School of Podcasting: Expert Tips for Launching and Growing Your Podcast

Today I am back from Podfest with some insights to share, tips on meeting your audience, and thoughts on the interfaces from Focusrite. 

Focusrite: The Vocaster Series Made For Podcasters

• AutoGain - Easily set your levels with the click of a button, with more than enough gain on tap (70dB) – no booster is needed
• Enhance - Four podcaster-approved voice presets bring out the best in any voice
• Mute - Silence the mic with the touch of a button - don’t let unexpected interruptions get in the way of recording
• Connect your phone - Record phone calls, high-quality music, or other audio from your device, seamlessly 
• Record to a camera - Plug in your camera and record directly to its memory card 
• Loopback - Stream calls or any other audio you can think of from your computer with two sets of stereo loopback
• Included software - Hindenburg Lite to record, three months of SquadCast Pro + Video to bring in your guests, and six months of Acast Influencer to publish, you’re ready to get your show out there
• Learn more at: Focusrite.com/Vocaster 

Why We Often Get Sick at Events

Because we get to see people we never get to see, these events take on a "one of a kind" atmosphere, and the feat of missing out (and to a certain level, that is true). When we start to "push through" we start to jeopardize our health (even without a pandemic). 

We get up early to catch flights, do all sorts of walking through airports and hotels, consume things that may not be considered, "Healthy" under-hydrate, and repeat many of these steps for the rest of the conference. 

Then we go home and blame the plane. 

I've been doing almost nothing all week trying to get my health back. While I might've missed a fun story staying up later talking with friends, anything I missed would not equal the moment I lost by putting everything on hold. 

We all love to have fun and see friends, but for me, I'm going to be a bit more responsible in the future.

Clearing Up Some Confusion That I Heard At Podfest

DOWNLOADS UPON FOLLOW When someone follows your show in Apple, and you have three episodes, you will NOT get three downloads if someone follows you (they only automatically download the last episode. If they want the other two episodes, they need to manually download them.

LISTEN NOTES STATS

While this sounds impressive to say, "I'm in the top 1% of podcasters on Listen notes." Until you read that this is based on people listening on Listen notes and 3rd party data. As every media host I know has asked Apple for listening data (and been turned down), that is not the information that are using. I need to reach out to them to find out exactly what they are using, but to say, "I'm in the top 1% of podcasts (on listen notes) is like me saying, "I'm the #1 podcast (of shows with a host named Dave who live in Akron Ohio). 

I'm not trying to be "Dave Jackson - Dream Crusher" but to help people focus on more important things that will result in larger downloads (I call it, "their audience."). 

How To Accept Compliments From Your Audience

Many podcasters (including myself) are introverts. Consequently, having someone come up and give you compliments may make you feel uneasy. In the past, I would deflect, or make a joke, and my ex-wife said, "Would you just say Thank You!" and she was right. 

Here are some tips:

• Don't correct them
• Don't downgrade (You're GREAT, and you answer, "It was OK).
• Don't Brag - Yes, I AM AWESOME

Instead, say: Thank You,

Thank you very much.

That means a lot to me.

That's very nice of you to say. 

Don't forget you have a listener in front of you, after you accept the compliment ask them for feedback so you can hear what is working, and hopefully get some feedback on how to improve.

Lastly, don't forget to ask them if they want to take a selfie as they will be happy to share it on social. 

Focusrite Vocaster Two Review

If you're looking for an interface to get your microphone into your computer, this device makes it simple (there is a tool to automatically set your gain). There is some subtle built-in processing to tweak your audio.

What you heard today is me using the Shure SM7B WITHOUT ANY KIND OF CLOUDLIFTER or FETHEAD. It has plenty of drive.

You can plug your phone into it via a TRRS input (with built-in mix-minus).  There is also an output jack to feed the audio into your camera which eliminates the whole, "Delay issue" that comes with some video cameras. 

