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

Today, I sit down with Alex Sanfilippo, founder of PodMatch, to tackle some of the big questions our community has around podcast networks: Are they really beneficial for independent podcasters? Can PodMatch’s new network model, focused on community and creator support, genuinely add value without sacrificing independence? After the interview, our community dives into a live discussion, unpacking insights and sharing honest reactions to Alex’s vision. Join us as we explore the potential pros and cons of joining a podcast network and the unique approach PodMatch is taking.

Episode Highlights:

PART 1:

[00:00] A Short Message from Marc

[00:56] Introduction

[02:34] Bromance through Friction

[05:41] How Does the PodMatch Technology Support the Network?

[07:18] What Feedback Shaped the Network’s Development?

[08:58] Is Monetization a Priority for Podcasters in the Network?

[10:18] Will There Be Cross-Promotion Between Network Members?

[12:31] What Are the Biggest Benefits of Joining the Podcast Network?

[14:59] Why Would Listeners Choose the PodMatch Network Over Apple, Spotify, or Other Platforms?

[18:28] What Happens if a Podcaster Refuses to Follow the Network's Guidance?

[20:26] How Will Sponsorships Be Handled in the Network?

[22:17] Are There Episode Release Requirements for the Network?

[23:50] What Makes the PodMatch Network Different from Other Networks?

[24:52] Has the PodMatch Network Officially Launched?

[25:44] How Can Smaller Shows Avoid Getting Lost in a Growing Network?

[27:39] What Are the Final Requirements for Joining the PodMatch Network?

[30:02] What’s Next for Alex Sanfilippo?

PART 2:

[31:37] Post-interview reflections and thoughts on the network's potential

[41:37] Discussion on network membership and post-production responsibilities

[51:37] Insights into handling interviews and unexpected answers

[1:01:37] Community aspects in podcast networks and creative freedom

Links & Resources:

Watch the full interview with Alex Sanfilippo on YouTube: 

https://youtu.be/IHLSDEoeXII

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

PodMatch: 

⁠https://podmatch.com/?ref=1646144442692x331135044042346200

Alex Sanfillipo on Linkedin: 

www.linkedin.com/in/alexsanfilippo

PodMatch Network: 

https://podmatch.com/network 

Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow 

and continue to 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 if you could have a conversation with a younger version of yourself on a podcast? What advice and encouragement would you share? Today, we're having a reflective conversation on this topic, focusing on personal growth. We're revisiting passions from past seasons in our lives, sharing deeply personal reflections, discussing transcending our limiting beliefs, and celebrating our wins as a community. If you want to be motivated by heartfelt stories and the power of community, this episode is for you. Tune in and share it with a friend who could use some inspiration!

Episode Highlights:

[4:13] Upcoming Podcast Episode

[5:34] Icebreaker question: What would it be like to interview your younger self?

[9:36] Insights and Career Path

[18:17] Perspective and Career Challenges

[32:01] Embracing Uniqueness

[34:18] Reflection on Limiting Beliefs

[44:11] Perspective on Passion and Process

[48:46] Rapid Fire Wins

Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Sign up to be a guest on Podcast Help Desk: 

https://bit.ly/48tvgzq

Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow 

and continue to 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]

We're back with more podcast headlines! Is it okay for a podcast host to challenge a guest when they dodge a probing question? Should a podcast have to edit out sections if the guest asks? That's what happened to Nilay Patel of the Decoder podcast when he interviewed Intuit CEO Sasan Goodarzi. Today, we share our views on how this situation should be handled ethically, focusing on transparency and honesty. We also share more stories like CBS Anchor Tony DeCoppel getting fired. Want to find out why this happened? Listen in for an inside look at the story behind this incident! Additionally, we share some winners of the Women in Podcasting awards in many categories. If you want to stay updated on the latest podcast news, join us, and we'll fill you in!

Episode Highlights: 

[4:02] YouTube's New Features and Updates

[10:40] Nielsen's Podcast Listening Report and Edison Research Comparison

[14:31] Women in Podcasting Awards Winners

[17:49] Contentious Interview with Intuit on The Decoder Podcast

[23:44] Debate on Interview Techniques and Guest Management

[40:21] Firing of Tony DeCoppel from CBS Morning Show

[50:29] Concerns About Google's Notebook LM and AI-Generated Content

[52:40] Upcoming Podcast Events

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 

Winners of the Women in Podcasting Awards: 

Women-in-podcasting-awards

Clip from Decoder’s Exchange with Intuit’s CEO: 

https://www.theverge.com/decoder-podcast-with-nilay-patel

Youtube Updates: 

article_285df2da-8fc7-11ef-840a-771dccb02720.html

Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow 

and continue to 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]

Did you know that the global podcast industry’s annual revenue is estimated at $3.94 - $4.75 billion in 2024? This shows how massive and rapidly growing the podcast space is! Today, we're bringing you several podcast industry headlines. We cover the latest podcast charts and how Notebook LM users can create content using AI voices. We also preview upcoming podcast meetups in the US and abroad. We also discuss new features for Podpage's elite tier, which syncs video podcasts with YouTube. Additionally, we examine whether it's more effective to have a dedicated podcast page or integrate it into your existing website. Join us for a lively conversation and hear the latest podcast news!

