Pump Up Your Pod

No doubt you’ve probably heard the phrase “What got you here, won’t get you there”. It was made popular by executive coach and author, Marshall Goldsmith. Whenever I’m looking to expand something in my business or life, that phrase is a guiding light. 

I apply this thinking to podcast strategy too. When we’re working with clients on a more in-depth level within our PodCoach service, or facilitating high-level consultations I always ask them where they are currently, and where they want to get to.

The answer is often nuanced. A lot of the time they’re unsure really where they want to go, and they’re not tracking any results to see how far they’ve come.  If you’re on this path too and you’re unsure what goals to set, or how to achieve them for your podcast, there are principles you can follow. 

BAMBY MEDIA LINKS:

• Free Podcast Audit Service
• DIY Podcaster Program
• Bamby Media Services
• PodCoach
• YouTube Channel

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• What Got You Here Won’t Get You There - Marshall Goldsmith
• Atomic Habits - James Clear

EQUIPMENT WE USE TO PRODUCE THIS PODCAST

SE Dynacaster DCM8

Rode Boom Arm

XLR Cables

Satechi USB Hub

Focusrite Clarett+

Sony ZV E10

Elgato Camlink

Aputure Amaran 200d LED Video Light

Aputure Light Box Min

Today we're taking an in-depth look at the Rode NT USB microphone, specifically for all you podcasters out there.

I run through the features including USB-only input, built-in pop filter, and standalone stand. I get my trusty shoebox out to make sure you can hear why the stand won't suffice for proper audio.

I also go through some potential issues, such as a noticeable background hum and the mic's size potentially obstructing your face on camera. Tips on how to mitigate these issues, such as using a boom arm are mentioned and the links to our gear recommendations are below.

GEAR WE USE TO PRODUCE THIS PODCAST:

Rode NT USB

Rode Boom Arm:

Sony ZV E10:

Elgato Camlink:

Aputure Amaran 200d LED Video Light

Aputure Light Box Mini:

I recently had a super fun conversation with Greg Wasserman, the Head of Growth, Partnerships, and Community at Castmagic, an AI platform for content repurposing. Greg is a multifaceted podcast expert, having sold podcast advertising, run three podcast listening platforms before joining Castmagic. I know that I don’t normally talk to folks who don’t have podcasts themselves, but I felt that Greg could add a lot of value for you podcasters out there.

In our conversation, we discussed what it actually means to “grow” a podcast, what makes a podcast good, the importance of branding, and the ever-evolving role of AI in podcasting.

BAMBY MEDIA LINKS:

• Free Podcast Audit Service
• DIY Podcaster Program
• Bamby Media Services
• YouTube Channel
• WHERE TO FIND GREG:
• Greg’s Masterclass - “From Pocdaster to Profitable Brand”
• LinkedIn
• Try Castmagic

EQUIPMENT WE USE TO PRODUCE THIS PODCAST

Rode Boom Arm

XLR Cables

Rode PodMic USB XLR edition

RØDE SC19 cable

Rode NT-USB Mini

Satechi USB Hub

Focusrite Clarett+

Sony ZV E10

Elgato Camlink

Aputure Amaran 200d LED Video Light

Aputure Light Box Mini

As we approach the end of the year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible year we've had at Bamby Media. I don’t usually go into the details of our particular business here, but I thought you may get a kick out of sneaking behind the curtain of Australia’s largest independent podcast production agency. It still blows my mind that I can even say that about our business if I’m honest.

It's been a year of excitement, challenges, growth, failure, loss and learning. I’ve had the pleasure of doing some very fun new things this year, and here’s a snapshot of not only what we’ve achieved, but more importantly what we’ve seen our clients achieve.

BAMBY MEDIA LINKS:

• DIY Podcaster Program
• Bamby Media Services
• YouTube Channel

If you're planning on heading overseas, or doing a bit of travel generally but you still want to bring a microphone with you to record your podcasts, let me present a great option.

The Rode NT USB Mini packs a serious punch for such a small microphone, and in this episode I take you through a few little things that will help you get the best result from a travel microphone like this.

Chapter Markers:

00:07 Introduction to the Rode NT USB Mini Microphone

00:53 Understanding the Sound Quality and Plosive Issue

01:56 Techniques to Minimise Plosives and Improve Sound Quality

03:21 The Importance of Microphone Positioning

03:30 The Impact of Desk Placement on Sound Quality

05:30 The Benefits of Holding the Microphone

05:58 Tips for Traveling with the Microphone

06:36 Understanding How Voice Sounds Differ Based on Mouth Position

07:58 Using the Microphone's Headphone Feature for Monitoring

08:12 Conclusion and Recommendations for the Rode NT USB Mini

BAMBY MEDIA LINKS:

Rode NT USB Mini on Amazon

DIY Podcaster Program

Bamby Media Services

YouTube Channel

Not every show has to be targeted to the largest audience possible. Despite you being told that a large audience is best, it’s all about the download numbers, and all that other nonsense, the true value in my opinion is targeting a niche.

One such podcaster that does this brilliantly, is Angie Nisbet and her podcast Married to the Land.

Married to the Land is a podcast specifically tailored to rural women who want to hear from others facing similar challenges and experiences. Angie started this podcast back in September 2020, and since then, it has become a platform where rural women can share their stories and address the unique obstacles they face. As someone who is not from a rural background, I find Angie's conversations incredibly enlightening and eye-opening.

WHERE TO FIND ANGIE:

• Married To The Land Podcast
• Married To The Land Instagram
• Website

Angie’s Favourite Podcasts:

• The Imperfects
• Life Uncut

BAMBY MEDIA LINKS:

• DIY Podcaster Program
• Bamby Media Services
• YouTube Channel

Whether you already have a podcast or are just getting started, incorporating video into your podcasting strategy is becoming more and more important. I know most podcasters don’t get into podcasting to have themselves on video though, so to read this is probably painful for you. Most podcasters love the idea of audio only, because there’s a beautiful simplicity to it. 

