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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Ecamm - Your go-to solution for crafting outstanding live shows and podcasts. Right now is Ecamms' Black Friday Sale, their biggest sale of the year (40% off for new users!) So, if you’ve been on the fence, this is the easiest yes you’ll make all year.

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...

Let’s be honest, most of us aren’t designers. But in today’s feed, visuals can make or break whether your content gets noticed. This week, I’m joined by Jim MacLeod, creative director, marketing strategist, and author of The Visual Marketer: The Marketer's Crash Course for Creating Memorable and Effective Visuals, to talk about how creators can craft scroll-stopping visuals without needing a design degree.

Jim shares how to build a consistent, recognizable brand identity across platforms, why color and typography matter more than trends, and how to use AI and design tools to simplify the creative process. We also discuss balancing experimentation with consistency, considering when to try something new and when to stick with what’s working.

If you’ve ever stared at a blank canvas wondering how to make your graphics pop, or felt like your feed looks like everyone else’s, this episode will help you rethink how you approach visual marketing. You’ll walk away with practical, no-fluff advice for creating visuals that connect, convert, and keep your brand memorable.

• Consistency beats complexity: A recognizable look builds trust faster than any trendy effect or template.
• Your visuals should tell a story: Every image, color, and font choice should reinforce who you are and what you stand for.
• Don’t chase trends: own your style: Experiment, but anchor your brand in a consistent visual foundation.
• AI can’t replace taste: Tools like Canva, ChatGPT, and MidJourney help speed up design, but your creative direction still matters.
• Good visuals guide attention: Every post should have one clear focal point, whether it’s text, an image, or your face.
• Stay consistent across platforms: People should recognize your style, even when your logo isn’t visible.

• Jim MacLeod: jim-macleod.com
• Jim’s Book: The Visual Marketer: How to Stand Out with Smarter Design

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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

Conferences can be pricey, but are they worth it for creators? Paul Gowder joins me to share how in-person events can transform your business, your network, and your confidence.

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If you’ve ever stared at the price tag for a conference ticket and thought, “Do I really need to go?”, this episode’s for you. Between the travel, hotel, and time away from work, it’s a big investment, but one that might just change your business.

This week, I’m joined by Paul Gowder, founder of PowWows.com, who’s spent over 25 years building community both online and in person. Paul shares what he’s learned about finding real ROI at conferences, not just from the sessions, but from the conversations in the hallways, the introductions over coffee, and the long-term relationships that come from showing up.

We dig into how to choose which events are worth it, how to prepare so you’re not wandering aimlessly, and the secret to making every trip pay off long after you’re home. Whether you’re an introvert looking to make your first conference count or a seasoned creator who wants better results, this episode will help you show up strategically and walk away with more than just a tote bag.

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• Find your people, not just the speakers: The sessions are great, but the community you build is what lasts.
• Look for structure: Conferences that include table talks or networking sessions make connecting easier.
• Invest in yourself: The right event can lead to opportunities that pay for themselves.
• Prepare with purpose: Know who you want to meet, what you want to learn, and what value you can offer.
• Follow up fast: Message new contacts within a few days while the connection is still fresh.
• Consider volunteering: It’s a great way to save money, gain access, and meet more people.

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• Paul Gowder: paulgowder.com and powwows.com
• Conferences mentioned:
• Ecamm's Creator Camp
• Lou Mongellos Momentum
• KIT's Craft & Commerce
• Social Media Marketing World

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Facebook - Stream our show live and chat with us in real time. Connect, engage, and be a part of our community.

We’ve all heard about the exciting side of AI: new tools, faster workflows, and creative possibilities that seem endless. But there’s another side of this technology that doesn’t always make the headlines. The one that’s darker, riskier, and potentially dangerous for small businesses and creators like us.

This week, I’m joined by Ramon Ray, speaker, entrepreneur, and Bitdefender’s Small Business Ambassador. Ramon’s spent years helping entrepreneurs protect their businesses while building powerful personal brands. In this episode, we unpack what’s really going on behind the scenes with AI development, from the rise of deepfakes to the new wave of cyber threats, and how you can stay one step ahead.

Ramon shares real-world stories of scams, hacks, and impersonations that are becoming more sophisticated thanks to AI. We talk about how creators and small business owners can protect themselves without becoming paranoid, what cybersecurity tools are worth using, and why awareness and simple systems can make all the difference.

We also explore how the same technology that enables AI-driven attacks can be used for good, how to build trust with your audience in a world of fakes, and why strengthening your personal brand might be the best form of digital armor. It’s a practical, eye-opening conversation about how to stay smart and secure while still showing up online.

