I Love Howard Stern

I'm a huge fan of Howard Stern and have listened to him for decades. About five years ago, he said something that I didn't hear because I became very inconsistent in listening to him when he became very inconsistent in his schedule. His recent contract will have him broadcasting once a week, which, to me, just says, "Why not just retire?" This is how you lose your audience, though.

How to Lose Your Audience

I realized that some people like to talk about politics, and that is your choice, but just realize when you do, you're going to lose about 50% of your audience. This wasn't new to Howard. He would voice his opinion and explain who he endorsed for a candidate, etc., but there are politics and then there are far politics. By that, I mean far left and far right. When you go into far left or far right politics, you're going to lose a tremendous amount of your audience.

Be a Sore Loser

Then, throw on top of it that, when his candidate didn't win, he told his audience something that I still can't believe he said. If you want to lose your audience, follow Howard's strategy here, and you will.

Want to GROW Your Audience?

If you need help planning, launching, or growing your show, check out the School of Podcasting. If you have a show and you're frustrated by it's lack of growth, check out Fix My Podcast.

Takeaways:

• Podcasting gives us the freedom to say what we want, but watch your back.
• Consequences are real, and sometimes they hit harder than a bad hangover.
• Talking politics in your podcast? Yeah, that might just lose half your listeners.
• Howard Stern's audience dropped because he told Trump voters he hated them. Oops.
• Staying neutral is key, unless you want to alienate half of your audience.
• Remember, the Internet never forgets, so think before you hit publish.

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

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The Key To Great Podcast Episode Titles

Episode titles can make or break your podcast’s appeal, but there’s one crucial mistake you must avoid: clickbait. In this episode, Dave Jackson explains what makes a great episode title.

Start with the listener’s benefit, including relevant keywords, and, above all, being truthful. He shares why misleading titles erode trust and waste your audience’s most valuable resource: their time. Join Dave as he explains how to craft honest, enticing titles that draw listeners in without deception and keep your audience coming back for more.

It Takes Years To Build Trust, and One Piece of Clickbait to Lost it

You might be enticed to exagerrate when it comes to your titles and thumbnails, but we've all been there when you realize someone just wasted your time, and you can't get it back.

Need Help With Your Podcast?

Check out the School of Podcasting.

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Stop Obsessing Over Your Downloads

Obsessing over your downloads isn’t gonna magically make them grow, folks. Trust me, I’ve been there, and it’s a wild ride of checking stats every five seconds like it’s some sort of lottery. We look into why fixating on those numbers is about as useful as a screen door on a submarine. It’s all about the real connections we make and the value we bring, not just the digits on a dashboard.

So, let’s chat about how to actually measure success in ways that matter and keep our podcasting dreams alive without going bonkers over the numbers. New podcasters often find themselves spiraling into the black hole of statistics, obsessively tracking their downloads like it's the holy grail of success. I mean, c'mon, we’ve all been there, right? You release a couple of episodes, and next thing you know, you’re refreshing your stats page like it’s a lottery results site. But here’s the thing: all that staring at numbers won’t magically make them grow. In this episode, we dive into this common pitfall, dissecting the absurdity of letting download counts dictate our moods and self-worth.

It’s not about the numbers; it’s about the impact.

I share stories of podcasters who’ve hit the download wall but found fulfillment through audience engagement instead. Trust me, those heartfelt emails and community interactions are way more rewarding than any download spike could ever be. Let’s face it – we’re not running a fast-food joint here. McDonald’s has it all measured out, but in the world of podcasting, consistency and quality trump the obsessive number crunching.

Predicting Success is Not Easy

I talk about how, sometimes, the episodes we think will flop resonate deeply, while others we’re sure will be hits fall flat. The unpredictability of audience reactions is part of the charm, and embracing that chaos can be liberating. Plus, we tackle the importance of focusing on relationships with our listeners rather than just chasing that elusive download milestone.

One Piece of the Podcasting Puzzle

In the end, download numbers are just one piece of the puzzle. We explore various ways to gauge success that don’t revolve around download stats: feedback, collaborations, and even the sheer joy of sharing your passion. So, if you’re new to this podcasting game, let’s ditch the download anxiety and start building genuine connections. Your show’s growth will follow, even if the numbers take a back seat for a while.