Mark has been working on his podcast Beyond Bourbon St for years. He had 14 thousand of people in his Facebook Group. He had just gone over 1 million downloads and secure a publisher for a book on New Orleans.

And then a pandemic stopped everything. Today you will hear how Mark pivoted without losing his audience, and how he lost 90% of his sponsors without losing his mind. 

Sponsor: Focusrite Interfaces

• Focusrite has been at the forefront of audio technology since 1985
• Focusrite interfaces are great for all content creators
• Scarlett is the world’s best-selling range of audio interfaces with over 4.5 million sold to date
• Easy to use
• Great sound quality
• More info can be found at: www.focusrite.com/podcasters   

Everything Was Going Good Until it Wasn't

As many of his partners relied on tourists, when there are no tourists, the result is no partners (or at least 90% less). 

In this discussion, you will hear 

• How Did Mark Survive Covid
• How Mark Came Up With His Prices
• How Does Mark Find Partners?
• Secrets of a Good Community
• 1 Million Downloads
• How He Got a Book Deal
• Podcast Growth Insights
• Why Do We Struggle to Promote?
• Keeping Your Sanity

Check out Mark at beyondbourbonst.com and check out his book Beyond Bourbon St.: An Insider's Guide to New Orleans on Amazon (aff).

New Podcast Launched From a School of Podcasting Member

The tools and concepts of Quality are powerful instruments to make things better--products, processes, and services. This podcast explores those ideas plus concepts of psychology, social and cultural norms, strategy, and business to strengthen the capability of professionals motivated to make things better--the Quality Warriors.

wayofthequalitywarrior.com

Join the School of Podcasting

When you join the School of Podcasting you can quit worrying about: Are people going to listen to me? (Yes, cause I'll show you how to see what they want). Am I going to sound stupid? (No, as I'll show you the magic of editing) It will cost a million dollars (No, I'll have you sounding like a million bucks without spending a million bucks).  I don't anything about this technology (You said the same thing about driving).  Get access to: Step-by-step tutorials, live group coaching, a mastermind group filled with brilliant podcasting minds,  and the ability to schedule as many one-on-one quick-fix calls as you like at no extra charge.  Join worry-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee  Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/workwithme

I've known  Vincent a few years and we always bump into each other at podcast events. Scott Johnson had mentioned his episode "Doing It Wrong Right From The Start." So I looked into it, and I loved that Incent was having success and by some standards "breaking the rules" of podcasting. That sounded interesting, and that was just the start.

Sponsor: Focusrite Interfaces

• Focusrite has been at the forefront of audio technology since 1985
• Focusrite interfaces are great for all content creators
• Scarlett is the world’s best-selling range of audio interfaces with over 4.5 million sold to date
• Easy to use
• Great sound quality
• More info can be found at: www.focusrite.com/podcasters   

The Wealth of Connection

The Wealth of Connection is now one of my favorite books. It's filled with lessons and stories which leads to an entertaining read that leaves you thinking. 

Ignoring Standard Practices: Vincent Pugliese

Check out Vincent Pugliese's at totallifefreedom.com

Vincent did a TON of DAILY podcasts and released them to a private group before doing any podcasts for the general public. 

He has no intro or outro music. 

His only branding is his website which is also the name of his podcast Total Life Freedom. 

Vincent is doing what I always advise my clients to do. Focus on the reception - not the broadcast. 

He uses the "notes" app on his phone (again, it doesn't need to be fancy).

He focused on serving his audience, not on monetization.

He tried doing seasons and it just about wiped him out. So he focused on creating a podcast that works FOR HIM. It makes no sense to do a podcast that drains you to the point you don't want to do it. 

Vincent is always looking for the next challenge, and if it doesn't work, you take what you've learned and use it on the next challenge.

When you start something, your launch timeframe is not 5 months. It's 5 YEARS, and for the next five years, you spend time moving that project forward.

VIncent also shares hits thoughts on impostor syndrome.

