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

Dr. Richard Shuster did spend thousands of dollars on his equipment when he started. He used what he had, and moved forward. Little did he know his podcast would stop someone from taking their own life. Richard has a clear goal and focus of the show, and it is that focus that ensures his show resonates with his audience. I can't wait for you to hear his story.

Sponsor: Focusrite

00:56

I got to play with a Focusrite 2i2 and if you are looking for an easy use interfact that sounds great it's a great piece of equipment.

• Scarlett, now in its 3rd Generation, is the world’s best-selling USB interface range with over 3 million units sold worldwide
• Choose from 6 different interfaces with 1, 4, or 8 microphone inputs depending on the number of hosts and guests on your show
• Superior sound quality makes sure you sound your best
• Works with the recording software you’re already using
• Works with any type of XLR microphone
• Loopback on select units allows you to record Skype or Zoom calls directly into your recording software with no workarounds
• New unique Air feature adds brightness and presence to your voice

Check out the interface selector tool that helps you pick the right model for you at their website.

Dr. Richard Shuster Never Planned on This...

3:25

I want to thank Matthew Passey for turning me on to Dr. Richarh Shuster of the Daily Helping podcast who is a walking "Becuase of my Podcast story." He has a great background including:

Master’s Degree in Social Work

He's a licensed clinical psychologist

He worked at the Cleveland Clinic and assessed NFL players as part of the league’s concussion protocol

He has subspecialized training in forensic and neuropsychology and extensive experience working with physically and sexually abused children.

His mission is to make the world a better place.

His show’s growing movement strives to get a million people each day to commit acts of kindness for others and post it on their social media using #mydailyhelping®.

Check out his podcast at https://www.thedailyhelping.com/

Donate to his charity at http://everykidrocks.org

Bonus Content

34:51 Dr. Richard talks about his assessment tool is different than Myers Briggs.

What is PULSAR and how it helps with addiction?

Why he is putting people's lives over profits.

The P.O.W.E.R.S. assessment.

Check out www.seekyourpowers.com

My Thoughts on Fincon and MICDC

35:54 I was asked to speak at Fincon and the Military Influencers Conference. Both conferences were in DC.  I had a great time and probably got more clients out of that week than I have at any other conference. Why? Because the people at Fincon had a budget to learn how to podcast (or they just hire Steve Stewart) and the Military people are disciplined, focused, and not afraid to march into areas and situations they have never been in before.

The interesting thing (and by that I mean hard) was these people having conversations I couldn't jump into. The financial people were talking Monte Carlo Simulations, and the military people had so many letters and numbers put together in ways I had never heard of I was always confused (when your A1 tried to get to the G7 before the protocol of WHAT?).

At Fincon there was a speakers dinner. Everyone I was looking at was a speaker. I got my food and moved as far away from the crowd as I could. I can talk to anybody at podcast movement about podcasting, but this was different. Then I thought, "If anyone is going to benefit from a podcast in this conference it's probably a speaker." I walked over and did my best to jump into conversations. These were nice people, and they would eventually try to pull me in, but you feel awkward just watching others talk. You feel like a kid trying to jump into a double dutch jump rope. You're looking for the best time to jump in, and you're scared you're going to trip and fall.

I say this to let you know that it's scary. I say this to let you know that it's a bit overwhelming to do something you've never done. The fear of the unknown is real. I was able to pull myself up, and I can help you to.

Work With Me

Join the School of Podcasting or let me be your podcast mentor

In a previous episode, three podcasters shared their opinion on the Rodecaster pro. We all liked it but wanted some more PRO options. Today I give you an update.

Because of My Podcast - I Got a Sponsor

Brandon/StudeeoB of the Beats to Inspire has received his first sponsor from a music-related software company.

These included

• The ability to record separate tracks (both the computer and the SD card)
• The ability to access the micro SD card without having to pull out the card
• The ability to add more jingles to the jingle player
• The ability to see how much time is left when playing a jingle (great for people talking up exit music)

I've had mine since January, and with the ability to do all the above (and more) if you want a device that will handle just about anything - this is it.

Where the Rodecaster Pro Shines

If you are having issues where your guest can't get to a computer and they want to connect via the phone (as in, well, the phone) this is the easiest way to do it).

