Hey, it's Chris — and this episode is unlike any I've ever done.

I'm pulling back the curtain on everything:

Yes, Podtastic Audio is officially coming to an end. Yes, my marriage is over. But... something new is starting. And I’m more excited than ever.

In this bonus episode, I get real about the personal struggles I’ve been navigating — divorce, selling the house, stepping away from podcasting — and how all of that led me to my next big project: Cool Cars with Chris 🚗🔥

If you’ve ever hit rock bottom and wondered how to rebuild from something you love — this one’s for you.

🚘 What We Talk About:

• Why Podtastic Audio had to end
• How my divorce changed everything
• What inspired Cool Cars with Chris
• My lifelong obsession with cars, off-roading, and motorsports
• The plan: YouTube, podcasting, interviews, 4K video, and more
• Building from scratch — gear, guests, Instagram, and going viral
• Why I’m more motivated now than ever before 

📲 Follow the New Journey:

 📺 YouTube – Cool Cars with Chris

📸 Instagram – @CoolCarsWithChris619

🚘 Website coming soon!

Whether you’ve been with me since the start or just found this show, thank you. I hope you’ll join me in the driver's seat for this next chapter. – Chris

Why I’m Ending Podtastic Audio — A Personal Farewell to Podcasting

After years of helping indie podcasters improve their sound and stay inspired, this is the final episode of Podtastic Audio.

In this honest and personal farewell, I open up about why I’ve decided to end the show, how podcasting changed my life, and where things are headed next.

Whether you’ve been here since episode one or just found the show, thank you for being part of the journey.

🎧 In this episode, I talk about:

• Why I’m stepping away from podcasting (for now)
• The story behind starting Podtastic Audio during the 2020 lockdowns
• Lessons from the Kris and Kristine Show and the indie podcast scene
• What happens when life shifts and your passion projects need to pause
• Why most podcasts podfade — and why that’s okay
• Thoughts on AI in podcasting and staying human in a tech-heavy space
• Where I might go next — YouTube, vlogging, or something new
• A full replay of Episode 1 to bring things full circle

▶️ Plus: Listen to the very first solo episode I ever recorded — raw, nervous, and 100% real.

🎵 Ends with the Podtastic Audio theme song

The Podtastic Playbook: How to Build, Grow, and Monetize Your Podcast

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Podgagement® (formerly “My Podcast Reviews”) is all about simplifying your podcasting and helping you engage your audience and grow your podcast!

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00:00 - Farewell message: Why this is the last episode

00:33 - How Podtastic Audio began (from Kris & Kristine Show)

01:30 - Podcasting boom during 2020 and pandemic shows

02:43 - Most hobby podcasts fade without audience or strategy

04:08 - Companion to Kris & Kristine Show and early learning curve

05:14 - Divorce, podfade, and personal challenges

06:40 - Letting go and reevaluating priorities

07:49 - Creative passions and content love

08:22 - Not tied to companies — an indie perspective

09:29 - Authenticity vs. industry agendas

10:14 - The cost of podcasting events vs. ROI

11:22 - Podcasting as a hobby (and expense)

12:09 - Life demands a pause from content creation

13:14 - Losing spark after relationship ended

14:42 - AI-generated podcasts and the soul of audio

16:08 - The future of content in the AI age

17:05 - New creative direction: YouTube & travel vlog

18:42 - Real-world video content and possibilities

20:08 - What creators should ask before launching

21:19 - Thank you to listeners and final reflections

21:57 - Intro to Episode 1 playback

22:30 - Replay of Podtastic Audio Episode 1

44:33 - Podtastic Audio theme song begins

If you're an indie podcaster who's ever felt completely drained, discouraged, or on the verge of giving up... you're not alone. In this brutally honest episode, I open up about the real-life challenges I've been facing—personally and creatively—and how podcasting has both helped and hurt along the way.

From going through divorce, to ending The Kris and Kristine Show, to watching the numbers on this very podcast unexpectedly grow—this episode is raw, vulnerable, and 100% real.