Check out Vincent at totallifefreedom.com and his book on Amazon and Audible (aff link)

Because of My Podcast: Kamuela Kaneshiro

Because of my podcast, I was able to improve my writing effectively monetize my podcast through books, inspire podcast listeners to embrace their heritage and not be embarrassed for who they are, and bring broken families together

Check out his show at http://www.LegendsFromThePacific.com

Question of the Month

Want some free exposure for your podcast? Go to Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/question Check out the question and share your thoughts and insights. I assemble these for the last episode of the month.  Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/question

Where I Will Be:

May 26-29 :Podfest Multimedia Expo   Orlando, Fl. July 19-20: How to Make Real Money Podcasting Online Oct 20-22 Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop Dayton, Oh For the most up to date itinerary, go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/where

Mentioned In This Episode

Join the School of Podcasting

Vincent in the Paradise City VIdeo (do not blink, this link takes you to the 2:04)

 

Danny Peña is one of my favorite guests. We started his story on episode 506, got an update on episode 633 and now he has a ton of "Because of My Podcast" stories for episode 827.

Danny is an award-winning, 2015 Podcaster Hall of Fame inductee and one of the hosts of Gamertag Radio. He is also the Game Editorial Lead at G4.

Gamertag Radio (GTR) is an independent online gaming website dedicated to the gaming community that was founded in 2005, and intended to help to unite all gamers. Over the past few years, GTR has grown from a small website to one of the largest and most respected gaming information sites on the Internet. Every week GTR records and distributes new episodic content recapping the news of the past week, including discussions about what is happening in the online gaming community along with interviews and a weekly custom soundtrack highlighting up & coming Hip Hop artists.

Sponsor: Focusrite Interfaces

• Focusrite has been at the forefront of audio technology since 1985
• Focusrite interfaces are great for all content creators
• Scarlett is the world’s best-selling range of audio interfaces with over 4.5 million sold to date
• Easy to use
• Great sound quality
• More info can be found at: www.focusrite.com/podcasters   

In This Episode You Will Hear

How Danny continues to take advantage of opportunities, which then lead to more opportunities.

How Danny ended up on a billboard in Time's Square

How he got to interview Keanu Reeves

How his persistence lead to scoring a large guest (Reggie Fils-Aime).

His conversational interviews based on his curiosity lead to six news outlets promoting his interview.

Reggie insisted Danny interview him at a large event as part of the opening keynote. 

Danny once had access to a new Microsoft product MONTHS before anyone else. Instead of enjoying the new item, he allowed one of his listeners to enjoy it and the video went viral.

Join the School of Podcasting

When you join the School of Podcasting you can quit worrying about: Are people going to listen to me? (Yes, cause I'll show you how to see what they want). Am I going to sound stupid? (No, as I'll show you the magic of editing) It will cost a million dollars (No, I'll have you sounding like a million bucks without spending a million bucks).  I don't anything about this technology (You said the same thing about driving).  Get access to: Step-by-step tutorials, live group coaching, a mastermind group filled with brilliant podcasting minds,  and the ability to schedule as many one-on-one quick fix calls as you like at no extra charge. 

Join worry-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee  Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/start

Where I Will Be:

May 26-29 :Podfest Multimedia Expo   Orlando, Fl. July 19-20: How to Make Real Money Podcasting Online Oct 20-22 Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop Dayton, Oh For the most up to date itinerary, go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/where

Podcast Launch Checklist

You want to start a podcast, but you're not sure where to start. This free checklist outlines which step to take first and why.

www.schoolofpodcasting.com/checklist

Mentioned In This Episode

Building a Better Dave - recreational Outrage

We all want to grow our audience. We want to become their favorite show so they just want more. In some cases, you may actually be someone's favorite podcast and they would listen to another episode except you've made it hard to binge. So today we look at nine tips to help your show be Bingeworthy.