While I would never do this, but to show off its versatility, I could have my co-host on skype via my computer. Then call the guest on the phone and everyone could hear each other. If I had a panel discussion I could connect to another person on Zoom on my tablet and again, everyone could hear themselves.

The only thing that I wish it did differently is it records a little lower than I normally would. HOWEVER, it records clean, and increasing the volume doesn't add any hiss.

Holy Cow You're an Influencer

I am very nervous today mentioning the Rodercaster Pro. Why? Because the last time I did someone with a Zoom H6 and a headphone amplifier bought one. While that setup does just about everything (minus the jingles and all the "Everyone hears everyone" features (the technical term is mix-minus). I say this because if you are doing any kind of reviews be careful and you might want to include to point out who this is a good fit (and when not to buy it)

Backpack Studio Reviews

StudeeoB shares his insights into Backpack Studio App for the iPhone that works as a jingle player, but also a full recording tool to do your podcast and upload it to your media host.

Josh Liston now uses an RE20 Microphone into an iRig Pre HD into the Backpack Studio App for iPhone/iPad

I use it as a jingle player, Josh is using it now for recording his comedy show.

Check out Josh at https://www.jcaldigital.org/

Check out StudeeoB at https://anchor.fm/studeeo-b and https://www.twine.fm/studeeob

Work With Me

Join the School of Podcasting or let me be your podcast mentor

You have a great guest or you have a great story, and instead of getting to the thing that will inspire your audience to share your episode, you go to something else. This may be some sort of housekeeping or minor information that could easily be moved to later in the episode. You NEED to hook your listeners at the beginning of your show.

Because of My Podcast: I'm a Cover Girl

01:19

Danielle Daily from the Suddenly Single show explains how doing some creative marketing of her show caught the eye of some people who then went to her website, found her podcast, found her book Dear Self, I love you, Keep Going, and could see that Danielle had done a TEDx talk and asked her to be on the cover of her magazine.

A Very Special Guest

6:24

His name is Pete and works with Law Enforcement...

Shaping Better Podcast Questions on the Podcast Review Show

On episode 84 of the Podcast Review Show, we took a look at the Why Influence show and helped host Jeremy takes his good questions and make them better.

As people have asked me about creating questions in the past (which we did cover on the Ultimate Guide to Better Interviews) I thought I would bring some of the information from the podcast review show over here.

Podcast Review Prices are Going Up in October

If you've thought of getting your show reviewed, but had put if off the price is going up in October so move fast and go to www.podcastreviewshow.com

Work With Me

Join the School of Podcasting or let me be your podcast mentor

The International Podcast Association was launched at Podcast Movement 2019. Today I talk with two members of the executive board Liz Covart of Ben Franklin's World and Glenn Hebert from the Horse Radio Network.

Because of Our Podcast - We Lost 100 lbs

1:11 Emily Prokop and John Jominzu of the Hate to Weight Podcast announced on a recent episode that together they have lost a combined weight of 100lbs. Both say the support form their private Facebook group who cheer them on when they do good, and lift them up when they have a bad week has been a determining force in their weight loss success. I love this clip for:

• Showing the courage each week that reveals their success or failures
• The honest tears of joy that can't be faked
• The humble thanking of the group instead of taking credit for themselves.

Check out their show at www.hatetoweight.com

The International Podcast Association

06:10

We are joined by Liz and Glenn from the International Podcast Association who help explain:

• What is it?
• Why do we need it?
• Who is shaping it?
• What do they need from you?
• What do you need from them?
• How long will board members be active?
• How much does it cost?
• What is their first order of business?
• Why they chose to only use board members with no corporate ties at this point.

If you haven't already, please visit www.internatinalpodcastassociation.org/survey

22: 55 Why podcasters are better communicators

28:14 What about the podcast puppies?

29:42 No Question of the month in September

Podcast Review Show Prices are Going Up in October

33:24

If you want some honest feedback on every inch of your show, you need to move fast at www.podcastreviewshow.com as prices are going up in October.

Currently, you get:

• Two on one consulting (two consultants Dave Jackson of the School of Podcasting and Erik K Johnson from Podcast Talent Coach)
• Review of your audio quality, your flow of content, your goals, your website, artwork, - everything
• Exposure on the Podcast Review Show podcast
• Exposure on the School of Podcasting YouTube Channel

Work With Me

Join the School of Podcasting or let me be your podcast mentor

Two reasons people might share things are that they are interesting and that they are useful. Emotions also play into why people share items. When you have something in common with the host it can boost the chance of us sharing the content.

Emotions such as laughter or anger. Marketing messages tend to focus on information. But many times information is not enough. They need something more. And that is where emotion comes in. Rather than harping on features or facts, we need to focus on feelings; the underlying emotions that motivate people to action.

In the book Contagious: Why Things Catch On by Jonan Berger they mention six principles of social currency:

1. Social Currency: How does it make people look to talk about a product or idea?
2. Triggers: Peanut butter makes us think of jelly. If our content can harness trigger emotions, or tie into an environment.
3. Emotion: Some emotions increate sharing and others decrease it. In some cases, negative emotions can be useful.
4. Public: Making our ideas more public.
5. Practical Value: If your podcast helps people, people love to be helpful and spread the word.
6. Stories: People don't just share information and facts, they tell stories.

People prefer sharing things that make them seem entertaining rather than boring, clever rather than dumb, and hip rather than dull.

My audience member said she groups these into four categories:

• Helpful
• Social
• Reciprosity
• Ego

What Was The Last Thing You Shared and Why?

Adrea from the Talk about Talk Podcast

Steve Stewart gives some strategies of how he using sharing to grow your social media following to promote and upcoming event.

Steph Fuccio shared the Smarty Pants Podcast

New Media Show had some breaking news about Pandora

Tom Tinker Taylor Soldier Sponge Productions shared Shufflecasts cause it made him laugh

Paul from the Fighting Through Podcast (WWII) shared a photograph of the Queen Mary to his audience that had been updated to be in color.

Sarah Mikutel shared Food Heroes

Erik K John shared the School of Podcasting and the Audacity to Podcast as people wanted things a bit more technical than he was comfortable talking about.

September Question of the Month

How do you decide what's worth spending money on for your podcast? We all obviously have different budgets and needs but what's essential vs what do we aspire to have or use?

Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/question

Mentioned On This Episode

vacuumpodcast.com

Podcast Review Show (prices going up)

I was at Podcast Movement last week. I've attended all six Podcast Movement eventss and it's been a blast to watch it grow. This year the venue was HUGE and it was weird as the number of people also grew so it was hard to tell just how much bigger it was compared to the previous year.

As always this is a class act all the way around. The checking procedure, swag, were all super professional. As a speaker, I would also say I LOVE the tool they use to track my session.

If I had one thing that I wish would change (and I say this every year) having loud, live music at a networking event doesn't work. Last year they had multiple rooms so those that wanted to dance could dance and drink. Those that wanted to drink and talk could go into another room. This year all the free beer was in the very loud room (it does seem wrong to complain about free beer).

It was a great year, and even over the loud music the networking was great, and from what I hear Tom Webster from Edison Research had one of the best/controversial sessions which showed that listeners don't seem to care if a "podcast" has an RSS feed or not.

Podcast Music Announcement

While Doug and the team at podcastmusic.com have taken a step getting sound exchange into the game, you can't play your favorite music - yet. It will take some time, but we are headed  (slowly) in the right directions.

Pandora to Pay Podcasters?

A representative fro Pandora stated that Pandora has planned on sharing revenue with Podcasters. This was said during the live taping of the New Media Show.

Question of the Month

What was the last thing you shared (that wasn't yours) and why did you share it? Be sure to mention your podcast and website. Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/question

Mentioned In This Show

Join the School of Podcasting

Ask the Podcast Coach

The Average Guy Network

Podcast Rodeo Show 

 

Last week an announcement from Google stated that podcast episodes will now appear in Google Search Results:

Starting today, when you’re searching for a podcast about a topic on Google, such as “podcasts about Awkwafina” or “Instant Pot recipe podcasts,” we’ll show you playable episodes in Search results alongside web pages, news, images and videos. We’ll surface these episodes based on Google’s understanding of what’s being talked about on a podcast, so you can find even more relevant information about a topic in audio form. Soon, you won’t necessarily need the term “podcast” in your search to see episodes, making podcast discovery simpler across Search.

Where Do You Think People Search More Apple or Google?

With Google adding episodes to search results we need to ask the question, where are people going to find my podcast?

According to a Jacobe media report, 70% of people find shows via word of mouth and only 11% search in an app.

Another study from Edison Research and prominent podcast producer WNYC Studios states that:

84% of WNYC Studios listeners report having recommended a podcast to a friend, while 78% overall report having recommended a podcast to a friend. And one in three WNYC Studios listeners share podcasts on social media, at 32%. Podcast listeners also report having discovered the medium in the following ways: 17% via their smartphone, 15% via public radio programming, and 13% from an article or program.

Getting a Grip on SEO

The minute I heard Google was taking podcasting more seriously, (and that the Apple search was not great) I started studying SEO. Here is my limited knowledge after a few months.

1. Always write for humans. 
2. You need to know where your site ranks
3. Find some keywords that fit your audience, and your website ranks high enough to show up in search results. 
4. Showing up for less popular keywords gets you more results in Google which can lead to higher rankings. 
5. SEO is like Bowling or Golf, LOTS of moving pieces and trying to master it us exhausting. 

Some resources I've used:

SEO for Podcasters from Daniel J Lewis ( $199)

SEO Marketing from Juergen Berkesse of Polymash

Skillshare has two classes (and intro and advanced) by Rand Fishkin who started SEO MOZ (one of the top if not THE top sites on SEO)

Mangools is a Suite of Tools to help you determine the best keywords and track your progress (free/paid)

Ubersuggest from Neil Patel (a free tool that gives you tons of data). WPCRafter has a tutorial that walks you through it. 

Yoast SEO Plugin For Wordpress

Monster Insights Plugin For Wordpress (Google Analytics)

Because of My Podcast, I Got a Press Pass To Comicon

Seth/ZAndrex from Geekville Radio (who I just reviewed on the Podcast Rodeo Show) explains how his podcast was enough of a credential to get him a press pass to the Comicon event in Chicago. 

Check out his podcast at geekvilleradio.com

For more "Because of My Podcast Stories, check out www.becauseofmypodcast.com

Are You Making ANY Money With Your Podcast?

I'm working on the book "More Podcast Money" and conducting more interviews for the book. If you are making ANY money with your podcast, I'm trying to interview more podcasters to better identify strategies, and what is and is not working. If you'd like to be considered for the book please contact me

Question of the Month

What was the last thing you shared (that wasn't yours) and why did you share it? Be sure to mention your podcast and website. Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/question

I was lucky enough to meet Kristen Meizner last year and the On-Air fest, and I heard her speak. I knew immediately I wanted to her come on the show. She was working on her new book So You Want to Start a Podcast: Finding Your Voice, Telling Your Story, and Building a Community That Will Listen (also available as an audiobook ). If you're new to audible you can get the book for free.

So You Want To Start a Podcast

When I started reading this book you might think, "Oh great, a radio person telling us how to podcast" but she even mentions in the book that we should be looking outside of radio for inspiration. We need to rev up our creativity and take advantage of the ability to make any format you want. The book is chock full of ideas to get you to think outside the box, and really fine-tune not just the first five minutes of your show but your entire show. I really liked this book a lot.

In today's interview, Kristen talks about

• The right reason to start a podcast
• The two questions every podcaster needs to answer
• What she did for four months to get her format correct
• Why movies are a topic and not a show
• How one format idea fell flat on its face
• You can grab the attention of a larger audience with diversity
• How long a podcast should be
• Her feelings toward holiday movies
• The top thing that makes her tune out of a podcast
• How introverts can overcome their shyness and reveal their personality
• How she integrated a story into her podcast Buy the Book
• Why you need to embrace feedback for your podcast
• Working with a network
• The importance of focus groups
• What she feels is a good length for podcasting
• How she uses scripts in her show
• The importance of being yourself
• How to go "outside the box" with an "Inspirational story" podcast
• How a podcast is like going to a show where you don't know anyone

Contact Kristen Meinzer

https://www.kristenmeinzer.com

Twitter: @kristenmeinzer

Instagram @k10meinzer

Buy the Book "So You Want to Start a Podcast"

 

Mentioned in This Episode

Buy the Book "So You Want to Start a Podcast"

Get the Book For Free on Audible

Work with Me

Work With Me

Join the School of Podcasting or let me be your podcast mentor

I had not "take the temperature" of my audience in a while so I put together a quick survey. I use Google Forms, and did some number crunching in Excel, and made a report using Mail Merge in Microsoft word so I could easily consume the data.

