If you’ve ever felt like podcasting is equal parts joy and chaos, you’re in good company. In this episode, I sit down with Darrell Darnell, the founder of Pro Podcast Solutions, to talk about what it actually takes to build a show that lasts. Darrell’s been producing podcasts since the early days, and he’s seen just about every possible mistake, burnout cycle, and “why am I doing this?” moment creators run into.

What I love about Darrell is that he’s built his entire career around making podcasting sustainable, not stressful. From fan-driven shows like Fringe and Stranger Things to deeply personal storytelling with Stuff I Learned Yesterday, he’s developed systems that keep creators focused, consistent, and connected to their audience without running themselves into the ground.

We get into the heart of it all: community, pillars, workflow, and why quality matters more than perfection. Whether you’re brand new or you’ve been at this for years, this conversation is a reminder that podcasting doesn’t have to take over your life. It really can be something you enjoy week after week… as long as you approach it with the right mindset and a solid foundation.

• Consistency always wins. Your publishing rhythm trains your audience. Stick to a schedule they can rely on.
• Community keeps podcasts alive. Darrell built long-lasting shows by treating listeners like real people, not download numbers.
• Content pillars prevent burnout. Defining 3–4 themes gives you endless episode ideas and simplifies planning.
• You don’t need a “perfect” launch. Disneyland had a disastrous opening day and turned out fine. Same idea here.
• Let your audience guide your format. Episode length, structure, and segment ideas become obvious when you actually ask (and watch your analytics).
• Fan-based shows live and die with the source material. If you’re podcasting about a TV series or franchise, expect to shift gears when the show ends.
• Your unique angle matters. Darrell’s early success came from having a dedicated science expert on a sci-fi podcast—find the thing that sets you apart.
• Your purpose powers longevity. When things get tough, the “why” behind your show is what keeps you going.
• Great production doesn’t have to be complicated. A few smart tools can elevate your audio without requiring hours of editing.

• Pro Podcast Solutions – Foundation Toolkit: https://propodcastsolutions.com/creator (Darrell’s free planning guide + spreadsheet he mentioned during the episode)
• Pro Podcast Solutions: https://propodcastsolutions.com
• Darrell’s Podcasts on Golden Spiral Media: https://goldenspiralmedia.com (It's a great time to binge The Stranger Things Podcast before season 5 comes out!)

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Search is changing fast. We’re no longer just writing for algorithms; we’re writing for AI. This week, I’m joined by Brian Piper, co-author of Epic Content Marketing and Director of Content Strategy at the University of Rochester, to talk about how discoverability works in the age of AI.

Brian breaks down how search results are shifting toward AI answers and virtual assistants, what “AEO” (Answer Engine Optimization) means for creators, and why the days of relying solely on keywords and backlinks are behind us. We dig into how brands and creators can build real authority, the growing role of human experience, and what it takes to stay visible when algorithms are doing the curating.

If you’re creating content and wondering why views or traffic look different lately, this conversation will help you understand what’s happening, what’s coming next, and how to adapt without burning out or chasing every new trend.

• Think beyond Google: ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini are shaping the next generation of discovery, make sure your content lives where they pull from.
• Don’t block AI crawlers: Brian compared it to blocking Google. If AI tools can’t crawl your site, your content won’t appear in their answers or citations.
• Focus on trust and authority: Experience, expertise, and credibility (E-E-A-T) matter more than ever. AI tends to favor content from proven, trustworthy voices.
• Use AI for data and gap analysis: Let AI analyze your content performance and surface opportunities you might miss, from untapped questions to new topic clusters.
• Keep humans in the loop: AI is great at summarizing, but humans create the fresh ideas that move things forward.
• Diversify your discoverability: AI pulls from everywhere, social, blogs, video, and podcasts, so focus on visibility across platforms rather than ranking on one.

• Brian Piper: brianwpiper.com
• Book: Epic Content Marketing by Joe Pulizzi and Brian Piper
• Brian's Podcast: AI for U
• Follow Brian on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper
• Schema.org

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Bad audio is one of the fastest ways to lose an audience, no matter how great your content is. But sounding better doesn’t have to mean buying piles of gear or learning how to mix audio like a pro. This week, I’m joined by Laura Clapp Davidson, musician, content creator, and market development manager at Shure, who knows exactly how to make creators sound their best.

Laura explains how to simplify your setup, fix common mistakes, and pick the right mic for your space and budget. We talk about everything from the basics of guest audio prep to the myths around shotgun mics, boom arms, and USB vs. XLR setups. Laura also shares her approach to starting a podcast, managing sound on the go, and what she’s most excited about in the future of creator audio. If you’ve been putting off upgrading your setup, this episode might just convince you it’s time.

• Your mic doesn’t need to break the bank: Great sound is about positioning and setup, not price tags.
• Headphones matter: Always use wired headphones to avoid echo and delay (sorry, AirPods fans).
• Mic placement beats editing: Get close to the mic; fixing bad audio later only goes so far.
• Prep your guests: A quick checklist for mics, headphones, and background noise saves hours of editing later.
• Invest in you: Good audio is a long-term asset. Buy gear that will last, not one you’ll replace next year.

• Laura Clapp Davidson: lauraclapp.com
• Podcast: Song 43 and TMI (The Music Industry) — tmiwithlaura.com
• Shure Microphones: shure.com

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JeffSieh.com - Unlock the power of authentic storytelling with me! With over 20 years of marketing experience, I'm here to elevate your brand's narrative in an ever-competitive market. My expertise spans consulting, visual marketing, and producing podcasts and live...