Takeaways:

• Staring at your podcast stats every day won't magically boost your downloads, trust me.
• When you obsess over numbers, you can miss out on the real impact you're making.
• Your podcast's success isn't just about downloads; feedback and engagement are crucial too.
• Focus on creating good content rather than just chasing the download numbers.
• Building a community and connecting with your audience is way more valuable than stats.
• Remember, you're not McDonald's; entertainment is unpredictable, so embrace the chaos.

Links referenced in this episode:

• podcastconsultant.com
• schoolofpodcasting.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Is Your Show Not Growing?

Is your podcast stuck? Maybe your episodes wander, your audience isn't growing, or you're just not sure what's holding you back. At FixMyPodcast.com, we'll review your show and give you clear, actionable feedback to help you create better episodes, attract more listeners, and grow with confidence. Stop guessing. Start improving. Visit FixMyPodcast.com.

Fix My Podcast

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Episode Show Notes: The "Urgency Trap" vs. Quality

In this episode, we tackle the paradox of the "Urgency Trap"—why we feel an overwhelming need to rush our creative projects, even when we've been sitting on them for years.

Key Takeaways

• The "Anus GPS" Effect: Why do we make bad decisions when we're close to the finish line? Much like the frantic urge to reach the bathroom in time, when we get close to launching something, we hit a panic button. We start rushing, and that's when mistakes happen.
• The "Dusty Microphone" Syndrome: If you've been "thinking" about starting for years, putting off your launch for one more week isn't going to break the world. The world has managed to keep spinning without your podcast—don't let your gear collect dust for a decade because you're waiting for "perfect."
• The "Wrinkled T-Shirt" Episode: Your first episode probably won't be perfect. It’s like a wrinkled t-shirt: you can wear it, but you don't really want people to notice. The trap here is releasing that "wrinkled" work because you feel a self-inflicted pressure to get it out "yesterday."
• The Golden Rule: Late is temporary, but bad is forever.
• I'm currently dealing with the pressure of a rebrand. I wanted it out last night, but I pushed it back a week.
• Yes, you can technically change things later, but let’s be real—do we ever actually go back and fix them?
• The Balance: How do you avoid the "dusty microphone" paralysis without becoming a perfectionist? It's about knowing when to buff out the rough spots without letting the pursuit of excellence keep your project buried in a drawer.

Mentioned in this episode:

Fix My Podcast: We Make Good Podcasts Great

Is your show note growing like it should? Are you afraid to ask for feedback for fear that you'll be ripped to shreds? At Fix My Podcast we find out what you're doing right (so you can more of that) and identify those things that might need a little tweaking. It's a safe, constructive environment to leave you better educated about your show, and strategies.

Fix My Podcast

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Today I’m digging into the importance of honest self-review and seeking feedback from your listeners to make your show even better. Inspired by an interview I heard with Geddy Lee of Rush by Rick Biato, I’ll share how even the pros take time to reflect on their work and look for ways to improve. I’ll talk about why it’s crucial to revisit your older episodes, ask your audience the right questions, and be open to constructive criticism, even if it stings a little. My goal is to help you move beyond just being “good enough” and become someone’s favorite. Let’s get started on how you can make every episode better than the last!

You Need Fresh Ears

Geddy talks about how when you're making the music, you're not listening to the whole song. This is true of podcasters. We are paying to the details, but not the whole episode. We aren't paying attention to the flow, or the tease, or any other ingredients that might be missing.

We may have been up against a deadline, and decided to "just push publish" well now with some time between the date it was published and the current date, you may hear with a new mindset that sees way you could improve.

Get Creative

The beauty of podcasting is it's YOUR SHOW. You can do whatever you want. You may lose some of your audience, but you might also gain a whole lot more. If you want to try something, try it.

Only One Way To Find Out

There is only one way to know if it will work. Saturday Night Live does a dress rehearsal and if that audience doesn't laugh (even if all the writers thought it was great) it doesn't make it to the show. The content is shaped by feedback.

