even a little heartfelt. Then we shift into this week’s top podcasting headlines, chart data, and upcoming events before wrapping with one clear takeaway: sometimes the most chaotic ideas spark the most interesting conversations.

Episode Highlights:

[03:00] Analyzing 'Anything Can Be a Podcast'

[04:03] Audience Reactions and Podcast Quality

[07:31] Icebreaker Question: You step into an elevator. Someone hands you a mic and says, “Go live.” No prep…what’s your episode about?

[11:56] Legal and Practical Considerations

[22:06] Elevator Show Ideas

[22:50] Podcast Data Insights

[24:26] Top Podcasts and Random Charts

[25:41] Jonas Basement Preview Discussion

[29:18] Pod Track Rankings Update

[30:03] Upcoming Podcasting Events

[31:31] Independent Podcast Awards

[32:32] Google's Podcast Download Glitch

[38:18] Networking and Monetization Strategies with Podmatch

Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Explaining Hamilton in a Crowded Elevator: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psLqaSEa0uM

Grow Your Podcast Ad-Free:

  https://podnews.net/event/grow-your-podcast-ad-free

Headliner Birthday Bash: 

https://podnews.net/event/headliner-birthday-bash-live-qa-and-celebration-

Podmatch: 

www.podmatch.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

You’re putting your heart into your content, but the algorithm isn’t showing it any love! Ever find yourself asking, "What is even happening?"Today, we trade notes and swap theories about what might actually be working on social media right now. We share why some of us believe view duration beats out likes and comments, as well as repurposing old content to give it a second life. We also talk about how different content formats may boost visibility depending on the platform and audience.

Episode Highlights: 

[2:02]  ADHD Challenges

[9:10] Introduction to the "What is a Podcast" Mini-Series

[16:04] Discussion on TikTok Algorithm Changes

[24:03] Insights on Social Media Platforms and Algorithms

[39:21] Understanding Platform-Specific Audiences

[42:39] Exploring Substack and Beehiive

[53:47] Strategies for Content Creation and Engagement

Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

What’s A Podcast?https://open.spotify.com/show/1JQu1eymaWrRfNtfD2dBGb

How to Grow To 1.5 Million Followers with David Griffiths: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_HWHFqMoRs

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

If someone gave you $500 to upgrade your podcast setup, what would you spend it on? Today, we swap ideas on the gear we believe improves our podcasting workflows, and some of our picks might surprise you. We share our favorite lighting, mobile power stations, cable organizers, and even standing desks. Join us as we cover the tools that help us stay creative, consistent, and comfortable behind the mic in just about any environment.

Episode Highlights:

[03:36] Diving into Podcasting Gear

[06:37] Icebreaker Question: If you had $500 to spend on your podcast, what would you buy?

[24:44] Essential Podcasting and Non-Podcasting Items

[31:02] Outdoor Podcasting Setup

[33:38] In-Ear Monitors and Communication Tools

[40:34] Lighting for Video Content

[44:12] Computer Hardware for Podcasting

[50:08] Standing Desks

[51:44] Lighting Tips and Q&A

Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Cable Management Sleeves: 

https://amzn.to/3TmCLT7

April Poetry Challenge With Kate Volman: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&utm_source=clubhouse&v=yWDGI8fw32g

Cinematic Lighting Setup for YouTube Videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpEeYwrkBPU

Bluetti AC2A Portable Power Station: 

https://bit.ly/423Jd5B

Rodecaster Pro II: 

https://amzn.to/41h9yuN

Riverside: 

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

LED Lighting: 

https://amzn.to/46Y95yG

Acoustic Panels: 

https://amzn.to/4afsfTH

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 stopped to ask yourself why you really podcast? Today, we explore how our purpose evolves over time and what keeps us showing up. We share personal stories about podcasting through pain and rediscovering joy through storytelling. To wrap up the week, we share our wins and celebrate each other’s progress.

Episode Highlights: 

[02:02] Community Shoutouts and Appreciation

[05:29] Reflecting on Your 'Why'

[06:46] Personal Stories and Evolution of Purpose

[10:59] Audience Engagement and Sharing

[27:32] Amanda's Journey and Insights

[34:56] The Power of Community

[35:43] Personal Growth and Confidence

[36:47] Finding Your Why

[38:07] Sharing Wins and Reflections

[40:44] The Impact of Content Creation

Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Breathing Dilator: 

https://bit.ly/4jgOfRR

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 felt drained? Have you ever questioned your passion? Today, I opened up about my struggles with low motivation and adjusting to a new season of life. With my co-hosts by my side, we shared honest reflections on surviving the times that challenge us most and the steps we take to find the energy to keep going. One of the ideas that came up was creating a playlist of uplifting songs to help carry us through those inward battles and moments of self-doubt. So if you’re in a slump or just need a little spark, this episode is a reminder that you aren’t alone and your next breakthrough could be closer than you think!

Note: I share short clips (15 seconds or less) of music for educational and discussion purposes only. I do not own the rights to the music featured in this episode.

Episode Highlights:

[2:38] Discussion on Podcasting Report Card and Content Creator Action Figures

[5:29] Amanda's TikTok Experience and My ADHD Journey

[17:53] Support and Advice from Co-Hosts

[24:20] Personal Stories and Coping Strategies

[33:00] Reframing ADHD as a Strength and Personal Growth Journey

[42:35] Playlist Creation

Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Amanda Sharpe's Action Figure:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting/posts/832586342408369/

Best Day Ever by Sly & The Family Stallone: 

https://bit.ly/4ja7kFe

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

Did you know only half of the top 250 podcasts post full episodes on YouTube? Its news day and we’re talking about the latest platform trends, chart rankings, and tools changing how we podcast. This includes Google's new AI features and the Rabbit Intern assistant. Plus, we touch on use cases for the Rabbit R1,  thumbnail tips, and wrap with the heartwarming story of 90-year-olds starting a podcast to fight loneliness and show us why podcasting still matters at any age.

Episode Highlights: 

[2:37] Podcast Data and Top Podcasts

[6:13] Upcoming Podcasting Events

[11:53] Podcasting Awards and Recognition

[18:54] Podcasting Platforms and Video Content

[37:17] Apple's New Home Screen Widgets

[40:22] Podbean's Advertising Practices

[41:36] AI Tools for Content Creators

[50:19] Google's AI Mode Experiment

[53:31] Feel-Good Story: Elderly Podcast Creators

Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Podnews: 

www.podnews.net

New England Podcasters April Meetup: 

https://podnews.net/event/new-england-podcasters-group-april-meetup

Austin Podcast Social Hour:

https://podnews.net/event/austin-podcast-social-hour

My Ai Generated Podcaster Action Figure: 

https://www.instagram.com/p/DHyrfE5P_HK/?igsh=MWxzdWxxOG5teWt4Ng==

Riverside’s Ai Generated Podcaster Action Figure: 

https://www.instagram.com/p/DH34kVTilN6/?igsh=d3FlNzJxMTVkMng3

Podcasting Made Simple Event: 

https://podnews.net/event/podcasting-made-simple-live-4

The Black Effect Podcast Festival: 

https://podnews.net/event/the-black-effect-podcast-festival-2025

Manus AI: 

https://manus.im/

Rabbit Ai Device: 

https://www.rabbit.tech/

The Amby Awards: 

https://podnews.net/press-release/2025-ambies-winners

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

It’s April Fool's Day, but this is no joke. I’m in the hot seat today! We kick off with a behind-the-scenes look at my recent “Top 50 Over 50” award, including how I found out and how it felt to give my acceptance speech. Then we unpack a listener mailbag question about how we go about recording our podcast intros. We share our various thoughts on teasers vs intros, best practices, and how critically acclaimed podcasts can teach us how to hook the audience from the start.

Episode Highlights: 

[4:25] Behind the Scenes of the Top 50 Over 50 Nod

[7:49] Discussion on Podcasting Awards and Criteria

[16:00] Crafting Intros and Outros for Podcasts

[16:16] Effective Intro Strategies and Audience Engagement

[51:32] Balancing Pre-Recorded and Live Intros

[55:31] Improving Podcast Intros and Outros

Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

50 Over 50 Podcast Awards:

https://jenhardy.net/top-50-over-50-awards/

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

When the cat’s away, the mice will play, and that’s just what happens today! With Marc out, longtime contributors Sid and Billy lead a fun-filled takeover episode. We kick things off by celebrating Marc’s “Top 50 Over 50” podcast win and share our ways to mark a big achievement. From there, we offer “wrong answers only” advice for new podcasters, then wrap it up with a round of overrated or underrated, covering everything from the Shure SM7B mic to podcast networks and teaser trailers.

Episode Highlights: 

[3:26] Celebrating Marc's Achievement

[5:18] Icebreaker Question: How do you celebrate your big wins? 

[9:40] Personal Ways to Celebrate Wins

[16:35] Advice for Aspiring Podcasters: Wrong Answers Only

[23:28] Overrated or Underrated: Joe Rogan Show

[30:53] Overrated or Underrated: Sure SM7B Microphone

[33:59] Overrated or Underrated: Podcast Networks

[44:44] Overrated or Underrated: Podcast Trailers and Teasers

Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Shure 7M7B: 

https://bit.ly/3YbbJj0

Shure MV7: 

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MV7pBK--shure-mv7-hybrid-podcast-microphone-black

Rodecaster Pro II: 

https://amzn.to/41h9yuN

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

I was recently nominated for the 50 Over 50 Podcast Awards, and to get in the spirit, I'm bringing out the Wheel of Topics and invite our community to play along with some fun hypothetical questions about winning podcast awards. What skill would you win an award for even if it’s totally made up? Who plays the best supporting role in your podcasting journey? And what episode would you choose to represent your show at an awards ceremony? We highlight supportive friends and family and wrap things up with weekly wins from our community.

Episode Highlights: 

[2:30] 50 Over 50 Podcast Awards Ceremony

[5:30] Visualization and Imagining Success

[8:56] Podcast-related Skills and Awards

[15:56] Standing Desks and Health Benefits

[25:51] Best Supporting Role in Podcasting

[37:39] Best Episode Ever

[41:51] Advice on Winning Awards

[48:25] 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

50 Over 50 Podcast Awards: 

https://bit.ly/3FpbDht

50 Over 50 Podcast Awards Youtube Premier: 

www.youtube.com/live/iPPzOOVwExk

My Standing Desk: 

www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPYFYLF1?

RSVP To The 50 Over 50 Watch Party:

https://bit.ly/4cfLOwK

The Trend Report with Sid Meadows: 

www.sidmeadows.com/episode97

Late Bloomer Living with Yvonne Marchese:

https://bit.ly/3QOKSp8

The St. Andrews Jezebel Podcast with Ashley Feller:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ut13r65O2p4

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

OpenAI’s new image generator is here, and it’s made major improvements! We talk about how GPT-4o now creates cleaner images, realistic hands, and even gets text right most of the time. We also dig into a new poll trying to name the top 100 podcasts of all time and share our picks. Then we explore which celebrity podcasts are most popular by state (some results surprised us!). Finally, we question if  podcasting will someday replace terrestrial radio, or will AM/FM always have a place? 

Episode Highlights:

[2:56] ChatGPT's New Image Generator and Initial Reactions

[10:12] ChatGPT's Multi-Modal Capabilities and User Experiences

[20:41] Discussion on the Greatest Podcasts of All Time

[31:03] Top Celebrity & Athlete Podcasts by State

[39:49] Podcasting Trends and Consumption Patterns

[41:14] Will Podcasts Replace Traditional Radio?

[48:30] Traditional Radio's Future and Listener Perspectives

Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Pod Wars T-Shirt: 

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

OpenAI’s Improved Image Generator Demo: 

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHrvZZWJLwL/

More designs by me and Nick Nalbach using ChatGPT:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DHtbzuLJWtk/?img_index=1

Podcast Consumption Reaches New Heights: 

https://bit.ly/3FTtKfs

Trending Celebrity & Athlete Podcasts: 

https://rss.com/blog/trending-celebrity-athlete-podcasts

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