What happens when two podcast strategists collaborate? Well...as Kenny Bania on Seinfeld would say: "Gold, Jerry...GOLD!"

It's Episode 84 of Podcasting Strategy Simplified and in this installment, I'm sharing the mic with my podcasting strategy twin, Courtney Reimer. 

Courtney is the brainchild behind Sounds Great Create Podcast Strategy, the host of a new podcast known as Talking The Talk, and a certified badass in the podcasting space - bringing over 20 years of experience to the table with work at Audible and Spotify as part of her resume. 

This episode ended up being a near 60-minute masterclass of important podcasting tips and strategies you absolutely need to hear. We went into our recording session with no script and no prepared questions, letting organic conversation steer the ship while we dove into as much good information as we could.

After taking in this episode, you'll understand:

✅ Why it took Courtney so long to launch a podcast (and why you should take the queue that the time to launch yours is now)

✅ The beauty of on-demand content (and why ALL episodes in your podcast catalog are valuable)

✅ Common (and uncommon) mistakes we've both made along the way that you can avoid

✅ That you know WAY more about your subject matter than you give yourself credit for (and how to prove it to yourself)

✅ Why it's OK to be terrible in the beginning (and why you need to give yourself space to grow)

Connect with Courtney on Instagram

Listen to my guest appearance on Courtney's podcast, Talking The Talk

Did a tip or strategy from this podcast change the game for you? Buy Me a Coffee to say thanks!

Schedule a Free Discovery Call with Jason Cercone

MUSIC CREDITS:

Podcasting Strategy Simplified: Burn The Track (Inspiring Rock Trailer) by Alex Grohl on pixabay.com

Let's Blow This Up: Aggressive Metal Trailer (Dragon Heart) by Alex Grohl on pixabay.com

Thank you for listening and becoming an official member of The Bomb Squad!

Podcasting isn't easy. But it doesn't need to be complicated either. 

This is advice I share with you every episode, as well as impart on my clients in far more detail as we work through strategy planning, production workflows, coaching sessions, and growth initiatives.

In this special Client Spotlight episode of Podcasting Strategy Simplified, you're getting an up-close look at what it's like to work with me as a coach, mentor, and strategist - right from the mouth of one of my clients!

Today, I'm sharing the mic with Jessica Zeff, founder of Simply Compliance Consulting and host of Compliance Deconstructed, a podcast dedicated to helping healthcare professionals (and those curious about the inner workings of the healthcare industry) gain deeper insights into a myriad of compliance procedures and practices.

Jessica, along with her co-hosts Elvan Baker and Lorie Davis, have been building this podcast for over a year. Today, Jessica's going to share what it's been like to work with me throughout this entire process.

After consuming this episode, you'll understand:

✅ The value of my signature Podcasting Strategy VIP Day and the role it played in Jessica's development in podcasting

✅ Why working with a seasoned strategist and coach can make all the difference in how your show comes to life

✅ The reason you need to get your mindset straight before doing anything else with your podcast

✅ Skills and lessons Jessica has learned throughout her first year in podcasting that you can leverage as well

✅ Why gaining a full understanding of all the moving pieces that go into a podcasting infrastructure is vital to your success

Check out Compliance Deconstructed for yourself!

Did a tip or strategy from this podcast change the game for you? Buy Me a Coffee to say thanks!

Schedule a Free Discovery Call with Jason Cercone

MUSIC CREDITS:

Podcasting Strategy Simplified: Burn The Track (Inspiring Rock Trailer) by Alex Grohl on pixabay.com

Let's Blow This Up: Aggressive Metal Trailer (Dragon Heart) by Alex Grohl on pixabay.com

Thank you for listening and becoming an official member of The Bomb Squad!

It probably sounds crazy to even ask this question, but let's do it anyway: Does featuring guests on your podcast actually hurt your efforts?

Well...it's not a simple yes or no. The answer comes down to many factors.

In Episode 82 of Podcasting Strategy Simplified, I'm diving into this subject and bringing you answers to this burning question. 

After consuming this episode, you'll understand:

✅ When it makes sense to feature guests on your podcast

✅ When it makes sense to keep guests away from your podcast

✅ How to build your podcast around the goals you have in place

✅ What solo content can do for your efforts

✅ The two biggest reasons why creators shy away from solo content (and what you need to know so you never do)

Did a tip or strategy from this podcast change the game for you? Buy Me a Coffee to say thanks!

Schedule a Free Discovery Call with Jason Cercone

MUSIC CREDITS:

Podcasting Strategy Simplified: Burn The Track (Inspiring Rock Trailer) by Alex Grohl on pixabay.com

Let's Blow This Up: Aggressive Metal Trailer (Dragon Heart) by Alex Grohl on pixabay.com

Thank you for listening and becoming an official member of The Bomb Squad!

On Episode 80 of Podcasting Strategy Simplified, I talked about the importance of defining your Why.

And one of the big things you discover when you do this effectively is discovering what type of podcast you should produce. 

Today, on Episode 81, I want to dive deeper into this.

Based on the goals you've set and the time you have at your disposal, leaning into the right podcast type can make or break the results you achieve. 

Producing a podcast that doesn't connect with your brand goals will ultimately lead to burnout and podfade while producing a podcast that does connect will not only help you accomplish your goals, it'll keep you engaged in the creation process.

Once you finish this episode, you'll understand:

✅ Why it's important to choose the right podcast type

✅ The one type of podcast you should NEVER produce

✅ Various types of podcasts and how each serves specific goals and needs

✅ Recommended release frequencies for your podcast type

Did a tip or strategy from this podcast change the game for you? Buy Me a Coffee to say thanks!

Schedule a Free Discovery Call with Jason Cercone

MUSIC CREDITS:

Podcasting Strategy Simplified: Burn The Track (Inspiring Rock Trailer) by Alex Grohl on pixabay.com

Let's Blow This Up: Aggressive Metal Trailer (Dragon Heart) by Alex Grohl on pixabay.com

Thank you for listening and becoming an official member of The Bomb Squad!

Your podcasting strategy will undoubtedly feature many moving pieces. When these pieces work together in harmony, an engaging, purpose-driven podcast is profit. 

But too often, creators put the cart in front of the horse, expecting massive results after taking shortcuts to get things in motion. And after 11+ years in this game, I can tell you...that simply won't fly.

There's a very fundamental element that all new podcasters need to establish before they press record, before they design their cover art, hell...before they even name their show.

And that's what I'm diving into today.

In Episode 80 of Podcasting Strategy Simplified, I'm breaking down the most important aspect of your podcasting strategy: Your WHY.

Defining your Why will be the lifeblood of your production. Take the time to thoroughly vet this out in the early stages of your strategy development and you'll create an axiom that fuels every element of your podcast.

Ignore it and you'll officially take the first step towards lack of commitment, lackluster results, inevitable burnout, and eventual podfade.

After consuming this episode, you'll understand:

✅ Why your Why needs to come first. Period.

✅ What happens when you don't clearly establish your Why

✅ What you should focus on when defining your Why

✅ How other aspects of your podcasting strategy fall into place once you've established your Why

Did a tip or strategy from this podcast change the game for you? Buy Me a Coffee to say thanks!

Schedule a Free Discovery Call with Jason Cercone

MUSIC CREDITS:

Podcasting Strategy Simplified: Burn The Track (Inspiring Rock Trailer) by Alex Grohl on pixabay.com

Let's Blow This Up: Aggressive Metal Trailer (Dragon Heart) by Alex Grohl on pixabay.com

Thank you for listening and becoming an official member of The Bomb Squad!

In the early stages of building your podcast strategy, there are many items to consider. 

But one of the most important aspects that cannot go overlooked is your messaging and positioning.

• What is your podcast's primary purpose?
• Who is your podcast's target consumer?
• How will you make an impact on your audience and get them to take action?

If your podcast lacks effective messaging and positioning, it will struggle to serve its intended purpose. From this comes an inability to grow your audience base, gain followers on other platforms, and generate leads for sales. 

From there, it's frustration, burnout, and podfade (the Three Stooges of podcasting, if you will). 

In Episode 79 of Podcasting Strategy Simplified, we are breaking down the importance of messaging and positioning and showcasing why your podcast will fail without it. To drive this point home, I'm joined by Karina Karn, Founder & Fractional CMO at Choice Decoded. 

Karina has her finger on the pulse for what companies need to implement in order to make a strong connection with their target customers and in this episode, she's sharing how those initiatives translate to your podcasting efforts.

Once you're done listening to this episode, you'll understand:

✅ Why so many brand podcasts fumble when it comes to this critical aspect

✅ The importance of a clearly-defined Call To Action

✅ Why a strong message will guide an audience member to a purchase

✅ How to ensure your podcast's messaging and positioning are on point

Connect with Karina on LinkedIn

Did a tip or strategy from this podcast change the game for you? Buy Me a Coffee to say thanks!

Schedule a Free Discovery Call with Jason Cercone

MUSIC CREDITS:

Podcasting Strategy Simplified: Burn The Track (Inspiring Rock Trailer) by Alex Grohl on pixabay.com

Let's Blow This Up: Aggressive Metal Trailer (Dragon Heart) by Alex Grohl on pixabay.com

Thank you for listening and becoming an official member of The Bomb Squad!

EDIT: 11:06 - Joe Rogan was paid $100 MILLION by Spotify, not $100,000 as I accidentally stated. My bad.

__________________________

Generating revenue from your podcast is most likely one of the top priorities on your podcasting To Do List. 

Naturally, getting something back from the time and effort you're pouring into your show is important. 

But it's even more important to realize that monetization exists on multiple levels. And thinking you're going to get a massive payday the moment you publish your show simply isn't realistic.

In Episode 78 of Podcasting Strategy Simplified, I'm taking a deep dive into podcast monetization and breaking down various ways you can generate income from your show, as well as the different levels where monetization exists.

Once you finish listening to this episode, you'll understand:

✅ A good ad to content ratio standard to adhere to for your podcast

✅ When it makes sense to use traditional ads

✅ How to start small with programs like Buy Me A Coffee

✅ Why affiliate programs are a great way to monetize

✅ The best way to get sponsorships early in the game

✅ Why your product/service is the best form of monetization

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• Learn more about landing sponsorships from Lloyd George on Episode 15 of Let's Blow This Up | Click Here
• Check out my guest appearance on Talking The Talk with Courtney Reimer | Click Here

Did a tip or strategy from this podcast change the game for you? Buy Me a Coffee to say thanks!

Schedule a Free Discovery Call with Jason Cercone

MUSIC CREDITS:

Podcasting Strategy Simplified: Burn The Track (Inspiring Rock Trailer) by Alex Grohl on pixabay.com

Let's Blow This Up: Aggressive Metal Trailer (Dragon Heart) by Alex Grohl on pixabay.com

Thank you for listening and becoming an official member of The Bomb Squad!

What is Episode Flow?

Simply stated, it's the way your podcast flows for a listener or viewer from the second they press play until the very end of the episode.

Episode Flow ie extremely important, yet overlooked and underutilized by many podcasters. Too often, creators inadvertently put roadblocks and obstacles in the way of the content consumers show up for. Items like:

• Huge ad blocks to start the podcast
• Long-winded pre-recorded intros
• Hefty monologues about the upcoming episode
• Bios read verbatim from a website or one-sheet
• "Housekeeping" on items completely unrelated from the show

In other words, anything that can throw a listener or viewer's journey off course. 

In Episode 77 of Podcasting Strategy Simplified, I'm sharing a very simple formula that will help you tighten up your podcast content and publish episodes that increase listenership, boost engagement, and elevate retention.