Get Some Honest Friends

I've worked with clients and I'll spot some pretty easy tings to fix to improve their show, and they will say "Oh man, my friends said it was amazing." That doesn't mean the show wasn't good, but "amazing" may be a stretch.

Eventually Rush Found Their Audience

The band Rush was about to lose their record deal. They could have listened to the record label and tried to make hits. Instead they followed their guy, and made a very experimental record called 2112. Then the audience heard it, and they told a friend, who told a friend. That audience lead to them being able to do whatever they wanted for the rest of their careers. This wouldn't have happened without some experimentation and feedback from their fans.

Need Help With Your Show?

I have a podcast review service currently called "Podcast Hot Seat" and you can get your episode and/or website review to let you know what you're doing right (so you can do more of it) and what might need some tweaking.

Let the passion to serve your audience outweigh your fear of feedback. Feedback is the breakfast of champions. Do what others are too afraid to do, and you will stand yards ahead of them.

I'm here to help.

Takeaways:

• When creating podcast content, regularly review your old episodes to find areas for improvement.
• Engaging your audience through surveys can reveal what they truly want from your show.
• Listening back to your own recordings helps you notice things you might have missed during the live recording.
• Don't be afraid of constructive feedback; it's essential for growing your podcast and serving your audience better.
• Just like bands need to evaluate their live performances, podcasters should do the same to enhance their shows.
• Your podcast should resonate with listeners, not just exist because there's nothing else available.

More Links Mentioned In the Show

• Join the School of Podcasting
• Rick Beato Interview Geddy Lee of Rush

Mentioned in this episode:

Unlock Exclusive Insights: Subscribe to 'Podcasting Observations' Newsletter!

Get insights into the world of podcasting like never before with "Podcasting Observations," your go-to source for trends, tips, and transformative insights tailored just for podcasters. Each issue of our newsletter offers a glimpse into what's shaping the podcast landscape, with actionable advice to boost your podcasting journey. You also get a glimpse "behind the scenes" and bonus content from the School of Podcasting. Go to www.podcastingobservations.com

Podcasting Observations

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I Can't Tell What Is Working!

When you just promote your podcast everywhere, it's hard to tell what is working. One way that makes it easy to see what's working is to track the links you share. Newsletters like Kit, Beehiz, Mailerlite enable you to see what is getting clicked on. I use Fathom stats on my website so I can see where my traffic is coming from (and enables to see where I get more traffic from my newsletter than social media).

This content may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services I trust and believe will provide value to you. Thank you for your support!

Resources Mentioned

Switchy Link Tracker

Whispr Flow

School of Podcasting

What is A Link Shortener/Tracker?

There are tools like bit.com but my favorite is called Switchy (as you are switching out links). It does a ton of stuff:

• Creates tracking links for things you share
• Makes it easy to organize you data so you can see what is working
• Makes trackable QR codes (which I use in my slides when I speak)
• Can make a "Linktree" type website (all with trackable links)
• It's only $39 for a lifetime deal at App Sumo

Takeaways:

• Starting a podcast takes more time than you think, especially at the beginning.
• Using tools like Switchy helps track what works for your podcast and what doesn’t.
• Exercise can do wonders, like biking, which also relates to consistency in podcasting.
• Measuring your efforts in podcasting allows you to focus on what actually brings in listeners.
• Changing multiple things at once in your podcast can confuse results, stick to one at a time.
• Your newsletter might outperform social media for traffic, so don’t overlook it.

Mentioned in this episode:

Your Voice is Your Legacy

You have lived things that need to be heard. You can help other people, and I'm here to help. Don't let your story die within you, release your legacy today and start your podcast. I've helped hundreds (thousands?) of podcasters and I can help you. It's time to do it.

School of Podcasting

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My Podcast is Great, but It's Not Growing

Ever feel like you’re pouring your soul into your podcast and the audience just isn’t showing up? Yeah, me too. In this episode, we tackle that painful realization that sometimes, the problem isn’t with the promotion, but with the content itself. We take a hard look at what happens when listeners start dropping off like flies. Is it that they’re just not your target audience? Or maybe, just maybe, your content isn't hitting the mark?

Take It Outside of Podcasting

We draw some hilarious parallels between podcasting and other forms of media – like writing a book or even making a movie – because when you take it out of the podcasting bubble, things start to look a lot clearer.

