You can totally monetize a podcast even if your audience is smaller and niche. It's like having a tiny but super passionate fan club instead of a massive crowd that’s half-asleep. Today, we’re chatting with Ray Arnett from aroundthelayout.com, who lives, eats, and breathes the world of model railroads. He’s got some wild ideas about partnerships that don’t rely on the usual sponsor route, and trust me, it’s more interesting than it sounds.

Monetizing a Smaller Audience

Think making money off a podcast is just for the big shots? Well, let's pop that bubble! This episode digs into how even those tucked away in the tiniest of niches can make some cash. If you're a model train enthusiast with a handful of loyal listeners, you’re in for a treat.

Ray Arnott Shares All the Lessons

Ray's not just talking numbers; he’s all about engagement and connections, proving that sometimes having a smaller audience means having a more dedicated one. Forget about chasing those elusive sponsorship deals; Ray's got a different game plan. He shares how forming partnerships with like-minded businesses has been the real money-maker for him. So grab your conductor's hat and hop on board as we explore the wild world of niche podcast monetization. Get ready to learn that with the right approach, even a handful of listeners can lead to big bucks!

Takeaways:

• Monetizing a podcast isn't just for the big names; even small niche audiences can cash in.
• Engaged listeners are worth their weight in gold, no matter the size of your audience.
• Finding the right marketing partners who share your vision can be a game changer.
• Creating a community in your niche can lead to unexpected sponsorship opportunities.
• Never take your community for granted.
• It's not about having a large audience; it's about having the RIGHT audience.
• Underserved communities need a safe place to connect with like-minded people.

Links referenced in this episode:

• schoolofpodcasting.com
• aroundthelayout.com
• Heartbeat Community Tool
• Redirect.Pizza (aff)
• Cancer and Comedy Podcast
• School of Podcasting Affiliate Program

Mentioned in this episode:

Check Out Dave's Newsletter With Behind the Scenes Content

In each issue of Podcasting Observations, I share my thoughts on what is happening in the podcasting space, my latest content, and things that have caught my eye. I also may ask for your opinion. Join the free community

Podcasting Observations

Question of the Month: The Smallest Amount of Downloads

We all want a bigger audience. We all put a lot of work into our shows. With this in mind, what is the smallest amount of downloads you would do the show for? If it drops below a number would you stop, or put effort into finding out why?

Does the size of your audience matter?

Go to schoolofpodcasting.com/question by August 28th (and don't forget to say a little bit about your show and your website address so I can link to it in the notes)

School of Podcasting

Get Your Podcast Up and Going in Six Weeks

Dreaming of starting your own podcast but not sure where to begin? Podcasting in Six Weeks gives you a clear, step-by-step path to go from idea to launch with confidence.

This practical course is designed to help you create, record, edit, publish, and promote your podcast in just six weeks. Whether you're starting from scratch or feeling overwhelmed by the technical side, you'll get the guidance, structure, and tools you need to launch a podcast that sounds professional and reaches the right audience.

Ready to stop overthinking and start podcasting? Join Podcasting in Six Weeks today and turn your voice, ideas, and expertise into a show people want to hear.

The best part? It's only $1

Classes Start June 3rd

Podcasting in Six Weeks

Today, we’re exploring the world of partnerships versus sponsorships with the fabulous Stephanie Thompson. The key takeaway? Partnerships are better at growing your show. Forget just pocketing cash for a shout-out; we’re talking about meaningful connections that can actually grow your audience.

Stephanie explains how she snagged partners before she even had a following—zero downloads, folks! So, if you’ve been thinking about how to take your podcast game to the next level, this chat is for you. Grab your earphones and get ready to learn how to team up with brands that vibe with your message!

Want Another Story of Someone Who Got a Sponsor Before Launching?

Check out The Riches are in the Niches With Harry Duran episode 767

Takeaways:

• Partnerships are more about shared goals and values compared to one-off sponsorships.
• Monetization through partnerships can grow your audience, not just your pocketbook.
• It's all about the fit; the right audience and brand alignment are crucial for success.
• Don't promote brands you don't believe in; integrity is key in partnerships.
• Transparency with analytics and feedback helps maintain healthy brand relationships.
• Educate your partners about your audience to foster better collaboration and understanding.
• Stephanie did a "trial run" on her courses - BEFORE she launched.

