Your Podcast Consultant: Podcast Tips To Avoid Podcasting Mistakes

Back Up Your Podcast Before Your Hard Drive Decides For You

My 4TB solid-state drive started disconnecting from my computer about once a day. Luckily, my podcast files were already backed up. In this episode I explain what a real backup is, which files are worth keeping, and why a hard drive failure is a matter of when, not if.

In this episode:

• What counts as a backup. A backup means copies in two different locations. Your internal drive plus an external drive in the same house isn't enough. If your house burns down, you lose both copies.
• My setup. I keep my files on an external drive and back up everything, external drive included, to Backblaze. I also use iDrive as an extra cloud copy.
• How I organize my files. I have a Podcasts folder with a folder for each show. Inside each show are Production (intro music and similar files), Episodes (one folder per episode), and Finished (the exported final files). I record and edit from a saved Hindenburg template.
• What you can safely delete. In 20+ years, I've never gone back to rebuild an old episode from its raw files. I keep the project files for about a week in case someone spots a problem, like 10 seconds of dead air. After that, I keep only the finished episode.
• If your episodes are live, you haven't lost them. If they're still on your hosting platform (Captivate, Buzzsprout, Blubrry, etc.), you can download them again. The files you used to make them are replaceable.
• Back up your files, not your software. You can always reinstall programs like Audacity. Back up what you create: audio, documents, spreadsheets.
• Hardware always fails eventually. My drive was only half full and about four years old. Cars, dishwashers and hard drives all wear out.
• Export your email list regularly. Your email list is one of your biggest assets, and there's no algorithm between you and your subscribers. Export it every so often in case something goes wrong with your provider.

The bottom line: Keep one copy at home, on your computer or an external drive, and one copy online.

Links mentioned:

• Backblaze (affiliate link)
• iDrive
• Hindenburg
• Audacity

Want help with your podcast? Join the School of Podcasting at schoolofpodcasting.com and use coupon code LISTENER for a monthly, quarterly or yearly plan. Every plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

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If you sent out a survey and got zero replies, that's actually an answer — it means you aren't connecting with your listeners or you asked the wrong thing. I know that stings, but hey, congrats, you found the sound of crickets. We need to sell the survey better, tell people how their answers will make the show better, and ask specific questions instead of "give feedback." Be persistent, offer a small prize, shout out anyone who helps, or take voicemails if forms feel stiff. I even tell a yellow-roses story to show that nice gestures alone won't cut it. If you want, I can help — we can fix this together.

Takeaways:

• I put out a survey and got no answers, and that told me we are not connecting with listeners.
• We learned silence can be useful: it shows either a weak connection or bad positioning of the ask.
• I tell podcasters to sell the survey like an ad, explain benefits clearly, and ask more than once.
• I used the yellow roses story to show doing what you think is romantic can miss the point entirely.
• I advise asking specific questions, giving shout outs to responders, and using voicemail if forms flop hard.

Links referenced in this episode:

• podcastconsultant.com
• schoolofpodcasting.com

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Do You Know of a Tool?

I was scrolling Reddit the other day when I saw someone ask if there was a tool they could use to write their podcast script. I couldn't help myself. "Yes," I said. "Your brain." Maybe that was a little snarky. Okay, it was a lot snarky. But I stand by it.

Here's what I'm seeing more and more: people are "AIing" themselves right out of their own show. It usually goes like this. Someone finds a YouTube video that worked well for another creator. Instead of watching it and asking, "how can I do this in my own way and still sound like me," they grab the transcript, feed it to their favorite AI tool, and say "write this in my voice." And on YouTube, where the algorithm rewards volume over connection, it kind of works. Then they ask AI to whip up a thumbnail that looks suspiciously like the original, because on YouTube it really is all about the thumbnail. The problem is, the person doing this often doesn't fully understand what they're now saying on camera or on mic.

Getting My Electronics Degree

That reminds me of my lab partner Gary from college. My first degree, before I got into teaching, was in electronic engineering. I'm pretty sure I only got that associate's degree because of Gary. He was brilliant. I understood the math fine, but the electronics side threw me constantly, so Gary did the heavy lifting, I copied his work, and I walked away with a diploma and not much real understanding of electronics. That's exactly what happens when you let AI be your thoughts instead of your tool. You end up reading someone else's words with all the warmth of a bored McDonald's drive-through worker, then wondering why nobody connects with it. You can't be a thought leader on somebody else's thoughts. Think about how backwards that is. And if that approach ever landed you a speaking gig, then what? You'd have to ask AI to write the speech too.