That was the way I felt too as a long-term audio geek.

But, not only does video improve the discoverability of your show, it also attracts a whole new audience that engages with your content in different ways.

I've personally experienced the power of video in podcasting through my own podcast, "Pump Up Your Pod." By creating video versions of my podcast episodes and uploading them onto YouTube, I've seen a massive increase in listenership. In just a few short months, we've already garnered close to 20,000 views on YouTube, compared to significantly fewer listeners on podcast platforms.

So, how can you get started with video for your podcast without breaking the bank? I decided to share a bit of the bonus content that we have within our DIY Podcasters program to step you through our recommendations. We provide recommendations for video equipment that will give you a professional-looking video without overwhelming you with technical complexities.

In this episode, I show you how.

If you're ready to take your video setup to the next level or if you're an online course creator looking to create course content, I highly recommend booking a video setup consult with us. We'll assess your space, provide equipment recommendations, and guide you through the setup process virtually. 

Our DIY Podcasters Program

The DIY Podcasters program is designed to help podcasters elevate the quality of their shows. It's chock-full of valuable content, including video snippet creation, that can take your podcast to new heights.

So, if you're serious about improving your show, both in terms of audio and video, don't hesitate to check out the DIY Podcasters program. It's the best resource I've ever created to help podcasters like you enhance their podcasting production.

I hope this sneak peek into the world of video equipment for podcasting has been valuable for you. Remember, video is becoming an essential part of podcasting, and it's never too late to start incorporating it into your strategy.

GEAR WE MENTIONED:

FaceCam Pro

Sony ZVE10

Elgato Camlink

Rode Streamer X

Elgato Key Light AIr

Amaran PC60

BAMBY MEDIA LINKS:

DIY Podcaster Program

Bamby Media Services

YouTube Channel

Book a 90min Video Setup Consultation

As a podcast producer, I’m acutely aware of how crucial it is to have a reliable and high-quality microphone. As an avid user of microphones for over 15 years, first as a musician in the studio, and now in podcasting, I feel it’s my duty to give you some guidance and stop you from buying trashy equipment.

In this review, I will walk you through my experience with the Shure MV7, touching on its build quality, sound performance, and overall suitability for different recording scenarios. 

BAMBY MEDIA LINKS:

Bamby Media Services

YouTube Channel

RESOURCES WE MENTIONED:

Shure MV7 - buy on Amazon

Rode Podmic vs Shure MV7 - Microphone Battle

EQUIPMENT WE USE TO PRODUCE THIS PODCAST (PODCAST PLATFORM VERSION)

Rode Boom Arm

XLR Cables

Rode PodMic USB XLR edition

RØDE SC19 cable

Rode NT-USB Mini

Satechi USB Hub

Focusrite Clarett+

Sony ZV E10

Elgato Camlink

Aputure Amaran 200d LED Video Light

Aputure Light Box Min

Mentioned in this episode:

DIY Podcaster - Join The Course

Learn how to edit your own podcast professionally.

DIY Podcaster

We’re discussing the journey of going pro as a podcaster today. After watching an episode of Modern Wisdom where the host, Chris Williamson speaks on “going pro” with his podcast, it got me thinking about what that truly means.  

Drawing parallels to my own experience as a singer and musician, I highlight the importance of dedication, mentorship, and continuous learning for mastery. 

I hope to challenge you to consider how you can 'go pro' and invest in your own craft. Podcasting or otherwise, what got you to where you are is not going to be what gets you to the next stage of mastery.

RESOURCES WE MENTIONED

Modern Wisdom

BAMBY MEDIA LINKS:

Bamby Media Gear

Bamby Media Services

YouTube Channel

EQUIPMENT WE USE TO PRODUCE THIS PODCAST (PODCAST PLATFORM VERSION)

Rode Boom Arm

XLR Cables

Rode PodMic USB XLR edition

RØDE SC19 cable

Rode NT-USB Mini

Satechi USB Hub

Focusrite Clarett+

Sony ZV E10

Elgato Camlink

Aputure Amaran 200d LED Video Light

Aputure Light Box Min

Mentioned in this episode:

DIY Podcaster - Join The Course

Learn how to edit your own podcast professionally.

DIY Podcaster

I've gathered some valuable insights on podcast release schedules over the Christmas holiday period, drawing from data from over 60 global clients and deep industry analysis. Contrary to previous recommendations about taking a December break, the increasing global listenership suggests it might not be the best move anymore. I'd suggest podcasters don't halt content production in December. Instead, think about replaying your best episodes or batching your December content through November so that you can still take a break yourself.

Come January, there's a notable surge in listenership. It's vital to be ready with fresh content. Interestingly, the spike isn't uniform across all categories; health and true crime genres tend to peak early, while business sees a rise around mid-January. From what I've seen, June might actually be a more suitable month for a break especially for the Australian audience. But always keep in mind: it's essential to plan your breaks around your own needs and your podcast's broader goals.

RESOURCES WE MENTIONED

Podtrac- Industry Data

BAMBY MEDIA LINKS:

Bamby Media Gear

Bamby Media Services

YouTube Channel

EQUIPMENT WE USE TO PRODUCE THIS PODCAST (PODCAST PLATFORM VERSION)

Rode Boom Arm

XLR Cables

Rode PodMic USB XLR edition

RØDE SC19 cable

Rode NT-USB Mini

Satechi USB Hub

Focusrite Clarett+

Sony ZV E10

Elgato Camlink

Aputure Amaran 200d LED Video Light

Aputure Light Box Min