Links referenced in this episode:

• podcastexpertlab.com
• schoolofpodcasting.com
• profitfromyourpodcast.com
• castahead.net
• beyondbourbonstreet.com
• Profit From Your Podcast Book
• The Day My Vagina Broke Book

Mentioned in this episode:

Get Your Podcast Up and Going in Six Weeks

Dreaming of starting your own podcast but not sure where to begin? Podcasting in Six Weeks gives you a clear, step-by-step path to go from idea to launch with confidence.

This practical course is designed to help you create, record, edit, publish, and promote your podcast in just six weeks. Whether you're starting from scratch or feeling overwhelmed by the technical side, you'll get the guidance, structure, and tools you need to launch a podcast that sounds professional and reaches the right audience.

Ready to stop overthinking and start podcasting? Join Podcasting in Six Weeks today and turn your voice, ideas, and expertise into a show people want to hear.

The best part? It's only $1

Classes Start June 3rd

Podcasting in Six Weeks

Podcast Expert Lab

7-step podcast partnership success:

This course pays for itself after just ONE partnership.

Imagine getting paid to talk about what you love with brands that align with your audience. Complete this on-demand course at your own pace, using short, bite-sized videos and actionable tasks to boost your podcast growth and income.

You don’t need to be famous—you just need the drive to grow and the strategy to earn!

Podcast Expoert Lab

Question of the Month: The Smallest Amount of Downloads

We all want a bigger audience. We all put a lot of work into our shows. With this in mind, what is the smallest amount of downloads you would do the show for? If it drops below a number would you stop, or put effort into finding out why?

Does the size of your audience matter?

Go to schoolofpodcasting.com/question by August 28th (and don't forget to say a little bit about your show and your website address so I can link to it in the notes)

School of Podcasting

Molly Ruland stops by to explain how she started a branded podcast that brought in so many clients from season one that she had to pause it. For Molly, it is all about starting and building relationships with her guests.

By conducting targeted outreach, she added 500 marketing people to her LinkedIn network, improving the relevance of her feed.

When it comes to SEO, AI is interesting, but she advises against using "podcast lingo" and emojis in podcast show notes and metadata. Instead, she recommends focusing on using relevant keywords. We should be advising AI to use relevant keywords in our descriptions and have it use the AIDA approach.

Takeaways:

• Molly Ruland emphasizes that authentic podcasting is about being yourself and not just a sales pitch.
• Building relationships through your podcast can lead to business opportunities without being pushy about it.
• SEO isn't just a buzzword; optimizing your podcast content can help increase its visibility and attract the right audience.
• Don't just focus on the numbers; create meaningful connections with your guests and audience.

Because of My Podcast: Ralph Estep Jr

Ralph has been an accountant for 30 years. Because of his podcast, Intuit approached him to share and teach about the experience of moving from local copies of their software (Quickbooks and others) to the web-based version.

Check out Ralph's show at www.askralphpodcast.com

Links referenced in this episode:

• schoolofpodcasting.com
• askralphpodcast.com
• heartcastmedia.com
• Camp Content Show
• Tom Petty and Axl Rose

Mentioned in this episode:

Live Appearances

I loved connecting with my audience. Here are the next events I will be at:

November 11: Podindy.com (use the coupon code SOP)

February 23-26, 2027: National Religious Broadcasters nrb.org

I'd love to speak at your event. Go to schoolofpodcasting.com/contact

Where Will I Be?

Get Your Podcast Up and Going in Six Weeks

Dreaming of starting your own podcast but not sure where to begin? Podcasting in Six Weeks gives you a clear, step-by-step path to go from idea to launch with confidence.

This practical course is designed to help you create, record, edit, publish, and promote your podcast in just six weeks. Whether you're starting from scratch or feeling overwhelmed by the technical side, you'll get the guidance, structure, and tools you need to launch a podcast that sounds professional and reaches the right audience.

Ready to stop overthinking and start podcasting? Join Podcasting in Six Weeks today and turn your voice, ideas, and expertise into a show people want to hear.

The best part? It's only $1

Classes Start June 3rd

Podcasting in Six Weeks

Question of the Month: The Smallest Amount of Downloads

We all want a bigger audience. We all put a lot of work into our shows. With this in mind, what is the smallest amount of downloads you would do the show for? If it drops below a number would you stop, or put effort into finding out why?