But AI Helps Me Do So Much More!

I know the counterargument: AI helps you get so much more done, so much faster. I get it, I use it too. But think about two bowls of mashed potatoes. One came out of a box. The other is Grandma's, hand-mashed with a stick of butter and a healthy amount of salt. I grew up on the boxed kind. It's fast, it's easy, and it's fine. But nobody goes back for seconds on boxed potatoes. Grandma's bowl, you eat until it's empty and your stomach hurts. That's the difference. When you let AI write your content, you're serving your audience the boxed version, and they can tell.

They Come For the Content and Stay For the HOST

Here's the thing people forget: listeners come for the content, but they stay for the host. My very first podcast, years before the School of Podcasting existed, was called The Marketing Musician. I'd meet listeners of my current show who'd bring it up, and I'd assume they were musicians too. Almost every time, the answer was "no, I don't play anything, I just think you're funny." They didn't stick around for the topic. They stuck around for me. If you let AI take over as the host of your own show, you're left with nothing but AI. And if I don't need you anymore, I don't need your show either. I can just go ask AI the question myself.

How I Use AI

So here's how I actually use it. I don't let AI write my scripts. I let it help with research and organization. For my next School of Podcasting episode, I recorded my reflections on the Empowered Podcasting Conference by just talking into a microphone. No outline, just a brain dump, the way you'd brainstorm out loud. I ran that recording through Otter to get a transcript, then asked AI to pull out the main topics I'd already talked about and organize them in a way that flowed better, since I knew I'd circled back and added points out of order. I asked for a list of bullet points from what I'd said. Not new content, just my own words organized better. And honestly, it came out better than my original brain dump. I also lean on AI for images, because if I had to design my own graphics, you'd be looking at stick figure theater. Use AI for the things you're genuinely not good at, but keep yourself in your own podcast.

Need Help With Your Podcast?

If you're just getting started and thinking, "Dave, I don't even know where to begin with any of this," you know where to find me. Head to schoolofpodcasting.com and use the coupon code LISTENER for a discount on a monthly, quarterly, or yearly membership, and you can work directly with me and the community there. We've got step-by-step tutorials to walk you through everything. I've been doing this for over 20 years, I love helping podcasters, and I can't wait to see what we build together. I want to be your podcast consultant.

Key takeaways

• Using AI to write your script in "your voice" strips out the one thing listeners actually stick around for: you.
• People come for the topic, but they stay for the host — lose the host, and you're just competing with AI itself.
• Use AI for research, organizing your own ideas, and things you're not skilled at (like graphics) — not for generating your content from scratch.
• A good process: record a brain-dump, transcribe it, then ask AI to organize and summarize your own words rather than write new ones.

Links mentioned

• schoolofpodcasting.com — use coupon code LISTENER

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Should You Publish a Bad Interview? (Even If It Hurts Their Feelings)

You just finished recording. The audio is clean, the guest showed up on time... and the conversation was completely forgettable. Do you publish it anyway, or do you tell your guest "no thanks" and risk an awkward, guilt-ridden conversation?

A Reddit question kicks off this episode: a new podcaster recorded an interview that just wasn't interesting, and now feels guilty about shelving it. I break down why that guilt is misplaced, how to spot the guests who never cared about your audience in the first place, and the exact line you can use to say no without burning a bridge.

In this episode, Dave covers:

• Why a "meh" episode is sometimes on you, not the guest — and the research questions to ask before you ever hit record
• How to spot a guest who wants to pitch himself to you instead of serving your listeners
• The pre-interview trick that saves you from wasting a full hour on a guest who isn't a fit
• The exact script to use when you have to tell someone their interview won't air
• Why setting the "I reserve the right not to publish" expectation up front makes the hard conversation so much easier
• The goalie mindset: why protecting your audience from mediocre content matters more than one guest's feelings

A line worth remembering: "Do I want one stranger mad at me, or my entire audience going, 'Is it time to swipe left and unsubscribe?'"

If you're building (or fixing) your podcast and want help with exactly this kind of decision, Dave's been coaching podcasters for over 20 years at School of Podcasting. Use coupon code LISTENER for a discount, backed by a 29-day money-back guarantee.