Sponsor: Focusrite Interfaces Make You Sound Amazing

• Focusrite has been at the forefront of audio technology since 1985
• Focusrite interfaces are great for all content creators
• Scarlett is the world’s best-selling range of audio interfaces with over 4.5 million sold to date
• Easy to use
• Great sound quality
• More info can be found at: www.focusrite.com/podcasters   

  Making Your Podcast Binge-Worthy

Something to think about: What are you offering your audience that they should spend their time-consuming? Not just one but several episodes. That statement is a little scary.

1. It has to be GOOD, actually very good.

2. Create click-attracting titles. I use a tool called Headline Studio

3. Get your audience asking, What Happens Next??

4. Give them multiple points of insight.

5. Make it EASY to Binge (by making it easy to subscribe/follow). See this plugin

6. Add an element of Fear of Missing Out (FOMO).

7. Get Your Best Content In Front of Your Audience

8. Teasing Your Audience 

9. Have a Show that Walks Through a Process

Make your content relevant. Be YOURSELF. 

Free Zoom Reduces Amount of Time

Check out Squadcast(my favorite). If you must use something free there is zencastr and cleanfeed. You can just upgrade your zoom account ($15)

Join the School of Podcasting When you join the School of Podcasting you can quit worrying about:   Are people going to listen to me? (Yes, cause I'll show you how to see what they want).   Am I going to sound stupid? (No, as I'll show you the magic of editing)   It will cost a million dollars (No, I'll have you sounding like a million bucks without spending a million bucks).    I don't anything about this technology (You said the same thing about driving).    Get access to: Step-by-step tutorials, live group coaching, a mastermind group filled with brilliant podcasting minds,  and the ability to schedule as many one-on-one quick fix calls as you like at no extra charge.  Join worry-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Use THIS LINK to get a discount   Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/start Mentioned In This Episode

Siskel and Ebert

Howard Stern Private Parts

Link Whisperer Plugin

Podcast Branding.co

Jordan Harbinger Start Page

Libsyn.com Media Hosting (use the coupon code sopfree to get up to 2 months free)

The Messengers Podcast

The movie "The Messengers: A Podcast Story"

Presonus Revelator Dynamic microphone

Why Free Media Hosts Don't Work on YouTube

I met Connie at an event two years ago. I see her at a conference two years later and ask if she has any "Because of my podcast ____" stories. She not only has one, she has quite a few (TV, Radio, and more). So listen to what can happen when you find someone who can help you avoid the common podcasting mistakes. 

Connect With Connie at

conniealbers.com

Connie's book, "Parenting Beyond the Rules: Raising Teens with Confidence and Joy."

Connie's Podcast, "Equipped To Be."

SPONSOR

Focusrite Interfaces

• Focusrite has been at the forefront of audio technology since 1985
• Focusrite interfaces are great for all content creators
• Scarlett is the world’s best-selling range of audio interfaces with over 4.5 million sold to date
• Easy to use
• Great sound quality
• More info can be found at: www.focusrite.com/podcasters   

Mentioned In This Episode

Live Well and Flourish Podcast

ATR2100 Microphone

Rodecaster Pro

Neweer Ring Light

Start Ugly Book

Nervous about podcasting? Check out Podcast Baby Steps (free course)

Nervous about Podcast Gear check out this free webinar (no email address needed)

Trypodpage.com (a great way to make a podcast site). You can learn podpage for free at www.learnpodpage.com

Libsyn.com media hosting (use the coupon code sopfree) 

#Question of the Month Want some free exposure for your podcast? Go to Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/question Check out the question and share your thoughts and insights. I assemble these for the last episode of the month.  Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/question

Where I Will Be: Podfest Multimedia Expo  May 26-29 Orlando How to Make Real Money Podcasting Online July 19-20 For the most up to date list see www.schoolofpodcasting.com/where

Join the School of Podcasting

Join the School of Podcasting When you join the School of Podcasting you can quit worrying about: Are people going to listen to me? (Yes, cause I'll show you how to see what they want). Am I going to sound stupid? (No, as I'll show you the magic of editing) It will cost a million dollars (No, I'll have you sounding like a million bucks without spending a million bucks).  I don't anything about this technology (You said the same thing about driving).  Get access to: Step-by-step tutorials, live group coaching, a mastermind group filled with brilliant podcasting minds,  and the ability to schedule as many one on one quick fix calls as you like at no extra charge.  Join worry-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee  Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/start

We all think, "just make good content and promote your show" but as podcasts become more mainstream and the average listener now consumes multiple episodes a week, do they have room for YOUR show? I asked my audience what their status is. If you found a really good show, would you have to "bump" one you are listening to now?

