The How To Podcast Series - Podcast Co-Hosts, Practical Podcasting Tips, and Podcast Community

BONUS - A Message From Paulo Magalhaes in Brazil

Paulo left this message on our website - my gosh, this is so great!  To hear from a listener and to understand how this podcast has helped Paulo to make the decision to start a podcast to help others, wow, thank you so much Paulo for your kind words and affirmation!

If you need help starting your podcast, if you have a question or an idea for a future episode, please do what Paulo has done and head over to our website, click on the microphone icon on our website, record your message and hear your voice on this podcast!

Podcasting is.... amazing!

Thank you Paulo, and thank you, for listening!

Here is a link to Speak Pipe - receive voice messages just like Paulo's with this link

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EPISODE 32 - Be Heard and Be Found Via Voice Search on Alexa, Google and Everywhere

What Is Voice Search?

Voice search is the action of using speech to ask questions and give commands to compatible devices like smartphones or smart speakers. The searcher speaks to the device and the device fulfills the command or answers the question.

How Does Voice Search Work in Basic Terms?

Without getting too deep into the technical details of voice search, digital voice assistants work by:

• Processing and transcribing human speech into text
• Analyzing the text to detect questions and commands
• Connecting to external data sources such as search engines to find the relevant information
• Translating that information into a digestible format to fulfill the user’s intent

Who Are The Major Players In The Voice Search Market?

The major players in the US smart speaker market are as follows (in order of market share):

1. Amazon (63.2%)
2. Google (31%)
3. Other (5.8%)

How Can You Optimize Your Website for Voice Search?

Successful optimizing of content for voice search comes down to these things:

1. Ensure your content is found on all relevant major data sources (Google Search, Google Maps, Apple Maps, Wikipedia, etc.)
2. Use traditional SEO best practices to rank your webpages and/or listings high in search engines. 
3. Your content can be perfectly structured for voice search, but if it’s not on Page 1, it’s unlikely to be pulled in as the answer.
4. Your content must be succinct and answer questions in simple terms. 

Tip: Structure your content and answers to that of a 6-7th-grade reading !

Amazon Echo - SNL Skit

For greater detail - here is the source we used for this episode

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EPISODE 31 - 

Where to Host Your Podcast - Anchor vs Buzzsprout vs Libsyn

Anchor:

https://anchor.fm/

• - Free, no monthly cap to how many episodes that you can upload
• - Free has a downside - people starting a podcast and then abandoning them clogging up the podcast "sink" with throw away podcasts
• Free music resources - intros, music beds, transitions - free to use!
• Can record directly on Anchor - I don't, I use Audacity.
• Allows video podcasts distributed directly to Spotify only (at the time of this recording)
• simple to use
• Not much community or training
• support has always been good to date for me

Buzzsprout:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/

• If you want to try podcasting for free - this is a better option in my books because Buzzsprout will remove your free episodes after a certain date - cleaner than Anchor in that way
• Better stats than Anchor - comparable to Libsyn
• Has paid option - when you start paying - you must continue to pay to keep your podcast active - stop paying, podcast is removed from all players!
• Monthly plans are based on total hours used - different tiers available.
• I prefer to think in terms of time - easier to plan and if there is a short amount of time left at the end of the month, use it up with a bonus episode/content
• Great support, training and communication
• Easy to connect to podcast players (Apple, Google, Spotify etc.) 

Libsyn:

https://libsyn.com/

• Pretty popular option - often mentioned by older podcasters 
• has been there for a long time
• Great support, training and communication
• A bit of a learning curve for newbies
• No free monthly plan - Why? Big miss
• Monthly plans based on file size instead of amount of time used - seems clunky, requires explanation and extra work to figure out the size of your files
• it's not the size that counts, it is the time!

Great video on Libsyn vs Buzzsprout

How to move your Podcast to Buzzsprout

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Wanna try Buzzsprout? 

Buzzsprout is hands down the easiest and best way to launch, promote, and track your podcast. 

Your show can be online and listed in all the major podcast directories (like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more) within minutes of finishing your recording.

Get a $20 Amazon Gift Card (sent after your 2nd paid invoice) with my link >>> https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1855306

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EPISODE 30 - Co-Host Arden Coutts - Creating Contentment and Content in Your Podcast 

In this episode we discuss 4 things together...

• Why we love podcasting
• What keeps us coming back as podcasters and listeners
• Having Multiple Podcasts
• Operating your podcast as a business or a hobby

Arden created CEI Media LLC - it was founded in 2020 following the launch of "The Fun with Friends" Podcast in 2019. After over 10 years of federal employment, Allie decided it was time to turn her ideas and passions for photography, marketing, branding, and podcasting into a full-time business.

Background.

Arden (Allie) has always been creative and dabbled in everything from dancing to writing poetry and fiction, to illustration and photography.

I'm really just in love with the act of storytelling, no matter what form it takes.

Passion.

Arden (Allie) also enjoys teaching others how they can share their stories through branding and marketing, graphics, social media, or podcasting. 

Creating safe and fun spaces for their clients to be fearless, express themselves and bring their ideas to life is their passion.

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EPISODE 29 - Co-Host Tiffany Mason - the Benefits of a Podcast Manager and More

In this episode we focus in on

• Guesting
• Repurposing Content
• Audiograms vs. Video Clips
• Static Image/MP3 posts to YouTube
• Podcast Launches
• "Create Your Web on The Web"
• Tiffany helps podcasters with overwhelm, to relinquish control and focus on growth

Our Co-Host - Tiffany Mason

I am Tiffany Mason, CEO of Virtually You! I am a very skilled Podcast Manager with a passion to repurpose your podcast content to get you maximum exposure from one episode. I help podcasters “Create YOUR web on THE web!” I love working with podcasters who care as much about their podcast as I do!

Also, I knew I wanted to walk the walk since I’d be talking the talk with my clients. So I started a podcast of my own titled “Memories with a Beat!” You’ll wanna check it out if you love music and hearing other’s memories. You can "tune in" to it on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Pandora, iHeart Radio, Audible, and other popular podcast platforms.

I even have a FB group for podcasters or people who are exploring starting one called Podcast Possibilities. This is a community to ask questions, share new episodes, and explore the challenges and victories we are all facing in the podcasting space!

Visit Tiffany here - https://www.virtuallyyouva.com/

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EPISODE 28 - CO-HOST - Lisa Zawrotny - How to stay engaged with guests beyond the interview

In this episode we look at:

- How to get more done by doing less

- Getting the best out of your guest interviews

- building community with your guests (pre and post interview)

Lisa is the founder of Positively Productive Systems and the host of the Positively Living Podcast. After experiencing a deeply overwhelming time in my life juggling multiple roles as a caregiver, wife, mother, and business owner, I am now a Productivity + Accountability Coach certified in time and stress management helping other multi-passionate entrepreneurs who struggle to balance business and family.

Through my podcast, online programs, and coaching, I show you how to boost productivity and avoid burnout while making it feel simple and sustainable.

When I’m not sharing about the wonders of simplicity, self-care, and systems, I’m playing music (lately it’s self-taught guitar or I’m cranking up classic rock), drinking coffee (iced or hot), and watching movies with my husband and kiddos…or reading while trapped under a cat.

LISA'S STORY

I lived for years with clutter and chaos in my home due to caring for a sick parent (my Mom had Alzheimer’s) while managing a household with husband, kids and cats…all while attempting to run multiple businesses. It was, without a doubt, one of the most difficult times in my life. I survived it by ignoring non-essentials and allowing them to pile up around me. (I later realized I had sacrificed some essentials too.) I let go of as much as I could and focused on keeping my mother and my two very small children safe and well and socialized, though I didn’t always do the same for me. I rode the roller coaster of emotions that comes with constant uncertainty and sleep deprivation, mom guilt and caregiver guilt, and so much more.

When my time caring for my mother came to an end, I looked around and was shocked at the fall out. I was ashamed and weary and I didn’t like who I was or want to live like that anymore. I didn’t want my family to live like that anymore.  So I set out to change it. And me.

I slowly began to care for myself far more than I had for years, exploring holistic remedies and reteaching myself how to embrace rest and balance. I read tons of books and listened to thought leaders and expert organizers who inspired me to clear our space and follow my calling. As I did this, I saw how much it changed my whole family…how much it healed us…and knew I had to help others experience that too.

I have lived through extreme stress, mom guilt, self-care struggles, codependency, the caregiver life, corporate world angst, direct sales drama, marital challenges, diet and exercise woahs, entrepreneurial endeavors, and the quest for holistic living in a compartmentalize world that sets us up for burn out.

I firmly believe that what we go through in our lives offers us an opportunity to learn and grow and help others. It’s my mission to advocate for the chronically overwhelmed and be the antidote to their stress.

https://positivelyproductive.com/

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EPISODE 27 - What a Great Guitar Player Has Taught Me About Life and Podcasting

Have you ever come across someone that does what you do, but way better than you?  A better singer, a better musician, a funnier comedian, better author, mom, dad, student, employee - the list goes on.  What do YOU do when you come face to face with someone better?

As a musician I have spent my time in recording studios and on stage, interacting with music lovers, fellow musicians and straight up PROS! It can be a wee bit intimidating when someone is better than you are.  We once had a band want a sample of our music before agreeing to have us open for them - the reason why? To see if we were better than the main act - we didn't get the gig by the way... I'll leave this open ended as to why you think that was...

In Podcasting we are surrounded by GIANTS! Old School podcasters and up and comers that sweep through our space and suck the air out of the room leaving us, sitting alone, in our podcast space, staring at a mic, a blank screen and our stats thinking maybe... "What am I doing here? They are so much better".

I have TWO Responses when I meet a better guitar player or musician

(A) Wow they are amazing - I have to go practice and learn more from them, I am so inspired!

(B) I am terrible, sell my gear and pack it in, I am so discouraged!

Have YOU ever felt this way about someone better in your life?  I would love to hear your thoughts on this, your experience and your outcome!

I am hoping that this episode helps YOU to be inspired by others instead of being discouraged.  Just remember... someone is looking at YOU right now as their inspiration! Yes, it is true!  YOU INSPIRE PEOPLE!  Even if only 1 person buys your book, listens to an episode of your podcast or shows up for your concert - you are inspiring someone today JUST by showing up!

Accept your role!  Your community is waiting for you.  Hit record, finish the book, get that guitar out of that case and strum - we are here, for YOU!

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EPISODE 26 - Co-Hosting with Maria Grove - Get me on Apple, Starting a Podcast and more

Topics:

• How to get started
• Simple tech discussion
• Getting my podcast on Apple - how does this all work?
• Building Community
• And More!

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EPISODE 25 - Jumping from Radio to Podcasting, The Power of Podcasting and tools to try with Co-Hosting with Donnie Lansdale

This is the full version of my discussion with this episode's co-host, Donnie Lansdale!  Donnie hosts 2 podcasts, and after years on the mic on radio, Donnie has jumped to podcasting to build a business in and around his voice and his talents as a audio book voice actor.

Donnie shares stories of his early radio days, getting fired for playing a Johnny Cash song (and you thought being cancelled or fired was something new!) 

Donnie has been using Transistor.fm and Anchor.fm to host his podcasts.

For Mixing and Editing, Donnie uses Twisted Wave

We talk about what gets newer podcasters discouraged.  

How many episodes equals success?

How important is content in podcasting!

Find Donnie here

https://www.hawkneststudios.com/

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How To Podcast Series Website

EPISODE 24 - Buzzsprout Helps Creators with Better Stats Option

Buzzsprout has added a custom option to allow us to view our stats any way we want!  Pick a date range or a specific date and see your stats in a new way!  If you are a Buzzsprout user, go in and take a test drive with your stats!

We also chat about other places to submit your RSS Feed - all hosting aps have their choice of places that they will feed your podcast to - but don't assume that they will do this for you to ALL possible sites, because they don't!

I have been compiling a list of other locations to submit your RSS Feed to - you can find this work in progress list on my website - it is a snapshot in time so refer back to it often!

Submitting your show to other podcast apps is super easy - if you have any questions, reach out!

I mentioned Podpage - here is a link to my Podpage - you can see all the different apps shown where my podcast lives - again if you need help with this let me know!

https://www.audacityteam.org/

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