I'm not here to sugarcoat the podcasting journey. I'm here to talk about the parts no one tells you when you’re first setting up your mic and dreaming big:

• What happens when your co-host leaves... and it’s also your spouse.
• What it’s like to podcast while selling your house and dealing with life-altering burnout.
• How to keep creating even when it feels pointless.
• And why authenticity, not algorithms, is still your biggest advantage.

🎧 In This Episode, I Cover:

• The messy, emotional side of independent podcasting
• Why downloads aren’t the only thing that matter (but still hurt when they’re low)
• The difference between being “seen” on TikTok vs. being heard on a podcast
• How I built Podtastic Audio during the peak of The Kris and Kristine Show
• Real, actionable tips to keep going when your motivation is at zero

Whether you’re a solo podcaster, part of a co-hosted show, or just feeling like no one’s listening—this episode is for you.

The Podtastic Playbook: How to Build, Grow, and Monetize Your Podcast

• Amazon Kindle 
• Apple Books
• Barnes and Noble
• Other Bookstores

Over 25,000 podcasters use Podpage! Create your own podcast website that looks great, runs smoothly, and is optimized for search engines. Get started today! Podpage Link

Podgagement® (formerly “My Podcast Reviews”) is all about simplifying your podcasting and helping you engage your audience and grow your podcast!

Podgagement Link 

Thanks so much for listening, I really appreciate it so much. Sign up for my newsletter so you never miss a moment. Podtastic Audio Newsletter

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00:00 When Life Gets Messy… and You Still Hit Record

01:05 Why Audio Podcasting Still Matters

03:22 What People Think Podcasting Is

04:24 Starting The Kris and Kristine Show

06:17 Lockdown Interviews & Cleanfeed Lessons

08:03 The End of the Show—and the Relationship

09:44 Selling the House, Selling the Dream

11:00 Podtastic Audio’s Growth (and What It Means)

13:02 Indie Podcasting Realities: Burnout & Walls

14:15 Why Personality Beats AI and Trends

16:08 The Numbers Game: Podcasting vs. TikTok

18:13 Why Podcast Discovery Is So Much Harder

20:11 Authenticity and Consistency in a Noisy World

22:10 Tip 1: Short, Honest Episodes

23:07 Tip 2: Rerun Past Episodes with a Fresh Intro

24:13 Tip 3: Batch Record When You’re Feeling Good

25:02 Tip 4: Cut the Overproduction, Keep It Simple

26:34 Tip 5: Talk to One Person—Not an Audience

28:01 It's Okay to Pause (Even If You’re Not Done Yet)

30:04 Podcasting Isn’t Just for the Big Guys

30:26 🎵 Outro: “Podtastic Audio Anthem”

#IndiePodcaster #PodcastingLife #PodcastBurnout #PodcastStruggles #PodcastTips #SoloPodcasting #PodcastAdvice #PodcastGrowth #AuthenticPodcasting #PodcastJourney #WhyPodcastingMatters #PodcastingThroughIt #PodcastMotivation #PodcastingWhileBurntOut #RealTalkPodcast #PodcastBreakup #PodcastingTruth #PodcastConsistency #PodcastingOverVideo #PodcastingReality #ContentCreationStruggles #PodcastingWithHeart #PodcastSupport #PodcastHelp #KeepPodcasting

Elevate your podcasting game with Riverside.fm's studio-quality recordings, lightning-fast editing, and enhanced streaming capabilities—try it today! Get 15% off with discount code Podtastic 

Riverside.Fm 

This week on Podtastic Audio, I took on a wild experiment: what if you didn’t have a human co-host… but an AI one instead? Yep, in this episode, I actually had a full-on conversation with ChatGPT to find out if AI could pull it off as a podcast partner.

We cover a lot — from what a podcast even is (seriously, I told ChatGPT to pretend it didn’t know), to how indie podcasters like us can use AI tools to plan, edit, organize, and even improve our show’s workflow.

