Podcasting Strategy Simplified | The Business Owner's Guide to Podcast Success

*Previously streamed live 5.15.24*

In this installment of Let's Blow This Up Live (recorded live on Wednesday, May 15th, 2024), I'm joined by business strategist, operations expert, and podcaster Jan Ditchfield for an in-depth, candid conversation about:

• The meaning of 'bro' marketing and why it sucks
• The current state of social media and what we need to do to make it 'social' again
• The tight-knit, collaborative nature of the podcast community 
• The value a well-curated podcast brings to your brand
• A mini deep-dive into Friends

Check out what you missed and be sure to join me every Wednesday as Let's Blow This Up goes live to the world! Details below.
________________________

Every Wednesday at 7:00pm EST, I go live and will be joined by a variety of personalities and professionals from across the globe for an unscripted, uncensored conversation.

This livestream is fully interactive and I encourage you to join in the fun by dropping comments and asking questions for us to answer as each episode unfolds.

You can catch the live feed every Wednesday on:

Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube

You can also watch the show and connect to your network of choice at bombtrackmedia.com/live, but you won't be able to participate in the conversation from there.

Every Friday, I will post the audio version of each livestream here on the Let's Blow This Up podcast feed for your audible consumption.

📆 Schedule a Free Strategy Kickstart Call with Jason Cercone

📲 Or Contact Me Directly: [email protected] | 412.965.8428

👉 Got a question you'd like featured on Monday's 5-Minute Questions Series? Send it to me via SpeakPipe

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


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!

*Previously streamed Live 5.8.24*

It's the world premiere of Let's Blow This Up Live! In this debut livestream, Jason Cercone is joined by Steve Radick, Stacy Skiavo, Alexandra Watkins, and Jay Franze - all contributors to the first season of the Let's Blow This Up podcast - for a Season 1 cast reunion.

The crew reflects on the season that was, talks about the current state of branding and marketing, and digs into a variety of other subjects you're sure to find enjoyable.

Relive the world premiere that was in audio format today!
________________________

Every Wednesday at 7:00pm EST, I go live and will be joined by a variety of personalities and professionals from across the globe for an unscripted, uncensored conversation.

This livestream is fully interactive and I encourage you to join in the fun by dropping comments and asking questions for us to answer as each episode unfolds.

You can catch the live feed every Wednesday on:

Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube

You can also watch the show and connect to your network of choice at bombtrackmedia.com/live, but you won't be able to participate in the conversation from there.

Every Friday, I will post the audio version of each livestream here on the Let's Blow This Up podcast feed for your audible consumption.

📆 Schedule a Free Strategy Kickstart Call with Jason Cercone

📲 Or Contact Me Directly: [email protected] | 412.965.8428

👉 Got a question you'd like featured on Monday's 5-Minute Questions Series? Send it to me via SpeakPipe

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


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!

So here's the deal...

Have you ever come across a podcast where the episode listings are a scattered mess in your podcast app?

That's the last thing I wanted to bring your way, so I've decided to label Season 2 here on the Let's Blow This Up podcast feed as the official home of the audio replays of my new weekly livestream, Let's Blow This Up Live.

Every Wednesday at 8:00pm EST, I'll be going live and will be joined by a variety of personalities and professionals from across the globe for an unscripted, uncensored conversation.

The livestream is fully interactive and I encourage you to join in the fun by dropping comments and asking questions for us to answer as each episode unfolds.

You can catch the live feed on:

Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube

You can also watch the show and connect to your network of choice at bombtrackmedia.com/live, but you won't be able to participate in the conversation from there.

Every Friday, I will post the audio version of each livestream here on the Let's Blow This Up podcast feed for your audible consumption.

I look forward to continuing to blow this up...now, in live format!

📆 Schedule a Free Strategy Kickstart Call with Jason Cercone

📲 Or Contact Me Directly: [email protected] | 412.965.8428

👉 Got a question you'd like featured on Monday's 5-Minute Questions Series? Send it to me via SpeakPipe

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


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!

Get more from this episode on the Bombtrack Media Blog

In the Season 1 finale of Let's Blow This Up, Jason Cercone shares strategies and insights for leveraging podcasting for your brand, as well as the importance of building your podcast with the right strategy and the right mindset.

3 Big Takeaways From This Episode

1. Podcasting is the ultimate form of content creation. It gives you the ability to build audio, video, and written content (achieved through transcription) that can elevate your brand presence throughout your digital footprint
2. The podcast medium is for more than just content creation. It's also the greatest platform for connection, collaboration, community, and high-level networking
3. Producing your podcast in season format is the smartest move you can make. Especially if you're busy building your brand. A season format allows you efficiently create content that serves as an asset for your efforts while also giving you much-needed breaks so you can keep attention on your other responsibilities

Connect with Jason: Website | Email | LinkedIn

Digging Deeper Into This Episode:

Why Should You Lean Into Podcasting For Your Brand?