SPONSOR: Podcast Engineering School

Be equipped to start their own podcast production company or be hired as an employee.

Program Includes:

1. 1. LIVE Interactive Online Training
   2. Two Mentoring Sessions with Chris Curran
   3. Major Discounts on Software and Plugins
   4. Lifetime Access to the PES closed community
   5. Certificate of Completion
   
   

Super Early Bird Specials Apply and prices WILL GO UP.

Check it out at www.podcastengineeringschoool.com

What My Audience Let Me Know

Audience:

Audience 80% Male 20% Female

Age: 31-40 41% 41-50 41% 61-70 18%

How far they listen 7% Listen to at least 75% 93% listen to all of it

Do You Currently Have a Podcast? Yes - 90% No - 10%

Perfect Length of Podcast? 0-29 3% 30-45 59% 46-60 28%

Have you ever told a friend about the School of Podcasting? Yes - 90% No - 10%

What Do You Like About the Show:

• Question of the month and your knowledge of podcasting
• Learning the best ways to podcast
• The up to date changes that would affect the day to day podcaster.
• You consistently provide concise, actionable advice to help podcasters be successful.
• Interviews with interesting podcasters  and how-to content
• Multiple topics and specialized guests this way I can identify with other podcasters who’ve encountered the same trials & tribulations in connecting with their audience
• I really like the real-world examples you cite of how people have made (or are making) their podcasts successful.
• The high-quality production, how much you assuage my concerns about podcasting, identify speech patterns that drive me crazy, and overall the feeling that you're actually talking to me.
• General updates on how and with what to create, manage, and grow your podcast and audience
• I like your honesty and transparency most. The topics I enjoy are tips on creating content and marketing content.
• Honest Information about growing audience and sponsors
• I like the honesty, the fact you'll tell the truth and also aren't afraid to give your opinion. Specific sections, I like when you do anecdote, which is odd as I didn't when I first started listening. Just goes to show not to change your format.
• The interviews, also gear talk when you have it.
• Just listening to Dave talk with excitement about what's important to him.  I always enjoy the Because-Of-My-Podcast stories.
• You think about the person who is just starting out and the people who have been at it a while. (so helps me learn as a newbie, but also stretches me to research other things). Love how you use sound effects. Think it captures attention well!
• Expert interviews, and Last Five in Five (bring it back!)
• The analogies, which helps anyone at any level understand the picture you are trying to paint (even the painting with peanut butter)
• The interviews with industry personalities and gear/service reviews. But most of all, it's just your personality that keeps me listening.
• Your humor,  varied topics, pace, transitions, and awesome ideas and content.
• I love the end of episode bloopers.

What you'd Like to Change:

• The same podcasters on all the time, how about some variety? For example, if the horse podcasting guy is on, I turn the show-off, sorry, but it's just not my thing. Other than that, I love everything else about the show!
• Email responses seemed to shorten then stop altogether after a while. Keep emailing/engaging consistently.
• While it doesn't bother me, I think too often you reference "old" movies, songs etc. and go with your "back in the day" quote which may not resonate with a younger audience.
• For example, for me, I don’t need to hear all the steps of math to get to an hourly rate for $60,000 a year.  You could just tell me you did the math and give me the bottom line number.
• Not this show, but your Rodeo - there is too much 'snide' comments. But hey, I was born British
• I think that Podcast Rodeo Show is a disservice to your expertise and kindness. but that's another show.
• Sometimes the sound effects get a little too morning zoo for me.
• All the extra sound effects you’ve been adding (more in the last year or so? Maybe 6 months?). Also, I know you’re against dates on your blog posts, but I wish you had them. Context matters & if I know it’s several years old, that might impact how I approach something.
• Sometimes there is so much repetition between this show, ask the podcast coach, podcasters round table, the feed, and new media show. I love all of them but fell a little disappointed when there’s too much overlap in topics. 
• A lot of assumed knowledge from previous episodes or technologies or podcasting
• I guess the only thing I worry about is I hear you on all of your other shows & know that you have a full-time job & do all of your school of podcasting stuff. I don't want you getting burned out! Take care of yourself, Dave!
• The only thing I could think of is the occasional repetition (Anchor sucks - it's okay to NOT make money with your show - stop checking your stats)
• Personally, I'm tired of "beginner" topics. I understand you make money helping people start, but I can imagine even a beginner would appreciate your expertise on more of the "improve" your podcast topics (which you do, but I want more of them).
• I’m not a big fan of the easy listening/jazz music you use under your commercials. It does not command authority.
• The occasional crass comment or innuendo is a bit annoying. I know it doesn't happen often, but when it does it makes me cringe.
• I get that you need to share personal stuff occasionally, as we should all do, and provided it's kept in proportion then I'm fine with it. First and foremost I want you to be a teacher, not a chat show host.
• For instance, when you did the 5 in 5 with the podcaster talking about atheism and I had to stop and pray for him and I was bummed that there are so many podcasts about people that are fallen away from the church.  So even the stuff I cringe at in your podcast, help me grow and give me a reason to pray.  I haven’t done my show in 5-6 years and yet, I still listen every week.  Keep up the zany antics and stellar content Dave
• Not the biggest fan of most podcast intros.  I would prefer you to start talking IMMEDIATELY about the show by possibly asking a few questions...the state that we will get into it further in the show. Example: What mics should you use when walking around outside and recording?  What is the difference between condenser blah blah blah?  We will get into it today!!  I’m Dave Jackson, and I thank you for being here at the SCHOOL OF PODCASTING! Now, let's talk mics.

Contributors

Pedro My Stuttering Life

Brandon from Florida Focus Podcast

Lee from We Have Cancer

Win from A Diary of Fashionista

Martha From Martha Runs the World

James from Where We Buy

Bill with the You With a Mission Podcast

Jas from Giving Up the Ghost

Steph from Stephfuccio.weebly.com

Mike from Create Pod

Alex from Spirits and Lyrics

Lee from This is Rammy

Jeremy from Transmissions Podcast

Brandon from Seahawkers Podcast

Garret from Good Patron Podcast

Kelly Two Ewes Fiber Adventure

Oscar from Deep Listening

Laura from Reviews and Randomness

Scott from What was that Like Podcast

Steve Stewart Money Plan SOS

Matt from The Author Inside You

JD from Bookworm Banquet

Paul from the Fighting Through Podcast( WWII)

Tim from the Sled Dog Podcast

Lee from Covert Nerd

Darwyn from Dealing with My Grief

Steve Work Comp Pulse

Richard Grimshaw

Hershy Orenstein

Ismael

Matt Simpson

Paul Capps

Conclusions:

You need to know why you are doing a podcast, and who your audience is and what they want. If someone suggests something that doesn't' fit the audience or your goal. you need to ignore it - this show is not for them.

You can't please everyone.

Keep in mind the new listeners, and don't get bit by the "curse of knowledge" and leave them in the dark.

Your audience wants you to be honest and concise. They enjoy your personality (some followed me to other shows) so let your personality out.

Be willing to try new things if your audience wants them, and they fit your goals.

I hope you enjoyed episode 681. 

Question of the Month

What was the last thing your shared (that wasn't your content)? Why did you share it? Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/question before August 23, 2019

Work With Me

Join the School of Podcasting or let me be your podcast mentor

From time to time I see people in Facebook groups announcing "Hey I got my first 1000 download episode!" or "I just got (insane amount of money)" for my podcast. When you are just starting out, or even if you've been podcasting for a while if you're just looking at downloads or dollars, the inspiration to keep going can be hard to come by. Today we are going to examine the other ways your podcast is a success.

SPONSOR: Podcast Engineering School

Be equipped to start their own podcast production company or be hired as an employee.