You’ll hear what worked, what didn’t, and why I think AI still has a long way to go before it can totally replace that real human connection — but man, it’s getting close.

🤖 In This Episode:

• Can AI really host a podcast?
• My recorded conversation with ChatGPT (including a funny moment about AM radio) 
• How to explain podcasting to someone who’s never heard one
• Smart ways to use AI for show planning and content discovery
• Editing tips for busy indie creators
• What to do when guests have bad audio
• Interview advice (especially for nervous or quiet guests)
• Audio vs. video podcasting: where should you focus?

This was one of the most unique episodes I’ve ever made — and honestly, it made me think about the future of podcasting in a whole new way. If you’re a solo podcaster or just AI-curious, give this one a spin. 🎧 Want to try your own AI co-host experiment? Let me know how it goes — I’d love to hear about it!

The Podtastic Playbook: How to Build, Grow, and Monetize Your Podcast

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• Other Bookstores

Over 25,000 podcasters use Podpage! Create your own podcast website that looks great, runs smoothly, and is optimized for search engines. Get started today! Podpage Link

Podgagement® (formerly “My Podcast Reviews”) is all about simplifying your podcasting and helping you engage your audience and grow your podcast!

Podgagement Link 

Thanks so much for listening, I really appreciate it so much. Sign up for my newsletter so you never miss a moment. Podtastic Audio Newsletter

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00:00 - Can AI Replace Your Co-Host?

00:25 - Welcome to Podtastic Audio

00:40 - Meet Chris, Your Host

00:58 - Why Riverside is a Game-Changer

01:46 - AI Tools Built into Riverside

02:56 - The Rise of AI Content

04:00 - Viral AI Videos and Talking Babies

05:05 - The Cost of AI Tools for Creators

06:00 - The Scroll-Stopping Power of Real Humans

07:03 - Talking to ChatGPT: The Experiment Begins

08:05 - What’s a Podcast? Explained to “Dad”

10:15 - You Could Start a Podcast Too

12:17 - Podcasting’s Global Flexibility

14:05 - Mac vs. PC for Podcasters

15:33 - Editing Challenges with AI Voices

16:44 - Phase 2: ChatGPT as Full-On Co-Host

17:55 - Using AI to Plan Podcast Episodes

19:11 - AI for Show Notes and Content Discovery

21:10 - Advice for First-Time Podcasters

22:33 - Editing Yourself vs. Hiring Help

24:30 - Batch Recording: Pros and Pitfalls

26:10 - Are You Rusty After a Break?

27:24 - Interview Tips for Indie Podcasters

28:44 - Dealing with Dry or Nervous Guests

31:10 - What If a Guest Has Bad Audio?

33:10 - Best AI Tools to Fix Audio

34:50 - How to Market Your Podcast

35:54 - What Does “Value” to Your Audience Really Mean?

36:26 - Video vs. Audio Podcasting

37:09 - Final Thoughts on AI Co-Hosts

38:19 - Recording Setup Using RODECaster Pro II

40:03 - Is ChatGPT 5 the Future of AI Podcasting?

41:18 - Connect with Chris + Final Sign-Off

#PodcastingTips #IndiePodcaster #AIinPodcasting #ChatGPT #PodcastCoHost #AIContentCreation #PodcastTools #ContentWithAI #VoiceAI #PodcastEditing #SoloPodcasting #PodcastWorkflow #PodcastProduction #CreativePodcasting #PodcastAI #PodcastExperiment #AudioQualityMatters #PodcastStrategy #PodcastAdvice #PodcastGrowth #PodcastersOfInstagram #PodcastLife #FutureOfPodcasting #ChatGPTPodcast #PodtasticAudio

So, Libsyn just flipped the script on podcast monetization.

No more minimum download requirements. That’s right — whether your show gets 5 downloads or 5,000, you can now run programmatic ads and make some money just for publishing your podcast. But here's the real question: just because you can… should you?

In this episode of Podtastic Audio, we dig into what this change really means for indie podcasters. Is this the golden ticket to finally “getting paid,” or does it risk turning your passion project into a string of ads your listeners skip in 30 seconds flat?

