PodSchool

By Rachel CorbettBusiness Technology Education How To Careers

PodSchool episodes

July 31, 2025Have we over complicated podcasting? | Chat with PodCraft's Matthew McLean
Podcasting has never been a simple “hit record” and you’re done kind of game but the introduction of video has definitely added a new layer of complexity.
The trick is remembering why you’re doing it and who you’re creating for, even when the industry is noisy with trends, hype, and “must‑do” advice.
I recently sat down with Matthew McLean, co‑host of Podcraft, to unpack the state of podcasting right now.
From the ongoing debate about whether we should even be calling it “podcasting” anymore, to how video, monetisation and platform politics are reshaping the space.
We also dive into practical tools and tactics that are helping creators right now, and share why we both think podcasting still has a powerful future if you focus on the fundamentals.
What we cover in this conversation:
Is the term 'podcast' dead?
Why some industry voices are pushing for a rebrand and why many creators (us included) aren’t convinced
Why changing the name ignores the strength of the term 'podcast' and its long and impressive history

Video vs. Audio‑Only Content
Why video is valuable but not a dealbreaker for growth
The hidden complexity of adding full‑length video to your workflow (and why it’s okay to start audio‑only)
Why consistency trumps video for long‑term audience building

Monetisation Challenges with Video
Why dynamic ad serving doesn’t work on major video platforms
How video‑first strategies can unintentionally block traditional podcast ad revenue streams
When baked‑in ads make sense and when they don’t

Platform Control & Algorithm Shifts
How YouTube and Spotify are shaping video podcasting for their own monetisation goals
Why relying on a single platform’s algorithm is risky for podcasters

Championing Audio‑First
Audio as an escape from screens and the pace of short‑form, addictive content
Why long‑form, relationship‑driven podcasting is still a competitive advantage

Tools & Workflow Essentials
ChatGPT for content ideas (without losing your own voice)
Adobe Enhance for audio cleanup
Canva for quick visual creation
Why reliable gear you know well often beats the latest shiny tech

The Growing Complexity of Podcasting
How the industry has changed from the “simpler days”
Balancing innovation with making podcasting accessible for new creators

Hope you enjoy the conversion and make sure you...
Check out: PodCraft & The Podcast Host
Check out: The Indie Podcasters Survey
EPISODE CREDITS:
Hosts: Rachel Corbett & Matthew McLean
LINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:
Download my free podcasting guide
Check out my online podcasting course, PodSchool
Click here to submit a question to the show
Email me: [email protected]
Follow me: Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok or check out my blog or the PodSchool website.
This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Wangal people, of the Eora Nation.
I pay my respects to Elders past and present.
56 min
July 27, 2025How do you book guests for your podcast?
If you want to interview guests onto your podcast, you'll need to reach out to them in a way that feels personal, professional and (most importantly) enticing.
In this episode, I walk you through how you should approach guest booking if you want to get more yeses (and how to avoid feeling disheartened if you don't).
What you’ll learn:
Why your pitch email matters more than you think
What to include (and what to leave out) when you reach out
Tips for making your show appealing to potential guests
How to streamline your guest booking process
The secret to a great guest experience

EPISODE CREDITS:
Host: Rachel Corbett
Editing Assistance: Josh Newth
LINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:
Communities that are designed as networking environments to find podcasts to guest on...
The Podcast Collaborative
Find A Guest, Be A Guest
PodMatch
Matchmaker.FM
Download my free podcasting guide
Check out my online podcasting course, PodSchool
Click here to submit a question to the show
Email me: [email protected]
Follow me: Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok or check out my blog or the PodSchool website.
This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Wangal people, of the Eora Nation.
I pay my respects to Elders past and present.
14 min
July 20, 2025Should you create a transcript for your podcast episodes?
Wondering whether it's worth creating a transcript for your podcast?
In this episode, I explain why transcripts are more useful than ever, not just for accessibility and SEO, but as a way to save time and streamline your content creation workflow.
If you're using AI tools like ChatGPT, a transcript can be the secret to turning one episode into your entire content ecosystem.
What You’ll Learn:
Why podcast transcripts are still important for SEO and accessibility
How transcripts help you repurpose content with AI tools like ChatGPT
What you can create from one transcript (blog posts, captions, emails + more)
Which tools to use to generate and clean your podcast transcripts
The one mistake to avoid when publishing your transcript

EPISODE CREDITS:
Host: Rachel Corbett
Editing Assistance: Josh Newth
LINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:
Download my free podcasting guide
Check out my online podcasting course, PodSchool
Click here to submit a question to the show
Email me: [email protected]
Follow me: Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok or check out my blog or the PodSchool website.
This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Wangal people, of the Eora Nation.
I pay my respects to Elders past and present.
8 min
July 13, 2025Can you use a podcast to build your brand?
If you’re starting from scratch, launching a podcast can feel daunting, especially if you don’t have an audience.
But podcasting is one of the most powerful tools for building trust, authority and connection over time.
In this episode, I share why your voice is your best branding asset, how to use podcasting as the foundation of your content and why consistency matters more than anything.
What You’ll Learn:
Why podcasting builds trust faster than any other medium
How to grow an audience and brand at the same time
Tips for using your podcast as a hub for all your content
Why consistency (not instant results) is the key to success

EPISODE CREDITS:
Host: Rachel Corbett
Editing Assistance: Josh Newth
LINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:
Download my free podcasting guide
Check out my online podcasting course, PodSchool
Click here to submit a question to the show
Email me: [email protected]
Follow me: Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok or check out my blog or the PodSchool website.
This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Wangal people, of the Eora Nation.
I pay my respects to Elders past and present.
9 min
July 06, 2025How to re-record audio without it sounding obvious
Ever had to re-record a section of your podcast and worried it would sound awkward or disconnected?
In this episode, I share simple techniques to make sure your 'pickups' blend seamlessly into your original recording.
What you’ll learn:
When it’s worth re-recording a section of your podcast (and when to leave it)
How to capture ambient noise to cover up your edits
Why recording ‘cold’ doesn't sound natural
Tips for matching mic setups and audio levels
Tricks to smooth transitions in post-production

EPISODE CREDITS:
Host: Rachel Corbett
Editing Assistance: Josh Newth
LINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:
Download my free podcasting guide
Check out my online podcasting course, PodSchool
Click here to submit a question to the show
Email me: [email protected]
Follow me: Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok or check out my blog or the PodSchool website.
This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Wangal people, of the Eora Nation.
I pay my respects to Elders past and present.
13 min
June 29, 2025How do you make money from a podcast?
Can you actually make money from podcasting?
In this episode, I answer one of the most common questions new podcasters ask...how do you make money from a podcast?
The truth is, most podcasts don’t make a dime but that doesn't mean it's not possible for your show.
You just need the right strategy, the right audience and the right expectations.
To help you get to that point, I break down what actually works, what to avoid, and why ads aren’t the only (or best) way to monetise your show.
What you’ll learn:
Why ads aren’t the answer for most shows
Creative ways to monetise with a small audience
How to use your podcast to sell products and services
Why audience value always comes before income
The platforms and tools that make monetisation easier

EPISODE CREDITS:
Host: Rachel Corbett
Editing Assistance: Josh Newth
LINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:
Download my free podcasting guide
Check out my online podcasting course, PodSchool
Click here to submit a question to the show
Email me: [email protected]
Follow me: Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok or check out my blog or the PodSchool website.
This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Wangal people, of the Eora Nation.
I pay my respects to Elders past and present.
19 min
June 22, 2025How do you record people in different locations?
Recording with guests in other cities or countries? You’re not alone.
Remote recording is a BIG part of podcasting, and while Zoom is the default for many, it’s not built for great audio. So what should you use instead?
In this episode, I walk through the best remote recording options and how to make sure your podcast sounds as professional as possible, even if your guest is on the other side of the world.
What you’ll learn:
Why Zoom isn’t ideal for podcast audio
The benefits of remote recording platforms like Riverside and SquadCast
What to do if your guest doesn’t have a mic
Why phone interviews should be your last resort
How to avoid tech headaches and make remote interviews easy

EPISODE CREDITS:
Host: Rachel Corbett
Editing Assistance: Josh Newth
LINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:
Download my free podcasting guide
Check out my online podcasting course, PodSchool
Click here to submit a question to the show
Email me: [email protected]
Follow me: Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok or check out my blog or the PodSchool website.
This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Wangal people, of the Eora Nation.
I pay my respects to Elders past and present.
9 min
June 15, 2025Can you use music in your podcast?
Using music in your podcast can make your show sound polished and professional but it can also get you into serious legal trouble if you don’t know the rules.
In this episode, I answer a listener question about using music in podcasts, and cover when to use it, how to use it well, and how to avoid getting your episodes pulled down by platforms like Spotify.
What You’ll Learn
When and where music works best in a podcast
Why music should never cover up weak content
How to use intro/outro music to make your show sound polished
The licensing risks of using commercial music
What to know about AI music and free libraries
Why “everyone else is doing it” isn’t a good excuse

EPISODE CREDITS:
Host: Rachel Corbett
Editing Assistance: Josh Newth
LINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:
Download my free podcasting guide
Check out my online podcasting course, PodSchool
Click here to submit a question to the show
Email me: [email protected]
Follow me: Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok or check out my blog or the PodSchool website.
This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Wangal people, of the Eora Nation.
I pay my respects to Elders past and present.
17 min
June 08, 2025What's the ideal length for a podcast?
One of the most common questions I get asked is “What’s the ideal length for a podcast?”
And the answer is…there’s no perfect length.
In this episode, I explain what you need to consider when deciding how long your episodes should be, including your audience’s attention span and lifestyle, the quality of your content as well as your own time and energy.
Whether you’re doing solo episodes, interviews, or highly produced content, the key is finding a length you can stick to consistently, without burning out.
What you’ll learn:
Why there’s no “right” podcast length
How your audience influences your decision
The risk of trying to stretch content to fit a time target
How to find a format and length you can commit to
Why consistency matters more than length

EPISODE CREDITS:
Host: Rachel Corbett
Editing Assistance: Josh Newth
LINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:
Download my free podcasting guide
Check out my online podcasting course, PodSchool
Click here to submit a question to the show
Email me: [email protected]
Follow me: Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok or check out my blog or the PodSchool website.
This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Wangal people, of the Eora Nation.
I pay my respects to Elders past and present.
9 min
June 01, 2025What are the hidden costs of podcasting?
It’s easy to assume podcasting is a low-cost content format, and it can be.
But if you’re in this for the long haul, there are a few hidden costs that might catch you off guard.
In this episode, I walk through some of the sneaky expenses new podcasters often overlook, including tech upgrades, marketing tools, podcast hosting, and the biggest cost of all - your time.
What you’ll learn:
The real cost of starting a podcast
Why free tools sometimes cost you more
The one resource new podcasters forget to budget for
How to prep for success without spending a fortune

EPISODE CREDITS:
Host: Rachel Corbett
Editing Assistance: Josh Newth
LINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:
Download my free podcasting guide
Check out my online podcasting course, PodSchool
Click here to submit a question to the show
Email me: [email protected]
Follow me: Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok or check out my blog or the PodSchool website.
This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Wangal people, of the Eora Nation.
I pay my respects to Elders past and present.
10 min