Program Includes:

1. 1. LIVE Interactive Online Training
   2. Two Mentoring Sessions with Chris Curran
   3. Major Discounts on Software and Plugins
   4. Lifetime Access to the PES closed community
   5. Certificate of Completion
   
   

Super Early Bird Specials Apply and prices WILL GO UP.

Check it out at www.podcastengineeringschoool.com

Other Ways To Count Podcast Success

If your goal was to find like-minded people (cause your spouse said they would not participate in any more conversations around Batman) and you've found some people online to have the conversations you've been longing to have - your podcast is a success.

If you had no luck getting in touch with certain people - but the minute they said yes to being interviewed on your podcast - it was a success

If your goal was to be seen as an expert and someone sends you an email asking you for your opinion - your podcast is a success

If your goal was to "get the message out there" and your podcast has a number that is higher than zero - your podcast is a success.

If your goal was to get something off your chest, you want to put your thoughts out into the universe - so you don't feel so invisible - and someone hears it - you're not invisible.

Glenn the Geek has people write Christmas songs about his podcast at the horseradionetwork.com 

Theracasts can be audio journals that can help you more than your audience in some cases, but they are much less expensive than therapy. Some might say you should do these in a private journal (and you can do that) but sometimes you need someone to hear you - even if its a complete stranger.

When someone in your audience chimes in on a conversation that helps you save money or time - that is a bonus to your life.

Binders Can Be a Good Thing

When I asked Uncle Google what blinders are, I see that blinder "attach to a horse's bridle or hood and prevent a horse from seeing behind and beside him." I mention this alot because its important. Comparing your show to another show is one of the worst things you can do. Blinder can stop you from looking at your past (cause there may be regrets) and they help you focus on your future. Your current value is not based on your mistakes of the past.  Keep focused on your audience and answer every email, tweet, etc and keep the conversation going (don't just answer the question).

It Might Take a Bit To Get Some Feedback

I started a show called Your Podcast Consultant ( small lessons with big value) for those who like a shorter podcast. I've been doing it for nine months, and finally just got some feedback.

The Power of Relationships

Jen Briney doest the Congressional Dish podcast that every American should be subscribed to and she recently did an episode on Suprise Medical Bills in America and did a touching tribute to a listener who died. Jen monetizes the show on the "Value for Value" model (meaning it is 100% listener supported) and Jen explains how listeners are a bit like pen pals. It really shows the kind of relationships you build online. Likewise, when I heard Jen cry on her show remembering her listener I wanted to crawl through my phone and give her a giant hug. Why? Because of the relationship, I feel I have with her as a listener.

While Jen will blow off and poke fun of herself for crying on the show, what it is - is courageous. She went 100% vulnerable on her show. This also helps build relationships with your audience.

The No Agenda Show with John C Dvorak and Adam Curry do a show they deconstruct the media. Their audience is so engaged they are doing meetups to talk about their subject(s). Their audience loves the subject to much they want to continue on the discussion. They even set up a website at www.noagendameetups.com and there are MANY websites maintained by their audience with the goal of helping to promote the show

Jim Collison is my cohost for Ask the Podcast Coach on Saturday mornings and host a show for his job at Gallop as well as Home Gadget Geeks. He just mentioned that he had started enjoying a cigar every now and then and he was contacted multiple times by his audience who wanted to send him their favorite cigar.

Question of the Month

This month I'm doing an audience survey (my first in YEARS) and I would love to know

1. What you like about the show

2. What you wish I'd change (I'm a big boy, be honest)

3. What would you like to hear in the future (guests, topics)

Please go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/question

and leave your response (there may be a prize for a random person who takes the online version AND leaves an audio version)

Last Five in Five

What were the last five podcasts you listened to?

Dan from the Thank God I'm an Atheist and the How to Heretic show

1. God Awful Movies
2. The Constant
3. Scathing Atheist 
4. Pod Save America
5. The Allusionist

Mentioned on This Show

Dealing with My Grief

Congressional Dish

No Agenda Show

Home Gadget Geeks

Your Podcast Consultant

Todd Cochrane New Media Show

Zoom.us

Work With Me

Join the School of Podcasting or let me be your podcast mentor