We’re talking:

🎯 What Libsyn’s new ad rules actually are (and what types of content still don’t qualify)

💵 How much money you realistically can expect to make as a small show

🤖 The pros and cons of running automatic ads vs. host-read spots

🎙️ Better ways to monetize — like affiliate links, listener tips, and actually selling something

❤️ Why podcasting for the love of it still matters more than CPMs or download stats

If you’ve ever been asked “How much money do you make from your podcast?” — or wondered if you should be monetizing at all — this episode was made for you.

And hey, if you’re already running Libsyn ads, I’d love to hear how it’s working out. Spoiler alert: it might only cover your hosting… but maybe that’s enough.

The Podtastic Playbook: How to Build, Grow, and Monetize Your Podcast

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 Over 25,000 podcasters use Podpage! Create your own podcast website that looks great, runs smoothly, and is optimized for search engines. Get started today! Podpage Link

Podgagement® (formerly “My Podcast Reviews”) is all about simplifying your podcasting and helping you engage your audience and grow your podcast!

Podgagement Link

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00:00 - Libsyn Opens Ads to All Podcasters

00:24 - Welcome to Podtastic Audio

01:04 - Why Audio Podcasting Still Wins

01:40 - Apple Podcasts and Simplicity

03:07 - What is “Podcasting Classic”?

03:35 - Choosing a Podcast Media Host

04:43 - How Podcast Hosting Works

06:23 - Libsyn’s New Ad Policy: No More Minimums

07:29 - Can Any Show Really Make Money Now?

08:43 - My First Experience with Paid Ads

10:10 - Host-Read Ads vs. Programmatic Ads

11:11 - Why the 2,000 Download Rule is Gone

12:09 - Content That Still Doesn’t Qualify

13:38 - Realistic Earnings from Libsyn Ads

14:30 - Breaking Down CPM and Payout Math

15:46 - Monetizing Your Back Catalog

17:07 - Why Did Libsyn Change Their Policy?

18:29 - Advertisers and Micro Shows

19:13 - Libsyn’s Business Strategy

20:10 - Do Indie Podcasters *Need* to Monetize?

20:48 - The “How Much Do You Make?” Question

21:45 - Success Without Money or Downloads

22:14 - Why Fun Comes First in Podcasting

24:04 - Pros of Running Ads on Libsyn

26:17 - The Downsides of Programmatic Ads

28:17 - Losing Control of Your Content

28:37 - When Ads Ruin the Listener Experience

29:42 - Skipping Ads is Easy (and Common)

31:07 - Better Monetization: Host-Read Ads & Affiliates

32:20 - Patreon, Tips & Listener Support

33:28 - Selling Services or Coaching

34:41 - Don’t Turn Your Show into a Commercial

35:07 - Podcasting for Love, Not Just Money

36:02 - Audio Podcasting = Personal Connection

37:14 - Thinking About Running Libsyn Ads?

37:25 - Final Thanks & Outro 3

38:25 - “Podtastic Audio” Theme Song

#Podcasting #IndiePodcast #PodcastCreator #PodcastTips #PodcastLife #PodcastMonetization #PodcastAds #PodcastRevenue #CPM #MakeMoneyPodcasting #Libsyn #PodcastHosting #PodcastTools #ProgrammaticAds #PodcastPlatforms #GrowYourPodcast #PodcastStrategy #PodcastMarketing #HostReadAds #PodcastSuccess

Elevate your podcasting game with Riverside.fm's studio-quality recordings, lightning-fast editing, and enhanced streaming capabilities—try it today! Get 15% off with discount code Podtastic 

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So I took a trip to Vegas with my kids to see Kenny Chesney at the brand-new Sphere… and let me tell you, this place is insane. Think 16K visuals wrapped around you, 20,000 speakers, and a seat that literally vibrates with the bass. Wild.

But while I was sitting there, totally immersed in this billion-dollar light show, something clicked—and it has everything to do with your podcast.

In this episode, I’m sharing the wild Vegas story (yes, there’s a flower-themed hotel room involved), but more importantly, I’m breaking down a key lesson: your content has to stand on its own. If your podcast can’t hold up without flashy video or AI-enhanced effects, then what are we really doing?

We’ll talk:

• What the Sphere experience taught me about real, effective content
• Why audio-only still matters (and honestly might be better)
• How video can help—but also hurt—your show if it’s distracting
• The pressure podcasters feel to go “full video” and why you don’t have to

This one’s packed with a story, a little inspiration, and a reminder to keep things real. Because if Kenny Chesney can crush it with just his guitar and a mic—so can you.

🎧 Listen in and ask yourself: Would your podcast still work if it were audio-only?

The Podtastic Playbook: How to Build, Grow, and Monetize Your Podcast

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Over 25,000 podcasters use Podpage! Create your own podcast website that looks great, runs smoothly, and is optimized for search engines. Get started today! Podpage Link

Podgagement® (formerly “My Podcast Reviews”) is all about simplifying your podcasting and helping you engage your audience and grow your podcast!

Podgagement Link 

Thanks so much for listening, I really appreciate it so much. Sign up for my newsletter so you never miss a moment. Podtastic Audio Newsletter

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00:00 – Inside the Vegas Sphere with Kenny Chesney

00:48 – Welcome to Podtastic Audio

01:06 – Why I Love Podcasting

01:21 – Sponsor Message: Recording Like a Pro

02:54 – Road Trip to Vegas with My Kids

05:13 – The Flower-Themed Hotel Suite Surprise

07:13 – Poolside Vibes and Irish Accents

07:57 – Who is Kenny Chesney? (Artist Overview)

10:10 – What Is the Sphere? (Venue Breakdown)

13:22 – Immersive Visuals You Have to See to Believe

14:10 – But What Does This Have to Do with Podcasting?

15:26 – Good Audio > Video Fluff

17:03 – My Take on Video Podcasts

18:35 – How Video Can Distract You (and Your Guest)

19:26 – Audio-Only = Better Listening

20:13 – Build Your Show on Substance, Not Just Style

21:04 – If It’s Not Audio-First, It’s Not a Podcast

22:01 – How I’d Do a YouTube Channel Differently

23:46 – Final Thoughts: Your Audio Should Stand Alone

#PodcastTips #PodcastingLife #AudioFirst #PodcastCreator #ContentCreation #PodcastStrategy #PodcasterLife #KennyChesney #VegasSphere #LasVegasTrip #ContentMatters #PodcastAdvice #PodcastGrowth #VideoVsAudio #PodcastMarketing #AudioMatters #IndiePodcaster #PodcastEducation #SphereVegas #CreativeContent #PodcastingJourney #BehindTheMic #PodcastingTools #NoFluffContent #StorytellingMatters

🎙️ What if I told you a single click could count as a podcast download—even if no one actually listens? Wild, right?

In this episode of Podtastic Audio, I uncover a powerful (and often misused) feature hidden inside major podcast hosting platforms like Buzzsprout, Libsyn, and Captivate — a direct MP3 link that auto-downloads and plays your episode. No app. No login. Just one click.

But here’s the deal: while shady marketers use this trick to fake their numbers with bots and browser hacks, I’m showing you how to flip the script and use it the right way — with full transparency and 100% real audience growth.

As an indie podcaster, you're already wearing all the hats: recording, editing, promoting — and you're doing it with passion. That’s why this episode is all about giving you a smart, ethical way to increase real podcast downloads, reduce friction for your listeners, and simplify your marketing flow.

💡 Whether you're podcasting for fun, business, or both — this little-known trick can help more people actually hear what you’ve worked so hard to create.