Episode Highlights:

[4:55] Interview with Heather Parady and Storytelling

[18:15] Upcoming Events and Podcasting Community

[27:07] Podcasting Industry Statistics and Trends

[27:24] Amazon's Podcast Advertising

[37:22] Rachel Ray's New Podcast

[47:10] Google's Notebook LM Technology and Content Creation

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

Podmatch’s Industry Report: 

www.podmatch.com/report

Fincon Expo: 

www.finconexpo.com

Podtour Schedule:

www.podfestexpo.com/podtour

Podpage’s YouTube Matching Feature: 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjrcF28yvA4

Canadian Podcast Awards: 

www.canpodawards.ca/login

Women In Podcasting Awards Winners Announced: 

www.podnews.net/press-release/women-in-podcasting-awards

Angie Trueblood’s Linkedin Post: 

https://bit.ly/3zZPpAn

Join us on Chatter for the Podcasting Afternoon Chat: https://chattersocial.io/room/b95fdbaf-7372-4f4c-8d2b-8a6d7938c323

Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow 

and continue to 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]

You've heard it before: you need a niche to define your topic and target audience. But does this limit your podcast growth or leave you creatively stifled? Today, we discuss if niching down helps podcast growth or holds us back while sharing our personal successes and challenges with niching to determine whether it's essential or restrictive. Additionally, we cover the importance of authenticity in expanding a niche, how collaboration can open new doors, and the value of staying flexible.

Episode Highlights:

[2:00] Personal Reflections on Returning to Routine

[7:48] Initial Thoughts on Niching Down

[10:14] Exploring Different Perspectives on Niching Down

[15:42] Experiences from Ecamm Creator Camp

[29:06] Balancing Niching Down with Creativity and Authenticity

[51:27] Case Study: Travis Brown's Experience with Niching Down

Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Reddit thread about niching down in Podcasting: 

www.reddit.com/r/podcasting/comments/q9isun/having_a_niche_makes_me_not_enjoy_podcasting_as/?rdt=33841

My conversation with Travis Brown:

www.youtube.com/live/5p2tgb0kre4

Storytelling Secrets on The Minvo Procast featuring Heather Parady: 

www.youtube.com/live/je5oKauIbN4?si=ns8J9szNOaKlogn3

Register here for a chance to win Minvo For Life: 

www.linkedin.com/events/7253071018133528576/

Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow 

and continue to 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]

Are you using the right SEO tools to get your podcast noticed? Find out how to incorporate various tools and smart content planning into your SEO strategy, which could boost the discoverability of your show. Today, while our lead host Marc Ronick is traveling, the rest of the crew takes over to talk about tools like Google Keyword Planner, SEM Rush, and Answer the Public. We also discuss whether AI is the best tool to improve your podcast's SEO and reach more listeners. Stay tuned until the end of the episode, where we share our personal wins and challenges. You'll get an inside look at our journey and the obstacles we're working through.

Episode Highlights:

[2:45] AI Tools for SEO and Content Creation

[3:27] SEO for Audio-First Podcasts

[21:23] Using Answer the Public for Content Planning

[35:22] Challenges and Strategies for Podcast SEO

[45:25] Preparing for Time Off and Managing Client Expectations

[49:14] Weekly Wins and Challenges

Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Tasha’s question about SEO: 

www.facebook.com/share/p/Cpvr8mcFQ7ovKg2s/

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

SEO Article GPT: 

https://bit.ly/40gByQy

Sem Rush:

www.SemRush.com

Answer The Public: 

www.answerthepublic.com/

Google Keyword Planner:

https://ads.google.com/home/

Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow 

and continue to 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]

YouTube Shorts just got longer with a new 3-minute feature, allowing creators to share more detailed content. Will this change audience engagement? Today we're covering Podcast news that will get your wheels turning! Adobe Max's event made waves in the AI world, revealing new tools for creating images and videos. Plus, The Economist and This American Life are adding a premium subscription model. We discuss if this strategy could also work for smaller podcasts. Listen in to learn about content creation trends to help you reach a larger audience or improve your podcast's impact.

Episode Highlights:

[5:48] Discussion on Podcast Launch Strategies

[8:24] Internship Story and Radio Days

[17:05] Upcoming Podcast Events and YouTube Shorts Update

[28:24] Adobe MAX Event and AI Tools for Content Creators

[41:10] Subscription Models for Podcasts: The Economist and This American Life

[49:45] WhatsApp as a Promotion Tool for Podcasts

Links & Resources:

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

PodNews: 

www.Podnews.net

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Podcasting Made Simple Live:

podnews.net/event/podcasting-made-simple-live-2

Podfest Tour:

podfestexpo.com/podtour

Afros & Audio:

www.afrosandaudio.com/

Adobe Max Event: 

www.adobe.com/max.html

The Economist Podcast: 

www.economist.com/audio/podcasts

This American Life: 

www.thisamericanlife.org

Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow 

and continue to 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]

Did you hear that Walmart is changing its ad strategy by using influencers to make podcast ads that feel more personal? These new ads aim to capture the attention of younger audiences by tapping into their passions and partnering with influencers they admire, making each message feel authentic and genuinely exciting. Could Walmart be changing the game for other major retailers? In this week's midweek news, the crew talks about which shows are topping the charts, and we also learn how The Good, The Bad & The Rugby listened to their community and made their own Gin Brand! Stay tuned for tips you can use inspired by what leading podcasters are putting into action.

Episode Highlights: 

[2:41] Dominic Lawson Announces New Podcast, "Mental Health Rewritten"

[05:34] Surprises About Audience Familiarity with Previous Work

[22:30] Spotify's Podcast Rankings and Discussion

[31:15] Walmart's Innovative Podcast Advertising Strategy

[37:49] Debate on Influencers vs. Podcasters for Advertising

[45:51] Rugby Podcast Launches Own Gin Brand

Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

PodNews: 

www.Podnews.net

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

ovideo.com/c/product/1597214-REG/dji_cp_os_00000146_01_osmo_pocket_2_gimbal.html

Walmart is Redefining Podcast Advertising: 

https://bit.ly/4f7trdy

The Good, The Bad & The Rugby Launch Gin Brand: 

www.podcastnewsdaily.com/news/fans-of-a-rugby-podcast-ask-for-a-gin-brand-launch-and-the-hosts-deliver/article_4dfe6516-87e7-11ef-b164-37e5b6c76b74.html

Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow 

and continue to 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]

Today, we're rethinking popular podcasting advice, especially the focus on download numbers. We hear it from many experts--big download numbers don't matter. Is that really true or are those experts steering you in the wrong direction? Or could other metrics work even better?

Episode Highlights:

[3:02] Personal Experiences and Challenges

[7:51] Future Plans and Personal Goals

[13:17] Observations from Asheville

[17:46] Camera Equipment Discussion

[21:42] Debating the Importance of Download Numbers

[48:27] Monetization and Podcast Growth

Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Join Marc For the Minvo ProCast: 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mhg8PvQNBeY

DGI Pocket 2 Gimbal Camera: 

www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1597214-REG/dji_cp_os_00000146_01_osmo_pocket_2_gimbal.html

Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow 

and continue to 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]

On September 26th, 2024, Asheville NC and the surrounding areas were devastated by Hurricane Helene. Days before the hurricane hit, I along with my wife Amy retreated from the area for a scheduled trip. Witnessing the devastation from afar, we jumped into action to contribute, ultimately raising over $10,000 and bringing a truckload of essential items to the people of Asheville in need. In this episode, I'll share the challenges, triumphs, and touching moments of this journey, highlighting how the community continues to rally together to recover. For instance, local volunteers organized daily meal distributions, and a neighborhood group worked tirelessly to clear debris and provide shelter to those displaced. With this being National Mental Health Awareness Month, we also explore the emotional impact of enduring major natural disasters and how community support and camaraderie bring light to the darkest times. We also would like to acknowledge those currently affected by Hurricane Milton and send our heartfelt thoughts to everyone impacted and remind them to never lose hope.

If you feel moved by this story, please consider donating to the GoFundMe linked in the show notes. Your support can make a significant difference for the survivors in Asheville and help bring hope and relief to those in need.

Episode Highlights:

[2:49] Ashley Feller's Experience with Hurricane Michael

[9:01] Impact of Hurricane Michael and Advancements Since

[13:15] Marc Ronick's Experience with Hurricane Helene

[30:46] Coordinating the Relief Effort

[43:28] Emotional Impact and Community Support

[1:10:49] Sending Hope to all Hurricane Survivors

Links & Resources:

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

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

Support our Asheville Neighbors After Hurricane Helene: 

gofund.me/8fff4d72

Donate to Beloved Asheville: 

www.belovedasheville.com/donate/

Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow 

and continue to 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 or [email protected]