Episodes

We dive into the world of podcasting domains like pros (or at least like folks who pretend to know what they’re talking about). I mean, have you ever tried to switch your podcast domain? It’s like moving your entire life, but instead of packing boxes, you’re just messing with a bunch of technical stuff that could totally break your show. We're talking about RSS feeds, redirects, and all that nerdy mumbo-jumbo that sounds way more complicated than it really is. I’m here to spill the secrets an...

Ever wondered how to pull off a call-in show when your co-host is chilling in another state? Well, I'm here to spill the beans on my chaotic journey of figuring out this wild ride. Spoiler alert: it’s not all rainbows and butterflies, especially when echoes and pranksters come into play. I’ll share my secret sauce, which includes some fancy gear, a dash of sarcasm, and a whole lot of learning from my epic fails. So grab your headphones and let's dive into the absurdity of live podcasting, where ...

Adding images to your media host show notes? Yeah, that’s a recipe for disaster. I mean, picture this: you drop a brand new episode, and instead of a visually stunning experience, your notes look like a digital explosion. Not cute, right? So, let’s get real – I’m here to help you understand why keeping those images on your website is the best strategy. Trust me, your podcast will thank you, and you won’t be left with formatting chaos that makes your show look like a toddler designed it. Serious...

Let's chat about the biggest red flag when it comes to podcast guests: the obsession with audience size . Seriously, if the first thing a potential guest wants to know is how many downloads your show gets, it’s a major warning sign. It’s like they’re only interested in what they can milk out of your audience, rather than the value they can bring. Today I look at why that’s a total turn-off and how the best guests focus on delivering value instead of just self-promotion. We also share some ...

In this episode, we look at essential strategies for fitting podcasting into a hectic schedule. Whether you're balancing a full-time job, family, or other commitments, maintaining consistency in podcast creation can be challenging. I share time management hacks and scheduling tips tailored for busy podcasters like you. Episode Highlights: Introduction to Consistent Podcasting: Why consistency matters and how it can enhance your connection with your audience. Understanding Your Time: Learn ...

So, someone on Reddit wrote, “My podcast stinks,” and I think we should talk about it. Spoiler alert: just because your download numbers are low doesn’t mean your podcast is a total flop—like, it’s not the end of the world if you’re not raking in those big numbers. We chat about how it’s not just about the content but also the delivery, because if your audio sounds like it’s coming from a tin can, uh, good luck with that! We also throw around some ideas on getting feedback, practicing your cr...

So, you're having trouble getting guests on your podcast? That can be frustrating. But have you taken a good look at your website lately? Because sometimes the issue isn’t your pitch—it’s your presentation. If your site looks like it hasn’t been updated since the MySpace days, it could be sending the wrong message. In this episode, we’re taking a closer look at podcast websites and how a few simple mistakes could be turning off potential guests before they even hear your show. Don’t worry—we’ll ...

Growing your newsletter can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack, right? But fear not, because I've got a strategy that’s so simple, you might just roll your eyes and think it can’t be real. Spoiler alert: it is. We can use Google Analytics (or Fathom stats) to figure out which pages on your website are actually getting some love. Trust me, you might be shocked to discover that old blog post from 2019 is still raking in the clicks while your latest masterpiece is gathering virtual du...

Bad Environments Lead to Bad Decisions Bad environments lead to bad decisions, and boy, do we have stories to share! Ever looked back at some of your life choices and thought, “What on Earth was I thinking?” Yeah, me too! We run into the chaos of those moments when our brains were more frazzled than a cat in a room full of rocking chairs. We chat about how a little bit of panic can turn us into decision-making nincompoops, like forgetting to get a website for our podcast. Spoiler alert:...

Ever wondered how to navigate the wild world of podcast sponsorship? Well, grab your favorite snack and settle in because we’re diving deep into everything you need to know about snagging that sweet sponsorship deal. Picture this: you’re in a Facebook group, and someone’s practically begging for help because they’re clueless about how to answer a potential sponsor's questions. Yup, that’s our starting point! We'll dig into the nitty-gritty of what sponsors want, how to present your podcast...

Algorithms are like that friend who bails you out one minute and then ghost you the next. Serving alogirthms can help you reach your audience or throw your content into the digital abyss. This episode looks into the wild world of serving both our lovely audience and those picky, mood-swinging algorithms. We’re talking about how they can boost small creators or stomp them into the ground based on some arbitrary rules they change on a whim. So, grab your favorite snack and let’s break down the ...

So, your podcast isn’t growing, huh? You've got the podcaster blues. Yeah, it’s like throwing spaghetti at the wall and hoping it sticks, but all you get is a messy wall. When I was married, I bought flowers for my wife once a week. You won't believe what she said to me! Spoiler alert: if you’re not giving them what they want, they will ghost you faster than a bad date. So, grab your headphones, and let’s get to the bottom of this podcasting conundrum together! Takeaways: Sometimes...

If you're sitting there sweating bullets about diving into the world of podcasting because technology gives you the heebie-jeebies, relax, my friend. The real villain stopping you isn’t the tech; it’s your brain playing tricks on you. Seriously, we chat about how the fear of technology is just a fancy excuse to avoid trying something new. Trust me, if you turn down the radio when your phone rings, you can totally handle mixing audio for your podcast. It might seem tough at first, but like every...

If you’ve ever struggled with promoting yourself or your offerings, I get it—it can feel awkward, even "salesy." But what if you thought of it as a nudge to value instead of just another call to action? In this episode, I dive into why it’s so important to let your audience know about the valuable products and services you provide. I share some personal stories about the mental barriers that often make self-promotion feel uncomfortable and how shifting your mindset can help you better connect wi...

Is it worth starting a podcast in 2025? Dave Jackson dives into this question, addressing common concerns about the podcasting landscape and whether it remains a viable medium. He emphasizes that despite the increase in podcasts and competition, the audience for podcasts continues to grow yearly. Drawing an analogy to college football, he illustrates that passion and the desire to share a message are key motivators for many podcasters, regardless of the competitive environment. Jackson also hig...

Should you put your audio podcast on YouTube? The answer, as Dave Jackson explains, is a resounding yes if you’re not currently utilizing the platform. With YouTube being the second largest search engine, it offers a valuable opportunity for podcasters to expand their audience without any significant investment of time or resources. Even if you have an audio podcast, uploading it to YouTube can lead to greater visibility and potential growth, thanks to the YouTube algorithm's recommendation engi...

Launching a corporate podcast can be an exciting yet daunting task, especially when you’re the one leading the initiative. In this discussion, I dive into the steps and considerations necessary to create a successful corporate podcast. The Right People One of the most critical aspects is choosing the right host—someone who is genuinely enthusiastic about the podcasting process rather than just fulfilling a corporate duty. From my experiences, including my time at Libsyn, I’ve seen how appo...

NotebookLM is a new AI tool that allows users to upload PDFs and generate podcast content, raising questions about the role of AI in the podcasting world. Dave Jackson shares his insights on this technology, discussing both its potential benefits and drawbacks. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity and personal input in podcasting, warning against relying solely on AI for content creation. While acknowledging the convenience of tools like NotebookLM, he stresses that true thought le...

Staying consistent with your podcast content is crucial for meeting your audience's expectations and fostering loyalty. Dave Jackson emphasizes the importance of sticking to a winning formula, much like the predictability of a Hallmark movie that audiences know and love. As he shares insights from his extensive experience in podcasting, he highlights how familiarity can create a warm and cozy feeling for listeners, making them more likely to return. By avoiding drastic changes once your show sta...

Are you wondering why more people aren’t tuning into your podcast? The truth is, it often comes down to the content you’re producing and how well it resonates with your audience. In this episode, Dave Jackson dives into the factors that influence podcast discoverability and listener engagement, emphasizing the importance of consistency and targeted content. He shares insights on how to inspire your audience to share your show with others, pointing out that even a small number of listeners can be...

If you're contemplating starting a podcast, one crucial factor to consider is your passion for the topic. When a listener recently asked me about launching a history podcast, I emphasized that success isn't about the number of listeners but about having content you genuinely love and a drive to share it. I shared the inspiring story of Zita Christian, who started a podcast about her experiences with dementia—not because she was chasing popularity but because she wanted to help others. Her purpo...

The podcasting landscape is often clouded by persistent myths that can derail the efforts of even the most dedicated creators. In this enlightening session, Dave Jackson confronts the widely held belief that consistency in episode release is the primary driver of success. While he acknowledges the importance of being reliable in scheduling, he vehemently asserts that the heart of a successful podcast lies in its content. Jackson's philosophy is clear: a compelling episode that resonates with lis...

Navigating the complexities of podcasting can be challenging, especially when faced with self-doubt and external criticism. In a recent discussion, the importance of authenticity in voice and presentation was emphasized, particularly in response to a query from Lisa McLean regarding complaints about her voice as a female Australian podcaster. The host, Dave Jackson, passionately argues against the idea of cloning one’s voice, suggesting that embracing one’s unique identity is far more valuable. ...

Why would you put a limit on how much someone in your audience would give to you as a way of saying "Thanks" for doing your show? When someone creates a product, they need to ask, "Who is this for, and what problem does this product solve." Today I share my confusion over a tool that is supposed to make it easy to donate to you (it's not hard), and they take 10% Mentioned In This Episode Buy Me a Coffee The School of Podcasting Schedule a Coaching Call Episode on Best Tools For Premium Con...