It's 2024 and podcasting continues its ascension as one of the most popular mediums on the planet. While many argue that video is king, there's a strong argument that says podcasts are fighting for the throne.

The biggest reason is the versatility of podcast content. If you record your podcast for video and audio, the amount of repurposing you can do to enhance your presence throughout your entire digital footprint is a total game-changer. Read More

Why Do So Many Podcasts Fail After Releasing Just a Few Episodes?

The statistics surrounding podcast creation are pretty scary. If you do some Googling, you'll discover research that shows most podcasters don't get beyond 8 episodes.

Or that of the 5 million+ shows listed on Apple Podcasts, less than 1 million have produced new content in the last 90 days.

Or that 44% of listed podcasts have three episodes or fewer.

Why is this? I have some theories. Read More

The Best Way For Busy Professionals to Produce Podcast Content

If you run a business, you know how many responsibilities you have on your plate. Does it sound realistic to start producing a podcast at least once a week...or even more? 

If it does, great! Run with it. But I'm willing to bet the numbers I shared a moment ago are a direct result of the creators not factoring in the amount of time it takes to produce podcast content. Read More

📆 Schedule a Free Strategy Kickstart Call with Jason Cercone

📲 Or Contact Me Directly: [email protected] | 412.965.8428

👉 Got a question you'd like featured on Monday's 5-Minute Questions Series? Send it to me via SpeakPipe

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


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!

Get more from this episode on the Bombtrack Media Blog

In Season 1 Episode 7 of Let's Blow This Up, Michele Colella, Owner of The Beauty Boost - Pittsburgh, provides tips, strategies, and advice for balancing a full-time job, starting and maintaining your own business, and keeping your mental health in check.

3 Big Takeaways From This Episode

1. You're not the first person to launch a brand while also working full-time and you won't be the last. In order to do this effectively, it's important to strike a balance in your world that allows you to do both to the best of your ability. Don't try to move too fast or accomplish too much all at once or else several things could unravel...including your mental health
2. When your mental health is out of sorts, you're no good to anyone. You can't do your job effectively or serve those who need you. It's imperative to prioritize mental health and never ignore the key items your mind and body need - sleep, proper nutrition, exercise, social interaction, and more
3. Time blocking will play a key role in your ability to effectively manage launching and maintaining a brand while also working full-time. Set non-negotiable times with yourself on a daily basis and use those times to accomplish the most important tasks in front of you

Connect with Michele: Website | Beauty Boost on IG | Michele on IG

Diving Deeper Into This Episode:

How to Balance Launching a Brand While Working a Full-Time Job

Launching a new brand is never easy. Even if you have an abundance of time on your hands, the rigors of ensuring everything runs smoothly demands a lot from you.

So what happens when you want to launch a new brand...but also have a full-time job

Guess what? Those demands don't change! It's on you to effectively manage your time so your brand gets off the ground while you don't shirk responsibilities at your full-time gig. Read More

What Happens When You Don't Emphasize Mental Health?

In the simplest of terms, things start to derail rather quickly. You may think you have a firm handle on everything that's happening and issues may seem small, but even the small things compound into a much larger problem over time.

If your mental health is off-balance, you're no good to anyone. You can't be at your best for those you serve, whether it's at your full-time job, building your brand, or your loved ones at home. Read More

📆 Schedule a Free Strategy Kickstart Call with Jason Cercone

📲 Or Contact Me Directly: [email protected] | 412.965.8428

👉 Got a question you'd like featured on Monday's 5-Minute Questions Series? Send it to me via SpeakPipe

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


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!

Get more from this episode on the Bombtrack Media Blog

In Season 1 Episode 6 of Let's Blow This Up, Cassie Brkich, Founder of Brkich Design Group, shares her insights on growing your brand strategically, as well as ideas on how to operate and communicate more creatively.

3 Big Takeaways From This Episode

1. Trying to grow fast may seem like the right course of action, but there are a lot of things that can unravel if you're not ready to scale effectively. Growing for the sake of growing is never the right answer.
2. Branding is what people think of you already. It's not just a logo - it's your messaging, imagery, physical creative, and other aspects that brings you front of mind when people think about your or other brands in your space.
3. We live in a world where it's highly likely you're reading this message on a smartphone that has a built-in camera you can use whenever you wish. In other words, the excuses to not utilize video (even if it makes you uncomfortable) are getting thinner and thinner. If shooting a video makes you uncomfortable, use your phone to practice without posting for public consumption.