Sponsor: Focusrite Interfaces

• Focusrite has been at the forefront of audio technology since 1985
• Focusrite interfaces are great for all content creators
• Scarlett is the world’s best-selling range of audio interfaces with over 4.5 million sold to date
• Easy to use
• Great sound quality
• More info can be found at: www.focusrite.com/podcasters   

Question of the Month Answers

You find a show that's great. Do you have enough time to add an additional show to your listening time?

Contributors

Steve - Stevestewart.me and Podcast Editor Academy Jim - Home Gadget Geeks and Ask the Podcast Coach Mark - History of North America  Bill - Bill Watches Movies  Dave - Walking is Fitness  York - Poetic Earthlings  Arnie- Sports History Network 

Summary:

In general, we are all "out of time, " yet if something good comes along, we seem to make room. We also have different phases of life, and some of the shows we listen to take breaks and we find new shows. 

The bottom line is there is only so much time to listen and the shows that deliver the most value will be heard. 

I Heard it On a Podcast

No Agenda Show 25% of People Get Their News From Podcasts

https://www.noagendashow.net/listen/1444 (1:25:59)

What Was That Like - {Podcasting is Therapeutic )

Podcasting 2.0 Gets $4000 Donation

Cleaning Up Audio With Descript

Check out this video that shows how to clean up your audio in Descript

Mentioned in this Show

Join the School of Podcasting

Episode 752 - Audio Editing as a Business

Podcast Editor Academy

Spotify is Now Offering Video via Anchor (kind of)

Descript Audio Editing Tool

Focusrite Interfaces

After seeing the podcasting space gear up for more advertising (something I'm not thrilled with) more media hosts are developing dynamic content. So what is dynamic content, do you need it, and how do you use it?

What is Dynamic Content?

Dynamic content is content that your media host inserts into your mp3 file at spots you select. This is often used for ads. In some spaces, people confuse "Dynamic Ad Insertion" and "Dynamic Content" as being the same thing. They are not. While you can use Dynamic Content, it does NOT have to be ads. It can be anything that is time-sensitive. 

Who Offers This Technology?

Libsyn.com (LibsynPro solution - full disclosure I work there). Use the coupon code sopfree to get a free month.

Captivate has an impressive dynamic content tool that even updates your episode description when you swap out content. Podbean has pod ads https://podads.podbean.com/ Blubrry has a pro version Red Circle (500 weekly downloads) RSS.com (10,000 downloads a day)

Pros of Dynamic Content

• No more outdated time-based content
• The ability to sell your back catalog*

Cons of Dynamic Content

• You really need to pay attention to volume levels (I'm using WLM Plus plugin)
• To sell your back episodes you need to go through your whole back episodes and insert spots.
• Updating old files might be trickier
• You need to consider how to lead in and come out of dynamic content.

Focusrite Interfaces

Go to www.focusrite.com/podcasters

Unlimited Time Shifted One-On-One Consulting

I've added unlimited time-shifted consulting that can be between you and me. If you need someone to stand by you and guide you through the pitfalls of podcasting, you can join worry-free with a money-back guarantee at www.schoolofpodcasting.com/start

I Heard It On a Podcast

Disney got all sorts of deals when they built the location in Florida. On the No Agenda show they explain that the reason employees are known as "Castmembers" is to get around Florida Labor laws. It's at the 2 hours and25 minute mark.