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

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So Many Options

I've been playing with AI (Claude, ChatGPT, Grok, and an all-in-one tool called Magi ) and I finally did the thing most of us avoid: I picked one and went deep instead of bouncing between tools.

Hello Claude

In this episode, I share what happened when I handed Claude a transcript and a few of my own blog posts and asked it to write my show notes, why I'm keeping AI on a short leash (folder by folder, not my whole Google Drive), and the bigger lesson underneath all of it: knowledge is only power when you actually do something with it.

Whether it's AI, or finally plugging in that microphone that's been sitting in a drawer for three years, the principle is the same: knowing isn't the finish line. Doing is.

On a Budget?

I need to check and see what the difference of Claude in Magai, and a direct use of Claude. As Magai is $20 for a ton of tools, but much like many "all in one" systems, I may be missing some of the customizations.

Key Takeaways

• Pick one AI tool and go deep, rather than chasing whichever tool looks coolest this week. They're all converging on similar features anyway.
• AI should polish what you've already created, not create it for you. I fed Claude a transcript and my own blog posts so the show notes would sound like me, not like generic "let's delve into a deep dive" AI-speak.
• Watching tutorials isn't the same as doing the work. I watch AI tutorials, then immediately try what I learned, and sometimes it's great, sometimes it flops, but either way I learn something.
• Start small and contained. I'm giving AI access to one dedicated folder on my computer, not my entire Google Drive, until I trust it more.
• The same principle applies to launching or growing your podcast. You don't need to know everything before you start. You need to plug in the mic, watch the levels move, and take the next small step.

Resources Mentioned

• Magi, the all-in-one AI tool subscription I've been testing (~$20/month)
• Claude, the AI tool I chose to go deep with
• ChatGPT, Grok, other AI tools I've tested
• Wispr Flow, the voice-to-text tool I use to dictate show notes
• Craig Van Slyke, AI Goes to College: aigoestocollege.com
• Podcasting Observations newsletter: podcastingobservations.com
• Audacity, free recording software mentioned in the mic-setup example
• The School of Podcasting, weekly classes on growth and launching

Work With Me

I've been helping podcasters for over 20 years. If you've got the knowledge but haven't taken the next step, whether that's launching your show or finally growing it, that's exactly what I do as your podcast consultant. Head to the schoolofpodcasting.com to join a live weekly class, or reach out about working with me directly.

From the Human

I let Claude take a swing at the above show notes. I removed three of those stupid "M Dash" things, but the rest is AI. I'm not sold on how this is saving me time. It did write some social posts.

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

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Does My Podcast Idea Have Legs? There's Only One Way to Find Out

Most of the time, I cringe when I hear someone say "just start," because it usually sounds like advice from a person who isn't looking where they're going. Start what? For whom? Toward what goal? There is, however, exactly one situation where I will look you in the eye and tell you to just start your podcast, and it's the situation I keep running into over and over again on Reddit.

Homework is Done - But Can't Press Record

It shows up as a question that sounds reasonable but can't actually be answered: "Does my podcast idea have legs?" The person asking has usually done their homework. They've researched, they listen to plenty of shows, they have a format in mind and a list of episode ideas ready to go. What they're really asking is for someone to promise them their show will work before they ever hit the record button, and nobody on earth can make that promise.

In this episode, I walk through why that question keeps people stuck, the chocolate toast test I use to think about any untested idea, and how to get honest feedback once you actually have something recorded. If you've been staring at the same pile of Post-it notes for the 400th time, this one is for you.

Mentioned in This Episode

School of Podcasting (coupon " listener ")

Fix My Podcast (auditing service)

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

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Will Joining the School of Podcasting Help Me?

I got an email from someone who has been podcasting three months and they wanted to know if my "Grow Your Podcast" live classes would help them.

Do I Need a Coach?

Tiger Woods, Serena Williams, Oprah Winfrey, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Tom Brady, Bill Gates all had personal coaches. With this in mind having a coach is good (as I spotted three things wrong with your show after spending five minutes looking at it).

I want to monetize eventually if it is possible but I’d say my podcast is more ministry focused right now

Monetization? I wrote the book on it.

Would there be other people in my space to have as guests or do podcast swaps with or are most of the people in your school more about business growth or AI growth etc.?

Yes, we have collaborations with members all the time. I also have a resource list where you can find guests, etc. Examples, Dr. Craig Van Slyke is the host of AI Goes to College. Ralph Estep Jr. has been an accountant and business coach for decades.

