On this episode of Podcasting Smarter, I am joined by Stacey Taylor, a veteran podcaster from Birmingham, England who started podcasting back in 2007 when she worked at the world's most boring job. She is the host of Stacey's Pop Culture Parlour and Podcast On A Half Shell where she talks nerdy about comics, films, TV shows, books, video games, and of course the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. We have lots of fun nerding-out on podcasting. 

Stacey's Podcasting Smarter Tips:

• Don't be surprised when people care about what you have to say. When Stacey's first podcast came to an end, she thought that was the end of her podcasting until some listeners encouraged her to start another one.

• Podcasting helps you find other people who care about the same things you do.

• Podcasting has given her the confidence to reach out to her heroes and to really get to know them by inviting them on her podcast.

• Stacey enjoys a large social circle of people from all over the world that is a direct result of her podcast.

• Listen back to your episodes as a listener without worrying about the stresses of recording and editing. It's a great way to improve your podcasting skills.

• She prefers podcasts with more than one host, but only when they have a chemistry, and don't talk over top of each other. She wants to feel enthusiasm and passion from podcast hosts.

• Know your niche, and carve out your unique space within it.

• Stacy has grown her audience by being a guest on other podcasts and tapping into their listeners.

• Advice to new podcasters: Don't expect a bajillion downloads right away or you will set yourself up for failure. Pay attention to and serve your core audience.

• She empathises with her guest's need to feel comfortable. Days before recording, she asks if there is anything they need, or of they have any questions. She also makes sure to prep them thoroughly about the podcast topic and flow, so they can relax and have fun with her.

• Prep, prep and more prep for your interviews.

• Small audiences can reap massive rewards. A small, but enthusiastic audience can open doors, give you terrific engagement, and a very rewarding podcasting experience.

Stacey's Fantasy Podcaster: Mitch Hedberg

Stacey's Hypothetical Podcast About Her Life: A Big Ol' Mess

A Good Starter Episode of Stacey's Podcasting Parlour: