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

YouTube defines podcasting as “listenable content that’s video-optional,” but what does that really mean for creators? It’s news day, and today we’re bringing you many headlines, including  YouTube’s changing role concerning podcasting, new research from Edison revealing where most listeners tune in, and an AI tool that can separate overlapping voices in audio recordings. We also discuss whether podcasters should rethink how they share links, the rise of audiobooks as an alternative for busy listeners, and the latest updates on events happening across the industry.

Episode Highlights: 

[2:19] Discussion on Book Club and AI Tools

[8:13] Podcast Data and Top Charts

[15:34] Events and Awards

[21:06] Podcast Accessibility and Universal Links

[37:59] AI Breakthrough in Audio Editing

[47:20] Women in Podcasting Competition

[50:13] YouTube's Definition of Podcasting

Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

The Best Story Wins: How to Leverage Hollywood Storytelling in Business & Beyond

https://amzn.to/4iiO5cw

PodNews: 

www.podnews.net 

Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett: 

www.stevenbartlett.com 

Evolutions 2025:

https://podnews.net/event/evolutions-2025

50 over 50 Podcaster Awards:

https://bit.ly/3FpbDht

Higher Ed Podcon:

https://podnews.net/event/higher-ed-podcon

Podcast Accessibility: 

https://podnews.net/article/universal-links

Plink: 

https://podnews.net/article/universal-links

Podfollow:

https://podnews.net/article/universal-links

Audioshake:

https://bit.ly/3DJ1cEM

Jar Audio Emerging Women in Podcasting Pilot Competition: 

https://bit.ly/3R49H0c

How YouTube Sees Podcasting: 

https://bit.ly/3DxG70a

How I Make $1.2 Million A Year From This Podcast: 

https://youtu.be/OpANpfEjNw8
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 been trying to monetize your podcast? You’ve put in the work, and you’ve gained a small, respectable following, but now you feel like it is time to start turning your efforts into compensation.  But how do you start connecting with brands that align with your podcast’s mission statement? After a couple of questions from the community, the Empowered Podcasting team digs in and shares strategies for pitching, pricing, and how you can turn brand sponsorships into lasting relationships when properly nurtured. We share our personal experiences with brands and give actionable tips to help you form lasting relationships with brands and improve your chances of monetizing your podcast. 

Episode Highlights: 

[2:23] Improv and Creativity

[10:52] Monetization Misconceptions

[11:24] Understanding Brand Deals and Monetization

[23:13] Strategies for Securing Brand Deals

[27:07]Monetizing with Aligned Brands

[31:04] Building Local Brand Relationships

[34:11]Crafting the Perfect Pitch Email

[51:19] Practical Tips for Pitching Brands

[52:12] Understanding Brand Metrics

Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Podcorn:

www.podcorn.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

One of the best things about the Empowered Podcasting Community is when our members get the chance to meet face-to-face. That’s exactly what happened this past weekend when several of our community members gathered in Detroit, Michigan. The meetup was filled with laughter, long hugs, and the realization that the people we connect with online are often just as genuine in real life. Not all of us were able to attend, so today we’re welcoming those who were part of the impromptu meetup to share their firsthand stories of what it was like for them to finally meet. Midway through the episode, we shift gears to find out about each other’s passion projects.  Have you ever dreamed of creating a podcast on a deeply personal topic? Such as your interest in superhero movies, baking, or a niche hobby but perhaps you held back for some reason? We explore what stops us from pursuing those ideas and how we can push through those barriers to make them a reality.

Episode Highlights: 

[3:42] Icebreaker Question: Have you ever met someone in person and thought they weren’t anything like the person they portray online?

[14:37] Meet-up Experience in Detroit

[26:27] Encounters with Celebrities

[29:15] Podcast Passion Projects and Dreams

[36:50] Co-Hosting Dreams

[44:46] Searching for a Topic

[59:49] Dripping In Black Creators Retreat Experience

Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Impromptu Empowered Podcasting Meet-Up In Detroit: 

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting/posts/815708667429470/

Dripping In Black Creators Retreat: 

www.drippinginblack.com/p/dibkretreat

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

Podcasting isn’t solely about hitting the record button. It’s full of unexpected life lessons as well.  After a day of frustrating tech setbacks, I was reminded of the importance of patience and reaching out for support. This reminder sparked today’s topic which led to an insightful discussion centered around the lessons we have learned from our podcasting journeys. To wrap up the  week, we reflect on our wins and celebrate each other’s progress.

Episode Highlights: 

[3:11] Mac Mini Setup and Initial Issues

[9:58] Resolving Tech Issues with Apple Support

[16:25] What Have You Learned About Yourself Through Your Podcast?

[26:50] Managing Social Media Expectations and Internet Trolls

[34:22] Celebrating Wins from the Week

[50:44] Reflections and Accomplishments After Vacation

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

Have you ever considered charging guests to be on your podcast? It’s a bold monetization strategy that’s gaining attention! Today, we’re excited to welcome Victoria Meyer, host of The Chemical Show, to share her journey of shifting from traditional sponsorships to treating her podcast as a media company with a business mindset. In our conversation, Victoria will discuss the advantages of this approach, the challenges she faced, effective guest communication strategies, and how to leverage media kits for success.

Episode Highlights: 

[3:48] Icebreaker Question: What advice would you give yourself before you invited your very first guest on your show?

