What makes a podcast truly successful? What makes listeners connect with a podcast host? One of the key factors is honest communication. Listeners want to hear from hosts who are willing to take a stand and share their honest thoughts and feelings on important topics. In this episode of Build a Big Podcast, I will explore this philosophy in more detail, using the real-world example of the elementary school shooting that just happened in Nashville. Topics on this Episode:  Why podcast listeners want you to take a stand What happens when you say nothing What lack of leadership looks like – don't do this   Links to Things I Talk About:    What we know about the deadly shooting at a Nashville elementary school Build a Big Podcast Big Podcast Insider   
     

"School Shootings" and Your Podcast

Maximize your podcast's potential with podcast marketing strategies from David Hooper, podcast marketing expert and author of "Big Podcast – Grow Your Podcast Audience, Build Listener Loyalty, and Get Everybody Talking About Your Show."

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David Hooper dives into the details of the Focusrite Vocaster One and Vocaster Two Studio setups, offering insights into their usage, features, and how they can enhance your podcasting experience. Key Themes  Comparison of Vocaster One and Two Studios Benefits of Focusrite's audio interfaces Practical podcasting gear setup suggestions Impact of microphone choice on audio quality Automating audio settings with Focusrite Vocaster interfaces Portable podcasting equipment for remote interviews  Topics covered in this episode:​  Overview of Focusrite's Vocaster One and Vocaster Two Studio interfaces and their features Comparison of Vocaster One and Vocaster Two microphones with popular models like Shure's SM58 and SM7B Discussion on the build quality, affordability, and suitability of Vocaster mics for beginners and professionals Explanation of the podcasting setup used by David Hooper for this episode, including the use of Audacity and not using a noise gate or compressor Insights on the automatic gain control feature of Vocaster interfaces and how it optimizes recording levels automatically  Want a Focusrite Vocaster?  Vocaster One Vocaster Two  Want more help growing your podcast audience?  Big Podcast Extra - Podcasting Tips Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program) 
     

The 100 Dollar Podcasting Studio

Discover the secrets of powerful podcasting with tips on audience growth, monetization, effective use of feedback, and the latest podcasting tools to make a podcast people care about. Key Themes  Tom Petty's insights on podcasting Audio quality and technical troubleshooting for podcasters Utilizing riverside.fm for podcast recording Listener retention differences: Apple vs Spotify Strategies for conducting impactful podcast interviews Benefits of receiving and acting on feedback from listeners Tools and tips for podcast monetization  Topics covered in this episode:​  The importance of listener retention on different podcast distribution platforms, like Apple and Spotify. Strategies for preparing for podcast interviews, including the value of pre-interview calls. Tips on using YouTube's community posts to enhance podcast visibility and engagement  Discussion on whether the world needs more podcasts and self-reflection for podcasters Podcasting insights from Tom Petty's approach to not boring the audience and getting to the point The use of AI tools in automating podcast summaries and feedback collection  Episode Timestamps  04:37 Tom Petty and podcasting 07:08 Consider if the world needs your podcast 11:22 Leverage long podcasts on YouTube using built-in tools 13:26 Uncovering unique podcast content from guests 18:46 Free Swiss Army Knife of podcasting 19:39 Audio Monetization Program for podcasters  The Newsletter for Podcasters   Big Podcast Insider - Weekly Podcasting Newsletter ​   This episode of Build a Big Podcast is brought to you by Riverside ...​ Riverside is online recording software that makes it easy for podcasters to record studio-quality interviews from anywhere. Try it free and, if you like it, get 15% off any membership plan when you use the code BIGPODCAST.​​ About this episode of Build a Big Podcast:​ This is the audio companion to Issue 179 of Big Podcast Insider. If you're interested in more info on what I talk about on this episode and also links, that's where to go. On this episode, I dive into where the money is made in podcasting. how to get more reviews (and subscribers) for your podcast, podcast hosting, and more.   ​ Big Podcast Insider is a weekly newsletter on podcasting. If you like the content of this episode, you can subscribe here – it's free and you can unsubscribe at any time with a single click.​ Want more help growing your podcast audience?  Big Podcast Extra - Podcasting Tips Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program) 
     

Apple vs. Spotify for Podcasters (Big Podcast Insider Issue 179)

David Hooper talks about a Dave Ramsey impersonation scam, explores essential podcasting tools like Audacity 3.5.1, and delivers tips for podcast growth and authenticity Key Themes  Avoiding scams and impersonation in podcasting Importance of tailored coaching for podcasters Equipment options for budget-friendly podcast setups Audience growth through effective improvement strategies Innovating within the podcast format Using professional tools for audio enhancement Continuous self-improvement and critique in podcasting  Topics covered in this episode:​  Discussion on a scam involving someone posing as Dave Ramsey to sell investment schemes and debt reduction plans Overviews of podcast studio packages available for purchase, including details on equipment included in both a $100 and $200 option Analysis of new features in Audacity 3.5.1, including cloud project saving, pitch shifting, and a simplified interface Techniques for improving podcast hosting skills, focusing on one area at a time such as enhancing listening capabilities or delivery Impostors on social media impersonating podcasters Insights on creative risk and content delivery that meets audience expectations but also pushes boundaries  Episode Timestamps  04:52 Robin Williams' struggles in show business ... similar to a lot of people 09:08 Identify podcasting roadblocks, focus on improving and implementing 10:35 Repetitive interview questions that hinder genuine conversations 15:10 Voiced audiobooks, podcasting templates, training 18:29 Learning podcasting from music industry and pioneering digital media 20:38 Podcast uniqueness lost with copied interview format 24:11 Impersonators appear on social media, even inpersonating podcasters 28:02 Free tools and templates for podcasters' success 29:43 Subscribe to this podcast at bigpodcast.com for podcast growth tips  The Newsletter for Podcasters   Big Podcast Insider - Weekly Podcasting Newsletter ​   This episode of Build a Big Podcast is brought to you by Riverside ...​ Riverside is online recording software that makes it easy for podcasters to record studio-quality interviews from anywhere. Try it free and, if you like it, get 15% off any membership plan when you use the code BIGPODCAST.​​ About this episode of Build a Big Podcast:​ This is the audio companion to Issue 178 of Big Podcast Insider. If you're interested in more info on what I talk about on this episode and also links, that's where to go. On this episode, I dive into where the money is made in podcasting. how to get more reviews (and subscribers) for your podcast, podcast hosting, and more.   ​ Big Podcast Insider is a weekly newsletter on podcasting. If you like the content of this episode, you can subscribe here – it's free and you can unsubscribe at any time with a single click.​ Want more help growing your podcast audience?  Big Podcast Extra - Podcasting Tips Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program) 
     

Baby Reindeer Podcasting (Big Podcast Insider Issue 178)

Discover how AI is transforming podcasting, explore effective podcast cover art design, and learn tips to enhance your podcast's impact in this episode of Build a Big Podcast with David Hooper. Key Themes  Will AI replace podcasters? AI's role in audio editing. Designing effective podcast cover art. Using AI for podcast production enhancements. Importance of authentic podcast presentations. Tools for optimizing podcast content creation. Strategies for monetizing and growing podcasts.  Topics covered in this episode:​  AI's potential to replace podcasters and its impact on different industries. The role of guest appearances in enhancing podcast engagement and adding variety to content. The analogy of podcasting to book categories and the importance of your podcast's title and theme. Strategies for designing effective podcast cover art that attracts and communicates with the target audience. Voicenotes AI notetaker: A tool for organizing podcast ideas and creating episode outlines. The importance of preparing and checking equipment with remote guests to ensure quality podcast production. Tools and resources that can aid in podcast content creation, audience growth, and monetization.  Episode Timestamps  03:32 Editing evolves, jobs may be eliminated. 06:24 Stepping out of "religion" leads to growth. 09:38 Evaluate podcast content, enhance message with guests. 14:10 Imagine a "family man" with a shocking act ... 18:54 Podcaster opportunities and recourses to help you grow, automate, manage your podcast. 22:08 Personalized coaching for you to grow your audience.  The Newsletter for Podcasters   Big Podcast Insider - Weekly Podcasting Newsletter ​   This episode of Build a Big Podcast is brought to you by Riverside ...​ Riverside is online recording software that makes it easy for podcasters to record studio-quality interviews from anywhere. Try it free and, if you like it, get 15% off any membership plan when you use the code BIGPODCAST.​​ About this episode of Build a Big Podcast:​ This is the audio companion to Issue 177 of Big Podcast Insider. If you're interested in more info on what I talk about on this episode and also links, that's where to go. On this episode, I dive into where the money is made in podcasting. how to get more reviews (and subscribers) for your podcast, podcast hosting, and more.   ​ Big Podcast Insider is a weekly newsletter on podcasting. If you like the content of this episode, you can subscribe here – it's free and you can unsubscribe at any time with a single click.​ Want more help growing your podcast audience?  Big Podcast Extra - Podcasting Tips Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program) 
     

Will AI Replace Podcasters? (Big Podcast Insider Issue 177)

Gain invaluable insights on expanding your podcast's reach, monetizing effectively, and connecting with your audience on a deeper level with marketing expert David Hooper in this episode of Build a Big Podcast. Key Themes  Importance of podcasting beyond audio. Embracing diverse voices through podcasting. The concept of "1000 True Fans" explained (and how it works for podcasters) Monetization strategies beyond direct podcast earnings. Utilizing voice-changing technology in podcasting. Avoiding audio issues in podcast production. Utilizing classified ads for podcast growth.  Topics covered in this episode:​  It's never "just a podcast" - your role in connecting people and fostering a sense of belonging. The concept of "1000 True Fans" and how nurturing a small, dedicated audience can sustain a podcaster financially. Leveraging the podcast as a marketing tool to promote other revenue-generating activities such as live performances, books, and workshops. Discussion on the updated version of the "1000 True Fans" manifesto and its relevance to podcasters. Voice-changing technology for podcasters who want to change their voice for their show or certain segments. The complications and editing nightmares caused by extra sounds during recording (and which sounds to listen for). The emotional connection and impact that podcasters can have on their listeners by making them feel seen and understood.  Episode Timestamps  03:43 Social media is hard to avoid. 08:18 Selling merch to fans. 10:36 Spotify  13:50 Noisy fashion choices 18:54 $100 podcast studio includes audio interface, mic, headphones. 20:36 Personalized coaching for podcasters to grow audience.  The Newsletter for Podcasters   Big Podcast Insider - Weekly Podcasting Newsletter ​   This episode of Build a Big Podcast is brought to you by Riverside ...​ Riverside is online recording software that makes it easy for podcasters to record studio-quality interviews from anywhere. Try it free and, if you like it, get 15% off any membership plan when you use the code BIGPODCAST.​​ About this episode of Build a Big Podcast:​ This is the audio companion to Issue 176 of Big Podcast Insider. If you're interested in more info on what I talk about on this episode and also links, that's where to go. On this episode, I dive into where the money is made in podcasting. how to get more reviews (and subscribers) for your podcast, podcast hosting, and more.   ​ Big Podcast Insider is a weekly newsletter on podcasting. If you like the content of this episode, you can subscribe here – it's free and you can unsubscribe at any time with a single click.​ Want more help growing your podcast audience?    Big Podcast Extra - Podcasting Tips Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program)   
     

"School Shootings" and Your Podcast

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