• Awareness is your first defense: The biggest risk is assuming you’re safe. Vigilance and small daily habits prevent most attacks.
• AI raises the stakes: Deepfakes and voice cloning are real threats. Set up verification systems and “safe words” for family, clients, or teams.
• Keep your business a hard target: Use two-factor authentication, strong passwords, and cybersecurity tools like Bitdefender on all devices.
• Train your audience, too: Teach clients and followers what real communication from you looks like to prevent scams and impersonation.
• Protect your brand presence: The more consistent and recognizable your voice and visuals are, the harder it is for bad actors to fake you.
• Balance visibility with safety: Share authentically but thoughtfully—delay travel posts, keep some details private, and post smart.

• Ramon Ray: zoneofgenius.com
• Bitdefender: bitdefender.com

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Ever gone live and wondered if anyone was actually watching? Or maybe you’ve been showing up week after week and thinking, “Okay… but how do I turn this into real leads and clients?”

This week, I’m joined by my friend Tanya Smith, video strategist, business coach, and creator of the Stream Like a Boss framework. Tanya knows exactly how to turn your live streams into steady, sustainable revenue, and she does it without losing the fun or authenticity that makes live video so powerful.

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at an empty chat window or wondering what to say next, you’re going to love this conversation. Tanya shares practical systems for building connection, creating offers that feel natural, and using live video as a lead-generating engine for your business.

• Your audience comes first: The more you focus on serving, the easier it becomes to show up consistently.
• Consistency creates credibility: Regular live streams build the trust that turns casual viewers into clients.
• Reverse-engineer your content: Start with your offers, then plan live topics that naturally lead to them.
• Engage beyond the broadcast: Reply to comments, follow up on DMs, and treat replay viewers like they’re live.
• Likes don’t pay the light bill: Focus on meaningful engagement and conversions, not vanity metrics.
• AI should support, not replace: Use it to save time, but your real advantage is your voice and experience.

Tanya Smith: streamlikeaboss.tv

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SocialMediaNewsLive.com - Dive into our website for comprehensive episode breakdowns.

Youtube.com - Tune in live, chat with us directly, and be part of the conversation. Or, revisit our archive of past broadcasts to stay updated.

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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 videos.

Additionally, as a seasoned speaker, I'm not just about sharing knowledge--I...

This week’s episode is a little different. A couple of weeks ago, I hosted a four-part live training series called 'Social Media for Video People' with my friends over at Ecamm. We spent an entire week breaking down how creators can save time, use smarter tools, and show up with confidence on video. And since this last workshop fell right on my normal Friday slot, I decided to bring you along for the ride.

In this session, we tackled one of the biggest questions creators wrestle with: where should I be posting my videos, and how can I stand out once I do? We dug into the strengths of different platforms, how to think about repurposing content without burning out, and the little things that make your videos thumb-stopping in a crowded feed. If you weren’t able to join us live, this replay gives you the full training so you can apply the same strategies right away. And if you’d like to catch the other three workshop days, covering planning, creation, and promotion, you can watch them all over on my YouTube channel.

Key Takeaways

• Instagram vs. TikTok vs. YouTube Shorts: Each has a different culture. Learn how to shape your video so it feels at home on the platform.
• Stop the scroll: Strong visuals, bold captions, and clear hooks are what grab attention in the first few seconds.
• Double up with email + social: Social brings people in, but email keeps them connected. Pair them for bigger impact.
• Growth without burnout: Build systems and repurpose smartly so you’re consistent without running yourself ragged.

Resources

• Workshop Replays on YouTube:
• Day 1: Social Strategy for Video Creators
• Day 2: How to Use AI for Video Graphics & Social Content
• Day 3: AI for Editing & Repurposing Video Like a Pro
• Check out Conor Brown at VacationKingdoms.com
• Grab some popcorn and visit Katie's personal podcast: TheVHSClubPod.com

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Ecamm - Your go-to solution for crafting outstanding live shows and podcasts. - Get 15% off your first payment with promo code JEFF15

SocialMediaNewsLive.com - Dive into our website for comprehensive episode breakdowns.

Youtube.com - Tune in live, chat with us directly, and be part of the conversation. Or, revisit our archive of past broadcasts to stay updated.

Facebook - Stream our show live and chat with us in real time. Connect, engage, and be a part of our community.

Email - Subscribe and never miss a live show reminder.

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JeffSieh.com - Unlock the power of authentic storytelling with me! With over 20 years of marketing...