🔍 In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• 🎯 What actually counts as a podcast download (and what doesn’t)
• ⚠️ How shady promoters game the system with fake stats
• 🤖 Why bots and hidden click tricks are flooding download numbers
• ✅ The ethical way to use direct MP3 links to grow your show
• 📈 How to make it super easy for real people to click, listen, and enjoy
• 💬 Tips for testing download traffic across social media, email, and more

🔗 Your Action Steps:

1. Grab your direct MP3 link from your media host
2. Share it with a clear call-to-action like “Play now — no app needed!”
3. Test it on different platforms (social, email, link in bio, etc.)
4. Watch your stats — and focus on the numbers that actually matter

If you’ve been wondering how certain shows with only a few followers seem to rack up thousands of downloads… this is the behind-the-scenes scoop they won’t tell you.

And if you give this strategy a shot — let me know! I’d love to hear if it helps boost your reach in a real and meaningful way.

💻 Connect with me at PodtasticAudio.com

If this episode brought you value, feel free to share it with a fellow podcaster — because we’re all in this together. Until next time… 🎧 Happy Podcasting!

The Podtastic Playbook: How to Build, Grow, and Monetize Your Podcast

• Amazon Kindle 
• Apple Books
• Barnes and Noble
• Other Bookstores

Podgagement® (formerly “My Podcast Reviews”) is all about simplifying your podcasting and helping you engage your audience and grow your podcast!

Podgagement Link 

Over 25,000 podcasters use Podpage! Create your own podcast website that looks great, runs smoothly, and is optimized for search engines. Get started today! Podpage Link

00:00 - The surprising truth about podcast downloads

00:24 - Welcome to Podtastic Audio

00:39 - Indie podcasting vs. celebrity shows

01:54 - Why indie podcasters struggle with growth

03:45 - The real reason many shows podfade

04:09 - The ethical disclaimer before we dive in

05:01 - How a download is counted (the tech side)

07:18 - The problem with "downloads over plays"

08:10 - The secret sharing feature on podcast hosts

09:03 - Direct MP3 link: what it is and how it works

10:49 - How shady promoters fake downloads

13:11 - Why fake stats are misleading (and common)

13:53 - How YOU can use this trick ethically

15:04 - One-click = better listener experience

16:36 - Using this method in email and social media

17:14 - Step-by-step: how to promote ethically

18:41 - Testing what works for real listener growth

19:27 - Don't obsess over stats—focus on quality

20:02 - Try it out and let me know!

20:44 - Final thoughts and happy podcasting

#PodcastGrowth #PodcastMarketing #IndiePodcaster #PodcastTips #PodcastingForBeginners #GrowYourPodcast #PodcastDownloadTips #PodcastSEO #PodcastPromotion #PodcastLife #BuzzsproutTips #LibsynPodcasting #CaptivatePodcasting #PodcastStrategy #EthicalMarketing #PodcastSuccess #DirectMP3Link #OneClickPlay #PodcastHacks #RealPodcastGrowth #PodcastDownloads #PodcastStats #PodcastPromotionTips #NoAppNeeded #PodtasticAudio

Elevate your podcasting game with Riverside.fm's studio-quality recordings, lightning-fast editing, and enhanced streaming capabilities—try it today! Get 15% off with discount code Podtastic 

Riverside.Fm 

What if the real reason your podcast isn’t growing has nothing to do with your marketing?

That’s right. No funnels, no hacks, no algorithms—just some real talk about why your show might not be taking off yet… and why that’s totally okay.

In this episode of Podtastic Audio, I’m breaking down the 4 core things every podcaster needs to focus on before expecting real growth. From dialing in your audio quality, getting clear on your audience, showing up consistently, and—this is a big one—finding and using your real voice, this is the stuff that actually moves the needle.

Because great marketing can only take you so far. If your show isn’t worth sharing, it’s not going to grow. But the good news? You can fix that—and I’ll show you how.

🚀 Let’s stop chasing numbers and start making something people want to share.

💥 This episode might just change the way you think about podcasting forever.

The Podtastic Playbook: How to Build, Grow, and Monetize Your Podcast

• Amazon Kindle 
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• Other Bookstores

 Over 25,000 podcasters use Podpage! Create your own podcast website that looks great, runs smoothly, and is optimized for search engines. Get started today! Podpage Link

Podgagement® (formerly “My Podcast Reviews”) is all about simplifying your podcasting and helping you engage your audience and grow your podcast!