[9:12] Victoria Meyer's Podcast Journey

[15:25] Monetization Strategies and Initial Challenges

[18:34] Transition to Charging Guests

[38:15] Handling Paid Guests and Audience Transparency

[42:11] Sales and Marketing Strategies

Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

The Chemical Show: 

https://thechemicalshow.com/podcasters

Connect With Victoria On LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-king-meyer

Follow Victoria on Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/victoriakingmeyer

The Chemical Show Media Kit:

https://thechemicalshow.com/sponsor

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

Since you’ve been on your podcast journey, have you ever found yourself in the situation where you are on the home stretch, the recording has been done, and the final edits have been made, but you just can’t bring yourself to publish the episode? What emotion is behind that resistance? This is a place even podcast professionals find themselves in, and today, our community steps up to the plate to help with overcoming the fear of launching a podcast by sharing personal anecdotes dealing with performance anxiety, perfectionism, and how to move forward. Midway through the show, we discuss the latest podcast charts, changes to Facebook's live video archival policy, and considerations for how dynamic ads may appear on various platforms.

Episode Highlights: 

[3:23] Icebreaker Question: If you had to delete all but just one of your podcast episodes, which one would you keep and why?

[12:44] Encouragement and Overcoming Fear

[28:27] Podcast Data and Chart Analysis

[40:53] Dynamic Ads

[51:09] Changes to Facebook’s Live Video Archival Policy

Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Transforming Content Creation Challenges into Opportunities with Heather Parady:

https://bit.ly/41FCnCZ

PodNews:

www.Podnews.net 

Telepathy Tapes: 

https://thetelepathytapes.com

Podcast Evolutions: 

https://podnews.net/event/evolutions-2025

Mel Robbins: 

www.Melrobbins.com

Facebook Live Videos Are Being Deleted: 

https://www.facebook.com/business/help/1005165994166600

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

Is video podcasting really the key to discoverability, or is it just another myth? In this episode, we’re diving into one of the biggest, ongoing debates in podcasting: Do you need to be on YouTube and Spotify (video) to succeed? I’m joined once again by PMC co-host and podcast producer Matthew Bliss to unpack the realities of video podcasting, workflow sustainability, and the role mindset plays in your success. Plus, we tackle whether you really need to edit out every "um" and "ah" in your podcast!

Episode Highlights:

[2:11] The reality of video podcasting: A must or unnecessary hype?

[7:03] When (and if) you should add video to your podcasting strategy

[16:48] The value of real podcasting experience in a changing industry

[19:57] Mindset shifts that can make or break your podcasting journey 

[21:18] Why workflow optimization matters more than you think

[27:11] Editing: Should you remove every “um” and “ah”?

[30:30] How silence enhances conversations

Links & Resources:

The Podcasting Morning Chathttps://www.podpage.com/pmc 

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting

Check out Part 1 with Matt Bliss:https://www.podpage.com/pmc/s1e249 

Connect with Matt on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-bliss/

MB Podcast Services (Matt’s Agency)www.mbpod.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

Have you ever had an intriguing interview, only to wonder during editing if the episode might be too long for your listeners? Will your audience stay engaged, or will they tune out? If you release the episode in multiple parts, will they come back to hear the continuation? This topic was inspired by a question from the mailbag, and we’re weighing the pros and cons of splitting long episodes into multiple parts versus keeping them whole. We analyze listener habits, discuss how to prepare your audience for longer episodes, and explore strategies to keep content engaging.

Episode Highlights: 

[5:43] Personal Listening Habits and Structure

[16:46] Importance of Episode Length 

[38:55] Audience Engagement and Promotion

[48:02] Storytelling and Themed Content

[55:18] Technical Considerations and Audience Preferences

Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Mailbag Question about Episode Length: 

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AAh2szXKV/

Acquired: 

https://www.acquired.fm/episodes/rolex

Acquired on Youtube: 

https://youtu.be/nUKLhaa0Pus?si=PDbvR3dNeOCPFPd8

The Trend Report: 

https://www.sidmeadows.com/episode121

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 what you want to leave behind when you leave this planet? How do you want people to remember you? How would you describe the legacy you want to leave behind? Today, we are reflecting on our legacies and the impact we make every day. Earlier this week, the Podfest community suffered the tragic loss of fellow creator Neil Gallarte. He was so much more than a creator, he was a husband, a father, and a friend to many and the mark he made is undeniable. We take the opportunity to express our loving condolences for his friends and family, share stories about Neil’s life, and lastly, we take a moment for each of us to express gratitude and further recognize how much each one of us is blessed to create, help, and support each other.

Episode Highlights: 

[2:30] Reflecting on Personal Legacy

[8:36] Tributes to Neil Guilarte

[22:51] Community Support 

[29:56] Personal Stories and Gratitude

[46:43] Reflections and Gratitude

Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Niel Guilarte Obituary:

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/tampa-fl/ramniel-guilarte-12260368

Go Fund Me to Support Neil’s Wife and Daughter: 

https://www.gofundme.com/f/donate-to-secure-a-future-for-niels-loved-ones

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 would you do if someone repurposed your content without permission? Would you be flattered or offended? This recently happened to me when a video editor on LinkedIn repurposed a recent clip of mine, tagged me and the guest, and didn’t bother to ask my permission. This led me to wonder how the community would react in this situation, which leads to a rich conversation with many perspectives. We also address the question, “Do podcasts have an expiration date?” Many podcasters go through burnout or plateau and must decide whether to pivot, refresh, or stop altogether, and we lean in to share our experiences with reinvention and creative transitional periods, which are necessary to keep passions alive.

Episode Highlights: 

[8:14] Repurposing Content and Ethical Considerations

[30:36] Personal Reflections on Podcast Lifespan

[48:59] Phases of Podcast Lifespan

[54:36] Holding Space To Remember Niel Guilarte

Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Arif Hasnat’s Before & After Clip: 

https://bd.linkedin.com/in/arif-hasnat-2a16971b1?trk=public_post_feed-actor-name

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