The Fear of Feedback

We also discuss the absolute necessity of getting feedback from your audience and how terrifying that can be. But hey, if you’re not asking, you’ll never know what’s working and what’s not. So, buckle up as we dissect the ups and downs of podcasting, and how a little feedback can turn your ship around. You’ll leave this episode ready to engage with your listeners like never before!

Takeaways:

• Podcasting advice sometimes makes more sense when you think outside of the podcasting bubble.
• Don't just assume your content is great; ask your audience what they really think.
• If your audience isn't coming back, maybe your content isn't hitting the mark anymore.
• Promoting isn't the only solution; feedback from listeners can be the real game changer.
• Taking a step back and comparing your podcast to books or films can clarify your approach.
• Remember, it’s not about the numbers; it’s about resonating with your true audience.

Podcasting Observations

School of Podcasting

Mentioned in this episode:

Join the School of Podcasting Community

Unlock your podcasting potential with the School of Podcasting, where your voice takes center stage. Whether you're a beginner eager to launch your first show or an experienced podcaster looking to refine your craft, our resources and supportive community are here to guide you every step of the way. I have expertly crafted courses on everything from choosing the right equipment to mastering audience engagement, and enjoy personalized coaching that tailors success strategies to what YOU need. Join a vibrant network of fellow creators dedicated to sharing knowledge and inspiring growth. Elevate your podcast to new heights—your journey starts here

School of Podcasting

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Why Am I Podcasting Again?

Have you ever stopped and wondered if you're podcasting for the right reasons?

Sometimes it can feel like we're shouting into the void while the rest of our lives demand our attention. Between work, family, and everything else competing for our time, it's easy to look at your podcast and wonder if it's still worth the effort.

When Life Gets in the Way

In this episode, I talk about the challenge of keeping your podcast momentum alive when life gets messy. Not every season of podcasting is exciting. Sometimes you're tired, overwhelmed, or simply questioning whether the time you're investing is paying off.

Those moments happen to all of us, and they often force us to reevaluate why we started podcasting in the first place.

The Passion vs. Profit Question

One conversation really stood out to me. I spoke with a client who had been podcasting for four years but had never seriously considered how to monetize their show. Their goal was simply to share helpful content and make a positive impact.

But after four years, they started asking a different question: "Is this still enough?"

That question opened the door to a deeper discussion about goals, expectations, and what success actually looks like.

Sometimes the Goal Needs to Change

One of the biggest lessons from this conversation is that it's okay for your goals to evolve.

Maybe you started podcasting as a hobby. Maybe you wanted to build a community, grow your business, or simply have meaningful conversations. As your circumstances change, your reasons for podcasting can change too.

A fresh perspective can reignite your enthusiasm and help you see opportunities you may have overlooked.

Finding New Energy for Your Podcast

If you've been feeling stuck, frustrated, or uncertain about your podcast's future, this episode is a reminder that you're not alone. Sometimes the solution isn't quitting. Sometimes it's simply redefining what you're trying to accomplish.

By revisiting your goals and being honest about what you want from your podcast, you may discover a new sense of purpose that makes the journey exciting again.

Keep This in Mind When Monetizing Your Show

As someone who wrote a book about making money with your podcast, you need to keep in mind you don't monetize a podcast, you monetize audience (and often yours is too small as 3% of your audience will take action).

Final Thoughts

Podcasting today can feel overwhelming. There are endless platforms, constant changes, and enough advertisements to make anyone question their sanity. But when you reconnect with your "why," the path forward often becomes much clearer.

If you've ever wondered whether your podcast is still serving you—or whether you're serving your podcast—this episode is for you.

Takeaways:

• Babies are like the ultimate podcasting nemesis, demanding all your attention and time.
• Monetizing your podcast can feel like a nasty uphill battle, trust me on that one.
• If you're not making money, don't lose sight of the joy your podcast brings you.
• Changing your goals can light a fire under you and bring back that energy and enthusiasm.

Links referenced in this episode:

• schoolofpodcasting.com

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

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Are you eager to promote your podcast but worried about breaking the rules in online groups? In this episode of "Your Podcast Consultant," I share practical advice on how to approach forums, Facebook groups, and Reddit communities the right way. Drawing from my own stories and hard-earned lessons, I explain why simple self-promotion often leads to bans—and what you can do instead to build genuine connections and grow your audience. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your reach, this episode is packed with small lessons that deliver big value for every podcaster.

Takeaways:

• When promoting our podcast, we often make rookie mistakes that come back to bite us later.
• Self promotion in forums usually gets you banned, like, seriously, just don't do it.
• Always check the forum rules before posting about your podcast, or you'll regret it.
• Making friends before promoting your podcast can actually help you gain listeners and avoid bans.
• Consider reaching out to moderators first; they might even want to join your podcast.
• If you need help growing your podcast, there are plenty of resources available for you.

Links referenced in this episode:

• schoolofpodcasting
• podmatch
• podcastguests
• reddit
• facebook
• guestexchange

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

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In this episode, I share some insights from the world of podcast interviews, sharing surprising experiences from a marathon of guest appearances on brand-new shows.

Maybe Not Use AI Research

Discover the pitfalls of relying too heavily on AI-generated questions, the importance of audio quality, and why genuine research and thoughtful preparation make interviews truly valuable. Whether you're a podcasting newbie or looking to sharpen your hosting skills, I've got some practical advice and candid insights to help you create interviews that stand out, and get shared.

Takeaways:

• Using AI for podcasting is all about how good your prompts are, so don't skimp on that.
• New podcasters often have terrible audio quality, just buy a decent microphone already.
• If you're interviewing someone, do your homework and ask unique questions, please.
• Podcasters need to realize that repetitive questions make for boring interviews, spice it up!
• When you have better audio than your guest, it’s time to reconsider your setup, trust me.
• Researching your guest before the interview is not crazy prep, it's called being a pro.

Mentioned in This Episode

Podmatch

Podcast Guests

Samson Q2U Microphone

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How is this still happening?

You ever have one of those moments where you see something so ridiculous you can’t help but roll your eyes? That’s basically the theme of this episode. I’m talking about the world of podcasting and, honestly, it’s kind of wild. It’s 2026, and people are still posting “New episode out! (and that's it)” on social media like that’s some kind of marketing strategy. Seriously?

Yes, It's Better Than Nothing...

In this episode, I talk about why podcasters need to stop doing the bare minimum when promoting their shows. If you’re going to post on social media, at least make it interesting. Lead with a question. Share a bold statement. Give people a reason to stop scrolling and pay attention. Don’t just announce your existence, do something to spark curiosity.

Use a Hook

I also dig into the importance of using hooks when sharing episodes. In today’s world of endless content, you need something that grabs attention immediately. Whether it’s a thought-provoking question, a surprising opinion, or a compelling claim, the goal is to invite people into a conversation, not just tell them your episode exists.

There is No Excuse for "New Episode Out"

And honestly, with all the AI tools available now, there’s really no excuse for lazy promotional posts anymore. AI can help you come up with stronger captions, better hooks, and more engaging content in seconds. If your entire strategy is still “new episode out,” it might be time to rethink things.

Throughout the episode, I share practical tips on how to create social posts that actually connect with your audience and make people want to listen. I also invite listeners to join the School of Podcasting community, where we do listener parties, personal coaching, and help podcasters grow their shows in smarter ways.

If you’re serious about podcasting and want your marketing to stand out, this episode is your reminder to stop being basic and start being intentional. Podcast promotion doesn’t have to be boring — and honestly, it shouldn’t be.

Takeaways:

• In this episode, we discuss how just saying 'new episode out' is the laziest way to promote your podcast, so let's spice it up!
• Every podcaster should lead with a hook that actually grabs attention, otherwise, what's the point of even posting?
• We emphasize the importance of creating engaging social media posts instead of the bland standard phrases that nobody cares about.
• It's shocking to see how many people still use outdated promotional tactics like 'find me wherever you find your podcasts' – just stop it already!
• If you want your episode to stand out, it needs a compelling claim or question that makes people want to listen and engage.
• Utilizing AI tools can help you generate better social media content than the typical 'new episode out' post, so why not give it a shot?

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

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