Podgagement Link 

Thanks so much for listening, I really appreciate it so much. Sign up for my newsletter so you never miss a moment. Podtastic Audio Newsletter

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00:00 – Intro: What’s Really Holding Back Your Podcast Growth

01:04 – Riverside.fm Sponsorship & Tools for Easy Editing

02:50 – Why Great Marketing Can’t Fix a Bad Show

04:09 – Your Show Might Not Be Ready to Grow (Yet)

05:41 – The Creator Evolution: Keep Learning, Keep Going

06:32 – Growth Isn’t the Goal—Getting Better Is

07:22 – Think About the Listener Experience

08:18 – Podfade: The Cost of Premature Growth

09:04 – 4 Core Fixes You *Need* Before Growth

09:18 – Core #1: Audio Quality That Doesn’t Need Apologizing

13:10 – Core #2: Know Exactly Who You’re Talking To

14:26 – Core #3: Consistency Builds Trust

18:05 – Core #4: Be Real. Stop Copying. Use Your Own Voice

21:27 – Real Growth Comes from Real Connection

24:08 – Listener Shares vs. Download Counts

26:00 – The Steak Analogy: Listeners Don’t Care About Hosts

27:18 – Final Thoughts: Forget Funnels, Connect With People

28:25 – Wrap-Up: Make Something Worth Listening To

#PodcastTips #PodcastGrowth #IndiePodcaster #PodcastMarketing #GrowYourPodcast #PodcastAdvice #PodcastingStrategy #PodcastSuccess #BetterPodcasting #PodcastCoach #PodcastHelp #PodcastLife #PodcastCreators #PodcastJourney #PodcastTipsForBeginners #AudioQualityMatters #AuthenticPodcasting #PodcastEngagement #PodcastBranding #PodcasterSupport #PodcastClarity #PodcastConsistency #VoiceOfThePodcaster #ContentThatConnects #PodtasticAudio

Are you tired of being told your podcast needs a $997 funnel, a slick course, or some guru’s step-by-step plan to succeed? In this episode of Podtastic Audio, we’re breaking down what really matters in podcasting — and it’s not building a sales machine.

I’m here to speak directly to indie podcasters who care more about creating meaningful content than chasing dollars. You started your show to share something real — and that’s exactly what will set you apart.

🔥 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why your podcast isn’t just a sales funnel — it’s your voice
• The myth of marketing-first podcast strategies
• How to grow without gimmicks, ads, or expensive coaching
• Why great content and sound design matter more than scaling fast
• Real talk for creators who just want to make something they love

💡 Key Takeaway:

You don’t need to buy into guru hype. What you need is a show you believe in, solid audio, and content that connects. That’s how you grow a podcast worth sharing.

🔗 Resources & Links: 🌐 PodtasticAudio.com – Access all episodes, tools, and ways to connect

🎵 Outro song: “Podtastic Audio” (original track featured at the end)

🙌 Support the Show If you got value from this episode, share it with another indie podcaster and leave a review on your favorite podcast app. It helps more than you know.

The Podtastic Playbook: How to Build, Grow, and Monetize Your Podcast

• Amazon Kindle 
• Apple Books
• Barnes and Noble
• Other Bookstores

 Over 25,000 podcasters use Podpage! Create your own podcast website that looks great, runs smoothly, and is optimized for search engines. Get started today! Podpage Link

Podgagement® (formerly “My Podcast Reviews”) is all about simplifying your podcasting and helping you engage your audience and grow your podcast!

Podgagement Link 

Thanks so much for listening, I really appreciate it so much. Sign up for my newsletter so you never miss a moment. Podtastic Audio Newsletter

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00:00 - You Don’t Need a Funnel to Matter

00:23 - Welcome to Podtastic Audio

00:38 - Why I Do This Show

01:14 - The Problem with Podcast Gurus

02:12 - Indie Podcasting Is a Creative Outlet

03:09 - Learning Podcasting the Hard Way

04:22 - Hidden Sales Funnels in Podcast Advice

06:00 - Is Podcasting About Passion or Profit?