Would there be other things I need to invest in to be “successful” in your school?

As always, "It depends" as I'm not sure 100% where you are, but for most people no if you're already going. In many cases you're just going in a slightly wrong direction. For example, yes YouTube is a discovery platform, but nobody is talking about how audio SMASHES video in audience 15 to 1 as there are many more opportunities to listen than to watch. So if you want to do video, do video, but you don't have to. Podcasting is simple (find out what the audience wants and give it to them in a fun and entertaining fashion), but not easy. I believe your downloads are equal to the value you deliver multiplied by your smart marketing efforts.

I saw the creation of a podpage is free which I have thought about since I launched but still can’t decide if that is the best fit or a traditional website?

Only if you want less headaches, more exposure, and a tool designed for podcasters (vs trying to squeeze your podcast into a yoga studio theme). I've been singing the praises of Podpage since I was hired by the founder back in 2020 (which got me in trouble at Libsyn where I worked at the time). I eventually left libsyn and joined Podpage because it's so amazing.

Mentioned:

School of Podcasting - Podcast Growth Course

Dave's Private Coaching

Podpage

Takeaways:

• Joining the School of Podcasting can totally help you grow your podcast skills and audience.
• Monetization takes time and effort; you don't just slap ads onto a show and cash in!
• The community at the School of Podcasting is awesome for networking and swapping promos with fellow podcasters.
• Using tools like PodPage can save you headaches and help your podcast shine online, trust me!
• The Grow Your Podcast course starts on August 19th, and it's gonna be a blast!
• If you join now, you can participate in listener parties to get real-time feedback on your show.
• Join free with a money-back guarantee

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

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Ready to Start Your Podcast?

Starting August 19th we are doing an experiment, we are bringing back the "Podcasting in Six Weeks" course (and this time it's FREE). Go to Podcasting in Six Weeks

Grow Your Podcast Course

Also starting August 19th is the Grow Your Podcast Live courses where we will meet for an hour and go through the strategies to grow your show. Expect some feedback, more downloads, reach and influence. This is for members of the School of Podcasting (so join today with the coupon code listener and save 20%). School of Podcasting

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I Love Howard Stern

I'm a huge fan of Howard Stern and have listened to him for decades. About five years ago, he said something that I didn't hear because I became very inconsistent in listening to him when he became very inconsistent in his schedule. His recent contract will have him broadcasting once a week, which, to me, just says, "Why not just retire?" This is how you lose your audience, though.

How to Lose Your Audience

I realized that some people like to talk about politics, and that is your choice, but just realize when you do, you're going to lose about 50% of your audience. This wasn't new to Howard. He would voice his opinion and explain who he endorsed for a candidate, etc., but there are politics and then there are far politics. By that, I mean far left and far right. When you go into far left or far right politics, you're going to lose a tremendous amount of your audience.

Be a Sore Loser

Then, throw on top of it that, when his candidate didn't win, he told his audience something that I still can't believe he said. If you want to lose your audience, follow Howard's strategy here, and you will.

Want to GROW Your Audience?

If you need help planning, launching, or growing your show, check out the School of Podcasting. If you have a show and you're frustrated by it's lack of growth, check out Fix My Podcast.

Takeaways:

• Podcasting gives us the freedom to say what we want, but watch your back.
• Consequences are real, and sometimes they hit harder than a bad hangover.
• Talking politics in your podcast? Yeah, that might just lose half your listeners.
• Howard Stern's audience dropped because he told Trump voters he hated them. Oops.
• Staying neutral is key, unless you want to alienate half of your audience.
• Remember, the Internet never forgets, so think before you hit publish.

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

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The Key To Great Podcast Episode Titles

Episode titles can make or break your podcast’s appeal, but there’s one crucial mistake you must avoid: clickbait. In this episode, Dave Jackson explains what makes a great episode title.

Start with the listener’s benefit, including relevant keywords, and, above all, being truthful. He shares why misleading titles erode trust and waste your audience’s most valuable resource: their time. Join Dave as he explains how to craft honest, enticing titles that draw listeners in without deception and keep your audience coming back for more.

It Takes Years To Build Trust, and One Piece of Clickbait to Lost it

You might be enticed to exagerrate when it comes to your titles and thumbnails, but we've all been there when you realize someone just wasted your time, and you can't get it back.

Need Help With Your Podcast?

Check out the School of Podcasting.

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy