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

 It’s a loaded news day, and we’ve got the highlights ready for you! YouTube may be testing dynamic ads and we’ve got questions. What could this mean for creators? How might it compete with traditional podcast ad tools? We also dig into  Podcasting 2.0’s latest features and some factors for what may be holding it back. We also share a round-up of upcoming virtual and in-person events you should know about!

Episode Highlights: 

[7:17] Lou Mongello's LinkedIn Post and Key Takeaways  

[16:05] Podcast Data and Trends  

[24:40] Discussion on Feedspot and Podcasting 2.0  

[29:02] Upcoming Podcasting Events and Announcements  

[34:27] My 50 Over 50 Award Nomination and Watch Party Idea

[36:27] Quill’s Rapid Growth and YouTube’s Potential Dynamic Ad Insertion  

[49:03] Podcast Guesting Trends and Insights 

Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Lou Mongello’s LinkedIn Post: 

https://bit.ly/4l7GZtm

PodNews: 

www.podnews.net 

YouTube’s Decoding The Algorithm: 

https://podnews.net/event/decoding-the-youtube-algorithm-a-guide-to-video-discovery

Podcast Standards Project: 

https://bit.ly/4j8D79M

The Ambies:

https://podnews.net/event/events-the-podcast-academy-4

50 Over 50 Awards: 

https://bit.ly/3FpbDht

Quill Ranks #1: 

https://podnews.net/press-release/quill-globe-top-growing

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 tried Buzzsprout’s new fan mail feature yet? It lets your listeners text you directly, making it easier than ever to build real connections with your audience. Inspired by a mailbag question on how to take advantage of this feature, we kick things off with a conversation about how to use this tool AND OTHER TOOLS to boost engagement. From there, we explore creative ways to elevate your video branding using intentional visual elements that help your podcast stand out. In the second half of the show, we share more listener questions and give tips on how to land more guest spots on other podcasts and grow your audience by showing up in the right spaces.  So, if you’re a newbie or if you’re looking to level up, this episode includes many ideas to help you deepen your connection with listeners, sharpen your visual identity, and grow your podcast with intention.

Episode Highlights: 

[3:30] Buzzsprout’s Fan Mail Feature Discussion

[11:13] Strategies for Effective Use of Fan Mail Feature

[30:17] Visible Branding Elements in Video Podcasts

[43:24] Sonic Branding and Audio Elements 

[44:07] Strategies for Becoming a Podcast Guest

[53:03] Engagement and Social Media Strategies for Podcasters

Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

The Trend Report with Sid Meadows:

https://www.sidmeadows.com/episode152

Buzzsprout Fan Mail: 

https://www.buzzsprout.com/blog/introducing-fan-mail

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 you're feeling stretched thin, pulled in too many directions, or teetering on the edge of podfade, this one's for you.

Today we talked boundaries—not just the buzzword kind, but the kind that can protect your time, energy, creativity, and podcasting! I opened the show inspired by a conversation I had over the weekend with co-host, DR Fay about setting boundaries with clients. Her story was incredibly relatable (especially if you’ve ever said yes when you wanted to say “maybe later”).

We explored how boundaries are about honoring what matters most, whether that’s your peace, your family time, or your passion for podcasting…

Episode Highlights: 

[04:05] Beyond the Buzzword

[08:16] The First Client Trap

[13:28] Resentment is a Red Flag

[19:45] When Free Becomes Too Costly

[23:10] Saying No Without Guilt

[28:25] Calendar as a Shield

[31:15] Rewriting the Rules for Guest Interviews

[36:20] From Scarcity to Strategy

[43:27] Harmony Over Hustle

Links & Resources: 

Podnews: 

https://podnews.net/ 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

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

In this episode, I opened up a conversation about how we can keep podcasting fun—not because it’s hard, but because it should be fun. We talked about breaking routines, trying new creative projects, and giving ourselves permission to explore, pause, or even switch directions with intention. From community wins to personal stories, it was a powerful reminder that podcasting is more than being consistent... it’s about curiosity, joy, and creating something that lights us up.

Episode Highlights:

[3:43] Sharing Wins and Acknowledging Consistency

[5:37] Strategies for Keeping Podcasting Fun

[14:57] Community and External Motivation

[20:58] Balancing Extrinsic and Intrinsic Motivation

[23:07] Experimenting and Trying New Things

[40:28] Celebrating Wins and Achievements

[52:52] Engaging with the Audience

Links & Resources:

A Podcaster's Win You Can Learn From:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting/posts/823021480031522/

Facebook Group Post that Inspired Today's Conversation:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/podfest/posts/3093059434182009

Black is America Podcast:

https://www.blackisamericapodcast.com/

Unbreakable Mission Podcast:

https://podcast.unbreakablemission.com/

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

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

How does a community find the strength to rebuild after an unimaginable disaster?

In this special ‘Podcasthon’ episode, I’m joined by my guest Marilyn Ball who shares the resilience of Asheville, North Carolina, in the wake of Hurricane Helene, celebrating a city whose history, culture, and unbreakable spirit refuse to be washed away. Together, we reflect on personal stories of devastation and hope, showing how neighbors became lifelines and strangers became friends. Despite the massive obstacles, local businesses continue to thrive, communities unite around relief, and visitors are still discovering the magic that makes Asheville so unique.

Episode Highlights:

[00:06] Introduction to the hurricane’s aftermath

[02:06] Guest Marilyn Ball shares Asheville’s origins

[03:49] Early stories of the city’s resilience

[12:56] Community unity in the first days after the disaster

[17:47 Insight on rebuilding plans

[26:23] Impact on art and music scene

[30:00] Learning from Maui's Disaster

[32:55] Importance of tourism in recovery

[35:13] Final reflections and call to action

[40:08] My reflections on the interview with the PMC cast and community

Links &Resources 

My GoFundMe: Support for Our Asheville and Western North Carolina: https://www.gofundme.com/f/amymarcsupportavl

Podcasthon: https://podcasthon.org/ 

Marilyn Ball’s Podcast, Speaking of Travel: https://pod.link/1375022004          

Marilyn's Episode with Lew Bleiweis, President and CEO of the Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority: https://bit.ly/sotavlairport

My Asheville AirBNB: https://www.airbnb.com/h/mmr-avl                                                                                                   

Asheville Fringe Festival  https://www.ashevillefringe.org/

Asheville Visitors Bureau  https://www.ashevillecvb.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

It’s a big news day in the podcasting world! In today’s episode, we’re breaking down the latest headlines, including:

[03:36] Who’s topping the podcast charts? – Apple & Spotify’s latest #1 shows

[10:42] Podcasting events & industry meetups – Upcoming networking and learning opportunities

[14:12] Gen Z’s podcast preferences – Do younger audiences really prefer video, or is audio still king?

[18:46] Edison Research’s Infinite Dial 2025 – What to expect from the latest podcast industry report

[20:07] Zoom’s PodTrak P2 Recorder – A new USB mic recorder with built-in noise reduction

[20:42] Spotify removes Andrew Tate’s episodes – Why they took action and what this means for podcasters

[25:50] Edison’s new download metrics – A better way to track podcast analytics

[26:37] Google’s latest AI updates – How Gemini and NotebookLM can help podcasters

[42:56] Using NotebookLM for podcasting – How AI can summarize transcripts and even generate podcast episodes

Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Zoom PodTrack P2: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1877794-REG/zoom_zp2_podtrack_p2_dual_usb.html 

Community member, Dan Woerhide’s new podcast: https://podcast.unbreakablemission.com/ 

Community member, Jeff Dwoskin’s CustomGPT Show Notes Writer: https://chatgpt.com/g/g-rtKKdmp5m-podcast-show-notes-and-social-coach

📌 Upcoming Podcasting Events:

Podcasting for Female Entrepreneurs – March 25 @ 11 AM CT - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/business-and-podcasting-networking-event-for-female-entrepreneurs-tickets-732305384117 

Decoding the YouTube Algorithm Webinar – March 20 @ 2 PM ET - https://podcasts.withyoutube.com/events/decoding-the-youtube-algorithm 

Podcast Evolutions (Chicago) – March 31 - https://evolutions.podcastmovement.com/

New England Podcasters Meetup – April 12 - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-england-podcasters-group-april-meetup-tickets-1290177057309 

Black Effect Podcast Festival – April 26 - https://blackeffect.com/podcastfestival/ 

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

Curious about the best tools for creating a podcast? Today, we’re breaking down the tech stacks our community uses. We talk about everything from recording software and editing tools to hosting platforms. We share what works, what doesn’t, and how our setups have evolved over time. If you’re new to podcasting, don’t worry! This episode is an inside look at how podcasters choose their tools and why it’s best to start with what works for you, especially the ones that make the creative process enjoyable.

Episode Highlights: 

[3:18] Icebreaker Question: How Many Software Tools Do You Use?

[4:55] Discussion on Recording Software

[10:30] Newbie Podcasters and Software Overwhelm

[18:05] Advanced Editing Tools and Techniques

[26:52] Live Recording and Editing Tools

[34:14] More Recommendations

[48:59] AppSumo

Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Timebolt: 

https://www.timebolt.io

Elgato Stream Deck: 

www.amazon.com/Elgato-Stream-Deck-Pedal-footswitches/dp/B09PRMCTGB/https://podcast.adobe.com/enhance

Cast Magic: 

https://appsumo.com/products/castmagic/

My New Studio Set-up: 

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18kVtjjR6d/?mibextid=wwXIfr

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

What was the moment you knew you were a podcaster? Was it your first episode? Your first listener? Or the moment someone asked for your advice? Today, we’re reflecting on the milestones that made us feel like real podcasters. Then, inspired by a question from a Facebook group, we shift to an in-depth conversation about podcast growth what’s realistic, and how to stay motivated when downloads feel slow. Plus, we analyze key success metrics beyond downloads and why they matter.

Episode Highlights: 

[4:50] Personal Aha Moments in Podcasting

[16:58] Community Recognition and Podcast Success

[18:26] Challenges and Realities of Podcast Downloads

[24:21] Managing Expectations and Defining Success

[32:55] Engagement and Beyond Downloads

[57:08] Sustained Podcast Growth

[58:34] Community and Networking

[58:54] Balancing Promotion and Content Creation

Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Question About Podcast Statistics:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/BuzzsproutCommunity/permalink/9912576405428751/

PodMatch's Monthly Independent Podcasting Report:

https://podmatch.com/report

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 you had to follow ONE golden rule for podcasters, what would it be? Today, we share our ideas for the one rule we believe every podcaster should follow. We cover several opinions provided by, long-time podcasters. Plus, to wrap up the week, we share wins and celebrate each other’s progress.

Episode Highlights: 

[4:46] Debating the Golden Rule of Podcasting

[5:27]  Active Listening in Interviews

[17:18] Preparation and Authenticity

[31:15] Niching Down and Knowing Your Boundaries

[42:16] Celebrating Wins

[46:03] Avoiding Burnout and Finding Balance

Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

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

Are you showing up entirely as yourself on your podcast or are you holding back? Today, we tackle a question from listener Izzy, who’s ready to shed the ‘professional filter’ and embrace her unapologetic self behind the mic. But how do you break through hesitation and show up in a more genuine way without alienating your audience? Today we explore why podcasters hold back, how authenticity impacts audience connection, and  steps to gradually bring more of your true self into your show.

Episode Highlights: 

[3:15] Izzy's Background and Struggles

[6:43] Authenticity and Audience Perception

[30:38] Study on Authenticity in Podcasting

[37:13] Practical Tips for Authentic Podcasting

[38:50] Personal Experiences and Vulnerability

[45:29] Honesty, Boundaries, and Showing Up Authentically

[55:14] Consistency in Personality On and Off the Mic

Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Hopeful Simplicity: 

https://hopefulsimplicity.com/podcast

The Power of Vulnerability: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCvmsMzlF7o

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