Does the size of your audience matter?

Go to schoolofpodcasting.com/question by August 28th (and don't forget to say a little bit about your show and your website address so I can link to it in the notes)

School of Podcasting

After a lot of feedback on the first episode about podcast newsletters, I wanted to answer more questions, and this time I brought Paul Gowder to help.

We’ll discuss what tools to use and what content to include. If you really want to skip this whole newsletter thing, we've got some backup plans for you, too. Paul not only has wisdom about newsletters, but we also talk about building his community.

Spoiler alert: You might even want to ditch social media for this! Buckle up, because we’re about to make your newsletter dreams a reality.

Takeaways:

• Start building your podcast newsletter today; it's like planting a seed for growth.
• Don't overthink content; even simple updates can keep your audience engaged and informed.
• Use email as a direct line to your audience; it's way better than shouting into the social media void.
• If you're not asking for emails, you're missing out—it's like having a party and not inviting anyone.
• Be cautious with Facebook. They may delete your group with 85,000 people in it.

Mentioned In This Episode

• schoolofpodcasting.com
• paulgouder.com
• Paul's Free Strategies
• paulgowder.com/emailtools
• Paul's Email Jump Start
• What to expect at your first Powow.
• schoolofpodcasting.com/972 - Part 1 about Newsletters
• schoolofpodcasting.com/974 - This episode
• Jef Sieh's Social Media News Live Podcast

Tools Mentioned:

• Sustack
• Sendfox
• Mailerlite
• Kit
• Newsletter Database
• Liz Wilcox Templates
• Group Leads for gathering emails from Facebook Groups.

Mentioned in this episode:

Get Your Podcast Up and Going in Six Weeks

Dreaming of starting your own podcast but not sure where to begin? Podcasting in Six Weeks gives you a clear, step-by-step path to go from idea to launch with confidence.

This practical course is designed to help you create, record, edit, publish, and promote your podcast in just six weeks. Whether you're starting from scratch or feeling overwhelmed by the technical side, you'll get the guidance, structure, and tools you need to launch a podcast that sounds professional and reaches the right audience.

Ready to stop overthinking and start podcasting? Join Podcasting in Six Weeks today and turn your voice, ideas, and expertise into a show people want to hear.

The best part? It's only $1

Classes Start June 3rd

Podcasting in Six Weeks

Question of the Month: The Smallest Amount of Downloads

We all want a bigger audience. We all put a lot of work into our shows. With this in mind, what is the smallest amount of downloads you would do the show for? If it drops below a number would you stop, or put effort into finding out why?

Does the size of your audience matter?

Go to schoolofpodcasting.com/question by August 28th (and don't forget to say a little bit about your show and your website address so I can link to it in the notes)

School of Podcasting

Live Appearances

I loved connecting with my audience. Here are the next events I will be at:

November 11: Podindy.com (use the coupon code SOP)

February 23-26, 2027: National Religious Broadcasters nrb.org

I'd love to speak at your event. Go to schoolofpodcasting.com/contact

Where Will I Be?

I ask my audience what their top pet peeves are just drive them nuts. We're spilling the beans on all the annoying things that make us want to tear our hair out while listening. We've got it all covered from podcasters who take forever to get to the good stuff to the dreaded mid-sentence ads that pop up like uninvited guests at a party. We also chat about the classic blunders that drive listeners nuts, like out-of-context clips and those cringe-worthy audio issues. So, grab your headphones and get ready to laugh and commiserate as we call out all the podcasting faux pas that need to be put to rest!

Thanks to the Participants in This Episode

Steve Stewart from SteveStewart.me and the Podcast Editor Academy

Kim Newlove from the Pharmacist's Voice and the Perrysburg Podcast

Mark Lawley from the Practical Prepping show.

Todd the Gator from the Guardian Downcast show.

Zo Richardson from the Back Look Cinema show.

York from Welcome to Earth Stories Show.

Dave Jackson from the School of Podcasting.

Niel's GoFundMe Page and his Documentary The Messengers: A Podcast Documentary

Takeaways:

• Podcasters need to stop dragging out the intro and just get to the point already.
• Volume fluctuations between hosts and guests are a major annoyance that can ruin a podcast.
• Out-of-context clips at the start of a podcast are confusing and just plain unnecessary.
• Too many commercials can turn a great podcast into a frustrating experience for listeners.
• Not including show notes wastes listeners' time and makes it hard to follow up on interesting topics. Don't tell me a book and then not put the link.
• Bad audio quality is the ultimate deal-breaker that makes me want to hit stop immediately.

Additional Links referenced in this episode:

• Podpage - a great tool to make amazing websites for podcasters.
• Captivate media host (with some very cool tools built-in)
• YouTube Billion Views
• The Meidas Touch, which produces 15 episodes A DAY has "De-Throwned (?)" Joe Rogan.
• Niel Guilarte go fund me page.

Mentioned in this episode:

Live Appearances

I loved connecting with my audience. Here are the next events I will be at:

November 11: Podindy.com (use the coupon code SOP)

February 23-26, 2027: National Religious Broadcasters nrb.org

I'd love to speak at your event. Go to schoolofpodcasting.com/contact

Where Will I Be?

Question of the Month: The Smallest Amount of Downloads

We all want a bigger audience. We all put a lot of work into our shows. With this in mind, what is the smallest amount of downloads you would do the show for? If it drops below a number would you stop, or put effort into finding out why?

Does the size of your audience matter?

Go to schoolofpodcasting.com/question by August 28th (and don't forget to say a little bit about your show and your website address so I can link to it in the notes)

School of Podcasting

Get Your Podcast Up and Going in Six Weeks

Dreaming of starting your own podcast but not sure where to begin? Podcasting in Six Weeks gives you a clear, step-by-step path to go from idea to launch with confidence.

This practical course is designed to help you create, record, edit, publish, and promote your podcast in just six weeks. Whether you're starting from scratch or feeling overwhelmed by the technical side, you'll get the guidance, structure, and tools you need to launch a podcast that sounds professional and reaches the right audience.

Ready to stop overthinking and start podcasting? Join Podcasting in Six Weeks today and turn your voice, ideas, and expertise into a show people want to hear.

The best part? It's only $1

Classes Start June 3rd

Podcasting in Six Weeks

Forget social media; if you want to drive traffic, newsletters are where it’s at. Seriously, I’ve been crunching the numbers and guess what? My newsletter is pulling in way more visitors than my half-hearted attempts at tweeting or posting on Facebook. Yeah, shocking, I know.

It’s like trying to catch a fish with a toothpick when you could just use a net, right? So, in this episode, we’ll look at why newsletters are the real MVPs of traffic generation, sharing some juicy stats and personal tales that’ll have you reconsidering your social media obsession. Buckle up, because we’re about to turn your traffic woes into wows!

I also share some behind the scenes of a future episode.

Takeaways:

• A newsletter is like a Swiss Army knife for driving traffic; social media is just a flimsy butter knife.
• Crazy thought: newsletters give you more bang for your buck than social media ever will, who knew?!
• Social media might be fun for scrolling, but newsletters actually get people to click and engage.
• Turns out, people prefer their marketing via email rather than social media, shocking right?
• If you're still chasing social media likes, maybe it's time to rethink your strategy and join the newsletter revolution.
• Newsletters allow for better audience segmentation, making it easier to deliver personalized content that actually resonates.

Links referenced in this episode:

School of Podcasting

schoolofpodcasting.com

Audience Survey

schoolofpodcasting.com/survey25

SOP Episode on UTM

schoolofpodcasting.com/896

Dave's Newsletter

podcastingobservations.com

schoolofpodcasting.com/newsletter

schoolofpodcasting.com/daily

Gary Arndt Everything Every Daily

https://everything-everywhere.com/

Gary Interviewed on the School of Podcasting

https://schoolofpodcasting.com/how-gary-arndt-adopted-the-audience-growth-strategy-from-the-movie-industry/

Podnews Report Card

podnews.net/report-card

Leave Dave a Review

schoolofpodcasting.com/apple

Captivate Media Hosting No Payments 'Till April

supportthishow.com/captivate

Podcast Marketing Trends Survey (Please Fill Out)

https://podcastmarketingacademy.typeform.com/to/DR7WmJbF

Paul Gowder Email Tips

https://www.paulgowder.com/

Liz Wilcox Email Templates

https://lizwilcox.com/

Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook Book From Gary V.

Mentioned in this episode:

Live Appearances

I loved connecting with my audience. Here are the next events I will be at:

November 11: Podindy.com (use the coupon code SOP)

February 23-26, 2027: National Religious Broadcasters nrb.org

I'd love to speak at your event. Go to schoolofpodcasting.com/contact

Where Will I Be?

Question of the Month: The Smallest Amount of Downloads

We all want a bigger audience. We all put a lot of work into our shows. With this in mind, what is the smallest amount of downloads you would do the show for? If it drops below a number would you stop, or put effort into finding out why?

Does the size of your audience matter?

Go to schoolofpodcasting.com/question by August 28th (and don't forget to say a little bit about your show and your website address so I can link to it in the notes)

School of Podcasting

Black Friday Podcasting Sepcial

Hey, podcast creators! Are you ready to take your podcast to the next level? We have an unbeatable deal just for you!

Introducing the Hot Seat Service!

For a limited time, get your podcast episode and website professionally audited. Dive deep into our 30-point checklist and uncover opportunities to improve your podcast's reach and engagement!

🔍 What's Included?

Podcast Episode Audit: Pinpoint key areas for improvement.

Website Audit: A thorough 30-point checklist to optimize your online presence.

But wait, there’s more!

When you sign up, you'll receive a free month at the School of Podcasting! That's one month of top-notch podcasting training normally at $99, absolutely free!

📚 Exclusive Offer:

Your School of Podcasting membership includes 5 hours of personal consulting, a service valued at $1000 alone!

All This for Just $99!

Normally, you'd pay $1278 for this incredible package. But through December 31st, it's yours for just $99! 🚀

Don’t miss this chance to elevate your podcast without breaking the bank. Secure this offer today and watch your podcast thrive!

Act Now! Spots are limited!

fixmypodcast.com

Podcast Hotseat

We're diving into the wild world of podcasting and pulling some juicy lessons from the legendary Saturday Night Live as it hits the big 5-0. Seriously, SNL didn’t just survive; it thrived, and we’re here to steal some of that magic for our own shows. From knowing your audience to embracing the weirdness, there’s a treasure trove of insights that can help us all level up our podcasting game. Forget about being boring—SNL took risks, and guess what? It paid off! So, buckle up and get ready to channel your inner SNL spirit, because we’re about to get creative and maybe a little absurd.

Takeaways:

• SNL stands the test of time, and so should your podcast; don’t be boring!
• Know your audience, but also create content you want to see; it's a balance!
• Embrace weirdness in your podcast; it keeps things fresh and fun for everyone!
• Experimentation is key; SNL’s success came from trying new things, so should you!
• If you get bored, so will your listeners; keep it exciting or risk losing them!
• Word of mouth matters; promote your podcast like SNL promotes its guests!

Mentioned in this episode:

Get Your Podcast Up and Going in Six Weeks

Dreaming of starting your own podcast but not sure where to begin? Podcasting in Six Weeks gives you a clear, step-by-step path to go from idea to launch with confidence.

This practical course is designed to help you create, record, edit, publish, and promote your podcast in just six weeks. Whether you're starting from scratch or feeling overwhelmed by the technical side, you'll get the guidance, structure, and tools you need to launch a podcast that sounds professional and reaches the right audience.

Ready to stop overthinking and start podcasting? Join Podcasting in Six Weeks today and turn your voice, ideas, and expertise into a show people want to hear.

The best part? It's only $1

Classes Start June 3rd

Podcasting in Six Weeks

Live Appearances

I loved connecting with my audience. Here are the next events I will be at:

November 11: Podindy.com (use the coupon code SOP)

February 23-26, 2027: National Religious Broadcasters nrb.org

I'd love to speak at your event. Go to schoolofpodcasting.com/contact

Where Will I Be?

Check Out Dave's Newsletter With Behind the Scenes Content

In each issue of Podcasting Observations, I share my thoughts on what is happening in the podcasting space, my latest content, and things that have caught my eye. I also may ask for your opinion. Join the free community

Podcasting Observations

Danny Pena is back on the mic, and let me tell you, he’s got stories that’ll make you believe in the power of podcasting. After 20 years of grinding with Gamertag Radio, Danny shares all the wild opportunities that have come his way, and trust me, it's not just luck; it's hustle. Danny DOES THE WORK.

