Big Podcast

Grow Your Podcast Audience, Build Listener Loyalty, and Get Everybody Talking About Your Show

By: David Hooper

Narrated by: David Hooper

Length: 10 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's Summary

Is it worth doing a podcast if nobody listens? It's not.

You started your podcast because you want to spread an important message, share your passion, and make money.

But your podcast hasn’t quite taken off like you thought it would.

What happened?

This book is for podcasters who can’t quite figure out what they’re doing wrong (and are ready to do things right).

You’ll learn:

• Why your “natural personality” may be repelling people and how to make it attract listeners to your podcast like a magnet
• What to do when a company tries to “lowball” you on advertising fees (Do nothing, except send them the email in the sponsorship chapter.)
• It’s easy to screw up an interview. To be sure you don’t run into any problems, use my “guest contract”.
• A six-word “trick” (learned from a 20-year radio veteran) that will instantly make you a better host
• Nine reasons to kill an interview before it happens – ignore these “red flags” and you’ll be sorry.
• What Victoria’s Secret models know about podcasting (even though you never hear them talk)
• Nervous on the mic? You have lots of company – 75 percent of podcasters to be exact. I give you a 5-step way to cure your “stage fright”.
• If you’re scared of getting bad reviews, don’t worry – I have three simple ways to handle critics (two of which can turn critics into fans).
• Why copying top podcasters may be killing your podcast and how to develop a podcasting style that works for you (and will attract more listeners)
• My three-step “episode teaser” formula – it’s boring, but it works.
• Thinking of doing a “daily” podcast? You must listen to my advice on this first.
• Want to impress a guest? You'll learn my three-step follow up “ritual” that will make being on your podcast unforgettable (and encourage guests to promote your episodes)
• And that’s just the start....

You'll also get a free downloadable "Big Podcast Toolkit" with podcast episode templates, social media cheat sheet, a guest contract, and more to help you grow your podcast!

©2019, 2020 BigPodcast.com (P)2020 BigPodcast.com

The One Stop Shop For Podcasting

I own the paperback and audio version of this book. As a paperback, it can double as a weapon.

This is not someone who jumped on the podcast bandwagon and had a bunch of virtual assistants assemble some articles into a book. This is great advice, great strategies from someone who is doing it and doing it well.

This is a great mix of storytelling (based on Dave's history in marketing) and spot-on advice. Dave doesn't pull any punches and lets you know it all starts with figuring out who your audience is and then giving it to them.

He helps you avoid any of the common podcast mistakes. Dave points out that when you first start recording you don't have to release everything (a mistake many "not ready for prime time" podcaster make).

This book can be used to help you launch a podcast, Dave's experience in marketing can help the established podcaster think outside the box and engage their audience and create a steady stream of word of mouth testimonials that will get everyone scrambling to listen to your next episode (so established podcasters can use it to GROW their audience).

His years of interviewing musicians enables Dave to deliver first-hand knowledge on creating compelling interviews.

The bonus content in the audiobook is a nice addition for those (like me) who have the paperback.

By far the best book about Podcasting!

Hooper nailed it with Big Podcast. And just like his own podcasts, he uses unique (and amusing) stories to illustrate his main points. This book was both valuable and fun - something that’s sorely missing from most How-to Podcast material.

Best book on podcasting

I have now listened to 3 books on podcasting and read on paper an additional one and this is the best by far!

The author is also a great narrator of this audiobook!

Loved it! Thanks!

Big Podcast was exactly what I needed to motivate me and guide me towards my own podcast niche.

I believe timing is everything. My time was spot on when I first; purchased David Hooper’s book then purchased the Audible version to go along with my reading. I guess I’m a little old school. When I’m learning something as important as how to be successful with my own podcast, I take it seriously. So, I wanted to have both the book AND listen to David’s Audible while following along. I took notes along the way. I made it my homework. I couldn’t believe how much all of it made sense to me. I am ready to do the work to put my own podcast together. The very descriptive way David wrote the guidelines to build my own podcast were easy for me to understand. I would recommend this book and Audible version to any aspiring podcaster. I also appreciate the openness that David possess when he engages with his audience. His professionalism is appreciated. One last thing. It has been a rough year for everyone with this pandemic. Personally for me, having this homework of making my own podcast come into reality, was the perfect timing. Thank you David and Audible for helping me towards my goal.

Something for EVERY podcaster

I have been podcasting since 2013 and listened to this book 2 full times before writing this review. There is something for all of us in this book. Newbie, veteran, solo host, interview based, even co-hosting. Lots to learn from in here.

Bought book and audiobook and so glad I did.

I have been a podfan of David Hooper for a couple of years now, so of course this was a must for me.
I purchased physical book and it was so good I felt I needed to get it preferred format.

If you are at all serious about being an independent podcaster, passing the pod fade stage and just having all the knowledge possible- this book is for you.

This book is literally everything you need for the best podcasting experience.

This is a book you will use and read, resources mentioned in the book are fantastic.
Easily a reference book used nearly everyday.

As a podcast manager/ consultant I consider this to be my handbook.


Can’t wait for next book!

Straight-forward, actionable advice to create a great podcast

David’s advice is what I needed 8 years ago when I launched my show. This is spot on information that clarifies the fuzzy areas of what moves to make and when. Every major area of podcasting is covered, and this is a book I will be referencing for years to come.

Under the Microscope of Podcast Success

I have Big Podcast in paperback. I liked it so much, I got in audio so I could listen while I'm out walking. David Hooper's strategies for making your podcast successful are both practical and visionary.

A tremendous resource!

This book contains so much valuable information it's obscene. Anyone who wants to grow a big podcast should read/listen to this book over and over.

Thorough book on podcasting...

I've never come across a book like this. Most podcasting books focus on the technical side of creating a podcast. This one focuses on finding an audience and keeping them listening. If there's one thing I learned from this book it's that there's a huge difference between "advertising" and "marketing". If you want to build a following, there are so many things that need to be considered--from your podcast name to creating a community. This book covers it all. Sure, paying for ads would be easier, but, as the book states, putting in the extra effort can get you loyal listeners. I liked listening to David's voice as he gave good podcasting examples, told interesting stories, and jam-packed a lot of good ideas into this book.