Apple Charts Criteria

I've said for years that ratings and reviews do NOTHING but provide social proof. You want people to ask people to follow you and share your show with a friend.

see post from Apple

Where I Will Be

Where I Will Be: Podcast Movement Evolutions March 23-26 Utah Podcast Coalition April 21st Podfest Multimedia Expo  May 26-29 Orlando

Question of the Month

Want some free exposure for your podcast? Go to Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/question

Check out the question and share your thoughts and insights. I assemble these for the last episode of the month. 

This show is part of the Power of Podcasting Network

Mark was a US air force Pilot, Speaker, Author, and Entrepreneur, but was hesitant to start his podcast. Today we talk about what was stopping him, and how his podcast is helping to promote his Wall Pilot business. 

We also hear about some discouraging statistics from Chartable about podcast cross-promote (courtesy of Evo Terra). 

Spotify may be working on a "Tik Tok meets Tinder" discovery tool. I'm not sure that is going to work. 

I introduce a new segment "I Heard it on a podcast" this time it was the Moe Factz show with Moe and Adam Curry

Mentioned in This Episode

Mark Hasara Website

Mark's Lessons From the Cockpit Show

in Apple, Google, Spotify

Wall PIlot

Video of Spotify Discovery Tool

Fountain App

Castamatic app

New Podcast Apps

Question of the Month

Want some free exposure for your show, go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/question and answer the question of the month and be sure to mention your show and website. Do it now!

Join the School of Podcasting

In addition to the step-by-step tutorials, group coaching, and podcasting mastermind group, I've now added show audits and unlimited time-shifted one-on-one coaching. 

When you join the School of Podcasting you can quit worrying about: Are people going to listen to me? (Yes, cause I'll show you how to see what they want). Am I going to sound stupid? (No, as I'll show you the magic of editing) It will cost a million dollars (No, I'll have you sounding like a million bucks without spending a million bucks).  I don't anything about this technology (You said the same thing about driving).  Get access to: Step-by-step tutorials, live group coaching, a mastermind group filled with brilliant podcasting minds,  and the ability to schedule as many one-on-one quick-fix calls as you like at no extra charge.  Join worry-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee  Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/start

Podcast Movement was a well-oiled machine as always where the hallway meetings were in some cases better than the sessions. I found some cool stuff, created some free resources, and have worries about the future. 

Quicknotes From This Episode

Don't forget the Book Launch Webinar Next Week.

Have a conversation with me on Volley (aff link)

Check out Dave's new FREE Classes

Find Your Red Thread: Make Your Big Ideas Irresistible (book)

Join the School of Podcasting

The Three Main Players in Podcasting

I've said in the past that a podcast needs three things to survive podcasting (support, health, and attitude). The podcast industry needs to make sure as it moves forward to take steps that benefit all three main players. Who are the main players?

• The podcasting companies (media hosts, agencies, etc)
• The podcaster (creators).
• The Listener (you).

If we don't keep all of them happy (especially the listener) we all lose. 

A New Great App For Community and Coaching

I discovered the Volley app (aff link) listening to a podcast on the way home from Podcast Movement. I tried it out, and it is SO COOL. Especially for those people who hate Facebook. It's like Loom, Zoom, and Slack had a baby. If you want to build a community, this makes it easy as its available on Android, iOs, Mac, and PC. You can have group discussions in public, or in private as well as private one-on-one sessions (where each member's conversations are organized together).

You can communicate via:

• Video
• Screenshare
• Audio
• Text
• Gif

It's a pretty amazing app. There is only ONE FEATURE I REALLY HATE.

It's free. I am interviewing one of the co-founders, and he insures me they will monetize eventually but are (for now) working on their feature set. I just hate to build on something free. With this in mind, I'm using it in conjunction with my Facebook group instead of replacing it.

I look forward to having time-shifted video/audio conversations with my students.

You can learn Volley by joining my Volley Space on learning Volley (I know how meta can you get?)