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 craft, and remembering your “why” behind podcasting. So, grab your headphones and let’s chat about how to make sure your podcast doesn’t suck—unless that’s your goal, in which case, carry on!

Reddit is a wild place, huh? So, some poor soul decided to air their podcast grievances and proclaimed, 'my podcast stinks!' Cue the collective gasp from the podcasting community. But instead of spiraling into despair, we examine what this actually means for podcasters everywhere.

I mean, who defines success anyway? Our conversation kicks off by flipping the script on the typical podcasting narrative. We chat about how every download counts, even if it's just your mom and your dog tuning in. If you’ve ever thought about throwing in the towel because your download numbers look like the score of a bad baseball game, we’ve got some comforting truths for you. Your show could be a massive success if it brings you joy, which is really what matters, right?

Then we tackle some serious podcasting wisdom. If your audience is only a handful of people, that’s still a gathering! It's like playing to a room full of friends who actually want to hear what you have to say. We argue about the importance of content and delivery, because let’s face it, you could have the most riveting subject matter, but if it sounds like you recorded it in a tin can, good luck keeping anyone around. I offer some tips on spicing things up, like practicing your delivery (yes, even if it feels like talking to yourself in the mirror). Let’s be honest, we all need to keep sharpening our skills.

And naturally, we can’t resist discussing the age-old podcasting dilemma: why are you even doing this? If your goal is to have fun, then congratulations! You’re winning! But if you’re in it for fame and fortune without a plan, well, you might want to rethink your strategy. The episode wraps up with some encouragement to get feedback and engage with your audience—because who knows, they might just love that thing you think is a total flop! So tune in and let’s redefine success together.

• Just because your podcast isn't on the charts doesn't mean it’s a flop; success looks different for everyone.
• If you’re podcasting for fun and enjoying the process, then congratulations, you’re winning at life!
• Your show might be reaching just a handful of listeners, but hey, those are still real humans tuning in, right?
• Feeling like your podcast stinks? Maybe it’s time to ask for some honest feedback from friends or fellow podcasters.
• Tired of low download numbers? Remember, it takes time to grow an audience; patience is key, my friend!
• Practicing your delivery is like stretching before a workout; it makes all the difference for your podcasting game.

• Reddit
• School of Podcasting

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 walk through how to clean things up so your site gives off the kind of professional vibe that makes people say, “Yes, I’d love to be on your show!”

Takeaways:

• If you're struggling to attract guests, your website might look like it's from 2005.
• First impressions matter, and if your podcast artwork is a mess, good luck attracting guests.
• Your website needs to be user-friendly because if it looks terrible, guests will run away.
• Using outdated hosting platforms can scream 'I'm not serious about my podcast', so step it up!
• Your audio quality matters; if it sounds like you're in a cave, no one will sign up.
• Make it easy for potential guests to follow your show; if they can't find you, they won't come.
• The "Set it and forget it" player hurts your podcast growth.

Links referenced in this episode:

• podmatch.com
• podcasthotseat.com
• buzzsprout.com
• podpage.com
• Video of me choosing shows.
• Join the School of Podcasting

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 dust. Once you've identified those star pages, it’s time to get crafty and whip up a quick cheat sheet or lead magnet. Who doesn’t love a freebie? You can easily create a PDF that people can’t resist signing up for, even if it’s just a glorified summary of your blog.

And yes, I did have a moment where I wondered if people even realize they can bookmark a page, but hey, if they want a PDF, who am I to judge? Now that you’ve snagged their emails, you can start sending them all the fabulous stuff you’ve got up your sleeve, from show updates to special offers, all while feeling like a total marketing genius. It’s like getting a backstage pass to your own show!

Takeaways:

• Having a newsletter is super powerful, but growing it can feel like a full-time job.
• Using Google Analytics can help you pinpoint your website's top pages for better engagement.
• Creating lead magnets from top-performing content is a total game-changer for email sign-ups.
• It's wild how a simple PDF request can boost your newsletter subscribers overnight.
• Social media is like a tiny trickle compared to the flood of potential from a newsletter.
• Invest some time to set up your stats and watch your audience grow—no magic wand required.

References

Google Analytics

Fathom Stats

Join the School of Podcasting

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: Having a website is a big deal if you want anyone to find your show. So, let’s unpack this hot mess together and figure out how to avoid those cringe-worthy blunders!

Looking at our past decisions is like opening a box of stale donuts; it’s messy, and you might regret it. We’re all guilty of making choices when we’re not in the right headspace.

I share classic examples, like the time someone thought not having a website was a smart move. It’s not. You want people to find your podcast? They need a place to land, not just a vague hope that they might stumble across it while scrolling through cat memes.

Now, let's not throw shade. We all start from different places, but this was a classic example of being "rattled" lead to bad decisions.

• Bad decisions often come from panic or being overwhelmed, so slow down and think.
• Having a website is crucial for podcasters to be found and grow their audience.
• People tend to overlook basic steps when launching, like having a website ready.
• Without a website, you’re basically invisible to potential listeners trying to find you.
• Word of mouth is key for podcast growth, but you need a solid strategy to make it work.
• Don’t let a frazzled mindset lead to bad decisions—stay organized and plan ahead.

• schoolofpodcasting.com
• powerofpodcasting.com
• namecheap.com
• coolerwebsites.com

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’s value, and why you should treat your audience like gold (because they are!). Spoiler alert: stuffing your show with ads is like throwing glitter on a garbage fire—totally unnecessary and just plain messy!

We also talk about the delicate balance of ads in your podcast. Ever heard of the 10% rule? Well, it’s a thing! Ads shouldn’t overwhelm your content; otherwise, you risk losing your audience faster than you can say ‘skip ad’. We’ll show real-life examples of how many ads are too many and why relevant ads can enhance the listening experience. And let’s not forget about the cash—how do you price your sponsorship deals? It’s all about charging what you’re worth and keeping that win-win vibe going. By the end, you’ll be ready to strut into your next sponsorship negotiation like a boss!

• If you're diving into podcast sponsorship, get ready for some wild questions, folks!
• Understanding your audience is crucial, because irrelevant ads are like bad breath at a party.
• Keep your ads to a minimum; too many will have your listeners hitting that skip button.
• Finding the perfect sponsor is like dating; make sure you both vibe with each other's goals!
• Remember, your relationship with your audience is worth way more than you think, so charge accordingly!
• Don't just take any random ad; find something you actually love so your enthusiasm shines through!

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Oxford Road
• Libsyn Ads

Mentioned in this episode:

Ready to start your podcast the right way?

Join the School of Podcasting and get step-by-step courses covering everything from planning and equipment to editing, audience growth, and monetization. Plus, you'll get expert UNLIMITED coaching and a supportive community to guide you every step of the way. Start your podcast with confidence—join today! 👉 SchoolofPodcasting.com

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Algorithms are like that friend who bails you out one minute and then ghost you the next. They 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 double-edged sword of algorithms – they give us exposure but can just as quickly snatch it away!

• Algorithms can be your best friend, but also your worst enemy, so watch out.
• Knowing your audience is great, but knowing the algorithm is like a second job.
• Instagram's new algorithm favors smaller accounts, but will it actually help? Who knows!
• Content might be king, but the algorithm's the one holding the crown, so please bow.
• If you think you can ignore the algorithm and still thrive, good luck with that!
• Just remember, if the algorithm changes, your content could dry up faster than your last relationship.

Mentioned in this episode:

Ready to start your podcast the right way?

Join the School of Podcasting and get step-by-step courses covering everything from planning and equipment to editing, audience growth, and monetization. Plus, you'll get expert UNLIMITED coaching and a supportive community to guide you every step of the way. Start your podcast with confidence—join today! 👉 SchoolofPodcasting.com

School of Podcasting

So, your podcast isn’t growing, huh? 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 my wife flowers once a week. You won't believe what she said to me!

Spoiler alert: if you’re not giving them what they want, they’re gonna ghost you faster than a bad date. So, grab your headphones, and let’s get to the bottom of this podcasting conundrum together!

• Sometimes, taking a break from your podcast can slow your momentum, so be careful.
• If you're putting in a ton of effort but still seeing low numbers, maybe it's time for a change.
• Understanding your audience's wants is key; otherwise, you're just talking to a wall.
• Your podcast can be fun even when the numbers aren't great; focus on that joy instead!
• Don't get too attached to your ideas; switch things up a bit if they're not resonating.
• Feedback is crucial; if you're not getting it, you might miss the point altogether. No feedback IS feedback.

Links referenced in this episode:

• askthepodcastcoach.com
• schoolofpodcasting.com

Mentioned in this episode:

UNLIMITED One-On-One Coaching

Are you struggling to grow your podcast or turn your ideas into a show that stands out? With over 20 years of experience, Hall of Fame podcaster Dave Jackson offers one-on-one coaching designed to fast-track your success. Whether you're launching, refining, or scaling your podcast, Dave cuts through the noise with expert insights, proven strategies, and personalized guidance. Avoid costly mistakes, master your message, and build an engaged audience—without being overwhelmed. Ready to make your podcast impossible to ignore? Let’s make it happen

School of Podcasting

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 everything else, it gets easier once you give it a shot.

Ever sat down and thought, "Man, I totally want to start a podcast, but my tech skills are basically at a toddler level?" Yeah, I get it. We've all been there, staring at our devices like they might bite us or something. But here’s the kicker: it’s not the technology that’s holding you back, it’s your brain.

Seriously. In this episode, we dive into the real culprit behind your podcasting fears. It’s not some high-tech wizardry that’s out of your reach; it’s the mindset that says, "I can’t do this." We share some examples, like a client with 40 tabs open on Chrome—because who hasn’t been there? We explore how the fear of tech is often just the fear of trying, and trust me; we’ve got the laughs and the insights to help you kick that fear to the curb. It’s all about realizing that everything seems hard until you actually do it, so let’s get you podcasting, shall we?

• Don't let technology scare you; you're probably overthinking it—it's simpler than you think!
• If you tried podcasting before and found it hard, give it another shot; things change!
• Being afraid of tech is common, but remember, you learned to tie your shoes, right?
• Everything feels hard until you get the hang of it, so just dive in and start!
• You already mix audio when you turn down the radio for a call; you can podcast!
• Seriously, if you can save a photo in an email, you can upload a podcast episode!

Mentioned in this episode:

Ready to start your podcast the right way?

Join the School of Podcasting and get step-by-step courses covering everything from planning and equipment to editing, audience growth, and monetization. Plus, you'll get expert UNLIMITED coaching and a supportive community to guide you every step of the way. Start your podcast with confidence—join today! 👉 SchoolofPodcasting.com

School of Podcasting