Connect with Cassie: Website | Instagram

Diving Deeper Into This Episode:

The Keys to Efficient & Strategic Brand Growth

It may seem tempting to grow your brand as fast as possible, right? After all, the faster you scale, the sooner you can start reaping all those rewards you see others posting on Instagram.

But the reality is, if you try to grow too quickly or, more importantly, before you're ready for it, things can unravel rather quickly. Read More

Why is Branding More Than Just Your Logo?

Branding is what people think of you already. It's the imagery, messaging, logo, and physical creative your brand has in play that people think of when you cross their mind.

Often times, branding gets lumped into being about your logo, but it runs much deeper. Read More

Why You Can't Overlook Video In 2024 and Beyond

It's 2024 as I bring this episode this podcast and subsequent blog post your way. Video is all the rage and, quite frankly, I believe we take for granted how easy it is to communicate via video, whether it's direct through email or through posts on our website and social media that reach members of our audience. Read More

Solid Tips For Breaking Out of a Creative Rut

Have you hit a wall creatively? Here's some tips to get back on track...Read More

📆 Schedule a Free Strategy Kickstart Call with Jason Cercone

📲 Or Contact Me Directly: [email protected] | 412.965.8428

👉 Got a question you'd like featured on Monday's 5-Minute Questions Series? Send it to me via SpeakPipe

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


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!

Get more from this episode on the Bombtrack Media Blog

In Season 1 Episode 5 of Let's Blow This Up, podcaster extraordinaire Jay Franze joins the show to share insights about his podcast and how he's used it to establish his personal brand over the years.

3 Big Takeaways From This Episode

1. A podcast is a tremendous vehicle for establishing your personal brand because it gives you the ability to consistently communicate with targeted audience members and position yourself as a resource, asset, and thought leader they can trust
2. Podcasting is more than just recording audio. It's a collaborative platform and community that allows you to build meaningful, lucrative relationships with those you connect with
3. Featuring a celebrity or VIP on your podcast can be great, but it's important to treat them the same as any guest you've ever had. Try to get the best conversation they've ever had on your show and challenge them with questions that stimulate a response they've never gave. At the end of the day, it's up to you to deliver for your audience, regardless of the stature of your guest

Connect with Jay: Website & Podcast | Instagram

Diving Deeper Into This Episode:

How Does a Podcast Establish Your Personal Brand?

When you host your own podcast, your voice takes center stage each and every time you release new content. In a lot of cases, you're sharing that stage with a guest. But make no mistake about it, your voice is the one listeners hear each time they consume new episodes...thus building a powerful bond that can carry you and your brand to soaring heights. Read More

What Is the Most Valuable Part of Podcasting?

There is a long list of benefits that come from podcasting, including but not limited to everything I mentioned in the previous section, the ability to amplify your message globally, and being part of a hot medium that has nowhere to go but up.

But if you ask Jay and myself, the most valuable part of podcasting is...Read More

How to Treat a Celebrity or VIP On Your Podcast

You may think landing a VIP or celebrity guest on your podcast is the one thing that's going to make your show blow up. And while in most cases it'll add a lot of new eyes and ears to the episode that features said VIP or celebrity, there are other factors in play. Read More

📆 Schedule a Free Strategy Kickstart Call with Jason Cercone

📲 Or Contact Me Directly: [email protected] | 412.965.8428

👉 Got a question you'd like featured on Monday's 5-Minute Questions Series? Send it to me via SpeakPipe

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


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!

Get more from this episode on the Bombtrack Media Blog

In Season 1 Episode 4 of Let's Blow This Up, Dr. Tanya Kindel shares her approach to shifting your mindset towards putting emphasis on solutions instead of staying fixated on problems.

3 Big Takeaways From This Episode

1. Any major change in your life has to be internal. There is not external solution to an internal problem
2. As humans, we are hard-wired for survival. So much so, we often let survival ideals overtake our thinking and prevent us from finding ways to thrive 
3. The biggest thing people want is freedom from the worry. They don't want to be wrapped up in the lack in their life and seek freedom from the consumption of negative thoughts of what overwhelms them - debt, being overweight, bad relationships, etc.

Connect with Tanya on her website

Diving Deeper Into This Episode:

How to Shift From Survival Mode to Thriving Mode

Whether you're entrenched in getting a new brand off the ground, keeping an existing brand churning, or making strides towards your next big business milestone, you've undoubtedly felt that pang of self-doubt that makes you question everything you're doing. Sometimes, it seems like every action is done strictly for survival...with little attention spent on what can be done to make you thrive.

