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

In today's episode, Nick Nalbach takes the reins while I'm on staycation. Nick and the gang are diving into the insights from my fascinating interview with Heather Parity. Heather’s journey from religious ties to therapy, and finally to content creation, is nothing short of inspiring. She shared her thoughts on the significance of aligning your content with your goals, the true meaning of going viral, and the importance of intentional hard work.

Tune in to hear us breakdown the strategic pivots Heather made throughout her career, the lessons she learned from her viral experiences, and how she maintains alignment with her long-term objectives. Whether you're an aspiring podcaster or a seasoned content creator, Heather's story offers valuable insights that can help you navigate your own creative journey.

Episode Highlights:

[4:40] Podcast naming and rebranding, pivoting for better discoverability.

Links & Resources:

If you found Heather Parity’s and today's insights as compelling as we did, remember to share this episode with a friend, rate, follow, and review our podcast. Your support helps us bring more empowering content to podcasters like you.

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]⁠ 

In this episode, I sit down with the dynamic Heather Parady to explore the realities behind creative success and the truth about going viral. Heather shares her unique insights on content creation, the struggles and rewards of being a creator, and her two MAJOR life pivots to a renowned entrepreneur and mental health advocate. Whether you’re a seasoned creator or just starting out, this conversation is packed with valuable lessons and inspiration.

Episode Highlights:

[4:11] The importance of building a cohesive body of work rather than relying on viral videos.

[8:27] Overcoming insecurity and self-doubt in creative work.

[16:07] Finding one's voice and leveling up creatively through action and experimentation.

[20:19] Pivoting from religious life to entrepreneurship, facing fear and guilt.

[28:23] Creativity, motivation, and social media content creation.

[31:04] Prioritizing creativity in business and blending strategy with authenticity in content creation.

[36:46] Using acting techniques in video content creation.

[43:22] Podcasting, creativity, and delegating tasks.

[48:13] Podcasting strategies, including niching down and creating engaging content.

[57:33] Personal development, self-awareness, and ambition with a therapist and podcaster.

Links & Resources:

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] 

In today’s episode, we take some questions from the mailbag on organization, the mental aspects of podcasting, and more. I also share a sneak peak at tomorrow’s one-on-one interview with successful podcaster and content creator, Heather Parady. Plus, Nick Nalbach unveils a surprising tweak that skyrocketed his YouTube engagement over the past several days…

Episode Highlights:

[5:26] An extended clip of my upcoming interview on Tuesday with Heather Parady: “Going viral doesn’t mean anything”.

[9:44] Video optimization strategies, including title and thumbnail importance.

[16:58] Organizing and tracking content for podcasts and YouTube channels.

[23:16] Using Google Notebook LM for research and organizing information.

[28:31] Podcast scheduling and balance.

[33:58] Podcast planning and guest treatment.

[38:49] Podcasting burnout, work-life balance, and decision-making.

[43:23] AppSumo, a platform for buying and selling digital products, with insights on AI tools and software.

[50:11] AppSumo, a platform for finding tools and resources for businesses, with insights on using it to find LinkedIn and PR marketing tools.

[55:58] Podcasting, pivoting, and mental game for content creators.

Links & Resources:

Heather Parady: https://heatherparady.com/

Clip from my upcoming interview with Heather Parady: https://www.instagram.com/p/C7FNfSfprC7/

Nick's YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/oQgo2Iz9tEw?si=v0MwniLAewm7sEGn

Alex’s FB Group Post: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting/posts/639614708372201/

Make: https://Make.com/

Trello: https://appsumo.com/

Notebook LM: https://notebooklm.google/

AppSumo: https://www.appsumo.com/

Castmagic on AppSumo: https://appsumo.com/products/castmagic/

PressRanger on AppSumo: https://appsumo.com/products/press-ranger/

Minvo: https://studio.momento.fm/?via=1021c8

Dominic’s Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/C7LTc5qts7F/  

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] 

In today’s episode, we're answering a question from Olivia, which focuses on how to manage overwhelm and burnout while podcasting. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, our panel shares their personal strategies and insights on maintaining a healthy work-life balance in the world of podcasting. We also dig into a recent LinkedIn post by Lloyd George, which encourages a different type of podcasting strategy. From batch recording to embracing micro-seasons, we explore various methods to keep the passion alive without compromising mental health. Plus, we share our wins of the week, including successful meetups, creative breakthroughs, and personal milestones.

Episode Highlights:

[9:38] Mailbag Question from Olivia: How do you manage expectations and maintain a healthy work-life balance while podcasting?

[9:50] Podcast planning, editing, and staying ahead.

[14:26] Amanda Sharpe’s TikTok controversy about a hypothetical question about choosing between a bear or a man in a forest.

[23:41] Social media controversy involving a hypothetical bear encounter and gender perspectives.

[27:56] Healing, and new beginnings.

[33:51] Podcasting formats, including microseasons vs. weekly episodes.

[37:36] Podcasting strategies, including batching and niche shows.

[44:34] Podcasting, sharing wins and struggles, and mental health awareness.

[52:25] Podcasting, creativity, and collaboration with guests.

[56:56] Podcasting, wins, and personal updates.

[1:01:30] Personal wins, including job opportunities and podcast success.

Links & Resources:

Lloyd George's LinkedIn Post: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7196863582620241920/

Amanda Sharpe’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amandaannsharp 

Jacquie’s Spiritual Center: https://discord.gg/ggkGfspt

Jonathan’s Podcast: https://coffeesocialpodcast.buzzsprout.com/ 

Jen and Sambaza’s Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/woke-by-accident-podcast/id1516412877?i=1000655489735 

Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting 

Rockit Growth Agency (Chris Vagilo): https://www.rockitgrowthagency.com/

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] 

In today’s episode, we explore the impact of affiliate marketing for podcasters and industry news such as the latest AI developments and podcasting events. We share whether affiliate marketing truly pays off and explore brand new updates in AI and social media tools that are shaping the future of podcast content creation and what it means for your audience. 

Episode Highlights:

[2:35] Mailbag Question: Does affiliate marketing really add enough revenue to be worth the effort and potential impact on my audience’s trust?

[7:13] Affiliate marketing for podcasters, focusing on relevance and conversion rates.

[11:37] Affiliate marketing for podcasters, with tips and insights.

[17:57] TikTok’s effect on affiliate marketing.

[23:08] Podcast news and upcoming events.

[31:42] AI advancements at Google IO 2024, including Gemini's new features

[41:05] Audio quality improvement using smartphones and AI algorithms.

[47:09] Instagram Notes feature.

[53:10] Social Media algorithm is changing. 

Links & Resources:

Adobe Audition: https://www.adobe.com/products/audition.html

Adobe Enhance: https://podcast.adobe.com/enhance 

Auphonic: https://auphonic.com/ 

Amazon Affiliate Program: https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/ 

Podcaster Meet-Up (Charlotte, May 15, 2024): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/podcaster-meetup-charlotte-tickets-890979302077

Practice Not Perfect: Diversifying Your Guest List for Thoughtful and Inclusive Conversations: (Jul 15 Virtual): https://podnews.net/event/practice-not-perfect-diversifying-your-guest-list-for-thoughtful-and-inclusive-conversations

Independent Podcast Awards: https://independentpodcastawards.com/live/en/page/home

ParaPod Awards: https://parapodfestival.com/parapod-awards-2024 

Empowered Podcasting Conference: https://empoweredpodcasting.com/

Working While Black (Walt’s Podcast): https://link.chtbl.com/The-WWB-Show

In Glen's Steps: A Journey with Dementia (Roifield’s Podcast): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-glens-steps-a-journey-with-dementia/id1745342351?i=1000654939422

Google Goes Big on Generative AI https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/google-goes-big-on-generative-ai-at-io-2024/716101/

Social Media Marketers Need to Focus more on Entertainment: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/social-media-marketers-need-focus-more-entertainment/715609/ 

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]

In today's episode, we discuss the art of turning interviews into captivating narratives that'll keep your listeners hooked. We also break down the latest ChatGPT update, ChatGPT 4o, and how it may revolutionize the way you podcast.