07:16 - The Most Important Part: A Good Show

09:02 - Marketing vs. Making Good Content

11:28 - Real Talk for Indie Creators

12:50 - What We Actually Need as Podcasters

14:14 - You Don’t Need Fancy Tools to Start

15:45 - Who Is Your Audience?

16:39 - Podcast Your Way – No Rules

17:06 - Your Message Comes First

17:46 - Podtastic Audio Is Here for You

18:54 - [Song] "Podtastic Audio" (Original Outro Track)

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Elevate your podcasting game with Riverside.fm's studio-quality recordings, lightning-fast editing, and enhanced streaming capabilities—try it today! Get 15% off with discount code Podtastic 

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If your podcast relies on guest interviews, but your episodes aren't landing the way you hoped—they might be failing for all the wrong reasons.

In this episode, we’re unpacking why so many podcast interviews fall flat, especially in the indie podcasting world, and how to turn them into engaging, valuable conversations your audience will actually care about.

You’ll learn:

• Why “just booking a guest” isn’t enough
• How guest interviews can dilute your voice—and how to stay in control
• The real reason your audience isn’t growing (even when guests are well-known)
• What separates a dynamic, story-driven guest from a flat, forgettable one
• The #1 myth about big-name guests and download numbers
• Simple, actionable ways to structure better interviews—without being a professional journalist

Whether you're brand new or years into podcasting, this episode will challenge how you think about interviews—and give you tools to level up your show.

🎧 Tune in and start making interviews that don't just fill airtime... they make an impact.

The Podtastic Playbook: How to Build, Grow, and Monetize Your Podcast

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Podgagement® (formerly “My Podcast Reviews”) is all about simplifying your podcasting and helping you engage your audience and grow your podcast!

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00:00 - Why podcast interviews are usually boring

00:22 - Intro to Podtastic Audio

00:55 - Sponsor shoutout: Riverside.fm and the tools that make interviews easy

02:06 - Why everyone does interviews today

03:38 - A look back at how interviews used to work (RIP Skype!)

05:10 - The pros of doing guest interviews: networking, validation, community

06:02 - How Zoom and the pandemic made interviews explode

07:20 - The benefits of not being alone on mic

08:35 - The thrill of interviewing someone “bigger” than you

09:11 - The myth of guests sharing your episode with their audience

10:10 - How interviews help your podcast grow—if done right

11:04 - The catch: guests build *their* authority, not yours

12:22 - The problem with saying yes to every guest

13:24 - Why some interviews feel completely off-brand

14:36 - We’re not trained journalists—and that’s okay

15:28 - Mistakes indie podcasters make with interviews

16:17 - Interviews need prep, purpose, and audience focus

16:49 - What makes a *good* interview

18:13 - Why your guest must fit your niche and bring energy

19:30 - Great guests tell great stories

19:49 - What makes a *bad* interview (boring, off-topic, dry delivery)

21:14 - Why bad storytelling ruins even great content

22:25 - Prepping your guest for a smoother recording

23:11 - The biggest myth in podcast interviews

24:21 - Big guests ≠ big downloads

25:33 - The need vs. the name: value trumps fame

27:06 - Final thoughts: always serve your audience first

27:23 - Wrap-up and how to connect with me

#PodcastTips #IndiePodcaster #PodcastInterviews #PodcastMistakes #PodcastGrowth #PodcastStrategy #PodcastMarketing #HowToPodcast #GrowYourPodcast #PodcastCommunity #InterviewTips #PodcastHost #PodcastAdvice #BetterPodcasts #Podcasting101 #PodcastContent #PodcastSuccess #PodcastCoach #CreativePodcaster #PodcasterLife #InterviewSkills #PodcastingForBeginners #AudioPodcasting #PodcastPlanning #PodcastEngagement