This, of course, doesn't just apply to business. This mindset is applicable to all aspects of life and it's more than likely been something that's weighed on you at some point in your existence.  Read More

Why All Major Changes Have to Happen Internally First

Change can't happen by acquiring money, cars, a house, fame, etc. Those are all external changes that can enter your life and, while they may all be great, they do nothing to solve the real problems inside yourself.

There are plenty of people in this world who've accumulated massive amounts of wealth. But you pull back the curtain and pure chaos is revealed. Relationships are a mess. Perhaps their health is failing. Read More

📆 Schedule a Free Strategy Kickstart Call with Jason Cercone

📲 Or Contact Me Directly: [email protected] | 412.965.8428

👉 Got a question you'd like featured on Monday's 5-Minute Questions Series? Send it to me via SpeakPipe

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


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!

Get more from this episode on the Bombtrack Media Blog

In Season 1 Episode 3 of Let's Blow This Up, food influencer Stacy Skiavo breaks down what it takes to build an influencer brand in today's fast-paced, constantly-changing social media landscape.

3 Big Takeaways From This Episode

1. Influencers are tremendous storytellers and do a remarkable job helping brands project their message to a wider audience
2. In order to gain traction on today's fast-paced Web, you need to establish your own brand and personality (don't mimic others), lean into the type of content that's garnering engagement on your chosen platform, and embrace the value of community and connect with other influencers in your space
3. Don't be afraid to evolve and make changes when needed in order to keep our influence relevant

Connect with Stacy: Instagram | TikTok | LinkedIn

Diving Deeper Into This Episode:

How Do Influencers Help Businesses Tell Stories?

With so many options available for consumers, it's important for brands to make powerful connections that get people invested, intrigued, and captivated. And, since said people are humans, one universal truth rings true: we are all suckers for a great story. Read More

What Does It Take to Be An Influencer On Today's Internet?

There's no question the game has changed when it comes to building influence on social media. All platforms are algorithm-driven and feature millions of posts going live every minute trying to capture a user's attention. There's much more competition than year's past and the style of content that stops a person's scroll is changing constantly. Read More

How to Avoid Having a Shelf Life As An Influencer

We know the Internet is a crowded place. Every day, new people are creating accounts and looking to carve out their little piece of web success.

So how do you "protect your turf" once you've established presence as an influencer and avoid being cast off as "outdated?" Read More

📆 Schedule a Free Strategy Kickstart Call with Jason Cercone

📲 Or Contact Me Directly: [email protected] | 412.965.8428

👉 Got a question you'd like featured on Monday's 5-Minute Questions Series? Send it to me via SpeakPipe

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


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!

Get more from this episode on the Bombtrack Media Blog

In Season 1 Episode 2 of Let's Blow This Up, the Queen of Brand Naming, Alexandra Watkins, discusses the importance of a strong brand name and how to test YOUR brand name to make sure it's up to par.

3 Big Takeaways From This Episode

1. The name of your brand is something you need to take very seriously, right from the start. There's so much positive that can happen with a powerful brand name...just as there's so much negative that can happen with a weak one.
2. Regardless of how long your brand has been in existence, it's never too late to change your name. If you feel a rebrand is in order, don't let tenure be what prevents you from changing to something that could elevate you in a profound way.
3. Pick a name that stands out, makes an emotional connection, and makes people smile - versus picking one that falls flat, blends in, and makes people scratch their heads and ponder what you were thinking.

Connect With Alexandra: Website | Instagram | Buy Her Book

Diving Deeper Into This Episode:

The Value of a Powerful Brand Name

Who is Jimmy Donaldson? At first glance, that name most likely sounds pretty common and not one that grabs your attention.

But what if I told you that Jimmy Donaldson is one of the most recognizable figures on the face of the earth? Read More

The Key Elements of Alexandra's S.M.I.L.E. Test

The S.M.I.L.E. Test earns its name because it will help you create a brand name that makes people smile. As opposed to a name that makes people scratch their heads, which you'll learn more about in the next section. Read More

The 'Dark Side' of Brand Names: Breaking Down Alexandra's S.C.R.A.T.C.H. Test

Unfortunately, there are a lot of names out there that will make you, as the acronym suggests, scratch your head and wonder "WTF were they thinking?"

If you follow Alexandra's advice, this is a trap you can avoid. Read More

📆 Schedule a Free Strategy Kickstart Call with Jason Cercone

📲 Or Contact Me Directly: [email protected] | 412.965.8428

👉 Got a question you'd like featured on Monday's 5-Minute Questions Series? Send it to me via SpeakPipe

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


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!