How do you transform a simple Q&A into a compelling story? Our panel shares their tried-and-true techniques, from thorough guest research to strategic question sequencing. We explore how AI tools like ChatGPT can help you uncover those hidden gems in your guest's background, giving you the ammunition to craft an unforgettable episode.

Episode Highlights:

[6:10] Latest Chat GPT update and its implications for podcasters.

[7:07] Real-time responses and potential impact on education and coaching.

[17:32] Mailbag Question (Ethan): Can you share insights on how to effectively use storytelling to keep an audience engaged during episodes, especially when it comes to interviewing.

[22:14] Structuring interviews as stories with three parts.

[29:19] Preparing for podcast interviews using research and storytelling techniques.

[35:48] Storytelling and sequencing podcast episodes.

[40:54] Podcast calendar and release schedule.

[45:52] Podcast planning, sequencing, and guest appearances.

Links & Resources:

OpenAI Announces Chat GPT 4o: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQacCB9tDaw

The AI Breifing’s Chat GPT 4o Announcement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVnWZYlXWE4

My ChatGPT Interview Assistant: https://chatgpt.com/g/g-tursIWBsJ-podcast-interview-assistant-by-nextgen-podcaster

The Success Palette Podcast (by Soda): https://thesuccesspalette.com

Podcaster Meetup (Charlotte): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/podcaster-meetup-charlotte-tickets-890979302077

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]

In today’s episode, we kick off with an ice-breaker question for my co-hosts about what challenges they’re facing as podcasters and what steps they are taking to solve them. We continue the discussion with some mailbag questions and also share ways to boost social media engagement through tailored content, how to capitalize on guest appearances to extend your reach, and end with great advice for choosing podcasting equipment with specific goals in mind. 

Episode Highlights:

[3:47] Ice-breaker question: What challenge are you facing with your podcast right now (scale of 1-5) and what steps are you taking to solve it?

[9:36] Facebook ads challenges and potential solutions.

[13:47] Facebook account hacking and difficulties with verification.

[18:08] Social media engagement strategies for podcasters.

[23:42] Social media marketing strategies for podcasters.

[29:47] Using personal struggles to increase podcast engagement.

[35:48] Providing value to podcast guests through branded content and simple instructions.

[40:36] Podcast equipment and revenue streams.

[46:34] Podcasting equipment, including mixers and audio quality.

[55:59] Podcasting equipment and growth.

Links & Resources:

AI Briefing Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5RipE0JUGJDJGKqZs19WcW?si=7a14210edba54f86

Feedly: https://feedly.com

Perplexity: https://www.perplexity.ai/

NextGen Podcaster: https://nextgenpodcaster.com/

Meta Verification:

Jonathan Howard interview on PMC: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/crafting-your-signature-style-with-jonathan-howard/

May 15th Podcaster Meet-up (Charlotte): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/podcaster-meetup-charlotte-tickets-890979302077

Shure MV7: https://amzn.to/4bsfq8A

Rodecaster Duo: https://amzn.to/3UHnRFY

Zoom Podtrak P4: https://amzn.to/3wBdbkn

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]

In today’s episode, we discuss an essential part of podcasting — handling listener feedback and reviews. Our community gives great advice for incorporating positive feedback subtly in your episode, the value of sharing negative feedback when it's constructive, and some ways to seamlessly integrate these points into your conversations. Since it’s Friday, we will also share and celebrate our recent podcasting wins with each other. 

Episode Highlights:

[3:19] Mailbag Question from Blake: “Marc, I’ve heard you encourage podcasters to read feedback & reviews during an episode. What are some creative ways to incorporate that into podcast episodes without making the episodes feel too disjointed?  Also, would it be a bad idea to read negative feedback?”

[8:02] Podcasting, feedback, and community support.

[14:11] Podcasting tips and tools with a focus on time-saving hacks.

[21:51] Podcasting, job offers, and audio quality improvements.

[28:30] Creating a Patreon for our podcast community.

[35:00] Mental health awareness and podcast collaborations.

[39:27] Podcasting wins, networking, and growth.

[46:23] Podcasting and playfulness.

[54:18] Podcasting awards and personal achievements.

[1:00:18] New podcast partnerships and live events.

Links & Resources: 

Castmagic: https://www.castmagic.io/

Katteb: https://katteb.com/en/ 

Resound: https://www.resound.fm/ 

Audacity: https://www.audacityteam.org/download/ 

Descript: https://www.descript.com/ 

Woke By Accident Podcast: https://www.wokebyaccident.net/

Chris Vaglio interview with Mike Ham: https://www.youtube.com/live/KqBpjYRESUs?si=RRWGlGz4QqbOG-Ut

Shot at Love: https://www.shotatlove.co/

Yvonne’s Zoom Workshop Registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0kdOyorT0oGtVLxemEvtAbkb3F-naW2B07#/registration 

Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting/

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]

Do you dream of seeing your listeners sporting your podcast's merch? Whether it's t-shirts, mugs, or stickers, creating merchandise is a fantastic way to spread your brand and foster a deeper connection with your audience. However, the path to merch success is paved with pitfalls that make many podcasters stumble. Today we’ll guide you through the dos and don'ts of selling podcast merchandise. We are uncovering insights on design, production, marketing, and sales. You'll learn how to create swag that resonates with your audience, navigate the print-on-demand tools, and implement proven strategies.

Episode Highlights:

[2:38] Mailbag Question from Max: I'm considering creating merchandise for my podcast. What key factors should I consider to ensure it's something my audience will actually want and buy?

[6:44] Creating merchandise for podcasts that appeals to a wider audience.

[11:19] Merchandise creation for podcasts, emphasizing quality over quantity.

[14:26] Using print-on-demand services for merchandise sales.

[20:06] Marketing strategies for podcast merchandise.

[32:34] Branding and merchandise for podcasts, with focus on simplicity and identifiability.

[36:21] Podcasting trends, merchandise, and events.

[41:28] Podcast apps for Android users after Google Podcasts closure.

[46:10] Podcast platforms with a focus on new features and user engagement.

[53:23] Podcast rankings, downloads, and fraud.

[59:54] Podcast industry updates, including measurement standards.

Links & Resources: 

Printify: https://printify.com/ 

Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/ 

Printful: https://www.printful.com/ 

My Merch Store: https://ironickmedia.com/merchandise/

The Mama Jaq Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mama-jac/id1665364702

Castbox: https://castbox.fm/

YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/

Snipd: https://www.snipd.com/

Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts

GoodPods: https://goodpods.com/

Hark: https://harkaudio.com/

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

Audio Ad Fraud: https://www.podcastnewsdaily.com/news/dv-new-large-scale-audio-ad-fraud-scheme-spoofed-500-000-devices/article_efe0db32-0c8d-11ef-9294-9bbb4e5b7577.html

IAB’s Podcast Measurement Standards: https://www.podcastnewsdaily.com/news/iab-tech-lab-s-finalizes-latest-update-to-podcast-measurement-standards/article_7f2adb96-0967-11ef-b375-cb971c284c14.html

ListenNotes: https://www.listennotes.com/

PodNews: https://podnews.net/ 

Empowered Podcasting Meetup on May 15th in Charlotte: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/podcaster-meetup-charlotte-tickets-890979302077 

Empowered Podcasting Conference: https://empoweredpodcasting.com  

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]