After you finish this episode, you'll understand:

✅ Why thinking about listener attention spans matter

✅ Key items you need to remove or continue to exclude from your podcast

✅ The reason "Tell us about yourself!" should NEVER be asked to a guest

✅ How to manage Calls To Action (CTAs) on your podcast

✅ The most strategic way to build your podcast episodes to boost impact

Did a tip or strategy from this podcast change the game for you? Buy Me a Coffee to say thanks!

Schedule a Free Discovery Call with Jason Cercone

MUSIC CREDITS:

Podcasting Strategy Simplified: Burn The Track (Inspiring Rock Trailer) by Alex Grohl on pixabay.com

Let's Blow This Up: Aggressive Metal Trailer (Dragon Heart) by Alex Grohl on pixabay.com

Thank you for listening and becoming an official member of The Bomb Squad!

Apple has flipped the podcast world on its head with its announcement of video podcasting coming to their platform. This technology is known as HLS (or HTTP Live Streaming if you're not into the whole brevity thing) and will allow users to seamlessly switch from audio to video and vice versa without skipping a beat.

It will also feature dynamic ad insertion, but that's information I'm not going to dig into until I have to (i.e., when the service is actually live).

What does this mean for podcasting? What does this mean for you?

And, on a broader scale, how does this new feature fit into your podcasting strategy?

I'm tackling all this and more in Episode 76 of Podcasting Strategy Simplified!

After consuming this episode, you'll walk away with:

✅ A better understanding of this new Apple feature

✅ Knowledge on whether you'll ever get to utilize it

✅ What you need to be focused on in light of this news

RESOURCES TO FURTHER YOUR KNOWLEDGE ON THIS NEWS

Elsie Escobar's Video on Instagram (hey, you CAN link right to the video!) --- but just in case that doesn't work, Elsie's IG handle is @theelsieescobar

New Media Show with Rob Greenlee and James Cridland of Podnews breaking down Apple's new video technology

The Buzzsprout Buzzcast Crew talking about the Apple news

Did a tip or strategy from this podcast change the game for you? Buy Me a Coffee to say thanks!

Schedule a Free Discovery Call with Jason Cercone

MUSIC CREDITS:

Podcasting Strategy Simplified: Burn The Track (Inspiring Rock Trailer) by Alex Grohl on pixabay.com

Let's Blow This Up: Aggressive Metal Trailer (Dragon Heart) by Alex Grohl on pixabay.com

Thank you for listening and becoming an official member of The Bomb Squad!

It was February 5th, 2015 when I first pressed record and put together my very first podcast episode. And while that experience did not produce the smoothest of final products, it did reignite a fire inside me...one that told me the podcast medium was where I was meant to exist.

Fast-forward to today, and I couldn't be more "all in" when it comes to podcasting. As you've discovered, I have my own podcast, I started a business focused on podcast strategy and efficient production, I'm partners in building a podcast community and annual conference (Empowered Podcasting), and I'm active in this space on a daily basis.

I've learned a lot in 11 years, and in today's episode of Podcasting Strategy Simplified, I'm going to share some of those insights and lessons with you.

Once you're finished taking in this episode, you'll know: 

✅ Why Strategy Matters Most

✅ What 'ABC' means when it comes to podcasting

✅ Why organic conversation is at the root of the most successful podcasts

✅ How podcasting can serve ALL other marketing platforms

✅ Why you should NEVER be afraid to pivot in your journey

Did a tip or strategy from this podcast change the game for you? Buy Me a Coffee to say thanks!

Schedule a Free Discovery Call with Jason Cercone

MUSIC CREDITS:

Podcasting Strategy Simplified: Burn The Track (Inspiring Rock Trailer) by Alex Grohl on pixabay.com

Let's Blow This Up: Aggressive Metal Trailer (Dragon Heart) by Alex Grohl on pixabay.com

Thank you for listening and becoming an official member of The Bomb Squad!