This episode was recorded LIVE at Podfest 2025.  Badr & Blythe join Alex Sanfilippo (PodMatch) and Tom Rossi (Buzzsprout) for a panel discussing the creative strategies that podcasters are using to monetize their shows and build  sustainable revenue streams.

Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube

LINKS!

• Watch the video version of this episode, and other episodes, on the official JPU YouTube Channel!
• Sign-up for the JPU Newsletter to stay-up-to-date with future events and efforts: Here
• Submit your show to be listed in the official JPU Podcast Directory: Here
• Join the Facebook Group and interact with hundreds of other likeminded podcasters!

Here's all the tips & tricks and major takeaways you need to know from Podfest 2025! Hear Badr & Blythe talk about the panels they attended, the people they met, and new podcast businesses/ services they're excited for. This episode was recorded at Podfest in the Unstuck Studios by Ecamm.

Click here to watch the video version of this episode

LINKS!

• Watch the video version of this episode, and other episodes, on the official JPU YouTube Channel!
• Sign-up for the JPU Newsletter to stay-up-to-date with future events and efforts: Here
• Submit your show to be listed in the official JPU Podcast Directory: Here
• Join the Facebook Group and interact with hundreds of other likeminded podcasters!

Want to turn nervous podcast guests into natural storytellers? 

In this episode, Badr and Blythe share strategies for researching guests and building instant rapport, from social media deep-dives to unexpected opening questions. 

They also break down winning techniques from top interviewers like Dan Patrick and Joe Rogan that you can apply to your own show.

WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

LINKS!

• Watch the video version of this episode, and other episodes, on the official JPU YouTube Channel!
• Sign-up for the JPU Newsletter to stay-up-to-date with future events and efforts: Here
• Submit your show to be listed in the official JPU Podcast Directory: Here
• Join the Facebook Group and interact with hundreds of other likeminded podcasters!

First impressions matter - and your podcast artwork is often the first thing potential listeners see.

In this episode, Badr and Blythe share their podcast artwork evolution stories while breaking down why good cover art is crucial for standing out in crowded podcast directories.

They also discuss useful tools like Podcast Cover Art Preview and a Color Palettes Generator that make it easy to create attention-grabbing artwork, along with tips like keeping designs simple, using striking colors, and ensuring text is legible at small sizes.

WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

LINKS!

• Watch the video version of this episode, and other episodes, on the official JPU YouTube Channel!
• Sign-up for the JPU Newsletter to stay-up-to-date with future events and efforts: Here
• Submit your show to be listed in the official JPU Podcast Directory: Here
• Join the Facebook Group and interact with hundreds of other likeminded podcasters!

Forget traditional podcast marketing - the most viral shows are breaking all the rules and getting massive results.

In this episode, Badr and Blythe discuss game-changing strategies like the Challenge TV alum who built a loyal following by putting his full show behind a paywall and the podcasters turning Reddit's most dramatic "Am I The Asshole?" posts into social media gold.

From teasing exclusive content to crafting platform-perfect clips, the hosts share how thinking differently about content and distribution can explode your podcast's growth way faster than old-school marketing tactics.

WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

LINKS!

• Watch the video version of this episode, and other episodes, on the official JPU YouTube Channel!
• Sign-up for the JPU Newsletter to stay-up-to-date with future events and efforts: Here
• Submit your show to be listed in the official JPU Podcast Directory: Here
• Join the Facebook Group and interact with hundreds of other likeminded podcasters!

Think AI can write better podcast titles than humans? Think again. Badr and Blythe talk about a study from ABC that settled this debate, plus share their own AI fails and wins along the way. They relay their secrets for crafting titles that actually hook listeners, show you when to trust (and when to ditch) AI tools, and reveal their favorite time-saving podcast tricks.

WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

LINKS!

• Watch the video version of this episode, and other episodes, on the official JPU YouTube Channel!
• Sign-up for the JPU Newsletter to stay-up-to-date with future events and efforts: Here
• Submit your show to be listed in the official JPU Podcast Directory: Here
• Join the Facebook Group and interact with hundreds of other likeminded podcasters!

The rise of YouTube and TikTok has left podcasters wondering if pure audio content can still compete. 

In this episode, Badr and Blythe debate both sides, with Blythe highlighting video's advantages for distribution while Badr emphasizes the simplicity of audio-only production. 

They conclude that while video offers clear promotional benefits, podcasters should ultimately choose the format that best fits their goals and capabilities.

WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

LINKS!

• Watch the video version of this episode, and other episodes, on the official JPU YouTube Channel!
• Sign-up for the JPU Newsletter to stay-up-to-date with future events and efforts: Here
• Submit your show to be listed in the official JPU Podcast Directory: Here
• Join the Facebook Group and interact with hundreds of other likeminded podcasters!

Turns out podcast ads might be way more powerful than we thought.

In this episode, Badr and Blythe discuss the Cumulus Media Group report (and video) showing podcast listeners are way more attentive to ads than social media scrollers. 

They break down whether these metrics actually mean anything for podcasters trying to land sponsors.

WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

LINKS!

• Watch the video version of this episode, and other episodes, on the official JPU YouTube Channel!
• Sign-up for the JPU Newsletter to stay-up-to-date with future events and efforts: Here
• Submit your show to be listed in the official JPU Podcast Directory: Here
• Join the Facebook Group and interact with hundreds of other likeminded podcasters!

Ever wondered which podcasts your favorite hosts actually pay for?

In this episode, Badr and Blythe pull back the curtain on their own Patreon subscriptions, from niche comic book shows to hard-hitting independent journalism (like Bianca Graulau's news stories about the world).

They discuss how crowdfunding platforms are changing the podcast game and why supporting indie media matters now more than ever. Plus, they offer practical tips for backing your favorite shows, even if you're on a tight budget.

WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

LINKS!

• Watch the video version of this episode, and other episodes, on the official JPU YouTube Channel!
• Sign-up for the JPU Newsletter to stay-up-to-date with future events and efforts: Here
• Submit your show to be listed in the official JPU Podcast Directory: Here
• Join the Facebook Group and interact with hundreds of other likeminded podcasters!

Is a nine-hour podcast too long, or just getting started? Badr and Blythe dive into the trend of marathon podcast episodes, exploring why some shows are abandoning short formats for lengthy, audiobook-style deep dives. They also discuss the rise of super-long conversations like Lex Fridman's chat with Elon Musk, and question whether listeners are really tuning in or just keeping these lengthy shows on in the background.

WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

LINKS!

• Watch the video version of this episode, and other episodes, on the official JPU YouTube Channel!
• Sign-up for the JPU Newsletter to stay-up-to-date with future events and efforts: Here
• Submit your show to be listed in the official JPU Podcast Directory: Here
• Join the Facebook Group and interact with hundreds of other likeminded podcasters!