From interviewing gaming legends to landing a gig at the New York Stock Exchange, Danny shows us that if you know your audience and stay true to yourself, the sky's the limit. We dig into how he built connections that led to his success, proving that networking isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the real deal. So grab your headphones and get ready to be inspired—this is one ride you don’t want to miss!

Takeaways:

• Danny Pena has been podcasting for 20 years, proving that persistence pays off.
• Building relationships through podcasting can lead to incredible opportunities and experiences.
• Getting to know your audience is key to creating content they love and respond to.
• Danny's success shows that focusing on impact rather than just numbers can lead to growth.
• Networking in person is crucial; nothing beats face-to-face connections for opportunities.
• Opportunities arise from being genuine and building a solid reputation in your field.

Links referenced in this episode:

• schoolofpodcasting.com - use the coupon listener
• gamertagradio.com
• https://www.dannyandriana.com/ <
• Danny Peña: Keep it Fun and Master Your Craft -EP827
• Danny Peña Is On a Mission For Additional Listeners - EP633
• Commitment to Community: How Danny Peña Grew His Podcast Audience - RP506
• The Danny and Riana Show

Mentioned in this episode:

Question of the Month: The Smallest Amount of Downloads

We all want a bigger audience. We all put a lot of work into our shows. With this in mind, what is the smallest amount of downloads you would do the show for? If it drops below a number would you stop, or put effort into finding out why?

Does the size of your audience matter?

Go to schoolofpodcasting.com/question by August 28th (and don't forget to say a little bit about your show and your website address so I can link to it in the notes)

School of Podcasting

Get Your Podcast Up and Going in Six Weeks

Dreaming of starting your own podcast but not sure where to begin? Podcasting in Six Weeks gives you a clear, step-by-step path to go from idea to launch with confidence.

This practical course is designed to help you create, record, edit, publish, and promote your podcast in just six weeks. Whether you're starting from scratch or feeling overwhelmed by the technical side, you'll get the guidance, structure, and tools you need to launch a podcast that sounds professional and reaches the right audience.

Ready to stop overthinking and start podcasting? Join Podcasting in Six Weeks today and turn your voice, ideas, and expertise into a show people want to hear.

The best part? It's only $1

Classes Start June 3rd

Podcasting in Six Weeks

Live Appearances

I loved connecting with my audience. Here are the next events I will be at:

November 11: Podindy.com (use the coupon code SOP)

February 23-26, 2027: National Religious Broadcasters nrb.org

I'd love to speak at your event. Go to schoolofpodcasting.com/contact

Where Will I Be?

YouTube just dropped a report on what makes content good, and spoiler alert: it’s not just about looking pretty. Turns out, folks care way more about what’s being said than how fancy the background is. If you want to create stuff that really resonates, whether it's on YouTube or just in audio, you gotta aim for emotional connection. You know, the kind that makes you laugh, cry, or think, not just scroll mindlessly. So, if you’re ready to step up your content game and stop stressing over that bowl of cereal in the background, stick around!

YouTube just dropped a bombshell report on what makes content tick, and honestly, it's a game-changer for all of us trying to create stuff that doesn't suck. So, I dove deep into this thing, and guess what? Turns out, whether you're slinging videos or just talking into a microphone like yours truly, the core principles of good content are pretty much the same. They say good content should make you laugh, cry, or at least think a little—basically, it needs to resonate. And if you're worried about your background lighting or if your hair is on point, spoiler alert: it doesn't matter as much as you think. We're talking about a study that found less than 1% of viewers care about visuals, and really, if your audio is clear and your video isn't shot in a black hole, you're already ahead of the game.

But let's dive into the juicy bits. The report highlighted that emotional engagement is key. If your content doesn't hit people in the feels, you're just another background noise in their lives. And I get it; we all want to be relatable. If viewers can see themselves in your stories, you're golden. Authenticity is the name of the game—be real, be you, and stop trying to copy what everyone else is doing. This isn't a high school talent show where you're just trying to impress the popular kids; it's about creating a connection. So, whether you’re crafting a podcast episode or filming a YouTube video, focus on being genuine and let your unique voice shine through.

To wrap it up—what I gleaned from this report is that content creation isn't just about looking good or having the fanciest gear. It's about creating something that makes people feel like their time was well spent. And if you can throw in a good story or two, you’re well on your way to winning their hearts (and ears). So roll up your sleeves, get comfy with your mic or camera, and remember: it's all about the content, my friends.

Takeaways:

• YouTube's report shows that content is about connecting emotionally, not just visuals.
• Good content should make people feel something, whether it's laughter or nostalgia.
• Don't stress about backgrounds or fancy gear; clear audio is what really matters.
• Being authentic and relatable is key to engaging your audience effectively.

Mentioned In This Episode:

School of Podcasting

Coach Builder: How to Turn Your Expertise Into a Profitable Coaching

School of Podcasting Audience Survey

Joe Rogan Episode 1

Jim Harold Paranormal Podcast

Mentioned in this episode:

Live Appearances

I loved connecting with my audience. Here are the next events I will be at:

November 11: Podindy.com (use the coupon code SOP)

February 23-26, 2027: National Religious Broadcasters nrb.org

I'd love to speak at your event. Go to schoolofpodcasting.com/contact

Where Will I Be?

Question of the Month: The Smallest Amount of Downloads

We all want a bigger audience. We all put a lot of work into our shows. With this in mind, what is the smallest amount of downloads you would do the show for? If it drops below a number would you stop, or put effort into finding out why?

Does the size of your audience matter?

Go to schoolofpodcasting.com/question by August 28th (and don't forget to say a little bit about your show and your website address so I can link to it in the notes)

School of Podcasting

Get Your Podcast Up and Going in Six Weeks

Dreaming of starting your own podcast but not sure where to begin? Podcasting in Six Weeks gives you a clear, step-by-step path to go from idea to launch with confidence.

This practical course is designed to help you create, record, edit, publish, and promote your podcast in just six weeks. Whether you're starting from scratch or feeling overwhelmed by the technical side, you'll get the guidance, structure, and tools you need to launch a podcast that sounds professional and reaches the right audience.

Ready to stop overthinking and start podcasting? Join Podcasting in Six Weeks today and turn your voice, ideas, and expertise into a show people want to hear.

The best part? It's only $1

Classes Start June 3rd

Podcasting in Six Weeks

Every podcast can benefit from editing because it enhances the listening experience by removing the boring parts and keeping the content engaging. While authenticity is important, it shouldn't come at the cost of listener engagement. Effective editing can transform a good conversation into a great podcast by honing in on valuable content and eliminating distractions. By focusing on who your audience is and what they want to hear, you can make informed decisions on what to keep and what to cut. Ultimately, I encourage podcasters to see editing as a technical task and a creative opportunity to present their best work and respect their listeners' time.

Takeaways:

• Editing helps improve the quality of your podcast by removing uninteresting or redundant content.
• A podcast should be a conversation with the boring parts removed for better engagement.
• Understanding your audience is crucial for determining what content to keep or cut.
• Planning your episodes effectively can reduce the time needed for editing later on.
• It's important to focus on making your podcast a favorite for listeners, not just good enough.
• Using editing tools wisely can enhance your show's clarity without sacrificing authenticity.

Links referenced in this episode:

• schoolofpodcasting.com
• podcastsconnect.apple.com
• podcasters.spotify.com
• schoolofpodcasting.com/survey25

Mentioned in this episode:

Question of the Month: The Smallest Amount of Downloads

We all want a bigger audience. We all put a lot of work into our shows. With this in mind, what is the smallest amount of downloads you would do the show for? If it drops below a number would you stop, or put effort into finding out why?

Does the size of your audience matter?

Go to schoolofpodcasting.com/question by August 28th (and don't forget to say a little bit about your show and your website address so I can link to it in the notes)

School of Podcasting

Live Appearances

I loved connecting with my audience. Here are the next events I will be at:

November 11: Podindy.com (use the coupon code SOP)

February 23-26, 2027: National Religious Broadcasters nrb.org

I'd love to speak at your event. Go to schoolofpodcasting.com/contact

Where Will I Be?

Black Friday Podcasting Sepcial

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Podcast Hotseat